Category: Reviews

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Club Broadway @ Tumbalong Park, Eora/Sydney – 10 June 2024

Attending a Club Broadway event has been on my bucket list for a while. As an unashamed theatre nerd, the thought of coming together with other theatre nerds, singing along to showtunes while I danced like nobody’s watching always seemed like some kind of heaven. But as someone who remains a little COVID-cautious, I couldn’t quite bring myself to attend one of the indoor club events. I couldn’t believe it when they announced a free outdoor event for Vivid, which unfortunately clashed with last week’s Jason Singh show. But then the rains came down, the event was washed out, and the stars aligned with a rescheduled show. Last night I was off to my first ever Club Broadway event!

It was every bit as glorious as I hoped for. The generous space in Tumbalong Park meant that my husband and I could find a little bit of room away from the throng, while others could make connections with like-minded folk near the stage. An overture of musical hits psyched up the crowd before the appearance of Carmen Geddit doing her best Tracy Turnblad to “Good Morning Baltimore” from Hairspray. DJ Dan Murphy was a generous host, warm and welcoming to the Club Broadway veterans and newcomers alike. We were encouraged to sing and dance, to Shazam songs we weren’t familiar with and relish the ones we were. The set was a celebration of Broadway, from classic musicals to newer smashes like Hamilton and Wicked. Every 15 minutes or so, guest performers would treat us to a “show”. I relished every moment of Coco Jumbo’s “Circle of Life,” Minnie Cooper’s, “Singing in the Rain”, and Erin Clare’s “Part of Your World.” The mix of local drag queens and theatre royalty was perfect.

I must say, at my age I doubted whether I could last the three hours on my feet. However, even though there were seats available not far from us, my husband and I were never even tempted to sit down. We were having far too much singing and dancing. I’ll forever remember him playing Alexander Hamilton to my Angelica in “Satisfied,” belting like Idina to “Defying Gravity,” and shaking and shimmying until our vocals were severely compromised during “You Can’t Stop the Beat.” I loved DJ Dan’s costume changes and props. His enormous flag brought the right amount of gravitas to “Do You Hear the People Sing,” while his sequined nun’s outfit worked double-duty for “Do-Re-Mi” and “I Will Follow Him.”

While I’m not sure when I’ll get to another Club Broadway event, I know it won’t be my last. I can only hope it won’t be too long before they take the show outdoors again! Until then, you can enjoy the Club Broadway experience at one of the following shows:

16 June 2024 – Casey’s Farewell @ Universal, Eora/Sydney
29 June 2024 – Wonderland, Meeanjin/Brisbane
6 July 2024 – Chasers, Naarm/Melbourne
20 July 2024 – A Winters Ball @ Ivy, Eora/Sydney
27 July 2024 – The Court, Boorloo/Perth
31 August 2024 – Mary’s Poppin, Tarntanya/Adelaide

Image source: own photo

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

“Naked & Famous” – Reckless Coast

If Reckless Coast felt any nerves recording their debut EP, they don’t show. Naked & Famous is a confident rock release that declares this band from Meeanjin/Brisbane have arrived.

Many acts ease listeners into their EPs by putting familiar songs up first, but not Reckless Coast. The opening track “Runnin’” is brand new, and utterly irresistible. From the vocal intro, I was in. Inspired by a Matthew McConaughey speech, it’s got a Foo Fighters energy that makes it feel accessible from the first listen.

The track provides a natural segue to “Bad Habits,” the first single I heard from this EP. It’s a natural fit for this release, bold and dripping in swagger. “Dying Town” shows Reckless Coast at their most angsty and most poetic. “Burn Street” is another familiar single that still sounds so fresh. I’d forgotten how much I loved this nostalgic tribute to sharehouse living. “Burn Street” is an affectionate number, but a rock act can’t stay in that space for too long. So it’s only fitting that they put the finger up with this EP’s final track, “People Piss Me Off.” As we all slog through the working week, I’ll bet I’m not the only one this track resonates with!

“Naked & Famous is the perfect representation of what we are as a band,” Reckless Coast said in a statement. “It’s an authentic and unapologetic take on rock that unites both retro and indie-rock lovers. Each track has a personality of its own to create a diverse, yet sonically cohesive work. For so long now the rock genre has been diluted with worn-out clichéd approaches both sonically and visually. Naked & Famous proves that it can be done differently.”

