Category: Album Reviews

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

“Let Us Adore Him” – All the Kings Men

Like so many Australians, I’m not a religious person. I flirted with becoming a Junior Soldier with the Salvation Army when I was a kid, but I think that ambition was driven more from a desire to play the tambourine than any deep-seated faith. Today I only go to church for weddings, christenings, and funerals. I identify as agnostic, not quite prepared to dismiss the idea of a higher power completely but fairly ambivalent about the whole religion thing.

So it felt a little strange this morning to make Let Us Adore Him, the debut album from Perth folk-rock worship act All the Kings Men, my soundtrack. This is a band that sings proudly about their faith. There are none of the vague references we hear in the songs of crossover acts like Creed and Amy Grant. Their numbers don’t pose as conventional love songs. They sing proudly about heaven, sins, Jesus, and the Holy Ghost. There’s something really powerful about hearing an act that owns its beliefs and doesn’t try to package them to the mainstream.

I found something to enjoy in most tracks, although there were a few standouts for me. “Hope of the World,” set to the familiar tune of “Amazing Grace” is inspired. The rousing “Depth of Mercy” had me tapping my toes and bobbing my head to the beat. “I Will Walk With Him” is a really special moment. With only a single voice and an acoustic guitar, this stripped back number compels you to hone in on the words.

All of the Kings Men are a really accomplished group of musicians. Their harmonies are gorgeous. I loved the great organic sound of these songs, driven by acoustic guitars, drums, and handclaps. While I couldn’t necessarily relate to the songs of Let Us Adore Him lyrically, the passion and joy behind them struck a chord with me. It doesn’t matter what inspires those emotions; to me they’re the cornerstones of some inspirational music.

Let Us Adore Him is available for free download from CDBaby.

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

“Love is a Dog” – Tinpan Orange

It’s hard to believe that it’s been seven years since I heard my first Tinpan Orange album, their third studio release The Bottom of the Lake. I raved about their unique sound, Emily Lubitz’s gorgeous vocals, and the way the band played with genre on this very blog. Now I’m excited to see how the band’s grown with the imminent release of their fifth studio album Love is a Dog.

The album opens with the single “Rich Man,” which sets the scene perfectly with its delicate, dark vibe. Love is a Dog is an album which isn’t afraid to tackle dark and difficult subject matters. The rich lyrical subject matter ensures no song is lightweight or filler. Such weighty material could bog a listener down if not for the gorgeous instrumentation. Tinpan Orange play around with folk and country music so perfectly, creating songs that are a joy to listen to.

“Cities of Gold” speaks perfectly of chasing a dream, the potential for happiness coupled with an uncertainty about the future. I love the laidback country campfire feel of the title track, which adds nuance to its bitter lyrics. There’s no fight as the relationship draws to an end, just resignation. “Cabarita” might be my favourite number on the album. I love the characters the band’s created. The song’s string section makes the evocative lyrics sound even more beautiful. “Light Across the Water” is another highlight, with its epic feel that never crosses the line into melodrama. The closing number “Leopards” builds so beautifully. At first it seems almost too subtle to end an album, but in the final minute the strings and drums kick in and you’re clapping your hands and stomping your feet in time.

Tinpan Orange are such accomplished musicians. Five albums in, they know what they’re doing. Every song is perfectly measured, with Emily Lubitz’s stunning vocals perfectly paired with the right instrumentation. The slide and acoustic guitars and gentle driving drums support her without ever stealing focus. I’m not sure whether Love is a Dog is the album to get Tinpan Orange the mainstream attention they deserve, but it should be.

Love is a Dog hits stores on April 8.

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

The Francis Wolves – The Francis Wolves

I wasn’t quite sure what to expect from The Francis Wolves’ self-titled debut album when it landed in my inbox. The press release calls the eight-piece from Brisbane an “instrumental garage-afro-soul” band. Other descriptors like stoner funk, psych-jazz, garage soul, and desert funk have also been bandied about. Any of these adjectives works, but it also seems to limit exactly what The Francis Wolves do. In truth they’re all of these things and so much more.

As I let the first track and current single “Gothic Surf Club” wash over me I was reminded of old school Santana. There’s a similar freedom to what The Francis Wolves do, a melding of influences that is so joyous and spirited. As I listened further I was reminded of the movie Whiplash, and the music Miles Teller’s Andrew Neiman might have made if Terence Fletcher wasn’t hovering over him. There’s a similar accomplishment in the musicians here. They’re so very good, and it’s only because they’re so good that they can create music that seems improvised without sounding discordant. There’s an instinctual knowledge of each player’s own musicality and that of the musicians surrounding them that brings everything together so beautifully. It’s like the very best of jams.

