Category: Tours

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

“In Purple” – Ocean Alley

I hear an awful lot of music in my line of work, so when something different hits my inbox my ears prick up. That’s why I’m really responding to Ocean Alley and their sophomore EP In Purple.

They first caught my attention with the recent single “Muddy Water,” the final track of the EP. This strong track makes the ideal closer to this six-track collection, but there’s plenty to delight before it hits.

“Muddy Water” had a surf rock sound which only hinted at reggae and psychedelic sounds. They’re much more prominent on the other tracks, and I don’t just mean because one’s called “Space Goat” (despite seemingly having little to do with livestock). The songs are full of sexy grooves and infectious hooks. I appreciate party songs like “Twisted” and “Those Daze” most, but couldn’t help appreciating the daring of the epic “Sleepwalking.”

In Purple is a little rough around the edges, but I think its rawness is endearing. It adds a sense of authenticity that’s missing in many more polished recordings. Ocean Alley are currently touring the EP around the country. You can catch them at the following venues.

17 September 2015 – The Brightside, Brisbane
19 September 2015 – Great Northern, Byron Bay (FREE)
20 September 2015 – Sounds of Sunday, Gold Coast (FREE)
25 September 2015 – Uni Bar, Wollongong
2 October 2015 – The Evelyn, Melbourne
15 October 2015 – Oxford Arts Factory, Sydney

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Doctor Goddard Channel The Doors with “Without Love”

I almost dismissed Doctor Goddard as a bunch of Doors wannabes. The comparisons between the music they’re producing and the work of the legendary rock band are inescapable. But then I got to thinking and decided I might have been a little hasty.

Because the thing is, we don’t have The Doors anymore. Or at least, we don’t have the Jim Morrison fronted Doors, and anything that follows is never going to compare. Remaining members might tour from time to time, but they’re a band frozen, trying to recapture a time when they had one of the greatest lead singers the world had ever seen. But Blue Mountains outfit Doctor Goddard are here, making new music like their latest single “Without Love.” And if I’d never heard of The Doors, I would have judged this song on its own merits as something, dark, brooding, and really interesting.

If you dig what they do, make sure you get along to the single launch at Sydney’s Goodgod Small Club on October 2.

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

“Stories” – At the Dakota

I rarely hear music coming out of the Northern Territory. I’m not sure whether that’s because there aren’t enough musicians up there, or because they just don’t filter down to us here in the southern states. But either way, I’m really glad I have been able to listen to one of the few bands bucking the trend, At the Dakota. This Northern Territory outfit have just released their debut EP Stories, and it’s one of the coolest recordings I’ve heard in some time.

It opens with “Peach Hat,” a summery, breezy song with rapid-fire vocals. I instantly warmed to its cool quirkiness. “Jonestown” showcases a mellower side of At the Dakota. I love its sexy blues groove. The title track “Stories” is another solid indie pop ditty, with some of the EP’s best lyrics. The EP closes with “Stumptail,” which won the People’s Choice – NT Song of the Year 2015. I can understand why. It’s got some of the most impassioned vocals on the EP, and a great sing-along chorus.

At the Dakota have a great energy, with a fantastic pop sensibility that never strays into the predictable. In just four songs they’ve won me over.

Stories is out now. To celebrate its release, At the Dakota are touring around the country next month. Catch them at the following venues.

1 October 2015 – Darwin Railway Club, Darwin
2 October 2015 – Ric’s Bar, Brisbane
3 October 2015 – Shamrock Hotel, Toowoomba
9 October 2015 – Grace Darling Hotel, Melbourne
17 October 2015 – Hotel Metropolitan, Adelaide
23 October 2015 – Four5Nine Bar, Perth
24 October 2015 – The Prince of Wales, Bunbury
31 October 2015 – Epilogue Lounge, Alice Springs
13 November 2015 – Discovery Darwin, Darwin (supporting The Rubens)

Image used with permission from RISH Publicity

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Hands Like Houses Ready for First World Tour

Aussie rock act Hands Like Houses are preparing to kick off their very first world tour to celebrate their upcoming third studio album Dissonants. Australia will get to see the lads first, followed by fans in the United States and the United Kingdom.

“We are unbelievably excited to announce our very first world tour! We’re hitting the roads and skies in support of our brand new album Dissonants this October-December in Australia, the US and UK,” the band’s frontman Trenton Woodley said in a statement. “Even better, we’re dragging a whole bunch of friends, old and new, along for the ride!” Those friends include British rock act Lower than Atlantis and openers Far Away Stables.