After recently wrapping up an East Coast tour, Reckless Coast will continue celebrating the release of Naked & Famous with a show at Hunting Ground Studios in Jagera Country/Moorooka, where they recorded this EP, this Friday, June 7. Pay what you can afford tickets are on sale now from Eventbrite.

Images used with permission from Reckless Coast

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Jason Singh @ Avoca Beach Theatre, Darkinjung Country/Avoca Beach – 1 June 2024

If it wasn’t already abundantly clear, I love Avoca Beach Theatre. It’s such a charming venue committed to showcasing the country’s best artists. It doesn’t hurt that it’s also less than half an hour from my house. So even though I already had tickets for Richard Clapton on Friday night, when Jason Singh’s show was moved to the Saturday I held on to my tickets. I’m still young enough to back up, right? At least I am if they’re local!

I must admit, for a while there I wasn’t sure whether the gig would happen. There was that postponement, and I wondered whether slow ticket sales were to blame. When I checked in on the seating chart a couple of days before the gig, less than a third of the venue’s 280 seats sold. With torrential rains on the night, there were plenty of no-shows. However, rather than lacking in atmosphere, this was probably the most electric gig I’ve witnessed at the venue.

Support act Brett Wood got a warm reaction for his bluesy originals. He was good. Really good. The sort of good that’s worked with Tommy Emmanuel and Stevie Ray Vaughan’s drummer good. The sort of good that leaves me impressed by his guitar prowess, even though I’ve seen masters like Prince, Carlos Santana, Brian May, and Mr Emmanuel live. He knows how to play, but he’s also an exceptional songwriter. He’s got such a magnetic presence too. I found myself hanging on to his every word as he told stories about his career and songs. He’s the sort of guy who deserves to be at the front of the stage every night, so I was a little surprised to see him slotting into Jason Singh’s band when he finished his own set.

As I mentioned, this was an intimate gig even by Avoca Beach Theatre standards. But as Jason reminded us all, he didn’t care about the people who didn’t show up; he cared about the ones that did. Right attitude. Those that did show up were some of the most enthusiastic I’ve been amongst. They came from as far as Meeanjin/Brisbane and were up and dancing in the aisles from the first couple of songs. They knew every word of every song, not just the big Taxiride singles but the solo originals from Hummanequin. They even brought him cakes with his face on them to celebrate the 25th birthday of Imaginate!

As the show unfolded, I understood why they were so dedicated. I’d seen Jason play on board P&O’s 90s cruise in January and marvelled at his enthusiasm and energy, but the show reached another level here in Darkinjung Country/Avoca Beach. Here he was amongst people who celebrated the breadth of his artistry, not just those hits. The show celebrated his full discography, Taxiride music, original solo material, and the covers close to his heart that formed his Heaven’s Greatest Hits shows a couple of years ago. I can be a harsh critic when it comes to people covering Bowie, but his section featuring some of the Thin White Duke’s biggest hits was amazing.

While it seemed like most of the crowd would be happy for Jason to sing anything, I relished hearing big hits like “Get Set” and “Everywhere You Go.” Jason’s assembled a brilliant band who help him replicate the harmonies Taxiride were famous for. It’s a good thing too, given the bad blood between Jason and his former bandmates. He alluded to the drama a few times, clearly stung by the way things turned out. However, watching him sharing the stage with his new brothers, it seems he’s embracing this new chapter in his musical story.

This show was probably one of the loosest I’ve been to. I mentioned that when I saw Ian Moss recently it felt like that traditional divide between artist and audience vanished. This show took that up a notch, literally removing the divide as Jason jumped down from the stage to dance with his fans and share the microphone with them. On spying my phone on my lap, he told me he wouldn’t continue the show until I started following him on Instagram. Of course, I had to oblige. He encouraged us all to mimic his drummer’s hip-thrusting dance moves during “Roadhouse Blues”. It was a wild night, but fabulously fun. I must admit, like so many people I considered piking when the rain started pelting down. I even might have if we weren’t meeting friends for the gig. But I’m so glad I pushed through because I’m sure it’ll be one of my most memorable concerts this year.

