Category: Album Reviews

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

“Behind the Stars” – Paul Greene & the Other Colors

There’s not a lot of flash or fanfare to Paul Greene. When he releases a new album the industry barely murmurs. Yet he continues to be one of Australia’s most consistent singer-songwriters.

The rest of the music world might not be making a lot of noise about Paul’s latest album Behind the Stars, but the disc has taken up permanent residence in my stereo. It’s one of those albums that makes you want to press play again the moment that the final track ends.

I was surprised by the opening title track; it’s very different to that easy pop rock I associate with Paul Greene. That difference isn’t a bad thing though. It’s a beautiful tune, with haunting vocals and lovely lush orchestration. After that somewhat experimental number, Behind the Stars settles into a more familiar feel. Don’t mistake that familiar feel for being middle of the road. It’s a gift to create music so instantly accessible.

I found myself writing copious notes about the tracks as they washed over me. I noted the great bluesy groove of “Her Minor Key,” the striking simplicity of the romantic “Enough of You,” the no frills John Cougar Mellencamp vibe of “What You’ve Got Goin’ On,” and the cheerful mood “Bad Luck Lately” put me in.

But then I realised I could say something positive about every single track on the disc. There are no fillers here; it’s just a good honest album jam packed with good honest song writing and genuine talent. Behind the Stars is another solid stunner from Paul Greene.

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

“The Cat & The Fiddle” – Tomas Strode & The Tour Guides

I needed some cheering up this week. I’ve been battling a cold for far too long, and it’s leaving me tired and cranky. Tomas Strode & The Tour Guides managed to lighten my mood with their charming new EP The Cat & The Fiddle.

The opening title track charmed me from the get go. I loved the way the rough vocals contrasted with the song’s fairytale imagery and sweet harmonies. It captivated me from start to finish, and I couldn’t wait to hear what came next.

The problem with setting the bar so high though is that it’s difficult to hit it again. The remaining four tracks were definitely enjoyable. I loved the sweetly whimsical lyrics, which referenced nursery rhymes and children’s games. The music was also adorable, with traditional instruments complemented by real toys. But none of the songs quite captured the same magic as the opener.

Tomas Strode & The Tour Guides create really interesting music which takes the listener back to a simpler time. At its best it’s stellar, and when it’s less than that it’s still gorgeous. I’m not sure whether one of their songs will enchant me the way “The Cat & The Fiddle” did, but I look forward to hearing more of their stuff to find out!

The Cat & The Fiddle EP is available through Tomas Strode & The Tour Guides’ Bandcamp page. Victorians can see Tomas Strode & The Tour Guides launching the EP with an expanded eight-piece band at Fitzroy’s Evelyn Hotel on May 20.

Image source: Tomas Strode & The Tour Guides Bandcamp page

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

“The Grey Pelican” – Andrew Drummond

Sydney singer-songwriter Andrew Drummond charmed me this week with his new EP The Grey Pelican.

There’s nothing fancy here, but the five tracks are beautifully crafted. Andrew’s voice reminds me a little of Tim Freedman’s, although the anchoring presence of the acoustic guitar gives the music a very different feel from The Whitlams back catalogue.

The strong lyrics really struck me. I was so glad they were printed in the liner notes so I could pore over them. The words aren’t particularly pretty, but there’s an honesty about them that helps the songs pack a real emotional punch. The subject matter is very dark at times but it’s framed in such a clever way that we never feel bogged down.

The opening track “Morning Light” is a gentle introduction to Andrew’s music, beautifully built but paled by the haunting “Solitary Space” that followed. “I Can Feel You” is a particularly poignant name for the third song, as I truly could feel all the emotions that come with losing a loved one as Andrew sang about it. “Wander Aimless” was perhaps the weakest track, with repetition that started to feel tired towards the end rather than driving the point home. However the EP was definitely redeemed with the closing number “Northern Poet.” It’s such a gentle and poignant song, but sometimes the best numbers aren’t the ones that scream the loudest.

The Grey Pelican isn’t perfect, but it moved me. Andrew Drummond should be proud of these five songs. I look forward to seeing what comes next.

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

“Tall Tales” – The Perch Creek Family Jugband

The Perch Creek Family Jugband takes us back to a simpler time with their latest album Tall Tales.

Against a modern music landscape their unusual sound is a real revelation. It borrows elements of country, jazz, folk, and blues and blends them together in an exciting cacophony of sound. The instrumentation is lush and organic, with a harmonica, fiddles, piano, banjo, mandolin, and even the saw and xylophone working together in unexpected harmony.

