Category: Reviews

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

“We Must Be Dreaming” – Outer South

Melbourne’s Outer South captured my heart last year with the singles “By the Morning” and “Home,” so I was thrilled to wrap my ears around their debut album, We Must Be Dreaming. It’s an apt title for this dreamy collection of indie-folk tracks. With the reality of the pandemic looming large for so many of us, drifting off with Outer South is a great option.

Opening with “By the Morning” reminded me of all the reasons why I love this band. It sounds like a modern lullaby, tender and calming. By the time the first new-to-me track “Half Way” began, I was already in such a blissful, receptive state. Outer South delivered more of what I love with the other tracks, warm acoustic tones overlayed with gentle electric guitars, sublime vocals, lyrics that run like short vignettes, giving us a glimpse at relationships we don’t know but feel a part of for a time. The lyrics of “Everything’s Alright,” which explore the idea of pretending life’s okay, really resonated right now. “Drag” starts off so subtle but builds to a gorgeous crescendo of longing. It’s so easy to get swept away by this music.

With just seven tracks and a runtime of a little more than half an hour, We Must Be Dreaming is the definition of short and sweet. By being selective about their material, Outer South ensures every song on this album is special. If you find yourself wanting more, just remember you can always hit play again.

Images used with permission from Outer South

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

“3” – Ngaiire

It’s been five years since Ngaiire delivered her outstanding sophomore album Blastoma, but she’s finally graced us with another LP, the aptly named 3. That’s a long time between releases in the music world, but perfection takes time. Her latest release is a thoughtful collection of music that’s impressed me every bit as much as the tunes that came before.

Ngaiire introduces us to her vocal chops with the lush title track. The album takes a left turn with “Shiver,” a cool soul-pop number with bounces along with an infectious rhythm. Beats give many of these tracks a fresh poppy feel. I found myself grooving along to tunes like “Takeover” and “Moonshine.” Just when you think you’ve figured the album out, she takes another left turn, stripping away the beats for the piano-driven, spoken word beauty of “Akura.” She follows it up with “Him,” a modern gospel anthem that shows another side of this talented performer.

Ngaiire is an artist who loves surprising us. I swear I heard the distinctive sound alert for train announcements layered under Ngaiire’s vocals in “Shoestring.” And why not? Her sound is complex but never confused. It can be out of the box, but delivered with such confidence that you happily go along for the ride. And it’s all anchored by that incredible voice, dripping with soul, an honest expression of her heart. So many singers these days push their vocals, as if they want to prove to us that they can sing all the notes and do all the runs. Ngaiire is a lot more understated, ensuring that it’s her message that takes centre stage rather than the notes she hits.

Ngaiire set such a high bar for herself with Blastoma, but 3 is every bit as good. If you loved the music that came before, you’re going to adore this. If you’re yet to discover how special Ngaiire is, there’s no time like the present. Unless this nasty virus gets in the way, Ngaiire will tour 3 around Australia and New Zealand later this year. Here are all the dates you need:

5 November 2021 – Altar Bar, Hobart
6 November 2021 – The Croxton, Melbourne
7 November 2021 – Theatre Royal, Castlemaine
12 November 2021 – City Recital Hall, Sydney
18 November 2021 – The Gov, Adelaide
19 November 2021 – The Rosemount Hotel, Perth
25 November 2021 – The Tuning Fork, Auckland
26 November 2021 – Meow, Wellington
4 December 2021 – UC Hub, Canberra
13 January 2022 – The Triffid, Brisbane

Images used with permission from Remote Control Records; main photo credit: Dan Segal

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

“Restless Dream” – Bob Weatherall, Halfway, and William Barton

As a white Australian, I freely admit that I don’t know enough about our Indigenous people, their stories, and the issues they face. Like so many of us, I said I needed to learn more when the Black Lives Matter movement hit the headlines last year, and then life got busy and the media died down and I didn’t do enough. Music can make these stories so accessible though. If, like me, you want to learn more about our Indigenous people, I encourage you to listen to Restless Dream, the new album from Kamileroi elder Bob Weatherall and Brisbane band Halfway, with William Barton.

Six years ago, Halfway and Bob began working together on these songs which tell the story of the Repatriation of Aboriginal Ancestral Remains. As Bob reminds us in the opening number, “Water Horse,” our white ancestors are buried in plots we’ve planned, farewelled in ceremonies of our choosing, and there’s comfort in that. We know where they are. It’s one of those white privileges most of us aren’t even aware of. The remains of our Indigenous people are scattered across the globe, in museums at home and overseas. That’s a confronting thought, but even more so when you understand that Aboriginal religious law dictates that there will be no spiritual peace until the dead are returned to their birthplace and received their traditional last rites.

