Category: Album Reviews

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

“Fearless” – Is MAN KIND

Most of the time the music that is polished within an inch of its life. In some cases, it might be too polished. I can be refreshing to hear something that’s a little rawer and less refined. I think that’s one of the reasons I’m really enjoying Fearless, the debut EP from Yugambeh Country/Gold Coast outfit Is MAN KIND.

I must admit, it took me a couple of songs to get on board. But by the time the nostalgic “1984” kicked in, I was a fan. This is really music of a different time, old school rock that doesn’t need the bells and whistles. I can’t imagine many bands recording a track like “Super Sexy Satisfaction,” which is every bit as wild as it sounds, but it’s delivered with so much swagger that you can’t help but like it. Closing number “The Impossible Dream” is a big gospel-rock ballad that’s just so much fun.

Listening to these songs, you get the sense that Is MAN KIND are just a few blokes who make music because they enjoy it. They’d probably be more at home at your local pub than an arena, but there’s a real honest charm about that. If I ever saw them in my local, I’d definitely buy them a beer or two. Leave your expectations at the door and I think Fearless might just win you over too. As you might imagine, is MAN KIND have some gigs coming up. Get yourself along to one of the following shows, because I’m sure it’ll be a good time.

27 November 2022 – Last Night on Earth, Yugambeh Country/Gold Coast (Free album launch)
11 December 2022 – Hotel Brunswick, Durring/Brunswick Heads
17 December 2022 – Xmas Cheers ‘n’ Beers @ Madocke Beer Brewing Company, Yugambeh Country/Gold Coast
5 February 2023 – Hotel Brunswick, Durring/Brunswick Heads

Images used with permission from Footstomp Music

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

“BIG!” – Betty Who

It’s an exciting time for pop music, and women are front and centre of the revolution. Taylor Swift has just broken all records with Midnights. I can’t stop listening to Carly Rae Jepsen’s newie, The Loneliest Time. Another artist who deserves to be in the conversation is Betty Who. The Australian-American pop trailblazer recently dropped her latest album BIG!, which is her most personal and probably her best to date.

I must admit, I came to this album a little reluctantly. I’ve been bingeing the other two big pop releases, and I expected this one to fall short. But Betty had me from the title track. It’s the perfect opener, a nostalgic pop ballad that unashamedly introduces and celebrates all 6-foot, two-inches of Betty. “WEEKEND” turns up the energy with more ‘80s vibes and fun, flirty lyrics. Betty Who is a master at crafting these feel-good pop bangers. Listening to songs like “BLOW OUT MY CANDLE” and “SHE CAN DANCE” is a pure delight. They’re great fun, but tap into those introspective lyrics and I guarantee you’ll fall a little more in love. These are songs of strength, celebrations of the human spirit and embracing all parts of yourself.

While I enjoyed the upbeat moments, the quieter songs really made me fall in love with this album. “SOMEONE ELSE” slows the beats down and reveals the vulnerability that comes with opening your heart to another human being. The closing song “GROWN UPS GROW APART” is so stripped back and raw. Its quiet power draws you in, encouraging you to listen to its poignant lyrics. It’s such a special song, and the perfect way to end this album.

Like many of you I imagine, I didn’t know much about Betty Who beyond her big covers of “I Love You Always Forever” and the Queer Eye theme. BIG! shows Betty Who is so much more than that. She’s an incredible songwriter who has really floored me with this record. I understand it’s hard to tear yourself away from the new Taylor Swift and Carly Rae records, but I promise it’s worth giving BIG! a listen.

Images used with permission from Good Intent

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

“Machines of Love & Grace” – Kav Temperley

I was a casual Eskimo Joe fan. I’d sing along to “To The Sea” or “Black Fingernails, Red Wine” as enthusiastically as any Aussie, but I wouldn’t buy the albums or see the band live. Then in 2018, Kav Temperley dropped his first solo album, All Your Devotion, and I felt I finally understood what all the fuss was about. I bought the vinyl, I went to a gig, and I named that album my favourite of the year. With Ben Lee and Amy Shark releasing incredible music in the same year, it was no mean feat. So understandably, I had some pretty high expectations for Kav’s new solo effort, Machines of Love & Grace.

This album has been two and a half years in the making. The global pandemic had a way of slowing down so many things, including this release. However, like a good cheese or red wine, a little time leading up to the finished product is far from a bad thing.

“Machines Of Love & Grace started its life in the very first week of COVID,” he explained. “Myself and my wife had just returned from the US and then one day later the whole entire world shut down. At the same time, I also came down with a mystery virus that was too early in the pandemic to test for COVID. So while everyone went into lockdown, I began to isolate myself in my bedroom only talking to my family through a small crack in the bedroom window.”

