Category: Reviews

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

“I’M FUN!” – Ben Lee

The release of I’M FUN! comes nearly 30 years after Ben Lee hit the music scene with his punk-rock act Noise Addict. Those of us old enough to be there have watched him grow up in front of our eyes, evolving as an artist and a human. In his 14th solo release, Ben celebrates his status as an adult, husband, and father as only he can. His sound has mellowed along with the themes, taking cues from folk and Americana. However, as Ben shows, there’s nothing wrong with slowing down.

Ben’s never going to be the sort of artist who gets boring in his old age though. He might be happily coupled up, but with “My Adventure” he reminds us that union isn’t about “settling down.” He revels in his unconventional growth in “Crooked Tree” and reflects on how far he’s come in “Arsehole.” “Parents Get High” and “The Good Stuff” also see Ben reminiscing about the past. As someone who refuses to pigeonhole my musical tastes, “Like This or Like That” struck a real chord. Each song is a beautiful snapshot of Ben’s life, exquisitely written and delivered with plenty of charm.

This isn’t quite the album Ben wanted to make. He hoped to record it with a live band, but when the pandemic took hold, like so many of us, he pivoted and started collaborating remotely with long-time friends like Jon Brion and Money Mark and emerging artists like Shamir and Georgia Maq, “who are young and lit up with creative adrenalin.” Megan Washington, Zooey Deschanel, and Eric D Johnson also make appearances. Despite the star power behind it, this album remains intimate and personal. His superstar friends are simply part of the tapestry of Ben’s remarkable life which he honours here.

Listening to I’M FUN! feels like catching up with an old friend. You hear a few stories that help you get to know them better and you have a sensational time doing it. I’M FUN! is out now.

Images used with permission from Warner Music Australia

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Gang of Youths @ Qudos Bank Arena, Eora/Sydney – 6 August 2022

More than a few times I wished I wasn’t going to Saturday’s Gang of Youths show in Eora/Sydney. It’s not that I didn’t want to see the band – far from it. But I hate Qudos Bank Arena. It often seems too big and impersonal. I have to take three trains to get there and it’s a hassle. But I bought the tickets anyway. I cursed that decision when the band announced a show in Mulubinba/Newcastle, and again when they announced an intimate acoustic gig at the Enmore. I had another little grumble when I stacked it on the uneven ground outside the venue before I even got inside. But you know, sometimes I think the universe puts you exactly where you’re meant to be.

Gretta Ray herself remarked on how grateful she was that a rock act like Gang of Youths enlisted a pop act like her for their support act. It certainly seemed a strange choice on paper, but the crowd lapped up her performance, singing along to the hits and listening attentively to the ones they weren’t familiar with. I unfortunately missed most of her set, but I really enjoyed what I did catch. Her music has mostly passed me by, but it gets a little extra something watching her twirl around and own the stage. I got to admire her voice a little more without studio production. I think I’ll have to delve into her catalogue a little more.

Gretta impressed me, but I was more than ready to enjoy Gang of Youths. As they kicked off with “angel of 8th ave.” I realised how long it’s been since I’ve been to a big rock show. It was definitely pre-pandemic. I’ve missed that energy, the real fire that comes when a crowd feeds off that music and gives all the love back to the performers. David Le’aupepe is such an incredible frontman, dancing up a storm, singing like a dream, I couldn’t take my eyes off him. He seemed genuinely moved at the warm reception hometown fans delivered, and wanted to give back to us all whatever he could.

The set list leant heavily on their magnificent new album angel in realtime. After being so moved by that album, it was a bit jarring to hear it cut up for a show. I’d love to hear them play it in its entirety, in order, but that might be a concept for another time. For now, delivering those songs interspersed with the hits from Go Farther in Lightness kept the crowds happy. I loved hearing some of my favourites from that album, “What Can I Do When the Fire Goes Out?”, “The Heart is a Muscle,” and “The Deepest Sighs, The Frankest Shadows” with Dave sharing the lead vocals with Gretta Ray. The cover of Thin Lizzy’s “Boys are Back in Town” was the perfect nod to their Sydney return.

Angel in realtime. is such a powerful album and it gave the show some of its most poignant moments. You could hear a pin drop as Dave sat at the piano and played the gentle “brothers,” which he dedicated to his family in attendance. “Hand of god” was as close as I might get to a religious experience. “Goal of the century” is such an epic song, but Gang of Youths brought it to life without studio wizardry. What a way to close such a special show.

