Category: Album Reviews

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

“Reality Is” – Chris Tamwoy

The best albums are deeply personal. They don’t reflect current trends or follow a formula designed to move units. Instead, they provide an insight into the artist who created them. Chris Tamwoy’s debut album Reality Is sounds very different from the music that charts today, but its intimate nature provides a listening experience that’s so much richer.

The opening track “Damien and Sarah” gives us our first hint that this is something we haven’t heard before. It’s a gentle instrumental acoustic guitar piece, beautiful but not the kind of catchy opener we’re used to. It’s the first of several instrumental tracks on this album. These striking numbers give us space for reflection while showcasing Chris’ signature virtuosic guitar-tap style.

Other tracks give us insight into the driving forces in Chris’ life: his family and his culture. He delivers them in a mix of Eastern and Western Torres Strait Islander language, Creole, and English, celebrating all parts of his identity. I was struck by the single “Kulba Yaday,” featuring Christine Anu, on its release last year. There are so many more gems here, including “Yesu Kara Ople” and “Monkey & Tortol,” inspired by an indigenous children’s folk story. Even when you don’t understand the language, you can connect to the feelings behind them.

Other songs like “Dear Pop” and “Karissa (Don’t Cry)” pay tribute to the special people in Chris’ life. The English lyrics are straightforward and from the heart, ensuring we can all connect to these musical love letters.

“My whole album is based on the reality of life,” he explained in the press release. “It’s about me and who I am: it’s me as an individual covering every inch, every aspect of who I am as a Torres Strait Islander. I wanted to bring in my identity and the clans I originate from in the Torres Strait.”

For many people, Reality Is will be their introduction to Chris Tamwoy’s music. I can’t imagine creating a collection that more perfectly showcases who he is as an artist and a person. These songs are simple and honest, anchored by his guitar prowess, warm, welcoming voice, and gift for songwriting. Reality Is is available today via ABC Music.

Images used with permission from Revolutions per Minute

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

“Get Lost” – Mardi Wilson

Mardi Wilson came on my radar last April, with the release of “Runaway.” I’ve covered numerous singles since then, so I was thrilled to dive deep into her album, Get Lost. What I found was a collection of songs that were personal, yet so relatable from one of the country’s most promising singer-songwriters.

The songs capture moments in time, relationships that might have been fleeting, but they leave an impression nonetheless. We feel the dedication in the opening track “Give You My Time,” the poignant sadness in “Missing Me.” The upbeat groove of “Don’t Stop” helps balance the darkness of “Don’t Stop,” which so eloquently speaks of watching a loved one navigate addiction. In “Blinded By You,” Mardi captures the hazy, heady moments when attraction sparks. We see it develop into something more substantial in “Runaway,” which almost feels like a companion piece for the track that came before. “Nice Ones” is another of those happy-sad tracks, with biting lyrics paired with a rousing clap-along chorus. “Part Time Lover” is equally scathing. Mardi might sound like a sweet folk artist, but her words can wound when she wants them to.

While songs about relationships dominate this album, Mardi’s own voice shines through every track. So it’s only fitting that the final song and title track, “Get Lost” focuses on the self. It’s got a quiet strength, with Mardi’s gorgeous vocals joining acoustic guitar strums and percussion. What a powerful final statement this song provides.

Whether she’s singing about love, lust, or owning her own power, the thread of honesty runs through these songs. That starts with the lyrics, which are brave and raw, but there’s also an earthy, organic quality about these tracks that is so appealing. There doesn’t seem to be a lot of studio trickery here. Instead, you get the sense that the recordings capture jam sessions.

I’ve had Get Lost on repeat since it hit my inbox in mid-April and I think I fall a little more in love with each listen. Mardi’s voice has a warmth that draws you in, but stay with these songs a little longer and you’ll fall in love with the stories she tells and the characters in them. You’ll also find yourself humming those catchy melodies. Get Lost is available now.


