Category: Album Reviews

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

“HEAVEN IN A HURRICANE” – Amalia

When Naarm/Melbourne-based indie artist Amalia released her debut single “Electric Rush” in 2024, I declared it “one of the strongest debuts I’ve ever heard.” Now that she’s released her debut album HEAVEN IN A HURRICANE, I’m feeling every bit as effusive. Featuring 11 tracks written over three years during her late teens and early twenties, this album aims straight for the heart and doesn’t miss.

The late teens and early twenties are a tumultuous time, punctuated by sweet highs and crushing lows. Amalia takes us to all those places and in between as she grapples with life, love, and coming into her own. The high-octane opener “Borderline” alerts listeners that they’d better strap in. It’s the sort of song that encourages you to grab a hairbrush, dance around your room, and try to sing along, even if you don’t have Amalia’s incredible vocal range.

Amalia’s voice is really superb, and it seems to have no limits. It can go from an impassioned rock belt to a show-stopping falsetto with ease. It commands attention, demanding that you listen. There’s such power in that alone, but Amalia is also an incredible songwriter. Her lyrics pack an emotional punch, and her melodies are so catchy you can expect to be humming them long after you stop listening. I can hear the influences of Stevie Nicks, Alanis Morissette, Lana Del Rey, Florence Welch, Kate Bush, Pat Benatar, the greats that came before her, but Amalia is still so clearly her own artist.

I feel so connected to this album. Singing along to the powerful choruses of tracks like “Lies” and “Sugar Baby” is utterly cathartic. My heart broke hearing the emotion in Amalia’s voice in the beautiful closing ballad “Cruel to be Kind,” but I was healed by the joy of the independence anthem “Break Free.” I’ve always felt the true measure of music is whether it moves you. The way every track on HEAVEN IN A HURRICANE makes me confident it will be one of my favourite albums this year.

HEAVEN IN A HURRICANE is out now on all the major streaming platforms. Make sure you listen to this excellent local release.

Images used with permission from Amalia

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

“The Man You Remember” – Milina Mihic

Icy August weather calls for comforting music that wraps around you like a blanket. Eora/Sydney-based singer-songwriter Milina Mihic delivers the perfect soundtrack for the season with her debut EP The Man You Remember.

I fell for this collection of songs from the moment I heard Milina’s sublime vocals on the opening track, fittingly titled “Winter.” Her voice is so beautiful and compelling. It’s delicate, almost fragile in quiet moments, but capable of real emotional intensity as the music swells. Her tone’s warm, inviting. It draws you in and encourages you to stay in the songs and listen to what she has to share.

“Winter” is the first of six special songs featured on The Man You Remember. This EP’s been four years in the making and it shows. Not only is each song exceptional, but they’re infused with the sort of insights that can only come with time. There are moments of uncertainty mixed with real clarity as Milina explores themes of love, loss, and identity. While powerful as individual tracks, I love the way they come together to capture Milina’s coming-of-age journey from her teens to early twenties. Even though the lyrics are very personal, the universal themes help them resonate.

The Man You Remember has really cast a spell on me. Every time the final notes of the title track fade out, I find myself pressing play for another listen. Each time I catch new lyrics and sonic moments that move me. Take a little time out to discover The Man You Remember on your favourite streaming service.

Main photo credit: Niko Pirounakis

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

“Gentleman” – Budjerah

The release of Budjerah’s long-awaited debut album Gentleman feels like a reintroduction to this talented artist. The shy indie-pop teen we met in 2020 appears utterly transformed with this polished pop release.

From front to back, Gentleman is an album of bangers. But you might expect that when you browse Budjerah’s collaborators. Some of the songwriters include Poo Bear, known for his work with Justin Bieber, Rob Lewis, who’s been Christina Aguilera’s music director for more than 20 years, and Philip Lawrence, who’s Bruno Mars primary creative partner. And if that wasn’t enough, he’s got a song penned by Diane Warren, one of the most acclaimed lyricists of all time who’s written chart toppers for Cher, Celine Dion, Aerosmith, and countless others. These are people who understand what it takes to write a hit.