Gang of Youths’ music has taken them all over the world. Time away makes coming home so much sweeter. I might have begrudgingly dragged myself out to Qudos, but I am so thrilled I got to be part of the homecoming party. Gang of Youths’ tour continues in Melbourne on Friday night. There are limited tickets for the remaining shows on this tour:
12 August 2022 – Rod Laver Arena, Naarm/Melbourne (SOLD OUT)
13 August 2022 – Rod Laver Arena, Naarm/Melbourne
14 August 2022 – A More Perfect Union Festival @ MAC 2, Nipaluna/Hobart
16 August 2022 – Hunter Lounge, Wellington
17 August 2022 – Powerstation, Auckland
20 August 2022 – A More Perfect Union Festival @ Sandstone Point Hotel, Yarun/Sandstone Point
22 August 2022 – Enmore Theatre, Eora/Sydney (SOLD OUT)
2 September 2022 – Electric Picnic Festival @ Stradbally, Ireland
13 September 2022 – The Rave II @ Milwaukee
14 September 2022 – First Avenue – Mainroom @ Minneapolis
16 September 2022 – Delmar Hall @ Saint Louis
17 September 2022 – The Bottleneck @ Lawrence
19 September 2022 – Gothic Theatre @ Englewood
20 September 2022 – Urban Lounge @ Salt Lake City
22 September 2022 – Revolution Hall @ Portland
23 September 2022 – Rickshaw Theatre, Vancouver (SOLD OUT)
25 September 2022 – Neumos, Seattle
27 September 2022 – Ace Of Spades, Sacramento
28 September 2022 – The Ritz, San Jose
30 September 2022 – Ohana Fest, Dana Point
1 October 2022 – 24 Oxford, Las Vegas
25 October 2022 – Paradiso, Amsterdam, Netherlands
26 October 2022 – Gloria Theater, Cologne
28 October 2022 – Zoom Frankfurt, Frankfurt
30 October 2022 – Doornroosje, Nijmegen
31 October 2022 – De Oosterpoort, Groningen
2 November 2022 – Gruenspan, Hamburg
3 November 2022 – Kesselhaus, Berlin
6 November 2022 – AB – Ancienne Belgique, Brussels
7 November 2022 – Badaboum, Paris
9 & 10 November 2022 – Outernet, London
12 November 2022 – Academy, Manchester
13 November 2022 – The Academy, Dublin
15 November 2022 – Limelight, Belfast
17 November 2022 – The Leadmill, Sheffield
18 November 2022 – Rock City, Nottingham
20 November 2022 – Great Hall, Cardiff

Image source: Stephen Katulka

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Jagged Little Pill @ Theatre Royal, Eora/Sydney – 30 July 2021

Jagged Little Pill may be the greatest musical most people won’t see. The pandemic cut its original Broadway run heartbreakingly short. While it returned to New York’s Broadhurst Theatre, it closed soon after as America’s COVID-19 numbers picked up again. Here in Australia, the return season in Eora/Sydney is also being cut short as increasing case numbers become a concern. I feel pretty lucky I snuck in before the company pulls the plug. I bought tickets for the original run but transferred them when my husband ended up in hospital. Had I chosen a later date, it might not have happened.

It’s heartbreaking that we don’t all get more time with this musical, because it is so special. Featuring the songs of Alanis Morisette, you might be forgiven for thinking it’s just another jukebox musical. However, this piece is so much more. The songs are used so cleverly as a launchpad for a series of stories that are so relevant for the modern age. Through the Healy family and those close to them, the musical explores prescription drug addiction, sexual violence, sexuality, societal pressure, trauma, and healing. It’s heavy material and difficult to watch at times, but Diablo Cody’s witty book and the joyous energy of the cast balance it beautifully.