Details of the new album are still a little thin on the ground, but it will see them reuniting with producer James Paul Wisner, who worked with Hands Like Houses on their 2013 album Unimagine. Fans will get to hear the new songs at the following shows. Tickets are on sale through the Hands Like Houses website, except for the all ages shows which are available through Oztix. These drug- and alcohol-free events are a bargain for students at $10 plus booking fee.

25 September 2015 – Campbelltown Civic Hall, Campbelltown (ALL AGES)
26 September 2015 – Orange Function Centre, Orange (ALL AGES)
27 September 2015 – Scone High School, Scone (ALL AGES)
2 October 2015 – Basketball Stadium, Bateman’s Bay (ALL AGES)
3 October 2015 – St Joseph’s School Hall, Goulburn (ALL AGES)
4 October 2015 – Giant Dwarf, Sydney (ALL AGES)
9 October 2015 – Northcote Social Club, Melbourne (18+)
15 October 2015 – Brightside, Brisbane (18+)
16 October 2015 – The Cambridge, Newcastle (18+)
17 October 2015 – Newtown Social Club, Sydney (18+)
18 October 2015 – ANU Bar, Canberra (18+)
23 October 2015 – Soma, San Diego
24 October 2015 – Pub Rock, Scottsdale
26 October 2015 – Korova, San Antonio
27 October 2015 – Trees, Dallas
28 October 2015 – Walters, Houston
30 October 2015 – Backbooth, Orlando
31 October 2015 – Epic Problem, Tampa
2 November 2015 – Masquerade, Atlanta
3 November 2015 – Greene Street, Greensboro
4 November 2015 – Canal Club, Richmond
5 November 2015 – Marlin Room @ Webster Hall, New York
6 November 2015 – Croc Rock Café, Allentown
7 November 2015 – The Palladium Upstairs, Worcester
8 November 2015 – Gamechanger World, Howell
10 November 2015 – Beachland, Cleveland
11 November 2015 – Pike Room @ Crofoot, Pontiac
12 November 2015 – Emerson Theatre, Indianapolis
13 November 2015 – Bottom Lounge, Chicago
14 November 2015 – The Rave/Eagles Club, Milwaukee
15 November 2015 – The Firebird, St Louis
17 November 2015 – Marquis Theater, Denver
18 November 2015 – In The Venue, Salt Lake City
20 November 2015 – El Corazon, Seattle
21 November 2015 – Analog Café, Portland
23 November 2015 – The Boardwalk, Orangevale
24 November 2015 – Bottom of the Hill, San Francisco
27 November 2015 – Glass House, Pomona
30 November 2015 – Key Club, Leeds
1 December 2015 – Think Tank, Newcastle
2 December 2015 – Cathouse, Glasgow
3 December 2015 – Sound Control, Manchester
4 December 2015 – Arts Centre Loft, Liverpool
5 December 2015 – Bodega, Nottingham
6 December 2015 – Temple @ Institute, Birmingham
8 December 2015 – Clwb lfor Bach, Cardiff
9 December 2015 – Fleece, Bristol
10 December 2015 – Joiners, Southhampton
11 December 2015 – Electric Ballroom, London

Image used with permission from Paris is Patient

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Ocean Alley Impress with “Muddy Water”

Based on Sydney’s Northern Beaches, it’s only right that Ocean Alley should be influenced by the surf rock music of the past. Throw in some reggae and psychedelic sounds and you might have some indication of what their new single “Muddy Water” is all about.

However, those genres don’t quite manage to capture the whole story. I can hear all those influences shining through, but the song has a darkness that I don’t often associate with surf rock or reggae. It’s really intriguing, and I can’t wait to hear more.

“Muddy Water” comes from Ocean Alley’s forthcoming second EP In Purple. You can hear songs from it when the band kicks off their EP tour this Friday in front of a hometown crowd. It’ll make stops in the East Coast capitals and key regional destinations before arriving back in Sydney in October.

