Posted on by Lauren Katulka

“Songs From The Village” – Jess + Matt

The X Factor Australia is becoming a distant memory and I’ve forgotten most of the acts that graced its stage over the years. But not Jess + Matt, who charmed me with their beautiful harmonies, their folky sound, and the romance of their real-life relationship. Something special happens when people in love make music together and that goes double when they’ve got some serious music taste. Over the years they’ve released covers and originals, which didn’t all hit the mark for me. Songs From The Village is the album I’ve been waiting for them to make, a celebration of classic folk music.

This album starts so strong with a jubilant version of “The Times They Are A-Changing.” Their take on “The Boxer,” the second track is another stunner. It builds to an epic vocal crescendo that makes your heart soar. The danger with bringing us so many folk songs though is that the music can become background. It’s admittedly a very gentle record, and there are a few slow spots. However, whenever it starts getting a bit sleepy, Jess + Matt deliver a knockout. Their rollicking version of “Don’t Think Twice, It’s All Right,” hits all the right notes. “Leaving on a Jet Plane” is so special. Jess + Matt are at their best when they get to play off against one another as they do here. It’s so beautiful and believable. Their version of “Both Sides Now” is exquisite.

Jess + Matt are such talented vocalists with an innate musical sensibility. They clearly have fantastic music taste and they know what will work well for their voices. They’re also such natural storytellers, ensuring their takes on songs from Simon and Garfunkel, Bob Dylan, and other American folk pioneers don’t feel like pale imitations. I had high expectations for this release. While I wasn’t wowed by every song, there’s plenty here to get excited about.

Songs From The Village is in stores now. Follow Jess + Matt on Facebook to learn about their pop-up appearances promoting the album.

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Lost Worlds Rock Out With “What You Say”

Queensland rockers Lost Worlds will have you thrashing around your room with the release of the lead single from their debut album, “What You Say.” The track has a great garage rock rawness about it, but the synths and guitar effects bring something new to the track. I also love its message about trying to find yourself in an era of information overload.

Lost Worlds have been around since 2016, but it’s taken a couple of years for them to head into frontman and guitar Lee McRae’s bedroom studio and put some tracks down to create their first album, Fire Fire. The band recorded, produced, and mixed the album there, so it’s a real labour of love.

“Making Fire Fire was like throwing it all on black. The gamble that doesn’t make sense at all,” he explained. “I wouldn’t feel right if we didn’t do it and I’d always regret it. This could be the only album that we get to make, so we didn’t hold anything back.”

That all guns blazing attitude really shows in this edgy release which is all passion and heart.

Image used with permission from the A&R Department

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Zenith Moon Make Their Mark With “Inhibition”

“Inhibition” might be Zenith Moon’s debut single, but this Melbourne rock band don’t seem to be shy. They’re bolted out of the gate with a rock pearler that’s going to wow fans of classic acts like Led Zeppelin and Jimi Hendrix. Lead singer Kahli Rose is in fine voice and she’s supported beautifully with one of the tightest bands you’re going to hear.

“’Inhibition’ is a song I wrote after I finished year 12,” Kahli explained. “My high school experience was rather tough and negative as I had to deal with racism and bullying, which led me to depression and extreme anxiety … I became so afraid to be myself that I stopped doing all the things I love which included writing and performing music. In year 12 I decided that I was going to stop letting my depression and anxiety take control. This song is about the journey I went through to becoming a confident woman and not being swayed by other people’s opinions.”

The clip takes us to a house party that we’d all love to attend. It also gives you an inkling of what these guys are like live. If you like what you see, clear you schedule because Zenith Moon will launch “Inhibition” tomorrow night at The Grace Darling in Melbourne.

Image used with permission from On the Map PR

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Jack Biilmann Releases Killer New Single “The Hills Have Eyes”

Canberra-based bluesman Jack Biilmann has got me tapping my toes today with his new single “The Hills Have Eyes.”

It’s one of those tracks that grabs you from the get go. It’s honest and unpretentious, just bloody great music delivered from the heart.

“‘The Hills Have Eyes’” is a kick in a new direction from me,” Jack explained. “I wanted to do something that had the elements with what make me who I am as an artist with a new twist. It’s sure to come as a bit of a surprise, but is still a very ‘Jack Biilmann’ sounding song. The production from Kojo Ansah has really given this song exactly what I am after and I am so excited to release it and see its response.”

Jack is currently on the road promoting the single, stopping in at capital cities and regional centres all around the East Coast. Here are the remaining dates.

7 July 2018 – The Wesley Anne, Melbourne (with Pat Tierney)
19 July 2018 – Jindabyne Brewery, Jindabyne
20 July 2018 – The Alpine, Cooma
21 July 2018 – The Abbey, Canberra
26 & 27 July 2018 – The Eiger, Perisher
4 August 2018 – The Vic, Wagga Wagga
5 August 2018 – The Bended Elbow, Albury
10 August 2018 – The Captain Cook Hotel, Sydney (with Erin McMahon)
12 August 2018 – Hamilton Station, Newcastle
18 August 2018 – Rad Bar, Wollongong (with Erin McMahon, Liam Wright, and Jack Moon)

Image used with permission from Beehive PR

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

The Glorious North Unleash “The Widow”

The Glorious North put a spin on the classic murder ballad with their new single “The Widow.” The story unfolds through the eyes of a man who kills for love and later feels manipulated by the object of his affection. It’s got a great alt-country vibe to go with those dark lyrics that I’m really digging.