Speaking of the cast, I’m not sure I’ve ever seen such a solid group of performers. I admit, I was pretty skeptical when I heard Natalie Bassingthwaite had landed the plum role of MJ Healy. I’d seen her in theatrical productions before, but her roles in Rent and Footloose were nowhere as meaty as this one or as challenging vocally. But I can freely admit I was wrong. She was an absolute revelation. I didn’t know she had this performance in her. MJ is such a complex character, but she really rose to the occasion. I was also particularly impressed with the young actors. Emily Nkomo brought such a light and passion to Frankie. Bella is relatively small but pivotal, and Grace Miell was sensational in the role. A character like Nick could easily become wooden, but I thought Liam Head was excellent. People have raved about Maggie McKenna’s performance as Jo, but on the Saturday matinee Mo Lovegrove stepped into the role. Honestly, I think we lucked out. What an incredible talent they are. “You Oughta Know” and “Your House” are some of Alanis’ most challenging songs to nail in my opinion. Few can convey their messy emotions the way that Alanis can, but I was captivated by Mo’s take on these songs, not to mention their more subtle moments. The ensemble were also such incredible dancers and singers. There were no weak links. Just incredible.

Honestly, I haven’t stopped thinking about Jagged Little Pill since I left the theatre on Saturday. It’s truly special. You’ve got two weeks before it closes. The producers say they’re committed to bringing this story back to Australian stages in the future, but in these uncertain times, there’s no telling when that will be if it happens at all. So see it while you can. There are limited tickets for performances at the Theatre Royal to August 14.

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

“Overrun” – Highline

Just a year on from releasing their EP Off Track, Eora/Sydney act Highline have followed it up with a brand new collection of music. Their latest offering Overrun shows a band that’s more mature, more confident, and more exciting.

Don’t get me wrong; I’ve been a fan since I heard “Staying Sane” last February. But it’s so thrilling to see how this band’s evolving. We got a taste when they dropped the single “Enough For You and Me” earlier this year, but it’s so exciting to see how it all comes together. The title track and EP opener “Overrun” really won me over. It had me from the gentle acoustic guitar opening, but it refuses to sit in that mellow space. It builds beautifully, morphing into an epic rock number complete with a guitar solo. Highline are equally comfortable delivering big rock numbers like “Enough For You and Me” and laidback tracks like “Here Now.” The EP showcases the breadth of their artistry and their impressive gift for songwriting. At just five songs it’s over all too quickly, but you can always hit the play button again.

Overrun is out now. Highline will kick off their first-ever run of interstate shows this weekend. Check them out at the following venues:

30 July 2022 – Cherry Bar, Naarm/Melbourne
12 August 2022 – Vinnie’s Dive, Kombumerri Country/Gold Coast
13 August 2022 – O’Skulligans, Meeanjin/Brisbane
20 August 2022 – LaLaLa’s, Woolyungah/Wollongong
26 August 2022 – Cambridge Side Bar, Mulubinba/Newcastle

Images used with permission from Peach & Sons

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

“How to Grow a Sunflower Underwater” – Alex the Astronaut

Alex the Astronaut is one of the more unique voices in the Australian music industry. Queer, neurodivergent, the holder of degrees in maths and physics. Hers is the kind of voice we don’t often hear releasing music. That’s just one of the many reasons you should pay attention to her new album, How to Grow a Sunflower Underwater.

I think one of the best ways to learn about experiences different from our own is to hear people share their stories. This is such a personal album. “Octopus” explores her recent autism spectrum diagnosis. Songs like “Haunted” and “Airport” give snapshots of interactions with her parents, blind dates, and love interests. “Sick” is a deeply intimate exploration of the loss and grief process that often begins when the ones we love are clinging to life. “South London” is a nostalgic look at a childhood so removed from many Aussie upbringings. The closing song “Haircut” is about more than a typical trip to the salon; it’s a celebration of gender expression and authenticity.

Listening to these songs you start to understand that we have more similarities than differences. We may not have loved someone of the same gender, but we’ve loved so we understand those feelings of vulnerability and comfort. We might not be neurodivergent, but we’ve felt unsure of ourselves, like an outsider, so those songs make sense for us too. We might not know the people that mean so much to Alex the Astronaut, but we’ve got our own connections that these songs remind us of.

There’s also such a beautiful joy to this music. These songs tackle some really big, important, heavy themes, but they’re delivered with such heart and humour. This album is a celebration of life in all its messy, beautiful weirdness. Listening to it simply makes you feel good. And maybe that’s the biggest reason why you should give How to Grow a Sunflower Underwater a listen.

How to Grow a Sunflower Underwater is out today. Alex the Astronaut will embark on an Aussie tour, kicking off with an appearance at Splendour this weekend.

