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

American Expat Danielle Deckard Making Beautiful Music in Sydney

New Jersey’s loss is Sydney’s gain. Danielle Deckard used to live in America’s Garden State, but now she’s proudly based in New South Wales capital. She’s also just released her new music video for “I Lied,” which is one of the most stunning piano ballads I’ve heard in some time. It was filmed at Sydney’s Hibernian House, a place where Danielle has played many shows since relocating to the Harbour City.

“‘I Lied’ is about missing someone and never fully getting over that person,” Danielle explained. “Having these triggers that always remind you of them and hopelessly wondering, but never knowing if they still think about you too.”

And haven’t we all been there!

“I Lied” comes from Danielle’s End of the World EP, which is available for download from most digital music providers.

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

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

Alexander Biggs Releases “Out in the Dark”

There’s a time and place for big production, but there’s something so appealing about old school musicians like Alexander Biggs, a Melbourne folk act who recorded, mixed, and mastered his new single “Out in the Dark” from his bedroom.

“Out in the Dark” is a gorgeous song, a slow burner that’s perfectly executed and beautifully written. It’s the second track lifted from Alexander’s debut EP, which will be released later this year.

Alexander will launch the single for hometown fans at Some Velvet Morning on June 23. Entry is free, so there’s no excuse not to get out and support this talented new artist.

The Evening Cast Releases “Gang of Fools”

It’s been a long time since I’ve heard new material from The Evening Cast, but it’s been well and truly worth the wait. Their new single “Gang of Fools,” reminded me just how much I love this five-piece from Geelong.

It’s got a great groove and some beautiful harmonies. I love the way the Evening Cast never overdoes things. The song is delicate and restrained, and the sort of thing that makes me hungry for more.

That’s coming soon. “Gang of Fools” is the first track lifted from The Evening Cast’s sophomore LP Belong, which will be released on May 11. A national tour will follow in June.

Rock Gods TASTE on Comeback Trail

After a hiatus of nearly 40 years, TASTE are back. However unlike so many bands, they haven’t reformed to cash in on the nostalgia of the past or fund their retirements. Instead they’re doing it because they never got the chance to fulfil their potential.

Rewind to the ‘70s and TASTE were poised to be the next big thing. They were the first band to appear on Countdown, their song “Boys Will Be Boys” was going gangbusters, and they were set to tour the United States with Queen. Then their parents charged into their management office demanding they disband. Sadly, they listened to their mums and dads.

However, they’re looking to put all that behind them. The band’s back together, with the addition of new drummer Michael Corniola, and they’ve got a brand new single “I Am God.” It’s just as grandiose and it rocks just as hard as a proper glam rock track should. The clip is also brilliant.

The track comes from TASTE’s latest album Life on Earth, which drops on May 27. They’ll celebrate its release with shows in capital cities around the country.

1 July 2016 – Crowbar, Brisbane
9 July 2016 – Fowlers Live, Adelaide
14 July 2016 – Frankie’s Pizzeria (FREE)
16 July 2016 – The Corner, Melbourne

The Harlots Unleash “High Roller”

Melbourne rock act The Harlots have delivered a dirty, sexy new single “High Roller.”

I love the grungy funkiness of this track. It also has a really old school feel, perhaps because it was recorded through old-school pre-amps onto reel to reel tape.

“High Roller” comes from The Harlots’ debut album, which will be released in the coming months. You can hear some of the songs to come at the following upcoming shows.

12 May 2016 – Frankies Pizza, Sydney
14 May 2016 – Dicey Riley’s, Wollongong
20 May 2016 – Crown & Anchor, Adelaide
21 May 2016 – The Loft, Warnambool

Buchanan Delivers Your Tuesday Morning Pick-Me-Up

On weeks like this, when you’re starting to get used to four days at work before the weekend, a Tuesday morning can feel a lot like a Wednesday morning. If you’re struggling to get moving, let Buchanan give you a little kick start. I can’t promise “Stop” will have you dancing as well as the talented girls in the clip, but it should energize you enough to get through the day.

“Stop” comes from Buchanan’s sophomore album Pressure in an Empty Space.

Mousecapades Releases “Fled”

Peter King has been playing with Melbourne’s best rock and blues acts for years, but now under his new project Mousecapades he’s embracing a brand new sound. It’s showcased beautifully with his brand new single “Fled,” the third taken from the Little White Lies EP.

The song hooked me in from that gentle glockenspiel opening and didn’t let go until that lush reverby ending faded away.

Little White Lies is available for free download from Mousecapades’ Bandcamp page.