Category: Reviews

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

“Nobody” – The Ruiins

I’ve been sitting on this review for a while, because it’s much more fun to listen to The Ruiins’ new EP Nobody than write about it. I’d have the best of intentions of putting my ideas down, but before long I was singing along to a chorus or grooving my body to the beat. When you’re lost in the music like that, you don’t want to analyse it. You just want to be.

Starting an EP with an instrumental intro is a bold choice, but it gives a great taste of what’s to come. Big driving drum beats, a tune that’s catchy as all get out. It tantalises us like a good entrée, making us salivate in anticipation for the main course.

The next song “Drowning” feels like a single already. It has such strong vocals delivering lyrics with heart, those big drums moving everything forward and encouraging us to tap our feet in time.

“Love Can Start a War” isn’t such a heavy hitter on the surface, with a gentler feel than the tracks that came before, but it packs a real emotional punch with powerful, gritty vocals. These vocals ensure tracks like this and “The Season,” the songs where the band eases their foot from the pedal just a little, never become background music.

It’s so hard to pick a favourite on such a quality collection of songs, but “Water & Waves” might just have the edge here. It’s got such a great summery feel with a hard-hitting sucker-punch of a chorus. It puts a big smile on my face every time.

Bands rarely save their lead singles to the end of an EP, but The Ruiins’ unconventional approach pays off here. I’ve already waxed lyrical about the quality of this song. The title track makes sure “Nobody” ends on a high, ensuring as a listener you feel so good about the EP that you want to press play again. And again. And again. Just six tracks has got me well and truly hooked on The Ruiins.

Nobody is available from all your favourite digital music providers now. The Ruiins will play some local shows to celebrate its release in June.

8 June 2018 – The Cambridge, Newcastle
9 June 2018 – The Union Hotel, Sydney
15 June 2018 – Great Northern Hotel, Byron Bay
16 June 2018 – The Pink Motel, Gold Coast

Image used with permission from Who Collective

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

“Hard Expectations” – Mahalia Barnes + The Soul Mates

Hard Expectations is the third album from Mahalia Barnes + The Soul Mates. It’s been three years in the making, so the title track may be a commentary on how this tight soul outfit feel releasing some new music into the world. If there were nerves though, they don’t show. This is one of the best soul albums I’ve ever heard.

Soul music, real soul music, seems to be a dying art these days. Today what passes as soul seems to have vocal acrobatics and rap breaks. While musical evolution can be important and exciting, it’s refreshing to hear an album like this that takes a genre back to its roots. Listening to Hard Expectations, it’s easy to mistake it for a collection of covers. Its songs are the kind of songs I thought people don’t write anymore. However, in truth just two tracks aren’t original. Curtis Mayfield’s “Hard Times” and The Pointer Sisters “You Gotta Believe” sit comfortably along numbers penned by The Soul Mates and Mahalia’s longtime family friend Don Walker.

Opening track “Love is Fleeting” starts the album with a bang. There’s such a strength in this song. Love might be fleeting, but she’s going to get her man. There’s more strength in the Don Walker-penned “Hard Expectations,” a track which reminds a man that he needs to measure up and meet the standard.
After a few hard-hitting numbers, Mahalia and her band slow things down with “My Love.” There’s a gorgeous tenderness in this song. Her voice is complemented beautiful by the warm brass section and her superb backing vocalists.

“Shake Things Up” might be my favourite track on the album. It’s got such a great groove and a fantastic message about going your own way. “Three Times + I’m Gone” has such an infectious honky-tonk feel. I can imagine being in a smoky bar somewhere, seeing Mahalia and her band play this, and it sounding just like it does on the record. There’s such a spontaneous energy about what they’ve laid down here.

In truth I could tell you how good every single song is though. There are no filler tracks here. That’s unsurprising considering the level of talent in this band. Think Joe Bonamassa, Kirk Fletcher, Prinnie Stevens, and Jade McRae, to name but a few. And of course, the incomparable Mahalia Barnes. Its no coincidence her name is out front and centre. If there was any doubt about it, this album establishes Mahalia Barnes as one of the greatest soul voices in this country.