The painful reality of this situation is realised so poignantly in “The Dawn.” Lines like “We take our ancestors out of the boxes and cradle them in our arms” are gut-wrenchingly poetic. But there’s peace here too, as the album takes us home. The closing number “Bloodlines No. 2” is an uplifting release, full of hope and beauty as the ancestors find peace.

Restless Dream is a concept album like I’ve never heard before. Bob Weatherall’s spoken word is so powerful and William Barton is one of the best didge players in the country. They represent the traditions, while Halfway’s vocals and electric guitars bring these stories into the 21st century. This story starts in the past, but it’s unfolding right now.

Restless Dream is out right now. Bob Weatherall, Halfway, and William Barton will perform the album in its entirety at The Tivoli on September 19 as part of the Brisbane Festival.

Image used with permission from Revolutions per Minute

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

“Do You Remember That?” – Mila Nile

Sweden is a fertile breeding ground for cool electro-pop acts. The Scandinavian nation gave us Robyn, The Knife, Lykke Li, and Mila Nile. Mila might not be a household name, yet, but this Swedish-born, now Sydney-based talent is one to watch. Her debut EP Do You Remember That? dropped today, and you’re going to want to take a listen.

The EP is a deeply personal collection of songs with introspective lyrics wrapped up in catchy melodies that are guaranteed to get stuck in your hand. You’ll be tapping your toes along from the first notes of the opening track “Break My Heart to the Beat.” There’s more sassiness in the nostalgic single “Old School Calling” and the defiant closer, “Don’t Need Your Love.” Mila’s not afraid to show her vulnerability though. The penultimate track “Daughter” is a powerful ballad about what it’s like to be separated from loved ones during this pandemic.

With Do You Remember? Mila Nile shows she’s a pop force to be reckoned with, and so much more. This EP has some sombre moments, but its bops and bangers are just what you need to get through this pandemic. It’s out now on all your favourite digital platforms. Mila hopes will launch her EP at the Oxford Art Factory Gallery in Sydney on October 1. Get your tickets here.

Images used with permission from Mila Nile

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

“people just do good things sometimes” – Pinkish Blu

In the darkest times, music can lift us up. Today was supposed to be the last day of the Greater Sydney lockdown, but as that date approached I think most of us knew we were headed for more of the same. For me, knowing that Adelaide band Pinkish Blu were dropping their sophomore EP people just do good things sometimes, was the silver lining. I’ve been listening to an advance copy for the last couple of weeks and I’m thrilled that now everyone gets the opportunity, perhaps when they need it most.

I raved about the singles “Backward” and “Start a Band” on their release, so I’m thrilled to wrap my ears around more of Pinkish Blu’s music. Opening track “Old Blue” starts like a modern lullaby, gently drawing us in until the beat drops. It’s such a clever song, with its contrasting movements taking us on enough twists and turns to remind us that Pinkish Blu are no ordinary indie-pop band. Their synth-heavy sound reminds me of international bands like LANY, The 1975, and The Band CAMINO, but there’s a special something that sets them apart.

The remaining songs go down easy. I was reminded just how much I love the singles, yet impressed that the unreleased tracks are every bit as strong. The twists and turns continue as we move from the upbeat banger, “Backward” to the more intimate ballad “Over Me.” Initially “Cop Cars” seemed like a strange choice a closing track, but the more I listened to this subtle ballad, the more it won my heart. And besides, more often than not I find myself hitting play and starting this EP all over again.

Pinkish Blu make the kind of happy-sad songs that I want to hear right now. Their lyrics explore some tough themes but they’re wrapped up in these perfect pop sounds that balance the darkness with light. people just do good things sometimes is out now. The band will play the following shows this October to support its release.

1 October 2021 – The Leadbeater, Melbourne
2 October 2021 – Oxford Art Factory, Sydney
9 October 2021 – The Lab, Adelaide

Image used with permission from Beehive PR: feature image credit Noah Sutherland

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

“Blessings” – Hollow Coves

It’s easy for the pace of modern life to get to us at times. I know I personally work too late, miss far too many weekends, and burn the candle at both ends trying to fit everything in. Sometimes you just need a moment to yourself to reset, recharge, and get moving again. Listening to Blessings, the new EP from Brisbane act Hollow Coves is the perfect soundtrack for those moments.

