Category: Album Reviews

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

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

“What Rhymes With Christmas?” – Teeny Tiny Stevies

I said I was going to highlight some Christmas music. You were warned. If you’re not ready to go full-Mariah yet, the Teeny Tiny Stevies’ new EP What Rhymes With Christmas? might be the release to ease you into the festive season.

I know, I know, I’m not in the Teeny Tiny Stevies’ core demographic. I’m definitely not a kid, and I don’t have any around me. I don’t have to listen to “children’s music.” I’ve resisted previous Teeny Tiny Stevies releases because I’ve already learned those important lessons about sharing, using sunscreen, and sleeping through the night. But Christmas is a season that brings out the inner child in us all, so these songs are a little more accessible than their standard fare.

This EP is full of really lovely folky music. It makes such a change from hearing the big divas and crooners that dominate Christmas playlists. Some might say it’s the ideal summer music. That’s what we need for an Aussie Christmas. Speaking of, it’s still so refreshing to hear musicians singing about our unique experiences of Christmas. There are references to Paul Kelly music, cicadas, the heat, and even biscuits. No cookies here!

“As songwriters, we feel so lucky to be welcomed into families’ homes via our Teeny Tiny Stevies catalogue, and while we’re privileged enough to be there it feels like the right time to add our local voice to the mix of mostly international Christmas classics,” Beth and Byll Stephens explained.

“Like most Australians, while enjoying the classic Christmas carols on offer, there is this weird disconnect when we’re singing along to songs about roasting chestnuts & snow men. It was a satisfying challenge, when writing these new songs, to ask ourselves ‘what does it feel like and sound like at MY Christmas right here at home’. ”

“I also like the idea of Christmas songs that aren’t completely about Christmas, for example ‘All I Want For Christmas Is You’ is actually a love song, and ‘How to Make Gravy’ is the story of a family, I mean they are about Christmas but there’s another narrative. And we’ve honed in on that idea with ‘Three’. ”

Teeny Tiny Stevies are a children’s act, and I know that little ones will embrace these songs that tell real Aussie Christmas stories. But I encourage all of the adults out there to give What Rhymes With Christmas? a listen too. Like me, you might be pleasantly surprised.

If you’re still searching for the perfect present for little ones in your lives, how about some Teeny Tiny Stevies tickets? They’re taking their How to Be Creative tour all over the country in the New Year.

6 January 2023 – Albury Entertainment Centre, Bungambrawatha/Albury
7 January 2023 – Civic Theatre Auditorium, Wiradjuri Country/Wagga Wagga
8 January 2023 – Canberra Theatre Playhouse, Ngunnawal Country/Canberra
13 January 2023 – HOTA Lakeside Room, Yugambeh Country/Gold Coast
14 January 2023 – Old Museum Concert Hall, Meeajin/Brisbane
15 January 2023 – Armitage Centre @ Empire Theatre, Jagera, Giabal and Jarowair Country/Toowoomba
17 January 2023 – Events Centre Playhouse, Kabi Country/Caloundra
19 January 2023 – Walter Reid Cultural Centre, Darumbal Country/Rockhampton
20 January 2023 – MECC, Yuwibara Country/Mackay
22 January 2023 – Tanks Arts Centre, Gimuy/Cairns
27 January 2023 – Dunstan Playhouse, Tarntanya/Adelaide
28 January 2023 – Sir Robert Helpmann Theatre, Boandik Country/Mt Gambier
3 February 2023 – Port Cygnet Cannery, Melukerdee and Lyluequonny Country/Cygnet
4 February 2023 – Earl Arts Centre, Therrernotepanner, Leterrermairrener and Panniher Country/Launceston
5 February 2023 – Theatre Royal, Nipaluna/Hobart
12 February 2023 – Live at the Bowl @ Sidney Myer Music Bowl, Naarm/Melbourne
4 March 2023 – Twilight at Taronga @ Taronga Zoo, Eora/Sydney

Images used with permission from Revolutions per Minute

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

“Georgia Maq Live at the Sydney Opera House” – Georgia Maq

I’ve always appreciated Georgia Maq’s work, whether she’s fronting punk act Camp Cope or playing solo. However, my love for her music has deepened after hearing her new Live at Sydney Opera House EP. It’s a beautiful recording featuring five tracks recorded at her Vivid show in the Opera House’s Utzon Room last year.

The Utzon Room is a small, intimate space, perfect for stripping music back. We hear Georgia on piano, backed only with strings. In doing so, we hear her music in a new way. While her solo material has always been a little quieter and more introspective than her work with Camp Cope, I found I could appreciate it even more without the layered electronic sounds. This is simplicity at its finest. Georgia’s voice shines with such simple accompaniment, encouraging you to listen to her lyrics, to her stories.

While her own stories dominate, I’d be remiss if I didn’t mention her stunning cover of Regina Spektor’s “Samson” which closes this EP. I’ve always loved this song. Regina set the bar so high, but Georgia’s version is equally beautiful. I’m so glad I got the chance to hear it on this EP.

Georgia Maq Live at the Sydney Opera House is out now.

Images used with permission from Our Golden Friend; main image photo by Jess Gleeson + design by Sebi White

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

“The Silence of You” – Kyle Lionhart

I knew before pressing play that I was going to love Kyle Lionhart’s sophomore album The Silence of You. I’d already fawned over the singles “Chemical Heart” and “Lighthouse,” highlighting Kyle’s personal lyrics and heartfelt delivery. But I wasn’t prepared for just how much this collection of songs would move me.

