Category: Album Reviews

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

"Looking for Vertical" – Gareth Skinner

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Gareth Skinner’s experience in composing film scores shines through his sophomore studio album, Looking for Vertical. It’s an album of rich textures which can only be described as indie. That often seems like a cop-out term, but this album truly defies neat categorisation.

Gareth thrives on strange marriages. After the electronic early tracks, “More Than What” comes like a bolt from the blue. It’s a beautiful cello driven ballad, stunning it its stripped back approach. That raw treatment is the all more stark after all the technical wizardry that came before. Strings are used again in “Intermission,” but there’s no classical inspiration this time. Instead the cello screeches, almost discordantly, to keep harmony with the electric guitars. “Uplifting” is the most obvious choice for a film score, a track which would surely be played when the hero triumphs. But that’s just one layer too. Over that inspiring soundtrack comes the ramblings of a passionate preacher. It seems at odds, yet on an album like this the strange juxtapositions are almost expected.

Looking for Vertical is an album which refuses to fit into a box. It’s brave because of that, but also a little alienating. An album featuring instrumental music, spoken word pieces, and traditional vocal driven tracks shouldn’t work, but there’s a strange beauty in the weirdness. Looking for Vertical will never become one of my go-to albums. It’s too challenging for that. But Gareth Skinner’s vision and daring approach are to be applauded.

Looking for Vertical is available for pre-order at Rubber Records.

Image source: Rubber Records

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

"TownHallSteps" – TownHallSteps

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Sydney’s TownHallSteps are a band on the brink of making a real impression. Their self-titled debut album shows a band with a lot of promise, who are still trying to figure themselves out.

On popping the disc into my CD, I thought I was in for a chill-out dance album. The opener, imaginatively titled “Intro” is atmospheric and electronic. It’s an accomplished track, but if its job is to introduce the band it doesn’t do a very good job.

What follows is a disc which seems to have a bit of an identity crisis. On one hand there are singalong punk-pop anthems popularised by the likes of Good Charlotte, Fall Out Boy, and Panic at the Disco. TownHallSteps don’t bring anything new to songs like “Still Alive,” “Disco,” and the first single, “Anywhere But Here.” Although having said that, the tracks are solid, equal to anything the more seasoned bands like them have produced. They may be a little formulaic, but they’re a lot of fun.

It’s when Town Hall Steps walks to a different beat that things get really interesting. “Holding On,” “The Direction,” and the orchestral “Trouble Little Girl” show much more depth. They’re anchored in heart and passion, and that makes them some of the strongest tracks on this album. I’m also in love with the band’s sweet rock anti-love song “Jessie.” It may not be as dramatic as the other songs I’ve mentioned, but again it shows the band’s individuality.

TownHallSteps shows great potential with their debut album. They’ve intrigued me. I look forward to hearing what comes next.

Images used with permission from AAA Entertainment

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

"Holy Smoke" – Gin Wigmore

Kiwi expat Gin Wigmore teased us with the release of her EP Extended Play. Now with her debut album Holy Smoke, Gin shows us why she’s one of the most intriguing musicians on the local scene.

The album toes that fine and difficult musical line, remaining accessible while never sacrificing its emotional heart. Recorded in America’s famed Capitol Studios with The Cardinals, it’s no surprise that it sounds incredibly slick. But Gin’s distinctively rasping vocals ensure it never feels superficially polished.

Holy Smoke was written after an intense relationship break-down. While those emotions colour the tracks, they never become too bogged down in the drama. The first single “Oh My” shows the way Gin can defiantly deliver lyrics about being beaten in the game of love against energetic hand-clapping melodies. Gin allows herself to be vulnerable in the fragile closing tracks “Golden Ship” and “Dying Day,” but for the most part this recording is all about strength and bluesy grit.

The brassy soul sounds remind me a little of Duffy, Amy Winehouse, and other British singers of that ilk, but that’s just the start of it. There are more colours in there: blues, jazz, pop, rock, and even a little reggae in the laidback “I Do.” Holy Smoke is an excellent album from one of our brightest new stars.

Holy Smoke hits stores on September 25.

Image source: JB Hi-Fi; The White Agency

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

"The Knight" – Khan Manuel

With Tommy Emmanuel spending most of his time in Nashville these days, Australia is crying out for a guitar virtuoso. With his album The Knight, Khan Manuel steps up to fill those very big shoes.

