Category: Album Reviews

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

“Lavender Marriage” – William Street Strikers

Never one to rest on their laurels, Tarntanya/Adelaide rockers William Street Strikers have released Lavender Marriage, the follow-up to their 2022 album Baltimore Train. With just six tracks, it’s all killer, no filler.

This is the seventh release from William Street Strikers. At this point, they’re a well-oiled machine, confident in their sound and their connections. The band strikes the right balance between being tight and just loose enough for real rock and roll. Their harmonies are always on point. Listening to the way their voices naturally come together reminded me just how few rock bands harmonise these days.

Those harmonies aren’t the only element of William Street Strikers’ sound that is delightfully old school. The straight-up rock of the opening track “Candles” wouldn’t have sounded out of place on a record by The Kinks or The Easybeats. “Hands of My Paper” reminded me a little of The Rolling Stones in their heyday. Don’t mistake this band for imitators though. While their sound celebrates nostalgia, none of those classic bands could pull off the cheeky lyrics of tracks like “Tammy” and “I’ll Be Okay.” After bringing solid rock vibes through most of Lavender Marriage, the final track “Pieces” is a real left turn. A gentle piano ballad with strings, it’s not what you expect from William Street Strikers. But this isn’t a band that ever wants to become predictable. By keeping things fresh, they ensure we’re always interested in what comes next, whatever that may be.

Lavender Marriage is available to stream now from the William Street Strikers website. Alternatively you can buy the album on CD for $15 plus postage by emailing the band at thewilliamstreetstrikers@yahoo.com.

Images used with permission from William Street Strikers

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

“Something Rare and Beautiful” – Nathan Seeckts

I love hearing voices that draw me in instantly. I’m with them from the first note, hanging on their every word, relishing their unique tone. Nathan Seeckts has one of those voices. I fell for that voice when he released his single “The Wildest One” a few months ago, and I’m thrilled to hear more of what it can do with the release of Something Rare and Beautiful.

Listening to the album, I discovered that Nathan really can do it all. “The Wildest One” was a love song, but it soon becomes apparent that Nathan isn’t just another country crooner. Anyone that’s encountered a dickhead on a night out will relate to the scathing “King of the Room.” “Cassette in the Tapedeck,” featuring guest vocals from Gretta Ziller, is a nostalgic ballad celebrating his dad’s LC Torana. And that’s just the first three songs. In truth, I could wax lyrical about every one, but I’d rather you discover them for yourself. Every song tells a story so vividly you feel like you were there. Nathan is a master at bringing characters and moments to life.

The title of Nathan Seeckts second album couldn’t be more appropriate. His voice is so unique and so compelling. His songwriting is worldclass. And when you put them together, the music is indeed something rare and beautiful. Nathan will showcase his incredible music at these upcoming shows:

7 July 2023 – Pot Belly Bar, Ngunnawal Country/Canberra
8 July 2023 – The Curious Rabbit, Wiradjuri Country/Wagga Wagga
15 July 2023 – Bird Rock, Wadawurrung Country/Jan Juc
16 July 2023 – The Eastern, Ballaarat/Ballarat

Images used with permission from Chris Familton Publicity

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

“Public Fun Part 1” – Raging Hormones

I’m having a ball rocking out to Public Fun Part 1, the debut EP from new Naarm/Melbourne band Raging Hormones. If you love your rock music raw and gritty, these guys will be right up your alley.

The frenetic pace, rebellious lyrics, and scorching guitar solo of the opening track “Power Hour” set the tone. I must admit, this one rocked a little hard for me at first, but the more I listen the more I love it. I found the remaining tracks instantly accessible though. They’re a little more melodic without losing that all-important rock edge. “Going Out in Style,” released as a single in May, is the sort of track you can imagine igniting a room with its driving drums and singalong chorus. Raging Hormones keep the foot on the throttle for “Shake It Up” and “Everything Opens Up”. The closing track “Sunglasses” is perhaps Raging Hormones most radio-friendly. It’s a love song at its heart, with pop-rock elements that make it perhaps the band’s accessible song. This isn’t an EP with a lot of light and shade though, but it doesn’t need to be. If you want ballads, there are plenty of other bands that will give it to you. If you want to rock, Public Fun Part 1 is your EP.

