Category: Reviews

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Love Like Hate Ready for English Summer Tour

Brisbane’s dark pop duo Love Like Hate released their EP Unnoticed late last year, but I’ve only just gotten around to listening to it. I’m so glad that I did. I already knew I loved the singles – “Electric Ships” and “Unnoticed – but I didn’t expect the other three songs to make up this release to be just as strong.

Its second song “Bright Eyes” is my new favourite I think. Its lyrics are exceptional and its driving beat compelling. I’m not sure whether it was written about a school shooting, but I couldn’t help but imagine a student struggling to fit in and striking back as I listened to it. The closer “Ride This Down,” which shows a softer side of the band, is so poignant and haunting. What a beautiful way to end an exceptional release.

Apparently Love Like Hate have been kicking goals overseas, but we’ve got them back for their English Summer tour this week. They’ll fit in the following local shows before heading to the United Kingdom for a headline tour (dates to be announced).

17 May 2015 – Fox Hotel, Melbourne (18+)
29 May 2015 – Captain Cook Hotel, Sydney (18+)
6 June 2015 – Brisbane Hotel, Hobart (18+)
21 June 2015 – Brisbane Powerhouse, New Farm (ALL AGES – FREE AFTERNOON SHOW)

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

“The Bones of Us” – Eliza Hull

Eliza Hull wears her heart on her sleeve with her debut album The Bones of Us. It’s an evocative title which indicates just how raw this release is.

The haunting opening number “Walk Away,” drew me in to the album immediately. “Caught” is the perfect follow-up. I love how delicate this song is. It shows that fragility of early relationships so beautifully. But these two tracks are just some of the highlights of this gorgeous release. I appreciated the way that Eliza’s voice melded with Texture Like Sun on the single “Used To” when it was released and it sounds just as special in amongst the other tunes. I felt the pain of “Skeleton” and was floored by the achingly beautiful “Bella Lou.” A song like this, with just an angelic voice and a piano, shows the power that simplicity can bring. The final song “Head Above Water” is such a strong, triumphant closer.

This intimate album drew me in from the first listen, but something tells me I’m going to love it even more with subsequent listens. The Bones of Us is just one of those releases, something fragile, beautiful, and incredibly special.

The Bones of Us is in stores now.

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

“Piranha” – Naked Bodies

A band called Naked Bodies was probably never going to release an album that was middle of the road. But their name still didn’t quite prepare me for the eclecticism of Piranha, a collection of songs that may be more diverse than any I’ve encountered this year. A harsher critic might say it’s too diverse, but I’ve got to admire its boldness.

The opening “Ugly Morning” has a bluesy gangster feel while the follow-up track “Ride On” has more of a surf rock vibe. “Hollywood Boulevard” feels like a cut from a Tom Petty album, all jangling guitars and easy sun-drenched vocals. The single “Dirty Plate Blues” is every bit as dirty and bluesy as you might expect from its name. “Moonlight Love Song (For the Folks)” feels like it could have come from a classic film score, although it’s got a psychedelic bent that makes it just a little more unhinged than “My Favourite Things.” “Monkey Blues” has the sort of title that makes you think it’s going to be a novelty track, but this proud blues number is so profoundly moving. “Circus Song” is just as kooky as a song closing such an eclectic album should be.

Piranha’s not the perfect album. It’s a bit rough and raw, and it’s so diverse that it risks alienating listeners. However people with an open mind will appreciate that this is an album that pushes the boundaries and always entertains.

Naked Bodies will support Piranha’s recent release with the following shows in June.

5 June 2015 – Gasometer Hotel, Collingwood
6 June 2015 – Sooki Lounge, Belgrave
7 June 2015 – Barwon Club, Geelong
12 June 2015 – Miami Marketta, Gold coast
13 June 2015 – Black Bear Lodge, Brisbane
19 June 2015 – Rad Bar, Wollongong
20 June 2015 – Brighton Up Bar, Sydney
21 June 2015 – Front Bar and Gallery, Canberra
27 June 2015 – Brisbane Hotel, Hobart
4 July 2015 – Bridge Hotel, Castlemaine

Image used with permission from Naked Bodies

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

“Should I Be” – Michelle Serret-Cursio

Just in time for Mother’s Day, Melbourne songstress Michelle Serret-Cursio has released her debut album Should I Be. Her name might not be familiar to you but her face probably is. Michelle’s been a lead vocalist on Dancing with the Stars for years, and she also performed as part of Team Joel on the first season of The Voice. She’s also provided backing vocals for some of the country’s brightest talents including Tina Arena, John Farnham, and Olivia Newton-John.

