“Little Earthquake” Release Life-Affirming “I Am Alive”

Fellow Coasties Little Earthquake have struck gold with their new single “I Am Alive.” It’s such a jubilant, positive piece of pop with lush harmonies and a beautiful synthscape.

The film clip, directed by Rob Sherwood, is pretty fabulous too. The stunning homegrown landscapes and surf footage is just the cure for whatever’s ailing you this Humpday.

Little Earthquake are currently touring the single around the country, giving fans a sneaky listen to songs from their debut album which will hit stores later this year.

20 February 2015 – Rad Bar, Wollongong
21 February 2015 – Mountain Sounds, Kariong
25 February 2015 – Newcastle Uni, Newcastle
25 February 2015 – Lass O’Gowrie, Newcastle
28 February 2015 – Sly Fox, Enmore
6 March 2015 – Penny Black, Melbourne
7 March 2015 – Baho Tacos, Rye
12 March 2015 – Bull and Bush, Windsor
13 March 2015 – Tattersall’s, Penrith
14 March 2015 – Good God Small Club, Sydney
18 March 2015 – Bald Faced Stag, Leichardt

Play “Hide and Seek” with Swim Season

I remember being a young thing and having my mind blown watching the film clip for Michael Jackson’s “Black or White.” The face-shifting special effects employed by Melbourne’s Swim Season in their new music video might not be quite as seamless or sophisticated, but considering the budgets of up-and-coming Aussie acts I’m impressed. “Hide and Seek” is also such a fun, feelgood piece of indie pop. I’m a real fan.

Swim Season won’t be touring the single, but you can catch them doing their thing with Bad Pony at Sydney’s World Bar tomorrow night.

Double Lined Minority Tour “Caught in the Ceasefire”

Double Lined Minority are heading out on the road to support the release of their sophomore EP Caught in the Ceasefire, which hits stores today. The EP features the new single “Voodoo,” which reminds me of something that might have been released by Panic at the Disco or Fallout Boy.

The five-track EP is a collection of semi-biographical, lyrical vignettes which capture frontman Eddie Salazar’s experience of life, love, and temptation. Fans can hear them all at the following shows.

7 March 2015 – SUB Beanbag Gigs, Melbourne (ALL AGES)
8 March 2015 – Valve Basement Bar, Sydney (LICENSED ALL AGES)
12 March 2015 – The Beetle Bar, Brisbane (18+)
13 March 2015 – Griffith University, Gold Coast (ALL AGES)
14 March 2015 – Upstairs At 199, Brisbane (ALL AGES)

The Meltdown: Hot New Soul Find

Melbourne soul outfit The Meltdown have sent my temperature soaring with their smoother than smooth new single “Better Days.” The accompanying video is actually the final live take of the song. Pretty fitting that an act with such a classic sound should take such an old-school approach to their music video, don’t you think?

“Better Days” is lifted from their EP which should be released next month. They’ll play a hometown show to celebrate its release at Shebeen on March 12. This is one of those times I’d kill to live in Melbourne. Hopefully they’ll travel north for some shows soon!

Andrew Swift Reminisces with “Sound the Alarm”

Melbourne single-songwriter Andrew Swift has always penned songs from the heart, but he believes that his latest single “Sound the Alarm” is “as honest and personal” as he’s ever been.

“It was written during the hardest break up I’ve had to go through, but rather than write a heartbroken, ‘woe is me’ type of break up song, what came out was a reflection of the night that that we met,” he explained.

Hearing the story behind it makes this song that much more poignant. I love a story song, and this one tells a tale so vivid that I felt a bit choked up reading that it didn’t work out.

Andrew Swift will promote the release of “Sound the Alarm” with a string of shows kicking off tomorrow night in Footscray.

8 February 2015 – Reverence Hotel, Footscray
21 February 2015 – Berwick Show, Berwick (ALL AGES)
21 February 2015 – Reverence Hotel, Footscray
22 February 2015 – Bonnie Doon Music Festival, Bonnie Doon
26 February 2015 – The Retreat, Brunswick
19 March 2015 – The Retreat, Brunswick
20 March 2015 – Crown + Anchor, Adelaide

Left. Win Me Over with “Lay With Me”

I’m not sure what happened the first time I listened to “Lay With Me,” the latest single from Sydney electronic duo Left. Perhaps I was too cranky to appreciate its mellow, poppy groove. All I know is that weeks after my initial listen, I can’t stop playing it.

Left. is made up of the ethereal voice of Sarah Corry and her partner in crime, guitarist and producer Jono Graham. They’ve got something really special here. It initially sounds perfect for grooving with a handsome stranger on the dance floor, but listen to the lyrics and its darker side is revealed. Sarah’s actually singing about being forced into an arranged marriage, despite yearning for someone else.

“I was inspired by how I imagined that circumstances might feel: the desperation, helplessness, and desire to make yourself happy against all the odds,” explains Corry.

