Category: Reviews

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

“Restless Noise” – Loser

Loser creates the kind of rock music purists yearn for. It’s rough and ready, with fuzzy guitars, rebellious lyrics, and anthemic choruses that compel you to sing along and stamp your feet. Their first offering, Restless Noise, is a short and sweet EP. But with just five songs, they prove they’re a force to be reckoned with.

Of course, that should come as no surprise to anyone who knows about Loser’s pedigree. They might be a new band, but the members have served their time with Apart From This, Grim Rhythm, The Smith Street Band, and The Bennies. These guys know their shit.

“Phase Me,” one of two singles, kicks the EP off, introducing us to the band’s knack for crafting a killer riff. It’s an easy entry, not quite as aggressive as many of Loser’s songs, an accessible track that primes us for more. The title track goes a little harder, taking us but we’re ready for those hard-hitting drums and F-bombs now. “Vacation” eases the foot off the pedal a little bit, giving us a chance to catch our breath before another aural assault, the EP’s other stellar single, “Loser.” Final track “Some Say” takes us home. The choruses are gentle, but that chorus reminds us of just what these lads are capable of.

The guys from Loser already proved their talents with other bands, but put them together and magic happens. They’re creating the kind of killer alt-rock I haven’t heard since the ‘90s. These five tracks have me wanting more. Restless Noise is out now.

Image used with permission from Deathproof PR

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

“Atlas Shoulders” – Pierce Brothers

I’ve been waxing lyrical about the Pierce Brothers since 2014, waiting not so patiently for the Melbourne siblings to release their debut album. Those EPs just never felt long enough; I wanted something to really sink my teeth into. My patience has been rewarded with the release of Atlas Shoulders.

As a music fan, it’s only natural to want an album early, but there’s something to be said for Jack and Pat Pierce’s slow and steady approach. They’ve developed as artists, taking the time to get the balance right and create a sound that’s folky, yet bold, yet somehow never overproduced.

The first half of Atlas Shoulders is perfect road trip or BBQ music. A harsher critic might suggest its mellow vibes start to get a little samey, but I don’t think there’s anything wrong with laidback music that sounds this good. Songs like “Lovers Trip” and the single “Back End Roads” are so well crafted.

While I enjoyed the first portion of the album, it really picked up for me in the second half. All too often albums start feeling fatigued here, but this is where you’ll find some of Atlas Shoulders’ grittier material. The road trip has been marred by some arguments, the love stories are going sour. Mistakes were made, there are regrets. All that is fodder for some really powerful music. Songs like “Reckless Hearts and Restless Hands” and “Love You Broke” stop you in your tracks and stir your spirit. They wake you up and reinforce the true talent of this sibling duo. By the time you reach “Hold On,” there’s no doubt that the wait for the Pierce Brothers album has been worthwhile. Yes, they can create folky music that sounds good, but stay a little longer and you’ll hear some tracks that do more than delight the ear; they move every part of you.

Atlas Shoulders is in all good music stores today. The Pierce Brothers will play shows around the country to celebrate its release before supporting Rodriguez in February.

9 November 2018 – The Forum, Melbourne
16 November 2018 – Oxford Arts Factory, Sydney
17 November 2018 – The Zoo, Brisbane
9 February 2019 – Sirromet Wines, Mt Cotton (with Rodriguez, Xavier Rudd, Busby Marou, and Alice Skye)
16 February 2019 – Rochford Wines, Yarra Valley (with Rodriguez, Xavier Rudd, Busby Marou, and Alice Skye)
23 February 2019 – Peter Lehmann Wines, Barossa Valley (with Rodriguez, Xavier Rudd, Busby Marou, and Alice Skye)

Image used with permission from Warner Music Australia

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

“Lab Experiments Vol. 2” – Cookin’ on 3 Burners

Sequels have a bad reputation. They’re often released as a desperate attempt to cash in on the success of the first creative endeavour, yet they typically pale in comparison to the original. For every The Godfather Part II there’s a dozen disasters like Jaws: The Revenge or Speed 2: Cruise Control. So it’s only natural to approach Lab Experiments Vol. 2 with a healthy degree of scepticism. Thankfully Melbourne’s favourite funksters Cookin’ on 3 Burners deliver the goods.

