Category: Album Reviews

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

“Roadtrip Confessions” – Buffalo Tales

I must admit, when I heard Wes Carr was performing under the name of Buffalo Tales, I thought it was as wanky as the next person. However, as I listened to his first album under this new moniker, the shift made perfect sense.

Roadtrip Confessions isn’t a Wes Carr album. While I enjoyed the pop-rock material Wes released after winning the Australian Idol title, it’s markedly different from the music he’s making today. There’s a lot more heart and subtlety here. It’s not so radio-friendly, but that doesn’t mean it’s not accessible. It’s just not obvious or formulaic.

This album is beautifully balanced. One moment we’re thigh-slapping along to “Amsterdam”, the next we’re taken to a more tender, poignant place when he duets with Scottish folk songbird Rachel Sermanni on “Crazy Heart”. The shifts could have been jarring, but the gentle strumming of an acoustic guitar serves as an anchor for these beautiful songs.

It’s hard to single out songs on an album of such quality, but the introspective “Puppet Strings” and romantic “Tricks to Magik” are real highlights. The poetic, gorgeous lyrics of these numbers deserve to be listened to.

It’s interesting that Buffalo Tales’ has chosen to cover Leonard Cohen’s “Take This Waltz” and Rihanna’s “Diamonds”. They’re two very different songs, but they’re both interpreted so cleverly. It’s a good reminder that singing covers, as artists do on programs like The X Factor, The Voice, and Buffalo Tales’ big break Australian Idol, isn’t such a bad thing. Perhaps he hasn’t moved so far from his alter ego after all.

It’s unfortunate that the release of Roadtrip Confessions has been overshadowed by the media natterings about Wes Carr’s new name, because this album is one of the best I’ve heard in recent years.

Image used with permission from the Planetary Group

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

“Sandbox Love” – Von Stache

It’s been a long time coming, but Victorian one-woman electro-pop powerhouse Von Stache has finally treated us to her debut EP Sandbox Love. I reviewed the title track way back in December, and the songs that follow is don’t disappoint.

This is an EP which really celebrates that New Wave sound we all enjoyed in the 80s. It’s summery and joyous, but there’s an undercurrent of feminine rebellion there. Think Kim Wilde or the Go Gos. There’s a little darkness to it, but it’s balanced beautifully with saturated synths and an unashamedly pop energy which is guaranteed to make you smile.

While the title track was also the lead single, the supporting tracks don’t let the EP down. It works really well as a unit, with high energy and no filler. I guess that’s the beauty of a three-track EP, although I can’t help wishing for more!

Fans will undoubtedly get that when Von Stache launches Sandbox Love at the Barwon Club in Geelong on June 29.

Image source: Von Stache Facebook page

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

“To The Motel” – William Street Strikers

After treating us to a full album last year, Adelaide’s William Street Strikers have gone back to the short EP format for their latest release To the Motel. It’s an interesting tactic which allows them to focus their sound and produce a more crowd-pleasing release than their previous effort.

I enjoyed their full-length album Keep Left, but wondered whether it was too eclectic to appeal to the masses. To the Motel doesn’t take as many risks, which is both a blessing and a curse. After appreciating the daring of the album, this feels radio-friendly but a little safe. However the conviction of the band shines through.

This EP is all energy, but that’s not to say that it’s a frenetic EP. William Street Strikers know when to ease off the intensity, but driving drum beats and chunky guitar chords dominate. The title track starts the EP with a bang, leading us easily into the bluesy rebellion of “So Fukn Restless”. “Sure Baby” sees William Street Strikers taking the foot off the throttle a little bit, but there’s no losing the emotional intensity. The band makes sure their EP ends on a high with the rocking “Blind Fred E”.

To the Motel is an EP that’s accessible, with an energy that’s infectious. It shows a band that’s discovering their sound. Hopefully next time we’ll see William Street Strikers exploring it more completely on another album.

Image source: Music SA

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

“Cold Lights On Curious Minds” – Jordan Millar

Jordan Millar is one of those rare artists that I fell in love with at first note. “Walking on Me” was just so ridiculously catchy, and its follow-up “Maps” was every bit as impressive. I knew I’d love his latest album Cold Lights On Curious Minds, and I wasn’t disappointed.

“Maps” really is the perfect opener, as it sets the scene for an album that’s instantly accessible. It’s an easy blend of pop and folk, two genres that underpin many of the album’s tracks. Not that Jordan is a one-note pony. He shows more edge with “High Horse”, a bluesy tune which wears its heart on its sleeve. I also felt the helplessness and hurt in the moving “Guilty”. “Losing Hope” is a poignant number made that much more beautiful with Elle May’s angelic guest vocals.

