Category: Album Reviews

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

“Thirteen O’Clock” – The Lucky Wonders

A couple of weeks ago I was wowed by “So You’ve Never” by The Little Wonders. Now that I’ve got the band’s debut album Thirteen O’Clock in my hand I’m thrilled to hear the song was no flash in the pan.

This is a stunning album which takes music back to its roots. In a world of over-processed synthesised sounds the simplicity of The Lucky Wonders music really stands out. It’s simple, but effective, rooted in beautiful harmonies and acoustic orchestration.

I love that this disc feels uniquely Australian. We can hear the accents of vocalists Emma Royle and Jessie Vintila coming through, and even if you’ve never seen the Nullabor you’re taken there in the track of the same name.

The delicate opener “Home” is another standout, while “Emotional” provides one of the most poignant moments on the disc. The stripped back closer “Rather Be Lovin You” is rollicking good fun.

I can imagine much of Thirteen O’Clock being played around a campfire. It’s just so intimate and organic, with songs you know would sound just as perfect in the live arena as they do on the disc. It’s amazing to think this album is only the start of The Lucky Wonders’ story. With such maturity in their first release, this Byron Bay band definitely has a big future ahead.

Thirteen O’Clock is available in good music stores now. You can catch the band on their album launch tour at the following shows.

14 April 2010 – The Oxford Tavern, Wollongong
16 April 2010 – Club Sapphire, Merimbula
17 April 2010 – Milton Theatre, Milton
18 April 2010 – Front Bar, Canberra
19 April 2010 – The Phoenix, Canberra
23 April 2010 – The Wesley Anne, Melbourne
25 April 2010 – Bendigo Hotel, Melbourne
29 April 2010 – The Republic Bar, Hobart
30 April 2010 – The Royal Oak, Launceston
1 May 2010 – Stage Door, Bernie
8 May 2010 – The Gov Front Bar, Adelaide
14 May 2010 – UWA, Perth
16 May 2010 – Mojos, Fremantle
20 May 2010 – Quindanning Inn, Quindanning
21 May 2010 – Dunsborough Tavern, Dunsborough
22 May 2010 – Settlers Tavern, Margaret River
23 May 2010 – Denmark Tavern, Denmark
28 May 2010 – Camel Bar, Geraldton
29 May 2010 – Clancy’s, Fremantle
30 May 2010 – The Paddo, Perth
4 June 2010 – Gascoyne Hotel, Carnarvon
5 June 2010 – Monkey Bar, Monkey Mia
10 June 2010 – Coral Bay Hotel, Coral Bay
11 June 2010 – Whalers Bar, Exmouth
16, 18 & 19 June 2010 – Divers Tavern, Broome
20 June 2010 – Matsos Brewery, Broome
23 June 2010 – Station Township, Kununurra
25 June 2010 – Ski Club, Darwin
26 June 2010 – The Happy Yess, Darwin
27 June 2010 – Mindil Markets, Darwin
2 July 2010 – Firkin and Hound, Alice Springs
3 July 2010 – Outback Pioneer, Ayers Rock Resort
4 July 2010 – Residents Club, Ayers Rock Resort

Image used with permission from Heapsaflash

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

“Ten” – Gabriella Cilmi

I received Gabriella Cilmi’s sophomore album Ten last week, and I’ve been listening to it sporadically ever since. So many CDs take up permanent residence in my stereo, but this one requires smaller doses.

The problem is that it’s all very samey. Gabriella is clearly enamoured with vintage disco; think Donna Summer and the Pointer Sisters. Upbeat pop gems and softer ballads alike blaze with synthesizers and 80s electro beats. It feels more like a guilty pleasure than the follow-up work of a multiple ARIA Award winner.

The current single “On a Mission” is a real standout, a fist pumping energetic dance track which has me reaching for my nearest hairbrush. The upbeat ditties that follow are also very strong, and when you think you can’t handle another dance track the romantic “Defender” is a welcome change of pace.

But at this half way point the album takes a bit of a nosedive. “Robots” is inoffensive but the lyrics are more than a little silly. “Superhot” also suffers from some juvenile lyrics and grating vocals. I know Gabriella’s a young woman, but this song feels less mature than anything on Lessons to be Learned. The electro revamp of “Sweet About Me” was frankly unnecessary; if you can’t improve on the song, why redo it? The second half of Ten feels like it has a lot of filler, which is surprising considering how much time has elapsed between albums number one and two.