The instruments give The Perch Creek Family Jugband’s music a great old-timey base, but the vocals and quirky lyrics provide a little modern flair. I love the way the family shares around the vocal duties. All the voices are so capable, and their various tones give the songs unique flavours. The individual vocals are strong, but when they combine on numbers like “Nobody Knows You When You’re Down and Out” and “Goodnight Irene” the harmonies are sublime.

At 15 tracks Tall Tales is a fairly lengthy album, but the variety of the songs ensures it never drags. Despite their wild differences there’s not a bad one amongst them. The upbeat singalong qualities of “The Good Old Mountain Dew” put a particularly wide smile on my face, and who could resist their stellar rendition of Cab Calloway’s “Minnie the Moocher”? The gentle strains of the final song “Matilda’s Lullaby” puts the album to bed nicely.

Tall Tales is 15 tracks of fabulous fun. The Perch Creek Family Jugband are taking the musical path less travelled, but when they produce an album of such quality it’s hard to argue with their unique approach.

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

“Sins of the Blessed” – Transvaal Diamond Syndicate

Brisbane based blues act Transvaal Diamond Syndicate grab us by the throat and don’t let go with their new album Sins of the Blessed.

It opens with the explosive “Devil on my Shoulder,” a foot stomping opening gem driven by its big slide guitar, and never really takes its foot from the throttle. The following track “I’m Your Ticket” is similarly compelling with its snarling sexiness. The third song “Blackwater” shows a different, softer side of the band. While its gentle groove takes things down a notch, it’s every bit as powerful as the high energy numbers that came before. It gives the album some real balance, allowing us a moment to catch our breath. More great numbers followed it, particularly the Charlie Daniels-esque “Pistols at Dawn” and the closing number “Cold-Hearted Killer.” This upbeat number with its throbbing bass line has a sinister underbelly which is so delicious.

At just seven tracks Sins of the Blessed is very short for an album. It’s too long for an EP, but very brief by modern album standards. However I think Transvaal Diamond Syndicate has done the right thing here. By choosing fewer tracks of real quality the Brisbane act has avoided the dreaded fillers that plague so many recordings. What’s included is swampy, gutsy, down and dirty, with a much bigger, ballsier sound than you’d expect a two-piece to deliver.

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

“Peace, Love, Rock ‘n Roll” – The Gypsy Bangles

Sydney blues-rock act The Gypsy Bangles are back with their brand new EP Peace, Love, Rock ‘n Roll.

The EP’s title is very accurate as the band’s sounds takes us back to the era of free love. It hasn’t evolved a great deal between this recording and their previous release Women & Whiskey, but you know what they say about sticking to a good thing.

And The Gypsy Bangles sound is a very good thing. Again the band grabbed me from the get-go with the EP’s ballsy opening track “Pay Your Dues.” It’s defiant and bold, and a whole lot of fun. The following track “The Old Oak” sees The Gypsy Bangles easing their foot from the throttle a little to create the kind of epic rock ballad that reminded me of Led Zeppelin. I can just imagine how this dramatic but measured song would captivate a live crowd. The Gypsy Bangles followed this tune with another slow-burning song called “Heroin.” It’s a powerful look at addiction, with poignant lyrics underpinned by driving piano and drums. The four-tracker is beautifully balanced by another upbeat number, the closing song “Frustrated.” It was the perfect way to bring the EP home, with its rollicking sing-along chorus and the rich intermingling of the Hammond organ and electric guitars. These instruments create a vintage sound which is still so sweet after all these decades.

The Gypsy Bangles are a throwback to the past, but with so much modern music forgotten almost as soon as it arrives I don’t think that’s a bad thing. They value lyrics and sound over image and flash, and that’s refreshing. They haven’t reinvented the wheel, but in Peace, Love, and Rock ‘n Roll The Gypsy Bangles have created another solid EP.

Peace, Love, Rock ‘n Roll is available to pre-order from The Gypsy Bangles Bandcamp page ahead of its official release in May.

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

“Eclectica” – The Levitators

The Levitators have served up one of the most diverse collections of songs I’ve heard in some time with their new EP Eclectica.

The unusual blend of sounds ensures there’s something for everyone here. I found the mix of genres intriguing and innovative. However an act that takes so many risks is never going to hit the mark all the time.

I found this EP really uneven. I embraced the big horns and bold blend of soul, Latin, and hip hop in the opening track “Once Again.” The very funky follow-up “Sunshine in my Juice” had me reaching for my dancing shoes. But for every inspiring number there was something that fell short for me. Some tunes seemed aimless, while others with a clearer vision appeared like they were trying too hard. Some of those songs might work better in a party or a club, but in my quiet little home they just didn’t gel.

