Category: Album Reviews

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

“Back in the Swing” – David Campbell

It’s no coincidence that David Campbell’s new album Back in the Swing dropped just before Mother’s Day. It’s just the sort of thing mums and grandmas across the country would love, the old standards delivered faithfully by one of Australia’s favourite breakfast TV personalities. This album is all that, but so much more.

Mother’s Day releases often feel coldly calculated. Put together a collection of songs Mum would love, get some inoffensive act to sing them, and wait for the cash to roll in. They’re pleasing enough to listen to, but they typically lack the heart and soul David puts into this and every one of his recordings. There’s an irresistible energy about his cover of “Buona Sera” and a flirty playfulness in his take on “Come Fly With Me.” “I Can’t Help Myself (Sugar Pie Honey Bunch)” isn’t a natural choice for an album of standards, but his jazzy version makes so much sense. I’m not sure anyone has recorded a more powerful rendition of “For Once in My Life.” But me, his cover of “In the Wee Small Hours of the Morning,” recorded with Aussie rock legend Ian Moss, is the standout. Their voices compliment one another beautifully and they feed off one another so well.

Mother’s Day might be over for the year, but Back in the Swing is actually climbing the charts again. It currently sits at number 10, three weeks after its release. Those strong continued sales are a testament to this album’s enduring appeal. It’s not just one for the mums, although I’m sure they’ll love it too.

Image used with permission from Sony Music Australia

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

“Million Lives” – Julie Kember

Julie Kember’s album Million Lives resonates with truth. Her voice has a seasoned wisdom in it, a break that betrays some pain, a lightness that shows she’s still full of optimism about what’s to come. She’s more than a singer, she’s a storyteller who wears her heart on her sleeve with this stunning collection of songs.

Julie has taken home country music awards, but elements of rock and blues add flavour for listeners like myself who don’t always warm to the genre. It’s that voice though that really captivated me from the first notes of the opening track “Lived a Million Lives.” Upbeat numbers like “Ain’t No Love Affair,” “Can’t Go Back,” and “Long Way Round take us to an outback honky-tonk bar. But it’s the more reflective moments, tracks like “Order You Now,” “Mary Go Round,” and “Can I Wear Your Dress” that show Julie’s quiet power. She’s so compelling in these moments where the material is just a little rawer and more emotional.

A proud Western Australian, Julie will officially launch Million Lives with a show at The Aardvark in Fremantle on April 25. Million Lives is out now.

Image used with permission from Firestarter Music

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

“The Kite Machine” – The Kite Machine

Proving that the best things take time, The Kite Machine has just released their long-awaited debut album. Their self-titled LP has been three years in the making, but it’s certainly worth the wait.

This is one of those albums that took me by surprise. I thought I knew what I was in for when I head the classic pop-rock sound of opening track “The Only One.” It was instantly accessible with chunky guitar riffs and singalong chorus. What fun! “Charlotte” brings a little more funk though, with a dirty bass line, jazzy sections, a wild guitar solo, and a sprinkling of falsetto vocals for good measure. While I enjoyed the easy listenability of “The Only One,” this was the track that made me sit up and take notice.

Once my ears were locked in, they didn’t lose focus. The Kite Machine kept surprising me, proving they’re far more than the radio-friendly band I took them for. Instrumental tracks are so rare on contemporary albums, but I’m glad The Kite Machine aren’t afraid of going their own way. “Larry The Bird” is a killer take which bridges “Charlotte” and the groovy “Top of the Hill” beautifully. “Walls” is a fantastic ballad, a summery chill-out tune that gives us all a moment to catch our breath before The Kite Machine amps up again with “Makeshifter,” “All in My Head,” and “Sinister Sound.” They’re such bold, energetic tracks, with great grooves that keep you on your toes. The Kite Machine reminded me again that they’re capable of taking it easy with “Paper Plains.” It’s even more subdued than “Walls,” the kind of track that sneaks up on you and gets underneath your skin without your realising it. It’s a thing of understated beauty, another moment to catch your breath before The Kite Machine bring it on home with “The Crook and the Skank.”

