Andrew Samuel has teamed up with Ryan Brennan from Phantastic Ferniture for an exciting new musical venture called Every Low. Their first offering is “Joy,” a darkly romantic ditty that makes me really excited about the music to come.
“Joy” is the first cut from Every Low’s forthcoming EP. These Sydney musicians are such talents in their own right, and together it seems they’re only going from strength to strength.
Hump-days are notoriously hard work, but this new track from Mantell should get you through. “Can I Set It Right” is a feel-good slice of indie-rock in the vein of The Kooks and The Strokes. It’s got an appealing raw spontaneity about it, so I wasn’t surprised to read the Melbourne band wrote, recorded, and produced the track in their home studio/garage.
They haven’t come across my radar before, but Mantell has actually been at this music caper since 2013. I love that they haven’t been overly polished in that time though. Their rough edges are a big part of their appeal.
More of this please!
Image used with permission from the A&R Department
I must admit, I listened to MOBS’ new EP Bad Love feeling a little disconnected for the most part. Perhaps I shouldn’t have read the press release first, which cited such wide ranging influences as Tears for Fears, Steve Winwood, Billy Ocean, and my current favourite new band LANY. It also stated the Melbourne outfit has just signed a record deal with Rude Records, home to Less Than Jake, The Maine, and Set It Off, to name a few. It wasn’t that I didn’t like the music. It was fun, ear-pleasing pop. But it didn’t grab me as much as I’d hoped. Until the final track.
Funnily enough, the final track is also the EP’s first song, but a more stripped back, acoustic version. It was in this mode that I really got to appreciate “Dark Side of a Good Thing,” and MOBS generally. I’ve often said that it’s an underrated talent to write a catchy pop song, and this track is that. But it’s a bit more too. The lyrics are complex and interesting, while still being accessible. There’s a real musicality about this band. I might have missed it on the first run-through, but it’s definitely there.
It’s also worth noting that while Spotify states Bad Love has a 2019 release, thanks to that new deal with Rude Records, it’s actually a re-release of music that came out in 2017. What’s here is solid, but I think we’ll hear a little more maturity on future releases.
MOBS have got all the makings of a really good band. In fact, they could be a great one.
Image used with permission from AAA Entertainment
My dad used to say to me that you know you’re getting old when the songs you grew up with get the electronic treatment. Something tells me he’d hate The2070s, the new album from Australian DJ and producer GEM. But he’s not the target demographic. While this album might make my father cringe, its songs might be just what young people need to discover these classic tunes.
I’m not as precious about classic tunes the way my dad is. I think it’s exciting to hear where music can go. New interpretations can make a track feel fresh and encourage you to appreciate it in a new way. These songs are often radically different from the originals, and the risks don’t always work. I felt like the emotion of “Wild World” and “Fly Like an Eagle” got a little lost in the treatment. But there’s enough here that does impress to make it worth a listen. Elaskia’s tender take on Al Green’s “Let’s Stay Together” is beautiful. Jesse Oneill’s cover of The Eagles’ “New Kid in Town” is also a stunner. I can imagine GEM’s shimmery reinterpretation of The Rolling Stones’ “Miss You” packing out dancefloors. The poptastic cover of “Burning Love” with Victoria on vocals is pure joy.
I also appreciate that GEM is introducing us to new voices here. She’s worked with vocalists who grew up in her community in country New South Wales. GEM’s own input is also important. At a time when 98 percent of music producers are male, it’s wonderful to see a talented female making her mark.
Open your ears and mind to The 2070s. It builds on a base of quality music and takes it in a fresh new direction. It’s out now.
Trick of the Light, the debut album from Melbourne soul outfit That Gold Street Sound, has been six years in the making. It was time put to good use though, because this is one of the slickest soul albums I’ve heard in some time. There’s an impressive polish to the recording, yet the songs have lost none of the spontaneity and energy that makes this band one of the most exciting acts on the local music scene.
The album is book-ended by “The Struggle.” The first take has a feelgood retro groove. It’s the perfect introduction to the upbeat, classic soul sounds that dominant this album. “The Thrill,” with its bouncy bass line and cool interplay between the horns and electric guitar, makes me want to find the nearest dancefloor. Moving straight into the sassy “Last Man,” we barely have time to catch our breath. Even when vocalist Shaanika Marguccio sings about her isolation and longing for a relationship in “Only Lonely” or being let down time and time again in “Make It Right,” those big brassy horns create a party atmosphere.
