“The Haze” – We All Want To

We All Want To is one of those bands that nearly passed me by. I remember being directed to the Soundcloud of the single “Road to Ruin” a few months ago and being a bit nonplussed. It wasn’t a bad track, but it didn’t inspire me enough to earn a review. However, now that I can hear the track amongst the others on We All Want To’s album The Haze, I’ve changed my tune.

From the opening track, “Eileen Afternoon” I knew I’d judged We All Want To too quickly. I has such great spirit, like a cross between The Whitlams and REM. It put a smile on my face, and by the time “Road to Ruin” rolled around a couple of songs later I could hear it with new ears. Sure, it’s not going to change the world but it’s damn good fun. Not that We All Want To are all about having a good time. “Remove the Arrow” is so touching. Tracks like this give The Haze the light and shade it needs. I also loved “Like Buildings Collapse,” with its dramatic crashing drums and soaring trumpets.

There’s a great energy about We All Want To. Reality TV judges would say the vocals are pitchy, and the fuzzy guitars aren’t going to be to everyone’s taste, but the songs are catchy as hell. They’ve got more hooks than my dad’s tackle box. I even kind of like their imperfections.

The Haze is light and summery, with fuzzy chords and easy harmonies. It’s a lovely antidote to the autumn chills we’re having, and when warmer weather rolls around it’ll make the perfect barbeque soundtrack.

We All Want To kick off their album tour tonight, so if you’re in Melbourne get your skates on! Here are all the dates.

29 May 2015 – Northcote Social Club, Melbourne
30 May 2015 – The Metro, Adelaide
5 June 2015 – Heritage Hotel, Bulli
6 June 2015 – The Phoenix, Canberra
7 June 2015 – The Vanguard, Sydney
13 June 2015 – Woolly Mammoth, Brisbane
14 June 2015 – Bison Bar, Nambour
19 June 2015 – The Spotted Cow, Toowoomba

Jack Carty and Jordan Miller Reunite for National Tour

Jack Carty and Jordan Millar enjoyed playing shows together in March so much that they’re set to do it all again with an acoustic tour this August.

Jack should be in fine form because he’s currently touring his latest album Esk across the United Kingdom and Europe. Meanwhile, Jordan will be taking a break from recording his next album for this tour. After time spent in the studio, he’s probably itching to get back out on stage!

If you’re on the fence about the shows, take a look at this video capturing one of their performances together in March. Do you really want to miss two singer-songwriters of this calibre playing together? I think not!

It’s also worth pre-ordering your tickets, as every one bought on presale comes with an 11-track digital live album Jack Carty & Jordan Millar – Live @ The Front Gallery. Tickets are available from Jack Carty’s website.

1 August 2015 – The Ellington Jazz Club, Perth
6 August 2015 – The Commons, Newcastle
7 August 2015 – The Street Theatre, Canberra
8 August 2015 – Venue 505, Sydney
14 August 2015 – The Milk Factory, Brisbane
15 August 2015 – Rous Mill Hall, Rous Mill
20 August 2015 – Grace Emily Hotel, Adelaide
21 August 2015 – Grace Darling Hotel, Melbourne
22 August 2015 – The Grand Poobah, Hobart

Lime Cordiale Will Make You Feel Alright

I’ve had one of those weeks. You know the ones, when there’s too much to do, not enough time to do it in, and far too many interruptions. But thankfully it’s Friday, there’s a weekend just around the corner and I have awesome tracks like Sydney duo Lime Cordiale’s new single “Feel Alright” to listen to.

“Feel Alright” has got such an easy groove and those horns are killer. If you’re digging it too, you can catch Lime Cordiale promoting the tour with an all ages show at Sydney’s Metro Lair on July 11 and an over 18s gig at Melbourne’s Shebeen on July 16. They’ve earned rave reviews for shows here and abroad, including gigs with The Griswolds, Ball Park Music, and sold out American dates with The Delta Riggs, so they’re sure to be in fine form.

Image used with permission from Rare Finds

Hockey Dad Get Me Grooving with “Can’t Have Them” Ahead of East Coast Tour

Hockey Dad are putting a smile on my face with their fun single “Can’t Have Them.” It’s a great feel-good jangly number with a surf rock influence that has me craving warmer weather.

Hockey Dad have been honing their craft as the support act of DZ Deathrays recently, so they’re sure to be in fine form when they tour “Can’t Have Them” along the East Coast next month.

4 June 2015 – Shebeen, Melbourne
5 June 2015 – Shebeen, Melbourne (SOLD OUT)
6 June 2015 – Brighton Up, Sydney (SOLD OUT)
7 June 2015 – Brighton Up, Sydney
12 June 2015 – Elsewhere, Gold Coast
13 June 2015 – Trainspotters, Brisbane
14 June 2015 – Rad, Wollongong (SOLD OUT)
20 June 2015 – Rad, Wollongong (3pm SHOW – SOLD OUT)
20 June 2015 – Rad, Wollongong (SOLD OUT)

Image used with permission from Habit Music Company

Jeremy Neale and Phoebe Imhoff Team Up for Retro Duet

As far as I’m concerned, the ‘80s was the golden era of the duet. George and Aretha, Don and Stevie, Jennifer Warnes or Peabo Bryson and just about anyone. The songs would be romantic, the singers would undoubtedly sing “oohs” or “woahs” so that anyone who didn’t know the words could join in, and there’d definitely be a saxophone solo. In that tradition comes “Hold On Together,” which sees Brisbane singers Jeremy Neale and Phoebe Imhoff taking us back to my favourite decade.

