I said I was going to highlight some Christmas music. You were warned. If you’re not ready to go full-Mariah yet, the Teeny Tiny Stevies new EP What Rhymes With Christmas? might be the release to ease you into the festive season.
Category: Reviews
“Georgia Maq Live at the Sydney Opera House” – Georgia Maq
I’ve always appreciated Georgia Maq’s work, whether she’s fronting punk act Camp Cope or playing solo. However, my love for her music has deepened after hearing her new Live at Sydney Opera House EP. It’s a beautiful recording featuring five tracks recorded at her Vivid show in the Opera House’s Utzon Room last year.
“The Silence of You” – Kyle Lionhart
I knew before pressing play that I was going to love Kyle Lionhart’s sophomore album The Silence of You. I’d already fawned over the singles “Chemical Heart” and “Lighthouse,” highlighting Kyle’s personal lyrics and heartfelt delivery. But I wasn’t prepared for just how much this collection of songs would move me.
The Whitlams Black Stump Band @ Avoca Picture Theatre, Darkinjung Country/Avoca Beach – 26 November 2022
I’ve seen The Whitlams and Tim Freedman solo countless times over the years. The ever-changing setlists ensure it never gets tired, yet I relished the opportunity to see them doing something completely new. When the Whitlams Black Stump Band stopped in to the Central Coast on Saturday, I got my chance.
“For Wise People Who Appreciate Quality” – Sick Visor
As if they understood just how challenging Thursdays can be, Naarm/Melbourne indie-punk duo Sick Visor have dropped their debut EP For Wise People Who Appreciate Quality, and yes, it’s every bit as fabulous as its title. In fact, it’s an absolute joy.
“Jacob Fitzgerald & The Electric City” – Jacob Fitzgerald
I must admit, I listened to Jacob Fitzgerald’s new EP, Jacob Fitzgerald & The Electric City, more out of my own interest than any serious desire to write up a review. I’ve already fawned over three of the EP’s six tracks, so what more would I have to say? There’s probably a point where continuing to praise an artist gets boring, but once I listened to this EP I knew I’d have to put my fingers to the keyboard and get typing.
Allen Stone @ Enmore Theatre, Eora/Newtown – 15 November 2022
It takes a lot to get me to a midweek gig. And I’m not just talking about the two trains that I need to catch to get to venues like the Enmore. I always know I’m going to be sluggish the next morning, so it’d better be worth my while. Having seen Allen Stone play The Metro back in 2019, I knew he would be. So last night I put on my best dress, dragged myself out of the house on a Tuesday (!), and prepared myself for the party.
“Fearless” – Is MAN KIND
Most of the time the music that is polished within an inch of its life. In some cases, it might be too polished. I can be refreshing to hear something that’s a little rawer and less refined. I think that’s one of the reasons I’m really enjoying Fearless, the new album from Yugambeh Country/Gold Coast outfit Is MAN KIND.
“BIG!” – Betty Who
It’s an exciting time for pop music, and women are front and centre of the revolution. Taylor Swift has just broken all records with Midnight. I can’t stop listening to Carly Rae Jepsen’s newie, The Loneliest Time. Another artist who deserves to be in the conversation is Betty Who. The Australian-American pop trailblazer recently dropped her latest album BIG!, which is her most personal and probably her best to date.
“Machines of Love & Grace” – Kav Temperley
I was a casual Eskimo Joe fan. I’d sing along to “To The Sea” or “Black Fingernails, Red Wine” as enthusiastically as any Aussie, but I wouldn’t buy the albums or see the band live. Then in 2018, Kav Temperley dropped his first solo album, All Your Devotion, and I felt I finally understood what all the fuss was about. I bought the vinyl, I went to a gig, and I named that album my favourite of the year. With Ben Lee and Amy Shark releasing incredible music in the same year, it was no mean feat. So understandably, I had some pretty high expectations for Kav’s new solo effort, Machines of Love & Grace.