Category: Reviews

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

“Driving in the Dark” – Columbus

On a gloomy day in a week that seems far too long, Driving in the Dark, the new EP from East Coast act Columbus is the perfect punky pick-me-up. This three-piece band has punk-pop down to a fine art. Combining a nostalgia for the genre’s glory days of the late ‘90s and early ‘00s with a fresh perspective, I can’t get enough.

The five-track EP starts with recent singles “Temporary Summer”, “Full Heart”, and “Pain is a Mirror” bringing new fans up to speed and reminding those of us who’ve been on the bandwagon for months just how good this music is. Things take a little left turn with “The Holiday,” with the band trading in the electric guitars for acoustic ones. It’s still got the band’s trademark energy, but it’s delivered with more sweetness. I love when the band is full throttle, but it’s exciting to hear them working with a different gear. Columbus cranks it up for the EP’s closer “Care About You”. It’s anthemic and glorious, the perfect final impression.

“I wrote the Driving in the Dark EP about learning how to love – my life, others, and myself,” frontman Alex Moses explained. “With each release we’re adding to the fire what Columbus means to us. This EP represents where we’re at right now. It’s been a wild time driving in the dark, but I think we’ve finally arrived.”

Driving in the Dark is out now. Columbus will play the following shows next month to support its release.

9 April 2022 – Crowbar, Sydney
14 April 2022 – The Brightside, Brisbane
17 April 2022 – North Gong, Wollongong
29 April 2022 – Fat Controller, Adelaide
30 April 2022 – Stay Gold, Melbourne

Images used with permission from Habit Music

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

“ThornBird” – “ThornBird”

It’s a big day for new music releases. While everyone is buzzing about the new Wiggles album, there’s a chance ThornBird’s self-titled debut may fly under the radar. That would be a great shame because it’s a really special collection of songs.

In case you didn’t know, ThornBird is Vikki Thorn, one-third of The Waifs. This album is no Waifs album. That might be jarring for some fans, but I encourage you to leave your expectations behind and embrace what this album is. The bluesy opening track “That Kinda Man” sets the scene. It’s stripped back and raw, ensuring ThornBird’s voice spends time in the spotlight. That’s only fitting because this is an album that puts her voice front and centre. In The Waifs, she was one of three. Blending in was important. Through this album, I feel like I’ve gotten to know Vikki, her strength, her vulnerability, her playfulness, her power.

The songs are Vikki’s stories from her time living in Utah, but it might be unfair to call ThornBird a solo album though. Because if not for Vikki’s backing band this album may not have happened. She stumbled across them one night playing “dirty folk blues” in the corner of a bar. They looked like they’d had a few too many, but their natural chemistry and the way they played so raw and edgy blew Vikki away. She was determined to make a record with them, and so this album was born. While Vikki’s voice is strong, they bring these songs together. I can’t imagine these songs without the epic guitar solo of “Big Girl Pants” or the beautiful harmonica and slide guitar in “Hells Backbone.”

I can imagine what it might feel to hear these songs in a honky-tonk bar as I listen to this album. You can hear the electricity between Vikki and her band as their voices harmonise on “All the Things” and the heartbreaking closer “Rough Patch.” “All I Want” is a fantastic country-rock duet. You know the love’s not perfect, but it’s palpable. Even when their voices don’t combine, Vikki and her bandmates are communicating as the instruments interplay with her vocals.

ThornBird is out today. Vikki will bring these songs to the people at the following theatre, festival, and bar gigs.

11 March 2022 – Queenscliff Town Hall, Queenscliff
12 March 2022 – Wildflower Festival @ Rochford Wines, Yarra Valley
18 March 2022 – Imperial Hotel, Eumundi
19 March 2022 – Wildflower Festival @ RiverStage, Brisbane
20 March 2022 – Byron Theatre, Byron Bay
2 April 2022 – Wildflower Festival @ Roche Estate, Hunter Valley
3 April 2022 – Heritage Hotel, Bulli
6 April 2022 – Brunswick Ballroom, Melbourne
7 April 2022 – Meeniyan Town Hall, Meeniyan
8 April 2022 – The Gov, Adelaide
9 April 2022 – Kings Park, Perth

Images used with permission from Revolutions per Minute; feature photo credit: Toni Wilkinson

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

“ReWiggled” – The Wiggles

If you’d have asked me in 2020 what 2021 would bring, I wouldn’t have predicted more lockdowns and pandemic struggles. And I definitely wouldn’t predict The Wiggles topping the Hottest 100. I’m a firm believer that the darkness of the former made the latter happen. Triple J’s main demographic is the generation that grew up on the Wiggles, and they wanted a little bit of the joy they experienced as kids. And that’s exactly why the release of ReWiggled today is not just genius, but essential listening.