24 July 2022 – Splendour in the Grass, Bundjalung Nation/Byron Bay
11 August 2022 – Freo Social, Noongar/Perth
13 August 2022 – Darwin Festival, Garramilla/Darwin
18 August 2022 – Kambri at ANU, Ngunnawal Country/Canberra
19 August 2022 – City Recital Hall, Eora/Sydney
20 August 2022 – The Cambridge, Mulubinba/Newcastle
21 August 2022 – River Sounds, Gumbaynggirr Nation/Bellingen
27 August 2022 – The Triffid, Meeanjin/Brisbane
2 September 2022 – Tanks Arts Centre, Gimuy/Cairns
4 September 2022 – Springtime Festival, Kombumerri Country/Gold Coast
8 September 2022 – Corner Hotel, Naarm/Melbourne
9 September 2022 – Altar, Nipaluna/Hobart
10 September 2022 – Uni Bar, Kaurna Land/Adelaide

Images used with permission from Warner Music Australia; album cover: Giulia McGauran; main image: @jessgleeson

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

“Talk Talk” – The Faim

I wasn’t sure that I’d write a review for The Faim’s sophomore album Talk Talk. I’ve already raved about four singles, so how much more could I say? As I listened to this superb album, again and again, I realised I couldn’t let its release pass without saying something. It’s just that good.

I’ve mentioned it before but it bears repeating: The Faim are creating some of the best pop-rock anthems you’re going to hear. They’re somehow polished but full of heart, the kind of tracks that make you want to punch your fists in the air and sing along to those catchy choruses. After releasing so many fabulous songs, you might wonder what The Faim have left in the tank. But the other tracks are anything but filler. I discovered new favourites like “You (And My Addiction)” and the epic closer “ERA” which are every bit as good as those singles that came before. I remembered just how good those singles are too. I’ve heard tracks like “The Hills” and “Me Because of You” so many times since their release, but they’re showing no signs of fatigue.

If you already know how good The Faim are, Talk Talk is everything you hoped it would be. And if you’re yet to jump on the bandwagon, this album is the perfect introduction. Press play, turn up the volume, and enjoy it. Just don’t be surprised if you hit the play button a few more times before the day is through.

Talk Talk is out now. After delighting crowds in the United Kingdom and Europe, The Faim are about to set off on an Aussie tour with fellow Whadjuck/Perth act Bad Weather and Naarm/Melbourne band Terra.

15 July 2022 – Vision Studios, Boorloo/Perth (ALL AGES)
16 July 2022 – Jack Rabbit Slims, Boorloo/Perth
21 July 2022 – The Brightside, Meeanjin/Brisbane
22 July 2022 – Newcastle Hotel, Mulubimba/Newcastle
23 July 2022 – The Lansdowne Hotel, Eora/Sydney
24 July 2022 – La La La’s, Woolyungah/Wollongong
29 July 2022 – Transit Bar, Ngambri/Canberra
30 July 2022 – Evelyn Hotel, Naarm/Melbourne
31 July 2022 – Enigma Bar, Kaurna/Adelaide

Images used with permission from Good Intent; feature photo credit: Jake Crawford

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

“Generational” – Rya Park

Rya Park speaks to the heart of the millennial experience with her debut EP Generational. It’s a powerful collection of songs documenting the highs and lows of your 20s.

My 20s are far behind me, but I still connected to this material. It opens with the title track “Generational.” References to cigarettes, shit house parties, and drinking all night evoke a time of excess, being “way too young” to worry about what comes next. The next track “call it a year xo” starts by stripping away the beats. The opening verse leaves us with gentle piano chords and Rya’s voice, moments of quiet after the storm, moments to hear the darker voices that get drowned out in the crowds. “LONDON” may be my favourite song on the EP, a touching track about the power of friendship and the pain of keeping it alive when you’re separated by distance. With separation from lockdowns still fresh in all our minds, this song really resonates.

Most songs on this EP are tinged with sadness. However, “Everything We Want” is pure joy, a celebration of the love that Rya’s found with Kill Bell guitarist and photographer Nick Tam. Rya wrote “Silver Lining” several years ago, but it’s found the right home here. Generational is an EP that shines a light on life’s highs and lows. This song embodies that message, revealing Rya’s struggles with mental illness and her hope that there may be a silver lining to it all. It makes such a strong statement that it might have been the EP’s final track, but that honour was reserved for “I’ve Tried it ALL,” a powerful song co-written with Alex Lahey and Gordi. While it was a collaborative effort, it’s an incredibly personal song about Rya’s mental health journey.

