Category: Reviews

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

“Glasshouse Living” – Molly Contogeorge

It took just five songs for Sydney singer-songwriter Molly Contogeorge to knock my socks off with her new EP Glasshouse Living.

The disc opens with “Lead On, Lead On,” a self-assured track which acts as the perfect introduction for newcomers. Molly takes things down a notch with the title track, but it’s an easy groove rather than a sleeper. Just when I thought I might have Molly pegged she took me somewhere different with “Lock and Key.” This brassy number shows another side, with plenty of sass and conviction. But Molly’s not all edges. The following track “Why” is a lush ballad with a palpable ache. “Off I Go” plums similar territory, but in a more minimalist way. This song proves the power of a lone voice and a piano. Without all the noise around it, those heartfelt lyrics really have time to breath.

Glasshouse Living is an eclectic mix, but Molly’s piano playing and delicate voice, dripping in soul, anchor the tracks. They show her to be a dynamic and enigmatic musician. I can’t wait to hear more!

Image used with permission from Molly Contogeorge

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Melissa Etheridge @ Opera House, Sydney – 11 July 2012

We’ve all got those albums that nurse us through hard times. You move on from those moments, but they always occupy a special place in your heart. Melissa Etheridge’s self-titled album was one of those discs for me. It was on my periphery on its release, but eight years later when I was a teenager pining over a relationship that never was it all clicked. Melissa’s raw emotion and the lyrics she wrote echoed the heartbreak I felt like nothing else could.

It was that connection I felt so many years ago that took me to the Sydney Opera House on Wednesday night. We’ve bought gotten older, but it was wonderful to cross paths again.

The Melissa of today is much more optimistic than the one that delivered that painful debut. That spirit was encapsulated in her opening number “Fearless Love.” She soars in those strong powerful numbers, but I was thrilled to see she can still tap into that hurt from years gone by. I was floored by a stripped back version of “Precious Pain,” one of the little known numbers from that first disc. The desperation of “I Want to Come Over” was palpable, and the anger of “Somebody Bring Me Some Water” filled the room. Newer positive songs like “Falling Up” can’t quite match the intensity of those earlier tracks, but they bring some necessary balance to her set. So too does her easy banter with the crowd. Her joy at performing in Australia after so long, at a venue she holds in such high regard, was evident.

Melissa closed the night with “Like I Do,” a number that’s everything I love about her. She rocked hard and left her heart on the stage. This tour was a long time coming for her fans, but she gave us everything we could have wished for. Hopefully we won’t be waiting so long for the next go round.

Image source: Angela George @ Wikimedia Commons

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

“Behind the Stars” – Paul Greene & the Other Colors

There’s not a lot of flash or fanfare to Paul Greene. When he releases a new album the industry barely murmurs. Yet he continues to be one of Australia’s most consistent singer-songwriters.

The rest of the music world might not be making a lot of noise about Paul’s latest album Behind the Stars, but the disc has taken up permanent residence in my stereo. It’s one of those albums that makes you want to press play again the moment that the final track ends.

I was surprised by the opening title track; it’s very different to that easy pop rock I associate with Paul Greene. That difference isn’t a bad thing though. It’s a beautiful tune, with haunting vocals and lovely lush orchestration. After that somewhat experimental number, Behind the Stars settles into a more familiar feel. Don’t mistake that familiar feel for being middle of the road. It’s a gift to create music so instantly accessible.

I found myself writing copious notes about the tracks as they washed over me. I noted the great bluesy groove of “Her Minor Key,” the striking simplicity of the romantic “Enough of You,” the no frills John Cougar Mellencamp vibe of “What You’ve Got Goin’ On,” and the cheerful mood “Bad Luck Lately” put me in.

But then I realised I could say something positive about every single track on the disc. There are no fillers here; it’s just a good honest album jam packed with good honest song writing and genuine talent. Behind the Stars is another solid stunner from Paul Greene.

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Lisa Mitchell @ Christ Church Cathedral, Newcastle – 4 June 2012

On Monday night I braved the cold and set off down the freeway to catch the first show of Lisa Mitchell’s Heavenly Sounds tour. I’m not religious, but the opportunity to see this exciting singer-songwriter perform in Newcastle’s stunning Christ Church Cathedral was too tempting to refuse.