For fans of the band, The Kite Machine’s self-titled debut is the perfect reward for their patience. But for newcomers to their sound like me, it’s the ideal introduction. Just ten tracks has made me a fan. If you are too, you can catch the band playing a string of East Coast shows in the coming weeks.

26 April 2019 – Geddes Lane Ballroom, Melbourne
27 April 2019 – Mt Beauty Music Fest
16 May 2019 – The Marlborough Hotel, Newtown
17 May 2019 – Howlin Wolf, Wollongong
1 June 2019 – Karova Lounge, Ballarat
7 June 2019 – Halls Gap Hotel, Halls Gap
14 June 2019 – Barwon Club Hotel, South Geelong

Image used with permission from The Right Profile

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

“What We’re Fighting For” – Patrick James

Patrick James first came on my radar in 2012. He was supporting one of my favourite American singer-songwriters, Howie Day. Yet despite my excitement for the headliner, he won me over with his acoustic guitar tunes. He’s a very different performer today, one whose sound is more piano pop than guitar-driven folk, but I think he’s making some of the best music of his career.

I was instantly smitten with “Up” the lead single from his recently released EP What We’re Fighting For, praising its polished sound and mature lyrics. What I didn’t realise at the time is that it’s one piece of a puzzle. The term concept album, or even concept EP, has fallen out of favour in recent years, but I’m struggling for another way to describe this album. “Up” gave me a snippet of the dynamic of a relationship. The EP creates a more complete picture, exploring the hardships of life and love, but also that idea that both are worth fighting for. Giving up might seem easier at times, but Patrick and his partner aren’t prepared to surrender to the challenges.

I love every song on this EP. Singling them out doesn’t seem right though, because they really work best as part of a more complete recording. Each one is intimate and personal. The heart that roots each and every song makes What We’re Fighting For so compelling.

What We’re Fighting For is out now. Patrick will showcase its tracks with shows in the East Coast capitals next month.

6 April 2019 – The Lansdowne, Sydney
12 April 2019 – Workers Club, Melbourne
18 April 2019 – Black Bear Lodge, Brisbane

Image used with permission from GYRO PR

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

“The 2070s” – GEM

My dad used to say to me that you know you’re getting old when the songs you grew up with get the electronic treatment. Something tells me he’d hate The2070s, the new album from Australian DJ and producer GEM. But he’s not the target demographic. While this album might make my father cringe, its songs might be just what young people need to discover these classic tunes.

I’m not as precious about classic tunes the way my dad is. I think it’s exciting to hear where music can go. New interpretations can make a track feel fresh and encourage you to appreciate it in a new way. These songs are often radically different from the originals, and the risks don’t always work. I felt like the emotion of “Wild World” and “Fly Like an Eagle” got a little lost in the treatment. But there’s enough here that does impress to make it worth a listen. Elaskia’s tender take on Al Green’s “Let’s Stay Together” is beautiful. Jesse Oneill’s cover of The Eagles’ “New Kid in Town” is also a stunner. I can imagine GEM’s shimmery reinterpretation of The Rolling Stones’ “Miss You” packing out dancefloors. The poptastic cover of “Burning Love” with Victoria on vocals is pure joy.

I also appreciate that GEM is introducing us to new voices here. She’s worked with vocalists who grew up in her community in country New South Wales. GEM’s own input is also important. At a time when 98 percent of music producers are male, it’s wonderful to see a talented female making her mark.

Open your ears and mind to The 2070s. It builds on a base of quality music and takes it in a fresh new direction. It’s out now.

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

“Trick of the Light” – That Gold Street Sound

Trick of the Light, the debut album from Melbourne soul outfit That Gold Street Sound, has been six years in the making. It was time put to good use though, because this is one of the slickest soul albums I’ve heard in some time. There’s an impressive polish to the recording, yet the songs have lost none of the spontaneity and energy that makes this band one of the most exciting acts on the local music scene.

The album is book-ended by “The Struggle.” The first take has a feelgood retro groove. It’s the perfect introduction to the upbeat, classic soul sounds that dominant this album. “The Thrill,” with its bouncy bass line and cool interplay between the horns and electric guitar, makes me want to find the nearest dancefloor. Moving straight into the sassy “Last Man,” we barely have time to catch our breath. Even when vocalist Shaanika Marguccio sings about her isolation and longing for a relationship in “Only Lonely” or being let down time and time again in “Make It Right,” those big brassy horns create a party atmosphere.