Image source: Stephen Katulka

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Richard Clapton @ Avoca Beach Picture Theatre, Darkinjung Country/Avoca Beach – 31 May 2024

We’ve all got our comfort artists. The ones that we go see every couple of years because we can count on them singing songs we want to hear and simply making us feel good. They’re probably musicians you grew up listening to, so they feel like home. Richard Clapton is definitely one of those artists for me. As I look back at my blog it seems I’ve somehow let almost nine years go by without seeing Richard live, so a show was long overdue. And when he’s playing locally, who can refuse?

Anyone planning on skipping the support act would have been sorely disappointed, because there wasn’t one. Richard was more than happy to just get on with things. After so many years away from his shows, the set had plenty of twists and turns for me. Excited by the reissues of The Great Escape, Goodbye Tiger, and Prussian Blue, he gleefully played lesser-known tracks from those releases. Although they weren’t lesser known for this crowd, who expressed their excitement over those deep cuts. I wasn’t familiar with a lot of it, but Richard’s the sort of artist that entertains you regardless of what they’re singing. He also sprinkled hits throughout the set, encouraging us to sing along. Goodness, he’s written some hits. “Capricorn Dancer,” “Glory Road,” “Deep Water,” what gems.

It’s funny, when you don’t see an artist for a while it can seem like no time has passed, but at the same time, you see reminders of those passing years. Richard’s voice wasn’t quite as strong as I remember, but it still commands a room. I noticed his guitarist giving him a supportive hand as he climbed the steps onto the stage. We get an intermission now, rather than the show moving straight through.

Richard admitted he was 76, but he doesn’t look like he really wants to slow down. He praised our crowd as one of the best, relished the espresso martinis the venue served him, and encouraged us to book tickets for his shows at the same venue next January. I just might. If it’s been too long since you’ve see Richard live, make sure you catch him at one of his upcoming gigs:

1 June 2024 – Flamingo’s Live (formerly Lizotte’s), Mulbinba/Newcastle
2 June 2024 – Flamingo’s Live (formerly Lizotte’s), Mulbinba/Newcastle
2 July 2024 – Big Red Bash, Wirrarri/Birdsville
15 August 2024 – Mundi Mundi Bash 2024, Wiradjuri Country/Bruie Plains (SOLD OUT)
22 August 2024 – Gympie Music Muster, Kabi Kabi Country/Gympie
31 August 2024 – State Theatre, Eora/Sydney

Image source: own photo

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Ian Moss @ Lizotte’s, Mulubinba/Newcastle – 25 May 2024

As I stepped into Lizotte’s on Saturday night, I realised that it’s been far too long. It’s the kind of venue that welcomes you back like an old friend, no matter how much time has passed though. It may be under new management, but other than the hosts wearing more sequins and the décor receiving a few more fairy lights, little has changed. The rotating menu still features old favourites like the salt and pepper squid with passionfruit sauce and classic fish and chips. If anything, the dishes were even better than we remembered. With bellies and glasses full, we settled in for a fantastic night of music.

Lachlan Edwards hit my radar back in 2020 with the release of his EP Once More, and I relished the opportunity to discover his new music. He was just 17 back then, a teen showing great promise but certainly green. He’s blossomed over the last few years, with European travel under his belt and a bunch of songs inspired by it set to be released later this year. While love songs dominated his EP, this set revealed some heartbreak. Never easy to navigate, but if you can come away from it with some great songs, so much the better. I loved hearing all this new material, stripped back and raw. Although it’s made me pretty excited for the new EP to come.

Lachlan warmed up the stage for Ian Moss, who delivered a similarly stripped-back show. I’ve seen Mossy more times than I can count now, and he never disappoints. This kind of acoustic show is my favourite. The set list can change on a dime, so you never know what’s coming, and he has the space to chat to the crowd. It’s so loose, easy, and lovely. We heard about his frustrations with his Apple Watch always wanting to give advice; it ended up on the floor after the first song. “Rivers Run Dry”, the title track from his new album, was so much more poignant after learning about the decades-long friendship that inspired it. We laughed hearing about the generous steak meal he enjoyed after volunteering to get a flat tyre fixed and leaving the rest of the Cold Chisel boys freezing in the middle of nowhere. It was one of those special nights where you didn’t feel that traditional divide between artist and audience; we were all just there to have a good time.