From the moment I hit play, the rest of the world seemed to melt away. All the right ingredients are here, beautiful harmonies, folky acoustic melodies, and chilled vibes. Listening to these songs transported me away from my desk and to an isolated beach, away from the crowds and the noise, the hustle and bustle for just a little while.

Ordinarily, when I listen to EPs or albums, I pick out favourite tracks. I can’t do that here. The songs support each other. I can appreciate them on their own merits, but it’s what they do together that’s really magical. So rather than giving any particular track a shoutout, I’m just going to encourage you to listen to them all.

In a world where so much music is overproduced, oversung, and overexposed, the beautiful simplicity of the songs on Blessings shines through. It’s out today. Take a listen and I’m sure you’ll fall in love with these songs just as I have. Hollow Coves are currently touring Australia and will visit Europe and the UK next year. Here are all the dates you need:

11 June 2021 – The Triffid Brisbane (Early show – SOLD OUT)
11 June 2021 – The Triffid Brisbane (Late show)
12 June 2021 – Miami Marketta Gold Coast (Early show)
12 June 2021 – Miami Marketta Gold Coast (Late show – SOLD OUT)
19 June 2021 – The Factory Theatre Sydney (Early show) SOLD OUT
19 June 2021 – The Factory Theatre Sydney (Late show)
26 June 2021 – Corner Hotel Melbourne (Early show – SOLD OUT)
26 June 2021 – Corner Hotel Melbourne (Late show)
12 May 2022 – Alte Feuerwache Manheim, Germany
15 May 2022 – Kulturfabrik Kofmehl Solothurn, Switzerland
16 May 2022 – Konzerthaus Schüür Luzern, Switzerland
20 May 2022 – Grelle Forelle Vienna, Austria
21 May 2022 – Kulturák Klub Bratislava, Slovakia
24 May 2022 – Alter Schlachthof Dresden, Germany
26 May 2022 – Hydrozagadka Warsaw, Poland
31 May 2022 – TivoliVredenburg Utrecht, Netherland
2 June 2022 – Skaters Palace Münster, Germany
6 June 2022 – Ancienne Belgique, AB Box Brussels, Belgium
7 June 2022 – La Maroquinerie Paris, France
9 June 2022 – Electric Brixton London, UK

Images used with permission from Beehive PR; feature image credit: Leniflashes

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

“Grace” – Grace Farriss

You might not know the music of Grace Farriss yet, but her musical pedigree is sure to raise expectations. The daughter of INXS legend Andrew Farriss has stepped into the spotlight with the release of her debut album, Grace.

The album opens with the lead single “All the People,” a poppy delight with a little vintage flair. As the next floor filler “Dancing How I Feel” started up, I started to feel like I had a handle on who Grace Farriss is. With her pleasant voice and pop leanings, I started to imagine she could be the next Kylie Minogue.

The retro vibes kept coming with “Studio 54” and “Star,” but these tracks were turning points for me. I started to realise Grace is much more than simply a pop princess who’s listened to a few old records. “Studio 54” adds a little funk and psychedelia to her sound. “Star” is an unashamed homage to David Bowie which showcases Grace’s rock edge. There’s so much more depth here than I’d anticipated.

“I Love You” shows Grace’s softer side. With simple strings and piano accompanying her, this stripped-back ballad really showcases Grace’s voice and vulnerability. “Opieland” and “Women of the World” are natural follow-ups, dreamy numbers with folky sensibilities that make Grace seem far less mainstream than I first thought.

“Water Under A Bridge” may be my favourite song on the album. After so many delicate numbers, this rocking track seems even ballsier. I’d love to hear Grace playing in this bold, bluesy space more.

By the trippy closer “Interstellar Love,” I knew there was much more than Grace Farriss than I first thought. She’s capable of producing some very catchy pop music, but her understanding and passion for all genres makes her music much more interesting than the tunes from most radio darlings. Grace sees her experimenting with so many different sounds and proving she can confidently play with them all. I’m not sure whether she’s still finding her niche or she refuses to be pigeonholed. Either way, the music she’s making shows she’s a real talent in her own right.

Grace is out now.

