Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Slap on Some Sunscreen

Sydney act Sunscreen are taking me back to the hey days of 80s New Romantic sounds with their poppy new single, “Think About You.” It’s an old-fashioned love song at its core, with Sunscreen’s own spin.

“This song is reminiscent of all things new, bright, and exciting,” explained lead vocalist and guitarist Sarah Sykes. “The feeling when you just can’t get close enough to someone.”
Sunscreen recently travelled all over the East Coast with their High Over Love tour, but they’ve got a few more shows left in them. Hear this track and more songs from the band’s forthcoming Falling in an Elevator EP at the following shows.

16 August 2019 – Week.End Club, Sydney (FREE)
23 August 2019 – UOW Unibar, Wollongong

Image used with permission from GYRO PR

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Mylk Release Catchy New Single, “Not My Fault”

Do you ever feel like bad luck follows you? Then you’ll relate to “Not My Fault,” the fun new single from Melbourne indie rock act Mylk.

This track is the perfect introduction to Mylk. It’s got a healthy dose of humour, an approachable sound, and a groove that won’t quit.

“It feels great to be releasing this track after working so hard on it for such a long time. We love the song, and to finally be able to show it to the world is exciting and relieving, hopefully it gets stuck in people’s heads!” said the group’s front man, Nathaniel Peacock. “It was while jamming the song instrumentally that we just happened to sing the words ‘it’s not my fault’ to the tune of the chorus and the rest of the lyrics just came together. The lyrical content of the song is not meant to be taken super seriously at all, with the track aiming to be fun and catchy, and something to make people move.”

Mylk will celebrate the release of “Not My Fault” with a hometown launch show at the Grace Darling Hotel on August 23.

Image used with permission from On the Map PR

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

“Drinking Alone” – Jack Runaway

If Kings of Leon and Paulo Nutini had a lovechild, he might sound something like Jack Runaway. Drinking Alone is the Western Australian act’s debut EP, but it’s delivered with all the confidence of seasoned pros.

At just five tracks, the band makes sure there are no fillers here. We already got a taste of Jack Runaway with the singles “Ready to Know You” and “Never Know,” and they’ve wasted no time releasing another single, “Dijonnaise” in tandem with this EP. Any one of the songs on Drinking Alone could be a single though. Each one has a cool, sexy self-assuredness about it, a real rockstar vibe that simmers just below the surface.

I don’t think it’s any coincidence “Ready to Know You” is the EP’s opener. It’s the song that made me fall for Jack Runaway. Hearing it again reminds me just how much I dig the band and primes me for what will come next. “Moonblocks” is such a natural second track, with the easy groove of its verses and the anthemic chorus. There’s a freedom to it that makes me want to pack up my car and drive somewhere, anywhere. “Never Know” and “Dijonnaise” are straight-up rock tracks, with fuzzy guitars and unbridled choruses. The title track has a real pathos about it, so it’s a curious choice for a closer. However, Jack Runaway aren’t an act that likes to play by the rules. Perhaps ending on a downer was a strategic decision though, as it compels the listener to hit play once again.

Like the best EPs, Drinking Alone is a collection of songs that leaves us wanting more. It’s out now. See Jack Runaway play Clancy’s Fish Pub in Fremantle on August 31.

Image used with permission from Firestarter Music

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Fall in Love With Wolfjay’s “Together”

In the wake of same sex marriage passing in Australia, Wolfjay wrote a simply stunning song about love. “Together” is the latest track from this Melbourne act who are generating serious buzz here and abroad.

“I wrote ‘Together’ the day Australia voted to legalise same-sex marriage in the nation-wide plebiscite, laying on the floor in a recording studio with someone I found fascinating and incredible and lovely,” Wolfjay explained. “We drank prosecco until there wasn’t any left and took turns being honest with each other. ‘Together’ is about having the freedom of being absorbed by the warmth and weight of being close to someone, sharing the same space for a moment and letting it consume you, finally letting go of every stressful thing that’s trying to steal that moment away — forgetting the future together”.