Without the distractions of the outside world, Kav could focus on the lyrics, producing some of the best-written songs of his career. As someone who fell so deeply for the songs on his debut, I don’t say that flippantly. Kav tackles some big stuff here. The opening track “Emergency in D Minor” ruminates on self-isolation. The title track was inspired by the screen addiction so many of us experience, not just during lockdown but through the modern age. The most recent single “Last of the Wine” paints a portrait of alcoholism and domestic violence. “The Fence” touches on anti-vaxxers and the environment. Machines of Love & Grace is a weighty album, but Kav’s knack for creating catchy melodies ensures it doesn’t feel too heavy. It makes you think, but also encourages you to keep listening.

Coming out of a time of isolation, the choice collaborations feel even more poignant. Kav teams up with some of Western Australia’s best musicians: John Butler, Katy Steele, and Siobhan Cotchin. Hearing their voices combine and the energy in their connections is a beautiful thing.

Machines of Love & Grace is an incredible follow-up to All Your Devotion. I’m falling just a little more in love with every listen. Kav plans on touring this album with shows in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Adelaide, and Perth. Check his website for show details and tickets from 10am on Tuesday October 25.

Images used with permission from On the Map PR; main image credit: Jarrad Levy

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

“Me & You” – Joan & The Giants

After waxing lyrical about Joan & The Giants’ singles “The Weekend” and “Home Song,” I wasn’t sure what I’d have to say about the band’s debut EP Me & You. That’s two of the five songs after all. But now this beautiful EP is out in the world, I knew I had to find the words and put this band back on your radar.

Listening to “The Weekend” opening the EP reminded me just how much I love what this band does. If you somehow missed the single on its release, I know it’s going to hook you in. “Slow Motion” is a slow burner, in the best possible way, a gentle love song that captures the headiness of finding someone you spark with so beautifully. “Hardest Part” is a beautiful piano ballad. Its minimalist instrumentation ensures you focus in on the powerful lyrics and Grace Newton-Wordsworth’s stunning voice. “Home Song” brings us back to the familiar before the EP ends with “Centerfold.” We’ve all heard so many love songs that avoid using specifics to ensure they relate to the reader. I love that Joan & The Giants get specific, with references to Tim Burton characters and swimming lessons. The details bring the love story of Grace and her bandmate Aaron Birch to life in technicolour. It’s such a beautiful way to end this special EP.

The beauty of an EP is that it lets you sit in the band’s music for a little longer than a single. The singles felt all too fleeting, like a cool breeze on a summer’s day that hit you for a moment before moving on. The EP wraps you up in a warm hug, staying with you for as long as you need the comfort. And if that’s not quite long enough, you can always press play.

Images used with permission from Kick Push PR

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

“Get Better” – Old Mervs

If The Wombats and The Vanns had a baby, they might sound a little something like Old Mervs. Coming out of Western Australia, Dave House & Henry Carrington-Jones are leading the surf-rock renaissance with a sound that’s much bigger and more addictive than any duo has the right to create. With the release of their debut EP Get Better today, it’s time for the nation to realise just how good these guys are.

I’ve spent a solid week just listening to this EP and I still can’t get enough. These songs are so good, with self-reflective lyrics fuelled by the lads finishing high school and figuring our what comes next coupled with a big rock sound that goes down easy. They’re accessible and irresistibly catchy, hooking you from the opening drum notes of “Where I Go”. I found myself singing along with the choruses from the get go, and when the final guitar chords of the slow-burning closer “How I Met Your Mother” faded away I couldn’t wait to press play again. All these songs were new to me, but before long they felt like old friends. It feels mean to single any out because they’re all new favourites. And besides, this music is better felt and experienced than analysed. Just turn it on and turn that volume up.

Get Better is out now. Do yourself a favour and get around it, because it’s stellar.

Images used with permission from beehive

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

MATH EP – MATH

Maddi McDonald and brothers Clay, Dylan, and Sam Hooper have been gigging around their hometown of Darumbal Country/Rockhampton and beyond since 2018. They’ve shortened their name from Maddi and the Hoopers to the catchy MATH and today released their self-titled EP. I was already on board with the launch of the single “Break My Heart,” but with this latest release I’ve become an even bigger fan.