The only thing that excites me more than this EP is that it’s named Part 1. Does this mean there’s more Public Fun on the way? We can only hope so! Until then, they’ll play for hometown fans at Stay Gold’s Beers for Bands event on July 14 to raise money for Support Act.

Images used with permission from Little Giant Agency

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

“I Don’t Hear You Anymore” – The Money War

The Money War have come of age with the release of their gorgeous new EP I Don’t Hear You Anymore. Over the years they’ve created delicate folk music which was beautiful, but at times became a little sleepy. However, they’ve got the balance right with this collection of songs, creating a collection of songs that get under your skin without fading into the background.

A coming of age is only natural as Dylan Ollivierre and Carmen Pepper mature as a musical outfit and real-life couple. They’re raising three young children together now, trying to carve out time for their family, their relationship, themselves, and their music. Dylan is also a full-time producer, who says his commitment to other people’s music leaves limited time for The Money War. Being pushed and pulled in so many directions, quality becomes so much more important than quantity.

“Every now and then, I have this insatiable desire to create something that embodies my own vision and expresses Carmen and me as The Money War. In the past, we often had numerous songs to choose from, but nowadays, with three young kids, our time has significantly decreased. Therefore, a song only progresses beyond the ‘idea’ stage if it strongly demands to be realised,” he explained.

What we’re left with is four incredible tracks. The title track eases us in. It’s laidback and a bit of a slow burner, but it’s truly magical. “Was It Ever Really Anything?”, featuring FEELDS, is a gentle Americana-inspired track with a gorgeous slide guitar solo. I love the interplay between Dylan and Carmen’s vocals in the romantic “Ride.” The closing track “Somebody Loves You” is an uplifting love song without the schmaltz.

I Don’t Hear You Anymore is the EP I always knew The Money War had in them. It’s their strongest release to date, and a real sign of exciting things to come for this Boorloo/Perth band.

Images used with permission from Kick Push PR

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

“Hearticulate” – Melita

Proving you don’t need the backing or budget of a big record label, Melita has really impressed me with her debut EP Hearticulate. The Eora/Sydney-based chanteuse recorded this EP with her brother Alex Ertler in their home studio. But listening to this slick, neo-soul affair, you wouldn’t guess at its humble origins.

Melita effortlessly blends fresh neo-soul sounds with classic funk, disco, and yacht rock influences. The ethereal “Greeting” is the ideal introduction, putting Melita’s voice front and centre before we settle into the easy groove of the title track. It flows naturally into “Delusional,” which has some of the most relatable lyrics on the EP. Melita amps up the energy with “Crystal Logic,” a funky floor-filling homage to the disco era before easing us back into a gentler groove with “Behind My Smile” and “Saturn Blues.” In some ways “Hold On to My Mind” is a subtle closer, but while it’s got a mellow groove it’s also probably the most musically complex track on this EP. I could hear the influence of artists like Steely Dan and Boz Scaggs come through, but Melita’s interpreted their sounds in such an exciting new way.

Hearticulate doesn’t have a lot of bells and whistles, but it doesn’t need them. Melita’s stunning voice is an anchor, impressing on each and every track. This EP is a great introduction to a fantastic new talent.

Images used with permission from beehive; main image credit: James Tarbotton

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

“Girlhood” – Hayley Marsten

Australia’s female country artists are releasing some incredible music at the moment. Just days after discovering Sammy White’s fantastic debut album Dirty Laundry, I’m getting swept up in Hayley Marsten’s sophomore album Girlhood.

Dramatic strings introduce us to the opening track “Getting Better”, indicating that this is no ordinary country song, or country album. Hayley has always had crossover appeal and she continues playing with genre here. While country sounds anchor the album, “Getting Better” has a classic rock feel made for long drives. The synth sounds of the next track “Drowning Myself” give it more of a pop feel. And then she delivers “Teen Movie,” a tender country ballad with lyrics that reference ‘80s cinematic legend John Hughes. I was once a shy teen who spent too much time hoping for my own Jake Ryan or a friend like Ferris Bueller to make my life more exciting, this one really resonated with me.

