Category: Reviews

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

“Storm Boy” – Xavier Rudd

Now with his ninth album under his belt, Xavier Rudd should be considered a veteran of the Aussie music scene. You might assume after releasing so much music, he might be lacking inspiration or struggling to find vital things to say. Storm Boy proves neither is true. Far from showing signs of fatigue, he might be making his best music yet. The press release notes that he’s found love, so perhaps that’s inspired him. Whatever the reason, Storm Boy is a joy to listen to.

It starts so strong with the current single “Walk Away,” a stirring anthem that tugs at the heart string. The next track “Keep it Simple” switches gears. It has such powerful lyrics about unity, with a cool electric reggae vibe. The album likes to keep us guessing like that, never keeping us in the same place for too long.

The delicate title track might be my favourite, with its life lessons and references to the famous Colin Thiele novel. While he’s more than capable of doing a big electric epic, I think Xavier is strongest he pares things back in songs like this, “Honeymoon Bay” and “Best That I Can.” However, the bigger numbers add some balance.

This is an album not just of big songs but also songs of big importance. “Gather the Hands” is such a moving call to arms, a track which addresses our relationships with our indigenous brothers and sisters and how we move forward together. “True to Yourself” is another insightful masterstroke, a tender folky ballad with a heart of gold. The second verse about a homeless man really resonated with me.

“True Love” might be the most personal song on the album, a reflection on that love the press release touched on. It manages to be both epic and intimate at the same time. Musically there’s so much going on, an orchestra with everything from violins to sitars coming together. But its lyrics are so personal, and they keep the song centred.

After such a powerhouse song, it’s only fitting that Xavier goes back to the kind of small, delicate music he’s famous for with the album’s final track. “Times Like These” has such powerful lyrics about what is true in this world, so it’s only fitting that they take centre stage. It’s a beautiful song, and the perfect final track for what is such a beautiful album.

I’ve listened to Storm Boy at least 10 times now but I keep finding new things to appreciate about it. It’s one of those special releases that only grows richer over time. Start listening now so you’re all across is when Xavier tours the country later this year.

2 August 2018 – UC Refectory, Canberra
3 August 2018 – Uni Hall, Wollongong
4 August 2018 – Enmore Theatre, Sydney
5 August 2018 – Civic Theatre, Newcastle
10 August 2018 – Night Quarter, Gold Coast
11 August 2018 – The Tivoli, Brisbane (SOLD OUT)
12 August 2018 – The Tivoli, Brisbane
17 August 2018 – Odeon Theatre, Hobart
18 August 2018 – Thebarton Theatre, Adelaide
24 August 2018 – The Forum, Melbourne (SOLD OUT)
25 August 2018 – Costa Hall, Geelong
27 August 2018 – The Forum, Melbourne
23 November 2018 – Fremantle Arts Centre, Fremantle
24 November 2018 – 3 Oceans Winery, Margaret River

Image used with permission from Warner Music Australia

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

“Seas Embrace” – The Dreggs

Tuesdays which feel like Mondays are never fun. But I’m finding it extra difficult to just get on with things this morning. On Saturday morning my parents called and let me know our family dog Charlie had passed away. Charlie had been with us for 18 years. He’d regularly stay at my place for weeks at a time while my parents travelled overseas, most recently last month while my parents were in Greece. He’d visit every Wednesday when my parents would come to the coast for pub trivia. I miss him terribly. I was thankful for the long weekend, which gave me time to cry and veg out on the couch. But today it’s Tuesday, and I have deadlines, and I’m supposed to get back to business as usual. That’s a hard thing.

I’ve been trying to surround myself with positive things. I’ve been crying enough, so I don’t need more triggers. This weekend has been all about rom-coms, and now my morning has been all about The Dreggs’ and their new EP Seas Embrace. As its name suggests, this is an EP full of laidback summery tunes that take us to the beach.

I love the cool laidback reggae vibes of opening track “Thinkin’ Bout Tomorrow.” The follow-up “Blue” has such a sense of nostalgia about it. There’s yearning in this tale of lost love, but it’s imbued with a sense of wistfulness rather than wallowing. “Feel Alive” already impressed me, and it is every bit as endearing here. What a charmer this upbeat foot-stomper is.

After so many relaxed summer anthems, the power of “Simple Question” took me off guard. The simple question, “Are you okay?” is one the recent deaths of Kate Spade and Anthony Bourdain have reminded us needs to be asked more often. It’s one which resonates with me now I’m coming to terms with the loss of my dog. Rather than just paying lip-service to a topic of social importance, this song comes from a place of real sincerity and honesty.