It bursts out of the gates with a joyous explosion of Hammond organ chords with the instrumental single “The Jump Off.” The flip side of that double A-side, “Warning,” comes next, with guest vocalist Kait delivering plenty of sass. “Howler” surprises, a darkly dramatic instrumental which could serve as the soundtrack to your Halloween parties. It’s an unexpected detour, but I appreciate that Cookin’ on 3 Burners keeps us on our toes. “Force of Nature” has such a great Motown groove, with Fallon Williams’ gritty yet soulful lead vocals backed by a choir of gospel angels. Longtime collaborator Kylie Auldist is back with the Burners for the soulful “One of the Ones.” Magic always happens when these guys get together, and this track is no exception. Closing number “Garden of Freedom” is made so much sweeter with the addition of The Meltdown’s cooler than cool frontman Simon Burke.

Cookin’ on 3 Burners have such an incredible sound, which builds on soul and funk traditions and makes them feel so fresh. But it’s those collaborations that really make Lab Experiments Vol. 2 so special. Rubbing shoulders with the right people elevates their sound, ensuring Lab Experiments Vol. 2 is a sequel worth spending your money on.

Lab Experiments Vol. 2 is released today.

Image used with permission from This Much Talent

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

“Ashfield Skyline” – Family Fold

There’s not a lot of flash about Ashfield Skyline, the sophomore album from Family Fold. It’s an album full of the kind of pleasant pop-rock music that most of us don’t pay too much attention to. It sounds nice enough, but without big vocals or edge we let it fade into the background. I must admit, I fell into that trap myself at first. I listened almost all the way through while I was working on other things, enjoying myself but deciding the album didn’t grab me enough to warrant a review. It actually took the final track “Greater Union” to really wake me up and force me to properly listen not just to this number but the rest of the record.

That song is still my favourite, a beautiful ballad with poetic lyrics and some of the most powerful vocals on Ashfield Skyline. But on that first half-listen missed how heartbreaking songs like “Crying in the Carwash” and “Brother’s Name,” about life without Family Fold’s singer-songwriter Paul Andrews’ late brother, are. I missed the humour in tracks like “Saturday Night, No Fever” and “Big Wedding.” I had so much fun listening to “Let Go” that I got up out of my desk chair and had a spontaneous boogie in my home office.

It’s fitting that the image of a heart graces the cover of Ashfield Skyline. These songs might fly under the radar, but together they form an album that has the power to move any listener that really taps into them. Something tells me that matters more to Family Fold than whether or not big media pays attention.

Ashfield Skyline is out now. Family Fold will officially launch the album at The Union Hotel in Newtown on November 25.

Image used with permission from Revolutions Per Minute

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Kav Temperley @ Lizotte’s, Newcastle – 20 October 2018

A night at Lizotte’s always feels like coming home. I don’t get to visit as often as I’d liked, since the Central Coast arm folded, but it’s a venue worth making the trip up the Pacific Highway for. The musicians are always first-class, but many venues can claim that. Add in delicious food, friendly and attentive waitstaff, and quality beverages though, and you’ll start understanding why Lizotte’s has a special atmosphere that’s all its own. Music fans love being here, and musicians love playing here. If you’ve ever caught one of the live streaming videos the venue posts on Facebook, you’d understand that all those good vibes help magic happen at Lizotte’s. So not even the thunderstorms could dampen my enthusiasm for a road trip to Newie for Kav Temperley’s Lizotte’s show on Saturday night.

Kruger James played violin on Kav’s new solo record, All Your Devotion, but he got the chance to step into the spotlight in his support slot. I’m sure his blend of rapping and electric violin wasn’t to everyone’s tastes, but I was transfixed. His tracks were soulful, with clever rhymes and positive vibes. I would have loved to hear him with a band rather than a backing track, but I understand support acts have budget constraints. His own electric violin really elevated his work. A freestyle rap referencing the desserts people were enjoying near the stage, the fantastic venue, and his music got everyone on side. Even if rap isn’t your genre of choice, it’s impossible to be unimpressed by such clever spontaneous rhymes.