It almost goes without saying that the music was stellar. Mossy has a voice and presence that fills the room, and he’s one of the best guitarists we’ve got. The set was a rare treat, littered with songs from the fantastic new album Rivers Run Dry, hits from Matchbook and the Chisel days, and some unexpected treats. “Message from Baghdad” from Six Strings! A stunning cover of “Cry Me a River”! What a joy. And of course, there were those classic singalongs. Nothing makes me feel like I belong more than being in a room of Aussies belting out tracks like “When the War is Over”, “Flame Trees,” and “Tucker’s Daughter”.

After a pretty stressful week, this show was exactly what I needed. Two fantastic artists, one near the start of their journey, the other a seasoned veteran showing no signs of slowing down. Mossy wraps up his Solo & Acoustic Rivers Run Dry shows next weekend but he’s got gigs all through the rest of the year, including a few in the United Kingdom. If you can see him anywhere, make sure you do. You will not be disappointed.

1 June 2024 – Tanks Arts Centre, Yidinji Country/Edge Hill
2-4 July 2024 – Big Red Bash, Wirrarri/Birdsville
10 July 2024 – King Tuts Wah Wah Hut, Glasgow
12 July 2024 – Bush Hall, London
15-17 August 2024 – Mundi Mundi Bash 2024, Wiradjuri Country/Bruie Plains (SOLD OUT)
17 August 2024 – D’agfest @ Dag Pub, Jinibara Country/D’aguilar
19-26 October 2025 – Rock the Boat, Eora/Sydney

Image source: Stephen Katulka

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

“I Remember You” – Matt Joe Gow and Kerryn Fields

Kiwi-raised and Naarm/Melbourne-based, Matt Joe Gow and Kerryn Fields have both impressed me with their solo efforts, so it was inevitable that I’d fall hard for their new album of duets, I Remember You. With a natural chemistry and knack for songwriting, the pair have created some of the best music you’ll hear this year.

There’s a natural connection between the artists which is so appealing to listen to. I love the way their voices complement one another, but there’s more to love than simply their sound. There’s an electricity when they make music together, a bond that’s evident as they join their talents. Listening to poetic lyrics referencing their homeland, there’s a shared understanding that helps these songs resonate. Together they take us on a musical journey, from playful romantic numbers like the opening track “Your Heart of Gold” and “Prairie Song” to haunting songs like “No Trace” and “Dead Flowers and Stale Wine.”

As you might expect from these artists, the music is richly organic. I can imagine it sounded exactly this way when the pair laid these songs down. When so much music gets overproduced, hearing music like this that’s allowed to shine just as it was created is special.

I Remember You is out now. Matt Joe Gow and Kerryn Fields are currently playing shows together in Aotearoa/New Zealand. Here are the remaining dates.

24 May 2024 – St Peter’s Village Hall, Paekakariki
25 May 2024 – Moons, Dunedin
26 May 2024 – Little Theatre, Gore
1 June 2024 – Ohakune Carrot Carnival 2024, Ohakune
7 June 2024 – ONEONESIX, Whangarei
8 June 2024 – Te Pahu Sound Lounge, Hamilton
14 June 2024 – Mt Eden Village Centre, Auckland

Images used with permission from Matt Joe Gow and Kerryn Fields

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

“Parade” @ Seymour Centre, Eora/Sydney

Parade may be the best musical you’ve never heard of. Its original 1998 Broadway run lasted just three months. The 2023 Broadway revival also ran for less than six months, although it did take home a key Tony Award for Best Revival of a Musical. I get it. It’s a hard sell. In a market saturated by jukebox musicals and productions based on familiar stories, an original musical about a Jewish factory manager accused of a young girl’s murder in 1913 seems pretty dreary. Yet Parade endures because it’s incredible. Independent Naarm/Melbourne theatre company Soundworks Productions staged Parade in their hometown late last year and have now brought it to Eora/Sydney. I’m so glad they did.