“Ocean and Earth” brings the EP back up. It’s perhaps the recording’s most cheerful song, a jaunty ray of sunshine that is guaranteed to make you smile. “Give Myself to You” continues to bring the good vibes. Just see if you’re not clapping along before the first chorus ends.

Bribie Island’s The Dreggs capture the optimistic spirit of their coastal home beautifully. Their EP is the perfect remedy to the blues. Whether you’re struggling with your own stuff or you’re simply praying for an end to these grey, gloomy winter skies Seas Embrace will make you feel better.

Image used with permission from the A&R Department

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Mr. Big & Extreme @ Enmore Theatre, Newtown – 3 June 2018

It might be 2018, but you wouldn’t know it looking at the gig guides. They’re filled with musical throwbacks keen to reunite with fans and give them a blast from the past with all the hits they know and love. The latest to hit our shores is the early 90s double-shot of Mr. Big and Extreme.

Mr. Big were the band I was really there to see. I have such fond memories of busting out “To Be With You” and “Just Take My Heart” as a kid and I was sure the band’s harmonies and big chords would be just as impressive in the live arena. Yet before too long I was feeling restless. I didn’t know any songs beyond those two hits (although that’s probably one more track than the average person), and it felt like this band was performing just to those people who did. While those folks down the front were having a grand old time singing along, I was fast becoming bored. I started to wonder whether perhaps I just wasn’t a real rock music fan as the guitarist launched into another shredding solo. The musicians were first-rate by the way, but frontman Eric Martin seemed a little by the numbers.

I must admit, after Mr. Big failed to fire for me I was prepared for this to be a long night. After all, I wasn’t much more familiar with Extreme’s back catalogue and they weren’t the act that got me through the door. They were the act that kept my butt on the seat though, except for the part near the end where I couldn’t resist giving them the standing ovation they deserved.

It turns out, I love a good rock show when it’s done well. Extreme gave us a masterclass. Gary Cherone is more energetic than most singers have his age. I was transfixed watching him bounce around the stage with all the swagger and sex appeal of a real rock star. His chemistry with lead guitarist Nuno Bettencourt is palpable. It’s a joy watching them play off one another. Speaking of playing, I’m not sure I’ll see many guitarists in my lifetime better than Nuno. His hand speed is incredible. My husband swears that at one point he was playing 300 beats a minute.

Singing along to the hits like “Hole Hearted” and “More Than Words” was great fun, but I didn’t find myself waiting for them as did during Mr. Big’s set. Everything was so entertaining that Extreme didn’t need to play on my taste for nostalgia.

While I loved those songs, they didn’t bring me my favourite moment of the night. That came when Extreme busted out “Play With Me” from Bill & Ted’s Excellent Adventure. It’s one of my husband’s favourite songs of all time. I’d suggested to him that they might not play it, not wanting him to be potentially disappointed, but he assured me it was coming. Watching the joy spread across his face as he punched his fist in the air and screamed out the lyrics is one of the greatest things I’ve ever experienced at a show.

It’s a bit of an effort for me to see a show in Sydney. There’s transport and often hotels to coordinate, time off to organise, so I want it to be worthwhile. Mr. Big might have been lacklustre, but Extreme made my night. I’m not overstating the point when I tell you that they put on one of the best concerts I’ve ever seen. I had a healthy level of appreciation of their music before, but now I’m a fan for life.

Image source: Stephen Katulka

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Joshua Radin @ Factory Theatre, Marrickville – 24 May 2018

You know you’ve been working too hard when you end up another gig before you’ve had time to write about another gone past. I’ve been slammed with work lately, which meant that a tour from one of my favourite performers, Joshua Radin, came at exactly the right time. Joshua’s brand of music, what he calls “whisper rock,” has always has a way of calming me down, so it really hit the spot near the end of last month.

I must admit, when I heard Joshua’s close friend Cary Brothers was on supporting duty I fired up his back catalogue on Spotify, determined to get to know his music. After a couple of tracks I gave up. While Joshua’s gentle music soothes me, I found Cary’s similar folky sounds a little boring. So I really wasn’t looking forward to his set. It’s funny how different a live experience can be though. I was mesmerised by his beautiful folk music, hanging on to every single word the charming Cary sang. There were no frills here; just a man with an acoustic guitar and some incredible songs I’d underestimated on the first listen. Despite knowing one of my favourite singers was coming, I felt a little disappointed when Cary announced his final song.

