Category: Album Reviews

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

“Lessons in Love” – Thndo

It’s no coincidence that Thndo’s released her new album Lessons in Love this Valentine’s Day. While the day might be a Hallmark holiday, it’s also the perfect time to discover this diverse collection of “love songs.”

I put the term in quotes because most songs aren’t love songs in the traditional sense. While they all touch on relationships, they’re not formulaic or overly saccharine. Thndo bares her heart here, exploring the emotions that come when you open yourself up to someone. There’s excitement over infatuation, but also trepidation over being vulnerable. Love comes in all forms, so it’s only fitting that Thndo touches on motherhood with songs like “Another Day” and the incredible closer, “Purpose.” The struggles in relationships are celebrated as part of the story rather than sugar-coated. While Thndo’s not afraid to show the scars, this is ultimately an uplifting collection of songs that offers hope that love can conquer all.

These are songs of real substance, so I wanted to celebrate that first before I mention Thndo’s voice. It’s important to stress that her talent goes much deeper than her vocal chops. But of course, I also have to mention Thndo’s voice. It’s simply one of the best in the country. It can truly do anything, from the upbeat grooves of “Along the Way” and “Bedroom Eyes” to the cinematic ballad “Holding On.” But I love it best in pared back numbers like “Another Day” and “Given Time.” When you strip the music back, there’s nowhere to hide. If there were any imperfections, we’d hear them. There are none. Thndo’s rich, soulful voice is simply incredible.

I liked Lessons in Love from the first spin, but after a few listens I feel deeply in love with it. Press play and let it find its way into your heart this Valentine’s Day. You can see Thndo performing selected songs from Lessons in Love at the following venues:

14 February 2025 – A Valentine’s Affair @ Jazz Lab, Bulleke-bek/Brunswick
22 February 2025 – Under the Stars @ Packer Park, Bunurong and Wurundjeri Country/Carnegie (FREE)
16 April 2025 – Northcote Theatre, Naarm/Melbourne (supporting BJ the Chicago Kid)
27 June 2025 – Karralyka Theatre, Wurundjeri Country/Ringwood

Main photo credit: She is Aphrodite

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

“Stay With the Horses” – Alexander Biggs

Fiercely independent, Alexander Biggs is an artist who plays by his own rules. His music doesn’t sound like anything on the radio. He takes his time releasing it, waiting five years after hitting my radar before unleashing his debut album Hit or Miss and another four years before following it up. But today, we get the opportunity to hear his sophomore effort Stay With the Horses.

Of course, when you’re self-recording, self-producing, and independently releasing your music as Alexander does, you have time. To experience life and find inspiration, to experiment with lyrics and sounds, to get it just right. I hear the benefit of time in these songs. They embody the elements that drew me to Alexander’s music years ago. The hushed vocals have such a quiet power, drawing in the listener and creating intimacy. The lyrics are beautiful, poetic, and authentic. The melodies are simple, allowing us to hear the words that Alexander almost whispers.

But don’t think Alexander’s simply delivered more of the same here. This is everything I love about his music, but better. The melodies seem more approachable and a little catchier. You’re still not going to belt out these songs at karaoke, but you might find yourself humming them unexpectedly. His songwriting has evolved too. I found myself marvelling at his way with words, admiring phrases that hit my ears and heart. Alexander has elevated his music without alienating his fans here. That can be a delicate balance, but he achieves it with these songs.

Stay With the Horses is a really special album. It’s music that matters from an artist that isn’t afraid to buck trends or reveal their heart. Listen to it on your favourite streaming services now or purchase a limited edition vinyl copy here.

Images used with permission from Maths and Magic

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

“Some Good Songs … Done Badly” – Brave Mistakes

I love a good cover version. Covers have become a bit of a dirty word over the years, something reserved for karaoke nights or reality singing shows on commercial networks. But interpreting a beloved song and making it your own takes a real skill. So while the title gave me some trepidation, I was excited to discover Brave Mistakes new EP, Some Good Songs … Done Badly.

Brave Mistakes are a DIY band from Tarntanya/Adelaide. That city has always been a rich breeding ground for talent, giving birth to acts like Cold Chisel, The Angels, and Masters Apprentices. There’s an energy about these bands that I hear echoed in Brave Mistakes. The songs on this EP are pretty raw and unfiltered, but what’s more rock and roll than that?