The first disc, A Tribute to the Wiggles, is crammed with Wiggles favourites reimagined by some of the country’s hottest acts. I didn’t know I needed to hear Polish Club rocking out on “Apples and Bananas” or The Chats going hard on “Can You (Point Your Fingers and Do the Twist)?” but they’re real highlights. Emma Donovan and The Putbacks put the soul in “Say The Dance, Do The Dance.” There’s such a gentle charm about Stella Donnelly’s take on “Ba Ba Da Bicycle Ride” and Emily Wurramara’s “Dressing Up.” Every song is performed with such loving reverence. The acts are clearly having fun, but they’re not taking the piss. The Wiggles’ material is hallowed ground after all.

The surprises continue with the second disc, Wiggly Covers. Here the Wiggles take on more cool covers in the way only the Wiggles can. Their banging version of “Elephant” comes first, followed by such an exciting mixed bag of modern and classic material. If you thought taking on Tame Impala came from left field, just wait until you hear them belting out hits from The Chats, Fatboy Slim, and Rihanna. They bring an innocence to Melanie Safka’s “Brand New Key.” And while I wasn’t sure how the Wiggles would sound on the Dropkick Murphys’, “Shipping Up to Boston” is a perfect fit for Captain Feathersword.

Don’t get me wrong, there are many moments when I thought to myself “This is absolutely bonkers.” And it really is. But it also makes perfect sense. ReWiggled is just the kind of beautiful bonkers we need in our lives right now. I can imagine plenty of young families having this album on regular rotation but just as many kid-free folks like me cranking out too. Why should parents have all the fun? Could the Wiggles have another number one on their hands? I don’t doubt it.

Images used with permission from Revolutions per Minute

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Anthony Callea @ The Art House, Wyong – 4 March 2022

After 10 long months, I finally experienced live music on Saturday night. Seeing Anthony Callea at the Art House in Wyong was a wonderful return to live events. The venue was packed, but it’s still small enough to ease me into sharing space with other people. My husband and I kept our masks on, although it seems most of the crowd was happy the mandate was lifted. Whether you chose to mask up or not, there was a real buzz in the air, the anticipation that comes when so many of us haven’t had the chance to see shows or do much socialising at all of late.

My blog tells me this is the fourth time I’ve seen Anthony perform. I keep coming back because he’s one of the most consistent artists in this country. You know you’re always in for a good time, a celebration of great music, a lot of laughs, and some fabulous wardrobe choices. Opening with Wilson Phillips’ “Hold On” set the mood for a night of nostalgia. Anthony made his name performing covers, and he doesn’t shy away from it. Songs he performed on Australian Idol, including “I Want to Know What Love Is” and “The Prayer”, take pride of place in his set alongside newer reinventions. Janet Jackson’s Together Again, the song which lends its name to this tour, had some extra gravity as we celebrated coming together to experience live music.

Few artists seem as connected to their audiences as Anthony Callea. He chats to us like friends, regaling us with stories about his career, his time in lockdown, and that recent Celebrity Gogglebox appearance. He’s hilarious, a total natural in the spotlight. He wins the crowd over effortlessly, so when he wants to share a few newer originals penned during the pandemic no one minds a bit. They’re excellent, reminding us all that he’s much more than a talented vocalist. But of course, he knows what we’re all there for and before long he’s encouraging us to sing along to another old favourite. We came to the end of the night all too quickly, but not before he busted out some Rick Astley, encouraging us all to dance and sing. I’ve been a bit wary of that kind of thing during the pandemic, but I couldn’t resist standing and grooving along. It was a small step, but the perfect way to end a fabulous night of entertainment. The Together Again tour has just two more stops left. Catch him if you can at the following venues:

11 March 2022 – The Events Centre, Caloundra
12 March 2022 – Twin Towns, Tweed Heads

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

“I’ll Take Care of Myself If You Take Care of Yourself” – Patrick James

I read a meme on Facebook the other day which said something along the lines of “I’m sick of living inside an interesting part of next century’s history books.” Switch on the news right now and you’re confronted by images of the war in Ukraine, widespread flooding in Queensland and New South Wales, not to mention that pesky pandemic that won’t seem to quit. Music can be a great escape during challenging times, so it’s only fitting that Patrick James’ sophomore album I’ll Take Care of Myself If You Take Care of Yourself drops today. If you want music to take your mind off all the heavy stuff, this is it.

