Jones the Cat Tour Paste on Smile EP

It seems like Australians have a lot to be angry about, because I think punk music is the strongest it’s been in this country for a really long time. The latest punk act to cross my path is Jones the Cat, a four-piece out of Newcastle who are currently touring their new EP Paste On Smile.

These guys formed at the Newcastle Conservatorium of Music in 2013, and they’ve been relentlessly gigging and recording ever since. The EP features the lead single “I Don’t Want to Die Here (Anymore),” an introspective take on gentrification and outgrowing a city that this girl from Newie gets all too well.

These are the remaining dates for the Paste On Smile EP tour.

21 July 2016 – Captain Cook Hotel, Sydney
22 July 2016 – Crown & Anchor Hotel, Adelaide
23 July 2016 – Whole Lotta Love, Melbourne
5 August 2016 – The Lass O’Gowrie, Newcastle

Image used with permission from Done Music Publicity

The Hard Aches Rock Out with “Glad That You’re Gone”

Adelaide rockers The Hard Aches have served up a superb slice of angst with their latest single “Glad That You’re Gone.” I can’t help thinking of You Am I when I listen to this track. There’s a similar crunchy, organic truth to what they’re doing which is really exciting.

“Glad That You’re Gone” is getting some airplay on Triple J and The Hard Aches are making the most of it. They’ve just wrapped up a tour supporting Tired Lion, and in a couple of months’ time they’ll be out again supporting Luca Brasi and playing Poison City Weekender. No doubt it’s only a matter of time before we see these guys headlining.

17 August 2017 – The Basement, Canberra
18 August 2017 – The Cambridge Hotel, Newcastle
19 August 2017 – Oxford Art Factory, Sydney
20 August 2017 – The Zoo, Brisbane
25 August 2017 – Jack Rabbit Slims, Perth
26 August 2017 – Fat Controller, Adelaide
27 August 2017 – The Corner Hotel, Melbourne
28 August 2017 – Brisbane Hotel, Hobart
9-11 September 2017 – Poison City Weekender @ Max Watts, Melbourne

“Signal Lights” – Sam Brittain

The year’s not yet half over, but Adelaide singer-songwriter Sam Brittain may have recorded my favourite album of 2016 in Signal Lights.

This album drew me in from the first track “Underground” and didn’t let go. Ordinarily acoustic folk of this ilk works well as background music, but this is too good to simply fade away. The lead single “Stab in the Dark,” comes next. This song continues to leave me breathless. I heard it first on the tram session below, and it was the song that convinced me I needed to hear more from this talented artist. The following track “The Lucky One” provides the counterbalance to this emotional ballad, with its lyrics about celebrating the joy in life. Frankly I could go through this album track by track and tell you how good each one is, but I won’t. The gushing would be too effusive, and I’d much rather you go and discover why each song is so special in your own time.

Sam has such a knack for writing deeply personal songs that speak of his experiences, yet resonate so deeply with an audience. This album is so soulful and so compelling. It’s full of such wisdom and such wonderful stories. Each and every song is a standout that deserves to be savoured.

Signal Lights is released on June 3. He’ll play the following over 18s shows to support its release.

4 June 2016 – The Governor Hindmarsh, Adelaide
8 June 2016 – Brighton Up Bar, Sydney
15 June 2016 – The Ellington, Perth
23 June 2016 – The Toff in Town, Melbourne
26 June 2016 – The Milk Factory, Brisbane

Image used with permission from On the Map PR

Bad Pony Announces Biggest Aussie Tour for “Sideways” Single

The always reliable Bad Pony is back with a brand new single, “Sideways,” and their biggest tour to date to support it. The latest track is a self-produced party anthem recorded at guitarist Cron Van Niekerk’s home studio.

This is just the kind of infectiously upbeat music Bad Pony makes so well. A combination of cold weather and Wednesdayitis has made it hard for me to get moving today, but “Sideways” has given me the lift that I need.

You can expect plenty more killer tunes like this when Bad Pony take to stages almost everywhere, starting with Launceston on Friday. Here are all the places you can catch them playing over the coming month.

