Category: Album Reviews

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

“Beneath the Surface” – December Baby

When I hit play on Beneath the Surface, the debut EP from December Baby, I was instantly struck by her beautiful, delicate voice. However, as I listened closely to this five-track collection I found so much more to appreciate.

December Baby’s music is folky with an accessible pop sensibility. Think Aimee Mann, Sarah Bareilles, and Feist, all artists that December Baby proudly cites as influences. But she’s got her own stories to tell, and she tells them beautifully through these songs.

The opener “You’re My Rock” is impossible to dislike, an upbeat declaration of love. It doesn’t break any new ground, but it’s a lot of fun. I felt the longing in “If You’d Only,” a sweet song about promising the earth to an object of affection. “Jimmy Choos,” with its bitey lyrics savaging “mean, shallow girls,” is the standout for me. I love the way December Baby’s sweet vocals and the upbeat melody juxtapose with the cutting words. There’s a dramatic flair in “This Way” that really appeals to me. “Not Okay” is beautiful in its honesty. It’s probably the most ambitious track on the EP, with blues passages, poppier moments, and stripped back movements all sitting side by side. The transitions aren’t always seamless, but its fearlessness makes a strong statement at the end of this EP.

On a casual listen, December Baby’s music is poppy and pleasant. However, tune into the lyrics and as the EP’s name suggests, there’s a lot more going on beneath the surface.

Beneath the Surface is released today and available from iTunes. December Baby will announce concerts to celebrate the EP’s release soon.

Image used with permission from December Baby

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

“Tribe” – Bearfoot

If summer is but a distant memory and you’re cursing the winter chill, wrap your ears around Tribe, the recently released EP from Sunshine Coast reggae act Bearfoot.

The first track “Could Be Worse” is the ideal introduction to this band, a cruisy cut about looking on the brighter side of life. I couldn’t help but think of Stevie Wonder’s “Master Blaster” when listening to “Impolite.” There’s a shared melodic sensibility there, but the perceptive, socially aware lyrics help ensure this song occupies its own space. “Dreamer,” sees Bearfoot in a more relaxed space. It’s so catchy and laidback, it reminds me of hanging around a beer garden in the middle of summer. I was well and feeling the reggae vibes by the time “One Drop” came on, with its lyrics reminding listeners that “Reggae never hurt anyone.” “Babylon” is the closing track, a smart number which reminds the listener Bearfoot is much more than just a party band.

Bearfoot’s laidback summery vibe is perfect antidote to the chilly winter weather. It’s positive music, with clever rapid-fire vocals and irresistible brassy hook. In a music scene where good reggae acts are a rarity, what they’re doing stands apart. I hadn’t heard of Bearfoot before, but after hearing this EP they’re definitely on my radar.

Bearfoot is currently on tour. Here are the remaining places you can see the Queensland reggae group play.

29 July 2016 – Miami Marketta, Gold Coast
5 August 2016 – First Fridays Noosa Junction, Noosa
14 August 2016 – Peregian Originals, Peregian Beach
19 August 2016 – The Motor Room @ Boundary St Hotel, Brisbane
21 August 2016 – Hotel Brunswick Sunday Session, Brunswick Heads
9 September 2016 – Solbar, Maroochydore
30 September 2016 – Caloundra Music Festival, Caloundra
2 October 2016 – Triffid Roots Festival, Brisbane

Image used with permission from Call & Response

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

“Commands” – Amanda Merdzan

Ever since the lead single last September, I’ve been anticipating the release of Aussie ex-pat Amanda Merdzan’s EP Commands. The singles signalled a new sound for Amanda’s music, and I was keen to see how it would play out in a larger collection of songs. With the release of Commands, all the pieces fall together.

The most recent single “Glow” introduces the EP beautifully. It’s such a strong opening number, with its beautiful string arrangement and introspective lyrics.

“All of You” is the EP’s edgiest track, a pledge to love after another has left the object of her affection’s heart in tatters. Again the lyrics are right on point, although the vocal effects take a little of the heart out of the song in my opinion.

That theme of standing on the precipice of love, prepared to jump continues on the EP’s first single “Matter,” although the touch is a little more delicate this time. The gentle treatment with a more stripped back sonic arrangement suits this song’s sweetness. She sings for so many women wrapped up in infatuation when she repeats the line “I know that I can get carried away.”