Their tunes are total earworms, but they would fall flat if Budjerah didn’t bring such charisma and confidence to them. It’s probably easy to be confident when you’ve assembled the Justice League of songwriters though! But they’re not doing all the heavy lifting. Budjerah also enlisted Grammy Award-winning producer Om’Mas Keith, who’s worked with talents like Frank Ocean, Jay Z, and Erykah Badu. His involvement ensures that Gentleman feels sonically interesting, rather than a record that’s commercial but ultimately forgettable.

From the upbeat soul of the title track and opener, Gentleman had me hooked. It feels like a natural companion to the next track “Want You Back.” They’re such perfect pop that Budjerah probably could have released an album entirely in this vein and kept me happy. But rather than play it safe, he experiments with genre. “I Only Remember Your Name” has a deep reggae groove, “Sinner” is a gospel-tinged ballad, and “Lonely” is pure yacht rock. Through all the twists and turns, Budjerah’s undeniable vocals shine through.

Gentleman has been a long time coming for Budjerah fans, but I’m glad he took the time. This is a considered release, one that comes from an artist who knows who he is and is now ready to share that definitive debut statement with the world.

Gentleman is out now. Budjerah will take these songs around the East Coast on his The Gentleman Tour this October and November. Tickets are on sale now from the links below.

31 October 2026 – The Espy, Naarm/Melbourne (18+)
1 November 2026 – The Sound Doctor, Kuarka-dorla/Anglesea (ALL AGES)
7 November 2026 – Metro Social, Eora/Sydney (ALL AGES)
20 November 2026 – Miami Marketta, Yugambeh Country/Gold Coast (ALL AGES)
21 November 2026 – Triffid Beer Garden, Meeanjin/Brisbane (ALL AGES)

Main photo credit: Daniel Boud

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

“Waiting for the Day: Artist Sessions” – Bachelor Girl

Twenty-eight years ago, Bachelor Girl released their debut album Waiting for the Day. It was a monster hit, spawning beloved singles like “Permission to Shine,” “Treat Me Good,” and “Buses and Trains.” And now, Bachelor Girl and some of their famous friends are revisiting that release with Waiting for the Day: Artist Sessions.

This album is absolutely stacked with talent. I’m talking Jessica Mauboy, Guy Sebastian, Darren Hayes, Delta Goodrem, S-tier Aussie acts. They help breathe new life into these songs, adding artistic flair that transforms them into something brand new. I appreciate the creativity and intent, even if I don’t always like the results. As a massive fan of the original album, some of the ultra-pop renditions fall a little flat for me. But when this album gets it right, it gets it so right. The rock edge of Suze DeMarchi on “Don’t Hold Back” and Jon Stevens on “This Must Be Love” play perfectly with Tania Doko’s iconic vocals. Michael Paynter proves why he’s one of the nation’s most in-demand singers when he joins Tania on “I Don’t Believe You.”

While the star power will encourage people to press play, it’s the core elements that made this album great the first time around that inspire repeat listens. Decades have passed, but the songs on Waiting for the Day are still so good. Tania Doko and James Roche created something so special with this album, and that legacy is celebrated here. It’s so fitting that Tania and James are the ones to deliver the title track and final number. While the star cameos are fun, the founding members of Bachelor Girl still shine so brightly without them.

Whether you look back on this album with nostalgia like I do or you’re new to the songs and lured by the stars, Waiting for the Day: Artist Sessions is an exciting release. It’s not as flawless as the original, but there are some real moments of brilliance here.

Waiting for the Day: Artist Sessions is out today. Bachelor Girl will support its release with the following shows:

8 August 2026 – Brunswick Ballroom, Bulleke-bek/Brunswick (18+ – SOLD OUT)
23 August 2026 – The Triffid, Meeanjin/Brisbane (18+)
28 August 2026 – The Gov, Tarntanya/Adelaide (18+)
4 September 2026 – Cube 37 @ Frankston Arts Centre, Monmar/Frankston (ALL AGES – u15s with adult)
5 September 2026 – Sounds of Rock Rockhampton @ Victoria Park, Darumbal Country/Wandal
10 October 2026 – Savannah in the Round, Muluridji Country/Mareeba
18 October 2026 – Factory Theatre, Bulanaming/Marrickville (18+)

Photo credit: Jess Macc

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

“be.” – NEAV

Darkinjung Country/Central Coast-based singer-songwriter NEAV lets listeners into her world with the release of her debut EP be. With these four songs, she walks the delicate line between sharing songs that are personal, yet incredibly relatable.

