Ocean Alley’s New Album on the Horizon to Chase Away COVID Blues

With concerts scheduled for as far away as November now getting the COVID-19 axe, music lovers need some good news. A reminder that Ocean Alley’s new album Lonely Diamond is only weeks away should hit the spot.

Lonely Diamond will hit stores and streaming platforms on June 19. But you needn’t wait that long to hear new Ocean Alley tunes. Wrap your ears around the band’s funky new single “Hot Chicken.” It’s a little edgier than the Ocean Alley tunes we’re used to, but I’m here for it.

Ocean Alley’s rescheduled Aussie dates are also giving us something to look forward to. Catch one of Australia’s finest supported by Psychedelic Porn Crumpets and Dulcie at the following shows.

6 February 2021 – Hordern Pavilion, Sydney (SOLD OUT)
7 February 2021 – Hordern Pavilion, Sydney
12 February 2021 – Fortitude Music Hall, Brisbane (SOLD OUT)
13 February 2021 – Fortitude Music Hall, Brisbane
5 March 2021 – Fremantle Arts Centre, Perth
12 March 2021 – Thebarton Theatre, Adelaide
24 March 2021 – Melbourne Arena, Melbourne

Image used with permission from Cult Logic; photo credit: The Sauce/Kane Lehanneur

Press Club Rocks Out With “Insecurities”

Ordinarily Saturday is a day of celebration, but right now it just reminds us that we’re all trapped without gigs waiting for musicians to stream online content. In these frustrating times, the raucous rock of Press Club really hits the spot. The Melbourne band’s latest single “Insecurities” gives voice to our frustrations with plenty of angst and energy.

The Melbourne band recently announced Australian and European dates and they haven’t been called off … yet. So I’m going to post them here, because none of knows what May will bring. Just keep your ears to the ground to see whether they go ahead!

7 May 2020 – The Chippo, Sydney
8 May 2020 – La La La’s, Wollongong
9 May 2020 – Northcote Social Club, Melbourne (All Ages Matinee)
9 May 2020 – Northcote Social Club, Melbourne (18+ Evening Show)
15 May 2020 – Crowbar, Brisbane
16 May 2020 – Vinnies, Gold Coast
21 May 2020 – Hyde Park Book Club, Leeds
22 May 2020 – Dot to Dot Festival, Manchester
23 May 2020 – Dot to Dot Festival, Bristol
24 May 2020 – Dot to Dot Festival, Manchester
12 June 2020 – Download Festival, Donnington
14 June 2020 – Booze Cruise, Hamburg

Image used with permission from Little Giant Agency; credit: Ian Laidlaw

Thelma Plum Returns For Homecoming Queen Tour

In case you missed it, Thelma Plum is hitting some of Australia’s most beloved venues mid-year to cap off a bumper 12 months. During that time she released her acclaimed debut album Better in Blak, placed second in the triple j album of the year poll, because the highest fan-voted Indigenous artist in the Hottest 100’s history, and earned nominations for the Australian Music Prize Album of the Year, ARIAs, and APRA Song of the Year. She’ll cap it off with the Homecoming Queen tour, which borrows its name from one of her album’s more poignant moments.

“The last year has been pretty crazy for me since people started to hear Better in Blak, both the song and the album, and it’s been amazing to have the stories which were inside my head resonate with so many people,” Thelma explained. “It’s given me the opportunity to do some travelling and touring overseas, but it wouldn’t feel right if I didn’t celebrate where we are going, but more importantly where we have been, I cannot wait to return and take my little band family and the wonderful Kira Puru on the road for the Homecoming Queen Tour.”

With the superb Kira Piru coming along for the ride, these shows are sure to be stellar. Tickets are on sale for Thelma’s headlining Homecoming Queen shows and festival appearances.

28 May 2020 – Kingscliff Beach Hotel, Kingscliff
29 May 2020 – The Spotted Cow, Toowoomba
30 May 2020 – Big Pineapple Festival, Sunshine Coast
5 June 2020 – The Metro, Sydney
6 June 2020 – UC Refectory, Canberra
7 June 2020 – Deadly Hearts, Adelaide
11 June 2020 – Prince of Wales, Bunbury
12 June 2020 – Astor Theatre, Perth
13 June 2020 – The River, Margaret River,
19 June 2020 – Forum, Melbourne
20 June 2020 – Torquay Hotel, Torquay
26 June 2020 – Anita’s Theatre, Thirroul
27 June 2020 – NEX, Newcastle
3 July 2020 – Gilligan’s, Cairns
4 July 2020 – Fortitude Music Hall, Brisbane
24-26 July 2020 – Splendour in the Grass 2020, Byron Bay

Image used with permission from Warner Music Australia; credit: Claudia Sangiorgi Dalimore

Van Walker Drops First Tunes in a Decade

Van Walker hasn’t released a new album in a decade. But the wait is nearly over for dedicated fans, with the talented singer-songwriter preparing to release Ghosting, a collection of brand new material. The new single “Spirit World” gives us a taste of what we’re in for.

