Category: Reviews

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

“Lavender Marriage” – William Street Strikers

Never one to rest on their laurels, Tarntanya/Adelaide rockers William Street Strikers have released Lavender Marriage, the follow-up to their 2022 album Baltimore Train. With just six tracks, it’s all killer, no filler.

This is the seventh release from William Street Strikers. At this point, they’re a well-oiled machine, confident in their sound and their connections. The band strikes the right balance between being tight and just loose enough for real rock and roll. Their harmonies are always on point. Listening to the way their voices naturally come together reminded me just how few rock bands harmonise these days.

Those harmonies aren’t the only element of William Street Strikers’ sound that is delightfully old school. The straight-up rock of the opening track “Candles” wouldn’t have sounded out of place on a record by The Kinks or The Easybeats. “Hands of My Paper” reminded me a little of The Rolling Stones in their heyday. Don’t mistake this band for imitators though. While their sound celebrates nostalgia, none of those classic bands could pull off the cheeky lyrics of tracks like “Tammy” and “I’ll Be Okay.” After bringing solid rock vibes through most of Lavender Marriage, the final track “Pieces” is a real left turn. A gentle piano ballad with strings, it’s not what you expect from William Street Strikers. But this isn’t a band that ever wants to become predictable. By keeping things fresh, they ensure we’re always interested in what comes next, whatever that may be.

Lavender Marriage is available to stream now from the William Street Strikers website. Alternatively you can buy the album on CD for $15 plus postage by emailing the band at thewilliamstreetstrikers@yahoo.com.

Images used with permission from William Street Strikers

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Dami Im @ Avoca Beach Picture Theatre, Darkinjung Country/Avoca Beach – 15 July 2023

It’s been three years since I saw Dami Im live. Back then she was just beginning to release some of the confessional music that turned me from a casual fan to a committed member of the “Dami Army.” I feel like her music has gone from strength to strength since that time, so I was thrilled to nab one of the best seats in the house for Saturday’s show at Avoca Beach Picture Theatre.

While The Art House is hardly a large venue, it doesn’t have the intimacy of the little community movie theatre that has become one of Darkinjung Country/Central Coast’s most beloved music venues seemingly overnight. The beautiful art deco cinema room (just the one, this is no multiplex) holds less than 300 people. While there’s a bar in the foyer, once people sit down they stay in their seats, listening to the music attentively and clapping respectfully. We’re even told that if we insist on taking photographs, to hold our cameras low to ensure we don’t annoy other patrons, and to be sporadic as a live event like this is much better experienced with our eyes rather than through the lens of a device. Normally I won’t take any photos, because my usual front row seats cast such a spell. But tickets sell so fast these days that I found myself a few rows back and able to catch a few.

A venue like this is perfect for an EP launch because people are there to appreciate music. They welcome new material and give everyone a chance to properly discover it in real-time. It’s a rare, special thing. Dami clearly relished the opportunity to introduce us to the songs from In Between, an EP written as she processed her emotions on falling pregnant and giving birth. They’re weighty songs, confessional songs which give real truths about this often-confusing time in a woman’s life. Honestly, I think they might be some of the best songs Dami’s ever written. Hearing her speak about that time that inspired this material has given me an even deeper appreciation of this recording.

While the night was a celebration of new material, Dami had time for old favourites. She belted out all her singles, relishing the opportunity to dance around and interact with her band. She even took us back to where it all began with a piano medley of songs that helped her clinch the X Factor crown. And of course she couldn’t leave us without delivering “Sounds of Silence,” the song that launched her into the global consciousness at Eurovision.

I loved Dami’s live show the first time around, but in this special intimate venue, excited to share new music that clearly means so much to her, she might have been even better.

Image source: Stephen Katulka

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

“Something Rare and Beautiful” – Nathan Seeckts

I love hearing voices that draw me in instantly. I’m with them from the first note, hanging on their every word, relishing their unique tone. Nathan Seeckts has one of those voices. I fell for that voice when he released his single “The Wildest One” a few months ago, and I’m thrilled to hear more of what it can do with the release of Something Rare and Beautiful.