This isn’t their first time working together. Phoebe also appeared on Jeremy’s song “In Stranger Times,” which has only enhanced their chemistry this time around.

Jeremy’s going to tour the single through May and June. There’s no word yet on whether Phoebe will join him, but I’m crossing fingers she makes an appearance!

29 May 2015 – Waywards, Sydney (FREE)
30 May 2015 – Ding Dong Lounge, Melbourne
19 June 2015 – Black Bear Lodge, Brisbane
20 June 2015 – Sol Bar, Maroochydore

Harts Ready to Tour Bluesy “Breakthrough” EP

Killer guitarist, skilled songwriter, talented producer, and all-round good guy Harts is set to release a brand new EP, appropriately titled Breakthrough.

The EP doesn’t drop until June 5, but it seems Melbourne’s Harts might have already made his breakthrough. He released his debut album Daydreamer last year, which saw him invited to play with Prince at Paisley Park. It doesn’t get much bigger than that folks. And with tracks like the bluesy original “Red & Blue” under his belt, it’s not hard to see why he’s impressing all the right people.

To coincide with Breakthrough’s release, Harts will undertake his largest local tour to date. Once that wraps up he’s got plans to head to New Zealand, the United States, and the United Kingdom, so who knows when we’ll get him back. See him while you can at the following shows.

5 June 2015 – CATS @ Rocket Bar, Adelaide
6 June 2015 – Karova Lounge, Ballarat
7 June 2015 – The Loft, Warrnambool
12 June 2015 – Amplifier, Perth
13 June 2015 – Settlers Tavern, Margaret River (FREE)
14 June 2015 – The Newport Hotel, Fremantle
19 June 2015 – Republic Bar, Hobart
20 June 2015 – Ding Dong Lounge, Melbourne
25 June 2015 – Moonshine, Manly (FREE)
26 June 2015 – The Cambridge, Newcastle
27 June 2015 – Ding Dong Lounge, Melbourne (SOLD OUT)
3 July 2015 – Oxford Art Factory, Sydney
4 July 2015 – Transit Bar, Canberra
9 July 2015 – The Gapview Hotel, Alice Springs
10 July 2015 – The Foundry, Brisbane
11 July 2015 – The Great Northern, Byron Bay (FREE)
12 July 2015 – Broadbeach Tavern, Gold Coast (FREE)

Dan Cribb & The Isolated Get Set for Album Tour

Perth pop-punk trio Dan Cribb & The Isolated are giving us a taste of their high-energy debut album As We Drift Apart with the cracking new single “Let’s Move to New York.” The song sees the band collaborating with Kisschasy frontman Darren Cordeux.

Darren’s not the only star featuring on the album though. Nick Diener of The Swellers met Dan at The Fest in 2012 and they became such firm friends that he’s an honourary member of the band. You can hear his bass lines and vocals on every track on the album, which should provide another reason for punk fans to put their hands in their pocket for this one.

As We Drift Apart hits stores tomorrow, May 15. To celebrate its release, Dan Cribb & The Isolated will play three launch shows around the country.

23 May 2015 – Amplifier Bar, Perth
12 June 2015 – Public Bar, Melbourne
13 June 2015 – Crown & Anchor, Adelaide

Image used with permission from Deathproof PR

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)

Patrick James Soothes us with “California Song”

Hump Day’s a bitch. The stresses of the week are starting to pile up and the weekend seems too far away. What we all need is some relaxing music to take the edge off. That makes Patrick James’ new single “California Song” the perfect soundtrack if you ask me.

It’s got a mellow vibe without being sleepy, as it has me dreaming of road trips abroad. It seems plenty of people like what they hear, because Patrick’s single launch shows are selling fast. Don’t dilly-dally if you want tickets to his gig at Melbourne’s Northcote Social Club on June 13 or the Sydney show at Newtown Social Club on June 27.

Image used with permission from Title Track

Discover Something New at Emerge in the West Festival

Enjoy some great music, fashion, and culture for free at the Emerge in the West 2015 festival, which will take over Footscray’s Nicholson Street on May 16.

The event will have two stages showcasing the talents of emerging musicians, artists, circus performers, dancers, and fashion designers. These will be complemented by craft workshops, foodie experiences, and heaps more.

Since this is a music blog it’s worth noting what’s in store on the musical front. There’s truly something for everyone with Ethio-jazz act The Lalibelas featuring Nhatty Man, digital reggae band SKAAKI, the Somali Peace Band, and hip hop duo Royalty Noise all on the bill.

Emerge in the West runs from 1 to 7 pm on Saturday May 16. Entry is completely free, so there’s no excuse not to experience something new and support this great arts event.

Image used with permission from Multicultural Arts Victoria