Trick of the Light does show a few different complexions though. There’s a cool bluesiness to the title track and its follow up, “Home by Nine.” “Rain” is a beautiful ballad that wouldn’t sound out of place in the discography of Etta James or Gladys Knight. And then there’s that closing number, the piano version of “The Struggle.” It’s so stripped back it takes a moment to gel it’s the same song as the album opener. While I loved the vibrancy of the original version, this one moves me so much it might just be my favourite cut on this album. However, with so many stellar songs, I’m not quite sure. Perhaps I’ll just have to give the album another listen to be certain.
Trick of the Light is out now.
One of my favourite things about working from home is the ability to take a dance break. Never underestimate the power of a few minutes dancing with wild abandon to clear your head and recharge your batteries. With Melbourne indie rockers The Avenue kicking off their EP tour tonight, it seems only fitting that their latest single “suburbs.cities.towns” was my soundtrack today.
The track comes from The Avenue’s third EP BODIES, an exciting collection of songs in the vein of international sensations like The 1975 and LANY. Listening to the EP, I know these shows will be incredible fun. Join in and enjoy your own dance break at the following gigs.
28 February 2019 – Frankie’s Pizza, Sydney (FREE)
1 March 2019 – Netherworld, Brisbane (FREE)
22 March 2019 – Old Bar, Melbourne
Image used with permission from Beehive PR
With Patrick James’ new EP What We’re Fighting For set for release, there’s no better time to wrap your ears around his latest single, “Up.”
I’ve been following Patrick’s career for some time, and I think he’s getting better and better. This single is so polished, with mature lyrics and a great sound combining classic piano pop with modern electronic influences.
This single’s release has me counting down the days until the EP lands on March 8. Patrick will give us a little time to familiarise ourselves with his new material before heading off on an East Coast tour. Tickets are on sale now through his website.
6 April 2019 – The Lansdowne, Sydney
12 April 2019 – Workers Club, Melbourne
18 April 2019 – Black Bear Lodge, Brisbane
Image used with permission from GYROstream
When was the last time you saw a concert that was truly different? No matter whether you only get to a handful of gigs a year or you’re a regular concert goer, you’re probably struggling to cast your mind back. As music lovers we tend to stick to the same genres, and see shows that follow a fairly predictable trajectory. They’re wonderful, don’t get me wrong. That’s why we keep on coming back. They might even blow us away. They’re just not especially unique.
You get different when you do as I did on Thursday night and accept a couple of tickets for a show you wouldn’t ordinarily buy tickets to. I was a big fan of George, Katie Noonan’s first band and Triple J darlings. Since that time I’ve watched her career with interest and appreciation. It’s always fascinating to see an artist take her career in new and exciting directions. But I hadn’t seen her perform since she was with George. I changed all that when her current three-piece Elixir hit Gosford on Thursday night.
I knew Elixir were a jazz-folk trio and that they’d recently released an album Gratitude and Grief, created in conjunction with famed poet and cartoonist Michael Leunig. However, those scraps of information couldn’t quite prepare me for a show like this. It was a real showcase for the new album. The trio opened with a couple of tracks from their first album, before launching into material from the new release. For an ordinary show, playing so much from a new album would be a hard sell. But an Elixir concert isn’t like one from your favourite rock or pop act.
Katie thanked us for giving their music “a quiet space,” a comment that really got me thinking about why this concert was so unique for me. I’m not sure I’ve ever seen a show where music had a quiet space. There are always fans singing along with the performers. You sometimes hear the low murmur of the audience members talking amongst themselves and ordering drinks at the bar. It’s not uncommon to hear cheers as the audience recognizes a favourite song or a performer hits a high note. However, this really was a quiet space, with only polite, restrained applause punctuating each song. We listened attentively through each song and Katie’s explanations of the material.
The music was exquisitely beautiful, like free-form poetry without a predictable structure. Katie’s voice is just as sublime as it was when I first saw her perform many years ago. I loved hearing the way it played with the tones of Zac Hurren’s saxophone and Stephen Magnusson’s acoustic guitar. The passion these performers have for Michael Leunig’s poetry is apparent. They’re understandably proud of the music compositions featuring his poetry they created with him. Katie encouraged us to listen to his beautiful words, and even took the time to recite a particular favourite before singing it, just to we could really hone in on those lyrics.
