Category: Album Reviews

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

“Public Fun – Part 2” – Raging Hormones

On the release of Raging Hormones’ Public Fun – Part 1 EP earlier this year, I found myself hoping a sequel may be on the way. My dreams have been answered with the release of Public Fun – Part 2. And yes, it’s every bit as much fun as its predecessor.

Keen fans may have noticed Raging Hormones dropping singles from their latest EP every Friday for the last few weeks. However, now that they’re all out in the world it feels like the right time to celebrate them. While every song stands alone, listening to them together is such a treat. Just like the first Public Fun EP, this one goes hard. From the moment the drums and guitars come together to introduce “River of Ants,” the band has the power turned up to 11. It’s fast and frenetic and, there really is no better word for it, an awful lot of fun. I love the punky edge of “Milk Moustache” and couldn’t resist singing along to the big anthemic chorus of “Burning at Both Ends” before long. “Winnebago” is pure nostalgic joy and the closer “Guided by Vices” has such a cool attitude and snaky bassline.

With just five tracks, it’s all killer and no filler. However, with just five tracks it’s all over too quickly. There’s only one solution; to press play again. At least until the release of Part 3. Yes, I’m daring to dream again.

Public Fun – Part 2 was released today. Raging Hormones will celebrate its release in front of hometown fans at the Evelyn Hotel in Naarm/Fitzroy on November 10.

Main photo credit: Nick Manuell

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

“Professional Misconduct” – The Screaming Jets

It’s taken me a little while to listen to The Screaming Jets’ 10th studio album Professional Misconduct. And a little while after that to put fingers to my keyboard and share my thoughts. It’s taken time, because like so many people from Newcastle I needed a moment to process the unexpected loss of the band’s founding member Paul Woseen. I knew I needed to push through though, because this album is such an important body of work for this band.

As a teenager growing up in Newcastle, The Screaming Jets were so much a part of my journey to adulthood. I must have been 15 or 16 when they played an under-18s gig at the Cambridge. I was hooked. I made my way in to Civic Park in 1997 when they honoured the Newcastle Knights after their grand final win. Then when I turned 18s the gigs became more frequent. Shows at the Newcastle Workies, Toronto Workies … venues with sticky floors, the air thick with cigarette smoke and beer. They were always such physical gigs, with punters jostling to move me on from my front row position, but I always stood firm. I found myself reminiscing about those moments when we lost Paul, and again listening to this album, their first of new material since the release of Chrome in 2016. It’s new music, but it’s the same old Jets, as it should be. Dave Gleeson’s voice up front and center, surrounded by guitars and those driving drums. It’s proper rock music, the way it’s meant to be. Hard-hitting numbers like “Nothing to Lose,” “No Reason,” and “Speed Quack” have become firm favourites. “Lying With Her” is haunting in its stillness. I might have gotten misty listening to “Second Chance” thinking about what might have been.

The Screaming Jets will never be the same, but I’m so glad we have this one last album with Dave and Paul working together. I think Professional Misconduct might be their best work since World Gone Crazy way back in 1997. It’s certainly a fitting tribute for the band’s late bassist, but it’s not the end for the Screaming Jets. They will tour around the country as scheduled, bringing this music to the people. It’s what Paul would have wanted. Enjoy this brilliant new music and plenty of old favourites at the following shows:

3 November 2023 – The Triffid, Meeanjin/Brisbane
4 November 2023 – Beenleigh Tavern, Yugambeh Country/Beenleigh
10 November 2023 – Chelsea Heights, Bunurong Country/Chelsea Heights
11 November 2023 – Prince Bandroom, Bunurong Country/St Kilda
17 November 2023 – Dubbo RSL, Wiradjuri Country/Dubbo
18 November 2023 – Bathurst RSL, Wiradjuri Country/Bathurst
1 December 2023 – The Factory Theatre, Eora/Sydney
2 December 2023 – Anitas Theatre, Woolyungah/Wollongong
5 January 2024 – Summernats 36, Ngambri/Canberra
19 January 2024 – Blank Space, Gooneburra Country/Toowoomba
20 January 2024 – Kingscliff Beach Hotel, Bundjalung Country/Kingscliff
23 January 2024 – Longyard Hotel, Kamilaroi Country/Tamworth
25 January 2024 – Sunken Monkey, Darkinjung Country/Erina
27 January 2024 – Laurieton Ex Services Club, Biripi Country/Laurieton
28 January 2024 – Pacific Palms Recreation Club, Worimi Country/Elizabeth Beach
1 February 2024 – The Albies Bar, Undalup/Busselton
2 February 2024 – Port Beach Brewery, Walyalup/Fremantle
3 February 2024 – Ravenswood Hotel, Bindjareb Country/Ravenswood
9 February 2024 – Hornsby RSL, Darug and GuriNgai Country/Hornsby
10 February 2024 – Club Central, Bendiagal Country/Hurstville
16 February 2024 – Commercial Hotel, Wurundjeri Country/South Morang
17 February 2024 – Village Green, Wurundjeri Country/Mulgrave
23 February 2024 – Toronto Hotel, Awabakal Country/Toronto

Images used with permission from Revolutions per Minute

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

“Horror Movie” – Gia Darcy

Hailing from Darkinjung Country/Central Coast and now based in Eora/Sydney, Gia Darcy is a breath of fresh air on the indie pop landscape. With the release of her EP Horror Movie, she delivers five tracks that showcase her excellent songwriting and angelic voice.

The quality of Gia’s songwriting was what really drew me in. The title track is such a witty commentary on her horror relationships that unfold so predictably that outsiders can clearly see the dangers she’s oblivious to. “Do I Know” is a sweet country pop song in the vein of early Taylor Swift and local artists like Chelsea Berman and Amber Lawrence. Gia shows her sensitive side with “Say It.” This poignant track is really the heart of the EP, a song that shows a vulnerability that’s so compelling. She might have been entangled in relationships with a few horror movie villains, but by the end of the EP it’s clear that Gia is no victim. “Save Your Breath” and “Toxic” are modern girl power anthems. They leave us with such a strong impression of this artist and her power.

With the release of Horror Movie, Gia Darcy shows she’s a pop chameleon with a real knack for storytelling. Her lyrics are clever yet honest, always from the heart even when her tongue is planted firmly in her cheek. Take a listen and if you’re in Eora/Sydney, make sure you get out and support her when she launches the Horror Movie EP at Oxford Art Factory on November 3.

Images used with permission from Gia Darcy

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

“Best Friend” – Clayton Francis

As a big fan of American indie-pop duo LANY, I was instantly drawn to Aussie artist Clayton Francis’ new EP Best Friend. Their music is so similar, with electronic percussion, uplifting synths, sweet vocals, and romantic lyrics that make the world seem better. However, the more I listened, the more I started to appreciate Clayton’s music in its own right.

Unlike LANY’s singer-songwriter Paul Klein, Clayton is happily married to his high school sweetheart. When he sings songs like the title track “Best Friend” and “As Long as You Love Me,” you know they come from a place of true, deep love. When he sings that he’d lay down his life for his partner in “You’ll be the Death of Me,” you believe him. This music isn’t fan service. He’s not trying to make the audience swoon, although they just might. He’s simply showing us his heart, and that’s a beautiful thing. Of course, being married to your high school sweetheart has its downside. You won’t find this music taking any dark turns. “Find My Way”, a song about the pursuit of a career which can take him away from his relationship, is as close to a story of struggle as this EP gets. But that doesn’t matter too much to me. There are plenty of places to hear songs about heartbreak and betrayal. There’s certainly a place for music that simply makes you feel as good as this collection of songs does.

The music from Clayton’s EP might sound like lost tracks from a LANY recording, but as a fan of that music I don’t care too much. It’s good when they make it, and it’s every bit as good as good here. What may give him a slight edge though is his maturity. And of course, we always have a soft spot for our own. If you love the indie pop music LANY are making, make sure you listen to Clayton Francis. He might just be your new favourite artist.