Kav was the man we all came to see, and he appeared every bit the star as he stepped on stage in his leather jacket, with an acoustic guitar strapped on. He might have been on tour to promote his new album All Your Devotion, but he wasn’t going to ignore the fans who’d been with him throughout his musical journey. Opening tracks “From the Sea” and “Older Than You” made me wonder why I’d left it so long to catch him live. The stripped-back performances helped me appreciate these radio-friendly hits just a little more.

After a little trip down memory lane, it was time to celebrate Kav’s new solo record. I absolutely love this album. While I always enjoyed Eskimo Joe music, this album has converted me from casual listener to real fan. So I was thrilled to hear those songs and the stories behind them. Since he played on the record, it was only fitting that Kruger joined Kav for a few numbers, including one of the night’s standouts, “Queen of My Heart.” I’d questioned the inclusion of “Christmas Lights,” feeling a festive song was a little out of place on this album of songs about love lost and found. However, being involved in the call-and-response chorus of this modern Christmas song, it made total sense. Even in October. What great fun.

Stepping out solo when you’re part of such a well-loved Australian band must be daunting. There’s no one else to hide behind, and since you’re the only one making the music, it often comes from a more intimate, personal place. But if there were any nerves, Kav Temperley didn’t show them. His set at Lizotte’s was wonderful, a celebration of this fantastic new collection of songs he’s created which didn’t forget the music that thrust him into the spotlight. There are just a few dates left on the All Your Devotion tour. If you’re near one of these Western Australian venues, trust me: get yourself a ticket. Just like the album they’re promoting, these shows are sure to be something special.

27 October 2018 – Mojos, Fremantle
2 November 2018 – River Hotel, Margaret River
3 November 2018 – Prince of Wales, Bunbury

Image source: Stephen Katulka

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Rick Price @ Laycock Street Theatre, Gosford – 12 October 2018

Rick Price’s Heaven Knows album is one of the first I remember buying with my own money. I was only getting a few dollars a week for chores around the house, so it took months for 12-year-old me to get my hands on it. When I did, I made it count, blasting those radio-friendly pop-rock tunes until my parents were tired of them. So when I heard Rick Price was revisiting that beloved album, in an intimate venue on the Central Coast no less, I snapped up tickets.

Laycock Street Theatre in Gosford is a small venue at the best of times, but its Don Craig room takes intimate to a new level. It holds no more than 100 seats, and its stage is tiny. They don’t allow photos during the performance, but it’s nice to just be in the moment and drink it all in. Give me this over a big arena any day.

Rick promised to play Heaven Knows cover-to-cover, but he made us wait for it. The first half was a kind of musical catch-up session, celebrating highlights of his career after that breakthrough records. Songs like “River of Love” from Tamborine Mountain were charting singles while others, like gospel tracks from his 2015 album Tennessee Sky were less familiar to most people I imagine. But there’s something about seeing an artist in a setting like this, with just an acoustic guitar and an incredible voice, that engages you regardless of whether they’re playing the hits of lesser-known numbers.

After a brief intermission we were back for the major drawcard, the Heaven Knows album cover to cover. I’ve seen Rick play countless times over the years, but what a treat it was to hear many of the songs from that album that don’t make his usual sets, especially in this stripped acoustic mode. They sounded so good on the album, but hearing them without all the studio production was a revelation. Rick peppered the songs with stories about that exciting time in his career, the experiences he had, the inspiration for the music that meant so much not just to him but so many Australians.

It was a special night for Rick, and not just because he was sharing special songs in a venue he clearly loves. His son and granddaughter were there, so it was only fitting that he left us with a song from Tamborine Mountain he wrote for his boy, now a man with a family of his own, “You’re Never Alone.” It’s such a beautiful song, and Rick always does a wonderful rendition, but there was extra emotion behind it, knowing who was in the room this time.

