Category: Album Reviews

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

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

“Bleeders” – The Trouble with Templeton

All too often I get excited about an album on the strength of its single, before discovering the long player doesn’t live up to the hype. It’s much rarer to find a disc that makes me appreciate the artist even more than I did before, but I found it with The Trouble with Templeton’s Bleeders.

I became enamored with the title track last month, commenting on its slow burning beauty. However just quietly I wondered whether that slow burning charm might wear a little thin and turn sleepy on an extended release. Happily Bleeders is about more than this mellow number. While it sits well on the album, it’s just one side of a very diverse artist.

I became excited at the opening track “When Will,” a song that started quietly but snuck up on me, enveloping me in such gorgeous sounds. The Trouble with Templeton has a real knack for creating soundscapes which make lush backdrops for his emotive lyrics. As a writer I was particularly drawn to “I Wrote a Novel”; it’s easy acoustic folk strumming and harmonica strains blend beautifully with the very personal yet relatable lyrics. After hearing such velvety vocals the gritty ones of “Someday Soon” took me by surprise, but they were so fitting for a track which channels the slave roots of rhythm and blues. I also loved the way the playful background vocals of “30 Something” propelled the tale of dissatisfaction.

I enjoyed listening to Bleeders so much that I was shocked when after just nine tracks, it was over. It really felt a little short, but that might not be such a bad thing. I was left wanting more, and surely that’s better than a disc that drags.

Bleeders is an impressive debut for this Brisbane singer-songwriter. I only hope he doesn’t leave us waiting too long for the next one.

Image source: The Trouble with Templeton Bandcamp page

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

The Vasco Era – The Vasco Era

Last week The Vasco Era released their third album, a self titled effort that marks their independent debut. It’s impressive to hear the Melbourne band are going it alone, but on listening to it I wonder whether they need that record company guidance.

It all started out so promisingly with the opening track “Nah Nah Nah.” I loved the crunchy guitars and all those delicious melodic hooks. The vocals weren’t pretty, but I warmed to their Dylanesque charm. You get the sense that Sid O’Neil means what he sings, and that authenticity initially compelled me.

But as the disc wore on, the elements that were initially fun started to grate. All too often those impassioned vocals and wailing guitars just started to create a whole lot of noise. The band is at its best when it’s reined in. The stripped back “Chemicals Run Out,” for example, is stunning. But all too often the music is too unrestrained, and then it hurt my ears.

This album shows The Vasco Era are a band with a whole lot of potential, but they need to learn what works best for them, and what is merely self indulgent.

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

“Home” – Adrian Deutsch

Adrian Deutsch serves up something different with his new solo effort Home. It’s a far cry from the music he created with the now defunct Sydney rock band Red Riders, but that’s just why I like it.

In his press release Adrian tells readers the album came about a time when he was turning away from the indie rock he’d made a living from. Instead he found himself inspired by the sounds of Steely Dan, Hall and Oates, Michael McDonald, and other more mainstream fare. I could certainly hear the Steely Dan coming through from the opening strains of “Follow the Dream.” I also detected a touch of Elvis Costello in “For You, The War.”

But rather than sounding derivative, Adrian’s used the best elements from his favourite acts to inspire his sound. It’s all very smooth, with a great melodic focus. That makes the tunes instantly accessible, although there are more layers than the average Top 40 pop song. You can dig as deep as you like here. It’s easy to appreciate the quirky melody of “The Arms of America,” or the sheer joy of “By the Hand.” But listen to the lyrics and you’ll develop an even more profound sense of what Adrian’s trying to do.

Your average Top 40 artist wouldn’t dare take Adrian’s risks either. It’s eclectic, with some really interesting choices. “Yr Philosopher” really comes out of left field. It’s so deliciously dark and dramatic. The maudlin “Nothing I Can Do” is also an interesting choice, particularly for a parting track. However it’s such an achingly beautiful tune. Perhaps on such a diverse record it’s only fitting that even the final song sees the disc making a sharp left turn.

I liked Home from the first listen, but I have a feeling I’m going to embrace it even more weeks or even months from now. This is really smart music, and it sounds amazing. That’s a pretty heady combination.

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

“Nightfall” – Bec Plath

When she’s not keeping company with The Bloodpoets, Bec Plath is creating incredibly moving music as a solo artist. Her EP Unrequited was one of my favourite releases of 2010, and I was thrilled to see her follow it up with another stunner in Nightfall.

There are just four tracks on this short player, which makes it a bit bittersweet. I was captivated from the opener “Obsession,” a song driven by a dark Tori Amos-esque pounding piano. It could easily become too gloomy, but it’s balanced beautifully with its strong melodic core. “What I Was Waiting For” floored me with its passionate delivery and lyrics. It seemed all too soon when the opening strains of “At The End of the Night” began to close this release. This tune starts sweetly, showing a softer side of Bec, but it builds beautifully to become something much bigger.

Nightfall sees Bec Plath delivering more lush and powerful music. It’s another stellar EP from this Queenslander. It only poses the question, when will this incredible talent treat us to a full length album?

Image source: Bec Plath Facebook page

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

“These Pictures Won’t Tell You” – Nik Lone

I’ve had one of those weeks. My internet went down on Tuesday, and has only just returned. Other people might take this as an opportunity to have a holiday, but with deadlines looming I found myself dealing instead with a pocket wi-fi that dropped out frequently in my suburban home, and was crawling when I was online. My parents jetted off to Italy, leaving me feeling very jealous, and my husband started to pack for his two-week business trip to the States. To say I’ve been a bit emotional may be an understatement.

And so predictably I’ve looked to music to soothe the savage beast. And I found it in Nik Lone’s debut solo effort These Pictures Won’t Tell You. As I slipped it in my stereo and the first track “Raining” washed over me I knew I’d made the right choice. The track is a slow burner, beautifully built. I thought what an amazing soundscape Nik had created, with his unique voice another instrument in the mix.

More lush, lovely tunes were to come, particularly the string-laden “Time” and the old-world influenced ballad “Little White.” I found myself enjoying all the tracks, but I had a few niggly issues.

There’s a fine line between creating tracks that burn slowly and ones that are merely sleepy, and I think Nik crosses that sometimes. Some parts frankly bored me. Every song had its moments, but many tunes didn’t sustain themselves for the length of the song. I’d nod in understanding when they reached their pay-off point, but that often came about three-quarters of the way through the track. The radio lover in me noted that many people would have changed the channel by then, missing those really crucial moments.

But These Pictures Won’t Tell You really isn’t a disc for the radio-loving set. It’s challenging and complex. While I appreciate the way it soothed me this week, something tells me I’ll really get it a few weeks from now, or perhaps even longer. For now though I know this is a subtle, gentle album that’s a thing of real beauty. I know it won’t rev everyone, but for the patient listener it’s a find.

Image source: Nik Lone website