This is such a beautiful song, heartfelt and evocative. I’ve lost of the number of times I’ve listened to it today, marvelling in its lyrics and the deceptively simple folky melody. It’s something special. The song has hit your favourite streaming services accompanied by two B-sides: “Crystal Ball” and “I Gotta Worry.”

Ghosting will be released in August, but fans can look forward to hearing a few more new tunes when Van Walker plays single launch shows all around the country in the coming months.

18 March 2020 – The Welcome Swallow, Brunswick (FREE)
20 March 2020 – Altar, Hobart
21 March 2020 – Two Oaks, Somerset
3 April 2020 – The Wheatchief, Adelaide
11 April 2020 – The Eastern, Ballarat
12 April 2020 – Archie’s Creek, Gippsland (FREE)
17 April 2020 – The Bridge Hotel, Castlemaine
18 April 2020 – Major Toms, Kyneton
23 April 2020 – Transit Bar, Canberra
24 April 2020 – Marrickville Bowls Club
25 April 2020 – Gumball Festival, Dashville

Raise a Glass to New Material From Ella Fence

It’s Saturday, time to put the stresses of the working week and the woes of the world to the back of our mind and kick up our heels. For many of us, our merry-making might involve a cocktail or two. No judgement! However you’re celebrating, “Pink Mojitos” by Ella Fence goes down just as easy as the beverage it’s named after! Sublime vocals, an infectious groove, and the kind of NSFW lyrics that you can crank up now the office is a distant memory!

“Pink Mojitos” is the opening track from Ella’s new mini-EP All I Do is Think. With just three tracks it shows so many sides of this exciting singer-songwriter. “She’s Looking Pretty” is as poignant and heartbreaking as “Pink Mojitos” is frothy and feelgood. “Japan” rounds out the trio on a sombre, introspective note. It’s beautiful.

Ella will play a stack of gigs over the coming months to support her new material. Get out and support her at the following venues.

8 March 2020 – Southport Sharks, Gold Coast (2-6 pm)
14 March 2020 – Brisbane City Sounds, Queen Street (12-2:30 pm)
17 March 2020 – Cambus Wallace, Gold Coast (7 pm)
20 March 2020 – Post Office Hotel, Sandgate (6:30-9:30 pm)
22 March 2020 – Scottish Prince, Gold Coast (7 pm)
27 March 2020 – Burleigh Brewing Co., Gold Coast (4-8 pm)
28 March 2020 – Rics Bar, Brisbane (supporting Cheeky Velvet @ 7 pm)
5 April 2020 – Brunswick Hotel, Brisbane (1-4 pm)
16 April 2020 – The Archive (7-10 pm)
17 April 2020 – Scottish Prince Friday (7 pm)
18 April 2020 – The End, Brisbane (7 pm)
25 April 2020 – Burleigh Brewing Co., Gold Coast (4-8 pm)
28 April 2020 – Cambus Wallace, Gold Coast (7 pm)
3 May 2020 – Komune, Coolangatta (late afternoon, time TBC)

WAAX Announces Big Tour For “Big Grief”

WAAX has had a massive 2019, playing shows from Melbourne to New York, including Aussie shows that sold out weeks in advance, and earning an Australian Music Prize nomination for their rocking album Big Grief. The Brisbane band is continuing its momentum with its biggest national tour to date kicking off next month.

Remember those Aussie shows sold out last time, so you don’t want to procrastinate and be disappointed. With Bugs filling the supporting duties, you shouldn’t expect anything different this time around. Get your tickets now to the following shows.

28 March 2020 – Rock River, Fremantle (18+)
29 March 2020 – Mojo’s, Fremantle (18+)
3 April 2020 – The Metro, Sydney (Licensed All Ages)
4 April 2020 – Northern Beaches PCYC, Dee Why (All Ages Drug- and Alcohol-Free Event)
9 April 2020 – Chelsea Heights Hotel, Chelsea Heights (18+)
10 April 2020 – Barwon Club Hotel, Geelong (18+)
11 April 2020 – Croxton Bandroom, Thornbury (18+)
16 April 2020 – Solbar, Maroochydore (18+)
17 April 2020 – The Tivoli, Brisbane (18+)
18 April 2020 – Kingscliff Beach Hotel, Kingscliff (18+)
1 May 2020 – Uni Bar, Hobart (18+)
7 May 2020 – The Northern, Byron Bay (18+)

Image used with permission from Riot House Publicity

Get Down With The Chris Commerford Band

Mornington Peninsula outfit The Chris Commerford Band has me grooving this morning with their stellar new single “The Way You Treat Me Right.” There’s an awesome rock-funk vibe that takes its cues from Lenny Kravitz and Prince. You’re going to love those down and dirty vocals, the killer guitar riffs, and those big bold horns.