My disappointment didn’t last too long though. My heart soared as Joshua Radin took to the stage and treated us to the first strums of his acoustic guitar. “No Envy, No Fear” has become an almost predictable opener, but it’s still so powerful. Joshua brought down the traditional barriers that usually exist between audience and performer early, stepping away from the microphone during the song to sing unaided. It’s a testament to the attentive crowd and the intimacy of the wonderful Factory Theatre that we could still hear him perfectly.

Joshua isn’t the kind of artist who tops the charts, so he doesn’t really have singles the crowd waits for. We’re also never sure quite where the set will go, but because most of us are so familiar with his albums we’re excited to find out. We want to hear the album tracks that speak to us, although Joshua writes such important music that most songs do. I lost count of the number of times I leaned over to my husband to squeeze his hand in excitement or whisper “I love this song!” We had a moment together huddled close, singing along with “My My Love” from Wax Wings. I found myself wiping away tears as Joshua played us “Winter,” one of the first of his songs I fell for.

Joshua Radin is such a special performer. A little like Cary Brothers, he performs without bells and whistles. His gentle songs and sweet demeanour draw you in and cast a spell over the entire room. When so many musicians worry about stage spectaculars, it’s refreshing to see artists like him who simply celebrate the song.

I felt so tightly wound before seeing Joshua play at the Factory Theatre. I was stressed about my work deadlines, getting to Marrickville, and what time I’d need to arrive to score a decent spot in this venue I’d never visited (I’m not a fan of general admission shows for that very reason). Yet by the time Cary returned to join Joshua for the encore, a cover of “Don’t Think Twice, It’s Alright,” I realised this wonderful music had well and truly calmed me down. Sometimes you see a show just when you need to see it. Joshua might have left us waiting so long that he worried we might have forgotten about him, but he was well and truly worth the wait.

Image source: Stephen Katulka

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

“Too Beautiful for Earth” – All for Darcy

On first listen, All for Darcy’s debut EP Too Beautiful for Earth sounds like simply a classic pop-rocker. It’s an easy listen, featuring songs that feel instantly accessible. But tap into those lyrics and you’ll gain a new appreciation for these tracks.

Too Beautiful for Earth, and indeed the entire band, is a tribute to songwriter Pete Atkinson’s late son, Darcy. Pete had been working on the songs to process the loss of his son, who died in mysterious circumstances in 2012 while in the care of Darcy’s mother’s then-boyfriend. He workshopped them with drummer and footy friend Sam Hickey before bassist Danny Lilly and guitarist Brett LeMin joined the group. Listening to the songs, understanding what inspired them, elevates the experience.

The opening number “Highest Mountain” is upbeat and full of fun. You’ll be singing along to the “woohoohoohoos” before the end of the song. “The View” is such a cool track with a groovy bassline, but the lyrics have a darkness and longing to them. ”Darcy’s Song” is the emotional heart of this EP, a moving, stripped-back ballad detailing the things left unsaid and the impact of loss. The amps are switched back on for “Something in the Water,” which touches on how difficult saying goodbye can be.

All for Darcy leave us with “Ordinary Life.” The EP’s lead single, it looks at the way tragedy can shatter our everyday.

“It’s real, one day you’re in a happy simple routine and the next all hell can break loose without any notice,” Peter explained. “The song is written to be uplifting to the listener who may be pushing through a tough time just as I have been through.”

While the songs from Too Beautiful for Earth come from a deeply personal place, we’ve all experienced loss and hardship. All for Darcy tackles the darkness so eloquently, but mixes it with hope and optimism for the future. The EP is an incredible tribute to a life lost too soon and a powerful vehicle for raising awareness of the plight of fathers who don’t have access to their children.

Too Beautiful for Earth is out now. All for Darcy will play The Palace Hotel in Camberwell on June 2.

Image used with permission from A&R Records

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

“Counting Sheep” – Mariah McCarthy

Breaking away from her acclaimed band Deer Prudence, Mariah McCarthy shows he has what it takes to stand on her own two feet with the release of her solo EP Counting Sheep.