Images used with permission from Kick Push PR

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

“Down in Hollywood” – Dana Gehrman

I must admit, I approached Dana Gehrman’s new album Down in Hollywood with a little trepidation. I wasn’t very familiar with this Meeanjin/Brisbane-based blues-rock artist, and I’m ashamed to admit I’m not across the music from Little Feat, whose songs she covers on this release. I thought I’d feel like a fish out of water listening, but I have a policy of playing everything that lands in my inbox. I’m so glad I did. While I expected to feel out of my element, Down in Hollywood is one of the most accessible and enjoyable albums I’ve heard in some time.

This album has a beautiful nostalgia about it, even if you don’t know the source material. And Dana’s voice is so warm and welcoming, the marriage is heavenly. She wraps her vocals around these songs with gusto. All too often there’s a disconnect when people sing covers, because they didn’t write the material, but you can hear how much these songs matter to Dana.

“I grew up with Little Feat, emanating from vintage Tannoy speakers in cabinets larger than life. These songs are so engrained in me; when we play them, they feel as much a part of me as my own songs,” Dana added. “I don’t believe you could ever make their songs better; these are just my humble interpretations of songs I truly love.”

After listening to Down in Hollywood, I’m inspired to listen to Little Feat’s originals, but not just yet. For now, I’m happy to sit with Dana’s fabulous interpretations and celebrate them as standalone works before I make inevitable comparisons. Dana will launch Down in Hollywood with these shows along the East Coast next month:

1 October 2023 – Caloundra Music Festival, Kabi Kabi and Jinibara Country/Caloundra
5 October 2023 – The Beach Hotel, Cavanbah/Byron Bay
6 October 2023 – The Citadel, Kalibai Country/Murwillumbah
7 October 2023 – Tom Atkin Hall, Yugambeh Country/Gold Coast
13 October 2023 – St Bernard Hotel, Yugambeh Country/Mt Tamborine
14 October 2023 – Felons Barrel Hall, Meeanjin/Brisbane

Image used with permission from Jo Corbett Publicity

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

“Independent Discover Volume 2” – Sounds on the Couch

The early days of the COVID-19 pandemic both isolated us, as we were stuck in our homes, and brought us closer together as a global community. We were all in the same boat, desperate for some connection, and relationships were formed and nurtured across the miles. Sounds on the Couch was just one of the exciting initiatives to come out of that time. Naarm/Melbourne-based singer-songwriter Karen Harding launched Sounds on the Couch in April 2020 to support and promote independent and emerging artists at home and around the world. Unlike so many pandemic initiatives, it’s still going strong. Sounds on the Couch recently launched its latest digital compilation, Independent Discovery Volume 2.

Independent Discovery Volume 2 celebrates and showcases the diverse range of talent uncovered by Sounds on the Couch. This album takes you on a rollercoaster ride, from the flirty country-pop of Sophia Petro’s “Rose Glow” to the hard rock of Flint.’s “Stop.” Along the way we’re treated to acoustic folk, new wave, blues, and everything in between. Most artists hail from Australia, but musicians from Belgium, the United States, and Germany are also represented. It’s so exciting listening to all these new voices coming together on this album.

Because it’s so eclectic, it might not all be to your taste. It definitely wasn’t mine. But that’s not a bad thing. Art is polarising. It’s not meant for everyone. But like me, I also hope you’ll find a few new favourites among these songs. Consider Independent Discovery Volume 2 a springboard for learning about excellent independent artists that may have otherwise gone under your radar.

Image used with permission from Rise Indie

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

“Happy Ever After” – MID CITY

MID CITY might be the next big Aussie success story. The Naarm/Melbourne outfit has been releasing music together since 2018, but they’ve taken their time in releasing an album. The wait was worth it. Happy Ever After is one of the best albums I’ve heard all year.

I’d already raved about the title track, which opens the album with a flourish. It’s the perfect introduction to this energetic rock act, but they’ve got a lot more in their arsenal. The tracks that follow hit just as hard, with powerful lyrics that pack an emotional punch that’s every bit the equal to those big guitar riffs and driving drums. MID CITY doesn’t take its foot off the throttle until the fourth track in, and even then we’re only shifting down a gear or two. This is an album that gets you moving, whether you’re punching your fist in the air or letting the sound take over your whole body. Not that MID CITY is all one note. While they love a big rock anthem, big ballads like “Someone Like You” and “Lover Again” will have you reaching for the cigarette lighter.