“I often find myself overthinking, worrying about the future, and struggling to stay present,” NEAV said. “be. reflects my personal journey toward self-discovery and acceptance, both in my mind and during my physical travels. These songs serve as a personal reminder to slow down, breathe, and find peace in the right now – to just ‘be.’ These tracks are incredibly personal to me, and my hope is that they give listeners a safe space to sit with their own thoughts.”

The opening track “Me” is a catchy pop number with real depth. While I appreciated its groove, I fell in love with its lyrics which celebrate self-acceptance. “Full of Yourself” is another irresistible upbeat track. Here NEAV turns the lens on someone who’s so self-absorbed that they left no space for her. The lyrics have real bite and NEAV’s vocals seem to have no limits.

NEAV changes direction with the third song, “Forever,” stripping the sound back to give space to her vulnerable lyrics and delicate vocals. This song is the heart of this EP for me. It’s so, so good. The final song, “Alone,” is an anthemic pop number which celebrates independence. NEAV’s strength is evident in every note. What a fitting way to close this EP.

be. is a beautiful EP from one of the country’s most promising new voices. While her knack for pop melodies is on full display here, her introspective lyrics are what will stay with me. be. is out now on all your favourite streaming platforms.

Images used with permission from Niamh Watson

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

“Butcher, Lover, Runner” – Jean Elliot

In an era where concept recordings are a dying breed, especially among female artists, Jean Elliot’s Butcher, Lover, Runner reminds listeners of their value. This is a boldly ambitious EP which blurs genre boundaries to tell a compelling story of survival in the Australian bush.

The EP’s title refers to its three central characters whose paths cross in the Devil’s Wilderness, a cinematic gothic-noir setting inspired by Jean’s home in the Dyarubbin/Hawkesbury River. The bluesy opening track “Hole in Her Head” introduces us to the Runner, the story’s female protagonist driven out of the township and into hiding after she was falsely accused of attempted murder. The intensity of this situation is revealed with “Wiretrap.” It’s a powerful alternative rock song that reminds me of music from Tori Amos and Fiona Apple with the contrast between its heavenly vocals and dark, grungy music. The darkness lifts for a moment when the Runner meets the Lover in the “Beneath Your Sun.” He’s a highwayman and a willing accomplice to her plans. Of course, their peace is short-lived, and we’re returned to the bleak reality of their existence with “Devil’s Wilderness Theme.” A spoken-word soundscape, it’s an ambitious piece that anchors this EP beautifully. “Lennon” and “Highwayman” bring the story to a close as the Runner and the Lover travel to confront the ringleader of the witch-hunt – The Butcher – and deal with the fall-out.

“The genre of Australian gothic-noir inspired the lyricism and visuals,” Jean explained. “The ideas about witch-hunts and boy gangs are inspired by the attitudes of young people I have come across, with the hunter and prey metaphor running through the story symbolising cycles of violence, relationships, and the cruelty/beauty of nature.”

Butcher, Lover, Runner takes listeners on a journey with its characters and genre shifts. Jean manages to do it all effortlessly, playing with country, blues, folk, rock, and genres in between. Whatever sounds she’s exploring, her striking voice and engaging narrative compel you to listen. It’s such an original, impressive EP. Butcher, Lover, Runner is streaming now.

Main photo credit: Ollie Acosta
EP artwork credit: Wilma Acosta (edit Layla George)

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

“Talking With Strangers” – MAXON

With every single release, Victorian singer-songwriter MAXON has been building a reputation as one of the most solid female voices on the scene. Now that her debut album Talking With Strangers is out in the world, there’s no doubt that she’s the real deal.

As someone with eclectic music taste, I appreciate the diversity of Talking With Strangers. MAXON delights in exploring different sounds. It all seems so effortless for her to move from raucously upbeat numbers like “18” and “Yabada” to heartbreaking ballads like “Best Shot” and the stunning closer, “Circles.” Often she plays in an Americana/country/folk space, but she isn’t afraid to throw us curveballs, like the synth-heavy retro pop-inspired “Tangerine Dream.”