“Lay With Me” is the third track lifted from Left.’s debut LP Sirens, which hits stores today. Left. will launch it with three shows in the East Coast capitals.

12 February 2015 – Laundry, Melbourne
13 February 2015 – Oxford Arts Factory, Sydney
14 February 2015 – Black Bear Lodge, Brisbane (FREE)

Image used with permission from Umbrella Music

With Confidence Play for the Kids

Sydney alternative rock band With Confidence are hitting the road for a kid-friendly tour. I’ve got to admire this band for knowing their market and happily making every single show appropriate for under 18s.

The gigs will promote the band’s brand new EP Distance, which features the epic single “Take Me Away.” It’s done amazing things for the band, reaching number 10 on the overall iTunes charts and number two on the alternative charts.

“Honestly, fans always surprise us with their support and we didn’t expect to push that high in the charts,” admitted lead vocalist and bassist Jayden Seeley. “We’re forever grateful for everyone that lends us their ears and supports our music”.

With Confidence sold out their last headlining tour in April 2013, so expect a very vocal crowd at the following shows.

7 February 2015 – The Lair, Sydney (ALL AGES)
8 February 2015 – Hombre Records, Newcastle (ALL AGES)
14 February 2015 – 38 Berwick St, Brisbane (UNDER 18s)
15 February 2015 – YMCA HQ, Perth (ALL AGES)
1 March 2015 – Rubix Funhouse, Melbourne (ALL AGES)

Client Liaison Celebrate Spirit of the 80s with “Pretty Lovers”

I had to double-check the date on the Client Liaison music video “Pretty Lovers” after watching it on YouTube. January 19, 2015? Are you sure it’s not 1985? But I’m assured that this is a brand new song and not something from my youth. It might feel like a throwback, but as someone who hasn’t really left the 80s behind I don’t mind one bit. Cheesy lyrics, big synth chords, a saxophone, and questionable fashion sense. Sign me up!

Client Liaison will hit the road in February to celebrate the single’s release. It’s the last time the band will play shows supporting their self-titled EP, so see them while you can!

28 February 2015 – Secret Garden Festival, Sydney (SOLD OUT)
5 March 2015 – Black Bear Lodge, Brisbane
6 March 2015 – Secret Venue TBA, Perth
7 March 2015 – Pirie & Co. Social Club, Adelaide
14 March 2015 – Oxford Art Factory, Sydney
20 March 2015 – 170 Russell, Melbourne

Leanne Tennant Gets Dark with “Black Snake Calls”

Cairns songstress Leanne Tennant has really impressed me with her sultry, bluesy new single “Black Snake Calls.” The dark video is the perfect accompaniment for this moody folk number. The track comes from Leanne’s debut album Pull Up Your Britches, which is in stores now.

Leanne will showcase songs from that record when she takes her “Black Snake” tour around the country. It kicks off in Brisbane tomorrow night before stopping by the Tamworth Country Music Festival and a string of top venues across New South Wales.

16 January 2015 – Habitat, West End, Brisbane
22 January 2015 – Addami Espresso, Tamworth
22 January 2015 – Fanzone Stage, Tamworth
23 January 2015 – The Pub, Tamworth (with Bill Chambers)
23 January 2015 – “Footstomp Music Party” @ Jakes Place, Tamworth
24 January 2015 – RB Sellers HQ Stage, Tamworth
25 January 2015 – The Dag, Nundle
26 January 2015 – Petersham Bowls Club, Petersham
27 January 2015 – The Record Crate, Glebe

Young Lions Back and Better with Blue Isla

Young Lions burst out of the gate with their debut album Burn in early 2013. Now two years later, with a bit more experience under their belt, the Brisbane five-piece are set to do it all again with the release of their sophomore effort Blue Isla.

Burn was a record full of anger,” says bassist Morgan Castle. “‘Blue Isla’ is a huge step up for us. The record is one of beauty and maturity. Everything you’ve come to love about Young Lions – Passion. Truth. Relevancy. It’s in this record. We’ve matured a lot and so has our music.”

It’s a big call, but the lads seem to be delivering with the release of the album’s lead single “When Will We Be Free?” It’s a soaring, epic number about breaking out of the nine-to-five grind and exploring the possibilities.

Blue Isla hits stores on January 27. Young Lions will support its release with the following shows.

14 February 2015 – The Brightside, Brisbane (18+)
15 February 2015 – Acoustic Session @ Sabotage, Brisbane (18+)
19 February 2015 – Hot Damn @ The Exchange Hotel, Sydney (18+)
20 February 2015 – Tattersalls Hotel, Penrith (18+)
28 February 2015 – Bang @ The Royal Melbourne Hotel, Melbourne (18+)
5 March 2015 – Last Night, Perth (18+)
6 March 2015 – YMCA HQ, Leederville (ALL AGES)
7 March 2015 – Babushka, Perth (18+)