Listening to the album, I discovered that Nathan really can do it all. “The Wildest One” was a love song, but it soon becomes apparent that Nathan isn’t just another country crooner. Anyone that’s encountered a dickhead on a night out will relate to the scathing “King of the Room.” “Cassette in the Tapedeck,” featuring guest vocals from Gretta Ziller, is a nostalgic ballad celebrating his dad’s LC Torana. And that’s just the first three songs. In truth, I could wax lyrical about every one, but I’d rather you discover them for yourself. Every song tells a story so vividly you feel like you were there. Nathan is a master at bringing characters and moments to life.

The title of Nathan Seeckts second album couldn’t be more appropriate. His voice is so unique and so compelling. His songwriting is worldclass. And when you put them together, the music is indeed something rare and beautiful. Nathan will showcase his incredible music at these upcoming shows:

7 July 2023 – Pot Belly Bar, Ngunnawal Country/Canberra
8 July 2023 – The Curious Rabbit, Wiradjuri Country/Wagga Wagga
15 July 2023 – Bird Rock, Wadawurrung Country/Jan Juc
16 July 2023 – The Eastern, Ballaarat/Ballarat

Images used with permission from Chris Familton Publicity

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

“Public Fun Part 1” – Raging Hormones

I’m having a ball rocking out to Public Fun Part 1, the debut EP from new Naarm/Melbourne band Raging Hormones. If you love your rock music raw and gritty, these guys will be right up your alley.

The frenetic pace, rebellious lyrics, and scorching guitar solo of the opening track “Power Hour” set the tone. I must admit, this one rocked a little hard for me at first, but the more I listen the more I love it. I found the remaining tracks instantly accessible though. They’re a little more melodic without losing that all-important rock edge. “Going Out in Style,” released as a single in May, is the sort of track you can imagine igniting a room with its driving drums and singalong chorus. Raging Hormones keep the foot on the throttle for “Shake It Up” and “Everything Opens Up”. The closing track “Sunglasses” is perhaps Raging Hormones most radio-friendly. It’s a love song at its heart, with pop-rock elements that make it perhaps the band’s accessible song. This isn’t an EP with a lot of light and shade though, but it doesn’t need to be. If you want ballads, there are plenty of other bands that will give it to you. If you want to rock, Public Fun Part 1 is your EP.

The only thing that excites me more than this EP is that it’s named Part 1. Does this mean there’s more Public Fun on the way? We can only hope so! Until then, they’ll play for hometown fans at Stay Gold’s Beers for Bands event on July 14 to raise money for Support Act.

Images used with permission from Little Giant Agency

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

“I Don’t Hear You Anymore” – The Money War

The Money War have come of age with the release of their gorgeous new EP I Don’t Hear You Anymore. Over the years they’ve created delicate folk music which was beautiful, but at times became a little sleepy. However, they’ve got the balance right with this collection of songs, creating a collection of songs that get under your skin without fading into the background.

A coming of age is only natural as Dylan Ollivierre and Carmen Pepper mature as a musical outfit and real-life couple. They’re raising three young children together now, trying to carve out time for their family, their relationship, themselves, and their music. Dylan is also a full-time producer, who says his commitment to other people’s music leaves limited time for The Money War. Being pushed and pulled in so many directions, quality becomes so much more important than quantity.

“Every now and then, I have this insatiable desire to create something that embodies my own vision and expresses Carmen and me as The Money War. In the past, we often had numerous songs to choose from, but nowadays, with three young kids, our time has significantly decreased. Therefore, a song only progresses beyond the ‘idea’ stage if it strongly demands to be realised,” he explained.

What we’re left with is four incredible tracks. The title track eases us in. It’s laidback and a bit of a slow burner, but it’s truly magical. “Was It Ever Really Anything?”, featuring FEELDS, is a gentle Americana-inspired track with a gorgeous slide guitar solo. I love the interplay between Dylan and Carmen’s vocals in the romantic “Ride.” The closing track “Somebody Loves You” is an uplifting love song without the schmaltz.

I Don’t Hear You Anymore is the EP I always knew The Money War had in them. It’s their strongest release to date, and a real sign of exciting things to come for this Boorloo/Perth band.

Images used with permission from Kick Push PR

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

“Hearticulate” – Melita

Proving you don’t need the backing or budget of a big record label, Melita has really impressed me with her debut EP Hearticulate. The Eora/Sydney-based chanteuse recorded this EP with her brother Alex Ertler in their home studio. But listening to this slick, neo-soul affair, you wouldn’t guess at its humble origins.