Personally I feel The Levitators are at their best when they’re embracing melody and building upon their soulful voices. However I’m sure someone with different tastes might disagree with me. On paper a 50% strike rate is barely a pass. However that analysis would sell this EP short. Eclectica shows a band with a tremendous amount of promise and an innovative approach to music making which makes listening to them really exciting. You’re never sure what twist they’ll take next. The Levitators don’t always get it right, but when they do it’s really special.

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

“Keep Left” – William Street Strikers

After releasing a couple of EPs, William Street Strikers are showing us what they can do with a longer format with the release of their debut album Keep Left.

The disc’s title is an appropriate one, as this is a disc which refuses to play it safe. It’s a very eclectic collection of tunes, one which some people may accuse of being too eclectic. After all, as they’re so different there’s bound to be a few that won’t resonate with every listener. However by offering such a variety of music, William Street Strikers has also ensured there’s something for everybody.

Personally I find it hard to resist the bold brass of the ska influenced “Madboy.” The laidback summery pop of “Sinking in Quicksand” seems quite simple, but there’s something about it that kept me coming back for more. The cruisy beach vibe of “Let It Go” makes it another great summer anthem. While it didn’t make me smile wide like my other standout tracks, it’d be remiss of me to neglect mentioning the closing number, “Forget Your Bible.” This is such a well crafted song with incredible lyrics. If this is a sign of what these Adelaide lads are capable of we should hear a lot more from them in future.

The long play format has allowed William Street Strikers to stretch out a little more. In some instances they might have experimented a little too much, but there’s still a lot to admire here. Keep Left is a disc with boundless enthusiasm and energy, and while it’s not perfect that combination makes it a compelling listen.

Image source: William Street Strikers website

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

“Let’s Go” – David Campbell

I expected the kind of merry Christmas and happy New Year that all the greeting cards tell us everyone receives, but I didn’t get it this festive season. On December 25 my Grandma had a bad fall, which led to her admission to hospital the day later. Also on Boxing Day my Mam, my mum’s stepmother, found herself in hospital too. While Grandma’s still resting up, Mam passed away. We had her funeral yesterday. Consequently the season which is ordinarily so festive was stressful and sad.

Of course I turned to music, this time the 80s pop showcased on David Campbell’s latest covers album Let’s Go. We have a rule in my family never to buy ourselves anything in the lead up to Christmas, so I was a bit late getting my hands on it. But goodness it was worth the wait.

This is the David Campbell album I’ve been waiting for. Anyone who knows me knows the 80s is my decade, and David’s done it justice. Some clever arrangements see the tunes feeling fresh, although they’re not so different as to alienate the diehard fans.

Funnily enough the album features many of the 80s tracks my husband and I had discussed prior to its release. David equals Tony Hadley’s silky smooth vocals on “True.” Adam Ant’s “Goody Two Shoes” has just the right amount of pep, while “You Make My Dreams Come True” should put a smile on anyone’s face. I’ll say this; David Campbell has impeccable taste.

In some cases he’s even done the unthinkable and bettered the originals. The arrangement of “Missing You” brings out the gutwrenching heart of the lyrics like John Waite’s version never did. I must have heard “Come On Eileen” a million times on radio, yet David’s version has so much energy that I find myself hitting repeat.

This is one of those albums that begs for a sequel, just as we saw with his Swing Sessions. I’m not sure whether I’ll get my wish, but I’m certainly in for an amazing show when David Campbell hits town later this year!

Image source: David Campbell Facebook page

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

“Women & Whiskey” – The Gypsy Bangles

With just four tracks Sydney’s The Gypsy Bangles manage to transport us back to music’s heyday. Their debut EP Women & Whiskey channels a simpler time, before auto-tuning and sampling. And I love it.

It’s so refreshing to hear the band’s earthy, bluesy sound and rich, raspy vocals. The music is free and spontaneous. You get the sense listening to it that it’s just what you’d hear if The Gypsy Bangles were jamming in front of you.

The EP bursts out of the gate with its title track. It took me to one of the iconic rock festivals of the late 60s with its easy rock groove. It really sets the tone for the disc, and is probably its strongest track. But that shouldn’t take nothing away from the other songs. I particularly love the driving guitars of “Dark Haired Woman,” which are reminiscent of Cream or Deep Purple. “Love and Light” winds down softly, easing us back home to the tenteens or whatever we’re calling it. Thankfully we can always give the disc another spin and return to that world of classic rock The Gypsy Bangles have created.

Physical copies of the disc have sold out, but it will be re-released shortly. Until that time you can hear Women & Whiskey through The Gypsy Bangles Bandcamp page.

Image source: The Gypsy Bangles Bandcamp page