Georgia Fair warmed up the crowds with their harmony-laden brand of folk music. I’ve seen the lads perform a few times now, but against the dramatic church setting they delivered perhaps their best set yet. The superb acoustics of the church worked well with their stripped back style, and I lapped up every second of it. Of course, there was more to come.

When Lisa Mitchell took to the stage it became clear that this wouldn’t be just another musical performance. She started her set reading some poetry from John Burroughs before welcoming her musicians and supporting vocal trio on stage. It was an unusual beginning, but one befitting a night with this quirky talent. She played a few gorgeous new songs before pleasing the masses with “Neopolitan Dreams.” I’ve always loved this whimsical track, and it sounded especially good in the church.

That easy mix of old and new tunes continued throughout the evening. She chatted shyly in between the songs. That banter still doesn’t seem to come naturally to the softly spoken singer, but I appreciated the effort. I also found it interesting to watch her stammering, then singing so effortlessly. She’s clearly a girl most comfortable making music.

While leaving Lisa to perform solo, her band discovered the lunar eclipse outside. She was desperate to see it too, but dutifully played a few more numbers before rushing off. An encore was inevitable, but the break allowed her to see the sky’s performance. She assured us there’d be a little left after she played some more, and sure enough we managed to see the tail end of it as we left the church. Staring up at the moon was a fitting end to a night that wasn’t religious, but definitely felt spiritual. Lisa Mitchell has the voice of an angel, and it’s impossible to be unmoved as she encourages you to chant with her or clap along. If the Newcastle show was any indication, fans are in for a real treat as Lisa takes in churches around the rest of the country.

Image source: Wideangle@108dB @ Flickr

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Prince @ Brisbane Entertainment Centre, Brisbane – 18 May 2012

I wrote this post sitting at Brisbane Airport, preparing to return to my real life and reflecting on a wonderful weekend. So many factors made it special: reconnecting with good friends, dancing until the wee small hours with boys that were far too young, singing songs around an RSL piano, drinking amazing wine. But at the heart of it there was Prince. He was the man who inspired me to make the trip to Brisbane to begin with, so perhaps it’s fitting that his Friday night show was one of my long weekend’s highlights.

I started to feel that thrill of excitement before the doors even opened. There’s something special about standing in a sea of folks dressed in purple whose excitement is just as palpable as yours. That frisson reached fever pitch as we stepped inside and took in the iconic love symbol shaped stage. It escalated again when a lone guitarist appeared to serenade us for a bit with an introduction to “Purple Rain” before the full band and Prince himself graced us with his presence and a killer rendition of “Jam of the Year.”

And what a presence it is. I was so struck by him, spellbound as I watched him dance and sing, using the full extent of that big stage, playing to the entire room despite its size. I found myself thinking about other entertainers he reminded me of: Little Richard, Michael Jackson, Jimi Hendrix. He’s all that and more. A born showman who is completely captivating and utterly sexy.

And he’s got the songs to match that electric stage presence. There were some notable absences, but I suppose that’s inevitable for a man with such an impressive back catalogue. He certainly crammed as much as he could in, even if it meant singing just a snippet of some like “Pop Life” and “Darling Nikki.” “Let’s Go Crazy” and “1999” were electric, and the unexpected appearance of “Shhh” made me weak at the knees. Hearing him sing “Purple Rain” will stick out as one of my most treasured concert moments. Sitting in a room illuminated by the light of thousands of mobile phones – the new cigarette lighters – was incredible. Watching purple glitter fall as the song snaked towards its epic conclusion is something I’ll never forget. “Kiss” was perhaps the perfect closer, cheeky and playful and everything Prince showed us he is.

I travelled a long way for the performance but it was definitely worth it to bask in his aura for a few hours. When I told people I was going to see Prince a few suggested he might be past his prime. However on reflection it seems the Purple One is just warming up.

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

“The Cat & The Fiddle” – Tomas Strode & The Tour Guides

I needed some cheering up this week. I’ve been battling a cold for far too long, and it’s leaving me tired and cranky. Tomas Strode & The Tour Guides managed to lighten my mood with their charming new EP The Cat & The Fiddle.

The opening title track charmed me from the get go. I loved the way the rough vocals contrasted with the song’s fairytale imagery and sweet harmonies. It captivated me from start to finish, and I couldn’t wait to hear what came next.