I definitely don’t hate Ten. It’s frothy and fun; the kind of CD I’d put on to power through the housework or fire up a party. But if it replicates the success of Lessons to be Learned, I’ll be very surprised.

Ten is available in stores now.

Image source: auspOp

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Down the Way – Angus & Julia Stone

One of the best things about writing this blog is the music I have access to. Angus & Julia Stone’s sophomore effort Down the Way hits stores tomorrow, but I’ve already had a week or so to let this beautiful music wash over me.

Beautiful is the word that I keep coming back to with this album. It truly is a thing of beauty, whether the tracks are delicate and unadorned or lush tapestries of sound. Down the Way has both kinds of songs and they help to support one another, taking us on a journey that’s been two years in the making.

It’s an easy journey, relaxed and comforting. The songs are gentle but passionate, obviously crafted with love. They sneak up on you too, easing underneath your skin with every listen. There are no obvious singles, although the gorgeous “And The Boys” has been selected as the album’s first. That’s a strength though; rather than an album mixed with show ponies and fillers we have a record that’s a truly cohesive body of work. That’s surprising considering songs were recorded everywhere from Cornwall to Coolangatta, but it’s a credit to the band.

“For You” is my favourite song at the moment, although with an album like this that’s always subject to change. Right now though, the understated piano and deeply emotive lyrics are striking a chord. “Black Crow” feels like it could have been written thirty years earlier, with Angus’ easy folk voice and its mellow grooves. “Draw Your Swords” is an epic number, and I can’t imagine a more perfect conclusion than the gorgeous “The Devil’s Tears.”

Down The Way is the ideal soundtrack for lazy Sundays and quiet nights in. It will hit Australian record stores tomorrow ahead of the UK and European release on March 15 and the North American release on March 30.

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

"Wine & Consequence" – Jack Carty

It may be Monday, but I’m still in a weekend frame of mind. That relaxed vibe can largely be attributed to Jack Carty’s debut EP Wine & Consequence, my soundtrack for today.wineconsequence

Jack creates the perfect music for the morning after. His softly spoken vocals pair perfectly with his acoustic guitar strummings. It’s a back to basics sound, unadorned and full of truth. It doesn’t grab you by the throat like so many CDs, preferring instead to crawl under your skin slowly. I’d listened to the disc three times before even realising it.

Of course, that laidback folky sound may be background music to many people. But I love the disc’s relaxed feel. It takes you back to Jack’s sleepy hometown of Bellingen, taking you away from the hustle and bustle of modern life. Every track is strong, but the epic “Satellite” is the stand out for me. In the longest track on the EP, it just seems Jack has a little more room to play.

I remember kicking myself for missing Jack’s set at the Joshua Radin concert, and now that I’ve been given his EP I’m kicking myself just that little bit harder. I won’t make the same mistake again.

Image source: Inertia

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

"Live at the Hi-Fi" – Kate Miller-Heidke

With Curiouser still sitting pretty in the Australian top 20, Sony has decided to drop another Kate Miller-Heidke CD. Cannily released to coincide with Kate’s current Australian tour, Live at the Hi-Fi Bar showcases tracks from both her recent chart-topper, her breakthrough debut, Little Eve, and her earlier EPs.

The Video Hits crowd may be disappointed at the absence of “Last Day on Earth,” but “Out and In” and “Space They Cannot Touch” are just as poignant and beautiful. I must admit, I’m not familiar with Kate’s early releases, but these tracks sucked me in with the first listen. “Dreams” is delightfully demented, and “Caught in the Crowd” seems even more touching in the live arena. A raucous cover of the Australian classic “You’re The Voice” gets the whole crowd singing along, while her tender treatment of Empire of the Sun’s “Walking on a Dream” is breathtaking.

There’s a lovely raw feel to proceedings. There’s all the spontaneity and organic energy that any good concert should have. That vibrant spirit is beautifully captured on the CD.

For those who only just discovered Kate’s music with the mainstream success of Curiouser, this is a great introduction to what came before. For those who were already in the know, it’s an excellent snapshot of this talented Aussie’s career to date. If you’re contemplating seeing Kate Miller-Heidke on her current tour, one spin of Live at the Hi-Fi should help you make up your mind.

Image used with permission from Sony Music Australia

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

"Looking for Vertical" – Gareth Skinner

lookingforvertical

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

townhallstepsalbum

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