Category: Reviews

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Dami Im @ The Art House, Wyong – 6 September 2019

Since opening just three years ago, The Art House has attracted a steady stream of talent to the Central Coast and the region is much better for it. I might not have ventured out on a stormy, windy Friday night if I had to travel all the way to Newcastle or Sydney for entertainment, but knowing this modern venue was just a short trip up the freeway inspired me to shake off my fatigue and chill and see Dami Im live.

I even arrived early enough for the support act, Brittany Maggs. The theatre’s “no photos” policy means I don’t have a shot, so you’ll just have to take my word for it. She has all the makings of the next pop princess, flawless good looks and a delicate but pitch-perfect voice. With her guitarist H playing over a backing track, the performance felt a smidge karaoke but her catchy songs are strong. Even the oldies keeping company with me in the theatre box said they were impressed, even though they clearly weren’t the intended demographic of Brittany’s upbeat tunes.

Dami was the one we were all there to see though. She arrived looking every inch the superstar with a sparkly jumpsuit and flaming red hair. Then she opens her mouth and nothing else matters. Her voice is undeniable, just as clear and strong as it is on records and her TV stints. There’s no trickery here; what you see is what you get with Dami. And that’s a large part of her charm.

Dami might have been in the public eye for five years now, but she’s retained the quiet humbleness that endeared her to X Factor audiences. She takes time to ask the audience if she can play new songs and seems genuinely shocked when they are well received. She’s so thankful of the support of her fans that she promises souvenir towels to anyone who shows her they’ve pre-ordered her amazing new single, “Crying Underwater.” She encourages us to break that no photos policy and whip out our phones for selfies during one song. She joins us too, wanting to capture her appreciative audience as much as they want to take photos of her.

Dami has evolved greatly as an artist since she took the X Factor title. She released the prerequisite pop material early in her career, but that has given way in recent years to jazzy tunes and introspective piano ballads. The different ends of her catalogue don’t always marry naturally. However, I appreciate that she wants to cater for those fans who have supported her from the beginning, even as her musical journey takes her in new directions.

Dami Im’s Dreamer tour continues winding its way around regional Australia for the next couple of months. Limited tickets are still available for the following shows.

27 September 2019 – The Palms at Crown Melbourne, Southbank
28 September 2019 – Wendouree Centre for Performing Arts, Wendouree
4 October 2019 – Lighthouse Theatre, Warrnambool
5 October 2019 – Horsham Town Hall, Horsham
6 October 2019 – Capital Theatre, Bendigo
19 October 2019 – The Tivoli, Brisbane
24 October 2019 – The Metro, Sydney
25 October 2019 – Nelson Bay Diggers, Nelson Bay
26 October 2019 – Belmont 16s, Belmont
14 November 2019 – Albany Entertainment Centre, Albany
15 November 2019 – Mandurah Performing Arts Centre, Mandurah
16 November 2019 – Astor, Perth

Image source: own photo

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

“Three Oh Three” – Oly Sherman

Oly Sherman captured my heart with the release of his single “Bones” in May. Now with the release of his debut EP Three Oh Three, I’ve fallen even harder for the music of this Sydney-based singer-songwriter. Take a listen and I’m sure you will too.

It might not be love at first note though, but some of the best relationships take time to develop. “Reykjavik” is an interesting choice for an opening track. It’s a beautiful, atmospheric instrumental, but it doesn’t have the melodic hooks to really draw the listener in. Persevere with this release though, because Three Oh Three really kicks in with the next track, “Noir (No Love Any More),” a gorgeous melancholy piece of pop rock that wears its heart on its sleeve.

Oly isn’t an artist who’s afraid to bear his soul. There’s such longing in “House on the Hill,” which only amplifies with every plaintive expression of the song’s title. “Pain-Free Melody” captures the loss and defiance that so often comes with a break-up so beautifully. I love its jazzy feel. It might just be my favourite on this EP.

After so much sadness, “Bones,” is such sweet relief, an upbeat optimistic pop-rock number that sweeps you up and takes you to a much more positive place. Title track “Three Oh Three” continues the good vibes, ensuring we finish with a smile on our faces. These two final songs really feel like companion pieces, the kind of tracks you’d turn up on the stereo if you were setting out on a road trip and leaving the real world behind for a while.

Oly will play a string of shows around his hometown to celebrate Three Oh Three’s release. Sydneysiders, check him out at one of the following events.

