Category: Album Reviews

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Self-Titled EP – Oscar LaDell

Singer, songwriter, and guitarist Oscar LaDell brings a world of experience to his self-titled debut solo release. With just four tracks he shows he’s an artist with an old soul who refuses to be pigeonholed.

Now based in Naarm/Melbourne, Oscar was born in Denver Colorado. He moved to Purakaunui in the South of Aotearoa/New Zealand before relocating here. You can hear all those influences in this music. Opening track “Somber Land” has a cool blues vibe. I can imagine it sitting neatly on the soundtrack of a modern Western noir movie. The gospel-esque choir intro of follow-up track “Summer Rain” signals a musical left turn. It’s a spiritual, soulful number which, like the song before it, feels classic. “Loving You” is every bit as romantic as its title suggests. It’s gentler and more vulnerable than the songs that came before it. With a sound that’s a little more stripped back, Oscar’s voice and lyrics draw you in. “Falling For You” brings the EP home with its irresistible groove.

With his commanding vocals, Oscar LaDell could sing the phone book. I also found myself relishing his guitar playing, appreciating the way his skill with this instrument elevated every track. But this EP shows he’s got more than that voice and gift with the guitar on his side. There’s a deep understanding of music, of genres, of how to craft songs that impact the soul and spirit. It’s the perfect introduction to his tunes, and a great sign of what’s to come. For more of Oscar’s music, check him out at one of his upcoming gigs:

19 May 2023 – Beneath Drivers Lane, Naarm/Melbourne (supporting Louis King & The Liars Klub)
20 May 2023 – The BEAST, Naarm/Melbourne (FREE – with Cherry Factory and Ella Lewis)
25 May 2023 – The Drunken Poet, Naarm/Melbourne
25 November 2023 – The Blues Train, Wadawarrung Country/Queenscliff

Image via Oscar LaDell EPK

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

“It Looks Better Than It Sounds” – Two Times Shy

I raved about Two Times Shy’s single “Tearing Up Inside” a couple of months ago. Now it’s found a home with the Meeanjin/Brisbane band’s debut EP. Don’t let its tounge-in-cheek name, It Looks Better Than It Sounds, fool you. These lads are playing coy, because it sounds fabulous.

Proving that there’s still life in the pop-punk genre, Two Times Shy come out swinging. Every song sounds like an instant classic. If you’re feeling a little relationship angst, tracks like the bold opener “Lonely” and “You and I” will strike a nerve. They’re all fantastic, with big guitar chords, singable choruses, and bold drums driving them along.

But for me “I’m Ready This Time” is the standout. From the opening acoustic guitar, you realise this is the song that breaks the formula. The pop-punk formula works well, don’t get me wrong, but this is the song that hints that this band offers a lot more than that. Its lyrics are truly vulnerable. It’s a real revelation. We also see their tender side with an acoustic cut of “Tearing Up Inside,” which really brings out the emotion behind this pop-punk smash.

There’s a reason these guys are on the radar of international tastemakers like idobi Radio. They’re bloody good. It Looks Better Than It Sounds is out now. Two Times Shy will launch the EP for hometown fans at Tomcat on April 14.

Images used with permission from Ruckus PR; main image credit: Gabi Rankine Creative

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

“Between Tonight & Tomorrow” – Matt Joe Gow

It’s taken more than four years for Matt Joe Gow to release the follow-up to his last acclaimed album Break, Rattle and Roll. It’s been time well-spent though, with Matt showcasing some of the most accomplished songs of his career in his latest album, Between Tonight & Tomorrow.

When you have such accomplished songs in your arsenal, they don’t need bells and whistles. Organic arrangements ensure the lyrics shine. Songs feel like they’re captured in the moment, with instrumentalists and backing vocalists joining Matt for a jam.

I already raved about the singles, “’Til My Whole Heart Bursts”, “Sweet Collapse,” and the title track, but every song here is so strong. They’re introspective, with lyrics that explore weighty subjects like our memories, the loss of loved ones, and rebirth, but the jangly guitars and Matt’s easy, reassuring voice ensure the sound never gets too heavy. I found new favourites, like the captivating opener “Shipwreck,” the poetic “Go Ahead, Celebrate,” and the poignant closer, “Closing In.” But everything here is so good. This is Americana at its finest.