The ebb and flow of feelings associated with old loves is tackled beautifully in “Flame.”

“Bury the Rest” ends the EP on such a strong note. It makes a powerful statement about moving forward, with pounding drums supporting the potent lyrics beautifully.

It’s so exciting to witness Amanda’s evolution. While sonically this lush electronically charged music is very different from the earnest folk Amanda created when I first encountered her, that heart that first drew me to her music remains. Commands may be Amanda’s most intimate work to date, with songs exploring the challenges in hiding a same-sex relationship, the complications in disclosing the truth, and the breakdown of a friendship. These are very specific events, but Amanda tackles them in such a relatable way. I may not have lived through her stories, but I’ve certainly felt the emotions she draws on.

Commands is released independently today. It’s available on through various online retailers and streaming services including Spotify and iTunes.

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

“One For Sorry, Two For Joy” – Brightly

The very best albums, in my opinion, are the ones where artists lay their souls bare. Where they strip back all the artifice and leave themselves exposed and vulnerable. It’s rare to hear music that’s as raw as all that, but that’s just what we get on One For Sorry, Two For Joy, the stunning new album from London-based Aussie Brightly.

Brightly recorded the songs in an isolated cabin in Iceland during a harsh winter. I liked thinking about that background as I listened to the music, because the ice and snow seems so perfectly suited to these tracks. They have such a lush sound, with synths that wrap around Brightly haunting voice.

However rich the music is though, it never steals focus from the lyrics which are the true centrepiece of this album. I enjoyed listening to each song after reading the information about them Brightly penned for ToneDeaf last month. I found learning the background of each number made the listening experience that much more powerful.

“Rugby” contains some of the rawest, most honest lyrics I’ve ever heard, delivered in the way that only someone who’s lived the story can. The title track “One For Sorrow, Two For Joy (Beginnings & Endings)” is like a sucker punch. This poignant number deals with the death of a close friend after a music festival. Brightly originally wrote the song 10 years ago and has been tweaking it ever since to make sure it sounds just right. “Bury Us In Fruit Jars” was another song that really floored me. It tells the story of an arson attack at a gay bar in Los Angeles in 1973 and is especially powerful in the wake of the Orlando shooting at Pulse. “Oceans,” one of the lighter numbers on the album, is truly uplifting.

This album has so much heart. Its themes of death and loss are dealt with so thoughtfully. It’s intimate and vulnerable and everything the best albums should be.

One For Sorry, Two for Joy is available for digital download now. If you’re in London, you can catch Brightly launching it at The Social on July 15. Hopefully it won’t be too long before he’s back on home soil and we get some local shows.

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

“Thieves” – Tracy McNeil & The GoodLife

From the moment the opening strains of “The Valley” wafted through my speakers, I knew I was going to like Thieves, the latest album from Tracy McNeil & The GoodLife. It’s one of those tracks that is so easy to listen to, an accomplished country-folk song with a poetic turn of phrase and seemingly effortless harmonies. I instantly warmed to Tracy’s rich husky voice and the use of the pedal steel guitar.

I didn’t realise it at the time, but this song was the ideal introduction to what this band does. Because song after song I was willingly taken on a journey, into moments captured so perfectly by the band. We’ve all been to those places before, the first sparks of love, a relationship that’s hard to move on from, loss that hits us hard. So many lyrics and songs struck a chord with me. “Wait On You” felt painfully familiar. I was so touched by “Ashes,” a song Tracy penned in memory of her late father, Wayne “Mac” McNeil. She plays his 1968 Gibson Hummingbird on the track, adding extra poignancy to a song steeped in so much emotion. After so much heartache, the joy of “Finer Side” is a lovely way to close the album. Lead guitarist Dan Parsons duets with Tracy on this bluesy number.

Thieves already seems like a classic album despite being days from its release. It’s an accomplished piece of work full of music that feels like coming home. Just like the very best classics, I’m sure I’ll be playing it for years to come.

Thieves is released on July 1. Tracy McNeil & The GoodLife will support its release with the following shows.