Images used with permission from Footstomp Music

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

“The Neverending Glory” – Vaudeville Smash

I must admit, I haven’t known quite what to make of Melbourne’s Vaudeville Smash when their singles hit my inbox. I appreciated their funky grooves and catchy melodies, but their off-the-wall lyrics left me scratching my head. However, after spending time with their new album The Neverending Glory I’m firmly on board the Vaudeville Smash train.

Looking at the album cover tells you a lot about Vaudeville Smash. They’re certainly not a band that takes themselves too seriously. They’re also incredibly nostalgic. When you take their songs in isolation it might seem like they’re poking fun at their influences, but their tongue is always planted firmly in their collective cheek.

The band delights in playing with genre, taking us on a wild journey through their musical influences. The opening track “Clothes Off” is as bold as its title suggests, a delightful disco-pop number that subverts the typically gendered relationship roles. “Sweet Pyromania” is every bit as sexy, with more soulful undertones. It makes you think you know where this album is going, but then Vaudeville Smash hits you with the delightfully unhinged “Banana Man.” With a soul-rock sound reminiscent of Huey Lewis or Bob Seger, it’s as wacky as it sounds.

As the album unfolds, Vaudeville Smash delivers authentic yacht rock, dirty funk, and even Italo disco. “Cuccinated” and “Nonna” celebrate the culture of the nation’s European immigrants. “I Like Video Games” is pure nerd pop. I could wax lyrical about other standouts, but I want you to discover them for yourself.

What I can say is that The Neverending Glory is like nothing that you’ll hear this year. My advice is to hold on tight and enjoy the ride. Vaudeville Smash will play the following shows in the coming weeks:

17 April 2021 – Verrierdale Hall, Verrierdale
30 April 2021 – The Night Cat, Fitzroy
1 May 2021 – The Night Cat, Fitzroy

Images used with permission from Play MPE

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

“Habits of Honesty” – Talitha

Great music has no age limit. Simply looking at the promo pictures of Gold Coast artist Talitha, with her glittery eye makeup and rainbow-coloured hair, told me she wasn’t making music targeted at women in their 40s. And yet I can’t stop listening to her latest EP Habits of Honesty.

Right now my life is in a very different point to Talitha’s. It’s been a long time since I’ve wanted to lash out at former fling as she does in the opening track “Embarrassed to know ya.” Yet the brutal sassiness is so much fun that this number hooked me instantly. While this song reveals Talitha’s darker side the rest of the EP is frothy and fun. “The good ones” is such a beautiful ode to those thick-and-thin friendships. The belief in bonds that stand the test of time continues in “I choose you.” While this sweet love song celebrates the no, it also looks to the future, a time when Talitha and her love won’t be “trainwrecks.” “New Year’s” is the ideal way to end this joyous EP. It paints such a vivid scene of the best kind of party, surrounded by great company, with drinks in hand and a crowded dancefloor. My memories of those kinds of nights are fast fading, but this song brings it all back in glorious technicolour.

I can imagine Habits of Honesty striking a real chord with teens and twentysomethings. This album is clearly written for them, and they’ll lap up those synthy sounds, cool beats, and relatable lyrics. It might not resonate in the same way for the older crowd, but it’s still ridiculously catchy pop music. And you’re never too old for that. Habits of Honesty is the first release in a three-part album written, performed, and co-produced by Talitha. I love how this journey’s started and can’t wait to hear what comes next.

Images used with permission from the A&R Department

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

“into the great unknown” – Pierce Brothers

I’ve followed the career of Pierce Brothers since Jack and Patrick Pierce hit the scene in 2014. The brothers take a slow and steady approach to creating music; it took four years for them to release their debut album Atlas Shoulders, and they’ve only just released the follow-up, into the great unknown. That thoughtful, considered approach is an anomaly in an industry where it seems everyone is looking out for the next big thing. But as a music fan, I appreciate the time the duo takes. It ensures when those albums do drop, they’re special from start to finish.