This EP definitely has some good songs, as its title suggests, and while the delivery’s probably not what you’re used to it’s far from bad. Actually it’s pretty amazing. Brave Mistakes have made some really clever song selections here. Frontman Garrett R. Cooper has a rich, resonant voice that lends itself perfectly to these diverse numbers. Darker material like Chris Isaak’s haunting “Wicked Game” and Iggy Pop’s tortured “Candy” are natural fits. But Brave Mistakes brings out the yearning in Elvis Presley’s “Heartbreak Hotel.” This is no slick, matinee idol performance; it’s much more interesting. Their version of “Who Do You Love?” reminds me a lot more of The Doors’ sexy take than Bo Diddley’s rockabilly original. Brave Mistakes take their biggest left-turn with the closer, “Be My Baby.” I’ve never heard a male-fronted band deliver this Ronettes’ hit, let alone one that’s so unpolished. But there’s a retro charm about Brave Mistakes that makes this work too.

Leave your preconceptions at the door. Brave Mistakes don’t sound like so many other rock outfits that record their music in high-end studios with acclaimed producers. They’re doing it their way, and that’s a big part of their appeal. Some Good Songs … Done Badly is out now. Brave Mistakes will play the following festivals in the coming weeks:

8 February 2025 – High Fever Festival @ Three Brothers Arms Hotel, Kangowirranilla/Macclesfield
1 March 2025 – Pirate Life Brewing 10th Birthday @ Pirate Life Brewing, Yartapuulti/Port Adelaide (SOLD OUT)

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

“Forgiving Spree” – Slowly Slowly

With Forgiving Spree, Slowly Slowly proves the old adage that quality is always better than quantity. Its nine tracks spanning will take you just a little over half an hour to listen to, but I guarantee you’ll be thinking about them long after the final note.

It’s no coincidence that Slowly Slowly released five singles from this album before its launch. It opens with the title track before moving on to “Gimme the Wrench” and “How Are You Mine?”, all so catchy and crowd-pleasing. You might expect a dip in energy as Slowly Slowly move on to those album tracks, but in all honesty, any song on this album might have served as a single. This is an album that sees Slowly Slowly leaning into their pop sensibilities, unafraid to take inspiration from more commercial influences like John Farnham and Bruce Springsteen. There are more love songs than gritty anthems here. Most songs encourage listeners to sing along, but with the closer “Born Free,” Slowly Slowly shows they have what it takes to silence you. It’s such an epic ballad, stripped back and vulnerable until its dramatic musical and emotional crescendo.

Forgiving Spree is Slowly Slowly’s fifth album and their most accomplished. It sees them taking well-educated musical risks that always land, yet still surprise listeners. They’re stretching themselves musically and proving that just maybe, they can do it all.

Forgiving Spree is out now. Slowly Slowly will celebrate their new release with shows in Europe, the United Kingdom, and here at home over the coming months. Get your tickets now because they’re bound to sell out.

6-9 February 2025 – Party in The Paddock Festival @ Quercus Park, Kanamaluka/Launceston
28 February – 2 March 2025 – Feastival Falls Creek, Jaithmathang Country/Falls Creek
1-2 March 2025 – Yours and Owls Festival, Woolyungah/Wollongong
9 March 2025 – Limestone Coast Beer & BBQ Fest, Berrin/Mount Gambier
14 March 2025 – Academy 2, Dublin
16 March 2025 – Cat House, Glasgow
18 March 2025 – Key Club, Leeds
19 March 2025 – Deaf Institute, Manchester
20 March 2025 – Hare & Hounds, Birmingham
22 March 2025 – Camden Assembly, London
24 March 2025 – AB Club, Brussels
26 March 2025 – Supersonic, Paris (FREE)
27 March 2025 – Rotown, Rotterdam
29 March 2025 – Artheatre, Cologne
30 March 2025 – Badehaus, Berlin
4 April 2025 – Astor Theatre, Boorloo/Perth
5 April 2025 – Hindley Street Music Hall, Tarntanya/Adelaide
6 April 2025 – King Street Bandroom, Mulubinba/Newcastle
10 April 2025 – Fortitude Music Hall, Meeanjin/Brisbane
11 April 2025 – Enmore Theatre, Eora/Sydney
12 April 2025 – Margaret Court Arena, Naarm/Melbourne

Main photo credit: Marcus Coblyn

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

“TOY” – Dear Seattle

Dear Seattle aren’t playing around with their latest album TOY. The band’s third studio album is packed with stellar rock tunes that will have you singing along in no time.