While Talking With Strangers takes plenty of musical left turns, the album never gives listeners whiplash. It’s anchored so beautifully by MAXON’s voice. It’s rich, warm, comforting, authentic, steady. You know you’re in safe hands listening to her, so you’re open to wherever these songs take you. And then there’s MAXON’s exceptional songwriting skills. She’s a natural, writing songs that speak to the heart of her experiences as a woman and member of the LGBTQIA+ community. Together, they do an exceptional job of introducing MAXON to music lovers.

Talking With Strangers is out now. MAXON will officially launch her debut album with a hometown show at The Toff on May 7.

Photo credit: @heapsstoked

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

“Steel Town” – Morgan Evans

For a long time, I’ve said if you’ve never lived in Mulubinba/Newcastle, you don’t really understand how special the place is. It’s one of those cities that never leaves your heart, no matter how far you move away. Once a Novocastrian, always a Novocastrian. But now with the release of Steel Town, I think Morgan Evans might have given the country the scoop. His third album is a beautiful love letter to the place he still calls home and the feelings associated with it.

As someone born and raised in Newy, I was thrilled to hear the references to Burton Road, The Cambridge Hotel, and the rowdy home ground crowd (if you’ve ever been to a Knights game, you know) in the title track. It’s the perfect opener, rooting this album in a place that means so much to Morgan and many of his loyal fans. But he understands that many of the people who listen to his music don’t know Newy, and so other songs tap into the essence of the city without being so specific. If you’ve ever frequented local watering holes like The Del or The Lucky, you understand the culture that drinking songs like “Beer Back Home” and “Another Drink Coming” bring to life. But these songs could just as easily be written about pubs across Australia, bars across America, and beyond. “Land I Love” is a more general tribute to Australia, one which takes us from the white sand and crashing waves of the coast to the “red dirt tracks” of the Outback.

Then there are the stunning love songs celebrating the feeling of home that you get when you’re with the right one. “Two Broken Hearts,” a duet with American singer-songwriter and new love interest Laci Kaye Booth, talks about mending the pain with the right person. Her home state gets a nod in “She Talks About Texas.” The closer, “Settle It Down” perfectly brings together those ideas of love and home.

Listening to Steel Town, it seems like this is the album Morgan Evans was always meant to make. It’s a loving tribute to the things that matter most to him, although it’s accessible enough to touch the hearts of fans far beyond his hometown. As a Novocastrian, I’m very proud of this one, but I hope the rest of the world gets behind it too.

Steel Town is out now. Morgan will play Meatstock this month before kicking off his Aussie tour in May.

11 April 2026 – Meatstock @ Toowoomba Showgrounds, Giabal and Jarowair Country/Toowoomba
18 April 2026 – Meatstock @ Lardner Park, Gunaikurnai/Gippsland
21 May 2026 – ICF Warehouse, Boorloo/Perth (18+)
23 May 2026 – Forum Melbourne, Naarm/Melbourne (18+)
25 May 2026 – Thebarton Theatre, Tarntanya/Adelaide (Lic. All Ages)
27 May 2026 – Enmore Theatre, Eora/Sydney (Lic. All Ages)
30 May 2026 – The Fortitude Music Hall, Meeanjin/Brisbane (18+)
2 June 2026 – Powerstation, Auckland (18+)
4 June 2026 – Christchurch Town Hall, Christchurch (Lic. All Ages)

Photo credit: Nick Swift

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

“I Have a Habit of Dreaming” – Chloe Gill

Mulubinba/Newcastle-based artist Chloe Gill won me over recently with her introspective country-pop single “Pushing Punishment.” Now with the release of her debut album I Have a Habit of Dreaming, she shows us even more of her artistry.

The album opens with “A Habit of Dreaming,” a gentle soundscape of slide guitars, piano tones tells you to buckle up and settle in. “Something in the Winter” arrives like a hurricane. It’s country with a healthy dose of rock, anchored by Chloe’s incredible voice which can seemingly do anything. Her low tones are beautiful, but when she opens up on the chorus she really soars.