I was so impressed with Break, Rattle and Roll, but Matt Joe Gow has raised the bar even higher with Between Tonight & Tomorrow. It’s a masterclass in songwriting and proof positive that when you craft quality songs, less is more.

Between Tonight & Tomorrow is out now. Matt Joe Gow is currently touring the album around the country. Catch him at one of these venues near you:

26 March 2023 – Memo Music Hall, Naarm/Melbourne (matinee album launch)
31 March 2023 – Palais-Hepburn, Dja Dja Wurrung Country/Hepburn Springs (with The Dead Leaves)
2 April 2023 – Hydrant Food Hall, Wadawurrung and Dja Dja Wurrung Country/Ballarat
7 April 2023 – Baroque Room, Dharug and Gundungurra Country/Katoomba (with The Dead Leaves)
8 April 2023 – Stag & Hunter, Mulubinba/Newcastle (with The Dead Leaves)
9 April 2023 – Hiway Enmore, Eora/Sydney (with The Dead Leaves)
15 April 2023 – Sandy Point Centre, Gunaikurnai Country/Sandy Point (with The Dead Leaves)
21 April 2023 – Star Hotel, Dhudhuroa/Yackandandah (with The Dead Leaves)
22 April 2023 – Mt Beauty Festival, Dhudhuroa and Yaitmathang Country/Mt Beauty (with The Dead Leaves)
25 April 2023 – Arrowtown Festival, Otago

Images used with permission from Matt Joe Gow

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

“Lust for Love” – Mother Culture

Leave your expectations at the door and discover Mother Culture’s sophomore EP, Lust for Love. The Naarm/Melbourne duo plays with genre to deliver a collection of songs that keep you guessing.

While most EPs set the foundation with their opening number, Mother Culture ease you in to this EP. “The Lesson I Can’t Seem to Learn” is a gentle acoustic folk ditty, which makes the big guitar chords of the next track “Fall On My Face” a real surprise. These guys know how to rock, whether it’s with this contemporary sound or the more vintage, psychedelic sounds of follow-up track “The Girl With the Doja Cat Tattoo.” Mother Culture really deliver something for everyone here. It’s all so much fun and never boring. “Dive” is classic country, with a driving acoustic guitar reminiscent of a Johnny Cash tune. “Should She Stay” is an upbeat pop-rocker with an irresistible hook you’ll find yourself humming for days. The EP closes out with the title track, a beautiful piano ballad that shows once and for all that Mother Culture are true musical chameleons.

The left turns of Lust for Love might be jarring for some listeners, but as someone with eclectic tastes I think they’re a lot of fun. With these six songs, Mother Culture prove they’re a band that refuses to be pigeonholed. Strap yourself in and enjoy the ride. Mother Culture will launch their EP at the Evelyn Hotel in Ngár-go/Fitzroy on March 25.

Images used with permission from Mother Culture

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

“Feelings Worth Living For” – Jim Alxndr

Most of us enjoy good music every day. But truly great music? The kind of music that gets under your skin and into your heart and permeates every cell? That’s so much rarer. That’s the kind of music Jim Alxndr delivers on his new EP Feelings Worth Living For.

That title instantly struck me. It raises such expectations. You’d better evoke powerful emotions when you dare to give an EP a name like that. But from the moment the lush, layered vocals of the opening track “Sticks and Stones” kicked in, I thought he might just deliver on what he’s promised.

Naarm/Melbourne-based Jim is a talented producer who’s worked with the likes of Carly Rae Jepsen, Jack Garrett, and Paul Moody. It gives him a unique understanding of music that really shines through this recording. It sounds incredible, with rich vocal harmonies and electro-acoustic sound collages. The music wraps around exquisite lyrics. They’re introspective, yet somehow so relatable. I found myself moved time and time again. When the stunning closer “The Light” faded out, I had to take a few moments to compose myself. And then listen again.