“More Time, More Money” is a fitting closer for an album that features guest appearances from many of Jordan’s friends including Elle, his touring buddy Jack Carty, Australian Idol graduate Amali Ward, and acclaimed keyboardist Beau Golden. This track feels like a jam, a coming together of voices and hand claps and instruments that truly reflects the collaborative nature of Cold Lights On Curious Minds.

It might have been a group effort, but Jordan is the star here. His acoustic guitar chops drive the tracks, and his warm voice has an honest, organic quality that immediately draws you in. This album is a really easy listen. Some might criticise it for being too easy, too pleasant, but since when has that been a bad thing?

Image source: iTunes

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

“In Rico Glaciers” – Sons of Rico

The sophomore effort from Perth’s Sons of Rico was always guaranteed to put fun first. The band’s moniker was inspired by cult comedy classic Napoleon Dynamite, and their latest record playfully pays tribute to a cheesy Latin crooner. The good vibes are in abundance, but by the end I was left scratching my head.

Perhaps that confusion isn’t a bad thing. I admire Sons of Rico’s ambition. The album opener “Against the Grain” is a big bold start, and while the second track “I’m Not Thinking About You” gets a bit shouty at times, it makes its point. “In My Eyes” was a real highlight for me, with angelic harmonies combining with raw rock riffs.

And then the album takes a sharp left turn, abandoning its modern rock feel for something much more retro. “Just My Type” and “Adjustable Value” call to mind Electric Light Orchestra and Supertramp. Referencing such classic rock pioneers isn’t a bad thing at all. It just doesn’t gel with what came before.

I’m still not sure whether that’s a problem though. Sons of Rico might be a band still trying to work out what they want to be, or they could be an outfit that enjoys making music genre constraints. In any case what they do is damn good fun, with a bubbling energy that’s infectious. Perhaps that’s what matters most.

In Rico Glaciers hits stores on March 29. Sons of Rico will launch it at the following shows:

5 April 2013 – Amplifier Bar, Perth
6 April 2013 – Settler’s Tavern, Margaret River
11 April 2013 – Sol Bar, Maroochydore
12 April 2013 – Great Northern Hotel, Byron Bay
13 April 2013 – Alhambra, Brisbane
26 April 2013 – Revolution, Geelong
27 April 2013 – The Workers Club, Melbourne
2 May 2013 – Good God, Sydney
3 May 2013 – Hoey Moey, Coffs Harbour
4 May 2013 – Great Northern Hotel, Newcastle

Image source: JB Hi Fi

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

“Lake” – The Evening Cast

The Evening Cast might be a fledgling act, but their stellar debut EP Lake proves the Victorian band is a force to be reckoned.

This is a lush recording, with exquisite layered harmonies and rich orchestration. It takes some talent to ensure a big sound doesn’t become a mess of noise, but The Evening Cast are up to the challenge. No doubt they’ve been guided well by the production team of Joe Laporta (Bjork, Foo Fighters) and Marty Brown (Clare Bowditch, Art of Fighting). The skills of these supporting players make this disc seem more polished than most debuts.

I love the poetic lyrics and quirky romantic of the EP opener “Knots and Bows”. The poppy “Surprise” and “Heartbeat” are pure joy. Not that it’s all sweetness and light though. “No Stopping” shows a darker determination with its pounding pianos and earnest vocals. I really felt this one.

At seven tracks, Lake is much longer than most EPs. It feels more like a mini album than an EP. It’s a bit risky for a new act to take on such an ambitious release, but The Evening Cast are up to the challenge. There are no filler tracks here. Lake is an excellent debut that shows the promise of this exciting Aussie act.

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

The Magician’s Daughter – Mama Kin

I’ve sat down to write this review a few times. However the problem is, every time I slip The Magician’s Daughter into my stereo, I forget to make any notes. Not because there’s nothing noteworthy about Mama Kin’s sophomore effort, but because the music tends to take over.

My analytical brain is rendered defenseless against her haunting voice and uncanny knack for crafting a song. It seems wrong to dissect the album note by note or tune by tune. It’s much easier to just listen and appreciate it. And so I do, until next time that I intend to write the review and realise that I never did get around to taking those notes.