You won’t find any filler tracks here. So many albums seem to exist simply as a way to bundle singles together, but that’s not the case here. The singles “dentist,” “brother,” and “kanko” sound fabulous of course, but there’s much more to dive into. Releasing several tracks prior to the album’s release ensures this music feels familiar from the first listen, but I didn’t find myself waiting for those songs. I was having too much fun discovering the rest of these tunes.

Pierce Brothers recorded this album in regional Victoria, between the state’s two lockdown periods. Travel was clearly on their mind; songs such as “white caps,” “la montagne,” and “lights of London take us on a journey. We might not visit Europe or the UK or marvel at snow-capped mountains in a foreign land any time soon, but through this music we can experience some of the romance and sense of adventure international travel provides. Most of the material is joyous, the kind of fun folky stuff that inspires you to clap along and stomp your feet. But the brothers show us a darker underbelly through tracks including the instrumental “reflecteur,” “trouble,” and the cutting “trouble.”

into the great unknown is a natural evolution for Pierce Brothers. It showcases a bigger sound, with female backing vocalists and string arrangements complementing their sublime sibling harmonies and acoustic guitar melodies. However, the duo hasn’t strayed too far from what drew me to their music back in 2014. This album is entirely self-funded and released 100% independently, ensuring the duo’s collective voice remains strong. into the great unknown took some time, but it proves the old adage that good things come to those who wait.

into the great unknown is out now. Catch Pierce Brothers at their upcoming shows:

20 March 2021 – The Old Coal Mine “The Shed,” Wonthaggi (SOLD OUT)
21 March 2021 – Halls Gap Hotel, Halls Gap
27 March 2021 – Chapel Off Chapel, Prahran
1-4 April 2021 – Bluesfest, Byron Bay
9 April 2021 – Volta Arts & Culture, Ballarat
10 April 2021 – Pier Bandroom, Frankston
17 April 2021 – Birregurra Mechanics Hall, Birregurra
22 April 2021 – Barwon Club, South Geelong
23 April 2021 – Hotel Esplanade, St Kilda
30 April 2021 – Corner Hotel, Richmond
2 May 2021 – Live @ Lamberts, Seabreeze Hotel, Mackay
7 May 2021 – Sooki Lounge, Belgrave
21 May 2021 – Sandy Point Music Club, Sandy Point
22 May 2021 – Westernport Hotel, San Remo

Images used with permission from On the Map PR

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

“Here, Now” – Jessie Monk

When I heard Jessie Monk’s single “Lonesome Winter Blues” last month, I couldn’t wait to hear more of her material. Now that her EP Here, Now is out in the world, I can finally get my fix. My expectations were high, but this beautiful five-track release has certainly satisfied them.

We open with “Maybe in Another Life,” a song that really showcases how well Jessie can tell a story through song. You can feel the longing as you listen to this beautiful song about two people who never act on their attraction because he’s attached. “Dark Café” paints another vivid picture, this time of the life of a waitress with big dreams. It’s a cliché on paper — we’ve all heard the tale before — but the specific details Jessie includes makes this familiar story feel brand new. Listening to “Lonesome Winter Blues” again, I’m reminded just how much it impressed me the first time around. It really is such a beautiful song, the perfect showcase of just what Jessie is all about.

The EP moves into a quieter, more reflective space with “Turns Out I’m Someone Else.” It’s one of the most subtle tracks on the EP, but tap into the lyrics and you’ll really appreciate its beauty. The title track “Here, Now” is another gentle number. Jessie’s vocals are flawless throughout this EP, but I was particularly struck by her performance on this song. It’s so beautiful, like a siren’s song drawing listeners in and encouraging them to really pay attention to every word of this EP closer. The words, which emphasise the importance of living in the moment, really resonate in these uncertain times.

