Category: Reviews

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Bacardi Express @ Newcastle Panthers, 27 March 2010

Long time readers of my blog would have some idea of the music I embrace and the concerts I tend to frequent. None of these readers would expect to find me at a Bacardi Express show, yet when a couple of complimentary passes were thrown my way I figured “Why not broaden my horizons?”

I felt like a bit of a fish out of water as I queued with all the young things at Newcastle Panthers. I haven’t been into a nightclub for more than a decade, and I didn’t quite know what to expect. I certainly didn’t expect to have such a good time.

After DJ Sampology warmed up the crowds, the Cassette Kids took to the stage. After interviewing them earlier in the month I developed a soft spot for these talented young Aussies, and they didn’t let me down. Lead singer Katrina is such a compelling performer; I couldn’t take my eyes off her. She thanked the growing crowd for arriving early, and they responded to the big hits “Spin” and “Nothing on TV.” They might have been the first act on the bill, but for me they were the best.

I was also impressed with Miami Horror, although I admit I couldn’t place them until they performed “Sometimes.” I hadn’t heard any of their other material before, but their retro pop influences made the tunes feel familiar nonetheless. As a child of the 80s, I really enjoyed their synth driven sound and happily danced along with the growing throng.

Continue reading “Bacardi Express @ Newcastle Panthers, 27 March 2010” →

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

“Ten” – Gabriella Cilmi

I received Gabriella Cilmi’s sophomore album Ten last week, and I’ve been listening to it sporadically ever since. So many CDs take up permanent residence in my stereo, but this one requires smaller doses.

The problem is that it’s all very samey. Gabriella is clearly enamoured with vintage disco; think Donna Summer and the Pointer Sisters. Upbeat pop gems and softer ballads alike blaze with synthesizers and 80s electro beats. It feels more like a guilty pleasure than the follow-up work of a multiple ARIA Award winner.

The current single “On a Mission” is a real standout, a fist pumping energetic dance track which has me reaching for my nearest hairbrush. The upbeat ditties that follow are also very strong, and when you think you can’t handle another dance track the romantic “Defender” is a welcome change of pace.

But at this half way point the album takes a bit of a nosedive. “Robots” is inoffensive but the lyrics are more than a little silly. “Superhot” also suffers from some juvenile lyrics and grating vocals. I know Gabriella’s a young woman, but this song feels less mature than anything on Lessons to be Learned. The electro revamp of “Sweet About Me” was frankly unnecessary; if you can’t improve on the song, why redo it? The second half of Ten feels like it has a lot of filler, which is surprising considering how much time has elapsed between albums number one and two.

I definitely don’t hate Ten. It’s frothy and fun; the kind of CD I’d put on to power through the housework or fire up a party. But if it replicates the success of Lessons to be Learned, I’ll be very surprised.

Ten is available in stores now.

Image source: auspOp

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Down the Way – Angus & Julia Stone

One of the best things about writing this blog is the music I have access to. Angus & Julia Stone’s sophomore effort Down the Way hits stores tomorrow, but I’ve already had a week or so to let this beautiful music wash over me.

Beautiful is the word that I keep coming back to with this album. It truly is a thing of beauty, whether the tracks are delicate and unadorned or lush tapestries of sound. Down the Way has both kinds of songs and they help to support one another, taking us on a journey that’s been two years in the making.

It’s an easy journey, relaxed and comforting. The songs are gentle but passionate, obviously crafted with love. They sneak up on you too, easing underneath your skin with every listen. There are no obvious singles, although the gorgeous “And The Boys” has been selected as the album’s first. That’s a strength though; rather than an album mixed with show ponies and fillers we have a record that’s a truly cohesive body of work. That’s surprising considering songs were recorded everywhere from Cornwall to Coolangatta, but it’s a credit to the band.

“For You” is my favourite song at the moment, although with an album like this that’s always subject to change. Right now though, the understated piano and deeply emotive lyrics are striking a chord. “Black Crow” feels like it could have been written thirty years earlier, with Angus’ easy folk voice and its mellow grooves. “Draw Your Swords” is an epic number, and I can’t imagine a more perfect conclusion than the gorgeous “The Devil’s Tears.”