I really love this eclectic collection of songs. Mama seems to rail against being placed in any box. She serves up retro soul, gentle country, sultry blues, and more with ease, borrowing from whatever musical styles she deems best to tell her stories. The term “warrior songs” came to mind on one of the many occasions I’ve listened to The Magician’s Daughter, and I can’t seem to get rid of it. There’s a lot of feminine strength here, the strength of loving someone, of being a mother, of feeling loss and living through it. I was so struck by the tender intimacy in tracks like “Bosom of Our Bed” and “The River as She Runs,” the stoic pain of “Cherokee Boy,” and the explosive power of “The Fire.”

Mama Kin proves she’s a real musical force with her exquisite second album The Magician’s Daughter. It’s released across Australia on February 22.

Image source: Liveguide

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Gofer Land – Mark Boulle and the Haba Dudes

After releasing a solo album a couple of years ago, Queensland’s Mark Boulle is back with his band mates for Haba Dudes album number five. On Gofer Land the outfit is billed as Mark Boulle and the Haba Dudes but make no mistake; this recording is still very much a band effort.

Mark Boulle’s ruggedly raw voice stands out front and centre, but the instruments really elevate it, whether they’re the swell of strings, a classic piano, or some simple hand claps. These elements help bring the songs Mark penned to life. They add gravity to the words, and realise Mark’s vision.

When you slip a Haba Dudes record on, you know you’ll be entertained. At 15 tracks Gofer Land is an ambitious album, but its diversity ensures that it doesn’t drag. The band seems to delight in delivering the unexpected.

The album starts with the laidback “Lovin in Your Mind,” a track which is as much fun to listen to as it seems like it was to perform. “Hurt U Again” is another of those numbers that feels like we’re listening to a jam session. I was thrilled to be taken along for the ride. More highlights come with the ultra-catchy “Take Me Slowly” and sultry “Animal Kingdom.” I was beginning to almost feel like I knew what to expect from the Haba Dudes, some gypsy music here, a little folk there, when they threw me for a loop with “Gypsy Man.” This track shows real fire with its rocking, reverby guitars.

I guess you never really know what to expect from the Haba Dudes. And that’s just why I like them, and their latest release Gofer Land.

Image source: Mark Boulle and the Haba Dudes Bandcamp page

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

“King of the Sun” – Jamie Hay

With the year drawing to a close, I expected I had heard all of the albums destined to make an impression on me in 2012. And then I started up King of the Sun by Jamie Hay.

It’s an album of pure heart, a collection of songs that’s raw and organic and poignantly stripped bare. With little more than an acoustic or slide guitar, sometimes a banjo, to keep time, Jamie’s vocals take center stage. There’s so much passion and soul in his roughened voice, it grabs you and forces you to listen until the last note.

King of the Sun is quintessentially Australian in many respects. Jamie’s songs reference local towns and use the word “mate” casually. They take place in pubs, not bars. But your average Aussie bloke wouldn’t share as much of himself as Jamie does here.

It’s hard to name standout tracks, because every one is so bloody good. I was still moved by “Rabbit Hole,” the single I heard months before. “The Gift of Years” also compels, an a capella track that is so striking and brave. It’s fitting though for an album that dares to be exposed.

I feel like I can’t say enough good things about King of the Sun, so perhaps I should just say this. I haven’t gone through my recent reviews and decided what album is my favourite of the year, but I’m not sure I need to. I’m pretty sure this is it.

Image source: Hobblehoy Bandcamp

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

“Red” – TV Snow

Perth pop-rock act TV Snow have overcome adversity to release their debut album Red.

The album was recorded at a time of great excitement for the band. They were travelling around the country and keen to build on the promise they’d shown on their debut EP. But just a day after recording wrapped, tragedy struck when their bassist Ben Linden was fatally attacked by a shark off Wedge Island.

It’s a harrowing story which makes listening to the album all the more poignant. A lesser band might never have released it, but I’m glad they did. The tracks show us a group that’s so cohesive, with tight vocal harmonies and a true understanding of how their instruments work together.

I’d be lying if I said it was perfect. The songs are fun to listen to, but they’re not really as dynamic as they might have been. Few cut through as the kind of tracks you want to hear again and again. I did love the optimism of “Boy Wonder,” and I appreciate the way the strings make “I Will Dance” come alive. However I’d be hard pressed to recall the melodies of most of the other songs. Rather than being a truly impressive collection of songs, Red is the kind of album you could slip on at your next barbeque without complaints.

It’s not perfect, but Red is a fun listen. It has none of the sadness that defines TV Snow’s career right now, and it’s a fitting celebration of Ben’s contribution to the band.

Red is available digitally now and in stores from January 4.

Image source: TV Snow website