Category: Album Reviews

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

“The Haze” – We All Want To

We All Want To is one of those bands that nearly passed me by. I remember being directed to the Soundcloud of the single “Road to Ruin” a few months ago and being a bit nonplussed. It wasn’t a bad track, but it didn’t inspire me enough to earn a review. However, now that I can hear the track amongst the others on We All Want To’s album The Haze, I’ve changed my tune.

From the opening track, “Eileen Afternoon” I knew I’d judged We All Want To too quickly. I has such great spirit, like a cross between The Whitlams and REM. It put a smile on my face, and by the time “Road to Ruin” rolled around a couple of songs later I could hear it with new ears. Sure, it’s not going to change the world but it’s damn good fun. Not that We All Want To are all about having a good time. “Remove the Arrow” is so touching. Tracks like this give The Haze the light and shade it needs. I also loved “Like Buildings Collapse,” with its dramatic crashing drums and soaring trumpets.

There’s a great energy about We All Want To. Reality TV judges would say the vocals are pitchy, and the fuzzy guitars aren’t going to be to everyone’s taste, but the songs are catchy as hell. They’ve got more hooks than my dad’s tackle box. I even kind of like their imperfections.

The Haze is light and summery, with fuzzy chords and easy harmonies. It’s a lovely antidote to the autumn chills we’re having, and when warmer weather rolls around it’ll make the perfect barbeque soundtrack.

We All Want To kick off their album tour tonight, so if you’re in Melbourne get your skates on! Here are all the dates.

29 May 2015 – Northcote Social Club, Melbourne
30 May 2015 – The Metro, Adelaide
5 June 2015 – Heritage Hotel, Bulli
6 June 2015 – The Phoenix, Canberra
7 June 2015 – The Vanguard, Sydney
13 June 2015 – Woolly Mammoth, Brisbane
14 June 2015 – Bison Bar, Nambour
19 June 2015 – The Spotted Cow, Toowoomba

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

“Your Little Trick” – Travis Caudle

For a while there pop-rock became a bit of a dirty word associated with commercial success but a lack of soul. Personally, I always enjoyed pop-rock. It was comfortable, instantly accessible, and in my opinion never given enough credit. It takes skill to create something that can appeal to the masses, and that’s exactly what Perth singer-songwriter Travis Caudle has done with his forthcoming EP Your Little Trick.

The title is interesting for me, because there’s really not a lot of trickery about it. It’s good honest Aussie pop rock with a little hint of country. That genre twist makes sense as the album was recorded in Franklin, Tennessee, just outside Nashville. Working so close to one of the world’s music capitals has given this album a bit of polish, but the production hasn’t completely smoothed out Travis’ appealing edges.

Its opener “Outta My Head” sounds like it could be added to Triple M playlists tomorrow. I found myself singing along to the chorus and loving the big guitar chords from the first listen. The energy’s still turned up for the second song, “Something’s Gotta Happen.” But there’s more to Travis than high-energy music. He shows a softer side with the beautiful ballads “Wide Open” and “Heart and Soul.” The EP ends with my favourite song from the release, “Never Quite Enough.” I could feel the frustration in the lyrics and vocals, and I really responded to it.

Your Little Trick is an easy listen, but don’t underestimate the skill it takes to create something so comforting and familiar. It feels good for a reason. Because it is.

Your Little Trick will be released on May 27, but you can pre-order your copy now from Travis’ website. He’ll launch is officially in his hometown on May 31 as part of the City of Perth’s Sunday Sounds concert series.

Image used with permission from Capture Media

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Love Like Hate Ready for English Summer Tour

Brisbane’s dark pop duo Love Like Hate released their EP Unnoticed late last year, but I’ve only just gotten around to listening to it. I’m so glad that I did. I already knew I loved the singles – “Electric Ships” and “Unnoticed – but I didn’t expect the other three songs to make up this release to be just as strong.

