Reviews – Page 26 – Sounds of Oz

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

Posted on 07/03/202207/03/2022 by Lauren Katulka

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.

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

Posted on 04/03/202204/03/2022 by Lauren Katulka

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.

“angel in realtime.” – Gang of Youths

Posted on 28/02/202228/02/2022 by Lauren Katulka

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.

“Unsafe Passage” – Seph Cove

Posted on 18/02/2022 by Lauren Katulka

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.

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

Posted on 09/02/202209/02/2022 by Lauren Katulka

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.

“Ancient History Shares a Knowing Smile” – Fletcher Gull

Posted on 04/02/202204/02/2022 by Lauren Katulka

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.

“Comfort is King” – MARVELL

Posted on 21/01/2022 by Lauren Katulka

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.

“Eyes Forward” – Tracey Barnett

Posted on 18/01/2022 by Lauren Katulka

You feel like you’re in good hands when you listen to Tracey Barnett’s latest album Eyes Forward. It’s the sophomore album from this Western Australian singer-songwriter, a collection of songs that hums with the confidence of someone who has lived a life.

“…34 Minutes on the Northside” – Sonz of Serpent

Posted on 10/01/2022 by Lauren Katulka

I planned to use the last couple of weeks before many people returned to work catching up on all the music I hadn’t gotten to last year. Instead I found myself stuck on Sonz of Serpent’s brilliant debut album …34 Minutes on the Northside. It might have derailed my plans, but I couldn’t be happier about it.

A Flower in the Weeds – Joe Mungovan

Posted on 26/12/202119/02/2024 by Lauren Katulka

Joe Mungovan has been one of my favourite musical finds for the year. I raved about his sexy, summery singles “Give Me Your Love” and “Lemon + Lime,” so was delighted to wrap my ears around his debut album, A Flower in the Weeds. My expectations were high, but this collection of cool, romantic ditties is just what the doctor ordered.