6 September 2019 – The Lansdowne, Sydney (Supporting Slum Sociable)
7 September 2019 – Golden Age Cinema, Sydney (Supporting Liquid Time)
12 September 2019 – Lord Gladstone, Sydney
27 September 2019 – Coogee Bay, Coogee
5 October 2019 – Yulli’s Brews, Alexandria
16 October 2019 – Lazybones, Sydney
26 October 2019 – Low 302, Sydney
6 November 2019 – Museum of Contemporary Art, Sydney

Image used with permission from Beehive PR

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

“Long Way From Hill Street” – Mercury Sun

Mercury Sun burst onto the music scene in 2013. After releasing a pair of celebrated EPs, the Brisbane indie rock act are finally ready to drop their first full-length album, Long Way From Hill Street, and after giving it a listen I know fans will think it’s worth the wait. This is a good honest rock record that wears its heart on its sleeve. All the right ingredients are here, from powerful vocals to hooky guitar riffs.

The title gives you an inkling what you are in for. This is such a nostalgic album, both lyrically and sonically. It’s no coincidence the band opens the album with “Come of Age,” a song which addresses the transition from angsty teen to adult in control. There are similar themes of looking back and moving forward on the next track, “Just Like Hollywood.” The line “Day by day my youth is growing old on me” really resonates. In “Stumbling,” Mercury Sun looks at revisiting a relationship, in the next track “All My Friends” the band recalls their visions for the future through the lens of youth.

Most songs from Long Way From Hill Street don’t just cover similar thematic ground. They have a similar anthemic rock quality feel to them. Perhaps a more critical listener might call them samey, but I think Mercury Sun has simply found its voice. It does make the gentle closer, aptly titled “Hill Street,” seem a little place, even if looks back fondly on the past like so many of this album’s tracks do. However, this song also hints at a band that might just have a little more range than this album suggests.

For now though, I’m pretty happy to relive my youth and rock out with this one. Brisbane locals can do it in person when Mercury Sun launch Long Way From Hill Street at Tomcat on its release date, September 6. The band will also play Toowoomba’s Carnival of Flowers on September 21.

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

“Drinking Alone” – Jack Runaway

If Kings of Leon and Paulo Nutini had a lovechild, he might sound something like Jack Runaway. Drinking Alone is the Western Australian act’s debut EP, but it’s delivered with all the confidence of seasoned pros.

At just five tracks, the band makes sure there are no fillers here. We already got a taste of Jack Runaway with the singles “Ready to Know You” and “Never Know,” and they’ve wasted no time releasing another single, “Dijonnaise” in tandem with this EP. Any one of the songs on Drinking Alone could be a single though. Each one has a cool, sexy self-assuredness about it, a real rockstar vibe that simmers just below the surface.

I don’t think it’s any coincidence “Ready to Know You” is the EP’s opener. It’s the song that made me fall for Jack Runaway. Hearing it again reminds me just how much I dig the band and primes me for what will come next. “Moonblocks” is such a natural second track, with the easy groove of its verses and the anthemic chorus. There’s a freedom to it that makes me want to pack up my car and drive somewhere, anywhere. “Never Know” and “Dijonnaise” are straight-up rock tracks, with fuzzy guitars and unbridled choruses. The title track has a real pathos about it, so it’s a curious choice for a closer. However, Jack Runaway aren’t an act that likes to play by the rules. Perhaps ending on a downer was a strategic decision though, as it compels the listener to hit play once again.

Like the best EPs, Drinking Alone is a collection of songs that leaves us wanting more. It’s out now. See Jack Runaway play Clancy’s Fish Pub in Fremantle on August 31.

Image used with permission from Firestarter Music

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

“Ten Steps to Cynical Thinking” – The Barren Spinsters

When you slip on an album by a Canberra band called The Barren Spinsters with a name like Ten Steps to Cynical Thinking, you have an inkling you’re in for a good time. But I didn’t quite expect the bluesy collection of songs set to delight my senses this week. I’ve been immersing myself in this album but the last week, and I’m not quite ready to come up for air.

These guys have such a great retro sound. I love the soulful backing vocals and driving drums in the explosive lead track “Hey Ruth,” a song which fondly remembers a former employee who dated TISM’s manager. The single “West of the Happiness” escaped my attention on its release but it’s so much fun with witty lyrics and a cool country-blues-rock flavour. “Step Down” feels like a classic cowboy ditty, but its words give it a subversive modern bent that’s irresistible. “Just the Way You Are” also flips our expectations in the best, bluesiest way possible.

Speaking of lyrics, these guys have a way with words. With a biting sense of humour and a strong sense of rebellion, make sure you play the album a few times to catch every turn of phrase. It’s so easy to get caught up in cool guitar licks and harmonicas, but those lyrics are undeniably clever.

Ten Steps to Cynical Thinking caught my attention early but didn’t let up, with standout songs right throughout. It’s the sort of album I’d play my dad to convince him people are still making good music. It’s got such an accessible sound underpinned by classic influences, from swamp rock to country to good old-fashioned blues. But it’s no mere carbon copy of what’s come before. There’s a delicious edge to their sound that makes The Barren Spinsters much more than a retro throwback.