Down The Way is the ideal soundtrack for lazy Sundays and quiet nights in. It will hit Australian record stores tomorrow ahead of the UK and European release on March 15 and the North American release on March 30.

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Josh Pyke @ Lizotte’s, Kincumber – 27 February 2010

This weekend was busier than most for me; I saw George Michael live on Friday and on Saturday I caught Josh Pyke wrapping up his acoustic tour. While George Michael is at home entertaining the masses in a stadium, Josh Pyke seems made for intimate gigs like that I witnessed at Lizotte’s in Kincumber.

Before Josh even graced the stage I was in a good mood. While the busy restaurants at Sydney’s Fox Studios saw me grabbing a lukewarm pie at the football stadium on Friday, Lizotte’s treated us to a feast. Good wine was paired with delicious dishes like prawn and lobster tail ravioli and chicken breast supreme. I was already grinning from ear to ear when support act Russell Crawford began his set. I liked him instantly, a quirky singer songwriter delivering tunes on keyboards. Think Ben Folds without the angst. His music wasn’t especially challenging, but it was easy on the ear.

But Josh Pyke was the real attraction. When he stepped up the quiet chatter stopped and the room was transfixed. It’s always a treat to see a performer at Lizotte’s, a venue which holds no more than 100 lucky music fans. It takes intimacy to a new level, feeling more like a jam session amongst friends than a concert. Seeing Josh Pyke live makes you realise just how many hits he’s had. While he was still spruiking his latest disc Chimney’s Afire, his set also drew heavily from his breakthrough debut LP Memories & Dust. There were a couple of new tracks too, a hint at what’s next to come. He chatted easily with the crowd, joking with the girls singing along enthusiastically down the front and explaining the inspiration behind many of his songs.

I could not have asked to attend more different concerts this weekend; one a superstar performing on a grand scale, the other a more modest show in a stunning location. Just as I was glad to see George doing his thing on Friday, I am thrilled to have experienced Josh Pyke up close and acoustic at my favourite venue.

Image source: Stephen Katulka

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

George Michael @ Sydney Football Stadium, 26 February 2010

Australia has seen its fair share of disappointing comeback tours of late. There was lip-synching, lacklustre Britney. There was Whitney, who probably should have used a backing track. But on Friday night, George Michael bucked the trend to deliver one of the most entertaining concerts I’ve seen.

This was the concert I’ve waited my entire life for. He promised us early that he’d try to make up for lost time, and his greatest hits set was the perfect way to make amends for a 22-year absence. This wasn’t lip service; George Michael is a man who embraces both his past and present. He doesn’t shy away from Wham classics, performed in their original campy pop glory, or those early hits from the Faith album. As an 80s tragic I was on my feet to the energetic rendition of “I’m Your Man” and breathless at some of my favourite ballads, “A Different Corner,” “One More Try,” and “Father Figure.” I didn’t expect that they’d all make the set, let alone the first half of the show, and couldn’t wait to see what came after intermission.

The second half was generally more upbeat than the first, a celebration that seemed almost like a warm-up to Mardi Gras. George showed us that he’s got all the energy of a much younger man as he strutted the catwalk in cheeky police garb during “Outside.” “Amazing,” his dance tribute to partner Kenny Goss, was another highlight, as was the amped up version of “Spinning the Wheel.”

The encores were the perfect way to cap off an incredible night. Hearing him perform “Careless Whisper,” with its familiar saxophone riff and the lyrics I’ve sung into a hairbrush a thousand times, was one of the coolest moments of my life. “Freedom ’90” was a fitting closer, a number that saw us all singing loudly and waving our arms in the air in appreciation.

In comparison to other big name acts like Madonna and U2, George Michael’s show was remarkably low-key. There were no back-up dancers or pyrotechnics. The images projected onto big screens were simple. But the fact is, George doesn’t need any of that flash. His voice is still sublime. He oozes charm. And his back catalogue is incredibly strong. Sydney’s Football Stadium is a massive venue, but George managed to entertain every person inside it. George promised us early that he’d try to make up for lost time, and he did just that.

