Category: Video

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Inventions Do Things Differently

Melbourne band Inventions chose their name because they never want to sit still. It’s the brainchild of frontman Jake Leaney, who spent time auditioning musicians who could help bring his video to life. Together they honed their unique blend of alternative-rock, pop, and punk for 12 months before unleashing their debut EP.

The epic lead single “Shadows” gives you a taste of what this band’s all about. It’s big and gutsy, perhaps even to the point of being melodramatic. But it doesn’t do things by halves, and I like that.

Inventions will celebrate the EP and single releases with a string of shows that kick off tomorrow night in their home town.

2 October 2014 – The Curtin, Melbourne
8 October 2014 – The Rosemount Hotel, Perth
10 October 2014 – Ya-Ya’s, Perth
11 October 2014 – YMCA HQ, Perth
23 October 2014 – The Crown & Anchor, Adelaide
1 November 2014 – The Evelyn Hotel, Melbourne
2 November 2014 – Wrangler Studios, Melbourne (ALL AGES)
6 November 2014 – Rad, Wollongong
8 November 2014 – Valve Bar, Sydney

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

The Veronicas Claim Number One Single

It seems like forever since we’ve seen an Aussie acts topping the singles charts, but The Veronicas have done it with their stunning newie “You Ruin Me.” I’ve had fun with songs from their last album, but I missed that strong emotional core that I felt ran through their earlier releases. They’ve rewarded my patience with this song, which I think is their best work. I’m so glad Australia’s embraced it!

After a few lean months in the singles charts, it’s great to see The Veronicas are one of a few local acts making their presence felt. Nathaniel’s super-fun ditty “Live Louder” has climbed one place to sit at number four this week. Timmy Trumpet feat. Savage have slipped a couple of spots to sit at number five with “FREAKS”.

It seems I missed the news that Missy Higgins had a new album coming out, but Australia hasn’t. Oz sits at number three on debut. Rock veteran Jimmy Barnes rounds out the top 10 with 30:30 Hindsight.

Click through to see this week’s top ten albums.
Continue reading “The Veronicas Claim Number One Single” →

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Calm Collected Make Me Smile

If you’re looking for the next pop act to brighten up your weekend, then look no further than Perth four-piece Calm Collected. The lads recently released the catchy as hell single “Nothing Like the Movies” ahead of the October 13 launch of their EP Give Me Your Worst.

The quartet might not be breaking new ground here, but it’s an awful lot of fun. I love those big pop hooks, and I was tapping my toe in time before the song’s end. It’s also impressive that frontman Tim Tan writes the band’s songs himself and is a dab hand in the producer’s chair. Add the instrumental skills of all involved and you’ve got an act that’s got the edge over many of the pop artists on the charts.

Catch them at The Nexus Arts Centre in Adelaide on October 3.

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Ben Ottewell Celebrates Local Release of Rattlebag with Acoustic Shows

Incomparable Gomez frontman Ben Ottewell will bring his solo show to Australia next month. He’ll showcase the songs from his forthcoming release Rattlebag, some old favourites, and even some surprising covers in these intimate, acoustic shows.

Rattlebag again sees Ben collaborating with his childhood buddy Sam Genders.

“Sam and I grew up together in a little village called Bonsall in Derbyshire and have been friends since childhood. I love his songwriting — the stuff he did with his bands Tunng and The Accidental, particularly lyrically.”

Ben Ottewell’s tour kicks off in Fremantle on October 24, the same day that Rattlebag gets a local release. It might seem a bit of a gamble getting tickets for concerts showcasing a brand new album, but this sublime stripped back performance of “Rattlebag” should put your mind at ease.

24 October 2014 – The Odd Fellow, Fremantle
25 October 2014 – Four5Nine, Perth
26 October 2014 – Grace Emily, Adelaide
29 October 2014 – Newtown Social Club, Newtown
30 October 2014 – Brass Monkey, Cronulla
31 October 2014 – Black Bear Lodge, Brisbane
1 November 2014 – The Bunker, Coogee
2 November 2014 – Heritage Hotel, Bulli
3 November 2014 – Substation, Newport
5 November 2014 – Northcote Social Club, Northcote
6 November 2014 – Flying Saucer Club, Elsternwick

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Apes Set for British Domination

Apes really impressed me with their fun single “Pull the Trigger,” and it seems I’m not the only one taking note. The Melbourne lads recently inked a deal with British booking agency 13 Artists, the same group representing the likes of Artic Monkeys, Radiohead, and Bloc Party.

To celebrate the achievement, Apes have headed across the pond for four shows this week. See them before everyone else discovers them at the following gigs.