“This song is about the way infatuation isn’t actually always bliss but instead can drive you to the point of feeling lost in your own kind of crazy,” Chris Commerford explained.

“The Way You Treat Me Right” gives us a delicious taste of what we can expect when The Chris Commerford Band drops its debut album later this year. You can hear a little more at the band’s upcoming shows.

28 February 2020 – Victoria Hotel, Woodend
29 February 2020 – Knox Festival @ Wally Tew Reserve, Ferntree Gully
7 March 2020 – Music on the Hill @ Red Hill Pavillion, Red Hill
8 March 2020 – The Catfish, Fitzroy
14 March 2020 – Bendigo Craft Beer & Cider Festival @ Tom Flood Sports Centre, Bendigo
15 March 2020 – Aireys Inlet Music Festival @ Aireys Pub, Aireys Inlet
28 March 2020 – Dainton Brewery, Carrum Downs
5 April 2020 – The Heritage Balnarring, Balnarring
21 June 2020 – Acoustic Sessions @ Frankston Library, Frankston

Image used with permission from Arow Agency

Perth Brother Act Coterie Stuns With “Salvation”

Perth act Coterie speaks to the heart with their moving sophomore single “Salvation.” This band of brothers was raised on a musical diet of R’n’B mixtapes and Jimi Hendrix, but this song reminds me of Hozier or Rag’n’Bone Man with its bluesy gospel feel.

The music video for “Salvation” was filmed at Fremantle Prison, and it has just the right mix of darkness and hope.

Coterie might be relatively new on the scene, but these guys have the kind of chemistry that comes from jamming together your whole life. Discover why they might just be your new favourite band at one of their upcoming shows.

26 February 2020 – El Grotto, Perth
16 April 2020 – Waywards, Sydney
17 April 2020 – The Penny Black, Melbourne
19 April 2020 – Tattersalls Hotel, Goulburn
23 April 2020 – Waywards, Sydney
24 April 2020 – The Penny Black, Melbourne
26 April 2020 – North Gong Hotel, Wollongong
30 April 2020 – Waywards, Sydney
1 May 2020 – The Penny Black, Melbourne
7 May 2020 – Waywards, Sydney
8 May 2020 – The Penny Black, Melbourne
10 May 2020 – Beach Road Hotel, Sydney

Aussie & NZ Rock Legends Announce Neil Young Tribute Shows

Live Rust, one of the world’s greatest albums, turns 40 this year. To celebrate its anniversary, a supergroup of Aussies and talent from across the ditch will come together to honour the music of Neil Young, playing the album in its entirety and other choice cuts from his time with Buffalo Springfield to Crazy Horse and everything in between.

The supergroup will feature Sarah McLeod, Jon Toogood, Bob Evans, and more. Phil Jamieson will even join them for the Sydney date.

All shows are all ages, so it’s a great opportunity for Neil Young fans to introduce this music to the next generation. Celebrating Neil Young’s Live Rust 40th Anniversary Concert will play Sydney’s State Theatre on May 7 and Melbourne’s Palais Theatre on May 9. Tickets are on sale now through Ticketmaster.

Image used with permission from Ferris Davies PRM

Human Nature Return to Form With “Nobody Just Like You”

Most boy bands fade away but Human Nature have been killing it in recent years. They’ve chalked up their 2000th show in Las Vegas, been inducted into the ARIA Hall of Fame, received the Medal of the Order of Australia, and celebrated three decades together. However, despite all the success, there’s been something missing for me in recent years. While those Motown hits sell, I’ve missed good original music from these guys who used to make teenage me squeal. They’ve released the occasional original song over the years, but it’s always felt stuck in the past. I almost didn’t listen to the new single “Nobody Just Like You” because I thought it’d be more of the same.

Surprisingly though, this track feels really fresh. I can imagine Ed Sheeran or Justin Bieber recording it and going right to the top of the charts. It’s the perfect songs to encourage lapsed fans like myself to snap up tickets to their forthcoming tour.

What’s more, there’s more where this came from. “Nobody Just Like You” comes from the band’s upcoming EP, Good Good Life, which features five new original songs. I can only hope the rest of the songs are of a similar calibre.

And then there’s that little matter of the tour. In case you missed it, these are all the places you can catch Human Nature mid-year. Local shows made up of predominantly original content have been few and far between, so if you’re a fan from way back you won’t want to miss these dates.

21 July 2020 – Festival Theatre, Adelaide
24 July 2020 – Crown Theatre, Perth
29 July 2020 – Concert Hall @ QPAC, Brisbane
31 July 2020 – WIN Entertainment Centre, Wollongong
1 August 2020 – The Star Events Centre, Sydney
4 August 2020 – Civic Theatre, Newcastle
6 August 2020 – Royal Theatre, Canberra
7 August 2020 – Hamer Hall, Melbourne