Boorloo/Perth born, Nashville-based singer-songwriter Felicity blew me away with her recent single “I’ll Have What He’s Having.” Now that I’ve had an opportunity to listen to her sophomore EP 4PM in the Morning, I’ve discovered that was no fluke. It might be a little early to call it my favourite EP of the year, but it’s certainly a contender.
You know what they say about the best things coming to those who wait? Fans have been waiting years for Walyalup/Fremantle act Lloyd & The Leftovers to drop their debut album, and now their patience has been rewarded with the release of Spin the Wheel.
For not the first time last night, I found myself marvelling at how lucky the Darkinjung Country/Central Coast community is to have a venue like Avoca Beach Theatre. It’s a place that champions not just live music, but original Australian music. It’s an intimate venue, one where you can go to hear artists with an audience who respects what they’re doing. Even in the support act, you won’t hear a peep, unless of course the artist encourages us to sing along. Only occasionally will you see someone raise their phone to capture a photo, but then it’s put away as they give themselves over to the music once more. You rarely see people getting up mid-set to head to the bar. They’re too busy being in it. The older I get, the more annoyed I become at all those things that take me out of the music and the more I appreciate venues that let me revel in it.
It’s so satisfying watching a band come of age. With the release of their sophomore EP an introduction to a theme last year, I noted that Naarm/Melbourne-based band PRETTY BLEAK had dropped “their most cohesive and compelling body of work to date.” They continue their upward trajectory with their latest offering, coming to terms with it all.
Naarm/Melbourne-based artist Kevin Silvester is making a splash today with the release of his bold debut EP, O2. With its high-octane fusion of pop and rock sounds and introspective lyrics, this release is impossible to ignore.
Cardboard Cutouts cement their reputation as one of the most exciting new rock acts in the country with the release of their debut album, Politics and Footy Tips. With raw lyrics, honest vocals, and an epic sound, this Jagera, Giabal, and Jarowair Country/Toowoomba-based band checks all the boxes, and then some.
Eora/Sydney act A Swift Farewell show they’re a band unafraid to take risks with their latest release, Hollow Threats. This six-track EP sees them evolving from the pop-punk act we once knew to a grittier emo act.
The first time I saw Anthony Callea, he was performing the songs of George Michael at Taronga Zoo. I was so impressed that I’ve seen him several more times over the years. So it was a bit of a full-circle moment to catch him at the Civic Theatre on Saturday night reprising those George Michael classics. This time around, though the show’s gotten a bit bigger with the addition of his husband Tim Campbell and some Elton John classics. It all added up to a hell of a lot of fun.
The release of The Deluge by Fanning Dempsey National Park was one of the unexpected joys of 2024. The coming together of Bernard Fanning and Paul Dempsey, two of the country’s most respected singer-songwriters, on original ’80s-inspired music was heaven. So I was thrilled to see them bring this album to life, and so much more, at the Civic Theatre on Friday night.
After wowing me with her relatable pop songs for nearly a year, Ama has released her debut EP. Julie’s House is a gorgeous collection of coming-of-age songs that has really struck a chord with me.