Say Hello to Brufield’s “Goodbye”

It’s been a long time since I’ve heard music from a really great female-fronted pop-rock band. So I’m thrilled to hear “Goodbye,” the new single from Perth five-piece Brufield.

The track sounds a little raw – you can tell it wasn’t recorded in a big fancy studio – but I like that about it. The vocals from Lisa Caulfield are angelic with a hint of edge and the melody first class. I found the track instantly accessible, and the moment it was over I just wanted to play it again. The clip, filed at the Indie Bar in Scarborough Beach, shows you that these guys know how to deliver on stage too.

Sadly Brufield has just wrapped up a tour, but it shouldn’t be too long before we see this talented five-piece back playing in pubs and clubs around the country.

HOLY HOLY Announces Aussie Tour

When I wrote about HOLY HOLY’s killer new single “Darwinism” last month, I noted a tour wouldn’t be too far away. Now the Aussie act has announced some dates, and released a video for the single, I thought it only fair to put them on your radar.

Exciting stuff always happens when this band — which has members based in Launceston, Brisbane, and Melbourne — get together. Experience the magic for yourselves at the following shows. I Know Leopard and Alex L’Estrange will serve as supports except in Western Australia where Dream Rimmy will take I Know Leopard’s place.

3 November 2016 – Fat Controller, Adelaide
4 November 2016 – Prince of Wales, Bunbury
5 November 2016 – Amplifier, Perth
6 November 2016 – Mojos, Fremantle
11 November 2016 – Corner Hotel, Melbourne
12 November 2016 – The Workers Club, Geelong
13 November 2016 – Karova Lounge, Ballarat
17 November 2016 – Cambridge Hotel, Newcastle
18 November 2016 – Metro Theatre, Sydney
19 November 2016 – Uni Bar, Wollongong
20 November 2016 – The Basement, Canberra
24 November 2016 – Miami Marketta, Gold Coast
25 November 2016 – Solbar, Sunshine Coast
26 November 2016 – The Triffid, Brisbane

Leah Flanagan Tours “Saudades”

Fresh from touring her single “Chills,” Leah Flanagan is preparing to hit the road again to celebrate the release of the album it comes from, Saudades.

“Chills” is one of those songs that gets under your skin with its emotional lyrics and vulnerability, and there are more of those feels on the album. The tracks explore all those emotions we carry through to our relationships, romantic and otherwise. Leah’s sultry voice is perfectly set for the songs which play with jazz and blues.

Catch Leah performing songs from her new album at the following shows.

1 October 2016 – Dashville Skyline Festival, Hunter Valley
14 October 2016 – Basement Discs, Melbourne
15 October 2016 – Whistlewood Art Gallery, Main Ridge
20 October 2016 – Black Bear Lodge, Brisbane
21 October 2016 – Lismore Showgrounds, Lismore
29 October 2016 – Marrickville Bowling, Marrickville
4 November 2016 – The Bella Union, Melbourne
5 November 2016 – Narana Music Festival, Geelong
12 November 2016 – Candelo Hall, Candelo
19 November 2016 – Darwin Railway Club, Darwin

Rowena Wise Hits Home Run With “Hollow Hearts”

Life’s been far too busy for my liking of late. I feel like I’m living in The Block, with my husband and I renovating half my house (along with the generous contributions of my parents). Those parents have been down to my place three days already this week and we’ve all been slapping paint around like people possessed in preparation for laying carpet tomorrow. On Tuesday I headed to Newcastle a little after lunch to visit the dentist, call in to my sister’s place to help her with her tax, then catch the wonderful Jimmy Barnes at Lizotte’s (more on that later).

Needless to say, today is the first day all week I’ve felt I could just “be.” Deadlines are looming of course, but there’s something about the calm that comes from an empty house and a day inn pyajamas that makes those deadlines a bit more bearable. In this rare moment of calm I’ve discovered the latest track from Rowena Wise. With her angelic voice and whimsical charm, she’s just what I needed to listen to right now. If your week has felt far too long too, you need to listen to her new single “Hollow Hearts.”

This divine song comes from Rowena’s self-titled album, which she recorded with celebrated Melbourne producer Nick Huggins. Rowena is currently touring on the back of its release. You can catch her at the following venues.

16 September 2016 – Smiths Alternative, Canberra
17 September 2016 – Wheatsheaf Hotel, Adelaide
23 September 2016 – Junk Bar, Brisbane
24 September 2016 – The Grace Darling, Melbourne
25 September 2016 – The Homestead, Hobart

Angel Olsen Brings New Album Down Under

Outstanding American indie-folk songstress Angel Olsen is visiting our shores later this year to promote her brand new album My Woman. She’ll play some of the country’s most respected festivals and headline her own shows in key locations around the country.