“The Widow” comes from Melbourne quartet’s debut album, Welcome to the Glorious North.

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Young Monks Spread Good Vibes With “Supersonic Melodies”

I can’t say I’ve listened to a lot of “experimental tropical-funk,” but if it all sounds as good as Young Monks’ new single “Supersonic Melodies” I have to listen to more. This track from the Canberra quartet is such a groovy, positive number, perfect for chasing away the blues on a gloomy winter’s day.

“Supersonic Melodies” comes from Yong Monks’ self-produced debut album Swamp Creek, which drops on June 29. They’ll take the music to the masses on their upcoming East Coast tour.

13 July 2018 – Bloodhound Bar, Brisbane
15 July 2018 – Cambridge Hotel, Newcastle
20 July 2018 – Workers Club, Melbourne
21 July 2018 – Brighton Up, Sydney
22 July 2018 – Rad Bar, Wollongong
25 July 2018 – Roundhouse Beergarden, Randwick
27 July 2018 – The Park House, Mona Vale
28 July 2018 – Waterfront Hotel, Moruya

Image used with permission from Bianca Blancato

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

5 Seconds of Summer Top Singles & Albums Charts With Youngblood

An Australian act hasn’t held the number one position on the ARIA singles and albums charts since Gotye was sitting pretty with “Somebody That I Used to Know” and Making Mirrors in August 2011. This week 5 Seconds in Summer become only the 33rd local act to achieve the feat with their single “Youngblood” enjoying its fifth week at number one and the album of the same name shooting to the top of the charts on debut.

“I Said Hi” by Amy Shark is the only other act in the top 10 this week. Her latest single has slipped three positions to land at number nine this week.

Top 10 Albums
1. Youngblood – 5 Seconds of Summer
2. The Greatest Showman – Soundtrack
3. Beerbongs & Bentleys – Post Malone
4. ÷ – Ed Sheeran
5. ? – XXXTentacion
6. Everything is Love – The Carters
7. Only Human – Calum Scott
8. Shawn Mendes – Shawn Mendes
9. Liberation – Christina Aguilera
10. ye – Kanye West

Top 10 Singles
1. “Youngblood” – 5 Seconds of Summer
2. “Girls Like You” – Maroon 5 feat. Cardi B
3. “Better Now” – Post Malone
4. “2002” – Anne-Marie
5. “No Tears Left to Dry” – Ariana Grande
6. “Back to You” – Selena Gomez
7. “One Kiss” – Calvin Harris & Dua Lipa
8. “Sad” – XXXTentacion
9. “I Said Hi” – Amy Shark
10. “Love Lies” – Khalid & Normani

Image used with permission from Revolutions per Minute

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Bachelor Girl Are Back With “Speak”

Sometimes it takes a new song to remind you just how good a band is. Such is the case with Bachelor Girl, who are back on the scene 20 years after releasing the smash hit “Buses and Trains.” Their new single “Speak” explores the need for communication in the digital age. It also shows that decades on, Tania Doko and James Roche have still got “it.”

“I feel strongly that ‘Speak’ is the first offering back for the band – personally, it’s a wake-up call and hopefully a 3 minute 30 reminder out there that we’re humans, not just hashtags,” Tania explained.

“Imagine our world if we develop a group agreement that speaking the truth and acting with integrity is normal,” adds James.

Fans will be happy to hear this new track is no one-off. The duo says performing together at a Australia Day concert in 2016 reminded them how much they love making music together.

“[We] are so excited about the new songs,” James said. “It feels better than ever.”

A national tour and more music is in the works for later this year. Get excited Bachelor Girl fans!

Image used with permission from Revolutions per Minute

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Blue River Saga Make Me Nostalgic With “For Now”

It’s been a long time I’ve heard some straight up pop-rock, but Blue River Saga deliver with their latest release “For Now.” I can’t help thinking of bands of my youth like Southern Sons, Noiseworks, and 1927 as I listen to this track. It tells the story of a past relationship that might just have life in it yet.

“Usually there are two sides to this type of story and I’ve always found it interesting to write from the perspective of both parties involved, so there is definitely no villain in this one,” explained vocalist Wil Maisey.

The Sydney band have spent the last year in guitarist Chis Woods’ home studio, creating music that truly reflects who they are.

“There’s only so much you can do with fancy gear. It’s all about creating a space where the band feel they can get to work, whether that’s writing or tracking,” Chris explained. “We feel like we have achieved that and it should show in the songs.”

Since they don’t use a lot of bells and whistles in the recording process, Blue River Saga are likely to sound just as good on stage. They promise to announce some shows soon so we can find out for ourselves.

Image used with permission from The A&R Department

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Sam Carmody Soars With “Sharks” Single

Darwin-based novelist and singer-songwriter Sam Carmody has delivering a stunning taste of his forthcoming EP with the release of his new single “Sharks.” It’s a soaring sonic experience with poetic lyrics, a contemporary love song that steers clear of the clichés.

When it sounds this good, it’s even more impressive that this track and others from the EP were self-produced by Sam, his former Warning Birds bandmate Bensen Thomas, and Dylan Ollivierre from The Money War. With a planned mid-year release, we should be able to hear more from Sam really soon.

Image used with permission from Firestarter Music