At four tracks, MATH have kept things short and sweet. It’s a smart tactic, leaving us wanting more while still showing plenty of versatility. “Break My Heart,” the EP’s closing track, is an infectiously upbeat number. From the get go, this EP shows us this band can do much more than radio-friendly fare. The EP opener “Control” is dark and brooding, the polar opposite of the lead single. “Be Loved” is a little lighter but full of longing, with a guitar solo would make John Mayer proud. I can hear John Mayer’s influence again through “Baby, We’re on Fire”. MATH admits they’re big fans and it shows. Any act could do worse than creating songs with cool guitar riffs and a similar irresistible pop-rock sensibility though. Finishing with “Break My Heart” reminded me how I instantly connected with this song, and indeed this band, months ago. The music they make is so infectiously good. Maddi McDonald is such a strong vocalist and she’s supported confidently by the Hooper brothers. They’re all tight musicians who know exactly what they need to do to make this music come to life.

MATH’s EP is out today. Make sure you take a listen. They’re playing another hometown gig at the Capricorn Food & Wine Festival supporting Busby Marou tonight, but something tells me they’ll be headlining shows all over the country soon enough.

Images used with permission from Footstomp Music

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

“SEND HELP” – YDE

YDE is one of those people that makes you question what you’ve been doing with your life. She was starring in the Nickelodeon series The Haunted Hathaways at nine and went on to feature in School of Rock, Malibu Rescue, and the live production of WILD: A Musical alongside absolute icon Idina Menzel. She’s currently writing songs with Justin Tranter and Teddy Geiger, she’s received cosigns from Justin Bieber and Drake, and Teen Vogue and Billboard are talking about her. Not bad for a 19-year-old born in Sydney. With the recent release of her debut EP SEND HELP, she’s sure to cement her reputation as a serious talent.

We’ve all seen those young starlets who generate plenty of buzz but seem to lack substance. Rest assured; YDE is the real deal. I flipped over recent singles “Old Her” and “People Can Change,” two tracks that showed her diversity. There are more gems on this EP though. From the clap-along upbeat pop of “Never Too Young” to the introspective ballads “Normal to Feel” and the new single “Uncomfortable,” YDE shows she’s an immense talent with plenty to say.

While it’s called EP, at nine tracks it seems more like a mini album. YDE wrote the songs and served as executive producer, ensuring she retained creative control. The result is a collection of songs that reveal so much about this young talent while leaving us wanting more. Believe the hype. YDE is a bright light on the pop scene.

Images used with permission from Warner Music Australia; main image credit: Jade DeRose

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

“Call to Unknowns” – Little Quirks

Little Quirks have been releasing songs from their new EP Call to Unknowns since 2020. The pandemic had a way of slowing things down. But you know what they say about good things coming to those who wait. It’s been a long time coming, but Call to Unknowns is so very good.

The epic folk number “The Rain” opens the EP, showcasing the kind of theatre this Darkinjung Country/Central Coast band are capable of. This family band has matured so much since they began releasing music together in 2015, and this song celebrates their evolution. However, with stripped-back tracks like the new single “All My Friends are Birds” and the enchanting closing number “Underwater,” they show us that they haven’t strayed too far from their roots.

Whether they’re making a big noise or showing us the power of quiet moments, the beautiful harmony of their voices anchors Little Quirks’ music. It’s a beautiful sound that quite simply brings joy. I’ve loved hearing the singles, but the release of Call to Unknowns lets us soak up the magic of Little Quirks for a little longer. It’s out now. Fresh from an international tour, Little Quirks will play shows around the country, and some sneaky UK dates, in the coming months. Catch them anywhere you can:

9 September 2022 – Newkulele Festival @ Newcastle City Hall, Mulubinba/Newcastle
10 September 2022 – Brisbane Festival @ Milton Park, Turrbal Country/Milton (FREE)
16 September 2022 – Hoey Moey, Gumbaynggirr Country/Coffs Harbour
17 September 2022 – NightQuarter, Kabi Kabi Country/Sunshine Coast
18 September 2022 – Miami Marketta, Kombumerri Country/Gold Coast
23 September 2022 – Mojos, Walyalup/Fremantle
24 September 2022 – Good Day Sunshine Festival @ Barnard Park, Undalup/Busselton
3 October 2022 – The Craufurd Arms, Milton Keynes (with Bull)
8 October 2022 – Sneaky Pete’s, Edinburgh
17 October 2022 – Prince Albert, Brighton
12 November 2022 – The Factory Theatre, Eora/Sydney
18 November 2022 – Live at the Bundy, Wayput/Sale
19 November 2022 – Shotkickers, Naarm/Melbourne
19 November 2022 – Hinterland Music Festival @ Red Hill Recreation Reserve, Boonwurrung Country/Red Hill
27 November 2022 – Queenscliff Music Festival @ Princess Park, Wadawurrung Country/Queenscliff
20 January 2023 – Drifter’s Wharf, Darkinjung Country/Gosford
4 March 2023 – Nannup Festival, Wardandi and Bibbulmun Country/Nannup

Images used with permission from Revolutions per Minute

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

“Heartquakes” – Darcy Lane

When I heard Darcy Lane’s singles “Spines” and “Bored”, I couldn’t wait to hear more. Today my patience is rewarded with the release of Darcy’s incredible debut EP, Heartquakes.