The opening track “Where Will I Be?” explodes in a shimmery pop rainbow. From those initial drum beats, you know you’re in for a good time. There’s a gentle acceptance that we don’t know what the future holds, but hopefully we’ll be with the ones we love. Those human connections are an ever-present theme, whether we’re bopping along to upbeat tunes like this or enjoying the folky quiet of ballads like the recent single “Into Your Arms” and the poignant piano pieces, “Grateful” and “I Am Your Brother.” The songs instantly endeared themselves to me, but I found myself falling a little deeper with each listen. Maybe it’s because those repeated listens drive home the lyrics which are really like modern poetry. I was especially struck by “16 Hours (Into the City),” which retells the story of a teen, hungover Patrick attempting to make his way back to Sydney on a CountryLink train. It’s unflinchingly honest, full of the wisdom that often comes when you’re looking back on your less than stellar moments. I love the way it captures a moment in time so vividly, ensuring it will now live eternally through the song. Closing with the title track brings the album full circle. Its feelgood synthy pop vibe sound and smart lyrics make it the ideal bookend for “Where Will I Be?” ensuring we’ve all got smiles on our faces as the music fades out.

I’ll Take Care of Myself If You Take Care of Yourself is like a big warm hug at a time when many of us need it most. There’s a beautiful sweetness to the songs, a little romance, and a whole lot of heart. Patrick is wasting no time taking them to the people. You can catch him at one of the following venues in the coming weeks.

10 March 2022 – Leadbeater, Melbourne
12 March 2022 – The Great Club, Sydney
19 March 2022 – Mortimer’s Wines, Orange
25 March 2022 – Moonee Beach Hotel, Moonee Beach Hotel
27 March 2022 – La Costa Cantina, Crescent Head
13 April 2022 – Black Bear Lodge, Brisbane

Images used with permission from GYRO PR

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

“angel in realtime.” – Gang of Youths

I consider Go Farther in Lightness one of the most important albums of the 21st century. I was instantly captivated by its poetry, its ambition, and heart. Since its release, Gang of Youths have quite rightly taken the world by storm. They’ve packed so much into the last five years that it was no surprise to me that it’s taken so long for the follow-up, angel in realtime. I haven’t anticipated an album’s release so much in years. But I couldn’t help wondering, how do you top an album that set the bar so high? Like this. Just like this.

The opening number “see you in everything” sets the scene, taking us to the funeral of frontman Dave Le’aupepe’s father. It’s confronting and powerful, setting the wheels in motion. This is an album about death and grief, and the way that we deal with it. It’s that messy difficult stuff that people and society don’t want to deal with, but Gang of Youths brings it out of the darkness and into the light. Dave lays his loss and the journey through it bare. In “brothers” we learn truths about his father and family that were only brought to light after his passing. In “the man himself” we’re taken into Dave’s psyche as he contemplates how to navigate the world without his father.

Every song on angel in realtime. is deeply personal and introspective. Yet while they address specific moments in his experience, they are so relatable. Death is the great unifier. If we haven’t yet lost our parents, we can already imagine the seemingly unbearable pain. This album doesn’t shy away from that, but it also celebrates the love, the connection to people and culture. Listening to angel in realtime. is a cathartic experience. It’s painful at times, but so uplifting. This album is bold and majestic and beautiful. It’s a triumph. And I can’t stop listening.

angel in realtime. is out now. Gang of Youths are playing almost everywhere this year. No matter where you are, make sure you see them.

