Category: Album Reviews

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

“Real Love in Real Life” – Greta Stanley

Greta Stanley is an artist who refuses to be pigeonholed. Just when you think you’ve got her figured out, she takes a left turn. It’s exciting. She showcases the full breadth of her artistry on her sophomore album Real Love in Real Life.

Real Love in Real Life seems like a pop record at first. The upbeat vibes of tracks like “Plant My Feet” and “Keep My Cool” match the vibrant pinks and purples on the album cover. It’s incredible pop music, energetic and fun and fresh. And then just like that, we’re on track six, “Heartbeat Harbour”, and everything changes. It’s darker, bluesier, more raw. “Hold on You” brings back the pop beats, but doesn’t shake that darkness. We’re getting to know another side of Greta. It’s different but so compelling. As the album progresses, it seems like Greta Stanley peels back more layers. “Favourite Songs” and “Close Call” are some of my favourite songs. The instrumentation is pared back, giving the honest lyrics space to breathe. They’re confessional, like diary entries, giving us real insight into the artist and her experiences. The current single “Red Earth Dirt” sees Greta return to pop princess mode, bringing the album full circle … or so I thought. However, Greta leaves us with the title track, a beautiful country song that sounds like it’d be at home in a honky tonk bar.

I must admit, it took me a little time to warm up to Real Love in Real Life. All the twists and turns took me by surprise. While I heard flashes of brilliance on the first couple of listens, I needed a little time to embrace the album as a whole. However, by the third listen, I was hooked. This is an album that challenges the listener, but since when was that a bad thing?

Real Love in Real Life is out today. She’s giving us a couple of months to familiarise ourselves with the songs before she hits the road for her headlining tour. Check her out at the following venues:

7 July 2022 – Black Bear Lodge, Brisbane
9 July 2022 – Waghorn to West Festival, Ipswich
14 July 2022 – La La La’s, Wollongong
15 July 2022 – Waywards, Sydney
16 July 2022 – Cambridge Hotel, Newcastle
22 July 2022 – Suburban Vibes, Western Australia
23 July 2022 – Four5Nine, Perth
30 July 2022 – Northcote Social Club, Melbourne
5th August 2022 – Otherwise Bar, Townsville
6 August 2022 – Tanks Art Centre, Cairns

Images used with permission from Six Boroughs

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

“Lonesome Blue” – Racing Birds

Just a couple of weeks ago I was raving about Racing Birds’ single “Rarely Never Loaded”. The reason I was so excited is that I already knew these guys weren’t just a flash in the pan. I was already listening to their debut EP Lonesome Blue, anticipating the day when I could tell you all about it.

I love the upbeat energy of “Rarely Never Loaded”, but the EP shows this duo has more than one gear. They seem more comfortable taking things at a slower pace, where their brand of bluesiness has time to marinate. They linger over lyrics, wringing every bit of emotion out of them. It ensures we feel the yearning in that title track, that we can see the beautiful imagery of “Silver Sun Bohemian” and “Vampires and LSD” coming to life without missing a detail. The raw, honest vocals from Jeremy Strother are a revelation, the perfect foil for Bobbie Lee Stamper’s rootsy blues rhythms. Together they’re creating some of the best alt-country music I’ve heard in some time.

I can’t wait to catch these guys live, because something tells me these tunes will sound even better experienced in a crowd of enthusiastic music fans. Until then, I’ve got this EP on repeat. Lonesome Blue is out today.

Image used with permission from Beehive PR

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

“Queen of Turbulent Hearts” – ILUKA

On a grey and gloomy day, ILUKA’s long-awaited debut album Queen of Turbulent Hearts brings the sunshine. With irresistible pop melodies and danceable beats, this is the perfect album to take you into the weekend.

No moment is wasted here. As the old adage goes, it’s all killer, no filler. I was instantly hooked from the opening notes of girl power anthem “The Limit.” As ILUKA namechecks history’s most iconic female trailblazers, you get the sense that this Blue Mountains singer-songwriter is proudly following in their footsteps. She may not be as well known yet, but she’s got such a powerful, distinctive voice. Not just sonically, although that’s undeniable. But ILUKA really has something to say. I’m listening.

The songs that come next bring the picture of ILUKA into focus. “Higher Love” is pure and optimistic. There’s a fierce determination in “Get Free”. She reveals her wild side in “Mess”, a brilliant collaboration with Lime Cordiale. This upbeat song hints at a vulnerability that tracks like “Hercules” and “Willing to Break” explore more deeply. The title track “Queen of Turbulent Hearts” is achingly nostalgic. These songs reveal so many facets of ILUKA’s personality, the positive and the flawed. While the music is eclectic, the honesty with which ILUKA shares herself ties this collection together beautifully.