From rock to pop to pure country in just three tracks. Hayley Marsten isn’t an artist who likes to stand still. She’s a smart musician, adept at identifying the right sound to tell her stories. She turns up the energy for songs of strength like “I Am a Rich Man” and “I’m Fine, Thanks”. But then she can slow things down for more poignant moments, ensuring we catch every lyric of incredible, intimate songs like “I Knew the Pain” and “My Body Was Not My Own.”

I love Girlhood for similar reasons that I love Dirty Laundry. Both albums unfold like diaries, telling the stories of the strong women at their centre. There are light moments of cheeky humour and darker moments that reveal anger, pain, and loss. In the case of Hayley, her latest release shows a natural evolution. Her debut Spectacular Heartbreak was excellent, but I think Girlhood is even better. Take a listen and check her out on one of the remaining shows on her Girlhood tour, which continues tomorrow night.

23 June 2023 – Low 302, Eora/Sydney
24 June 2023 – The Servo Bar, Dharawal and Dhurga Country/Port Kembla
31 August 2023 – Oodies Café, Taribelang Bunda, Gooreng Gooreng, Gurang, and Bailai Country/Bundaberg

Images used with permission from Revolutions per Minute

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

“Dirty Laundry” – Sammy White

I’m not interested in artists with a lot of polish. I want to know about the good, the bad, and the ugly. I want it raw and real. And that’s exactly why Dirty Laundry, the debut album from country singer-songwriter Sammy White, is so appealing.

As the title of her album suggests, Sammy isn’t afraid to tell it like it is. This is a confessional body of work with songs that touch on Sammy’s sense of self and her relationships, especially with fellow country artist Brad Cox. He guests on the romantic ballad “Love on the Line,” which touches on the challenges of sustaining a relationship as travelling musicians. Songs celebrating the strong women in regional areas like “Country as Cow Shit”, “Diamonds and Dolly”, and “You Sound Like Me” are bound to resonate with her fans. However, you don’t need to be from the country, or even a fan of country music, to appreciate this music. I really related to the picture of a peaceful, uncomplicated love she draws in “Countryside.” “I’ll Do Me, You Do You,” the beautiful ballad of acceptance featuring Brad Butcher which closes the album, is another stunning song.

Listening to Dirty Laundry, it’s difficult to believe that Sammy was nominated for New Talent of the Year at the 2022 Golden Guitar Awards. Just a year on she sounds so seasoned, confident in her vocals and her message. This album paints a picture of a performer who knows herself and is unafraid to share that with the world. It’s refreshing and so exciting to hear. Dirty Laundry is out now. Sammy is currently supporting Brad Cox on his Australian tour, so make sure you get there early if you’ve got tickets to the remaining shows:

22 June 2023 – The Cambridge Hotel, Mulubinba/Newcastle
23 June 2023 – Manning Bar, Eora/Sydney
24 June 2023 – Anita’s Theatre, Thurraral Country/Thirroul

Images used with permission from Sammy White

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

“Bed and Breakfast” – King of Spain

It feels like far too long ago that we were introduced to King of Spain’s debut single “Ferrol.” If they left you wanting more too, wrap your ears around Bed and Breakfast, the band’s first EP.

Each track takes us to another European city. We’re veering off the beaten path here. We take visit “Ferrol,” a Spanish city, for the party. “Grabovac”, named after the Croatian city, is a smooth operator, skilled in the art of seduction. “Newburg” is a little psychedelic, so perhaps it’s the part of the European vacation where we experiment with some mushrooms. But what a trip is it. “Saint Pol” brings us back to earth with its deep-seated groove.

The press release mentions Allen Stone, and I can certainly hear similarities in the old-school sensibility and Peter White’s effortlessly soulful vocals. But I can also hear a little classic Hall & Oates coming through. And then there’s that thing you just can’t put your finger on that sets King of Spain apart. At just four tracks, Bed and Breakfast still isn’t enough to satisfy me. But it’s a delicious serve of funk and soul that’s certainly whetting my appetite for more from this Tartanya/Adelaide act.