28 February 2022 – HMV, Manchester (signing)
28 February 2022 – Crash Records, Leeds (signing and acoustic performance 5pm and 6:30pm)
1 March 2022 – Rough Trade East, London (signing and acoustic performance)
3 March 2022 – Button Factory, Dublin
5 March 2022 – Riverside, Newcastle
6 March 2022 – Barrowland Ballroom, Glasgow
8 March 2022 – Beckett, Leeds
9 March 2022 – O2 Academy, Bristol
12 March 2022 – O2 Institute2, Birmingham
13 March 2022 – Albert Hall, Manchester
15 March 2022 – O2 Academy, Brixton
21 April 2022 – Majestic Theatre, Madison
22 April 2022 – The Vogue, Indianapolis
24 April 2022 – Newport Music Hall, Columbus
25 April 2022 – Mercury Ballroom, Louisville
27 April 2022 – Cat’s Cradle, Carrboro
28 April 2022 – The Underground, Charlotte
1 May 2022 – The Basement, Nashville
3 May 2022 – Metro, Chicago
4 May 2022 – The Shelter, Detroit
6 May 2022 – The Danforth Music Hall, Toronto
7 May 2022 – L’Astral, Montreal
9 May 2022 – Paradise Rock Club, Boston
10 May 2022 – Brooklyn Steel, Brooklyn
12 May 2022 – Theatre of Living Arts, Philadelphia
13 May 2022 – Union Stage, Washington, DC
16 May 2022 – The Fillmore, San Francisco
18 May 2022 – Belasco Theater, Los Angeles
20 May 2022 – 24 Oxford, Las Vegas
21 May 2022 – Crescent Ballroom, Phoenix
23 May 2022 – Scoot Inn, Austin
24 May 2022 – The Echo Lunge and Music Hall, Dallas
26 May 2022 – Cain’s Ballroom, Tulsa
3-5 June 2022 – Rock im Park @ Zeppelinfeld, Nuremberg
3-5 June 2022 – Rock am Ring @ Nürburgring, Nürburg
2 July 2022 – Down The Rabbit Hole, Ewijk
10 July 2022 – TRNSMT Festival, Glasgow
30 July 2022 – RAC Arena, Perth
3 August 2022 – Adelaide Entertainment Centre, Adelaide
6 August 2022 – Qudos Bank Arena, Sydney
12 August 2022 – Rod Laver Arena, Melbourne
14 August 2022 – A More Perfect Union Festival @ Regatta Grounds, Hobart
16 August 2022 – Hunter Lounge, Wellington
17 August 2022 – Powerstation, Auckland
20 August 2022 – A More Perfect Union Festival @ Sandstone Point Hotel, Sandstone Point
13 September 2022 – The Rave II, Milwaukee
14 September 2022 – First Avenue, 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
25 September 2022 – Neumos, Seattle
27 September 2022 – Ace Of Spades, Sacramento
25 October 2022 – Paradiso, Amsterdam
26 October 2022 – Gloria Theater, Cologne
2 November 2022 – Gruenspan, Hamburg
3 November 2022 – Kesselhaus, Berlin
6 November 2022 – AB Box, Brussels
7 November 2022 – Nouveau Casino, Paris

Main photo credit: kingArthur_aus @ Flickr

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

“Unsafe Passage” – Seph Cove

I’ve always believed that music finds you at the right time. So I don’t believe it’s any coincidence that Seph Cove has just dropped his beautiful new EP Unsafe Passage just as I’m feeling anxious about easing COVID restrictions. Thankfully Seph’s music is like a big warm hug in these uncertain times.

After enjoying the singles “Sirens” and “Helen,” I knew this EP would be right up my alley. Those singles set Unsafe Passage up beautifully. Just like those singles, the remaining songs cast a spell, creating calm with the beautifully layered folk instrumentation, Seph’s poetic lyrics, and his rich voice. The songs gently melt into one another. They might not show a lot of diversity, but I think that’s OK. Seph knows his sound. There’s a gentle confidence about what he does, and he does it so well.

Unsafe Passage might not set the charts on fire, but I think that’s OK too. While it lacks catchy, radio-friendly numbers, it’s a beautiful collection of songs that listeners can take into their hearts. Arguably that’s more important.

Unsafe Passage was released today.

Images used with permission from GYRO PR

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

“Product of a Dreamer (Remixes)” – Jannah Beth

Jannah Beth’s Product of a Dreamer was one of the most exciting debut EPs I heard last year, a dynamic collection of songs that blurred the boundaries of hip-hop, soul, R&B, and funk. I can’t wait to hear what the next phase of their musical journey has in store, but before I do I’m thrilled we can revisit those songs with the recent release of the remixed EP.