Images used with permission from Grace Farriss

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Ben Folds @ Bimbadgen Estate, Pokolbin – 8 May 2021

As I shiver through this unseasonably chilly May weather, it’s hard to believe I was basking in the sunshine at Bimbadgen Estate’s first (and hopefully not last) Cellar Door Series concert less than two weeks ago. There was so much to like about this event. The weather was glorious, warm without being sweltering as it is so often during the Day on the Green series. With a reduced COVID-safe capacity, we had plenty of space to spread out in our allocated squares. As an added bonus, the queues for lunch, booze, and the toilets were blissfully short. With just two acts on the bill, we were heading home by 6. How very civilised! And of course, those two acts were a big reason to love this show.

I’ve long admired Gordi’s gentle, folky music, so I was thrilled to see her in this setting. Her songs would have been too subtle for a big Day on the Green audience, but here among a smaller group of serious music fans they hit the right note. She held our attention with her hypnotically soothing voice and poetic lyrics. She chatted openly with the crowd, relishing the chance to get up in front of fans and support Ben, an artist she’s long admired. The surprise addition of Gordi’s long-time friend and sometimes collaborator Alex Lahey on a few songs they wrote together was a real thrill.

While I appreciated Gordi’s set, my excitement hit fever pitch for Ben Folds. After the COVID pandemic put the brakes on the local music scene, I’ve appreciated any chance to see live musicians doing their thing. But watching an international star play live is such a rare experience in the current climate. I relished it.

Ben seemed just as excited at the setup, marvelling at the parents swinging their kids around and the wild kangaroos who stopped to watch his set. And why wouldn’t you when such a talent is on stage? He chatted easily to us, sharing stories of his life. Hearing how he saw legendary fighters before they turned pro with his dad set the scene for “Boxing.” Hearing stories of the people in his life who inspired “Uncle Walter” and “Bastard” gave them extra power. His nostalgic mood might suggest he’s missing the US, but he assured us there’s no place he’d rather spend the pandemic than Sydney.

I’ve seen Ben perform countless times over the years, but this set was probably my favourite. The pandemic might have something to do with it. I think I appreciate concerts a little more now my calendar isn’t stacked with them. But there was more than that. He was in fine voice, so enthusiastic to be back in front of audiences, and that glee was infectious. In a traditional gig, the lights go out and the connections dim. The performers can’t see beyond the first few rows and you struggle to make out the people around you. Here I could see the faces of people who adored this gig as much as I did. Holding my husband’s hand as we both looked at each other during “The Luckiest” is a concert moment I’ll hold close to my heart forever. Everyone in attendance that day shared something and it was beautiful.

This was a set for fans, which we all were judging by the way we enthusiastically sang Regina Spektor’s parts in “You Don’t Know Me,” clapped along to “Annie Waits,” and danced around to “Effington” and “One Angry Dwarf and 200 Solemn Faces.” We were much more excited to hear him close with “My Philosophy” than “Brick” or “Rocking the Suburbs.” No one seemed to care that those radio staples weren’t included in the set, because what we heard was so good.

The team behind A Day on the Green set their bar tremendously high with their first Cellar Door Series show. I’m not sure they could possibly top it, but I’m keen to watch them try.


Image source: Stephen Katulka

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

“Reality Is” – Chris Tamwoy

The best albums are deeply personal. They don’t reflect current trends or follow a formula designed to move units. Instead, they provide an insight into the artist who created them. Chris Tamwoy’s debut album Reality Is sounds very different from the music that charts today, but its intimate nature provides a listening experience that’s so much richer.

The opening track “Damien and Sarah” gives us our first hint that this is something we haven’t heard before. It’s a gentle instrumental acoustic guitar piece, beautiful but not the kind of catchy opener we’re used to. It’s the first of several instrumental tracks on this album. These striking numbers give us space for reflection while showcasing Chris’ signature virtuosic guitar-tap style.

Other tracks give us insight into the driving forces in Chris’ life: his family and his culture. He delivers them in a mix of Eastern and Western Torres Strait Islander language, Creole, and English, celebrating all parts of his identity. I was struck by the single “Kulba Yaday,” featuring Christine Anu, on its release last year. There are so many more gems here, including “Yesu Kara Ople” and “Monkey & Tortol,” inspired by an indigenous children’s folk story. Even when you don’t understand the language, you can connect to the feelings behind them.

Other songs like “Dear Pop” and “Karissa (Don’t Cry)” pay tribute to the special people in Chris’ life. The English lyrics are straightforward and from the heart, ensuring we can all connect to these musical love letters.

“My whole album is based on the reality of life,” he explained in the press release. “It’s about me and who I am: it’s me as an individual covering every inch, every aspect of who I am as a Torres Strait Islander. I wanted to bring in my identity and the clans I originate from in the Torres Strait.”