Just like Tommy, Khan blends genres to create instrumental guitar tracks that combine the contemporary with classical flair.

The album starts out high energy rock numbers in the vein of Joe Satriani and Steve Vai, before moving into more mellow jazz territory. We see the greatest electricity in “Down ‘n’ Dirty.” It’s a straight-up rock number which is recorded live to capture its spontaneity. I cringed at the chat-up banter that preceded “Smooth Talk,” but once those voices faded away it lived up to its sexy moniker.

While Khan does rock well, the more mellow numbers were a little more my speed. “Flamenco Nights” is the turning point, with its traditional Spanish tones acting like a breath of fresh air after the grittier rock tunes that came before. “Midnight Jazz” feels like 1970s George Benson, which is a very good thing indeed. “Wedding Song” is the perfect closer, a romantic piece which is every bit as dreamy as its name suggests.

Khan Manuel is one amazing guitarist, and his talent and passion for his craft is evident in The Knight. I can’t wait to see what comes next.

Image used with permission from Khan Manuel

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

"Gifts of Grace" – Grace Bawden

It’s rare that a classical crossover album hits my stereo, but with Gifts of Grace, Australian teen Grace Bawden may have converted me.

This is an uplifting disc, one that’s accessible to modern audiences despite its classical undercurrent. It achieves this thanks to its excellent choice of songs. The traditional songs are represented of course. Her version of “Flower Duet” is particularly lovely, and “Amazing Grace” is stunning too. But by keeping those tracks to a minimum, the album breaks through to an audience who may have rejected something with a classical tag.

The same could be said of “Dear God.” Religious tunes are sometimes a bit difficult for secular listeners, but by giving this an album dance-pop treatment it becomes contemporary and youthful.

Grace has an angelic voice, but it’s the maturity she brings that really excites me. I was a little nervous about her tackling a song as profound as “Streets of Philadelphia,” but her treatment is surprisingly effective. Her cover of The Beatles “Long and Winding Road” is also stunning. She may not have lived the struggles of the songs she sings, but she makes us believe she has. Another highlight is “Cold Outside,” an incredible collaboration with South Africa’s Soweto Gospel Choir. To hear their soulful voices combine with Grace’s pure one is amazing.

That’s not to say that every song works. Her version of “People” pales in comparison to Barbra Streisand’s. Few people can ever measure up to this legend, but Grace lacks the conviction and gumption to come close. I was also a little disappointed by the album’s first single, her take on Icehouse’s “Man of Colours.” Perhaps it’s the falsetto, which while amazing seems to undermine the emotional grit of the tune.

But you can’t win them all, and there’s enough here to really impress me. If this is what Grace can produce at 16, I can’t wait to see what she creates in the coming years.

Gifts of Grace is in stores on September 18.

Image used with permission from AAA Entertainment

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

"Polarity" – The Bloodpoets

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With their debut album Polarity, The Bloodpoets have created an album that grabs hold of you and doesn’t let go until the final strains.

The opening track “Just In Time” bursts from the speakers, and the follow-up and first single “Borderline” is just as hard-hitting. This is the kind of music that demands to be turned up loud. But it’s not just the energy that appeals. They might be a band that rocks hard, but The Bloodpoets also have a strong pop sensibility. Their tunes are infectiously addictive. They’ve got their quirks to be sure, but I can imagine these melodic songs becoming mainstays of Triple M.

But there’s a lot more going on here than straight down-the-line energetic rock numbers. The natural humour of “Give It a Shot” is so refreshing. The dark instrumentation of “Straight Ahead” is interesting too. And the closer, “My Paradise” is an epic more ambitious than most would attempt on their debut album. The track is a risk, yet amazingly it works.

After playing Polarity for a few days I realised I’m actually going to see The Bloodpoets supporting The Badloves this weekend. I can’t wait to discover whether they can capture the energy of this disc in the live arena.

Polarity is in stores from October 3.

Image source: own scan

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

"Melting Moments" – Karen Jacobsen

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You may not recognise the name Karen Jacobsen, but chances are you’ve already heard her. She’s the one telling you to turn left in 100 metres on your GPS. And now, she’s released an album.

It may seem a little unexpected for a GPS voice to launch a singing career, but Karen’s actually a seasoned professional. She’s shared a stage with the likes of Norah Jones and Cyndi Lauper, and sung anthems at major sporting events across the United States. Now Karen’s stepping into the spotlight with the release of her album Melting Moments.