Hard Expectations is in stores now.

Image used with permission from Ferris Davies PRM

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

“All Worthwhile” – Figurehead

The members of Fremantle band Figurehead might be fresh out of high school, but they’ve just released their second EP All Worthwhile.

This collection of songs has all the passion and enthusiasm you’d expect from a bunch of teens. While this is their second EP, these guys are still delightfully rough around the edges. Acts with indie pop-punk leanings shouldn’t have too much polish though. I think their rawness is one of their strengths.

This is a band who writes about what they know. They’re young guys, so it’s only fitting that their song of heartbreak opening the EP is about a cancelled bus route, not a woman.

Tracks like “Ear to Lend” and “Fade” explore relationships in the way only teens can. I felt a sense of nostalgia listening to these songs about navigating those complex couplings and figuring people and their true motivations out.

“Suits” might be my favourite track on All Worthwhile. It’s got such an infectious energy about it. It’s the kind of track that makes you want to dance like no one is watching.

The whole EP is solid stuff though, the kind of recording that hints at big things from these guys. They’re a little green right now, but they’ve got considerable charm and a massive future ahead.

All Worthwhile is available now from all your favourite digital outlets.

Image used with permission from Jared King PR

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Jimmy Barnes @ Civic Theatre, Newcastle – 6 April 2018

Jimmy Barnes was the first musician I ever saw live. I’ve lost count of the number of times I’ve seen him perform since that 1991 show, but I’ve never seen him as I did last Friday night at Newcastle’s Civic Theatre. I thought I had an inkling of what to expect, as we saw him at Lizotte’s just before his Working Class Boy tour kicked off last year. That show incorporated stories and songs, so I expected more of the same. However, this time the musical performances took a backseat to the tales from Jimmy’s second book, Working Class Boy.

This show takes the audience on the journey through Jimmy’s fame, from Cold Chisel’s early days through his solo career, warts and all. There’s no sugar coating here. The highs are high and the lows can be very low. He might have been a hero to so many Australians, but Jimmy doesn’t paint himself that way. He’s not afraid to speak candidly his struggles with addiction, his failures in relationships with industry colleagues, friends, and family, his battles with mental health and self-acceptance.

You can’t tell the stories of Jimmy’s career without music though. A video screen beamed film clips and concert footage, which Jimmy would comment on while many of us sang along. I don’t think he could have gotten away without taking the mic for a few musical performances though. As someone who’s seen Jimmy several times, I relished the opportunity to hear him play material a little unexpected. From a cover of The Turtles’ “Happy Together,” one of the songs the members of Cold Chisel used to sing in the milk van as they made their way to Armidale, to a stripped back version of “Still on Your Side,” a dedication to the people who put up with so much from Jimmy through all these years.

People who expect an equal measure of stories and songs in Working Class Man: An Evening of Stories & Songs might be disappointed. My mum was, as she felt like she’d heard it all before from reading Jimmy’s book. For her the show was tedious, with not enough music for her liking. However, I was thrilled to see something new from Jimmy, something that was so powerful and personal. While Jimmy’s book was brave, there is a certain kind of disconnect that comes from putting something down on paper, while you’re alone, then releasing it into the world. When you’re standing on a stage, looking people in the eye as you talk about taking so many drugs that you’re not sure whether you’ll wake up in the morning or attempting to take your own life, those walls are gone. We rarely see blokey men like Jimmy speaking about the need for therapy and having conversations about mental health and addiction. It’s powerful and, as someone whose family has been touched by suicide, I think it’s necessary.

Leave your preconceptions at the door and embrace what Working Class Man: An Evening of Stories & Songs is; not your average Jimmy Barnes concert but an incredibly moving night from one of Australia’s most important entertainers. The tour will make the following stops around Australia.