“Touring in Europe really informed what we wanted; playing some great festival stages and watching people react – or not – to the things we thought were important in creating the perfect hard-hitting banger,” the band explained. “What was surprising though, was the quieter side we found on some songs. We always wanted the album to be a little journey, not just a 170 bpm sweat fest, but we didn’t realise how satisfying it would be to create some songs with different tempos and feels. We’re really proud of the balance we found between bangers and more heartfelt quieter moments. Perhaps we’re maturing? I hope not.”

I found myself thinking of several big stadium acts as I listened to Happy Ever After. The Killers. Arctic Monkeys. Our own Gang of Youths and the Temper Trap. There’s a little of these bands in MID CITY, but there’s also a unique flavour that sets them apart. Just like those acts, I can picture MID CITY packing out stadiums all around the world. It’s already starting, with MID CITY playing dates in Europe and the United Kingdom next month. Expect those venues to be upgraded next time they travel. Until then, enjoy seeing the at the small spots while you can.

3 October 2023 – Galao, Stuttgart
4 October 2023 – Helios 37, Cologne
5 October 2023 – Pop Bar, Haldern
6 October 2023 – Molotow, Hamburg
8 October 2023 – Badehaus, Berlin
10 October 2023 – Nachtleben, Frankfurt
17 October 2023 – The Victoria Dalston, London
18 October 2023 – 33 Oldham Street, Manchester

Images used with permission from beehive; main image credit: Richard Clifford

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

“Sunsoli” – Sunsoli

Rebranding after eight years performing together is a risky move. But that’s exactly what Darkinjung Country/Central Coast act The Sea Gypsies did when they became Sunsoli earlier this year. Risky or not, the move seems to have revitalised this band who with the release of their self-titled album prove they’re making some of the best music of their career.

Sunsoli says their music is inspired by the sun and its ever-present influence on our lives. I can hear that inspiration in these new tunes. The album opens with “Some Kind of Light,” an atmospheric slow burner. It’s a moment of calm stillness before the energetic single “Time and Place” kicks in. “Wayward” brings more good vibes. I can imagine blasting these songs on my next road trip. There’s a beautiful freedom about them, and their driving beats are sure to keep me energised as the road stretches out ahead of me. Love songs with an easy groove like “Dancing Slowly,” featuring gorgeous guest vocals from Ashrae, and “Sunlight” are real charmers. It’s unclear whether the central relationships will be summer flings or something more, but they’re so much fun that it barely matters. Most of this album feels fresh, so the ‘80s nostalgia of “In the Middle” comes as a little bit of a curveball. I never mind a throwback when it’s done this well though. “Where We Left Off” is a beautiful love letter to the fans, a celebration of this band, no matter what they’re called. Closing track “Colours” is such a powerful love song, heartfelt without a hint of schmaltz, an anthemic number that I can already tell will be even better live. What a way to end this excellent album.

I’ve always liked the music the band made as the Sea Gypsies but the tracks I loved in their back catalogue were a bit rarer. However, I’m in love with this album. Every song is a stand-out. It’s everything I liked about the Sea Gypsies but better. I was skeptical about the band’s decision to rebrand so far into their career, but if it’s inspired them to make great music like this I’m all for it. Sunsoli’s debut album is out today. Their East Coast album launch tour starts Friday. Limited tickets are still available for these shows.

15 September 2023 – La La La’s, Woolyungah/Wollongong (with Brandon Duff & Georgia-Jean)
16 September 2023 – Live at the Polo, Ngambri/Canberra (with Kopasetic & Eden Plenty)
6 October 2023 – Barwon Club, Djilang/Geelong (with This Way North & Gabby Steel)
8 October 2023 – Northcote Social Club, Naarm/Melbourne (with This Way North & Anna Smyrk)
27 October 2023 – Sol Bar, Kabi Kabi and Jinibara Country/Maroochydore (with Flaskas & Sundaze)
29 October 2023 – Lefty’s, Meeanjin/Brisbane (with Flaskas & Tjaka)
11 November 2023 – The Lansdowne, Eora/Sydney (with The Toothpicks & Southwest Corduroy)
25 November 2023 – Drifters Wharf, Darkinjung Country/Gosford (with Tyrants & Tiali)
1 December 2023 – The Federal, Baligin/Bellingen

Listen on Apple Music

Image used with permission from beehive; main image credit: Jordan Cortti

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

“The Pleasure Pit” – Tiali

Tiali wowed me with their single “Icicles” late last year. It was so raw and personal, I couldn’t wait to hear more. They deliver and then some with their debut EP The Pleasure Pit, a collection of intimate songs that pack a real punch.