Image source: Yves Lorson @ Wikimedia Commons

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Rob Thomas @ Hope Estate, 13 February 2010

I have been a Rob Thomas fan for almost half my life. I have never missed a tour, so you can bet that when he announced he was bringing his Cradlesong shows Down Under I was first in the queue to get tickets.

But as the day approached I began to get a little nervous. The unsettled weather we’d experienced in the past week filled me with dread, as did the grey skies I saw as we made the drive out to Hope Estate.

But I was determined not to let anything dampen my good mood. I was seeing Rob Thomas after all. But before that, it was time for Ryan Meeking and the Few to take the stage. I was so excited to see this band after falling in love with their EP Night Owls. What a shame that after just a handful of songs those heavens opened up, putting an abrupt end to their set.

And didn’t it rain. I had never truly been soaked to the skin before, but now I know what that phrase means. The water was everywhere, in our bags, all through our clothes. Boy I felt for those poor folks in general admission who were told they couldn’t bring in chairs! But as they say, what doesn’t kill you makes you stronger. An experience like that sees you chatting to perfect strangers and funnily enough, still smiling.
Continue reading “Rob Thomas @ Hope Estate, 13 February 2010” →

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

"Wine & Consequence" – Jack Carty

It may be Monday, but I’m still in a weekend frame of mind. That relaxed vibe can largely be attributed to Jack Carty’s debut EP Wine & Consequence, my soundtrack for today.wineconsequence

Jack creates the perfect music for the morning after. His softly spoken vocals pair perfectly with his acoustic guitar strummings. It’s a back to basics sound, unadorned and full of truth. It doesn’t grab you by the throat like so many CDs, preferring instead to crawl under your skin slowly. I’d listened to the disc three times before even realising it.

Of course, that laidback folky sound may be background music to many people. But I love the disc’s relaxed feel. It takes you back to Jack’s sleepy hometown of Bellingen, taking you away from the hustle and bustle of modern life. Every track is strong, but the epic “Satellite” is the stand out for me. In the longest track on the EP, it just seems Jack has a little more room to play.

I remember kicking myself for missing Jack’s set at the Joshua Radin concert, and now that I’ve been given his EP I’m kicking myself just that little bit harder. I won’t make the same mistake again.

Image source: Inertia

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Wes Carr and Ian Moss @ Davistown RSL, Davistown – 19 December 2009

On Saturday night Wes Carr and Ian Moss wound up their touring partnership with a show at Davistown RSL. This Central Coast club seemed an unlikely choice for such a significant gig. The buzzing acoustics, the likes of which you’d never hear in a more upmarket venue, filled me with early trepidation. But as the night wore on it I forgot about the imperfections and had a fantastic time.

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Wes Carr kicked off the night with a passionate acoustic set. Considering his set drew not from his Australian Idols covers repertoire but from his debut album The Way The World Looks, Wes won over the audience remarkably quickly. It didn’t take long for him to pack the dance floor with folks who may not have known the music, but appreciated the tunes all the same. His bluesy take on “Jumping Jack Flash” was a highlight for the predominantly older crowd, but for me personal favorite “Hurricanes” and the energetic “Feels Like Woah” were something special. I also loved a new song he wrote with Josh Pyke; I can’t wait to see what else came out of that writing session.

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It was clear that this was an audience that wanted to party, and Mossy picked up on that. I’ve seen him in acoustic mode for the last few tours, so hearing him electric again was almost a shock. But boy that man can rock. He performed some of the most upbeat tracks from his latest covers album Soul on West 53rd, along with some of his best loved solo and Cold Chisel classics.

The acoustic guitar came out every now and again, but for the most part the evening was about rocking out. Personally I wish he’d played some of the slower cuts; his covers of “Let’s Stay Together” and “What Becomes of the Broken Hearted” are incredible. But I can’t fault Mossy for giving the people what they wanted!

A spontaneous “guys against girls” singing contest during “Saturday Night” was lots of fun. While no winner was officially declared, I’m pretty sure we edged out the blokes.

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Mossy brought back Wes Carr for the first encore. Witnessing them singing “Flame Trees” together was one of those very special musical moments, the ones were you are so conscious of experiencing something amazing. Wes stuck around for Otis Redding’s “Shake,” another classic cut given new life by these talented performers.