Melita effortlessly blends fresh neo-soul sounds with classic funk, disco, and yacht rock influences. The ethereal “Greeting” is the ideal introduction, putting Melita’s voice front and centre before we settle into the easy groove of the title track. It flows naturally into “Delusional,” which has some of the most relatable lyrics on the EP. Melita amps up the energy with “Crystal Logic,” a funky floor-filling homage to the disco era before easing us back into a gentler groove with “Behind My Smile” and “Saturn Blues.” In some ways “Hold On to My Mind” is a subtle closer, but while it’s got a mellow groove it’s also probably the most musically complex track on this EP. I could hear the influence of artists like Steely Dan and Boz Scaggs come through, but Melita’s interpreted their sounds in such an exciting new way.

Hearticulate doesn’t have a lot of bells and whistles, but it doesn’t need them. Melita’s stunning voice is an anchor, impressing on each and every track. This EP is a great introduction to a fantastic new talent.

Images used with permission from beehive; main image credit: James Tarbotton

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Billy Ocean @ Darling Harbour Theatre, Eora/Sydney – 22 June 2023

For years one of my friends has told me that I needed to see Billy Ocean. When he announced his greatest hits tour, in winter when few other artists tour no less, I knew I’d run out of excuses. Now that I’ve been to my first Billy Ocean concert, I wonder why it took me so long.

Boorloo/Perth neo-soul artist Drea warmed up the crowds with a beautiful set. What a stunning voice she has. I was mesmerised as she layered vocal loops for her opening track before her keyboardist Alfred joined her for her remaining numbers. My husband leaned over and whispered that they reminded him a little of a modern-day Toni Braxton and Babyface. It’s a brave thing to perform a set focused on originals at a show that relies so heavily on nostalgia, but Drea was so captivating that the crowd couldn’t help but pay her respect. You could have heard a pin drop throughout her performance. I made a mental note to follow her on the socials, as she encouraged, to see where she’s playing next.

It’s also a brave thing to announce a greatest hits tour, then open with a song from a new album, but after nearly 50 years in the business, he’s earned the right to do as he pleases. We weren’t left waiting too long for those hits though. When an artist can bring out a track like “Love Really Hurts Without You” as the second song, and back it up with “Get Outta My Dreams, Get Into My Car” just a couple of numbers later, you know they’ve got some songs in their back catalogue. He played all our favourites eagerly, relishing the opportunity to hold the microphone out to better hear us singing his words back to him. His wide smile seemed a permanent fixture throughout the set. I’ve seen artists get a little jaded after decades in the business, admitting they’d rather skip certain singles, but Billy Ocean celebrates his repertoire with pure joy.

You sometimes wonder when seeing an artist of advancing years whether they may be past their prime. Billy Ocean isn’t ready to be put out to pasture anytime soon. While the voices of so many of his contemporaries show signs of age, his vocals are still strong and clear. He might be a little slower, but he still loves shaking his hips and grooving to the beat. I imagined my husband and I might be one of the younger ones in the audience since we were under 10 when he had some of his biggest hits, yet I saw so many people half our age out with their friends and partners having a ball. Even those of us of advancing years forgot how old we really were and joined them on our feet dancing to the closing songs “When the Going Gets Tough, the Tough Gets Going” and “Caribbean Queen.”

My friend was right. I should have seen Billy Ocean years ago. Now I’ve discovered how good he is live, I can only hope that he’s got a few more tours left in him. If he hasn’t visited your city yet, go! Trust me! Tickets are still available for the following shows:

25 June 2023 – Royal Theatre, Ngunnawal and Ngambri Country/Canberra
27 June 2023 – Thebarton Theatre, Tartanya/Adelaide

Image source: Stephen Katulka

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

“Girlhood” – Hayley Marsten

Australia’s female country artists are releasing some incredible music at the moment. Just days after discovering Sammy White’s fantastic debut album Dirty Laundry, I’m getting swept up in Hayley Marsten’s sophomore album Girlhood.

Dramatic strings introduce us to the opening track “Getting Better”, indicating that this is no ordinary country song, or country album. Hayley has always had crossover appeal and she continues playing with genre here. While country sounds anchor the album, “Getting Better” has a classic rock feel made for long drives. The synth sounds of the next track “Drowning Myself” give it more of a pop feel. And then she delivers “Teen Movie,” a tender country ballad with lyrics that reference ‘80s cinematic legend John Hughes. I was once a shy teen who spent too much time hoping for my own Jake Ryan or a friend like Ferris Bueller to make my life more exciting, this one really resonated with me.