28 August 2015 – Rare Finds #5 @ Oxford Art Factory Gallery, Sydney (FREE)
6 September 2015 – Bald Faced Stag, Sydney (ALL AGES)
11 September 2015 – Cambridge Hotel, Newcastle
17 September 2015 – The Brightside, Brisbane
19 September 2015 – Great Northern, Byron Bay (FREE)
20 September 2015 – Sounds of Sunday, Gold Coast (FREE)
25 September 2015 – Uni Bar, Wollongong
2 October 2015 – The Evelyn, Melbourne
15 October 2015 – Oxford Arts Factory, Sydney

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Safia Deliver Cute Amish Inspired Clip

I’ve long been fascinated with the Amish, so I was thrilled to see Safia’s looked to this religious sect to inspire their new clip for “Embracing Me.” It tells the story of the star-crossed relationship of two ridiculously good-looking Amish folk beautifully, and the song’s not bad either just quietly. Look out for the Canberra trip amongst the clip’s cast.

Safia are currently promoting “Embracing Me” with shows all around the country which are selling out at a great rate of knots. These will be Safia’s last shows for the year, and looking at the number of sold out dates they’re bound to be big.

15 August 2015 – Darwin Festival, Darwin
20 August¬ 2015 – Karova Lounge, Ballarat
21 August 2015 – Bended Elbow, Geelong
22 August 2015 – Corner Hotel, Melbourne (SOLD OUT)
23 August 2015 – Corner Hotel, Melbourne (SOLD OUT)
24 August 2015 – Corner Hotel, Melbourne (SOLD OUT)
25 August 2015 – Corner Hotel, Melbourne (SOLD OUT)
27 August 2015 – Wollongong Uni Bar, Wollongong (SOLD OUT)
29 August 2015 – The Small Ballroom, Newcastle (SOLD OUT)
30 August 2015 – The Small Ballroom, Newcastle (SOLD OUT)
2 September 2015 – Woolly Mammoth, Brisbane (SOLD OUT)
3 September 2015 – Woolly Mammoth, Brisbane (SOLD OUT)
4 September 2015 – The Beach Hotel, Byron Bay (FREE)
9 September 2015 – The Factory Theatre, Sydney (ALL AGES)
10 September 2015 – The Factory Theatre, Sydney (ALL AGES – SOLD OUT)
11 September 2015 – The Factory Theatre, Sydney (ALL AGES – SOLD OUT)
12 September 2015 – ANU Bar, Canberra
18 September 2015 – Fowlers Live, Adelaide (ALL AGES – SOLD OUT)
19 September 2015 – Amplifier Bar, Perth (SOLD OUT)
20 September 2015 – Mojo’s Bar, Fremantle (SOLD OUT)
21 September 2015 – Amplifier Bar, Perth

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Unwind with Tim Wheatley’s “Valerie”

After a busy working week, we all need to shift gears and start winding down. Tim Wheatley can help you get into the right frame of mind with his cruisy new single “Valerie.” This is a world away from the upbeat track Amy Winehouse and Mark Ronson made famous a few years back. It’s perfectly chilled folky acoustic goodness, with a dreamy slide guitar and the sort of husky vocals that make me melt. Or perhaps that’s just the sight of Tim himself?

Anyway, if you love his music or you’re just a bit smitten too, make sure to check out Tim’s album Cast of Yesterday when it hits stores on August 28. He’s currently supporting the release with dates all around the East Coast, so get along to one of the following shows for your folk fix.

14 August 2015 – The Vanguard, Sydney
16 August 2015 – Central Park, Sydney
20 August 2015 – Café Del Mar, Sydney
21 August 2015 – Illawarra Brewery, Wollongong
22 August 2015 – Howlin’ Wolf, Wollongong
23 August 2015 – The Soda Factory, Sydney
27 & 28 August 2015 – Gympie Music Muster, Gympit
29 August 2015 – The Triffid, Brisbane
30 August 2015 – The Grace Darling, Melbourne
2 September 2015 – Café del Mar, Sydney
4 September 2015 – The Metro, Sydney

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Cheap Fakes Release a Good Song

It might be Monday, but Brisbane party band Cheap Fakes will help put a spring in your step with their latest single “Baby, It’s a Good Song.” This track is just what it says on the tin, a high energy number effortlessly blending ska, funk, and pop.

It’s just one of the tracks to come from the band’s third-full length album, Mondern Vintage, which saw them working with legendary producer John Merchant. You might not know his name, but he was responsible for music from Michael Jackson, Lenny Kravitz, the Bee Gees, and Barbra Streisand. In short, he’s a big deal.