It may not have been technically perfect, but Saturday Ian Moss Wes Carr show was so much fun that it’s easy to forgive the flaws.

Image source: Lauren Katulka

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

The Whitlams and Sydney Symphony Orchestra – Sydney Opera House, 5 December 2009

This week I was lucky enough to receive tickets to the final show of The Whitlams’ latest Sydney Opera House run. A night out at one of Australia’s most gorgeous live music venues with one of the country’s best bands backed by the state’s symphony orchestra. How could I say no?

I’ve seen The Whitlams at countless sweaty pubs and music festivals over the years, but this was a real step up. I’ve heard The Whitlams perform with orchestras on television before, but nothing can quite compare with seeing it for yourself. The songs take on a new life with soaring strings and resonating percussion.

The tracks from The Whitlams’ breakthrough, Eternal Nightcap, were the centerpiece of the show. The band played the album in its entirety, stretching across the first act and into the second. The album’s eclectic appeal means that unlike so many discs, there really aren’t any fillers. “No Aphrodisiac,” “You Sound Like Louis Burdett” and “Buy Now Pay Later” were obvious highlights, but the symphonic makeovers held us transfixed for the songs even Tim Freedman panned.

With that album out of the way The Whitlams treated us to highlights from the rest of their exhaustive back catalogue. I’ve heard “Blow Up The Pokies” so many times on the radio, but the symphonic backing made it particularly stirring this time around. I was also thrilled to hear personal favourites like “The Ease of the Midnight Visit” and “Fondness Makes the Heart Grow Absent” given the orchestral treatment.

The encore was particularly touching. Tim took the stage without his bandmates to sing the poignant “The Curse Stops Here,” a tribute to the band’s other founding members Stevie Plunder and Andy Lewis. You could have heard a pin drop. But the band couldn’t leave us in that dark place for long, with Jak Housden, Warwick Hornby, and Terepai Richmond returning for a rollicking rendition of “Gough.”

I seem to be gushing about so many concerts these days, but I’ve been lucky enough to see some truly brilliant music. Saturday’s show was definitely up there with the best of them.

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

David Campbell @ 16 Footers, Belmont – 28 November 2009

I love Australian music, but it takes a very special performer to compel me to buy tickets for each and every tour. David Campbell is one such talent. I caught the Good Lovin’ tour when it rolled around the first time in March, but was keen to go back for a second serve on Saturday night.

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While it was still called the Good Lovin’ show, I definitely wasn’t seeing the same concert. While many performers recycle their set lists and even their jokes as they tour about the country, David Campbell always appears fresh. He may have played gigs every day for months, but he didn’t show any signs of fatigue.

The set list was really different from the one I enjoyed in March, but with such an extensive back catalogue to draw from that’s never a bad thing. The sixties album Good Lovin’ was featured of course, with both album tracks and a few more inspired choices from the era. Chicago’s “Saturday In the Park” was lots of fun, and you could have heard a pin drop in the romantic ballad “Smoke Gets in Your Eyes.” Then there were the standards drawing from both Swing Sessions CDs. Cole Porter’s “Begin the Beguin” was another showstopper, while “Just a Gigolo” and “That’s Life” saw everyone singing along. A Louis Prima medley featuring The Jungle Book’s “I Wanna Be Like You” and “Pennies from Heaven” was another great surprise. David went back even further with tracks from Shout, his first big break in this country. We were treated to a taste of David’s forthcoming Broadway album with “Bring Him Home” from Les Miserables, a profoundly moving performance that leaves me desperate to hear the new disc. His version of his father’s classic Cold Chisel number “Flame Trees” was also incredible.

The songs may have been markedly different, but their familiarity and David’s charisma helps make the eclectic mix work. I don’t think there’s a better showman in this country. He jokes easily with the audience, sharing anecdotes and delivering witty one-liners. He gyrates his hips like a modern day Elvis, making his female fans squeal with delight. But just as easily as he can make the room move, he can make it stop. He delivers a ballad like no one I’ve ever seen, with such a compelling stillness and conviction. With equal measures of heart and humour, David Campbell delivers one of the best shows I have ever seen in this country. I already can’t wait for the next tour.

Image source: own photo