When you release a few exceptional singles, they often become the highlights of the album. That’s not the case here. Every song is a standout, a powerful and personal revelation. Perhaps the pandemic has something to do with that. With the exception of “Locked to Towns,” penned during the songwriting sessions for his debut album, Kyle wrote every song during lockdown.

While we were all reflective while stuck in our homes, the period was especially telling for Kyle. Near the end of 2019, after more than six years of constant touring, he started feeling like pursuing his career came at the expense of his most important relationships. When the pandemic forced him to take a break from the road the following year, it was time to start working on those relationships and himself. These songs stemmed from that period of self-reflection; they’re powerful, sometimes confronting, and always authentic. Kyle admits that he cried every day in the studio singing these songs; that emotion really comes through. You can hear it in his voice, but make sure you listen to those lyrics to really understand the powerful experiences and feelings that shaped these songs.

While these songs deal with some heavy themes, The Silence of You isn’t a dark album. Kyle’s voice has a beautiful warmth that lifts you up as you listen. There’s also an undercurrent of optimism that brings lightness to the material. This album celebrates human connection and love. While that exists, we can never stay down for too long. Kyle will play shows in the new year to support the album’s release.

20 January 2023 – Milk Bar, Boorloo/Perth
21 January 2023 – Jive, Tarntanya/Adelaide
27 January 2023 – The Factory Theatre, Eora/Sydney
28 January 2023 – Corner Hotel, Naarm/Melbourne
3 February 2023 – Mos Desert Clubhouse, Yugambeh Country/Gold Coast
4 February 2023 – The Zoo, Meeanjin/Brisbane
10 February 2023 – Solbar, Kabi Kabi and Jinibara Country/Sunshine Coast
11 February 2023 – The Northern, Cavanbah/Byron Bay

Images used with permission from Revolutions per Minute

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

“For Wise People Who Appreciate Quality” – Sick Visor

As if they understood just how challenging Thursdays can be, Naarm/Melbourne indie-punk duo Sick Visor have dropped their debut EP For Wise People Who Appreciate Quality, and yes, it’s every bit as fabulous as its title. In fact, it’s an absolute joy.

Indie-punk and joy don’t often go hand in hand, but this isn’t your average collection of punk songs. There’s the energy, driving drums, and big chords we associate with the genre, but these songs are more about celebrating life than complaining about what’s wrong with it. I’m not sure I’ve ever related more to a punk song than the opening track, “Happy Pessimistic People Person Introvert”. “My Legs Feel Good In My Pants” reminds us all to appreciate the now and all its little wins. Want more positivity? “Love is Free” brings it in spades. Not that Sick Visor view the world totally through rose-coloured glasses. “Shit for Brains” is a self-deprecating anthem for musos all too aware of their shortcomings. “Sticky Tape” rounds out the EP. If ever a song was the equivalent of a big warm hug, this is it. Again, it embraces the flaws, reminding us that while we might be holding ourselves together with sticky tape, we’re far from the only ones.

After supporting the likes of Bugs and TOWNS in Melbourne, Sick Visor have announced some headlining gigs to support today’s release of For Wise People Who Appreciate Quality. Catch them at one of the following shows:

25 November 2022 – Greaser Bar, Brisbane (FREE)
2 December 2022 – Penny’s, Naarm/Melbourne (FREE)
3 December 2022 – Simple Cider, Nipaluna/Hobart (supporting the Sleepyheads)
5 December 2022 – MONA Lawns, Nipaluna/Hobart


Images used with permission from Habit Music Co; main image credit: Nick Manuell

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

“Jacob Fitzgerald & The Electric City” – Jacob Fitzgerald

I must admit, I listened to Jacob Fitzgerald’s new EP, Jacob Fitzgerald & The Electric City, more out of my own interest than any serious desire to write up a review. I’ve already fawned over three of the EP’s six tracks, so what more would I have to say? There’s probably a point where continuing to praise an artist gets boring, but once I listened to this EP I knew I’d have to put my fingers to the keyboard and get typing.

Jacob had already shown incredible diversity, delivering rock swag with his song “Muse,” then showing his softer side with softer, more pop-influenced tracks “The Long Way Home” and “Shame on You.” The EP delivers more pieces of the Jacob Fitzgerald puzzle. The opening track and current single “My Girl” reminds me a little of “Jessie’s Girl,” both thematically and in terms of its instant radio-friendly appeal. “The Electric City” is a brooding synth-driven number that has me thinking of classic 80s tunes from Don Henley and Tears for Fears. It’s really cool. After the bravado of “Muse,” the vulnerability he shows in “Peter Pan” is even more striking.

Jacob Fitzgerald & The Electric City shows Jacob is such a multi-faceted artist with plenty to show us. Something tells me that while this EP is diverse, something tells me there’s plenty more to come. That’s exciting. Jacob is about the embark on the shows in the major capitals supporting Loose Bricks. Rest assured, you want to turn up early enough for his set.

25 November 2022 – Black Bear Lodge, Meeanjin/Brisbane
26 November 2022 – Hiway Enmore, Eora/Sydney
16 December 2022 – Crown and Anchor, Tandanya/Adelaide
17 December 2022 – The Workers Club, Naarm/Melbourne

Images used with permission from Good Intent