Strangely enough, this “Baby, It’s a Good Song” didn’t actually come from the sessions with John Merchant. In fact, a rough cut was recorded around 15 years ago. Hayden Andrews recently rediscovered it on one of his old cassette tapes and he couldn’t get it out of his head. So even though the album was nearly complete, he knew it deserved a place on Modern Vintage.

Modern Vintage hits stores on October 9. Before the release, you can catch Cheap Fakes doing their thing at the following Queensland festivals.

21 & 22 August 2015 – Yeppoon Village Festival, Yeppoon
20 September 2015 – Mitchell Creek Rock N Blues Festival, Sunshine Coast
25 September 2015 – Brisbane Festival, Theatre Republic, Brisbane
3 October 2015 – Red Deer Music Festival, Brisbane

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Little May Announce Global Tour Ahead of Album Release

Little May’s song “Home” has been one of those tracks that’s stuck with me this year. So I was thrilled to read a full-length album isn’t too far away. It seems like Little May’s been on the scene for such a long time that it’s amazing to realise For the Company is actually their debut LP.

The album saw the Sydney band working with acclaimed producer Aaron Brooking Dessner. Little May are big fans of his work with The National, so were excited that he wanted to work with them.

“It was a dream of ours to work with Aaron Dessner. We are so incredibly grateful to have had the opportunity to make this album with him, and Jonathan Lowe, who engineered and mixed the album. Aaron captured the heart of what we are about, and we couldn’t be more thankful,” Little May said about the experience.

For the Company was recorded in the main hall of New York’s Future Past Studios, a converted 19th-century church. The unique setting helped Little May capture an intensity that’s now a key part of their sound.

For the Company will be released on October 9. Little May will celebrate its release with a tour taking in Europe, Australia, and the United States. No matter where in the world you are, here are all the places you can see them play.

28 August 2015 – Reading Festival, Reading
29 August 2015 – Leeds Festival, Wetherby
6 September 2015 – Electric Picnic, Stradbally
18 September 2015 – Oxford Art Factory, Darlinghurst
19 September 2015 – The Foundry, Brisbane
24 September 2015 – Corner Hotel, Richmond
26 September 2015 – Jack Rabbit Slims, Perth
5 October 2015 – Exchange, Bristol
6 October 2015 – Bush Hall, London
8 October 2015 – Gulliver’s, Manchester
10 October 2015 – Brudenell Social Club, Leeds
11 October 2015 – King Tut’s Wah Wah Hut, Glasgow
13 October 2015 – Paradiso Upstairs, Amsterdam
14 October 2015 – Pop Up du Label, Paris
15 October 2015 – Blue Shell, Cologne
16 October 2015 – Botanique @ Witloof Bar, Brussels
17 October 2015 – Molotow, Hamburg
18 October 2015 – Privatclub, Berlin
20 October 2015 – Mercury Lounge, New York
21 October 2015 – Baby’s All Right, Brooklyn
23 October 2015 – Milkboy, Philadelphia
24 October 2015 – DC9 Nightclub, Washington D.C.
26 October 2015 – Schubas, Chicago
27 October 2015 – 7th Street Entry, Minneapolis
29 October 2015 – Barboza, Seattle
30 October 2015 – Mississippi Studios, Portland
2 November 2015 – The Independent, San Francisco
3 November 2015 – The Echo, Los Angeles

Image used with permission from Secret Service PR

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Darren Middleton Releases Double-A Side Single Ahead of Album Shows

I’ve always thought that if your album has just one great single, you’re doing alright. But when you have enough superb material to release a double-A side single, with two songs that are equally as compelling, well the album’s got to be pretty special. That’s the case with Splinters, out November 6. The latest effort from former Powderfinger guitarist Darren Middleton features the double-A side “The Lines” and “Our Road.” The album’s title comes from the concept of Darren shedding a splinter of his soul as he shares these stories.

It’s really hard to pick a favourite out of these songs, but if you had me at gunpoint I’d go for “The Lines,” just because of the big gospel sounds courtesy of the Monash Choral Society. Talei Wolfram and Guy Pearce also guest on the track. I really wish the Soundcloud links that were passed on to me were shareable, but you can get the single yourself from iTunes. You can also hear a bit more if you catch one of Darren’s upcoming album preview shows.


28 August 2015 – The Vanguard, Sydney
12 September 2015 – The Toff, Melbourne
18 September 2015 – The Brisbane Powerhouse, Brisbane

Image used with permission from Footstomp Music