13 April 2018 – Empire Theatre, Toowoomba (SOLD OUT)
14 April 2018 – The Star Theatre, Gold Coast (SOLD OUT)
18 April 2018 – Bunbury Regional Entertainment Centre, Bunbury (SOLD OUT)
19 April 2018 – Perth Concert Hall, Perth (SOLD OUT)
21 April 2018 – Keith Michell Theatre, Port Pirie (SOLD OUT)
22 April 2018 – Thebarton Theatre, Adelaide (SOLD OUT)
26 April 2018 – Frankston Arts Centre Theatre, Frankston (SOLD OUT)
27 April 2018 – Costa Hall @ Geelong Performing Arts Centre, Geelong (SOLD OUT)
28 April 2018 – The Palais Theatre, St Kilda (SOLD OUT)
29 April 2018 – Ulumbarra Theatre, Bendigo (SOLD OUT)
2 May 2018 – Centennial Hall @ Sydney Town Hall
3 May 2018 – Centennial Hall @ Sydney Town Hall (SOLD OUT)
7 May 2018 – Isaac Theatre Royal, Christchurch
8 May 2018 – Isaac Theatre Royal, Christchurch (SOLD OUT)
10 May 2018 – Michael Fowler Centre, Wellington
11 May 2018 – Spark Arena, Auckland
12 May 2018 – Claudelands Arena, Hamilton
20 May 2018 – Darwin Entertainment Centre, Darwin
22 May 2018 – Tank Arts Centre, Cairns (SOLD OUT)
23 May 2018 – Tank Arts Centre, Cairns (SOLD OUT)
25 May 2018 – Townsville Entertainment & Convention Centre, Townsville
26 May 2018 – Mackay Entertainment & Convention Centre, Mackay
27 May 2018 – Pilbeam Theatre, Rockhampton
29 May 2018 – Caloundra Events Centre, Caloundra (SOLD OUT)
30 May 2018 – Saraton Theatre, Grafton
1 June 2018 – Joan Sutherland Performing Arts Centre, Penrith
2 June 2018 – Concourse Concert Hall, Chatswood
6 June 2018 – Civic Theatre, Newcastle
9 June 2018 – Palais Theatre, Melbourne
10 June 2018 – Thebarton Theatre, Adelaide

Image used with permission from Ferris Davies PRM

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

“This Home is Mine” – Stumps

I must admit, I didn’t get Stumps’ new EP This Home is Mine right away. It felt like this Sydney band was trying too hard to be The Smiths. But I have a rule that I won’t turn off any recording before it gets to the end. I know bands have spent time slaving away in the studio laying down their tracks, so they deserve to be heard out.

It all clicked for me somewhere around the third track, “Matthew McConaughey.” I found myself having fun, tapping my feet along in time with the chorus, which clicks this song into gear. From that moment I was firmly on board.

After listening to this EP once, I felt compelled to go back to the start and try again. Second time around, those early tracks made so much more sense to me. Each song from This Home is Mine is like a sucker punch. Not one clocks in at over four minutes – most tracks are around the three-minute mark – so there’s no time for the band to muck around. They go hard, dropping F-bombs and embracing big chords and thumping drums.

Stumps won’t be everyone’s cup of tea, but This Home is Mine is bloody good fun. It’s bold and raucous, unashamedly unapologetic. Crank it up and give it a chance. If you’re like me, you’ll be glad you did.

I have an inkling this music is going to sound even better in a packed pub with a beer in hand. If you do too, make sure you don’t miss Stumps’ upcoming shows.

14 April 2018 – Waywards, Sydney (supporting Maddy Jane)
20 April 2018 – Gasometer, Melbourne (supporting Maddy Jane)
2 May 2018 – Black Bear Lodge, Brisbane (FREE)
4 May 2018 – Waywards, Sydney
5 May 2018 – Yah Yah’s, Melbourne (FREE)

Image used with permission from Beehive PR

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

“Resurrection” – Daniel Lee Kendall

After a four-year absence from the music scene, Daniel Lee Kendall is back with Resurrection, a new EP which may be his strongest collection of songs yet.