Rick Price is taking his Heaven Knows tour all around the country. If like me, you ever cranked up his songs on the radio, you won’t want to miss this.

20 October 2018 – The Cabaret Club, Ballarat
23 October 2018 – Beerwah Hotel, Sunshine Coast
24 October 2018 – Palmwoods Hotel, Sunshine Coast
25 October 2018 – Brisbane Jazz Club, Brisbane
26 October 2018 – Southport RSL Club, Gold Coast
27 October 2018 – The Exchange Hotel Kilcoy, Kilcoy
28 October 2018 – Westower Tavern, West Ballina
2 November 2018 – The Agrestic Grocer, Orange
3 November 2018 – Smith’s Alternative, Canberra
4 November 2018 – Cronulla Golf, Cronulla
9 November 2018 – Burnie Arts Centre, Burnie
10 November 2018 – Hotel Crown, Victor Harbor

Image source: own photo

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Cher @ Newcastle Entertainment Centre, Newcastle – 26 September 2018

This week has flown by in a whirlwind of deadlines and footy fun. I’ve scarcely had a moment to stop and absorb seeing Cher last week. I see a lot of concerts, so I don’t often have those shows where I’m bouncing around in anticipation. This one though, this was a bucket list event. The chance to see a true icon, at my old stomping ground of the Newcastle Entertainment Centre no less!

I must admit, I was surprised to hear there was a support act. How on earth do you support Cher? Andrew McClelland pulled it off in his own sensational style. He was billed as a DJ, but really he was so much more than that. Watching him dance with such joy and abandon to hits from Dolly Parton, Whitney Houston, and other retro-fabulous acts was everything. I wish I had a photo that properly showed you what he was all about, but he was moving so fast his performance was impossible to capture.

I was having so much fun I almost forgot what I was there for, until one name was beamed up on the back of the stage and the screens. Cher. When you’re an icon, you only need one name to identify you. Watching a montage of footage and photos from her history, my excitement was fever pitch. And there she was, suspended above the stage on some regal kind of platform, with a flaming red wig and disco ball sparkly outfit. I wish I could have shown you, but all those sparkles were dazzling my camera. You’ll just have to believe me: she looked fierce. Feminist anthems “Woman’s World” and “Strong Enough” were the perfect openers.

I must admit, my enthusiasm waned a little as Cher launched into a rambling anecdote about aging, David Letterman, and her enthusiasm for acting. I love moments when artists share part of themselves with us, but her story went on so long and doubled back on itself so many times she started to lose us. No mean feat for such a commanding presence. It was the only real misstep though, and soon enough she was perched on an elephant wearing robes and delivering “Gayatri Mantra” like some kind of Indian queen. Because of course she was.

It might have taken a little while to settle in, but once she did Cher was everything I hoped she’d be. The anecdotes were tight and impactful. Her vocals were note perfect. Her costumes were breathtaking, and with dancers, aerialists, and acrobats keeping us entertained we barely noticed her slip away, only to return in something more fabulous.

These shows were billed as Cher’s farewell to Australia. If this is the last time we see her on our shores, I can’t imagine too many people will be disappointed. She played for us all, from the baby boomers who watched Sonny and Cher to the young things who hadn’t heard of her before recent starring turns in Burlesque and Mamma Mia 2. I was especially moved to hear she hasn’t performed “I Got You Babe” in many years. Seeing her sing it “with” Sonny again, thanks to the magic of technology, was so special. I shared my mum’s excitement when Cher played her favourite song, “Half Breed,” and had my own moments of bliss when she sang “After All,” from the movie Chances Are. I’ve never really been an ABBA fan, but I couldn’t help but be swept up in the fun of her covers of “Waterloo,” “SOS,” and “Fernando.” By the time she launched into “If I Could Turn Back Time” and the closer “Believe,” we were all on our feet, singing and dancing our hearts out.