So you might wonder when such crowd-pleasing fare like Grease and & Juliet are currently playing, why would I decide to see Parade instead? I’m so glad you asked. Firstly, Jason Robert Brown. We loved his musical “The Last Five Years,” and trusted that he’d do something wonderful with this true story. I was also so moved watching New York director Michael Arden’s empassioned speech at last year’s Tonys. He said “Parade tells the story of a life that was cut short at the hands of the belief that one group of people is more of less valuable than another and that they might be more deserving of justice.” It might be set in the aftermath of the Civil War, but this is a modern story that still resonates today.

The Broadway production starred one of my favourite actors, Ben Platt, who was nominated for a Tony for his role, so I wondered how an Aussie might possibly come close to his performance of Leo Frank. It’s such a pivotal role, the casting is everything. But wow, Aaron Robuck is sensational. As I listen to the Broadway cast recording today, I’m convinced that so many of the players in this Aussie production are just as good, if not better, than many of their American counterparts. Montana Sharp brought a beautiful warmth to her performance of Lucille that seems lacking in Micaela Diamond’s portrayal. As a longtime Australian Idol fan, I was thrilled to see Tarasai Vushe playing the dual roles of Minola McKnight and Angela. After they wowed me in The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee last year, it was so exciting to see Adeline Hunter and Rebecca Ordiz shining again.

There’s no getting around it: Parade is a tough sell. It’s difficult to watch in parts, but it’s such an important story. It’s themes of prejudice and trial by media resonate today. And at its core, it’s a love story. I haven’t been as moved in the theatre in a few years. It’s honestly one of the most incredible shows I’ve ever seen. If you’re anywhere near Eora/Sydney, go. You will not be disappointed. It’s on at the Seymour Centre until May 26.

Image source: Seymour Centre

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

“Tour of Duty Live at National Stadium” – Various Artists

In 1999, a who’s who of the Australian entertainment industry descended on Dili to entertain our troops. Australian Road Crew Association has now released a recording of their star-studded concert. Tour of Duty Live at National Stadium’s release marks the first time that people could enjoy this concert since it originally aired on Channel Seven and Nine.

This album captures a moment in time. It feels like forever since Roy & HG hosted a gig, and gee it’s good to hear them taking the reins here. We get to hear Doc Neeson at the height of his powers delivering hits like “Shadow Boxer” and “No Secrets,” and John Farnham belting out so many of his classics like “Playing to Win” and “That’s Freedom.” He even “reluctantly” agrees to a rousing rendition of “Sadie (The Cleaning Lady)”! We’ve lost Doc, and likely we’ll never hear John Farnham sound like this again, so it’s a real thrill listening to them separately and duetting on timeless tracks like a medley of The Easybeats’ “She’s So Fine” and “Sorry.” Relative up-and-comers at the time like Gina Jeffreys and The Living End also make incredible appearances, along with our pop princess Kylie. You couldn’t wipe the smile from my face as I listened to big singalong numbers featuring the entire cast like “You’re The Voice” and the poignant closer, “I Still Call Australia Home.”

Admittedly some bits haven’t aged well, from the RMC Band’s cover of “Mambo No. 5” to John Farnham introducing Rachel Starkey of the RMC Band as a “pretty young lady.” But again, I remind you, this album captures a moment in time. And what a moment it was.

If there wasn’t enough incentive to get your ears around this release, all money raised with benefit Support Act’s Roadies Fund, which provides financial, health, counselling, and wellbeing services to local roadies and crews in crisis. Tour of Duty Live at National Stadium is out now and available on streaming services and as a digital download.

Images used with permission from On the Map PR

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

“Daylight” – In Good Hands

GuriNgai and Darug Country/North-West Sydney-based indie-rock outfit In Good Hands have just dropped their debut EP, Daylight. The title reflects the feel-good tunes the band showcases on this six-track release.

You might not expect a band like In Good Hands to release such upbeat music. They hit the scene in 2020, a less-than-ideal time for any musicians, especially those trying to establish their reputation. They felt the impact of the COVID lockdowns as their debut shows were cancelled and their creative process was pushed online. However, you know what they say about the things that don’t kill you making you stronger.