I’ve been following ILUKA’s career since 2016. I’ve loved listening to her evolve from sweet folk-pop songstress to a bold indie-pop act. Queen of Turbulent Hearts shows how fearless she’s become. She knows who she is and she’s not afraid to share it. You don’t have to like it, but it’s much more fun if you get on board.

Queen of Turbulent Hearts is out today. ILUKA is currently touring the country with Lime Cordiale. Limited tickets are still available for some of the following shows:

8 April 2022 – Fremantle Arts Centre, Perth (SOLD OUT)
12 April 2022 – Sidney Myer Music Bowl, Melbourne
20 April 2022 – Hordern Pavilion, Sydney
21 April 2022 – Hordern Pavilion, Sydney
27 April 2022 – Hordern Pavilion, Sydney (SOLD OUT)
6 May 2022 – Riverstage, Brisbane (SOLD OUT)

Image used with permission from Six Boroughs Media

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

“Baltimore Train” – William Street Strikers

I’ve been maintaining this blog for so long that when things began I regularly received CDs in the mail to review. I understand digital review copies make more sense for artists and record labels, but I miss having my mailbox full of great music instead of bills. This week I received my first physical album for review in years: a copy of Baltimore Train, the latest album from Adelaide rock act William Street Strikers.

Interacting with this album made me remember just how good physical music can be. The ritual of removing the CD from its cardboard sleeve and placing it in the CD player heightens the anticipation. Incidentally, I borrowed the player from my husband when I discovered my relatively new laptop doesn’t have one. Putting the CD in the activated Windows Media Player, a program I didn’t even realise modern computers have. What a nostalgia trip. Listening to this album though, that process feels so right.

Baltimore Train has such an old-school feel. There are no bells or whistles, no electronic beats or production wizardry, just a bunch of blokes making music. From the first guitar strums of the opening track “Poor Boy,” the album transports listeners back to a simpler time. The songs drip with nostalgia. I love the psychedelic feel of “How Does It Feel,” the classic surf rock vibe of “I’m Going Home,” those big Who-esque guitar chords in “Everything’s Wrong.” Up-tempo rock tracks dominate the release, but William Street Strikers has a softer side. Intimate ballads like the current single “Bad Man” and “Shelter” reveal different layers of the band’s sound. William Street Strikers are natural rockers, but with these tracks they remind us that they’re more than capable of switching gears. They might have swagger, but there’s real heart hiding underneath.

As the final chord of the closing track “Let You Down” faded out, I thought to myself “They just don’t make albums like that anymore.” Baltimore Train is a throwback in many ways, but there’s a reason why so many of us are nostalgic about music from the past. Catchy melodies, charismatic vocals, tight harmonies, and a band with members that sound like they’re genuinely having fun playing together never go out of vogue. In today’s era of accessible yet disposable music, there’s also something special about an album that people have to seek out and invest in to hear. Check out the music video for “Bad Man” below. If you like what you hear, email William Street Strikers at thewilliamstreetstrikers@yahoo.com and they’ll hook you up with a copy.

Images used with permission from William Street Strikers

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

“Driving in the Dark” – Columbus

On a gloomy day in a week that seems far too long, Driving in the Dark, the new EP from East Coast act Columbus is the perfect punky pick-me-up. This three-piece band has punk-pop down to a fine art. Combining a nostalgia for the genre’s glory days of the late ‘90s and early ‘00s with a fresh perspective, I can’t get enough.

The five-track EP starts with recent singles “Temporary Summer”, “Full Heart”, and “Pain is a Mirror” bringing new fans up to speed and reminding those of us who’ve been on the bandwagon for months just how good this music is. Things take a little left turn with “The Holiday,” with the band trading in the electric guitars for acoustic ones. It’s still got the band’s trademark energy, but it’s delivered with more sweetness. I love when the band is full throttle, but it’s exciting to hear them working with a different gear. Columbus cranks it up for the EP’s closer “Care About You”. It’s anthemic and glorious, the perfect final impression.

“I wrote the Driving in the Dark EP about learning how to love – my life, others, and myself,” frontman Alex Moses explained. “With each release we’re adding to the fire what Columbus means to us. This EP represents where we’re at right now. It’s been a wild time driving in the dark, but I think we’ve finally arrived.”

Driving in the Dark is out now. Columbus will play the following shows next month to support its release.