30 June 2016 – Union Hotel, Newtown
1 July 2016 – The Stag and Hunter, Newcastle
2 July 2016 – The Grand Junction Hotel, Maitland
3 July 2016 – Marrickville Bowling Club, Marrickville
8 July 2016 – Baha Tacos, Rye
10 July 2016 – Westernport Hotel, San Remo
14 July 2016 – Lefty’s Old Time Music Hall, Brisbane
15 July 2016 – Night Quarter Markets, Gold Coast
17 July 2016 – The Triffid, Brisbane
22 July 2016 – Tanswell Hotel, Beechworth
23 July 2016 – Major Tom’s, Kyneton
31 July 2016 – Old Hepburn Hotel, Hepburn Springs
12 August 2016 – The Wheatsheaf Hotel, Thebarton
15 October 2016 – Akoostik Music Festival, Wingham

Image used with permission from Annie Johnsson Publicity

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

“Blastoma” – Ngaiire

With her sophomore album Blastoma, Ngaiire confirms that she’s one of the most exciting female voices in Australian music.

She has a knack of adding gravity to a fairly simple lyric, like in the opening track “Anchor.” In less capable hands the next number “Once” could be a cruisy love song, but I feel the yearning that elevates it. Co-producer Jack Grace’s vocal cameo in “Cruel” works a treat, with their very different voices playing off against one another beautifully. The dynamic rhythms and biblical undertones make “House on a Rock” a real standout. I must confess that the next handful of tracks didn’t grab me quite as much, but I was back on board for “Many Things,” which had me grooving in my seat. And I think anyone who isn’t moved by the gospel grandeur of “Fall Into My Arms” probably needs to check for a pulse.

Blastoma is like nothing I listen to, with an unusual blend of overdubs and effects anchored by more organic sounds. I might not have warmed to every track, but there’s so much soul in what she does. I’m talking real soul. Not the lightweight soul music with a pop bent that dominates the charts. I mean true, raw, sometimes gut-wrenchingly gritty soul music from the very depths of her being. And that is a very compelling thing indeed.

Blastoma is in stores now. Ngaiire is currently touring the album around the country. You can still catch her at the following shows.

24 June 2016 – Karova Lounge, Ballarat
25 June 2016 – Northcote Social Club, Melbourne
2 July 2016 – The Foundry, Brisbane
8 July 2016 – Oxford Art Factory, Sydney
9 July 2016 – Transit Bar, Canberra
24 September 2016 – Catani Gardens, St Kilda
1 October 2016 – Centennial Park, Sydney

Image used with permission from Positive Feedback

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

“Vices” – Vallee

Melbourne band Vallee first got on my radar with their single “Jungle.” Now with the release of their new EP Vices, I’m thrilled to explore more of their music.

It’s called an EP, but with seven tracks it’s really more of a mini album. That’s a testimony to the quality of this band. They couldn’t pick just four or five songs, as most artists do, because each and every one of the seven contained here really deserve their place. It’s always exciting to hear an act who can record something which genuinely contains no fillers.

When I’m reviewing music I like to take notes as I listen to it so I can remember my impressions. However, on my first listen of Vices my computer file contained just one word: energy. It runs through every song, engaging you and demanding you to listen. It’s also impossible to escape the themes of vice, from sex, drugs, and alcohol, to addictions to love and happiness. It’s meaty subject matter and Vallee handles it beautifully.

The opening track “Heroine” is so explosive, right out of the gates. It makes a clear statement, proudly insisting “We are here.” Each track is every bit as strong, with driving drums and vocals full of passion. “Jungle,” that first track that won me over, is given greater context among this EP of melodic rock numbers. I especially love “Spin,” which shows a more philosophical side to the band. The closing track “Cuba” showcases the undercurrent of rebellion which runs through the EP.

Despite being longer than most EPs, Vices maintains its energy and spirit throughout. It was satisfying from the first listen, yet I liked it a little more with every subsequent spin. Addicted? Maybe. There are worse vices though, right?

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

“Signal Lights” – Sam Brittain

The year’s not yet half over, but Adelaide singer-songwriter Sam Brittain may have recorded my favourite album of 2016 in Signal Lights.

This album drew me in from the first track “Underground” and didn’t let go. Ordinarily acoustic folk of this ilk works well as background music, but this is too good to simply fade away. The lead single “Stab in the Dark,” comes next. This song continues to leave me breathless. I heard it first on the tram session below, and it was the song that convinced me I needed to hear more from this talented artist. The following track “The Lucky One” provides the counterbalance to this emotional ballad, with its lyrics about celebrating the joy in life. Frankly I could go through this album track by track and tell you how good each one is, but I won’t. The gushing would be too effusive, and I’d much rather you go and discover why each song is so special in your own time.