Its second song “Bright Eyes” is my new favourite I think. Its lyrics are exceptional and its driving beat compelling. I’m not sure whether it was written about a school shooting, but I couldn’t help but imagine a student struggling to fit in and striking back as I listened to it. The closer “Ride This Down,” which shows a softer side of the band, is so poignant and haunting. What a beautiful way to end an exceptional release.

Apparently Love Like Hate have been kicking goals overseas, but we’ve got them back for their English Summer tour this week. They’ll fit in the following local shows before heading to the United Kingdom for a headline tour (dates to be announced).

17 May 2015 – Fox Hotel, Melbourne (18+)
29 May 2015 – Captain Cook Hotel, Sydney (18+)
6 June 2015 – Brisbane Hotel, Hobart (18+)
21 June 2015 – Brisbane Powerhouse, New Farm (ALL AGES – FREE AFTERNOON SHOW)

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

“The Bones of Us” – Eliza Hull

Eliza Hull wears her heart on her sleeve with her debut album The Bones of Us. It’s an evocative title which indicates just how raw this release is.

The haunting opening number “Walk Away,” drew me in to the album immediately. “Caught” is the perfect follow-up. I love how delicate this song is. It shows that fragility of early relationships so beautifully. But these two tracks are just some of the highlights of this gorgeous release. I appreciated the way that Eliza’s voice melded with Texture Like Sun on the single “Used To” when it was released and it sounds just as special in amongst the other tunes. I felt the pain of “Skeleton” and was floored by the achingly beautiful “Bella Lou.” A song like this, with just an angelic voice and a piano, shows the power that simplicity can bring. The final song “Head Above Water” is such a strong, triumphant closer.

This intimate album drew me in from the first listen, but something tells me I’m going to love it even more with subsequent listens. The Bones of Us is just one of those releases, something fragile, beautiful, and incredibly special.

The Bones of Us is in stores now.

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

“Piranha” – Naked Bodies

A band called Naked Bodies was probably never going to release an album that was middle of the road. But their name still didn’t quite prepare me for the eclecticism of Piranha, a collection of songs that may be more diverse than any I’ve encountered this year. A harsher critic might say it’s too diverse, but I’ve got to admire its boldness.

The opening “Ugly Morning” has a bluesy gangster feel while the follow-up track “Ride On” has more of a surf rock vibe. “Hollywood Boulevard” feels like a cut from a Tom Petty album, all jangling guitars and easy sun-drenched vocals. The single “Dirty Plate Blues” is every bit as dirty and bluesy as you might expect from its name. “Moonlight Love Song (For the Folks)” feels like it could have come from a classic film score, although it’s got a psychedelic bent that makes it just a little more unhinged than “My Favourite Things.” “Monkey Blues” has the sort of title that makes you think it’s going to be a novelty track, but this proud blues number is so profoundly moving. “Circus Song” is just as kooky as a song closing such an eclectic album should be.

Piranha’s not the perfect album. It’s a bit rough and raw, and it’s so diverse that it risks alienating listeners. However people with an open mind will appreciate that this is an album that pushes the boundaries and always entertains.

Naked Bodies will support Piranha’s recent release with the following shows in June.

5 June 2015 – Gasometer Hotel, Collingwood
6 June 2015 – Sooki Lounge, Belgrave
7 June 2015 – Barwon Club, Geelong
12 June 2015 – Miami Marketta, Gold coast
13 June 2015 – Black Bear Lodge, Brisbane
19 June 2015 – Rad Bar, Wollongong
20 June 2015 – Brighton Up Bar, Sydney
21 June 2015 – Front Bar and Gallery, Canberra
27 June 2015 – Brisbane Hotel, Hobart
4 July 2015 – Bridge Hotel, Castlemaine

Image used with permission from Naked Bodies

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

“Should I Be” – Michelle Serret-Cursio

Just in time for Mother’s Day, Melbourne songstress Michelle Serret-Cursio has released her debut album Should I Be. Her name might not be familiar to you but her face probably is. Michelle’s been a lead vocalist on Dancing with the Stars for years, and she also performed as part of Team Joel on the first season of The Voice. She’s also provided backing vocals for some of the country’s brightest talents including Tina Arena, John Farnham, and Olivia Newton-John.