The album takes off with “Nothing’s Stopping Me Now,” an upbeat, feel-good banger that perfectly sets the tone for this release. Dear Seattle have a knack for creating big, anthemic earworms. Frontman Brae Fisher’s vocals have this raw, authentically Australian quality that encourages listeners to join in. The hooky guitar riffs are infectious. High-energy numbers are the band’s specialty and tracks like “Courtney Love” and “Sungazer” are some of the band’s best. The band doesn’t keep its foot flat to the floor though. Dear Seattle ensures this rock album never feels one note when it slows down the tempo for more introspective numbers like “Evergreen” and “Counting Hours.”

While Dear Seattle’s Like a Version cover of “The Special Two” is a lot of fun, it doesn’t quite gel with all this incredible original music. It’s a shame this bonus track couldn’t be delivered like the bonus tracks on old CDs, after an extended silence that let us digest this excellent album first.

The release of TOY feels like Dear Seattle have come full circle. This album saw them reunite with Fletcher Matthews, who produced their debut EP in 2017. This time they’re coming together with years of stage and studio experience under their belt. Dear Seattle have matured without losing that raw Aussie charm that first endeared them to punters. This fresh batch of songs are instantly accessible, but I feel I’m going to love them even more once I memorise all those lyrics and can sing along at top note.

TOY is available now on vinyl, CD, and streaming platforms.

Main photo credit: Charlie Hardy

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

“Mutation” – RedHook

With the release of their sophomore album Mutation, RedHook show they’re a serious force to be reckoned with. This album builds on the promise of their debut Postcard From a Living Hell, with a killer selection of rock cuts that you’ll want to play again and again.

Some might call it an evolution, but mutation seems more appropriate for this spooky rock act who brings us songs like “Cannibal,” “Dr. Frankenstein, “and “Party/Zombie.” They’ve mutated into a band that consistently delivers the best parts of themselves.

“With this record, we wanted to crystallize all the most unique parts of RedHook’s DNA and then put that on steroids,” lead vocalist Emmy Mack explained. “Stronger hooks, braver lyrics, bigger production, wilder collaborations, bolder musical choices, just an evolution in every way. From moments of deep pain and heartbreak to moments of rage and defiance, to moments of joy, celebration and just pure fun, Mutation is an authentic statement of everything we are, and we hope you don’t get bored for a single BPM.”

Some of those wild collaborations include tracks recorded with Alpha Wolf, Holding Absence, and Vana. Their contributions are inspired, but RedHook are every bit as strong without their help. Emmy is one of the most exciting frontwomen in the business. I adore her strong vocals and convictions. You can almost guarantee that this band wouldn’t be calling out misogyny in “Bomb.com” or narcissistic abuse in “Scream 2” if it didn’t have a kick-arse female at the helm. I also appreciate the contributions of her bandmates. This outfit is tight. Without those big drums and big guitar chords RedHook wouldn’t sound nearly as compelling. Everyone has a role to play and they do it so well.

Mutation is everything I love about RedHook but better. If you’re a fan of this quirky rock outfit, I know you will adore this album. And if you weren’t already on the RedHook train, Mutation may be the album that encourages you to get on board. RedHook will support Stand Atlantic on their Was Here regional tour in March and April.

21 March 2025 – Forth Pub, Tommeginne Country/Forth
22 March 2025 – Uni Bar, Mouheneenner Country/Sandy Bay
27 March 2025 – The Governor Hindmarsh, Tarntanya/Adelaide
1 April 2025 – The Basement, Ngambri/Canberra
2 April 2025 – Beer DeLuxe, Bungambrawatha/Albury
4 April 2025 – Torquay Hotel, Wadawurrung Country/Torquay
5 April 2025 – Pier Bandroom, Monmar/Frankston
6 April 2025 – Commercial Hotel, Wurundjeri Balug and Wurundjeri Willam Country/South Morang
9 April 2025 – King Street Hotel, Mulubinba/Newcastle
12 April 2025 – Miami Marketta, Yugambeh Country/Gold Coast
13 April 2025 – Solbar, Yuggera Country/Maroochydore

Listen to “HEXXX,” RedHook’s track with Vana, on my new playlist Sounds of Oz Loves Rock. It’s early days so I’m still adding tracks but I hope that playlists like this will be another way you can engage with my blog and discover some fantastic Aussie tunes.