Sam has such a knack for writing deeply personal songs that speak of his experiences, yet resonate so deeply with an audience. This album is so soulful and so compelling. It’s full of such wisdom and such wonderful stories. Each and every song is a standout that deserves to be savoured.

Signal Lights is released on June 3. He’ll play the following over 18s shows to support its release.

4 June 2016 – The Governor Hindmarsh, Adelaide
8 June 2016 – Brighton Up Bar, Sydney
15 June 2016 – The Ellington, Perth
23 June 2016 – The Toff in Town, Melbourne
26 June 2016 – The Milk Factory, Brisbane

Image used with permission from On the Map PR

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

“Freedom & Enterprise” – Kim Girdlestone

The music industry moves so quickly. That’s one thing you really notice when you take a little time away. Press releases are sent, EPs are released and launched, and what was once timely quickly becomes yesterday’s news. But the funny thing is, even though there’s such a rapid turnover of new music and we’re always quick to race on to the next best thing, the very best music doesn’t date at all. It’s timeless. And that’s why even though Sydney singer-songwriter Kim Girdlestone has already released and launched her debut EP Freedom & Enterprise, I wanted to take time to write about it.

Her voice has such a distinctive tone. It’s the sort of tone the judges on The Voice would press their buttons for in a heartbeat, because you can’t confuse it with anyone else’s. It’s soulful but delicate, weathered by experience and pain. It pairs beautifully with a bluesy electric guitar but stands up just as well on pared back numbers.

But Kim has much more than a voice on her side. She’s a true artist, a crafter of songs that hearken back to the classic traditions of blues and soul. Her lyrics are introspective but relatable. She grabbed me with the opening track “Sex Is In,” a number that oozes sultry sass. “When You Fall” is the featured track, a powerful song delivered with real gospel flair. The closing track “Soulful Whispers” sees Kim laying her heart bare. It’s a breathtaking end to this EP. With just a piano keeping her company, we’re compelled to listen to every heart-wrenching word of this special song.

Freedom & Enterprise might have dropped a few weeks ago, but music this good doesn’t date. It’s available to download from iTunes, CDBaby, Google Music Store, and a bunch of other online outlets.

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

“Song of the Silver-Tongued Magpie” – Anna Smyrk

I’ve been sitting on Anna Smyrk’s Song of the Silver-Tongued Magpie EP for some time. By the time listening to it reached the top of my to-do list Prince passed away, and I just wasn’t ready to hear to anything but his back catalogue. However on seeing that it’s released today, I thought I owed it to Anna to give it a spin. I’m not sure I could have found a more different recording to listen to. Its raw, folky blues numbers are a world away from the deeply-layered funk and soul songs I’ve been spinning. That’s a good thing though.

The first two tracks, “Barefoot Shuffle” and “House of Straw,” reminded me of the raw, organic power of music delivered simply, without a big studio budget. These songs were apparently recorded in the old Victorian farmhouse where Anna grew up. There’s a similar haunting quality about the tracks. Bare-bones music like this leaves nowhere to hide, and that exposure makes the songs so striking. The lilting piano melody of “Oh, the Wind” is like a big warm hug. Even though there’s a destructive force in the wind, its story is told with such irresistible tenderness. “The Murder of Alan Beyne” stopped me in my tracks. What quiet power a song gets when it’s anchored by a haunting voice and a compelling story. The harmonic layered vocals of the closing track, “Backyard Dawn” are so angelic. I love the sounds of magpies at the end of the track, a familiar sound heard in so many Aussie backyards. It ties back to the EP’s title in the most beautiful way.

While Anna’s musicianship is at the heart of Song of the Silver-Tongued Magpie, I’d be remiss not to mention Dan Musil on dobro guitar and Jimmy Power on banjo. These guys have played with Anna for years and it shows. You can hear how comfortable all the players feel together as they create these gorgeous songs.

Anna actually recorded Song of the Silver-Tongued Magpie a year ago but she postponed plans to release it when she was offered work with a Cambodian non-profit using music to help the country’s disadvantaged people. She’s back home for just two months before she commences more charity work in the Solomon Islands. During that time she’ll play just one show, at The Toff in Town on May 19 in Melbourne to support the EP’s release.

Image used with permission from Anna Smyrk