As the album continued, I became even more enamoured with Chloe’s voice. While “Pushing Punishment” had given me a taste of Chloe’s vocal capabilities, I didn’t know it had the bluesy tones she employs on “Why?” or the edge she exhibits in “Going Down the Drain.” I wasn’t prepared for the way she left herself so exposed in the haunting “Missed Mistakes.” She’s got such a strong solo voice, the beautiful harmonies of “a bad day in februrary” and the gorgeous duet, “Weight of It All,” featuring Jesse O’Neill, also caught me by surprise. The chemistry sizzling through this unforgettable closer makes it one of the album’s highlights.

While Chloe’s voice compelled me, it’s her songwriting talents that really held my interest. As I became more acquainted with the songs I marvelled at her knack for sharing her own heart while creating songs that resonated so strongly with me.

“My goal with this project is not only for neurodivergent people but is for anyone who has ever felt different,” Chloe said. “The record’s whole point is to remind people that it’s everyone’s first time being alive, as well as everyone’s last time being alive. How it’s just so much more worthwhile and meaningful to be kind, grateful, present, not get so caught up in things that don’t serve you, work, life stress, things you can’t control or the past. It’s about leading your own life, dreaming your own dreams and bringing them to life. I have always had a very supportive network around me and I understand not everyone has that privilege or ease in life and that sometimes it’s more complex than that, but this album really serves as a place for people to come to when they just need to feel a little more loved, believed in, confident, capable, strong, fearless and totally inspired to lead their own lives.”

I Have a Habit of Dreaming is out now. Chloe will mark its release with a string of shows kicking off in her hometown this April.

17 April 2026 – Stag & Hunter, Mulubinba/Mayfield
21 May 2026 – The Wesley Anne, Naarm/Melbourne
22 May 2026 – The Taproom @ Shedshaker Brewing, Dja Dja Wurrung Country/Castlemaine (FREE)
23 May 2026 – Peninsula Hot Springs, Bunurong Country/Mornington Peninsula (FREE with bathing)
24 May 2026 – Shiraz Republic, Dja Dja Wurrung, Taungurung, and Yorta Yorta Country/Cornella
30 May 2026 – Knappstein, Ngadjuri Country/Clare Valley
31 May 2026 – The Wheatsheaf Hotel, Tarntanya/Adelaide
27 June 2026 – The Factory Fusebox, Bulanaming/Marrickville

Images used with permission from beehive

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

“i’ve been looking for you my whole life” – jnr.

With the release of his debut EP i’ve been looking for you my whole life, Eora/Sydney-based singer-songwriter jnr. establishes himself as one of the freshest names in indie pop. His tunes are ultra catchy with sweet vocals and romantic sentiments that will have listeners swooning. But pay attention and you’ll soon discover that this local talent has a unique point of view that sets his music apart.

Like so many great pop records, i’ve been looking for you my whole life was inspired by a girl. But as he wrote music in France, his partner’s birthplace, jnr. found himself contemplating much more than their relationship.

“When I got there, I started to think a lot more about my relationship to my own culture and the reasons I didn’t want to face my own identity,” he admitted. “Writing my first body of work, which could be some people’s first introduction to me, in a place so foreign to me felt quite ironic. These songs became love songs for both her and my inner child who’s still figuring out where he belongs.”

i’ve been looking for you my whole life is full of bops. The beats are sure to get you grooving and the choruses are made for singing along. Every one delivers a dopamine hit, but understanding the depth of emotions behind them makes for a much richer experience. Up-tempo numbers like the outstanding singles “I guess it’s fine.” and “as you are” dominate, but jnr. shows he can shine in gentler moments too with the poignant closer, “everything.” jnr. strips back his sound here to deliver his final declaration of love. If you weren’t already taking notice, this will be the track that forces you to pay attention.

i’ve been looking for you my whole life is a fantastic pop EP, a collection of irresistible songs that provide powerful commentary on romantic love and self-acceptance. jnr. will showcase this music for hometown fans tonight when he officially launches the EP at Buddy’s Bar. The music kicks off at 7:30 pm with support acts GRXCE and Zhuli.

Images used with permission from jnr.