Michelle’s skills as a vocalist are undeniable. She effortlessly puts her stamp on mum-friendly favourites like “I Will Always Love You,” “Crying,” “Tennessee Waltz,” and “My Heart Will Go On.” Singing in other languages in the Celine Dion smash, her take on “Crying,” and “La Vie En Rose” also doesn’t seem to phase her.

But it’s when Michelle steps away from the covers that I feel she really excels. The ballsy title track shows much more personality than the predictable numbers mums are sure to love. I’m not as enamoured with the dancy “Here I Stand,” which feels just a little too electronic to gel with the rest of the album, but I’ve got to admire that she’s doing something different.

I’m not sure whether Should I Be will cut through enough to see Michelle move away from life as a back-up singer or TV performer, but it should put smiles on the faces of any mums lucky to receive it this Mother’s Day. And that might be good enough.

Image used with permission from McGill Publicity

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

“Bossa Nova Baby” – Juliana Areias

I love hearing all kinds of music, so when Perth-based Brazilian jazz singer Juliana Areias sent me her first original album, Bossa Nova Baby, I was thrilled to dive right in.

It’s interesting listening to an album that’s almost exclusively in Portuguese, the universal language of bossa nova. I’m ordinarily a person that clings on to lyrics. Without that, I had to stop and think about how the music made me feel.

That evolved for me the more I listened to Bossa Nova Baby. I found myself enjoying the songs, which made me shake my hips and tap my toes. However, there was a little voice in my head saying “Gee it’s a little loungey.”

It’s a criticism we’ve heard countless times on those musical reality shows. Artists are told that they don’t want to sound like a lounge act, and we all accept this as being universally true. But the more I found myself enjoying these songs, I wondered whether loungey really is all that bad.

Juliana transported me to a lounge in an exotic holiday destination. As I listened to her songs I imagined myself sipping a cocktail, watching her and a brass band play as all of my troubles melted away. Upbeat tracks like “Missão” and “Maré Cheia” make me want to salsa around my lounge room. However, with tracks like “Inocência,” Juliana wears her heart on her sleeve. I wasn’t sure quite what she was singing about, but the sadness the song conveyed came through despite the language barrier. I also loved the vibe of the only English-language song “Night in Takapuna.” Its flute is such a beautiful accompaniment for Juliana’s pure voice.

Bossa Nova Baby might be a little loungey, but I’d be happy to visit any lounge where Juliana Areias played.

Image source: Juliana Areias Soundcloud page

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

“Through the Forest” – Benny Walker

I was captivated by Benny Walker when I heard his single “The Fool” a few weeks ago. Now that I’ve had the chance to listen to his latest album Through the Forest in its entirety I’m completely enamoured.

The title track is such a stunning introduction to this album. It feels epic and important, forcing you to sit up and pay attention. The following track, “Time,” sees the album settling into a gentler groove yet Benny somehow does that without losing intensity. It feels so seasoned, remarkably so for just his second album. Every song is exquisite and expertly crafted, so it’s so hard to pick favourites. But I loved the soulful sexiness of “Don’t Cut Me Down,” with its brassy instrumentation and Benny’s effortless falsetto. “No Refunds,” a song of longing for a love gone wrong, nearly brought me to tears.

They just don’t make music like this anymore. Through the Forest reminded me of a great album from an artist the calibre of Bruce Springsteen, The Eagles, or Tom Petty. It has such a cool blend of rock, country, blues, and folk. My only complaint is that at just nine songs, it felt over far too soon.

Through the Forest is released on March 6 through Black Murphy Records. Remember that Benny’s supporting the album with the following shows.