This song has got such a special sound. There’s a great modern indie pop sensibility about it with its beats and synths, but then with strings and subtle guitar sounds laid over the top there’s a little added romance.

If you love “Together,” you’ll be happy to learn there’s more where it came from. It’s the first in a trilogy series of tracks which will be released in the coming weeks. Wolfjay will also play the following shows celebrating its release through August and September.

29 August 2019 – The Gasometer Upstairs, Melbourne
1 September 2019 – Good Intent 1st Birthday @ The Marlyon Sunday, Sydney
3 & 5 September 2019 – BigSound @ The Flying Cock, Brisbane
13 September 2019 – The Stag Hotel, Adelaide

Image used with permission from Good Intent

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Bec Sandridge Announces Biggest Aussie Tour

A couple of months after the release of her poptastic single “Eyes Wide Shut,” Wollongong’s own Bec Sandridge is preparing for her biggest headlining tour of the country. The Try + Save Me tour, whose name pays homage to a lyric from the single, will see Bec showcase new music and some old favourites at venues all around the nation this October.

”I’m so excited to announce my biggest national tour to date!” she gushed. “I’ve been working on a bunch of things over the last two years and I’m beyond thrilled for the band and I to hit the road to share some new tracks” Sandridge says of the announce.

Tickets are on sale now from the venues below.

4 October 2019 – The Foundry, Brisbane
5 October 2019 – The Northern, Byron Bay (FREE ENTRY)
12 October 2019 – Hobart Brewing Company, Hobart
18 October 2019 – Cats @ Rocket Bar, Adelaide
19 October 2019 – Howler, Melbourne
25 October 2019 – Lansdowne, Sydney
26 October 2019 – UC Hub, Canberra
8 November 2019 – UniBar, Wollongong

Image used with permission from Little Giant Agency; credit: Giulia McGauran

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

The Flowers Release Your New Favourite Song, “Origami”

Anxieties and insecurities have never sounded as sweet as they do infusing “Origami,” the sensational sophomore single from Sydney trio The Flowers. The band describes the song as “an ode to anxiety – social anxiety, insecurity within relationships and a little existential panic to top it all off.” I just think it’s brilliant.

This song is the perfect combination of happy-sad. It’s indie pop with a cutting rock edge and angelic vocals from Agnes O’Dwyer.

“After years of feeling like I was made differently, made wrong, I decided to write this song,” she explained. “It was an attempt to try and make sense of my conflicting needs to both be wanted and alone at the same time. The song explores the lengths we go to in order to seek the answers to ‘fix’ the anxiety instead of actually, truly listening to it.”

I wish I discovered this track before their recent single launch. However, hopefully it’s just the first of many shows for this exciting Sydney act.

Image used with permission from Habit Music Company

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Rock Out With “Trinkets” From Split Feed

I’m sure I’m not alone in having one of those weeks where Friday hasn’t arrived soon enough. Thank god for bands like Newcastle garage punk act Split Feed who can let us cut loose for just a few minutes. Their latest track “Trinkets” is the perfect song to slip on to exorcise your frustrations.

“Trinkets” explores the power inanimate objects can hold over us.

“I have a little souvenir that I got when I was overseas a while ago during a past relationship that brings back positive but also negative memories,” admitted Split Feed’s lead singer and guitarist, Joe Willis. “This song sort of adopts a tug of war motif, I’m wanting to let go of some of these memories that are aroused from this souvenir but there are some memories that keep me from throwing it away.”

“Trinkets” gives us our first taste of Split Feed’s sophomore EP. The band has a reputation for their explosive live sets, so Sydneysiders shouldn’t miss them when they play Crowbar with Luca Brasi tomorrow night. Saturday plans sorted!