27 May 2016 – Club 54, Launceston
28 May 2016 – Republic Bar, Hobart
3 June 2016 – Rad Bar, Wollongong
4 June 2016 – OAF Gallery Bar, Sydney
10 June 2016 – Lady Lismore Loft, Lismore
11 June 2016 – New Globe Theatre, Brisbane
12 June 2016 – Sounds of Sunday, Gold Coast
23 July 2016 – House Show, Jindabyne
29 July 2016 – Cambridge Hotel, Newcastle
30 July 2016 – Moonshine Bar, Manly
11 August 2016 – The Pier, Port Macquarie
12 August 2016 – Beach Hotel, Byron Bay
13 August 2016 – The Aztec, Forster
19 August 2016 – Waywards, Newtown
26 August 2016 – The Sandbar, Mildura
27 August 2016 – Broken Hill Fringe Festival, Broken Hill
2 September 2016 – Mynt Lounge, Werribee
3 September 2016 – Secret Show, Melbourne
17 September 2016 – Transit Bar, Canberra
18 September 2016 – Birdhouse Bar, Wagga Wagga
22 September 2016 – Unibar, Lismore
23 September 2016 – Spotted Cow, Toowoomba
24 September 2016 – Federal Hotel, Bellingen

Image used with permission from Rare Finds

The Sugarcanes Take Soulful Sound on the Road

With their self-titled debut album in stores now, it’s the perfect time for soulful Melbourne act The Sugarcanes to travel around the country.

It’s already been a big year for the Sugarcanes, who enjoyed a celebrated residency at The Old Bar and toured the country with The Smith Street Band. They also earned some big praise for their stellar single “Never Call.” Lucy Wilson’s powerhouse vocals and the track’s lush horns are just a match made in heaven.

Tickets for all shows are available at the door except for the Sydney gig; buy your tickets in advance from the venue for that one.

2 June 2016 – Phoenix Bar, Canberra
3 June 2016 – Brighton Up Bar, Sydney
4 June 2016 – Lass O’Gowry, Newcastle
11 June 2016 – Grace Emily Adelaide
17 June 2016 – The Luwow, Melbourne
18 June 2016 – The Tanswell Hotel, Beechworth
19 June 2016 – The Bridge Hotel, Castlemaine
25 June 2016 – Major Toms, Kyneton

Boom Crash Opera Announce Winter Tour

Boom Crash Opera have a big year ahead, with 2017 marking 30 years since the release of their debut album. To prepare for what will no doubt be a big year of touring, the classic Aussie act will play a string of shows this winter.

This is the first time fans will see Andrew de Silva out in front, replacing original lead singer Dale Ryder. I must admit, I’m a little nervous about whether he has the grit to pull off tracks like “Onionskin” and “The Best Thing,” but I’m already hearing his sweet soulful voice on “Dancing in the Storm.”

You can check up the brand new Boom Crash Opera at the following shows.

3 June 2016 – SSA Club, Albury
4 June 2016 – Mulwala Ski Club, Mulwala
11 June 2016 – The Whalers Hotel, Warrnambool
2 July 2016 – Workers Club, Geelong
23 July 2016 – Caravan Music Club, Oakleigh

Image used with permission from Revolutions per Minute

The Smith Street Band Says Goodbye to “Throw Me In the River”

The Smith Street Band has crossed this wide brown land many times since releasing their third album Throw Me in the River. Now before they head into the studio to record its follow-up, they’re planning on touring the album across Australia and New Zealand one last time.

The album’s earned praise from punters and critics alike. The single “Surrender” made it to number 69 on the Hottest 100 and the band were named Best Live Band at The Age Music Victoria Awards. Showing their altruistic side, the Melbourne punk act also donated profits raised from the release of “Wipe That Shit-Eating Grin off Your Punchable Face” to the Asylum Seeker Resource Centre.

The Smith Street Band is sending Throw Me in the River off with a bang. The talented Luca Brasi, Joelistics, and Jess Locke Band will play at all Aussie shows. Sorry New Zealand!