The words icon and legend get bandied around a little too freely for my liking. They should be reserved for the true creative forces of this world, people like Cher. I had such high expectations of this show, but she exceeded them. At 72, no less. What a privilege to bask in her aura for just a little while.

Image source: Stephen Katulka

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

“Break, Rattle, and Roll” – Matt Joe Gow

In 2016, Matt Joe Gow released Seven Years, the long-awaited follow-up to his debut solo work The Messenger. It was one of my favourite releases for the year, a fantastic slice of classic Americana that I’ve found myself listening to time and time again. That record was seven years in the making. Thankfully it’s taken just two for Matt to bring us another album, Break, Rattle, and Roll. Another blessing, it’s every bit as good as the collection of songs that came before it.

Break, Rattle, and Roll starts so strong, with “Bridge Over Concrete.” It’s the perfect opener for this album, such a feelgood slice of Americana, all jangly guitars and honky-tonk piano. The single “Ride On” continues the up-tempo alt-country vibe.

Matt Joe Gow is so good at making those feel-good road trip songs, but there’s so much more to the music he makes than that. Break, Rattle, and Roll gives us glimpses of his softer side in vulnerable tracks like “Details,” the stripped back “Old Hotel Room,” and the exquisite closing song, “We Got Lost.” These beautiful tracks provide the balance, stirring our heart while helping us enjoy those singalong moments a little more.

The press releases categorise Matt Joe Gow’s music as Americana, but he plays free and loose with the genre. There’s a great old school soul feel about “Ransom.” A reprise of an earlier single “House That Burnt Down” takes blues back to its gospel roots. I went back to the original 2010 release and was so impressed by how much more complex and intricate the new recording is. It feels like one of those great spontaneous jams.

I’ve been listening to Break, Rattle, and Roll for a couple of months now, falling a little more in love with it each time. It’s wonderful to get the jump on other music lovers and listen to something fabulous first, but I’ve also been anticipating its release, the moment I can insist my friends hear it too. It’s that sort of album, the kind of recording that makes you want to sit down with people and share how special it is.

Break, Rattle, and Roll is released on October 5. Matt Joe Gow will play the following shows here and in New Zealand celebrating its release.

4 October 2018 – Skylark Room, Belgrave
6 October 2018 – The Mane Event Festival, Geelong (Midday)
6 October 2018 – Curtin Hotel, Melbourne
7 October 2018 – The Westernport Hotel, San Remo
12 October 2018 – Basement Discs, Melbourne (FREE)
18 October 2018 – The Triffid, Brisbane (FREE)
20 October 2018 – Dog With Tails, Dunedin
21 October 2018 – Starfish Cafe, Dunedin (FREE)
25 October 2018 – Albert’s Post, Auckland
27 October 2018 – Clarence Town River Country Hoedown, Clarence Town
28 October 2018 – Songwriters In The Round, Wenty Leagues, Wentworthville (FREE)
4 November 2018 – Public House, Albury

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

“All Your Devotion” – Kav Temperley

If Kav Temperley felt any nerves going solo, they don’t show. His first album without Eskimo Joe, All Your Devotion, is an accomplished work that hits all the right musical and emotional notes.

Kav hasn’t been afraid to take risks here. It’s definitely not a soundalike album that could have come from the Eskimo Joe catalogue. It’s gentler, more delicate, with folkier influences and greater pop leanings. Keeping the instrumentation small really lets us hone in on those lyrics which are so very good. Perhaps it’s the act of creating a solo album that’s let Kav craft songs that come from a very personal place, that don’t need to speak for the band. Perhaps it’s simply the circumstances. An album that comes following the breakdown of a marriage, and even the separation from a band, should be raw and revealing. And it is.