Main photo credit: Luke Shadrick

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

“full lover fake friends” – ixaras

Teen prodigy ixaras is quickly proving she’s one of the most exciting forces in the Aussie music scene. Last time I wrote about her I was impressed by the launch of her label Anti Dismal which helps make music more accessible for other young people. Now I’ve got her debut EP full lover fake friend on repeat. This incredible indie-pop release shows ixaras’ musical talent matches her passion.

Through this intimate collection of songs, ixaras shares her experiences navigating life as a young queer artist. That might sound a little niche, but these songs are so powerful that I know they’ll resonate with anyone who’s felt different. We hear her trying to figure things out as she seeks connection, falls in love, and experiences all the challenges that so many struggle with growing up.

ixaras marries her confessional lyrics with catchy pop melodies and post-punk edge. I know these songs will move you, but they also encourage you to pick up your hair brush and use it as a microphone while you jump around. Every track is an earworm.

ixaras is so young, but with the release of full lover fake friend she shows an incredible maturity and talent beyond her years. I am so excited to see where her musical endeavours take her. The release of this EP is a brilliant beginning.

ixaras is in for a busy New Year with performances at NYE on the Hill at The Farm in Gunaikurnai Country/South Gippsland and Great Escape in Lutruwita/Nugent. Tickets for both shows are on sale now.

Images used with permission from Gyro PR

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

“Half a World Away” – Dylan Wright

My review of Dylan Wright’s EP, Half a World Away, has been a long time coming. I intended to write it before I left for New Zealand, but time got away. And then I had my car accident, and I started to wonder whether it was even relevant anymore given that this EP dropped in October. But then I started to think about it, and I didn’t want you guys to miss it, especially considering Dylan has just been named as Tina Arena’s support on her upcoming tour.

This isn’t your typical post-Idol release. It’s better than that. There are no covers. There’s not even his winner’s single. It’s just fantastic, original music that really showcases who Dylan is. His words, his voice.

The opening track “Little Lost” is the perfect introduction to this collection of songs. It’s warm and stripped back, anchored by Dylan’s vocals and acoustic guitar. Its classic sound makes me hungry for road trips. He takes things up a notch with “All I Need, a darker song driven by yearning and heart. There’s a similar vibe to “Back to You.” We didn’t see this brooding side on Idol, but gritty tracks like these provide great contrast to the lighter moments. “Mess of a Man” may be my favourite song on this EP. It’s so raw and honest. At a time when we still expect men to be so strong, it’s refreshing to hear one share their broken parts. Dylan’s love for his family was well-documented through his Idol journey, so it’s only fitting that he shares a little of his joy surrounding that with us too. “Old Oak Tree” is such a beautiful, uplifting song about legacy and tradition, a celebration of the best parts of the human experience. The gospel-tinged title track shows us a different sound, one that hints that Dylan has more to share in the future.

Recording an EP, with six quality tracks, is a smart choice. Dylan could have taken more time and released an album, but dropping Half a World Away instead capitalises on his moment in the sun, ensuring we get to really know him and don’t forget him like so many people who’ve taken the Idol crown in the past. Could he be the one to reverse that Idol trend? It’s too early to say, but I really hope so. As I mentioned, Dylan will tour Australia with Tina Arena next year. Presale tickets are available now for the following shows ahead of tomorrow’s general sale:

27 April 2025 – Riverside Theatre, Boorloo/Perth
29 April 2025 – State Theatre, Eora/Sydney
30 April 2025 – State Theatre, Eora/Sydney
4 May 2025 – Evan Theatre, Mulgoa Country/Penrith
6 May 2025 – Civic Theatre, Mulubinba/Newcastle
8 May 2025 – Palais Theatre, Euro-Yroke/St Kilda
9 May 2025 – Palais Theatre, Euro-Yroke/St Kilda
17 May 2025 – Munro Martin Parklands, Gimuy/Cairns
20 May 2025 – Queensland Performing Arts Centre, Meeanjin/Brisbane
21 May 2025 – Queensland Performing Arts Centre, Meeanjin/Brisbane
23 May 2025 – The Star, Yugambeh Country/Gold Coast
30 May 2025 – Her Majesty’s Theatre, Tarntanya/Adelaide

Images used with permission from Sony Music Australia; main photo credit: Marissa Mills

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

“Swell” – Salt Tree

Folk duo Salt Tree are easing me into the weekend with their gorgeous new EP Swell. This collection of songs transports you to Tom and Nath’s hometown of Wooditup/Margaret River, a picturesque coastal town where the ocean meets the forests, or as the band’s name suggests, where the salt meets the trees.