3 June 2016 – Metro, Sydney
4 June 2016 – Max Watts, Brisbane
10 June 2016 – Capitol, Perth
11 June 2016 – The Gov, Adelaide
17 June 2016 – Max Watts, Melbourne
23 June 2016 – Kings Arms, Auckland
24 June 2016 – Great Job, Palmerston North
25 June 2016 – Moon 1, Wellington

Photo credit: Ian Laidlaw

We Lost the Sea Prepare for First Local Headlining Tour

Sydney cinematic instrumental band We Lost the Sea are gearing up for their first ever headlining tour of Australia. We’ve seen them cross the country supporting international acts like This Will Destroy You, Rosetta, and Mono, so it’s about time they enjoyed a moment in the spotlight.

This tour is well overdue, with the band’s third full length album Departure Songs being released last year. The band promises to perform the album in its entirety. It features gems like the atmospheric “A Gallant Gentleman.” Hear this track and many more at the following gigs.

27 May 2016 – Rad, Wollongong
28 May 2016 – Beatdisc Records, Parramatta,
3 June 2016 – Small Ballroom, Newcastle
4 June 2016 – Hotel Gearin, Katoomba
10 June 2016 – Jimmy’s Den, Perth
17 June 2016 – The Crown & Anchor, Adelaide
18 June 2016 – The Old Bar, Melbourne
24 June 2016 – The Basement (Backroom), Canberra
25 June 2016 – Oxford Art Factory, Sydney

James Reyne and Mark Seymour Touring Together

James Reyne and Mark Seymour are some of Australia’s most enduring talents. I’ve seen them both live many times, and they’ve never delivered anything less but stellar performances. They’re very giving artists, continuing to play the hits the fans love while gently introducing them to the incredible new music they both produce. Local music fans are in for a real treat when they team up for a string of shows later this year.

James and Mark promise to perform together and alone, with songs drawing from their days with Australian Crawl, Hunters & Collectors, and their extensive solo careers. The gigs will also be semi-acoustic, which is perfect for these small venues.

Tickets for the And the Rest is History shows are on sale now.

29 & 30 July 2016 – Palms at Crown, Melbourne
4 August 2016 – Anita’s Theatre, Thirroul
5 August 2016 – Panthers, Penrith
6 August 2016 – Metro, Sydney
12 August 2016 – Twin Towns, Tweed Heads
19 August 2016 – Wrest Point, Hobart
20 August 2016 – Country Club, Launceston
26 August 2016 – The Gov, Adelaide
2 September 2016 – The Charles Hotel, Perth
9 September 2016 – Castle Hill Tavern, Castle Hill
10 September 2016 – Wenty Leagues Club, Wentworthville
16 September 2016 – The Triffid, Brisbane

Image used with permission from Revolutions per Minute

Marina Prior and Mark Vincent Singing Together

Marina Prior and Mark Vincent undoubtedly have some of the best voices of the country. Combine them and you’ve got an album that’s sure to make your Mum melt. Their duets album Together features their interpretations of operatic hits and musical theatre favourites including “Music of the Night,” “The Prayer,” and “Amigos Para Sempre.”

“I was so excited to work with Marina,” Mark said. “I’ve always wanted to work with her … singing together created such a great bond between us and we’ve become great friends. I think that shows in the songs we sing on Together … there’s an honesty between us.”

“You have to be on the same wavelength,” Marina added. “You have to be ‘simpatico’ and feel things together. I think that we do that musically, but I also think that we click personally. Music is just an extension of who you are, really. The work has to be true for it to resonate.”

While the Together CD is bound to impress if you’re still searching for the ideal Mother’s Day gift, if you really want to get in her good graces buy a couple of tickets to their upcoming tour. You might even offer to go with Mum to really make her day!

23 September 2016 – Concert Hall, Perth
29 September 2016 – State Theatre, Sydney
30 September 2016 – Concert Hall @ QPAC, Brisbane
1 October 2016 – Festival Theatre, Adelaide
2 November 2016 – Hamer Hall, Melbourne (1pm and 8 pm shows)