Images used with permission from Big Oak Records

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

“Learning Futures” EP – Franjapan

From the moment Franjapan count us in to “Showtime” and those bouncy guitar notes kick in, you know you’re in for a good time. The opening track to Learning Futures, the band’s first studio EP, it sets the scene for this joyous collection of songs.

“Stonewall” is another indie-rock banger, the kind of song that makes you want to jump around and punch your fist in the air. I loved “Lucy” on its release, and its appeal hasn’t faded. It’s a bit more romantic than the songs that came before, a Sam Fender-esque song that would sound perfect turned up loud as you take on the open road. “Awake on my Eyes” is the EP’s most poignant moment, a gentle guitar ballad with beautiful harmonies and tender lyrics. Just what you thought you had Franjapan figured out, this song proves they’re much more than just a party band. Closing number “Choo Choo” is the perfect closer, an anthemic number that I can imagine hearing in stadiums. Give it time.

Franjapan road-tested these songs in the live arena and were thrilled at the enthusiastic response they got from audiences. Sometimes things get lost in translation, with studio versions failing to match the energy of the live arena. I haven’t seen Franjapan live, yet, but I do know these songs are buzzing. And they make me want to see them live, which is a pretty good result in my books. I’ll have to wait a while, but if you’re in Naarm/Melbourne you can see Franjapan launching Learning Futures at The Espy on June 16.

Images used with permission from beehive; main image credit: Jontee Langton

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

“Last of Your Kind” – The VANNS

Through The Walls, the debut album from The VANNS, was my favourite release of 2019. I still have it on regular rotation. This Aussie rock band set such a high bar from the jump that I wondered whether they could ever come close with album number two. I found myself getting my hopes up with each brilliant single release. Now that Last of Your Kind is out in the world, I can emphatically say it’s every bit as good as The VANNS’ debut. In fact, it might even be better.

I was hooked from the first shimmery notes of the title track. Then Jimmy Vann’s warm, easy vocals kicked in, followed by the drums, and everything felt so right. There’s a familiarity about The VANNS’ music. Their sound is instantly recognisable, accessible, yet it never feels formulaic. Every song is a banger. They do anthemic rock music so well. The energy stays up with the singles “Haunted” and “Ever” following the album’s title track. But The VANNS have a sensitive side too. Ballads like “Silhouette” and the stunning closer “Collide” provide poignant moments that let us catch our breath. This album has been a long time coming, with some singles like “Red Light” and “Feels Good Now” dating back to 2021, yet it sounds so cohesive. In taking their time to release another LP, The VANNS have got it so right.

With the release of Last of Your Kind, The VANNS’ prove that their exceptional debut album was no fluke. They’re simply one of the best bands in the country. Press play and hit repeat, because you’ll want to listen to Last of Your Kind again and again. The VANNS’ are just about the embark on some instores and shows to support the new album’s release. Tickets to the gigs are limited, so pounce on any that you can get your hands on!

19 May 2023 – Greville Records, Naarm/Melbourne (1 pm)
19 May 2023 – The Espy, Naarm/Melbourne
20 May 2023 – Crosstalk Records, Eora/Sydney (1 pm)
20 May 2023 – Oxford Art Factory, Eora/Sydney
21 May 2023 – Music Farmers, Woolyungah/Wollongong (3 pm)
21 May 2023 – La La La’s, Woolyungah/Wollongong
24 May 2023 – Sonic Sherpa, Meeanjin/Brisbane (6 pm)
25 May 2023 – The Zoo, Meeanjin/Brisbane
27 May 2023 – The Jynx House @ Your Mates Brewing Co., Kabi Kabi and Jinibara Country/Sunshine Coast
16 June 2023 – San Fran, Wellington
17 June 2023 – The Tuning Fork, Auckland
21 July 2023 – Splendour in the Grass, Ngarindjin / North Byron Parklands

Images used with permission from beehive; main photo credit: Senor Friday