The tour announcement coincides with the release of Angel’s brand new single “Sister.” It’s an epic ballad with a beautiful clip filmed at Joshua Tree National Park.

If you like what you hear, make sure you don’t miss Angel Olsen on her Aussie tour.

26 November 2016 – Grand Poobah, Hobart
28 November 2016 – Corner Hotel, Melbourne
1 December 2016 – Lismore City Hall, Lismore
2 December 2016 – Brightside, Brisbane
2 & 3 December 2016 – Fairgrounds Festival, Berry
5 December 2016 – Sydney Opera House Studio, Sydney
7 December 2016 – Grace Emily Hotel, Adelaide
8 December 2016 – Badlands, Perth
9-11 December 2016 – Meredith Music Festival, Meredith

Breakaway Back with “Restart”

After a hiatus from the live scene lasting more than a year, Sydney pop-rockers Breakaway are back with a brand new single, aptly titled “Restart.” This is the band’s first new material in two years, but it’s a welcome return to form.

The track charts new territory for the band, with retro synth sounds adding depth to their signature pop-rock vibe. Everything’s a little more evolved and more mature.

Breakaway promises the upcoming gigs will give fans the chance to hear new songs from the forthcoming debut album first. With a mix of all ages and under 18s events, everyone can join in the fun. Tickets are available now from Breakaway’s website.

24 September 2016 – The Lair, Sydney (Licensed/All Ages)
8 October 2016 – Milk Bar, Brisbane (18+)
9 October 2016 – Foundry Records, Brisbane (All Ages)
14 October 2016 – Wrangler Studios, Melbourne (All Ages)
15 October 2016 – Workers Club, Melbourne (18+)
16 October 2016 – Enigma Bar, Adelaide (Licensed/All Ages)

Caiti Baker Does It Her Way With “Heavy on My Heart”

Caiti Baker seems to be one of those artists that defies genre. The press release accompanying her debut single “Heavy on My Heart” calls her a soul/hip hop act, but there’s a strong spirit of blues and gospel running through the tune. It’s gorgeously rhythmic, with handclaps and brass flourishes driving things along. The clip, featuring old Super 8 footage of Caiti’s folks, is also really special.

With influences ranging from Big Mama Thornton to Missy Elliot, Caiti Baker is making the kind of music we don’t hear enough of it. If you want more, make sure you catch her at one of her single launch shows.

3 September 2016 – No. 5 Church St, Bellingen
4 September 2016 – Pacific Hotel, Yamba
17 September 2016 – Headland Café, Valla Beach
18 September 2016 – Flow Bar, Old Bar
2 October 2016 – Caloundra Music Festival, Caloundra
5 October 2016 – Elements Bar, Coffs Harbour
7 October 2016 – Stag & Hunter, Newcastle
8 October 2016 – Six Strings Brewery, Central Coast

Mouth Tooth Stir Emotions with “Memory Foam”

Melbourne duo Mouth Tooth has released a perfectly poignant song, “Memory Foam,” the lead single from their upcoming album, which will be released on September 30.

It’s a beautifully melancholy number which explores the pain of love lost. The “Memory Foam” clip seems quite ordinary at first, but make sure you watch right through for the surprise ending.

Getting to the Bare Bones” of Jess + Matt’s “Bones”

Jess + Matt were my favourite act from last year’s X Factor. In fact, they might be my favourite act from the X Factor, period. I fell hard for their sublime harmonies, folk sensibility, and their genuine love story.

However, I’m not so enamoured with their latest single, the first original they’ve released since their stint on the show “Bones.” The song was co-written with DNA, the duo behind hits from The Veronicas, Dami Im, and Delta Goodrem. It sounds fresh and commercial, and like nothing I’d have imagined Jess + Matt would produce. And perhaps that’s the problem.

I first stumbled upon this song on Spotify. I didn’t get it at all. Then I played the acoustic version you can find there, and the penny dropped. Suddenly the lyrics which reflect on the feelings of new love came to the fore, rather than the production. Suddenly it seemed weightier than I’d originally imagined.

I appreciate that Jess + Matt are a duo experimenting with their sound and trying to find their place in the music industry post-reality fame. However, I just hope they don’t get too far away from what made them special in an attempt to achieve commercial success.

Hayes Carll Brings Country-Folk to Australia

Hayes Carll will visit Australia in October for two intimate shows in the major capitals.

The Texas native might not be a household name in this country, but he was nominated for a Grammy for best country song this year. His warm vocals tell moving stories from America’s South.
“The Magic Kid,” one of the songs from his new album Lovers and Leavers, gives you an insight into what this talented country-folk artist is all about.

See Hayes Carll at the following Australian shows.

14 October 2016 – Thornbury Theatre, Melbourne
16 October 2016 – Factory Theatre, Sydney