Michelle’s skills as a vocalist are undeniable. She effortlessly puts her stamp on mum-friendly favourites like “I Will Always Love You,” “Crying,” “Tennessee Waltz,” and “My Heart Will Go On.” Singing in other languages in the Celine Dion smash, her take on “Crying,” and “La Vie En Rose” also doesn’t seem to phase her.

But it’s when Michelle steps away from the covers that I feel she really excels. The ballsy title track shows much more personality than the predictable numbers mums are sure to love. I’m not as enamoured with the dancy “Here I Stand,” which feels just a little too electronic to gel with the rest of the album, but I’ve got to admire that she’s doing something different.

I’m not sure whether Should I Be will cut through enough to see Michelle move away from life as a back-up singer or TV performer, but it should put smiles on the faces of any mums lucky to receive it this Mother’s Day. And that might be good enough.

Image used with permission from McGill Publicity

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Mark Seymour @ Lizotte’s Kincumber, 18 April 2015

This review is well overdue. I’ve been hit with my fair share of illness over the last few weeks, so getting myself to a computer, let alone forming coherent thoughts about gigs past, was an ask. However, I’m drugged up enough on a chemical cocktail to keep the symptoms of my middle ear infection at bay so it’s time to put fingers to keyboard.

I really wish I wasn’t sick on April 18. I was so psyched for my final gig at Lizotte’s Kincumber, but with a nasty cold taking over my body getting myself there was a slog. Thank god for kind trivia buddies who assumed the driving duties.

It might have been the illness that left me a little underwhelmed by support act Glenn Watson. He was a cutie and he had a guitar, which were two ticks against his name, but something about his music just didn’t rev me. There was the occasional track that I enjoyed, but his set didn’t quite get out of second gear for me, or for the crowd who kept their conversations buzzing throughout his performance. Perhaps if he played more of the covers he promised (at the end we just heard a little of Coldplay’s “Fix You” during one of his originals) maybe he would have brought us back.

I was a bit worried that even Mark Seymour couldn’t rouse me out of my illness funk, but I needn’t have been concerned. That man has such gravitas. He really was the perfect artist to see for my last show at the Cubby House. He played acoustic with a buddy whose name escapes me, which is a shame because their harmonies were sublime. The set was punctuated with Hunters & Collectors classics, but there were plenty of solo songs that I was less familiar with. Lizotte’s is the sort of place to hear that type of music. It’s a small venue, a quiet venue, the kind of place that draws you in and encourages you to listen to the lyrics. God they were good. I appreciated that just as much as singing along to the biggies like “Throw Your Arms Around Me” and “Holy Grail.”

I really wish I could have been in better spirits for my last Lizotte’s show. I am going to miss that venue like no other. Thank god Lizotte’s Newcastle is a relatively short drive down the freeway, because New South Wales needs places like this where you can really hear artists and enjoy some of the best food and wine around. Lizotte’s Kincumber might be gone, but Coasties must remember that Lizotte’s in Newcastle lives on.

Image source: Stephen Katulka

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

“Bossa Nova Baby” – Juliana Areias

I love hearing all kinds of music, so when Perth-based Brazilian jazz singer Juliana Areias sent me her first original album, Bossa Nova Baby, I was thrilled to dive right in.

It’s interesting listening to an album that’s almost exclusively in Portuguese, the universal language of bossa nova. I’m ordinarily a person that clings on to lyrics. Without that, I had to stop and think about how the music made me feel.

That evolved for me the more I listened to Bossa Nova Baby. I found myself enjoying the songs, which made me shake my hips and tap my toes. However, there was a little voice in my head saying “Gee it’s a little loungey.”

It’s a criticism we’ve heard countless times on those musical reality shows. Artists are told that they don’t want to sound like a lounge act, and we all accept this as being universally true. But the more I found myself enjoying these songs, I wondered whether loungey really is all that bad.