9 April 2022 – Crowbar, Sydney
14 April 2022 – The Brightside, Brisbane
17 April 2022 – North Gong, Wollongong
29 April 2022 – Fat Controller, Adelaide
30 April 2022 – Stay Gold, Melbourne

Images used with permission from Habit Music

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

“ThornBird” – “ThornBird”

It’s a big day for new music releases. While everyone is buzzing about the new Wiggles album, there’s a chance ThornBird’s self-titled debut may fly under the radar. That would be a great shame because it’s a really special collection of songs.

In case you didn’t know, ThornBird is Vikki Thorn, one-third of The Waifs. This album is no Waifs album. That might be jarring for some fans, but I encourage you to leave your expectations behind and embrace what this album is. The bluesy opening track “That Kinda Man” sets the scene. It’s stripped back and raw, ensuring ThornBird’s voice spends time in the spotlight. That’s only fitting because this is an album that puts her voice front and centre. In The Waifs, she was one of three. Blending in was important. Through this album, I feel like I’ve gotten to know Vikki, her strength, her vulnerability, her playfulness, her power.

The songs are Vikki’s stories from her time living in Utah, but it might be unfair to call ThornBird a solo album though. Because if not for Vikki’s backing band this album may not have happened. She stumbled across them one night playing “dirty folk blues” in the corner of a bar. They looked like they’d had a few too many, but their natural chemistry and the way they played so raw and edgy blew Vikki away. She was determined to make a record with them, and so this album was born. While Vikki’s voice is strong, they bring these songs together. I can’t imagine these songs without the epic guitar solo of “Big Girl Pants” or the beautiful harmonica and slide guitar in “Hells Backbone.”

I can imagine what it might feel to hear these songs in a honky-tonk bar as I listen to this album. You can hear the electricity between Vikki and her band as their voices harmonise on “All the Things” and the heartbreaking closer “Rough Patch.” “All I Want” is a fantastic country-rock duet. You know the love’s not perfect, but it’s palpable. Even when their voices don’t combine, Vikki and her bandmates are communicating as the instruments interplay with her vocals.

ThornBird is out today. Vikki will bring these songs to the people at the following theatre, festival, and bar gigs.

11 March 2022 – Queenscliff Town Hall, Queenscliff
12 March 2022 – Wildflower Festival @ Rochford Wines, Yarra Valley
18 March 2022 – Imperial Hotel, Eumundi
19 March 2022 – Wildflower Festival @ RiverStage, Brisbane
20 March 2022 – Byron Theatre, Byron Bay
2 April 2022 – Wildflower Festival @ Roche Estate, Hunter Valley
3 April 2022 – Heritage Hotel, Bulli
6 April 2022 – Brunswick Ballroom, Melbourne
7 April 2022 – Meeniyan Town Hall, Meeniyan
8 April 2022 – The Gov, Adelaide
9 April 2022 – Kings Park, Perth

Images used with permission from Revolutions per Minute; feature photo credit: Toni Wilkinson

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

“ReWiggled” – The Wiggles

If you’d have asked me in 2020 what 2021 would bring, I wouldn’t have predicted more lockdowns and pandemic struggles. And I definitely wouldn’t predict The Wiggles topping the Hottest 100. I’m a firm believer that the darkness of the former made the latter happen. Triple J’s main demographic is the generation that grew up on the Wiggles, and they wanted a little bit of the joy they experienced as kids. And that’s exactly why the release of ReWiggled today is not just genius, but essential listening.

The first disc, A Tribute to the Wiggles, is crammed with Wiggles favourites reimagined by some of the country’s hottest acts. I didn’t know I needed to hear Polish Club rocking out on “Apples and Bananas” or The Chats going hard on “Can You (Point Your Fingers and Do the Twist)?” but they’re real highlights. Emma Donovan and The Putbacks put the soul in “Say The Dance, Do The Dance.” There’s such a gentle charm about Stella Donnelly’s take on “Ba Ba Da Bicycle Ride” and Emily Wurramara’s “Dressing Up.” Every song is performed with such loving reverence. The acts are clearly having fun, but they’re not taking the piss. The Wiggles’ material is hallowed ground after all.

The surprises continue with the second disc, Wiggly Covers. Here the Wiggles take on more cool covers in the way only the Wiggles can. Their banging version of “Elephant” comes first, followed by such an exciting mixed bag of modern and classic material. If you thought taking on Tame Impala came from left field, just wait until you hear them belting out hits from The Chats, Fatboy Slim, and Rihanna. They bring an innocence to Melanie Safka’s “Brand New Key.” And while I wasn’t sure how the Wiggles would sound on the Dropkick Murphys’, “Shipping Up to Boston” is a perfect fit for Captain Feathersword.