For many people, Reality Is will be their introduction to Chris Tamwoy’s music. I can’t imagine creating a collection that more perfectly showcases who he is as an artist and a person. These songs are simple and honest, anchored by his guitar prowess, warm, welcoming voice, and gift for songwriting. Reality Is is available today via ABC Music.

Images used with permission from Revolutions per Minute

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Chant du Vin @ Brokenwood Wines, Pokolbin – 1 May 2021

I’ve been thrilled there are more gigs on the concert calendar lately, but I’m also pretty selective about what I’m seeing. Rising hotel quarantine cases mean I can’t quite breathe easy, and the cooler weather makes hermitting so easy. However, I found myself venturing out on Saturday night, and I’m so glad I did. Chant du Vin is a new concert series, but hopefully it’ll be around for some time.

If like me you love the laidback vibes of winery shows but aren’t quite ready to sit among a massive crowd, Chant du Vin’s concerts are for you. Chant du Vin plays several shows in each wine region, choosing small wineries for their venues rather than the massive vineyards that host the Day on the Green events. There couldn’t have been more than 150 of us at Brokenwood Wines on Saturday night, one of four Hunter Valley shows for the event. Those of us with general admission tickets relaxed on our own picnic rugs and the chairs and beanbags organisers had thoughtfully left while the VIP ticket holders looked down from the event’s double-decker bus. A quality menu of food options and top-notch wines added to the atmosphere. Can I just say what a welcome change it is to be able to buy a bottle at any time during a winery show? Heaven!

It was like the organisers looked at my own personal wish list before booking acts for this all-acoustic night of entertainment. It’s been too long since I’ve seen Mahalia Barnes shining in the spotlight. She’s always stellar providing backing vocals for her dad, Jimmy Barnes, but I relished the opportunity to see her playing her own set. Hard Expectations was one of my favourite albums of 2018, so I was thrilled to see some of its tracks making the set. She peppered the originals with singalong classics including “I Am Woman” and “Heading in the Right Direction,” a beautiful way to pay tribute to some of the female pioneers of the Aussie music scene.

Mahalia reminisced about falling in love with Jack Jones’ music when she was just 8. I marvelled that I was only a couple of years older. Surely that makes the music of Southern Sons some of the first I fell in love with independent of my parents’ influence. The funny thing is, when he plays it doesn’t seem like more than 30 years have passed. Songs like “You Were There,” “Lead Me to Water,” and “Heart in Danger” still stand up. Jack’s voice hasn’t wearied at all over the years. When you play acoustic, there’s nowhere to hide, yet it rang out clear as a bell. He might have dismissed them as perfect toilet breaks songs, but for this fan hearing some new tracks was a real thrill.

If it was meant to be a mellow night of music, Sarah McLeod didn’t get the memo. She might have played an acoustic guitar, but her irresistible energy brought the night home strong. It was an eclectic and slightly unhinged set, featuring everything from Gershwin and Mahalia Jackson standards to solo songs and Superjesus tracks. After seeing Sarah supporting John Waite a few years ago, I had an inkling what to expect and knew just to hang on and enjoy the ride. And what a ride. She’s brilliant.

The Chant du Vin website suggested the show would finish around 9 but the artists were having none of it. They joined forces for some singalong tracks, making the show feel even more like we were just hanging with friends. I can’t remember how long it’s been since I was at an event and encouraged to sing, but gee it felt good to join in for songs like “Slipping Away” and “Proud Mary.”

As I walked back to the car at around 10, I marvelled that this show was the most relaxed I’ve felt in public since the pandemic began. We all had our own space, yet still felt like we were sharing something with the musicians and other concert-goers. I didn’t feel like reaching for my mask. I chatted happily with the people beside me. It all felt so normal and so wonderful. If you want to get in on some of that, check out Chant du Vin at one of the remaining shows. Limited tickets are still available.

6 May 2021 – Ross Hill Wines, Orange
7 May 2021 – Stockman’s Ridge Wines, Orange
8 May 2021 – Tamburlaine Wines, Borenore
9 May 2021 – JS Wines, Nashdale
13 May 2021 – Calabria Family Wines, Griffith
14 May 2021 – Lillypilly Wines, Leeton
15 May 2021 – De Bortoli Wines, Bilbul
16 May 2021 – Casella Family Wines, Yenda
20 & 21 May 2021 – Lake George Winery, Lake George
22 & 23 May 2021 – The Vintner’s Daughter, Murrumbateman

Image source: Stephen Katulka