Elixir continued to surprise me with the final two tracks, moving away from their originals for a few choice covers. I’ve never heard “Rainbow Connection” or “Goodbye Yellow Brick Road” sound quite like this before, but they were breathtaking. So original, so poignant, so powerful.
This show was really like nothing I’ve ever seen before, but I loved it. Elixir create a magical, ethereal mood that really takes you to another place. Sharing a quiet space with them is something I’ll never forget.
Elixir continue their Gratitude and Grief tour in Pomona this Friday. Michael Leunig is a special guest at selected shows.
1 March 2019 – Majestic Theatre, Pomona
2 March 2019 – CPAC Theatre, Cairns (with Michael Leunig and String Quartet)
15 March 2019 – Civic Theatre, Newcastle (with Michael Leunig and String Quartet)
16 & 17 March 2019 – Blue Mountains Music Festival, Katoomba (with Michael Leunig)
22 March 2019 – Melbourne Recital Centre, Melbourne (with Michael Leunig and The Impossible Orchestra)
23 March 2019 – Meeniyan Town Hall, Meeniyan
24 March 2019 – Anglesea Memorial Hall, Anglesea
30 March 2019 – Spiegeltent Hobart, Hobart, Australia
31 March 2019 – Spiegeltent Canberra, Canberra,
5 April 2019 – Redland Performing Arts Centre, Cleveland
6 April 2019 – Brunswick Picture House, Brunswick Heads
18 April 2019 – Spiegeltent Gold Coast, Southport
20 April 2019 – Feathertop Winery, Porepunkah
21 April 2019 – Music in the Garden, Albury
27 April 2019 – The Memo, Healesville
28 April 2019 – Bendigo Autumn Music, Bendigo (with Michael Leunig)
Adelaide sister trio Germein are making serious waves overseas. Last year they supported Little Mix around the United Kingdom and played major international festivals like Kimiko and Isle of Wight. But there’s nothing quite like being back on home soil. Their latest track “Red Rover” is about that unmistakeable feeling of being reunited with the ones you love, and it’s absolute pop bliss.
“’Red Rover’ for us is about coming home after being away for a long time, and that cool moment when you finally get to run into the arms of your favourite people,” they said. “As a band we spend a lot of time on the road touring – which we love – but there’s always something pretty special about going home.”
Germein have a couple of local shows before they jet off again. Catch them at The Toff in Melbourne tonight or The Gov in Adelaide on February 28.
The recent gloomy weather has me thinking summer is behind us, but don’t tell Caravãna Sun or LaBrassBanda. The Sydney indie band and Germany powerhouse will spread some sunshine all around the country with their massive co-headlining tour next month.
Caravãna Sun are still riding high on the success of last year’s Silver Linings EP, which saw them play several sold out shows and enjoy featured play on Triple J, Spotify, and Apple Music.
I didn’t know much about LaBrassBanda before this morning, but I’ve been devouring their music. These guys have been streamed more than 10 million times on Spotify alone. They’ve also played all around the world, including in Zimbabwe and Siberia! With big horns and an infectious energy, they’re really something special. They sell out stadiums back in their native journey, so we’re really lucky to catch them at such intimate venues.
Caravãna Sun and LaBrassBanda became firm friends when they toured Europe together in 2017. They can’t wait to bring that connection to music lovers here in Australia.
“Touring with LaBrassBanda is a party 24/7. Every moment is filled with laughter, love and an overall celebration of life. Their live shows are some of the most dynamic and explosive events we’ve ever experienced,” Caravãna Sun said. “Gracing the stage together for the Horn Haus Tour will make for some unforgettable memories, no doubt showered in Bavarian Beer!”
Join the party at the following shows.
8 March 2019 – Stay Gold, Melbourne
9-11 March 2019 – WOMADelaide, Adelaide
14 March 2019 – The Zoo, Brisbane
15 March 2019 – SolBar, Sunshine Coast
16 March 2019 – Forth Valley Blues Festival, Tasmania
21 March 2019 – The Lansdowne, Sydney
22 March 2019 – Miranda Hotel, Miranda
23 March 2019 – Raise The Vibration Festival, Mogo
Image used with permission from Beehive PR