The title track bolts out of the gate, instantly sweeping you up and taking you along for the ride. It’s a driving folk ditty that perfectly encapsulates the frustrations and random thoughts that take hold when sleep eludes us. The single “Hail Mary” already charmed me, and it’s every bit as enchanting when heard in its context on the EP. The following track “At Peace” got me. I’m not sure whether Mariah has lived through losing someone through suicide as I have, but her lyrics took me back to that dark, painful chapter. It’s a real gift to be able to move people with your music that way. I love the gentle treatment and innocence of “Caught in the Rain,” and the next track, “Siren Song,” beautifully expresses those feelings we’ve all had when we just can’t resist someone. The gentle, delicate “Seeking Refuge” draws the listener in. It’s such a gorgeous, intimate number. “1821” is the perfect closer, exploring themes of history and our place in the world.

At seven tracks, perhaps Counting Sheep should be considered a mini-album rather than an EP. I can’t imagine it any shorter though, because every track is a stand-out. Mariah is an artist with so much to say and a charming folk sound that makes what she’s sharing with us a joy to hear.

Counting Sheep is available on May 25. Mariah McCarthy will support its release with the following shows.

26 May 2018 – The Wesley Anne, Melbourne
27 May 2018 – Taproom, Castlemaine
2 June 2018 – Old Church on the Hill, Bendigo
16 June 2018 – Martian’s Cafe, Deans Marsh
17 June 2018 – The Door Gallery Cafe, Geelong
22 June 2018 – The Delatite Hotel, Mansfield
30 June 2018 – Kilmore Celtic Festival, Kilmore
1 July 2018 – Gypsy Bar, Echuca
13 July 2018 – Oscar’s Alehouse, Belgrav

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

“Good Money” – Mar Haze

Summer might be behind us, but Mar Haze is spreading with its cool new EP Good Money. There’s such an easy, funky vibe about these guys that makes listening to these five tracks a joy.

Opening track “Fit Freddy” has such a great bass-driven groove. It suckered me in right away, whetting my appetite for what was to come. The title track comes next, with more of a rock edge. The Hammond organ gives this one the feel of an instant classic. “Wonderland” starts out a tender love song but it builds to an epic, emotional rock crescendo. After the power of “Wonderland,” the laidback groove of “Strange” helps us catch our breath. This is one of those happy-sad songs, which bounces along despite its lyrics exploring a relationship breakdown. There’s a dash of reggae in the closer, “Don’t Hold On.” There’s also an element of pathos to the lyrics here, although the big drums and piano chords make sure it doesn’t sound mopey.

Good Money is such a cool EP. Mar Haze seem to ooze charisma with their beachy vibes and laidback grooves. They’re not afraid to rock a little harder or explore some big stuff in their lyrics, but ultimately these guys want you to have a good time. Good Money has all the right ingredients for warding off those winter chills.

Image used with permission from Mar Haze

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

“Far From Paradise” – Karen Lee Andrews

Critics of The Voice like to say the reality show hasn’t produced any stars. Perhaps if you take that to mean artists selling truckloads, it’s true. The singers from The Voice certainly don’t have the profiles of Australian Idol’s Guy Sebastian, Shannon Noll, Jess Mauboy, or Anthony Callea. Personally I take a different view of stardom. While fame is exciting, true stars shine simply because they’re doing something fabulous. When you consider that definition, Karen Lee Andrews, better known to The Voice audience as Miss Murphy, is the genuine article.

Of course, The Voice didn’t make Ms Murphy shine so bright. Her talents were already in her. But they gave her a platform to showcase them. Surely they helped open the doors that see her releasing her latest EP Far From Paradise.

What a collection of songs this is. Soulful and bluesy, with so much heart and pain. They feel like instant classics, delivered with so much class.
Opening track “Love You” eases us into a more soulful space, with its earnest declarations and easy groove. “Troubled Mind” is a delicate soul piece which shows the power of restraint. It’s driven by pure emotion and Karen’s powerful voice, which slays each and every time.

After the tenderness of the first two tracks, the dark swampiness of “Going Down” is like a bolt from the blue. If you thought Karen Lee was all sweetness and light, this is the track that dispels the notion. The EP is rounded out by an extended version of “Higher,” an earlier upbeat release which feels right at home here.

What a talent Karen Lee Andrews is. Hopefully she won’t leave us waiting too long for a full-length album. Far From Paradise is a stellar EP, but it leaves me wanting more.

See Karen Lee Andrews performing at Blues on Broadbeach, the country’s largest freee music festival, from May 17 to 20.

Image used with permission from Jessica Davidson

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

“Attrition” – Arig

Arig was born in Sudan after her father and 15-year-old mother fled conflict in Eritrea. They were both determined to find a better life for little Arig, so they applied to come to Australia. Only Arig’s mother was granted a visa, so she bravely left her partner and headed Down Under. When she arrived here, Arig was just two years old. Life wasn’t easy for the pair. Arig’s mother fell into one toxic relationship after another and money was always tight. Music was Arig’s solace then, something that could take her away from the struggles of her life and give her hope for a better future.