The Francis Wolves are a bold band, an exciting outfit playing which genres in the way only musicians that know their stuff can. Those willing to take a chance on this kind of music will be richly rewarded.

The Francis Wolves’ self-titled album is released through Valley Heat Records on April 11. You can pre-order it now through the Valley Heat Records Bandcamp page, which is also where you can buy the album once its released. The Francis Wolves will celebrate the album’s release with a show at The Bearded Lady in Brisbane on April 8, where fans can buy the album early, and another at NightQuarter on the Gold Coast on April 16.

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Pacific EP – Pacific

I love coming across music that sparks something in me, songs that I have an instant connection with. Just one song won’t do. I need to hear more and get a more complete sense of who that artist is. So after listening to “Edge of Nowhere,” I had to fire up the advance stream of Pacific’s self-titled EP. In just five tracks I learned that these guys are certainly the real deal.

The EP commences with the feel-good lead single “Edge of Nowhere.” No matter how many times I hear this song, it sounds so fresh and fun. The second track, “Fade Away,” shows there’s more to this band that upbeat energy. This is a nuanced number, full of longing and love. It’s got lush, epic instrumentation, but there’s also a fragility to the lyrics I really responded to. There’s a similar anthemic feel to the chorus of “Wide Eyes,” although the quirky pace of the verses gives this track its own identity. I love the driving energy of “Clarity.” I can imagine zooming down the freeway blasting this one with the windows rolled down. Driftwood is the most tender song on the EP and the most beautiful. It’s gentle and laidback, an understated closer to an EP that shows so much passion.

All of the songs on Pacific’s EP are so different. They show a band who is truly well rounded, with such a well-developed sound. Pacific are a real find. Apparently there are some live shows in the works, which should only further prove how good this Perth band are.

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

“With Love and Fury” – Brodsky Quartet & Katie Noonan

In this world of digital downloads and shuffle modes, I’ve heard many people say that the concept album is dead. But it seems they forgot to tell Katie Noonan. She’s created what is arguably one of her most ambitious albums to date with her new release With Love and Fury.

With Love and Fury sees Katie and the Brodsky Quartet collaborating for the first time on songs with lyrics drawn from the poetry of the late Judith Wright. The pieces were composed by a who’s who of the classical world including Richard Tognetti, David Hirschfelder, Carl Vine, Elena Kats-Chernin, and even Katie herself.

I must admit, when I first slipped this album on, I just wasn’t sure whether I’d write about it or not. It’s so different to anything I’ve heard Katie Noonan doing before. I couldn’t quite get it. But Kate is one of those artists that is ever evolving, producing quality music and moving on to the next project before things get stale.

The Brodsky Quartet are some of the UK’s best musicians, and Katie Noonan arguably has one of the best voices in this wide brown land. I’ve always known that, but listening to this album I think even I had underestimated her. She hits heights I’ve never heard, delivering songs that are impressively operatic.

I’m still not sure this is the kind of music I’ll reach for time and time again. It’s just so different, with songs that veer wildly from the classic structure of verses and choruses. While that meant I struggled to get into some songs, others really moved me. This album is brave and creative. And in a musical landscape that has a little too much beige, those virtues count for something.

With Love and Fury is released on April 1. Kate will tour the album with the Brodsky Quartet all around the country.

28 April 2016 – QPAC Concert Hall, Brisbane
29 April 2016 – Melbourne Recital Centre, Melbourne
30 April 2016 – Canberra International Music Festival, Canberra
1 May 2016 – Her Majesty’s Theatre, Adelaide
2 May 2016 – City Recital Hall, Sydney
4 May 2016 – Albany Entertainment Centre, Albany
5 May 2016 – Perth Concert Hall, Perth

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

“The Essential Alison MacCallum” – Alison MacCallum

We’re a bit spoiled in the modern musical era. We can head into our nearest JB Hi Fi and find just about any music on CD, whether it’s something from the vault or the latest release. We take for granted that we can find music from our favourite musical acts. So I was surprised to hear that Alison MacCallum, the first Australian female singer to ever have a charting album, has only just had her music available on CD. I’m also slightly ashamed to admit that until now, her music had passed me by.

I’ve righted that wrong though, listening to both CDs that make up The Essential Alison MacCallum this morning. Three years in the making, the album contains just about everything a fan could want, from “I Ain’t Got the Time,” her first chart hit with underground act Freshwater, the Vanda & Young penned “Superman,” and “It’s Time,” the campaign song which helped bring Gough Whitlam to power. There are also some stellar covers, including one of my favourite soul songs, “To Love Somebody” and Ted Mulry’s “Take Me Back.”