Juliana transported me to a lounge in an exotic holiday destination. As I listened to her songs I imagined myself sipping a cocktail, watching her and a brass band play as all of my troubles melted away. Upbeat tracks like “Missão” and “Maré Cheia” make me want to salsa around my lounge room. However, with tracks like “Inocência,” Juliana wears her heart on her sleeve. I wasn’t sure quite what she was singing about, but the sadness the song conveyed came through despite the language barrier. I also loved the vibe of the only English-language song “Night in Takapuna.” Its flute is such a beautiful accompaniment for Juliana’s pure voice.

Bossa Nova Baby might be a little loungey, but I’d be happy to visit any lounge where Juliana Areias played.

Image source: Juliana Areias Soundcloud page

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

The Eagles @ Qantas Credit Union Arena, Sydney – 2 March 2015

As The Eagles get ready to kick off their New Zealand shows, I figured it was high time that I found a moment to look back at their Sydney gig last Monday. Before I started to write I thought I should look back on the review I wrote of their 2010 gig. I remarked on some of the same things I found myself marvelling at four years later: the effortless harmonies, the timeless quality of the songs, and the way that age has not wearied these talented musicians.

You might expect that without a new studio album release since 2007, the show would be pretty much the same as it was years ago. However, the History of the Eagles moniker gave it a new complexion which I really loved. I’ve always believed that the real beauty of a live show is the opportunity to learn more about the songs and to hear the stories of the artist. If I just wanted to hear the songs, I’d stay home and listen to a CD. While some hecklers didn’t seem to warm to The Eagles’ ruminations, I lapped up every minute of the coolest history lesson of my life. The show started out with just Glenn Frey and Don Henley, the way the band began, playing “Saturday Night” on acoustic guitars. This was just one of the lesser known tracks that made sense in this concert format.

Before long Glenn and Don were joined by founding member Bernie Leadon (who wasn’t present last tour), Timothy B. Schmidt, and Joe Walsh. The simple acoustic numbers gradually gave way to stirring electric full band performances, and songs from the vault gave way to radio staples. I was raised on The Eagles, so I knew most of the songs and was thrilled to hear the ones I never expected. “Doolin’-Dalton” and the reprise of “Desperado” were great surprises, although that’s to take nothing away from the songs I’d suspected would make the list. The Eagles have so many songs that you can never take anything for granted after all. “Already Gone” had me punching my fists in the air, Timothy B. Schmidt’s vocals in “I Can’t Tell You Why” blew me away all over again, and “Life in the Fast Lane” really rocked.

I did miss the solo Henley and Frey songs we were treated to last time, but when a band of 60-year-olds play until 11:30 it’s hard to be too critical. The decision to keep Joe Walsh’s solo shining moment, “Rocky Mountain Way,” in the second encore was enough to make amends. I couldn’t help but rise to my feet in appreciation when they closed with “Desperado.”

I loved the Eagles last time, but in sharing their history the Eagles created a show that was even more appealing this time around. I have no idea how long guys in their mid-60s can keep on doing this, but I’ll keep on fronting up so long as they do!

Image source: Wikimedia

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

“Through the Forest” – Benny Walker

I was captivated by Benny Walker when I heard his single “The Fool” a few weeks ago. Now that I’ve had the chance to listen to his latest album Through the Forest in its entirety I’m completely enamoured.

The title track is such a stunning introduction to this album. It feels epic and important, forcing you to sit up and pay attention. The following track, “Time,” sees the album settling into a gentler groove yet Benny somehow does that without losing intensity. It feels so seasoned, remarkably so for just his second album. Every song is exquisite and expertly crafted, so it’s so hard to pick favourites. But I loved the soulful sexiness of “Don’t Cut Me Down,” with its brassy instrumentation and Benny’s effortless falsetto. “No Refunds,” a song of longing for a love gone wrong, nearly brought me to tears.

They just don’t make music like this anymore. Through the Forest reminded me of a great album from an artist the calibre of Bruce Springsteen, The Eagles, or Tom Petty. It has such a cool blend of rock, country, blues, and folk. My only complaint is that at just nine songs, it felt over far too soon.

Through the Forest is released on March 6 through Black Murphy Records. Remember that Benny’s supporting the album with the following shows.