If you’re already familiar with Darcy’s music, this EP is every bit as angsty, relatable, and catchy as you’d hope for. If you’re yet to discover her songs, this four-track release is a fantastic introduction. “Bad Together” kicks things off, an irresistible indie-pop track with dark lyrics of dysfunctional love that counterbalance the boppy beat. Lyrics like “Maybe love’s supposed to feel like you’re choking” are so powerful. “Bored” has lost none of its potency with time. Listening to it in the context of this EP reminds me just how incredible it is. “Harmless” is revealing and raw, with Darcy unafraid to share her deepest self. The electro beats give it a fun, fresh feel, but again its those lyrics that make the deepest impression. “Spines” rounds out the EP, bringing our journey through Darcy’s heart and mind over all too quickly.

Selfishly, I wish Heartquakes for longer. But by delivering just four tracks, Darcy keeps us wanting more. Like those three-minute pop songs or a delicious petit four, Darcy ensures what she presents here is incredibly strong. It’s short and bittersweet, but remember that you can always press play again.

Images used with permission from Good Intent

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

“Placid in the Rough” – Toby Mobbs

Through the years of writing this blog, I’ve realised that often the best albums aren’t the ones pushed by the big labels. Sure, there are some brilliant artists with that kind of backing, but our country is so rich in talent that often the real gems come from independent acts who release their music simply because they have something to say. Toby Mobbs, an unsigned independent singer-songwriter from Albury, is one of those acts. His debut album Placid in the Rough is likely to fly under the radar, but it deserves your time.

Toby describes himself as a pop-folk act, but that doesn’t quite tell the whole story. Placid in the Rough is such a diverse album. My own music taste is so eclectic, I can get bored if a record stays in the same place for too long but this album takes us on a journey, from solo tracks recorded in home studios to collaborations with other artists in professional studios. Yes, there are poppy, folky moments, but Toby has so much more to share with us. The opening number “Making Lemonade” has a rock edge which gets cranked up to 11 with the next track “Moments”. There’s a gentle country feel to “The River,” a duet with the fabulous Nick Keogh, and “Just One Thing”, which features Asha Bright. “A Mark to Remember” has a retro electronic vibe. Toby’s sound is a glorious symphony by the time the final track, “Will I Be Somebody Else?” rolls around.

I have a sneaking suspicion that these eight tracks barely scratch the surface. No genre that Toby plays with feels ill-fitting, which is a testament to his talent and confident songwriting. As a self-confessed word nerd, I really appreciate Toby’s introspective, yet relatable, lyrics. The unique collection of songs that makes up Placid in the Rough encourages repeat listens. I’ve returned to this album countless times this week, and I’m probably going to press play again once I finish writing this review. You should too.

If you like what you hear, you can catch Toby showcasing the music and stories behind these special songs at intimate venues around the country. After seeing so many “national” tours that skipped Darwin, Perth, and Hobart, he was determined to play every capital, and a few choice regional centres too. He’ll be joined by Nick Keogh and local artists at every show, including many who appear on Placid in the Rough. The tour kicks off in Toby’s hometown of Wiradjuri Country/Wagga Wagga next month.

5 October 2022 – The Curious Rabbit, Wiradjuri Country/Wagga Wagga
6 October 2022 – The Food Co-op Shop & Café, Ngambri/Canberra
7 October 2022 – Butchers Brew Bar, Eora/Sydney
9 October 2022 – Can You Keep A Secret?, Meeanjin/Brisbane
15 October 2022 – Happy Yess, Garramilla/Darwin
22 October 2022 – The 21st Amendment, Boorloo/Perth
26 October 2022 – Wheatsheaf Hotel, Tarndanya/Adelaide
28 October 2022 – Brunswick Artists’ Bar, Naarm/Melbourne
30 October 2022 – Pablo’s Cocktails And Dreams, Nipaluna/Hobart
6 November 2022 – The Goods Shed, Bungambrawatha/Albury-Wodonga

Images used with permission from Toby Mobbs; feature image credit: Trewbella Photography