Apparently Alison was often compared to Janis Joplin. I can hear that. Few artists can be at one level with their voice, then effortlessly hit notes at the top end with so much heart and passion. But there’s a greater purity to Alison’s voice which is so lovely. I adore Janis’ gravelly delivery, but Alison’s voice somehow manages to be angelic, yet gutsy.

For fans, The Essential Alison MacCallum will be a welcome addition to their collection. I just hope I’m not the only one of the people too young to remember who discovers her music through this long overdue CD release.

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

We’ve Come a Long Way, Darling – Luke Daniel Peacock

After being impressed by Luke Daniel Peacock’s single “We’ve Come a Long Way, Darling,” I couldn’t wait to wrap my ears around his album. I was thrilled to find more of the husky vocals and first-class songwriting that delighted me on the lead track.

As I wasn’t aware of the first single “Dreambox,” I found it interesting that the most recent single and title track doesn’t make an appearance to the very end of this album. It meant that for most of the recording I was listening to music that for me felt brand new. Despite this, this collection of songs felt very familiar. Not in a “I’ve heard this all before” way, but in a comfortable, accessible way that’s so appealing. This is an artist who knows what he’s doing, and he does it so well that you’re instantly put at ease.

The opening track “Dreambox” grabbed me from the get go with its hooky guitar-driven melody and relatable lyrics. “Alphabet City” is a stand-out with its stirring instrumentation and gritty, yet hopeful, lyrics. The delicate instrumentation of “Trees” really let the message of this special song shine through. “My Shit” might not have the most eloquent of titles, but it’s a powerful number about loving through the hard times.

There are shades of Bruce Springsteen and Ryan Adams in this album, yet Luke Daniel Peacock’s own original voice rings out so strong. We’ve Come a Long Way, Darling is a remarkable album from one of Australia’s most promising new singer-songwriters.

We’ve Come a Long Way, Darling is available on CD, vinyl, and as a digital download today.

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

“Synthia” – The Jezabels

The Jezabels are back with a brand new album, Synthia. So often bands struggle to maintain the quality of their music over an extended period of time, but there are no such worries with this stellar Australian act. In fact, this third album may just be their best yet.

Ordinarily when I listen to an album I might review I find myself scribbling notes as I listen. However, I was too entranced by the music the first go round to be pulled out of it with observations. I just wanted to let it wash over me.

There’s something so cathartic about listening to songs like the opening track “Stand and Deliver” and the breathtaking “Smile” that build so beautifully to searing crescendos. The Jezabels know how to do epic more convincingly than most acts on the scene.

They’re also a band that knows how to use light and shade so well. I love that driving intensity they can deliver in a song like “My Love is My Disease,” and then how they can leave you hanging on ever moment in quieter periods, like the first half of “Smile.”

“A Message From My Mothers Passed” is one of those songs so beautiful that it stopped me in my tracks. I was similarly enthralled by the exquisite “Flowers in the Attic.” “Stamina,” a song so full of wisdom, ends the album perfectly.

Synthia is likely to be everything fans hope it will be. The darkness and drama of the songs The Jezabels create is like nothing else around. And Hayley Mary’s vocals that seem to cut through so effortlessly are some of the best in the business. This album is sure to cement The Jezabels reputation as one of the best Australian acts making music today.

Synthia hits stores on 12 February.

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

“City West” – Davey Craddock

Just a few days ago I was raving about Davey Craddock’s single “Peaceful Bay.” I really enjoyed this mellow folk-tinged number, and couldn’t wait to learn more about him on the album’s release. On hearing City West, I’m hooked.

When you hear a single, you’re given just a glimpse of what an artist can do. I knew Davey was an impressive songwriter and that he knew he had a beautiful soft side, but I didn’t really get a picture of who he was. I certainly didn’t expect the attitude and grit of this record, reminiscent of the stuff Ryan Adams produced in his heyday with its easy blend of country and folk influences. And then there’s the joy of discovering tunes featuring some of my favourite instruments, like harmonicas and slide guitars.

Often when I hear an album it becomes clear why the lead single is the single. It usually stands above the other tracks, separating itself with its heart or catchy melodies. But that’s not the case here. In fact, I found myself more captivated by other numbers, like the raucous “Three Sprays” and the plaintive “Number 9.” My favourite track is undoubtedly the gospel-tinged “There Will Be Light,” with its depiction of suburbia and its trappings. “Ayers Rock” is another delight, a gentle and poignant closer.