Ten Steps to Cynical Thinking is out now. The Barren Spinsters are currently touring the album all around the country. Catch them at the following venues.

24 August 2019 – Capital Brewing Co., Canberra
8 September 2019 – Jamison Oval, Reclink Club, Canberra
4-6 October 2019 – Caloundra Music Festival, Caloundra
5 October 2019 – The Imperial Hotel, Eumundi
18-20 October 2019 – Kangaroo Valley Folk Festival, Kangaroo Valley
16 November 2019 – Healsville Music Festival, Healsville
22-24 November 2019 – Queenscliff Music Festival, Queenscliffe

Image used with permission from The Right Profile

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

“Find a Way” – Dana Gehrman

Brisbane’s Dana Gehrman creates the sort of music we don’t hear enough of these days. She has a cool bluesy sound that veers into rock, country, soul, and Americana. It’s perfectly punctuated with Hammond organs and slide and pedal steel guitars. And then there is that voice, so commanding with a sultry ease you instantly warm to. I hadn’t heard of her before listening to her debut album Find a Way, which is out today, but I’m an instant fan.

The album’s opener “Hands Tied” is the perfect introduction to her sound. It goes down so easily, but there’s a definite edge to the message. “24 Karat Rocker” could easily have come from Tom Petty’s catalogue. It’s perfect road trip music, with a vintage 70s sound that evokes rich nostalgia.
The album is mostly a party full of solid blues-rock numbers, but Dana shows her sensitive side in the title track “Find a Way.” It’s the album’s most poignant moment, a romantic track that shows she’s not all sass and strength. It’s not too long before she shakes off that vulnerability and is back grooving with us again though. Deep swampy cuts like “Howling Wolves” and “Grasshopper Creek” will please blues purists. A reprise of “Remedy” seems a little tacked on, especially after the powerful “Rogue Train (Rattle on By),” but it’s a good reminder than Dana’s music is really all about having fun.

Dana Gehrman feels like Australia’s answer to Sheryl Crow, an immense talent with an ability to effortlessly cross genres. Find a Way is an impressive debut from this superb Queenslander. She’ll bring its songs to music lovers at the following shows.

Image used with permission from This Much Talent

26-28 July 2019 – Echuca Blues Festival, Echuca
10 August 2019 – Phase 4 Records instore, Brisbane
17 August 2019 – Imperial Hotel, Eumundi
6 September 2019 – The Milk Factory, Brisbane

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

LANY @ Enmore Theatre, Newtown – 14 July 2019

Do you remember the excitement you felt at your first concert? The electricity in the air, the pure joy that came from seeing favourite performers create the music you hold so dear right in front of you? Live music has become a bit of a drug for me over the decades, but I’m not sure I’ll ever get the same high I did back in the early days. Now I choose the seats over general admission. While I try to make the support acts, and mostly do, I’ve been known to linger too long over a meal or drinks. Since I typically attend gigs with crowds around my age or much older, the way I experience concerts has mellowed. I didn’t realise how much I missed that “lose your mind” concert excitement until I saw LANY recently at The Enmore.

I’ve never felt so old at a concert. I’m not sure I was the oldest person there, but I’m sure I was the oldest person without a teenage child in tow. I marvelled at the way the young crowd packed out the floor area before Los Leo, the first support act, graced the stage and the way they screamed for the Adelaide opener. I’m not sure they were familiar with his music, but they were more than receptive to his synth-pop tunes. While he’s still a little green, his ‘80s influenced tunes are stellar. With a little more experience, I think he could be a real force.

My inner old fart grumbled at the thought of another support act. It was Sunday night, after all, and while the young audience might have been on school holidays some of us had to get to work the next day. I quickly forgot my reservations watching Robinson perform though. This talented Kiwi is an absolute superstar. Her voice is incredible and she has such a magnetic presence on stage. This woman can move! The room loved her, singing along enthusiastically to songs I didn’t know but quickly warmed to.

I thought the crowd was loud for the support act, but they showed they could reach 11 when LANY graced the stage. Deafening cheers gave way to an enthusiastic singalong of “Thick and Thin,” one of the biggest hits from their 2018 album Malibu Nights. That album was what brought me to the show. It was my favourite release of last year. I think it’s one of the greatest break-up albums ever recorded, so I was thrilled to hear so many of its songs make the set list. Long-time fans weren’t forgotten though, with just as many tracks from their self-titled debut also making an appearance along with a handful from earlier EPs.