It opens with “No Longer Time to Pretend,” a groovy indie pop pleaser which sends a strong message about living your truth. “The Girl With the Stripe In Her Eye” swept me up in a wave of good vibes. It reminded me of a Paul Simon song, with its clever rhythms and intricate musicality.

“Sweet Sweet Reality” might touch on a relationship that didn’t work out, but it’s happily cathartic rather than mournful, about moving forward rather than dreaming. “Time” discusses similar themes in an equally upbeat fashion. There will be tears, and you can certainly experience them, but don’t lose sight of all the good things life offers too.

There’s a beautiful vulnerability in “Take a Chance on Me,” perhaps my favourite track on the EP. It has such heart. “A La Pyrenees” is a surprising closer. Stripped back with only an acoustic guitar, it stands out among the richly layered tracks on this EP. And did I mention it’s all in French? I caught only a few familiar words I remembered from high school, but it’s a powerful reminder that music is a universal language. It’s beautiful.

Resurrection marks a welcome return to the music industry for Daniel Lee Kendall. Like a fine wine, he’s one of those artists that seems to get better with age. It’s ear-pleasing from the first listen, a real delight.

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

“Suitcase of Stories” – Mastin

The artist formerly known as Reece Mastin has worked hard to make the transition from teen idol to serious adult musician for some time now. The release of Change Colours in 2015 was a key part of that evolution, but it seems to be complete with Suitcase of Stories, released under the new moniker Mastin.

Suitcase of Stories takes off like a shot with the rollicking “The One That Never Gets Away.” It’s got a classic country-blues feel and a dark sexiness about it that I love. There’s a similar brooding sexuality in “The Problem.” It’s a great blues ballad which explores the kind of messy love that makes for the best kind of songs.

“Tell Me All About It” may be the emotional heart of this EP. It’s dark and brooding, with searing lyrics and perhaps the greatest vocal performance of Mastin’s career. It packs such an emotional punch, I got chills.

The single “Not the Man For You” brings the mood back up. It’s a cheeky blues-rock anthem, the kind of track we couldn’t have imagined Mastin releasing in his pop idol days.

The title track is a real showstopper. On an album driven by big rock sounds, this stripped back ballad really stands out. Once again, Mastin wears his heart on his sleeve, with powerfully passionate vocals and honest lyrics.

Suitcase of Stories is an outstanding collection of songs that leaves no doubt that Mastin is an artist to be taken seriously. Forget everything you thought you knew about it him and listen with an open mind. I have no doubt you’ll be impressed.

Mastin kicks off his album tour this month. The Sydney date formerly announced is now cancelled with the closure of The Basement, but hopefully that can be rescheduled soon. Fans in other parts of the country can see him at the following venues.

13 April 2018 – Saloon Bar, Launceston
14 April 2018 – Waratah Hotel, Hobart
20 April 2018 – Shoalhaven Bowls Club, Shoalhaven
21 April 2018 – Waves, Wollongong
29 April 2018 – Fowlers, Adelaide
3 May 2018 – Lismore Workers Club, Lismore
4 May 2018 – Surfers Paradise Live, Gold Coast (FREE)
5 May 2018 – The Brightside, Brisbane
6 May 2018 – Sold Bar, Maroochydore
10 May 2018 – Transit Bar, Canberra
19 May 2018 – Winton Supercars, Winton
25 May 2018 – Grand Hotel, Mornington
27 May 2018 – Max Watts, Melbourne
15 June 2018 – The Grand Central Hotel Midland, Perth
16 June 2018 – The Charles Hotel, Perth
12 July 2018 – The Loft, Warrnambool
13 July 2018 – The Workers Club, Geelong
14 July 2018 – SS&A Club, Albury (FREE)