I liked Davey Craddock’s single, but on hearing his album I discovered there was so much more to him than I’d first realised. You’ll struggle to find better songs than the ones he’s composed here and the passion with which he delivers them is compelling. It might be only January, but I’ll be surprised if an album speaks to me more this year.

City West is released on 5 February. He’ll support its release with the following shows.

26 February 2016 – Major Toms, Kyneton
27 February 2016 – Junkyard, Maitland (FREE)
28 February 2016 – Django Bar, Sydney
5-6 March 2016 – Nannup Festival
12 March 2016 – RADA Studios, Perth
15-17 April 2016 – Fairbridge Festival, Fairbridge Village
29 April – 1 May 2016 – Mount Beauty Festival, Mount Beauty

Image used with permission from Thrillhill Music

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

“Adam Brand and the Outlaws” – Adam Brand and the Outlaws

Star-studded country act Adam Brand and The Outlaws deliver a covers album that’s several cuts above the average with their self-titled debut. Adam Brand’s posse includes multiple Golden Guitar winner Drew McAlister, Travis Collins, whose album Wired reached number one on the local country charts, former Baby Animal Matt Cornell, and renowned songwriter Mike Carr. Their collective experience shows on this release.
“Good Year For The Outlaw” is such a great introduction not just to this album, but the band. It’s got country written all over it, and stellar performances across the board, from Adam Brand’s gritty vocals to those gorgeous fiddles. When the band joined their voices and implored me to “Turn it up” I couldn’t help but oblige.

I never imagined I’d hear a country version of Poison’s “Nothing But a Good Time” but it works. It feels like the sort of thing you might hear in a dive bar somewhere in the middle of nowhere, where the drinks flow freely and the crowd is amped. “Fat Bottomed Girls” may be even more fun than it was when Queen released it. Their take on “Bad Case of Loving You” is another absolutely corker.

“Mama Don’t Let Your Babies” is one of the more predictable choices on the album, but it lets the band show their tender side. They might love to party, but there’s a bit more depth here. The poignant “Good Riddance (Time of Your Life)” is a lovely way to close out an album so full of energy and unbridled enthusiasm, a moment of quiet reflection after the party’s over.

Adam Brand and the Outlaws have such strong musical instincts. So many of these song choices didn’t make sense to me on paper, but hearing them I realised I’d judged too quickly. Their debut is damned good fun, a collection of familiar songs reinterpreted in such interesting ways. They’re not dramatically different enough to alienate fans of the originals, but the band’s definitely breathed new life into these classics from the worlds of country and rock music.

Adam Brand and the Outlaws self-titled debut hits stores today. They’re celebrating its release with the following shows all around the country over the coming months.

22 January 2016 – Blazes at West Tamworth Leagues Club, Tamworth
25 January 2016 – Dargo River Inn, Dargo
27 January 2016 – Flying Horse Bar & Brewery, Warrnambool
28 January 2016 – Hallam Hotel, Hallam
29 January 2016 – Gateway Hotel, Geelong
30 January 2016 – Kinross Woolshed Hotel, Thurgoona (FREE)
31 January 2016 – Capital Theatre, Bendigo
3 February 2016 – Muswellbrook RSL Club, Muswellbrook
4 February 2016 – Ettalong Diggers Club, Ettalong Beach
5 February 2016 – Waves Towradgi, Towradgi Beach
6 February 2016 – Toronto Workers Club, Toronto
7 February 2016 – Goulburn Workers Club, Goulburn
11 February 2016 – Caloundra Power Boat Club, Caloundra
12 February 2016 – Kedron Wavell Services Club, Chermside
13 February 2016 – Twin Towns Services Club, Tweed Heads
14 February 2016 – Blue Mountains Hotel, Toowoomba
19 February 2016 – Country Club, Launceston
20 February 2016 – Wrestpoint Entertainment Centre, Hobart
25 February 2016 – Inverell RSM, Inverell
26 February 2016 – Laurieton United Services, Laurieton
27 February 2016 – Moonee Beach Tavern, Moonee Beach
28 February 2016 – Club Forster, Forster
3 March 2016 – Norwood Hotel, Norwood
4 March 2016 – Old Mill Hotel, Hahndorf
5 March 2016 – Mundarring Weir Hotel, Mundarring Weir
6 March 2016 – Ravenswood Hotel, Ravenswood
17 March 2016 – Dubbo RSL, Dubbo
18 March 2016 – Club Mudgee, Mudgee
19 March 2016 – Rooty Hill RSL, Rooty Hill