Lead singer Paul Klein told the crowd this was the band’s 78th show of the year, an amazing feat considering we’re only just past the halfway point. You might expect a little fatigue to set in, especially with jetlag in the mix, but LANY’s set was one of the most explosive I’ve seen. Paul is such a charismatic front man, whether he’s jumping around during an upbeat number or taking a quiet moment behind the keys. I was absolutely mesmerised. This is no one-man operation though. LANY are one of the tightest bands I’ve ever heard, and that’s because of every person on that stage.

I once read music is the universal language. It crosses cultures and generations. I felt a bit like a fish out of water amongst the young things at LANY, but once the lights went down and we all started singing at the top of our lungs I realised I haven’t left my teenage self too far behind. Paul gushed about how much they love Australia and assured us they’ll be back soon. I will be too, perhaps the oldest in the room but happy to be so.

Image source: Stephen Katulka

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

“Gifted in Gold” – Dan Vogl

Winter weather is here, but Melbourne’s Dan Vogl has brightened my day with his debut EP, Gifted in Gold.

It might be his first offering, but Dan’s music has an appealing polish about it. While acclaimed Joel Quatermain has no doubt worked his magic, Dan’s own skill at creating ear-pleasing indie-pop can’t be overstated. His songs are so irresistibly catchy, with singalong choruses and toe-tapping beats. Vocally he reminds me of Gavin Degraw and Eric Hutchinson; there’s a compelling warmth to his delivery that matches the feel-good music perfectly. His songwriting is also top-notch, whether he’s being romantic in “Carousel” or “Poppy,” the songs that book-end this EP, or lamenting the daily grind the title track.

Gifted in Gold goes down easily. It’s the sort of EP you enjoy from the get go and want to listen to again as soon as it’s over. It’s the perfect introduction to Dan Vogl’s work and enticing glimpse into his potential. Dan will celebrate its release with an intimate show at The Penny Black on August 30.

Image used with permission from Good Intent

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

“Now I’m Ready to Start” – Sinclaire

Just a few weeks ago I was waxing lyrical about Sinclaire’s single “It’s Not Enough,” eagerly anticipating their EP. This Sydney band set the bar so high with that release. Could I possibly love the EP as much? The answer is a resounding hell yes.

Frankly, Now I’m Ready to Start has been what’s kept me sane over the last few days of work. I can’t remember the last time I took a day off and burn-out has well and truly set in. But this EP has lifted me up with its incredible songs.

According to front man Michael Cross, the songs draw from his own “mistakes, insecurities, and negative personality traits.” Those big issues provide the perfect fodder for songs that really connect with the listener. There’s a darkness to the lyrics, but Sinclaire wraps them up in such feelgood packages, with retro synths and driving drumbeats encouraging you to get up and dance your way out of the gloom. I can hear influences of The National, Phoenix, and our own Gang of Youths in the music. Yet the deeply personal nature of these songs ensures they retain their own identity.

Now I’m Ready to Start has just five songs, just enough to ensure each one is outstanding. Just enough to leave us wanting more. Sinclaire will officially launch Now I’m Ready to Start with two launch shows next month. Catch them at Greaser in Brisbane on August 1 and The Chippo Hotel in Sydney on August 3.

Image used with permission from Good Intent

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

“Gracefield Avenue” – Fields

She might be based in Perth now, but Fields’ music beats with an Irish heart. There’s a little Celtic yodel in her vocals and an intensity in the acoustic guitars anchoring half the tracks that takes me to Ireland. It’s no accident that her new EP is called Gracefield Avenue, after the Dublin street she grew up on. That title track is a beautiful nostalgic snapshot of youth which builds to a stirring stomp-along climax. It sets the scene for an EP that doesn’t shy away from sharing the artist’s story.

“Promises” is heart-breakingly raw as Fields’ reminisces about a relationship gone wrong. Her vocals are always on point, but they’re so strong here. You can hear her pain with every note.

I got to know “Neverland” when it was released as a single last year. I’m so glad this unique song has earned a place here. The EP provides a fantastic opportunity to revisit this unique song, which moves from a haunting delicate ditty to a frenetic acoustic-guitar that sweeps the listener up in its romance.

“Like That” showcases Fields at her most exposed, both musically and lyrically. With a sparse piano accompaniment and a small choir of angelic backing vocalists for support, her story of feeling love for someone, but not the romantic kind, is so affecting.

I’ve always appreciated Fields’ ethereal vocals, but with this release she’s shown some serious song writing chops. It’s an intimate, emotionally powerful EP that takes just four songs to make a real impression. See Fields showcasing songs from Gracefield Avenue at the following gigs here and abroad.

29 June 2019 – Stop the Violence, Sunflowers for Cara fundraiser, Burlington Hotel, Bunbury
3 August 2019 – The Workman’s Club, Dublin

Image used with permission from Firestarter Music