I made the comparison before, but I couldn’t help thinking about how Jessie Monk might be Australia’s answer to Joni Mitchell. Just like Joni, her voice seems effortless, moving from lush lows to her higher register with seeming ease. No matter where she takes it, it’s always pure and beautiful. Like Joni too, Jessie is such a gifted songwriter. Her lyrics are like poetry, with such perfect details that bring her characters to life for us. If Jessie Monk isn’t already on your radar, make Here, Now the release that changes all that.

Images used with permission from the A&R Department

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

“Hit or Miss” – Alexander Biggs

Looking back through my blog, I’ve admired Alexander Biggs’ music since 2016. As an independent artist, writing, self-recording, and producing his own music, there’s never a lot of fanfare about his releases. They’re quiet songs that cast a spell, providing a few moments of calm in the chaos of the real world. They always leave me wanting a little something more, so I’m thrilled that finally, Alexander has released his first album, Hit or Miss.

If you’re already familiar with Alexander’s music, you know what to expect, and I doubt you’ll be disappointed. If this is your first introduction, it might take you a little time to embrace his songs. They’re much more subtle than music that earns radio airplay or goes viral on social media. But give it time, and I swear it’ll get underneath your skin. You’ll learn to appreciate the gentle strains of acoustic guitar or piano, Alexander’s hushed tones, and the poetic vignettes his words create. The songs feel like diary entries capturing moments in time that fade away all too quickly. There’s romance without schmaltz, bittersweet pain, and emotions kept on the surface. I was familiar with many of these songs, but they’re so much more potent here, with the other tracks providing context and clarity.

I started listening to Hit or Miss this morning. Every time the final notes of the title track faded away, I found myself pressing play again. It’s one of those albums that gets richer and more endearing with every listen. It’s special. You’ll find it on your favourite streaming platforms, but if like me you prefer tangible music, grab a copy of the limited-edition vinyl while you can.

Image used with permission from Maths & Magic

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

“The Space Between” – Illy

I’ve spent most of this week crushing on The Space Between, Illy’s long-awaited sixth album. I’ve always loved the way he creates music which is so thoughtful and positive. This album’s his most introspective yet, with tracks offering a fascinating insight into his thoughts and experiences.

“The Space Between is about change. How much there is from one point to the next, and how those trips – not the destinations – define us,” he explained. “My music has always been about real life, and since last time we spoke, mine happened between albums, relationships, parties, therapy, triumphs, breakdowns, celebrations, mourning … all of it.

“I learnt a lot. About me and people around me. Who’s there for a good time, who’s there for a long time, and who was never really there at all. I learnt to keep it moving, but also to stop and appreciate where you’re at, because the one constant is change. I’m thankful for all of it. It all made this album.”

While this album isn’t as consistently upbeat as many of Illy’s other recordings, I think it’s the album we need right now when the world is so challenging. And while there’s some darker material, there are still definitely those moments to party! While I love what Illy creates solo, the collaborations on this album are really off the chain. While I have a soft spot for “Loose Ends” with G-Flip and “Lean on me” with Robinson, I think my favourite is the current single “Mirror,” featuring American singer-songwriter Wrabel. It’s so raw and powerful, a true indication of the diverse music Illy treats us to on this album.

Check out this song, but don’t stop there. The Space Between is out now.

Image used with permission from Sony Music Australia

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

“If I Leave You In the Fire” – Saint Lane

New Zealand-born, Gold Coast-based rapper Saint Lane shines brightly on his debut EP, If I Leave You In the Fire. This is an explosive debut, a collection of songs that proudly push genre boundaries and leave a strong impression on the listener.

If I Leave You In the Fire was written in the aftermath of the unexpected death of Saint Lane’s father. He describes this collection of songs as “a story of loss, grief and moving forward.”

“In 2019, my father died completely unexpectedly from acute pancreatitis with no previous health issues. I had less than an hour to make a decision for my dad to have a surgery to save his life, however he died during the surgery and I immediately felt a feeling beyond guilt,” he explained. “I felt solely responsible for the death of my dad and watching my family mourn. I believed I was to blame for our loss. The EP covers the stories and emotions of the most difficult time of my life.”