The problem with setting the bar so high though is that it’s difficult to hit it again. The remaining four tracks were definitely enjoyable. I loved the sweetly whimsical lyrics, which referenced nursery rhymes and children’s games. The music was also adorable, with traditional instruments complemented by real toys. But none of the songs quite captured the same magic as the opener.

Tomas Strode & The Tour Guides create really interesting music which takes the listener back to a simpler time. At its best it’s stellar, and when it’s less than that it’s still gorgeous. I’m not sure whether one of their songs will enchant me the way “The Cat & The Fiddle” did, but I look forward to hearing more of their stuff to find out!

The Cat & The Fiddle EP is available through Tomas Strode & The Tour Guides’ Bandcamp page. Victorians can see Tomas Strode & The Tour Guides launching the EP with an expanded eight-piece band at Fitzroy’s Evelyn Hotel on May 20.

Image source: Tomas Strode & The Tour Guides Bandcamp page

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

David Campbell @ Civic Theatre, Newcastle – 21 April 2012

Last week David Campbell took me back to my childhood when his Let’s Go tour touched down in Newcastle. I expected big things from the show. I knew I’d be treated to songs from my favourite decade of music, and I’ve never left a DC show without a big smile on my face. Predictably he didn’t let me down.

As the lights came up we were instantly transported back to the 80s. The band wore more neon than I’ve seen for years, and the lights were straight out of the period. It was perfect. He opened with the title track, “Let’s Go” and barely took his foot from the throttle as he treated us to songs from the album and other 80s favourites. As a child of the 80s those unexpected gems were some of the night’s highlights for me. His stripped back version of “Every Time You Go Away,” beginning with an a capella section, was breathtaking. His take on “Knew You Were Waiting,” with back-up singer Josie Lane stepping into Aretha Franklin’s shoes was so much fun. And his version of “Power of Love” was even more awesome after hearing his story of performing it as a teen beginning his journey as a musician. Those tales really made the night for me, the reminiscing about buying Smash Hits magazine and recording songs from the radio using the old two-fingered method. They were probably lost on certain sections of the audience, but as a 30-something I was right there with him.

I’ve always loved seeing shows at Newcastle’s Civic Theatre. It’s such a beautiful venue, so intimate and so well appointed. But it may not have been the best place to see David Campbell. I spent so much of the night dancing in my chair, dying to do more. As he started “Goody Two Shoes” it all got too much and Mum and I jumped out and found a quiet corner to dance. The theatre’s not really the place to do that, but who can sit down with that sort of music?

The show was brilliant but it probably wasn’t the right venue. Thankfully David’s announced some more dates later this year. I think I might have to go back for a second helping!

Image source: Stephen Katulka

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

“The Grey Pelican” – Andrew Drummond

Sydney singer-songwriter Andrew Drummond charmed me this week with his new EP The Grey Pelican.

There’s nothing fancy here, but the five tracks are beautifully crafted. Andrew’s voice reminds me a little of Tim Freedman’s, although the anchoring presence of the acoustic guitar gives the music a very different feel from The Whitlams back catalogue.

The strong lyrics really struck me. I was so glad they were printed in the liner notes so I could pore over them. The words aren’t particularly pretty, but there’s an honesty about them that helps the songs pack a real emotional punch. The subject matter is very dark at times but it’s framed in such a clever way that we never feel bogged down.

The opening track “Morning Light” is a gentle introduction to Andrew’s music, beautifully built but paled by the haunting “Solitary Space” that followed. “I Can Feel You” is a particularly poignant name for the third song, as I truly could feel all the emotions that come with losing a loved one as Andrew sang about it. “Wander Aimless” was perhaps the weakest track, with repetition that started to feel tired towards the end rather than driving the point home. However the EP was definitely redeemed with the closing number “Northern Poet.” It’s such a gentle and poignant song, but sometimes the best numbers aren’t the ones that scream the loudest.

The Grey Pelican isn’t perfect, but it moved me. Andrew Drummond should be proud of these five songs. I look forward to seeing what comes next.

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Annabelle Kay @ Lizotte’s, Kincumber – 12 April 2012

This concert review is way overdue. There were birthdays, a few days away in Port Stephens, and a nasty cold I’m still fighting, so it’s only now that I’ve had time to cast my mind back and reflect on the wonderful music I heard in Lizotte’s on April 12.