1 October 2014 – Water Rats, London
2 October 2014 – Fallow Café, Manchester
3 October 2014 – Nice n’ Sleazy, Glasgow
4 October 2014 – Alfie Birds, Birmingham

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

The Secret City Release Eye-Popping Animated Clip

Sydney band The Secret City have outdone themselves with their incredible video for new single “Little Darling.” This animated clip is Dreamworks worthy stuff, which tells a timeless tale of a boy and girl thwarted in their quest for love. Sure, most love stories don’t take place inside clocks, but I’m sure you’ll be able to relate. Major props go to Big Cookie Studios for their work on this.

And the song itself is pretty fabulous too. It’s a beautiful marriage really, with gorgeous visuals matching a really unique blend of folk and pop.

I hear these guys are incredible live, with three dynamic performers out front of an ever-changing cast of bass players, drummers, keyboardists, and programmers. You can find out for yourself when The Secret City launch “Little Darling” at the following shows.

17 October 2014 – Lazy Bones, Marrickville, NSW
6 November 2014 – Lass O’Gowrie, Newcastle
8 November 2014 – Ric’s, Brisbane
30 November 2014 – Petersham Bowling Club, Petersham

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Antiskeptic Release Retro Clip

The right music video can make any song so much more awesome. Melbourne’s Antiskeptic have certainly gotten it right with their Back to the Future-inspired clip for “Hey Dissident,” the lead single from their third album Stare Down the Ocean. It’s a fitting return for this band after a six-year hiatus.

Stare Down the Ocean hits stores on September 19. The album was crowdfunded by fans who raised more than $20,000 to support its release. That’s not bad for an act that’s been out of action for a while. Early reports insist that it’s Antiskeptic’s most cohesive and anthemic release to date, so it sounds like it’s been money well spent.

Antiskeptic will celebrate the release of Stare Down the Ocean with a string of shows later this month.

25 September 2014 – Newtown Social Club, Sydney
26 September 2014 – The Small Ballroom, Newcastle
27 September 2014 – Enigma Bar, Adelaide
4 October 2014 – The Brightside, Brisbane
11 October 2014 – The Evelyn, Melbourne

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Mercians Give Me Flashbacks with “Your Words”

Mercians are taking me straight back to the 90s with their latest single “Your Words,” the title track from their recently released EP. I can’t help thinking of all of the rock stars of the era as I listen to the empassioned vocals.

The Melbourne five-piece have always felt more at home on the stage than in the studio, so the song’s bound to sound even better in the flesh. You can catch Mercians doing the live thing at the following East Coast shows.

12 September 2014 – The Workers Club, Melbourne
13 September 2014 – Trainspotters, Brisbane
14 September 2014 – FBi Social Club, Sydney

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

David Craft Wows me with “Smokey Lungs & Dirty Puns”

Every so often you hear a song and it stops you in your tracks. You are shaken out of whatever you’re doing. The music goes from being something in the background to something that demands your attention. “Smokey Lungs & Dirty Puns” by Perth folk muso David Craft is one of those songs.

It’s got such a compelling honesty to it. It’s very gentle and delicate, but there’s this raw realism to it that just can’t be ignored. The video, starring local performer Lily Roberts, is also beautiful. It’s amazing to think it’s the first clip he’s released.

Stunning stuff!

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Kasey Chambers Does Things Differently with Bittersweet

Kasey Chambers is doing things a little differently on her tenth album. Bittersweet is her first solo record in four years, and the first she’ll create without her long-time producer and manager, brother Nash Chambers, at the helm. Instead she worked with Nick DiDia, the man behind Pearl Jam, Bruce Springsteen, and Powderfinger albums, at Studio 301 in Byron Bay.

“I wanted to have an experience making a record that I had never had before. I wanted to challenge myself and I wanted to be excited,” she explained.

If the first single “Wheelbarrow” is any indication, the gamble’s paid off. It’s so raw and ballsy. However, an album with the talent Kasey’s assembled couldn’t possibly sound bar. Her studio band features Powderfinger’s Bernard Fanning on acoustic guitar, Ashleigh Dallas on banjo, fiddle, mandolin, and backing vocals, and Dan Kelly on electric and acoustic guitars and backing vocals, to name just a few.

Bittersweet will hit stores on August 29. Kasey will play the following shows to celebrate its release.

30 August 2014 – Gympie Music Muster, Gympie
2 September 2014 – Lefties Old Time Music Hall, Brisbane
3 September 2014 – Northcote Social Club, Melbourne
4 September 2014 – Newtown Social Club, Sydney