Rather than letting the setbacks defeat them, In Good Hands used the time to hone their craft. Their efforts developing their sound and songwriting skills haven’t gone unnoticed. Tracks like “Lately” and “How ‘Bout Time?” lyrically encapsulate the frustrations of feeling like you’re wasting your youth while the world presses pause. It’s heavy subject matter, but it’s lifted by the connection you hear between these musicians who clearly relish coming together. The optimism they feel as they forge forward is evident in “Fly Away.” As the opening track, it sends a strong message that no matter what the band or their listeners have been through, everything’s going to be okay.

With the release of Daylight, In Good Hands showcase their resilience, tenacity, and above all, talent. The future looks bright for this local band. They’ll officially launch the EP for hometown fans at Oxford Art Factory in Eora/Darlinghurst on May 31.

Images used with permission from In Good Hands

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

“Ramona” – Grace Cummings

Grace Cummings is an artist like no other. No one sounds like her, no one is making music like her; she’s simply in her own lane. Listening to her third album Ramona gives you a deep appreciation for that.

Grace’s voice is the first thing you notice. It’s richly textured, wise beyond her years, deep and full, passionate, uniquely beautiful. Her hushed tones remind me of Dusty Springfield, but then there’s the raw, earthy side that’s a little like Janis Joplin. Honestly, it’d be enough to keep me interested. But then there are the songs. Each one incredible, with a classic sound you can’t quite put your finger on. There are elements of soul, gospel, blues, but you can’t put them neatly into any box. They simmer with emotions that threaten to bubble over, casting a spell each and every time.

One of the things I love most about Ramona is its vintage sound. It’s pure, free from the interference of modern technology. I can imagine Grace and her bandmates playing these songs at producer Jonathan Wilson’s Topanga Canyon studio just as you hear them, in one take. The beautiful thing about music like this is that it’s likely to be just as good, if not better, when you witness it live. Thankfully for us, she’s got plenty of shows scheduled all around the world at beautiful intimate venues. Tickets are on sale now and aren’t likely to last long:

5 May 2024 – Cat’s Cradle, Carrboro
7 May 2024 – DC9, Washington City
8 May 2024 – Arden Gild Hall, Wilmington
9 May 2024 – Public Records, Brooklyn
12 May 2024 – The Blue Basement, London
15 May 2024 – Forest National, Bruxelles (with King Gizzard and the Lizard Wizzard)
16 May 2024 – Stadthalle, Offenbach (with King Gizzard and the Lizard Wizzard)
18 May 2024 – Forum Karlin, Karlin (with King Gizzard and the Lizard Wizzard)
19 May 2024 – Arena Wien, Vienna (with King Gizzard and the Lizard Wizzard)
21 May 2024 – Kantine am Berghain, Berlin
23 May 2024 – AFAS Live, Amsterdam (with King Gizzard and the Lizard Wizzard)
24 May 2024 – The Lexington, London
25 May 2024 – Wide Awake Festival, London
26 May 2024 – Liverpool Olympia, Liverpool (with King Gizzard and the Lizard Wizzard)
27 May 2024 – Usher Hall, Edinburgh (with King Gizzard and the Lizard Wizzard – SOLD OUT)
29 May 2024 – Civic Halls, Wolverhampton (with King Gizzard and the Lizard Wizzard)
30 May 2024 – Bristol Beacon, Bristol (with King Gizzard and the Lizard Wizzard)
31 May-2 June 2024 – Maifeld Derby, Manheim
3 June 2024 – Import Export, Munich
4 June 2024 – Unaltro Festival @ Circolo Magnolia, Milan (with King Gizzard and the Lizard Wizzard)
7 June 2024 – La Boule Noire, Paris
8 June 2024 – Best Kept Secret, Hilvarenbeek
12 June 2024 – Bergenfest, Bergen
12 July 2024 – The Espy, Euro Yuroke/St Kilda
13 July 2024 – Meeniyan Town Hall, Boonwurrung Country/Meeniyan
14 July 2024 – Brunswick Ballroom, Naarm/Melbourne
20 July 2024 – Altar, Nipaluna/Hobart
25 July 2024 – Crown and Anchor, Tarntanya/Adelaide
26 July 2024 – Mojos, Walyalup/Fremantle
27 July 2024 – Rosemount, Boorloo/Perth
2 August 2024 – The Zoo, Meeanjin/Brisbane
3 August 2024 – The Great Club, Eora/Sydney

Images used with permission from Riot House Publicity