“When I wrote this song I was barely sleeping and didn’t have the energy for the life I wanted to live,” she admitted. “I was embarrassed and ashamed to present a version of myself that deep down I didn’t recognise or resonate with. I remember saying in this session that I know what I want my music to really be about – the true parts of my life, the good the bad, the ugly, and the beautiful.”

Generational is a moving EP that puts Rya’s vocals and lyrics front and centre. She’s careful to avoid overproduction. The gentle beats ensure it feels contemporary, but they never steal focus. Every song is so strong in its own right. Together they capture a moment in time and an artist on the verge of greatness. Whether you’re living through your 20s right now or like me they’re a distant memory, I’m sure this EP will resonate with you.

Images used with permission from Hunger Digital

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Human Nature @ The Art House, Wyong – 4 June 2022

I think most teenage girls need a boy band in their life. A bunch of good-looking, nice guys creating fun songs that can alleviate some of the angst that inevitably comes with that period. If they’re talented, well that’s a bonus. I like to think I had discerning taste even back then because my boy band of choice was truly talented. While many of my peers were swooning over Backstreet Boys, Take That, and East 17, I was mad for Human Nature. I moved on as so many of us do as we age, but with the fabulous foursome promising a night of greatest hits on the Central Coast, I couldn’t resist taking a trip down memory lane last weekend.

I must admit, as Human Nature began their signature acapella rendition of Curtis Mayfield’s “People Get Ready” I was transported back. I was sitting next to my husband now, but my heart still skipped a beat marvelling at these men who had meant so much to me as a teenager. This was a night when we revelled in nostalgia. Andrew, Mike, Toby, and Phil took turns sharing stories of their journey from the 4 Trax singing at local RSLs to the Las Vegas strip. Their jokes were cornier than I remembered, but the songs still stack up. “Whisper Your Name”, “Wishes”, “Don’t Cry”, “Last to Know” … the hits that had me lining up at countless shopping centre instores kept coming.

Motown has dominated the last few Human Nature shows I’ve seen, so to enjoy a set that celebrated the original music I loved most was thrilling. Back in the day, the sections of Human Nature shows where they stripped the songs back were always my favourites, so I was in raptures to see so many songs get that treatment. Acoustic versions were balanced by big danceable numbers. And in case you’re wondering, these guys still have the moves to match. I found myself squealing as they ripped off their jackets to reveal rippling biceps while performing the dance steps I still know by heart. Sorry, husband.

The night leaned heavily on those nostalgic originals, but after intermission they proved they’re still much more than a covers band. A string of new originals, sadly ignored by radio but every bit as good as their early hits reminded me I really need to dig into their new music. They’ve still got those songwriting chops.

However, as we all know it was covers that gave Human Nature’s careers a shot in the arm and took them to the Las Vegas strip. While it’s incredibly popular, I must admit that I’ve never been a big fan of their Motown material. I always felt there was just a little more heart when they were performing their own songs. However, in a show like this, we got the best of those soul covers. I also can’t deny the power these songs have on the audience. The aisles were filled with people dancing.

This was a night for the fans, whether you were there screaming along at the shopping centre instores or you jumped on the Motown train. Human Nature evoked memories and reminded us all that 30 years on, they’ve still got it. Human Nature have plenty of local shows before Mike, Andrew, and Toby return to the US. If you’ve ever been a fan, you don’t want to miss this:

11 June 2022 – Royal Theatre, Canberra
14 June 2022 – Queensland Performing Arts Centre (QPAC), Brisbane
15 June 2022 – Queensland Performing Arts Centre (QPAC), Brisbane
16 June 2022 – The Events Centre, Caloundra
17 June 2022 – The Events Centre, Caloundra
18 June 2022 – Brolga Theatre and Convention Centre, Maryborough
21 June 2022 – Shoalhaven Entertainment Centre, Nowra
22 June 2022 – WIN Sports & Entertainment Centres, Wollongong
24 June 2022 – Blue Mountains Theatre and Community Hub, Springwood
25 June 2022 – Blue Mountains Theatre and Community Hub, Springwood
26 June 2022 – Blue Mountains Theatre and Community Hub, Springwood
28 June 2022 – Wagga Wagga Civic Theatre, Wagga Wagga
29 June 2022 – Wagga Wagga Civic Theatre, Wagga Wagga
30 June 2022 – Griffith Regional Theatre, Griffith
1 July 2022 – Griffith Regional Theatre, Griffith
2 July 2022 – Albury Entertainment Centre, Albury
3 July 2022 – Albury Entertainment Centre, Albury
8 July 2022 – Twin Towns Services Club, Tweed Heads
9 July 2022 – Twin Towns Services Club, Tweed Heads
21 July 2022 – Glasshouse, Port Macquarie
22 July 2022 – Civic Theatre, Newcastle
23 July 2022 – The Star Event Centre, Sydney
24 July 2022 – The Star Event Centre, Sydney
26 July 2022 – Albany Entertainment Centre, Albany
27 July 2022 – Bunbury Regional Entertainment Centre, Bunbury
28 July 2022 – Mandurah Performing Arts Centre, Mandurah
29 July 2022 – Crown Theatre, Perth
30 July 2022 – Crown Theatre, Perth

Image source: Stephen Katulka

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

“Into the Black” – Karise Eden

While the country is captivated by the search for the next Voice superstar, Australia’s original winner Karise Eden has dropped a brand new EP, Into the Black. Its release doesn’t have the same fanfare as tonight’s winner’s announcement inevitably will, but it’s a timely reminder that it’s worth looking back at some of the talents who’ve come through the competition rather than simply seeking out the next big thing.

Into the Black is officially called an EP, but at seven tracks it feels more like a mini-album. And just like an album, this is a collection of songs with something to say. It starts strong, with rock-blues numbers “Beast” and “Black Crow”. They’re unflinching, uncompromising, the perfect vehicles for her trademark gravelly vocals. Karise reveals a more tender side with singles “My Old Friend” and “Gone”. No matter what type of song she’s singing, it’s all heart. This is a longer EP than most, but when the final note of “So Far” faded away I wasn’t ready to say goodbye. That’s a testament to the quality of every song included here.

Into the Black is Karise’s first collection of songs since 2018’s incredible Born to Fight album. Like a fine wine, she’s becoming even more compelling as time goes on. This is a brilliant collection of songs that reminds listeners of her unparalleled vocal talents and stellar songwriting ability.

Karise will play River Heads Rocks 2022 on June 25 and The Gathering of the Goddesses festivals in Victoria and Tasmania next year, but that’s not all. Expect a national tour announcement really soon.

Images used with permission from Revolutions per Minute

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

“20 and Bored” – Nick Keogh

I’m not sure there’s any feeling greater than falling in love with new music. You know the feeling, that head over heels sensation that makes you want to stand on a street corner and tell everyone they need to listen to it. That’s the way I feel about Nick Keogh’s debut EP, 20 and Bored.

I’m not always so quick to impress. Sometimes it takes me a few listens to really gel with new music. But when I hear something this good, it’s like a bolt from the blue. I was hooked from the folky acoustic guitar intro of “Sweater Weather.” It’s such a beautiful song, but there’s more where that came from. As I continued listening, I fell just a little more in love.

This kind of folk-pop music is right up my alley. It’s introspective, with lyrics that are powerful in their relatable simplicity. The acoustic melodies are so gorgeous. Nick’s voice is warm and welcoming. It stands up on its own, but I also love hearing it contrast with the sweet, feminine tones of his special guest vocalists. Nancie Shipper joins him for “Red Flags,” an uplifting track that looks back on mistakes made in past relationships. Another stunning duet, “Let Me Let You Down” with Stella Who follows. Nick has a knack for creating these songs that sound so optimistic sonically, but the lyrics reveal darker truths. There’s heartache, regret, shame, the whole messy human experience.

“Baby Blue” continues the trend. The first part sounds like the sort of song you might sing along to with your drinking parties on a fun night out, but the cutting lyrics swipe at an old love. Part two is softer, the other half of the story, more reflective, the sort of song that might come out when the friends have gone home and the booze is wearing off. The simple, unadorned acoustic guitar melody and heart-on-sleeve powerful vocals of the final track “Outliers” is everything I love about Nick’s music.

Naming your EP 20 and Bored hardly raises expectations. But this music is anything but boring. This special collection of songs has quickly made Nick Keogh one of my favourite Aussie artists. If you’re near Albury, click through for tickets to his show tomorrow night in Birddog.

Image credit: Mike Ridley