It was a stormy miserable night, the kind of night that tempts even the most serious music lover to pike on the cheap tickets they’ve already bought and rug up in front of the television. After all, we bought the tickets for Annabelle Kay’s show after hearing just one song, her cover of “The Real Thing” on Adam Hills’ In Gordon Street Tonight. But I didn’t pike, and once I was toasty warm in “the cubby house,” with a full belly, and being soothed by some gorgeous music I was glad I’d made the effort.

Dominique Morgan and two of the members of her outfit The Six Dollar Shoes kicked off the night with some bluesy folk music. I loved Dominique’s sultry, husky voice, and the stripped back sound of her band. I’m not sure what they sound like when they’re full strength, but the acoustic mode really allowed their songs to shine through. I want to make special mention of the drummer, who provided the backbone of the songs by banging on a box with his bare hands and feet. Their originals were surprisingly tight for an outfit that had only worked together for a few months. I also appreciated the covers that peppered their set. Their takes on “Steal My Kisses” and “Purple Haze” showed this is an act with real diversity.

Then it was time for Anabelle Kay, the local girl who’d captivated me with her unique voice and folky sound on television. As a newcomer to her music I didn’t know any of her songs, but this was the perfect setting for an introduction. In such intimate settings with stripped back instrumentation, often just Anabelle herself on a guitar, ukulele, or mandolin, I could hear each and every lyric and truly appreciate the melody behind them. I was a little disappointed she didn’t play more songs with the mandolin, the instrument that first attracted me to her, but it was a minor quibble on a night of such glorious music.

As my husband and I looked around the crowd it felt like we were surrounded by the friends and family of the artists that appeared. It’s encouraging to see musicians so well supported by their loved ones, but I hope it’s not too long before these two awesome acts earn some mainstream recognition.

Image source: Stephen Katulka

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Howie Day @ The Standard, Sydney – 30 March 2012

On Friday night I enjoyed one of the best nights of live music I have in some time at The Standard. American singer-songwriter Howie Day drew me in, but some exemplary supports made the night something truly special.

I fell in love at first note with Patrick James, a sweet young acoustic guitar-playing troubadour from Port Macquarie. He was a cutie, but his modest personality and superb lyrics really won me. Despite being a support act the crowd around me was so respectful that I could really take in the words he sang. Just when I thought his set couldn’t get any better he was joined by his banjo-playing pal. Together they created the perfect indie folk tunes to set the stage for the evening ahead.

I must admit, I was flagging after Patrick. Pub gigs always get so late for this middle-aged music lover! I whispered to my husband that I wished there wasn’t another support act; I wanted to hear Howie and head on home! But there was Brendan Maclean, a magnificent musician who turned my fatigue around. He made a big impression with his colourful jacket and Dwayne Wayne style sunglasses, but as his first impassioned piano driven song unfolded it was clear this guy wasn’t just about looks. His set flew by with quirky originals and cover versions of songs by Leonard Cohen and Lady Gaga. You’re not going to find that combination very often folks! Whether on piano or his beloved ukulele Murphy Brown, Brendan wowed me.

And then there was Howie Day. He’s still largely unknown in this country but I’ve been following his career for the past decade. In fact, my husband and I realised as we sat waiting for him to appear that we’d seen him first eight years ago in New York City. It was the first show we ever saw together, something I was thrilled to tell the man himself once his set wrapped up. But before I reverted to teenage fangirl it was time to soak up his brilliance. His set drew from his three albums and the brand new EP Ceasefire, something that pleased a long-time fan like me greatly. The simplicity of his lone acoustic guitar and plaintive vocals was matched perfectly by his tech wizardry. What that man does with looped recordings blows my mind each time I witness it. It’s such a neat trick that he uses like a pro, making the right songs feel bigger and more lush. However in the more intimate tunes like “She Says” and “No Longer What You Require” he does away with the trickery and lets his guitar and voice speak for themselves. It’s just magic.

I didn’t leave The Standard until around midnight. By that time I’m usually long tucked up in bed. I was exhausted, but so thrilled to have seen such a brilliant set from one of my most beloved musicians along with two more from new favourites. It doesn’t get any better than that!

Images source: Stephen Katulka