Grief is a personal and often private experience, but Saint Lane invites listeners in, encouraging them to process their own setbacks and pain along with him. The EP opener “The Fire” is a solid introduction, but the music hit the next level for me once the gospel choir kicked in, introducing the companion piece, “The Water.” This track is the EP standout for me, an uplifting work that explores the idea of rising up and moving forward with optimism.

I’ve raved about Queensland singer-songwriter Robbie Miller before, so I was thrilled to hear him collaborating on “When Did We Grow Up?” It’s got such a cool summery feel, which gives way to something darker as the tune fades out. The tonal shift seems a little jarring, but it reminds us that grief comes unexpectedly in waves. It also helps us easily move into the poignantly haunting fourth track, “The Family.” “Altar of the Heartless” is another sombre number, touching on addiction and depression. The weight is lifted with “Hickeys,” the optimistic closer which suggests better days ahead.

I love the way Saint Lane combines his rap with other influences. Adding the gospel choir, jazzy piano licks and horns, the breezy, folky strum of an acoustic guitar brings a new flavour to his sound. They make his rhymes so approachable from the first listen. I also appreciate his willingness to take risks. If I Leave You In the Fire is a ballsy debut, but that’s exactly what makes it so good.

Saint Lane is about to tour the country with Bootleg Rascal. Check him out at the following shows:

16 January 2021 – Woolly Mammoth, Brisbane
27 January 2021 – La La La’s, Wollongong
28 January 2021 – Kambri @ ANU, Canberra
29 January 2021 – Oxford Art Factory, Sydney
30 January 2021 – Rhythm Hut, Gosford
4 February 2021 – Pelly Bar, Frankston
5 February 2021 – Howler, Melbourne
6 February 2021 – Barwon Club, Geelong
7 February 2021 – Sooki Lounge, Belgrave
13 February 2021 – The Northern, Byron Bay
5 March 2021 – Miami Marketta, Gold Coast

Image used with permission from TMRW Music Group

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

“A Kingswood Christmas” – Kingswood

When I heard Aussie rock act Kingswood released a Christmas album, I wasn’t sure what to expect. The tracklist was traditional, but I was sure there had to be a modern, subversive twist. So I resisted for weeks, sticking to my reliable playlist of Christmas favourites rather than trying something new. Now that I’ve finally pressed play, I wonder why I didn’t do it sooner. A Kingswood Christmas is a festive feast of nostalgia.

From the opening piano notes of their jazzy take on “White Christmas” I realised I’d misjudged our Aussie rock legends. While their originals have rock edge, these Christmas covers pay loving homage to influences including Frank Sinatra, Bing Crosby, and Nat King Cole.

The piano is a strong presence throughout this album. It reminds me a lot of Vince Gauraldi and his A Charlie Brown Christmas soundtrack. It also gives these tunes a really festive feel. You can just imagine the lads from Kingswood singing around that piano on Christmas Day, with martinis in hand. The album moves from swinging tunes like “Let it Snow” and “Winter Wonderland” to more poignant moments such as “The Christmas Song” and “I’ll Be Home for Christmas.” While secular music dominates, Kingswood still found a place for traditional carols. Classic Christmas tunes like “O Holy Night” and “Silent Night” don’t usually do much for me, but Kingswood’s reverent versions are unexpectedly moving.

If all of that hasn’t convinced you to ditch Michael Buble this year and give our local lads a try, consider this. Profits from all sales of A Kingswood Christmas will benefit Beyond Blue’s Coronavirus Mental Wellbeing Support Service. Christmas is such a tough time for so many people, but the pandemic will no doubt make it harder. Knowing Kingswood are helping out puts another big tick beside this album for me.

A Kingswood Christmas is out now.


Image used with permission from Beehive PR