“The songs on Feelings Worth Living For all feel like big, understanding hugs to me. Like the best friend you call at 2 am crying cause you know they’re gonna pick up and you know they’re gonna accept you no matter what you’re going through. Or the picture of your partner on your phone lock screen that you look at and can’t help but smile at,” Jim explained. “The songs seem to listen to my thoughts and give me back an understanding of our current existence – hence the name of the EP.”

Take some time to listen to Feelings Worth Living For. In a world where so much music seems disposable, this is one EP that will encourage you to keep coming back for more.

Images used with permission from beehive

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

“METADRAMATIC” – St. Humain

Ever since seeing Carly Rae Jepsen on Tuesday, I’ve been on a bit of a pop kick. As if on cue, I discovered METADRAMATIC, the fantastic new EP from St. Humain.

Singapore-born and Eora/Sydney based, St. Humain writes music with real heart. The sound is fresh, with electronic and R&B influences that give it a wider appeal. I found myself bopping along from the first note of “Wanna Talk.” It’s a real bop, but its lyrics about wanting to bridge the gap and impress someone as smoothly as a dream alter-ego really cut deep. That’s the genius of St. Humain. The songs are real earworms, but every one has a real heart behind it. St. Humain does upbeat numbers really well. The electro-groove and effortless falsetto of “Sick Sad Love Song” remind me of a modern Maroon 5 number. The danceability of “Momento” reminds me of a Dua Lipa cut.

While St. Humain knows how to start the party, he also creates some heartbreaking ballads. “Tastes Like You” and the closing number “Dial Tones” are intimate numbers, with the keys keeping St. Humain’s voice company.

Pop fans listen up. St. Humain is the real deal. His sophomore EP METADRAMATIC is out now.

Image used with permission from LPR Agency

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

“Songs from Swan Street Vol. I” – Rhys Duursma

After the festive season slowdown, I’ve been itching to find some new music that really resonates with me. And then Rhys Duursma sent me a copy of his gorgeous debut solo EP, Songs from Swan Street Vol. I. I just know you’re going to get excited about it too.

Rhys’ press release describes this EP as a “three-year labour of love.” I can hear that dedication through this recording. While the sound is primarily stripped back, the lyrics are meticulously crafted, rich in details that encourage repeated listens. If you do the maths, the acoustic-driven sound makes sense. Rhys created these songs in his Swan Street home during the early stages of the pandemic, when he was unable to create music with his band Lowline or duo Mayfair Lane. During this period of social isolation, Rhys took a deep dive into the back catalogues of songwriting greats. Listening to these songs, he might just have learned a thing or two from them. Lyrically, this is one of the strongest EPs I’ve heard in some time.

The opening track “Same Old” sets the tone. We only hear Rhys’ voice and his acoustic guitar for most of the tune. It’s so stunning in its simplicity, a stark contrast to the full-band follow-up “Days Like This.” It’s more rock than folk, the kind of track I can imagine blasting on a road trip. The poignant “Didn’t He” takes us another left turn, revealing the deep bond between a brother and his sister navigating the ups and downs of relationships. We don’t sit in this quiet space for too long before Rhys amps up the energy again with the rollicking “Hey Ma,” an optimistic, upbeat song about big dreams left unfulfilled. “Charlie” is another gentle, finger-picking folk song that paints a rich picture of the eponymous character. The beautiful “Glenrowan” closes out this magical EP.

Apparently Rhys had already released a couple of singles from Songs from Swan Street Vol. I, but I went into this recording with fresh ears. I’m glad for that, because I got to experience these songs in their proper context, all at once. Individually they tell beautiful stories, but altogether they create a richer tapestry. I’m not sure whether Rhys will continue with the stripped-back sound that dominates this EP now that we’ve moved into a new phase of the pandemic, but I’m hoping to hear volume two.

Images used with permission from Rhys Duursma

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

“ten feet tall” – Yorke

In 2020, Yorke blew me away with her debut EP Liberosis. I loved it so much that I named it among my top releases of the year. I couldn’t wait to hear what came next, but I’m glad Yorke has taken her time with a follow-up. Two years after her breakthrough, she’s treated us with ten feet tall.