The opening track “Jigsaw” is bold and grungy, making sure you know this EP, and in fact this artist, are not to be ignored. Tiali makes their presence felt, whether they’re rocking out or stripping things back. Their lyrics are honest, often brutally so, and you can feel Tiali’s emotions bubbling just under the surface in every line they deliver. Songs like “What Kind of Man,” which calls out toxic masculinity, and “Icicles,” the album’s commanding closer, make for a powerful listening experience.

Speaking of the album’s inspiration, Tiali noted that “The Pleasure Pit is a place we all know. It’s the place we go to indulge, to ease our pain. It’s drugs, alcohol, sex, cigarettes, junk food, love. It brings you comfort, an escape, a high … until it doesn’t. The void that sucks you in, the detachment from reality, the noise that silences your mind, the chaos that momentarily calms you.”

I can imagine these songs bringing a similar comfort to people who hear them. They’re unflinchingly real, powerful and painful, but in sharing these stories Tiali reminds listeners going through their own struggles that they’re not alone. The Pleasure Pit is an exciting, brave first EP from an artist who no doubt has a massive future ahead.

If you like what you hear, catch Tiali at one of their upcoming shows:
9 September 2023 – Long Jetty Hotel, Darkinjung Country/Long Jetty
15 September 2023 – Low302, Eora/Surry Hills
22 September 2023 – The Lady Hampshire, Eora/Camperdown (supporting Packing Dhaka)
25 November 2023 – Drifters Wharf, Darkinjung Country/Gosford (supporting Sunsoli)
10 December 2023 – Let the Good Times Roll Festival @ Memorial Park, Darkinjung Country/The Entrance

Images used with permission from Sony Music Australia

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

“Fortress” – KEZRA

People speak a lot of teen angst, but I think for many people their 20s are more tumultuous. It’s a time when you’re expected to be an adult, but you’re still trying to figure so much out. You have more freedom than you did in your teen years, but that gives you so much more space to make mistakes. You might grow from those mistakes, but they can also sting. Music can be a salvation during those challenging years, both for artists and their listeners. That time might be far behind me, but I can’t resist music that explores an artist’s coming of age. KEZRA’s new EP Fortress is a beautiful collection of songs that charts her personal journey of self-discovery.

“The EP is all about navigating through my crazy twenties, in failures, loss, heartache, hope, new love, and finding my strength between all of that,” she said. “Working with my producer, Mark (Zito), helped all the songs tie together with this theme of nostalgia in reflection of my early 20s, with the old tape-recording sounds and distorted electric guitars. I feel this EP represents myself as the artist I am today, just a girl who loves to write poppy chorus hooks and heart-breaking melodies with a guitar in hand.”

The songs unfold like the pages of a diary, with KEZRA’s confessional lyrics and emotional vocals sharing snapshots of her recent experiences. We open on the title track, a song of strength and vulnerability that introduces the EP so beautifully. The singles “Back Home” and “Insane” come next, one quiet and reflective, the other a breezy indie pop bop about a perfectly imperfect relationship. The EP takes another left turn with “Morning.” Like “Back Home” it draws you in with its gentle opening and poignant lyrics, then builds to a sonic and emotional crescendo that makes it one of the most memorable songs on Fortress. “With You,” a gorgeous acoustic love song with some of the most poetic lyrics on the EP is a beautiful closer. It’s the kind of song that leaves you still, processing for a few moments before you feel ready to rejoin the world.

Fortress is such a wonderful EP. If you’re navigating your 20s, I know KEZRA’s songs will strike a chord with you. And if like me they’re behind you, they’ll make you a little nostalgic for a time gone by. If you love what you hear, make sure to see KEZRA at Bar Open in Naarm/Melbourne on September 22.

Images used with permission from Good Intent