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

New Power Generation @ Enmore Theatre, Newtown – 28 March 2018

It’s amazing to think it’s been nearly two years since we lost Prince. Perhaps because his music hasn’t really left me. I was blasting Sign O’ The Times in my car only yesterday and I’ve seen several tribute acts over the period. I’m still not ready to say my goodbyes, which is why when New Power Generation announced some Bluesfest sideshows I had no hesitation in snapping up tickets. Friends seemed bemused that I’d spend money on the “backing band,” but with such stellar musicians and Prince’s incredible body of work to look forward to, I knew this gig would be one hell of a party.

It kicked off with Frank Sultana, who I would have loved to see but missed in favour of getting my carb fix across the street. My friend and I had the best of intentions of setting off early, but when she couldn’t make it to my house until two-and-a-quarter hours after our intended departure time, we knew we’d have to make the choice between support act and dinner. While we love music, the stomach always wins.

By the time we took our seats the room was well and truly warmed up and ready to receive music from these talented musicians just one step removed from the legendary Prince. The set was an exciting one, celebrating the music NPG made with Prince while touching on some of the important music he made without them. Guest vocalists Tamir Davis and Mackenzie Green sent an emphatic message to anyone who wondered whether they could handle Prince’s back catalogue. They slayed numbers like “Nothing Compares 2 U,” “Seven,” and “Gold.” There were a few originals thrown in for good measure, which as a die-hard Prince fan I could probably have done without, although they sent a strong message that NPG are more than simply Prince’s backing band. In fact, they’re one of the tightest musical outfits I can remember seeing. Guys like André Cymone, Morris Hayes, Kirk Johnson, and Tony Mosley are next-level talents.

While I had front-row dress circle seats, I found myself splitting my time between them and up the back, so I could dance. Songs like “U Got the Look,” “1999, “I Could Never Take the Place of Your Man,” and “Controversy” aren’t meant to be experienced sitting down. Up the back with others who had also abandoned their seats, there was such a camaraderie, an unspoken understanding that we all felt these songs to the depth of our souls.
“Purple Rain” would have been the natural closer, but it also would have been a bit cliched. And no one wanted to leave the venue after hearing something so heavy. So I was thrilled it was only the penultimate track. Instead we went out dancing to “Alphabet St.” I think that’s just what Prince would have wanted.

Prince might be gone, but thanks to musicians like New Power Generation he is far from forgotten. They are doing a remarkable job of keeping his legacy alive. I am so thrilled I got to spend time in the presence of their musicianship and Prince’s incredible songs, even if it was without the man himself.

Image source: Stephen Katulka

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

John Waite @ Wests Leagues Club, Newcastle – 27 March 2018

After four decades in the business, it’s amazing to think John Waite’s current Australian tour is his first. But it was a tour worth the wait for the faithful who’ve flocked to intimate venues around the country to see this talented British singer-songwriter.

Sarah McLeod was an inspired choice of opener. She’s such a warm, giving performer, with a killer voice that really shines in an acoustic setting. Her last album Rocky’s Diner was one of her finest in my opinion, a masterclass in songwriting with stripped back tracks telling some incredible stories. Songs from that release were showcased along with some surprising covers like “House of the Rising Sun” and a clever mash-up of Mahalia Jackson’s “Lord Don’t Move That Mountain,” George Gershwin’s “Summertime,” and Leadbelly’s “Where Did You Sleep Last Night?” Her version of Max Merritt and the Meteors’ “Slipping Away” had everyone singing along. By the time her set was done, my mum was singing her praises and declaring her one of the best new acts she’d seen. Something tells me she wasn’t the only one in that room “introduced” to her talents.

Firstly, I want to apologise for the quality of my John Waite photo, the best of a bad bunch. It seems my lesson on how to adjust the shutter speed on my camera came a day too late. After 40 years in the business though, I don’t think John would mind images being a little out of focus. He’s not aging badly, but like all of us the years are showing.