Karen’s voice is pure and sweet. Listening to her, I was reminded of The Corrs; there’s that same joy and optimism to the songs. There are very few edges here, although the opening track “Kissing Someone Else” does hint at a darker side. To some the lack of grit may seem like a flaw, but I think there’s something lovely about an album which lifts you up rather than dragging you down. The playful “Merry Go Round” is particularly captivating, while “So Fast” is another folk-tinged pop standout.

This is a really polished album. I was impressed to see Karen didn’t just add her pretty voice, but her production skills and songwriting prowess as well. Both are excellent. With Melting Moments, Karen Jacobsen shows us that her talents go far beyond directing traffic. Look out for the album in ABC shops from August 28.

Image source: ABC

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

"Wonder" – Lisa Mitchell

Lisa Mitchell first came to my attention as a contestant on Australian Idol. She didn’t shine in the constructed reality TV environment of cover versions and live performances, but there was something so compelling about her.

Lisa could have easily been swept up in the Idol machine. But instead she escaped the glare of the spotlight and worked quietly on honing her craft. The result is Wonder, her first full length album and a work of exceptional beauty.

The album shows how Lisa has blossomed and matured into an artist more accomplished than her years would suggest. She’s an artist of contradictions. There’s a whimsical playfulness about tunes like “Coin Laundry” and the smash hit, “Neopolitan Dreams.” Her childlike innocence is so compelling. But that doesn’t tell the complete story of Wonder. There are darker overtones to the sassy “So Jealous” and the haunting “Pirouette.” “Stevie” is spontaneous and fun, like witnessing a jam session between friends. The piano driven “Love Letter” is romantic without being twee.

Wonder never stalls or falters like so many albums. There are no filler tracks. Lisa has a knack for crafting songs that are personal and a little quirky, yet completely accessible. Put simply, this is one of the strongest debuts I’ve heard. If this is what Lisa Mitchell can create at 19, I can’t wait to see what comes next.

Images used with permission from Warner Music Australia

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

"Differently" – Cassie Davis

A few weeks ago I was concerned Cassie Davis may be a bit of a one-trick pony. While her brand of girl-power pop-rock was lots of fun, it started to sound a little samey after three similar singles. Now having heard her album Differently, I’m not the only one that’s changed her tune.

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Of course, there are girl-power pop-rock tracks galore. Fans won’t be disappointed there. But the album allows this bright new talent to showcase many more facets. “Mess of Mine” is delightfully dark. “Amazing” is a tender love song. The big brass notes of “Necessarily” would seem at home on any ska recording. “Do What I Do” is a little retro with a contemporary twist.

Cassie shows real depth here. Her voice is ballsy and powerful. She crafts commercial gems with the skill of a seasoned veteran. Differently is incredibly listenable from start to finish. It’s the kind of disc I can imagine singing along to in the privacy of my bedroom, hairbrush in hand. She might be a commercial artist, but by doing things a little differently, Cassie has created an album which stands out from the pack.

Image used with permission from Sony Music Australia

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

"The Bottom of the Lake" – Tinpan Orange

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One of the greatest perks of my job is getting a jump on amazing new music before the rest of the world. The latest disc to cross my desk and touch my heart is “The Bottom of the Lake” by Tinpan Orange.

I’d never heard of the band, but I was instantly drawn in by the whimsical cover art and the promise of mandolins and ukuleles. I’m always a sucker for instrumentation that’s a little left of centre.

This is one CD that didn’t just meet my expectations; it exceeded them. This is music that feels familiar, yet completely different from anything that inhabits radio. The sound is lush; not from studio wizardry but from the rich textured layering of instruments and vocals. For a three-piece, Tinpan Orange have one hell of a sound. Everything is perfectly measured: delicate, lilting, and warm.

Emily Lubitz is a real find, a siren with a voice so husky and inviting. Her brother Jesse’s songs didn’t gel with me as easily. I’m reminded of the way I felt when listening to george years ago, so enamoured with Katie Noonan that I struggled to appreciate Tyrone’s tracks. As with Tyrone Noonan, the songs with Jesse Lubitz up front aren’t bad. They just don’t thrill me in quite the same way.

That aside, it’s really hard to find fault with this album. It’s an exciting release, with elements of folk, jazz, and even a little flamenco. Like a patchwork quilt, no two pieces are quite the same, yet it all comes together as something magical and very special.

The Bottom of the Lake will hit record stores on August 17.

Image used with permission from Two Fish