7 March 2015 – Moama Bowling Club, Moama
13 March 2015 – Twilight at Taronga Zoo, Sydney (supporting Dan Sultan)
27 March 2015 – Darwin Railway Club, Darwin
28 March 2015 – The Arnhem Club, Nhulunbuy
9 April 2015 – Skukum Lounge @ The Junk Bar, Brisbane
10 April 2015 – Thornbury Theatre, Melbourne
12 April 2015 – Newtown Social Club, Sydney
18 April 2015 – Suttons House of Music, Ballarat
19 April 2015 – The Wheatsheaf Hotel, Adelaide
24-26 April 2015 – Mount Beauty Music Festival, Mount Beauty
1 May 2015 – Beaches Hotel, Thirroul
3 May 2015 – Rhythm Hut, Gosford
6 May 2015 – Mothers Milk, Sawtell
10 May 2015 – Redcliffe On the Murray, Pinjarra

Image used with permission from Chrissie Vincent Publicity

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

“Gareth Jay” – Gareth Jay

It’s been a little while since I’ve heard any really great new blues music. You know the stuff, the music that feeds you soul and bubbles over with passion and heart. So I was really excited to stumble across the self-titled EP from Sydney’s Gareth Jay.

The opening track “Fiend” had me from its intro with its acoustic guitar and rich harmonica. Once his husky voice entered the mix I was sold. This song just oozes sex.

The follow-up number, “Crave,” kept me enamoured. If the lost love this song was written about didn’t go back to Gareth after hearing it she’s crazy. I think I’d forgive almost anything if anyone was inspired to write a song like this for me.

The heartbreak continues with “It’s Not Me, It’s You.” It covers familiar ground but Gareth is so talented that it feels fresh.

“Why Don’t You Just” feels like it’s come out of America’s Deep South rather than the streets of Sydney. It’s swampy and raw and oh so good.
The closing track “Tempt Me” has a real organic, spontaneous energy. It feels like the sort of thing you might expect Gareth to improvise on stage with his bandmates, unpolished and honest.

After listening to all five tracks I had to play them again. And then again. What a wonderful introduction to this talented musician. I expect massive things when Gareth Jay releases his first full-length album this May.

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

“Black Cat” – Deena

Brisbane-based chanteuse Deena shows her versatility in her sophomore album Black Cat. This release builds on the acoustic-folk sound that she showcased on her debut album Lone Wolf, with a full band helping her create something much bigger, grittier, darker, and bluesier.

The opening song “Cupid” is a steamy number that starts sultry before erupting with a cacophony of guitars. There’s a lot of that pattern in this album. I think I’m hearing something small and intimate, but somewhere along the way Deena takes a left turn and really lets loose. It’s as if her emotions can only be contained for so long before brimming and bubbling over. There so much good stuff on here, but Deena floored me with “Curve.” That song may have some of the most heartbreaking lyrics that I’ve ever heard.

If I had any criticism of the album, it’s that I could have done without the final track, a remix of “Uncut Diamonds II.” This electronic makeover doesn’t do the song any favours, and doesn’t seem to gel with the rest of the album. I suppose it shows another side of Deena, but it feels like a wasted exercise considering how good the other version is. That said, you’ve got to admire an artist that takes risks as Deena does, especially when so many of them pay off as they do on this album.

Black Cat hits stores on 13 February. Deena will promote its release with the following shows.

8 February 2015 – The Newsagency, Sydney
11 February 2015 – Cambridge Hotel, Newcastle (FREE)
12 February 2015 – The Publishers Hotel, Adelaide
13 February 2015 – The Vinyl, Adelaide
15 February 2015 – The Workers Club, Melbourne
18 February 2015 – Brisasia Festival, Brisbane
20 February 2015 – Queen St Mall, Brisbane (FREE)
8 March 2015 – Kettle & Tin, Paddington, Brisbane
15 March 2015 – The Brewery, Byron Bay
20 March 2015 – Black Bear Lodge, Brisbane