Don’t get me wrong, there are many moments when I thought to myself “This is absolutely bonkers.” And it really is. But it also makes perfect sense. ReWiggled is just the kind of beautiful bonkers we need in our lives right now. I can imagine plenty of young families having this album on regular rotation but just as many kid-free folks like me cranking out too. Why should parents have all the fun? Could the Wiggles have another number one on their hands? I don’t doubt it.

Images used with permission from Revolutions per Minute

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

“I’ll Take Care of Myself If You Take Care of Yourself” – Patrick James

I read a meme on Facebook the other day which said something along the lines of “I’m sick of living inside an interesting part of next century’s history books.” Switch on the news right now and you’re confronted by images of the war in Ukraine, widespread flooding in Queensland and New South Wales, not to mention that pesky pandemic that won’t seem to quit. Music can be a great escape during challenging times, so it’s only fitting that Patrick James’ sophomore album I’ll Take Care of Myself If You Take Care of Yourself drops today. If you want music to take your mind off all the heavy stuff, this is it.

The opening track “Where Will I Be?” explodes in a shimmery pop rainbow. From those initial drum beats, you know you’re in for a good time. There’s a gentle acceptance that we don’t know what the future holds, but hopefully we’ll be with the ones we love. Those human connections are an ever-present theme, whether we’re bopping along to upbeat tunes like this or enjoying the folky quiet of ballads like the recent single “Into Your Arms” and the poignant piano pieces, “Grateful” and “I Am Your Brother.” The songs instantly endeared themselves to me, but I found myself falling a little deeper with each listen. Maybe it’s because those repeated listens drive home the lyrics which are really like modern poetry. I was especially struck by “16 Hours (Into the City),” which retells the story of a teen, hungover Patrick attempting to make his way back to Sydney on a CountryLink train. It’s unflinchingly honest, full of the wisdom that often comes when you’re looking back on your less than stellar moments. I love the way it captures a moment in time so vividly, ensuring it will now live eternally through the song. Closing with the title track brings the album full circle. Its feelgood synthy pop vibe sound and smart lyrics make it the ideal bookend for “Where Will I Be?” ensuring we’ve all got smiles on our faces as the music fades out.

I’ll Take Care of Myself If You Take Care of Yourself is like a big warm hug at a time when many of us need it most. There’s a beautiful sweetness to the songs, a little romance, and a whole lot of heart. Patrick is wasting no time taking them to the people. You can catch him at one of the following venues in the coming weeks.

10 March 2022 – Leadbeater, Melbourne
12 March 2022 – The Great Club, Sydney
19 March 2022 – Mortimer’s Wines, Orange
25 March 2022 – Moonee Beach Hotel, Moonee Beach Hotel
27 March 2022 – La Costa Cantina, Crescent Head
13 April 2022 – Black Bear Lodge, Brisbane

Images used with permission from GYRO PR

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

“angel in realtime.” – Gang of Youths

I consider Go Farther in Lightness one of the most important albums of the 21st century. I was instantly captivated by its poetry, its ambition, and heart. Since its release, Gang of Youths have quite rightly taken the world by storm. They’ve packed so much into the last five years that it was no surprise to me that it’s taken so long for the follow-up, angel in realtime. I haven’t anticipated an album’s release so much in years. But I couldn’t help wondering, how do you top an album that set the bar so high? Like this. Just like this.

The opening number “see you in everything” sets the scene, taking us to the funeral of frontman Dave Le’aupepe’s father. It’s confronting and powerful, setting the wheels in motion. This is an album about death and grief, and the way that we deal with it. It’s that messy difficult stuff that people and society don’t want to deal with, but Gang of Youths brings it out of the darkness and into the light. Dave lays his loss and the journey through it bare. In “brothers” we learn truths about his father and family that were only brought to light after his passing. In “the man himself” we’re taken into Dave’s psyche as he contemplates how to navigate the world without his father.

Every song on angel in realtime. is deeply personal and introspective. Yet while they address specific moments in his experience, they are so relatable. Death is the great unifier. If we haven’t yet lost our parents, we can already imagine the seemingly unbearable pain. This album doesn’t shy away from that, but it also celebrates the love, the connection to people and culture. Listening to angel in realtime. is a cathartic experience. It’s painful at times, but so uplifting. This album is bold and majestic and beautiful. It’s a triumph. And I can’t stop listening.

angel in realtime. is out now. Gang of Youths are playing almost everywhere this year. No matter where you are, make sure you see them.