7 March 2015 – Moama Bowling Club, Moama
13 March 2015 – Twilight at Taronga Zoo, Sydney (supporting Dan Sultan)
27 March 2015 – Darwin Railway Club, Darwin
28 March 2015 – The Arnhem Club, Nhulunbuy
9 April 2015 – Skukum Lounge @ The Junk Bar, Brisbane
10 April 2015 – Thornbury Theatre, Melbourne
12 April 2015 – Newtown Social Club, Sydney
18 April 2015 – Suttons House of Music, Ballarat
19 April 2015 – The Wheatsheaf Hotel, Adelaide
24-26 April 2015 – Mount Beauty Music Festival, Mount Beauty
1 May 2015 – Beaches Hotel, Thirroul
3 May 2015 – Rhythm Hut, Gosford
6 May 2015 – Mothers Milk, Sawtell
10 May 2015 – Redcliffe On the Murray, Pinjarra

Image used with permission from Chrissie Vincent Publicity

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

“Gareth Jay” – Gareth Jay

It’s been a little while since I’ve heard any really great new blues music. You know the stuff, the music that feeds you soul and bubbles over with passion and heart. So I was really excited to stumble across the self-titled EP from Sydney’s Gareth Jay.

The opening track “Fiend” had me from its intro with its acoustic guitar and rich harmonica. Once his husky voice entered the mix I was sold. This song just oozes sex.

The follow-up number, “Crave,” kept me enamoured. If the lost love this song was written about didn’t go back to Gareth after hearing it she’s crazy. I think I’d forgive almost anything if anyone was inspired to write a song like this for me.

The heartbreak continues with “It’s Not Me, It’s You.” It covers familiar ground but Gareth is so talented that it feels fresh.

“Why Don’t You Just” feels like it’s come out of America’s Deep South rather than the streets of Sydney. It’s swampy and raw and oh so good.
The closing track “Tempt Me” has a real organic, spontaneous energy. It feels like the sort of thing you might expect Gareth to improvise on stage with his bandmates, unpolished and honest.

After listening to all five tracks I had to play them again. And then again. What a wonderful introduction to this talented musician. I expect massive things when Gareth Jay releases his first full-length album this May.

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Uncle Jed @ Lizotte’s, Kincumber – 15 February 2015

As I sat in Lizotte’s Kincumber on Sunday night, I couldn’t help but do it with a twinge of sadness. It was the second-last show I had booked before the venue’s closing. I thought about that as I ordered the tempura prawns and herby battered fish and chips, two of my favourite items from Lizotte’s ever-changing menu. I poured over the wine list and figured it was time to try the Lizotte’s label sav blanc, knowing that I’d soon to have to drive to Newcastle for a glass. I thought about it as I watched the bands play intimate music so close to me, so easy to hear in this crowd of music lovers. The Central Coast is very lucky to have this venue which always makes a concert just that little bit better.

After all, I have only a vague recollection of Michael Duchesne’s time on The Voice, yet as he graced the Lizotte’s stage I was captivated from the first note. I think a venue like Lizotte’s encourages you to listen to lyrics and subtle nuances. Small songs work well here as opposed to network TV, and that’s where Michael excels. I could have listened to his voice all night, its warm richness and its raspy breaks. His originals were so impressive and his covers of songs by Bread and the Doobie Brothers were inspired. Needless to say, I left with his EP.

I was there to see another TV show success, Uncle Jed. I’ve actually never watched a full episode of Australia’s Got Talent, but they captivated me on the ads so I’d religiously get on YouTube and see what they were doing. They were one of those bands that I always meant to see, but hearing they were wrapping up Uncle Jed to launch another musical project gave me the impetus I needed. Again, Uncle Jed is a band that really deserves a space like Lizotte’s. Their songs are intimate and personal. They draw you in with lyrics that perfectly match their sublime harmonies. I knew I’d enjoy the songs they did on AGT like “Brother” and “Give Me Love,” but covers I hadn’t heard like “Latch” and “Everybody Here Wants You” were revelations. New songs from their next band Luna Grand ensure that this isn’t the last we’ll see of this talented act.

I wondered as I left where bands like this will play on the Coast when Lizotte’s Kincumber closes its doors. It’d be a shame to put them into pubs with inattentive patrons and poker machines. Perhaps bands will just start bypassing my local area and only playing Newcastle and Sydney. Whatever happens, I’m just glad I could see artists of this calibre playing at Lizotte’s Kincumber one last time.

Image source: Stephen Katulka