Salt Tree take total control of their music, writing, recording, producing, and mixing it in a bedroom studio. Their hearts shine through beautiful acoustic arrangements that showcase their lyrics and artistry. They don’t reinvent the wheel, but if you love gentle acoustic guitar melodies, two-part vocal harmonies, and uplifting songs, Swell will be everything you’re looking for.

Opening track “Take My Hand” encourages you to step into Salt Tree’s musical world. “I’ll Be Here” reassures you that you’ve made the right choice. Its foot-stomping vibe reminds me of acts like Mumford & Sons and our own Pierce Brothers. The duo keeps that energy up with “We Were Young,” a nostalgic number that reminisces about the simplicity of childhood. The natural imagery of “Follow Me in the Ocean” is so compelling. From the water to the land, Salt Tree’s “Garden” sees the pair at their most romantic. This is a gorgeous song about budding love which resists the cliches. Salt Tree close out their EP on an optimistic note with “Dreaming Of a Future.” It’s a powerful reminder that even though the seas might get rocky, there’s always hope.

After visiting Wooditup/Margaret River, I told everyone who would listen that they needed to go. Listening to Swell, I’m taken back to that space that helped me unwind from the pace of my daily grind. I still maintain you should visit Wooditup/Margaret River if you can, but until you can book the trip, listening to Salt Tree’s beautiful folk EP is the next best thing. Salt Tree kick off their European tour in Germany tonight, so many sure you get out and support them if you can snap up some of the limited remaining tickets.

8 November 2024 – Jaki, Cologne (SOLD OUT)
9 November 2024 – Ponyhof, Frankfurt (SOLD OUT)
11 November 2024 – Milla, Munich (SOLD OUT)
12 November 2024 – Werkstatthaus, Stuttgart (SOLD OUT)
13 November 2024 – Exil, Zurich
14 November 2024 – ISC, Bern
16 November 2024 – B72, Vienna (SOLD OUT)
17 November 2024 – Lark, Berlin
18 November 2024 – Hebebühne, Hamburg (SOLD OUT)
19 November 2024 – Tolhuistuin Zonzij, Amsterdam (SOLD OUT)
21 November 2024 – The Waiting Room, London (SOLD OUT)
22 November 2024 – Lock 91, Manchester
23 November 2024 – Academy 2, Dublin
26 November 2024 – Club Sauvage, Barcelona
27 November 2024 – Moby Dick Club, Madrid
4 December 2024 – Bar Brooklyn, Stockholm

Images used with permission from Nettwerk Music Group

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

“something new” – Belle Haven

Naarm/Melbourne band Belle Haven really impressed me with their most recent single “fauxlove.” It opens their recently released EP something new with a bang, but there’s a lot more to love on this four-track collection.

“fauxlove” hits hard, but the band aren’t all edges. The next track “lose, regret, repeat…” has more of a pop sensibility and even more vulnerable lyrics. The bittersweet contrast of the happy sound and heartbreakingly sad lyrics is so compelling. “thx” is a high-energy, angsty rock number that puts the pedal to the floor from the first note. “a hypothetical exit” rounds out this stellar collection of song. It’s Belle Haven at their most melodic and anthemic. It sounds fantastic, with massive drums, guitars, and vocals. If you love your emo music, you’re going to love this.

“‘something new’ isn’t about one specific theme or story—it’s a mix of the emotions we’ve been going through as a band,” Belle Haven’s frontman David De La Hoz explained. “We explore love, sex, heartbreak, bad habits (and breaking them), choosing yourself, and even death. It covers a lot because that’s just how life happens sometimes. Each track brings its own feeling. ‘fauxlove’ taps into something raw and intimate, ‘lose, regret, repeat…’ feels deeply sad, ‘thx’ has this angry energy, and ‘a hypothetical exit’ comes off a bit tongue-in-cheek. We didn’t plan to cover all these themes—it just naturally unfolded that way. In a way, we’re still figuring out what Belle Haven is, learning by doing. This EP is part of that journey.”

With the release of something new, Belle Haven continues to show us the depth of their artistry. Don’t you dare put this band in a box, because they’re masters at pushing the envelope and developing their sound. If you love what they do, make sure you check them out at am//pm emo night at Burdenkin Hotel in Eora/Sydney on November 30.

Images used with permission from Good Intent