28 February 2022 – HMV, Manchester (signing)
28 February 2022 – Crash Records, Leeds (signing and acoustic performance 5pm and 6:30pm)
1 March 2022 – Rough Trade East, London (signing and acoustic performance)
3 March 2022 – Button Factory, Dublin
5 March 2022 – Riverside, Newcastle
6 March 2022 – Barrowland Ballroom, Glasgow
8 March 2022 – Beckett, Leeds
9 March 2022 – O2 Academy, Bristol
12 March 2022 – O2 Institute2, Birmingham
13 March 2022 – Albert Hall, Manchester
15 March 2022 – O2 Academy, Brixton
21 April 2022 – Majestic Theatre, Madison
22 April 2022 – The Vogue, Indianapolis
24 April 2022 – Newport Music Hall, Columbus
25 April 2022 – Mercury Ballroom, Louisville
27 April 2022 – Cat’s Cradle, Carrboro
28 April 2022 – The Underground, Charlotte
1 May 2022 – The Basement, Nashville
3 May 2022 – Metro, Chicago
4 May 2022 – The Shelter, Detroit
6 May 2022 – The Danforth Music Hall, Toronto
7 May 2022 – L’Astral, Montreal
9 May 2022 – Paradise Rock Club, Boston
10 May 2022 – Brooklyn Steel, Brooklyn
12 May 2022 – Theatre of Living Arts, Philadelphia
13 May 2022 – Union Stage, Washington, DC
16 May 2022 – The Fillmore, San Francisco
18 May 2022 – Belasco Theater, Los Angeles
20 May 2022 – 24 Oxford, Las Vegas
21 May 2022 – Crescent Ballroom, Phoenix
23 May 2022 – Scoot Inn, Austin
24 May 2022 – The Echo Lunge and Music Hall, Dallas
26 May 2022 – Cain’s Ballroom, Tulsa
3-5 June 2022 – Rock im Park @ Zeppelinfeld, Nuremberg
3-5 June 2022 – Rock am Ring @ Nürburgring, Nürburg
2 July 2022 – Down The Rabbit Hole, Ewijk
10 July 2022 – TRNSMT Festival, Glasgow
30 July 2022 – RAC Arena, Perth
3 August 2022 – Adelaide Entertainment Centre, Adelaide
6 August 2022 – Qudos Bank Arena, Sydney
12 August 2022 – Rod Laver Arena, Melbourne
14 August 2022 – A More Perfect Union Festival @ Regatta Grounds, Hobart
16 August 2022 – Hunter Lounge, Wellington
17 August 2022 – Powerstation, Auckland
20 August 2022 – A More Perfect Union Festival @ Sandstone Point Hotel, Sandstone Point
13 September 2022 – The Rave II, Milwaukee
14 September 2022 – First Avenue, Minneapolis
16 September 2022 – Delmar Hall, Saint Louis
17 September 2022 – The Bottleneck, Lawrence
19 September 2022 – Gothic Theatre, Englewood
20 September 2022 – Urban Lounge, Salt Lake City
22 September 2022 – Revolution Hall, Portland
23 September 2022 – Rickshaw Theatre, Vancouver
25 September 2022 – Neumos, Seattle
27 September 2022 – Ace Of Spades, Sacramento
25 October 2022 – Paradiso, Amsterdam
26 October 2022 – Gloria Theater, Cologne
2 November 2022 – Gruenspan, Hamburg
3 November 2022 – Kesselhaus, Berlin
6 November 2022 – AB Box, Brussels
7 November 2022 – Nouveau Casino, Paris

Main photo credit: kingArthur_aus @ Flickr

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

“Unsafe Passage” – Seph Cove

I’ve always believed that music finds you at the right time. So I don’t believe it’s any coincidence that Seph Cove has just dropped his beautiful new EP Unsafe Passage just as I’m feeling anxious about easing COVID restrictions. Thankfully Seph’s music is like a big warm hug in these uncertain times.

After enjoying the singles “Sirens” and “Helen,” I knew this EP would be right up my alley. Those singles set Unsafe Passage up beautifully. Just like those singles, the remaining songs cast a spell, creating calm with the beautifully layered folk instrumentation, Seph’s poetic lyrics, and his rich voice. The songs gently melt into one another. They might not show a lot of diversity, but I think that’s OK. Seph knows his sound. There’s a gentle confidence about what he does, and he does it so well.

Unsafe Passage might not set the charts on fire, but I think that’s OK too. While it lacks catchy, radio-friendly numbers, it’s a beautiful collection of songs that listeners can take into their hearts. Arguably that’s more important.

Unsafe Passage was released today.

Images used with permission from GYRO PR