Hard experiences like these shape us. If we’re lucky, we can channel them into something beautiful, as Arig has done with her EP Attrition.

Opening track “Mama Said” is an absolute showstopper. It’s dark and brooding, with a killer chorus. When the bar is set so high, it’s exciting but also a little unnerving, because you wonder where the artist will go.

Arig’s vocals on “Leash” are angelic, and it’s got the great groove of a classic slow jam. It’s not all sweetness and light though. The lyrics bite, providing such an enticing juxtaposition.

“Welcome Home” clocks in at just one minute, but this subversive nod to doo-wop is really special.

The complexity of relationships and our desires is explored so eloquently in “77.” “Playlist” strips everything bare, revealing a flawed portrait of the place lost love can often leave us.

After the slick beats that dominate this EP, the closing number, piano ballad “What’s Real,” really stands out. I love the tenderness and vulnerability this song captures. It was unexpected, but in a wonderful way.

Arig’s vocals are undeniable, but the way it interplays with her soundscapes elevates this to another level. Her EP Attrition is so strong, so creative, so soulful, and so interesting. Arig will launch the EP tonight in Brisbane at the Milk Factory. If you’re in the Queensland capital, you don’t want to miss this show.

Image used with permission from Emily Fernandez

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Nothing Compares 2 Prince @ Sydney Opera House, Sydney – 27 April 2018

We’ve just passed the two-year anniversary of Prince’s passing. It doesn’t quite feel like that long, perhaps because his music hasn’t left me. While the CDs keep me company, it’s concerts like last week’s Nothing Compares 2 Prince show that really sustain me. Nights where I can spend time with the talented artists who loved Prince, who miss him as the fans I’m dancing with do.

After seeing New Power Generation last month, I was primed for this gig. Those guys were so good, surely adding members of The Time and The Family to the mix and staging it at the beautiful Sydney Opera House would only enhance the experience. I may also have benefitted from having tickets a bit closer to the stage. While we were dancing at the back of the Enmore Theatre last month, there’s nothing like being just a few rows back from the musicians, basking in their aura. And what musicians they were.

St Paul Peterson, who met Prince at 17 and fronted The Family, served as musical director and an anchor for the show. He was complemented so beautifully by Shelby J, a member of New Power Generation whose stunning voice and stage presence had us all in the palm of her hand. Andy Allo, who also spent time with NPG, was a revelation. I’d assumed we’d see the same NPG members as we did last month, but watching other members of this supergroup, being exposed to their talents, made this show special. And I must take a moment to mention those horns. While I enjoyed last month’s NPG show, having brass piped through the speakers was a letdown. With a three-piece brass section delivering that rich sound live, this show truly had the Minneapolis sound I craved.

I didn’t take a lot of photos because I spent the bulk of the show on my feet. There was no holding back, with big guns like “1999” and “I Want to Be Your Lover” coming out early. The set was full of so many hits, and those lesser known tracks that the true fans love. I was thrilled to hear many of the songs Prince penned for other artists too. Covers of “Manic Monday” and “Stand Back” reminded us of his immense body of work.

While most of the numbers had us dancing, there were also sombre moments for us to reflect on the impact Prince had made on all our lives. Fittingly many came from Tyka Nelson, Prince’s sister. She was visibly choked up as she told us how much our love meant to Prince and as she sang his words. Her version of “The Ladder” took me to church and it was only right that she came back for the closer, “Purple Rain.” Shelby J’s performance of “Nothing Compares 2 U” with St Paul Peterson, who sang lead on The Family’s original, was spine-tingling. The song that took me down was “Sometimes It Snows in April” though, performed so beautifully by NPG’s Cassandra O’Neal. I had only been talking in the intermission about how that song is the one that still makes me cry, and again I found myself wiping tears away as she delivered this beautiful ballad. The wonderful thing about Prince’s back catalogue though is that you’re never left crying for too long. He might be gone, but he’s left us with so many reasons to dance.

Nothing Compares 2 Prince was a fantastic tribute to one of the music world’s brightest stars. The advertisements told us the event wasn’t affiliated with or endorsed by Prince’s estate, but if he could communicate with us I have a feeling he’d give this show his tick of approval.

Image source: Stephen Katulka