This was billed as an acoustic tour, but there were plenty of tracks delivered with a full band. The show started boldly with “Midnight Rendezvous,” from John’s time in The Babys, and “Change.” Two of my favourites, “Every Time I Think Of You” and “When I See You Smile,” came next, making me think John had better pace himself. You don’t want to show all your cards straight up!

I think they got the balance right, although the stripped back numbers were my favourites. They let me hear the lyrics of songs I wasn’t so familiar with, like “Bluebird Café” and “Downtown,” so clearly and give me a greater appreciation of his talents. They also gave John the opportunity to talk to the crowd about his life and experiences. After 40 years in the industry, there are some stories to tell. He also got the chance to tell us what this tour means to him and how much fun he’s having in this country.

I needn’t have worried about John running out of steam, because the back end of the show had us in raptures. “Missing You,” one of my favourite songs of all time,” was utter perfection. A cover of “All Along the Watchtower” let John’s band shine. “Isn’t It Time?” gave John the opportunity to bring back Sarah. Needless to say, we didn’t miss The Babettes who lent their vocals to the original recording. The set left no stone unturned, so I was sure there’s be no encore. Then nervous when I heard the opening strains of “Whole Lotta Love.” John’s voice had been superb all night, but surely he was nuts to take on Robert Plant! He proved me wrong, rocking just as hard with one of the greatest vocal performances I think I’ll ever witness.

It’s always a concern when someone tours here so long after their heyday that they will be past their prime. But age hasn’t wearied John Waite. His voice is so strong and his songs incredible. I went in only knowing a handful but left the venue determined to track down more. Whether you’re a long-time fan or a casual listener like me, the Wooden Heart tour is not to be missed. Tickets are still available for all remaining dates.

3 April 2018 – Astor Theatre, Perth
5 April 2018 – The Gov, Adelaide
6 April 2018 – Evan Theatre, Penrith

Image source: Stephen Katulka

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

“Exile – Songs & Tales of Irish Australia” – Various Artists

I’m not sure where I was in 2016, when a wealth of Australian and Irish talents played the ABC’s Radio National of Exile shows in Melbourne and Brisbane, but the concerts certainly passed me by. Hearing about them doesn’t even trigger a vague memory. However, I’m glad the songs performed as part of these shows are now seeing the light of day as Exile – Songs & Tales of Irish Australia.

This is such an intriguing recording, with songs that tell the story of Irish immigration to Australia, the impact that relocation had on the Irish people who decided to call Australia home and the difference their presence made to our wide brown land.

It’s a diverse album which captures the spirit of Irish people so well. Normally I gravitate to songs with lyrics I can latch onto, but I loved the beautiful instrumental pieces like “O’Carolan’s Welcome” and the stirring “The Orphan/Australian Waters.” “Na Conneries,” performed by Pauline Scanlon, shows the power of a single, pure, beautiful voice. It gave me chills.

Songs like “Moreton Bay,” performed by Declan O’Rourke, and “Mary Kate,” performed by Lynelle Moran, have such a timeless quality. There’s a gravitas about these songs we rarely hear in modern music.

“Silvermines” drew me in to its story of a young Irish woman making her way through the world in such challenging circumstances. Leah Flanagan shines on this track, which may be my favourite on Exile. I also felt my soul stir listening to “Cry of A Dreamer” performed by Sean and Aine Tyrrell.

And you know you’re in good hands when industry legends Paul Kelly and Shane Howard team up for “Farewell Dan and Edward Kelly.” John Spillane’s “Ireland and Australia” is such good fun, the kind of raucous track that calls for a sing-along with pint in hand.

With almost a third of Australians claiming some degree of Irish ancestry, this is an album sure to resonate with many people living here. Exile – Songs & Tales of Irish Australia is out now. Find it in digital stores and physical record stores, where it’s bundled with a live DVD.

Image used with permission from Universal Music Australia