Image used with permission from GYRO PR

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Tiny Castle Change Their Tune With “Composure”

Tiny Castle’s new single “Composure” is a shimmery melancholy masterpiece. It sees the Brisbane rock act in a more subdued mode than we’re used to, but it’s absolutely beautiful.

Drummer Chris Trupp insists “’Composure’ isn’t a soundtrack for the down and out, but maybe a helping hand along the way.” Either way, I’m here for it with all its synths and sincerity.

Tiny Castle will launch “Composure” for hometown fans at the Black Bear Lodge on August 30.

Image used with permission from GYRO PR

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

“Ten Steps to Cynical Thinking” – The Barren Spinsters

When you slip on an album by a Canberra band called The Barren Spinsters with a name like Ten Steps to Cynical Thinking, you have an inkling you’re in for a good time. But I didn’t quite expect the bluesy collection of songs set to delight my senses this week. I’ve been immersing myself in this album but the last week, and I’m not quite ready to come up for air.

These guys have such a great retro sound. I love the soulful backing vocals and driving drums in the explosive lead track “Hey Ruth,” a song which fondly remembers a former employee who dated TISM’s manager. The single “West of the Happiness” escaped my attention on its release but it’s so much fun with witty lyrics and a cool country-blues-rock flavour. “Step Down” feels like a classic cowboy ditty, but its words give it a subversive modern bent that’s irresistible. “Just the Way You Are” also flips our expectations in the best, bluesiest way possible.

Speaking of lyrics, these guys have a way with words. With a biting sense of humour and a strong sense of rebellion, make sure you play the album a few times to catch every turn of phrase. It’s so easy to get caught up in cool guitar licks and harmonicas, but those lyrics are undeniably clever.

Ten Steps to Cynical Thinking caught my attention early but didn’t let up, with standout songs right throughout. It’s the sort of album I’d play my dad to convince him people are still making good music. It’s got such an accessible sound underpinned by classic influences, from swamp rock to country to good old-fashioned blues. But it’s no mere carbon copy of what’s come before. There’s a delicious edge to their sound that makes The Barren Spinsters much more than a retro throwback.

Ten Steps to Cynical Thinking is out now. The Barren Spinsters are currently touring the album all around the country. Catch them at the following venues.

24 August 2019 – Capital Brewing Co., Canberra
8 September 2019 – Jamison Oval, Reclink Club, Canberra
4-6 October 2019 – Caloundra Music Festival, Caloundra
5 October 2019 – The Imperial Hotel, Eumundi
18-20 October 2019 – Kangaroo Valley Folk Festival, Kangaroo Valley
16 November 2019 – Healsville Music Festival, Healsville
22-24 November 2019 – Queenscliff Music Festival, Queenscliffe

Image used with permission from The Right Profile

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Phia Spreads Good Vibes With “Full Circle”

The working week gets the best of us down. If you’re looking for music to put a smile on your dial, look no further than Phia’s new track. Her latest single “Full Circle” is pure joy and light.

“This song goes DEEP for me. How do we as adults honour who we were as children and what our hopes and dreams were, and how they might have changed?” Phia asks. “It’s the first single from my self-titled second album which is all about honesty, and love, and integration. By integration I mean – accepting all the parts of who you are, not trying to edit or hide them. And being OK with that!”

The beautiful backing vocals come from Melbourne Indie Voices, a cool choir Phia leads. Because if you’re going to lead a choir in your spare time, you might as well make use of their talents! Her long-time friend Josh the Cat also lends his guitar skills.

Phia will play two shows at Melbourne’s Recital Hall on August 10. The 8 pm show has already sold out, but you can contact the venue for tickets to the 6 pm gig. She’ll also play the following shows in Germany next year.

17 April 2020 – GoldMucke @ Hotel Friends, Dusseldorf
18 April 2020 – Bunker Ulmenwall, Bielefeld
21 April 2020 – Ostpol, Dresden
23 April 2020 – Badehaus Berlin, Friedrichshain
24 April 2020 – Moritzhof, Magdeburg-Neustadt