From rock to pop to pure country in just three tracks. Hayley Marsten isn’t an artist who likes to stand still. She’s a smart musician, adept at identifying the right sound to tell her stories. She turns up the energy for songs of strength like “I Am a Rich Man” and “I’m Fine, Thanks”. But then she can slow things down for more poignant moments, ensuring we catch every lyric of incredible, intimate songs like “I Knew the Pain” and “My Body Was Not My Own.”

I love Girlhood for similar reasons that I love Dirty Laundry. Both albums unfold like diaries, telling the stories of the strong women at their centre. There are light moments of cheeky humour and darker moments that reveal anger, pain, and loss. In the case of Hayley, her latest release shows a natural evolution. Her debut Spectacular Heartbreak was excellent, but I think Girlhood is even better. Take a listen and check her out on one of the remaining shows on her Girlhood tour, which continues tomorrow night.

23 June 2023 – Low 302, Eora/Sydney
24 June 2023 – The Servo Bar, Dharawal and Dhurga Country/Port Kembla
31 August 2023 – Oodies Café, Taribelang Bunda, Gooreng Gooreng, Gurang, and Bailai Country/Bundaberg

Images used with permission from Revolutions per Minute

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

“Dirty Laundry” – Sammy White

I’m not interested in artists with a lot of polish. I want to know about the good, the bad, and the ugly. I want it raw and real. And that’s exactly why Dirty Laundry, the debut album from country singer-songwriter Sammy White, is so appealing.

As the title of her album suggests, Sammy isn’t afraid to tell it like it is. This is a confessional body of work with songs that touch on Sammy’s sense of self and her relationships, especially with fellow country artist Brad Cox. He guests on the romantic ballad “Love on the Line,” which touches on the challenges of sustaining a relationship as travelling musicians. Songs celebrating the strong women in regional areas like “Country as Cow Shit”, “Diamonds and Dolly”, and “You Sound Like Me” are bound to resonate with her fans. However, you don’t need to be from the country, or even a fan of country music, to appreciate this music. I really related to the picture of a peaceful, uncomplicated love she draws in “Countryside.” “I’ll Do Me, You Do You,” the beautiful ballad of acceptance featuring Brad Butcher which closes the album, is another stunning song.

Listening to Dirty Laundry, it’s difficult to believe that Sammy was nominated for New Talent of the Year at the 2022 Golden Guitar Awards. Just a year on she sounds so seasoned, confident in her vocals and her message. This album paints a picture of a performer who knows herself and is unafraid to share that with the world. It’s refreshing and so exciting to hear. Dirty Laundry is out now. Sammy is currently supporting Brad Cox on his Australian tour, so make sure you get there early if you’ve got tickets to the remaining shows:

22 June 2023 – The Cambridge Hotel, Mulubinba/Newcastle
23 June 2023 – Manning Bar, Eora/Sydney
24 June 2023 – Anita’s Theatre, Thurraral Country/Thirroul

Images used with permission from Sammy White

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

“Bed and Breakfast” – King of Spain

It feels like far too long ago that we were introduced to King of Spain’s debut single “Ferrol.” If they left you wanting more too, wrap your ears around Bed and Breakfast, the band’s first EP.

Each track takes us to another European city. We’re veering off the beaten path here. We take visit “Ferrol,” a Spanish city, for the party. “Grabovac”, named after the Croatian city, is a smooth operator, skilled in the art of seduction. “Newburg” is a little psychedelic, so perhaps it’s the part of the European vacation where we experiment with some mushrooms. But what a trip is it. “Saint Pol” brings us back to earth with its deep-seated groove.

The press release mentions Allen Stone, and I can certainly hear similarities in the old-school sensibility and Peter White’s effortlessly soulful vocals. But I can also hear a little classic Hall & Oates coming through. And then there’s that thing you just can’t put your finger on that sets King of Spain apart. At just four tracks, Bed and Breakfast still isn’t enough to satisfy me. But it’s a delicious serve of funk and soul that’s certainly whetting my appetite for more from this Tartanya/Adelaide act.

Images used with permission from Big Oak Records