After two years, Yorke is older and wiser. There’s a confidence that comes with time that shines through these songs. However, she hasn’t lost that youthful spark that drew me to her music years ago. There’s a real nostalgic charm to the upbeat numbers that dominate this EP, including the singles “next life”, “i’ll keep driving”, and “when the honeymoon is over.” After dancing through the first couple of songs, the gentle title track gives us the opportunity to pause, reflect, and get to know Yorke a little better. There’s a quiet power about this song, the only ballad on the EP. Its lyrics are beautifully vulnerable and its simpler orchestration shows us a new side of Yorke and her powers.

When I reviewed Liberosis back in 2020, I said Yorke showed great potential. With the release of her follow-up, I think she’s realising that potential I heard then. It’s pitch-perfect pop, confident and charismatic, whether it’s backed by layered beats or more stripped back. I’m really looking forward to hearing what Yorke does next, but I’m also going to enjoy sitting with these songs for a little while.

Yorke’s ten feet tall is out now. She’ll play the East Coast capitals to support its release in February.

3 February 2023 – Northcote Social Club, Naarm/Melbourne
9 February 2023 – The Lansdowne, Eora/Sydney
10 February 2023 – Black Bear Lodge, Meeanjin/Brisbane

Images used with permission from Island Records Australia

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

“Eli Greeneyes” EP – Eli Greeneyes

The year might be winding down, but I love that I’m still finding music to get excited about. Boorloo/Perth artist Eli Greeneyes is the latest act I can’t stop listening to. With just five songs, his self-titled EP makes a definitive statement that he’s arrived.

This is one of those EPs that leaves no doubt about the artist’s talent from the get-go. Opening track “Don’t Let Them Know” is as close as you’re going to get to the perfect piece of power pop. The vocals soar and it’s got an epic, cinematic feel. Close your eyes and you can imagine it playing over the credits of a really great coming-of-age movie. “Town of the Living Dead” is a guitar-forward track with a beat that just won’t quit. The current single “Flowers” sits in the middle of the EP. It’s super catchy, as the best singles are, with fabulous lyrics exploring gender roles and ulterior motives in relationships. After delivering upbeat pop-rock bangers in the front-half, the EP’s back-end gives Eli the chance to showcase his sensitive side. “Not Enough” and “People” are both beautiful piano ballads. “Not Enough” has a lush, layered sound while “People” is stripped back, ensuring its lyrics shine through.

As is fitting for a self-titled EP, Eli wrote, produced and mixed the EP. It sounds so polished, but it was created in a home studio in his parents’ spare room. If this is the music Eli Greeneyes makes first time up on a shoestring, I can’t imagine how his music might sound with more time and money behind him.

Eli Greeneyes’ debut EP is out now.

Images used with On the Map PR; main image credit: Ben Matei

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

“Suburban Daze” – Georgie Neilsen

I’ve gushed over Georgie Neilsen’s singles “Eyes Wide Open” and “Last Time I Felt Better,” so I was pretty thrilled to hear her debut EP Suburban Daze. My expectations were high, but I’ve been listening to little else for the last few days. Yes, it’s that good. There was a big part of me that wondered whether I had enough left to say after heaping so much praise on nearly half the songs. But I couldn’t miss the opportunity to put this music on your radar.

The opening track “A Life In a Day” drew me in instantly. I’m not sure whether it was recorded live, but this song has that organic quality to it. As if Georgie just picked up her acoustic guitar and started to sing from her soul, and someone just happened to hit the record button. With lower production values than the other tracks, you’ve got to really focus to catch all the lyrics, ensuring you stay engaged until the final guitar notes. 

The title track comes next, with its drumbeat shocking us out of the acoustic spell. It’s got the rock edge that drew me to Georgie’s music in the first place. Interestingly Georgie recorded this song way back in 2019, but it fits so naturally with more recent creations like “Last Time I Felt Better.” “Eyes Wide Open” has a little more of a pop feel, ensuring we see as many facets of this dazzling artist as we can. 

It’s fitting that Georgie leaves us with the jubilant, defiant “I’m Changing.” These songs all touch on heartbreak, emotional turbulence, and the fight for independence, experiences that permanently alter and shape who we are as people, and perhaps as artists. Georgie might be changing, but I’m pretty excited to hear how she evolves.

Suburban Daze is out now.

Images used with permission from Kick Push PR