All too often a remixed EP can feel a little superfluous, but that’s certainly not the case here. I think of this EP as more of a companion piece that puts the spotlight back on the songs and helps you appreciate them in new ways. I found myself jumping back and forth between the remixes and the original takes, marvelling at the differences between them. I commonly complain about remixes focusing on danceability but stripping the heart out of songs, so I’m thrilled to see Jannah Beth and their team of talented producers have found a balance here. The songs sound fresh, but the beats never overshadow the thought-provoking lyrics.

“It all seems so fast; music is almost disposable and as soon as you’ve finished listening to one song you have an infinity more there, ready to capture your heart and attention. I wanted to savour my moment and show off the songs in endless form & possibility as well as appease my own (very diverse) musical appetite,” Jannah Beth said about this release. “I’m a huge believer in collaboration and I’m constantly inspired by my peers – releasing and creating a project within lockdowns and pandemics took away the ease of collaborating but these remixes paved a way for the project to break those boundaries to really sit in a collaborative space and feel ‘real’ to me and my community. Each artist who remixed a track has their own amazing project … they are all to be celebrated …don’t sleep”.

If like me you were ready to dive back into Product of a Dreamer or you’re yet to discover what it’s all about, check the remixes and the original EP out. It’s available as a limited-edition neon green vinyl via Jannah Beth’s Bandcamp page and digitally through your favourite streaming services.

Image used with permission from Good Intent; credit: She Is Aphrodite

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

“Ancient History Shares a Knowing Smile” – Fletcher Gull

After struggling with extreme anxiety, Fletcher Gull accidentally overdosed on acid. The experience shattered his world, but as he tried to pick up the pieces he created his stunning new EP, Ancient History Shares a Knowing Smile.

This is such an exciting EP. The opening track “Transgressive Soliloquy” is a beautiful technicolour explosion. It won me over instantly with its bold cacophony of instruments and poetic lyrics. Firmly on board with Fletcher’s vibe, I let the rest of the music carry me away. I could write about each song that follows, but I don’t think this is the kind of music that should be pulled apart. It’s made for listening, loving, and feeling. That means this EP review will be shorter than most I’ve written, but I think that’s OK.

Ancient History Shares a Knowing Smile is like nothing I’ve heard in some time. I’ve never gone tripping, but psychedelic movies have convinced me Fletcher has created the sonic equivalent with this EP. There are moments of pure joy, darker twists and turns, but one hell of a ride. I won’t say it was all to my taste, but I was happy to experience it. It’s bold, brave, and above all unique. Leave your preconceptions and inhibitions behind and give this EP a listen.

Images used with permission from GYROstream

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

“Comfort is King” – MARVELL

After heaping effusive praise on their singles “19 Homes” and “Selfish You,” I wasn’t sure what I had left to say about MARVELL. However, the more I listened to their EP Comfort is King, the more I knew I had to find the words. Because this is one of those EPs that deserves to be celebrated.

The EP serves up those two singles first, reminding us just what we loved about them before launching into new material. I’ve listened to both tracks so many times but they’re still sounding fresh. Those songs have a blues-rock energy that just won’t quit, ensuring we’re having fun before MARVELL hits us with the heavy stuff. The next track “Needle” introduces a very different side of Marvell, the band who’s unafraid to expose their vulnerabilities. Its lyrics recount the drummer’s journey with testicular cancer, and it hits every bit as hard as you might expect. “Honey” and closing number “All Of It” are unexpectedly sweet. You won’t find love songs more authentic or romantic.

No matter what MARVELL turns their hands to, it sounds so good. They are in their element with a big horns section, delivering an energetic mix of blues, rock, and soul. But they’re also not afraid to show their softer side. It all sounds so easy, dare I say it, comfortable. If this is the magic these guys can create in their comfort zone, I’m not sure I ever want to hear them out of it.

Comfort is King is out now. MARVELL will play the following shows in February and March to celebrate its release.

10 February 2022 – Sol Bar, Sunshine Coast
11 February 2022 – Greaser Bar, Brisbane
25 February 2022 – The Vanguard, Sydney
6 March 2022 – North Gong Hotel, Wollongong
26 March 2022 – Narrabeen RSL, Narrabeen

Images used with permission from On the Map PR