Trick of the Light does show a few different complexions though. There’s a cool bluesiness to the title track and its follow up, “Home by Nine.” “Rain” is a beautiful ballad that wouldn’t sound out of place in the discography of Etta James or Gladys Knight. And then there’s that closing number, the piano version of “The Struggle.” It’s so stripped back it takes a moment to gel it’s the same song as the album opener. While I loved the vibrancy of the original version, this one moves me so much it might just be my favourite cut on this album. However, with so many stellar songs, I’m not quite sure. Perhaps I’ll just have to give the album another listen to be certain.

Trick of the Light is out now.

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

“Why Don’t You Just” – Bec Stevens

Bec Stevens sounds like the love child of Missy Higgins and Camp Cope. Often her music sits in a gentle folky-rock space, but as her emotions spill over the songs on her sophomore EP Why Don’t You Just get grittier and more powerful. It was a little jarring at first, when the pounding drums kicked into opening track “10-Minute Drive.” But spend some time with Bec Stevens and you’ll start anticipating those powerful crescendos. Suddenly she wasn’t just feeling wistful, she was choking back the tears and I was right there with her.

Loss and heartache take centre stage in this EP. Bec Stevens lays her heart bare in this album, admitting she’s not OK, revealing her jealousy, conceding she’s so tortured she can’t eat. “Time it Takes” and “They Don’t Build Cars Like This Anymore” so eloquently express the feelings that come when you know you should move on, but still feel so wrapped up in the feelings attached to the very thing that brings you pain. “Stitches” is a masterclass in songwriting, a powerful metaphor for the pain that still lingers even while we’re supposed to heal.

The EP’s final two numbers provide a change of pace to the loud rock numbers that came before. “Girl” and “Fuck This Up” see Bec Stevens’ music stripped back to basics, with little more than an acoustic guitar keeping her voice company. The gentler music draws us in. The songs might not be as loud as the ones that came before, but they’re no less impactful. These songs are like the calm after the storm, a resolution and moving on, although through “Fuck This Up” we hear the cycle beginning again. A new opportunity, new insecurities and fears, all laid bare as Bec pleads for this to be different this time.

Why Don’t You Just is the kind of angry, powerful music that can only come after great loss. It’s real, raw, and so easy to connect to, whether your own loss is fresh or your scars have healed, but remain visible. It also reveals Bec Stevens as one of the most authentic and compelling singer-songwriters in this country. Wrap your ears around this one. It’s out today.

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

“Hold Yourself Together” – Asha Jefferies

I was initially in two minds when I sat down to write this review. I have waxed lyrical about two singles from Asha Jefferies‘ EP before. “Chaos” and “Everybody Talks” were such standout songs, I wondered what I could possibly say about the EP that I hadn’t already said before. Perhaps I’d better just introduce you to the latest brilliant cut, “If You Were My Hero” and be done with it.

However to do that and neglect the EP review felt like ignoring its beauty. Asha Jefferies’ singles are gorgeous. You can certainly appreciate them out of context. But on the EP Hold Yourself Together they create a more complete, more powerful picture. They’re like pages from a diary, stories of moments that together make up a tumultuous period of time. While the singles struck me, they’re no stronger than any of the songs that haven’t garnered radio play.

Asha Jefferies is such a talent, and her debut EP Hold Yourself Together is the perfect showcase of that talent. Her poetic, vulnerable lyrics and distinctive voice that seems to effortlessly slide up and down the scale have continually impressed me. Her songs have a charming folksiness, a catchy pop sensibility, and a heart that’s undeniably compelling. Discover them. All of them.

Hold Yourself Together is out now. Asha will play the following shows to support its release.