While Kav takes a different direction with All Your Devotion, this may be one of his most accessible works to date. The single, “Pollyanna” is such a strong song that deserves serious airplay. But really I could see most of these songs sitting comfortably on indie and commercial playlists. There are no filler tracks here. Opening track “Queen of My Heart” is a proper love song, delivered with real heart and without a hint of schmaltz. “Surrender” speaks so eloquently about giving yourself over completely to a new relationship. “Please Distract Me,” a plaintive plea to a new lover, might be my favourite song from the album. Although, it has stiff competition from “What Is It Worth,” a beautiful ballad that delivers an emotional sucker punch. The festive “Christmas Lights” seems a little out of place on a September release, but it’s a sweet song nonetheless.

All Your Devotion felt good the moment I listened to it, but with every subsequent spin I think I fall a little more in love with it. I catch a lyric or a melody that I missed, and my appreciation deepens. Make sure you take a listen when it gets a digital and vinyl release today. Hear it live at the following shows.

5 October 2018 – The Milk Factory, Brisbane
6 October 2018 – Villa Noosa Hotel, Sunshine Coast
7 October 2018 – Public Bar @ Coolangatta Hotel, Gold Coast (FREE)
11 October 2018 – Grace Emily, Adelaide
12 October 2018 – Sooki Lounge, Belgrave
13 October 2018 – The Toff in Town, Melbourne
19 October 2018 – Leadbelly, Sydney
20 October 2018 – Lizotte’s, Newcastle
27 October 2018 – Mojos, Fremantle
2 November 2018 – River Hotel, Margaret River
3 November 2018 – Prince of Wales, Bunbury

Image used with permission from On the Map PR

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

“On The Corner Where You Live” – The Paper Kites

The Paper Kites may be one of the most prolific acts in the country. Mere months after the release of On the Train Ride Home, the Melbourne band have dropped a brand new album, On the Corner Where You Live. The band explains this is a sort of companion piece, yet both albums are so different. The first was more delicate and laidback folk, while this collection of midtempo indie-pop gems has a real fire in its belly.

It’s a concept album of sorts, conceived as a series of vignettes telling the stories of people living in a New York City apartment that faced the band’s hotel.

“You could see all these windows lighting up and people getting home from their nights out,” recounted Paper Kites frontman Sam Bentley. “We just sat there and watched them. It was fascinating. It was living art.”

It’s easy to forget the concept though and imagine the band is sharing its own stories, because they’re delivered with such sincerity. But every now and then there’s a track like “Midtown Waitress,” with lyrics addressing such specific circumstances, that reminds you of this album’s inspiration.

On the Corner Where You Live’s opening instrumental’s jazzy saxophone and piano recall film noir, but that gives way to a more ‘80s retro feel with “Give Me Your Fire, Give Me Your Rain.” It’s one of the album’s strongest tracks, a powerful track, full of emotion and yearning. It’s a natural predecessor to the single “Deeper Burn,” a song which is similarly passionate and longing.

Christina Lacy takes lead vocals on “Mess We Made,” making me wonder why she hasn’t grabbed the microphone sooner. Perhaps it’s only fitting here though, where we’re meant to hear songs from different perspectives. What a beautiful voice she has, with such nuance to it. The poignant song takes the album to a different place, reminding us of the real struggles of relationships.

“Flashes” is perhaps the closest to a song that could have appeared on On the Train Ride Home. It’s subtle, with little more than an acoustic guitar keeping time and gentle vocals. Sitting almost in the middle of the album, it gives us a moment to catch our breath, the calm eye of an emotional storm.

The back-end of On The Corner Where You Live is a little more subdued than the front. Perhaps we’re winding down after a wild night in the Big Apple. The title track feels like a retro classic, with its reassuring, romantic lyrics and hooks. I can just imagine cranking this one up and hitting the highway. “When It Hurts You” is another stellar song, a dreamy exploration of empathy during the hard times that contrasts so beautifully with the simple, stripped-back piano musings of “Does It Every Cross Your Mind.”

While I’d slip On the Train Ride Home on as background music, On the Corner Where You Live has the sort of songs that have me singing along, tapping my feet, bobbing my head, really engaging. It’s full of hooks and lyrics that cut to the heart. Its tracks might tell stories of other people, but I found a real connection in them.

On the Corner Where You Live is out now.

Image used with permission from On the Map PR