8 February 2019 – Black Bear Lodge, Brisbane
9 February 2019 – Byron Bay Brewery, Byron Bay
13 February 2019 – Golden Age Cinema & Bar, Sydney
15 February 2019 – The Retreat Hotel, Brunswick
16 February 2019 – The Espy, Melbourne
17 February 2019 – The Porch Sessions, Brighton
28 February 2019 – Beaufort St Songwriters Club, Defectors Bar, Mt Lawley
1-4 March 2019 – Nannup Music Festival, Nannup

Image used with permission from Mucho Bravado

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

“Sanctuary” – Magpie Diaries

A sanctuary is a place to hide, a refuge from the negative forces in our lives. Great music can be that special place for so many of us, so it’s fitting that Sanctuary is the title of the latest album from Magpie Diaries. It’s great music, the kind that’s instantly comforting with its familiar Americana sound.

While this album is instantly accessible it’s not without surprises. The opening track “Beat Myself Up” is a heartbreakingly honest ballad but Magpie Diaries doesn’t keep us in that place too long; the follow-up number “When Love Comes” is a playful jam. Tracks like “Beautiful Beetroot” and “Irresistible Pie” are delivered with enough conviction that they never feel like novelties. Another tasty song, “Strawberries & Cream” is a real romantic charmer. “If You’re Hurting” feels like it could have been played in an authentic Western saloon. What a change of pace this retro track is to the energetic “Honey” that came before it. Magpie Dreams save the best for the last though; “Don’t Give Up Now” is an arresting plea.

Matt “Magpie” Johnston has such a distinctive voice and he’s ably supported by his musicians. I love the honky-tonk piano, the cry of a slide guitar … there’s such a nostalgia about these sounds. Magpie Diaries delivers organic, blues-folk music done right. Spend some time with their new album Sanctuary today.

Magpie Diaries will play shows around the country celebrating Sanctuary’s release. Catch them at the following venues.

29 December 2018 – 1 January 2019 – Woodford Folk Festival, Woodford
3 January 2019 – Nimbin Bush Theatre, Nimbin (1-4pm)
3 January 2019 – Byron Bay Brewery, Byron Bay
4 January 2019 – Federal Hotel, Bellingen
5 January 2019 – Flow Bar, Old Bar
11 January 2019 – Brass Monkey, Cronulla
12 January 2019 – Sly Fox, Enmore
13 January 2019 – Hardys Bay Club, Hardy’s Bay
18 January 2019 – Muswellbrook Hotel, Muswellbrook
19-20 January 2019 – Tamworth Hotel, Tamworth
20 January 2019 – Junkyard, Maitland
24 January 2019 – Servo Food Truck, Port Kembla
25 January 2019 – Tomerong Hall, Jarvis Bay
31 January 2019 – Stag and Hunter, Newcastle
6 February 2019 – Transit Bar, Canberra
7 February 2019 – The Old Bar, Fitzroy
8 February 2019 – The Eastern, Ballarat
9 February 2019 – Barwon Hotel, Geelong
10 February 2019 – Northcote Social Club, Melbourne
15 February 2019 – Dashville, Lower Belford
2-3 March 2019 – Nannup Festival, Nannup

Image used with permission from Jo Corbett Publicity

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

“Self Sabotage” EP – Graace

Graace blew me away with her single “Last Night” a couple of months ago. Now I’ve listened to her debut EP Self Sabotage, I’m completely besotted. It contains six special songs that you won’t quickly forget.

“Kissing Boys” has such a tender introduction, but by the time chorus kicks in it’s breezy and boppy, with saturated synths and a great groove. But tap into the lyrics and you’ll hear lyrics of real pain, a story of momentary distractions masking heartache. It’s this heartache that dominates this EP. Painful breakups have fuelled so much great music over the years. Like the very best artists that came before her, Graace has a knack for getting her pain down. You hear it through the insightful, reflective lyrics and her beautiful, pure vocals. It’s been some time since I’ve had my heart broken, but songs like “SOS” and “Me Without You” took me right back there. By the time I came to the exquisite closing track “Spoken Word,” a devastating piece of poetry I could feel tears welling in my eyes.

Artists aspire to make music that moves us. However, most of it washes over us, failing to really make a lasting impact. Graace never puts a foot wrong here. It’s a brave collection of songs that reveals her heart, and in doing so touches the listeners’.

Image used with permission from Sony Music Australia