Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Pretty City Rock Out With “Same as Before”

I’m really digging the big stadium rock vibes of Pretty City’s latest single “Same as Before.” Lifted from the Melbourne band’s sophomore album Cancel The Future, it’s pure, unadulterated rock that hits your heart and compels you to pound your fist in the air.

These guys already sound like they’re ready to play the world’s biggest venues. The band has already wowed crowds in the US and Europe this year, so hopefully that won’t be too far off. We haven’t lost them to the world just yet though Australia. Now that the European dates have wrapped up, Pretty City promises to play for crowds back home. Watch this space.

Image used with permission from Beehive PR

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

“Counting Sheep” – Mariah McCarthy

Breaking away from her acclaimed band Deer Prudence, Mariah McCarthy shows he has what it takes to stand on her own two feet with the release of her solo EP Counting Sheep.

The title track bolts out of the gate, instantly sweeping you up and taking you along for the ride. It’s a driving folk ditty that perfectly encapsulates the frustrations and random thoughts that take hold when sleep eludes us. The single “Hail Mary” already charmed me, and it’s every bit as enchanting when heard in its context on the EP. The following track “At Peace” got me. I’m not sure whether Mariah has lived through losing someone through suicide as I have, but her lyrics took me back to that dark, painful chapter. It’s a real gift to be able to move people with your music that way. I love the gentle treatment and innocence of “Caught in the Rain,” and the next track, “Siren Song,” beautifully expresses those feelings we’ve all had when we just can’t resist someone. The gentle, delicate “Seeking Refuge” draws the listener in. It’s such a gorgeous, intimate number. “1821” is the perfect closer, exploring themes of history and our place in the world.

At seven tracks, perhaps Counting Sheep should be considered a mini-album rather than an EP. I can’t imagine it any shorter though, because every track is a stand-out. Mariah is an artist with so much to say and a charming folk sound that makes what she’s sharing with us a joy to hear.

Counting Sheep is available on May 25. Mariah McCarthy will support its release with the following shows.

26 May 2018 – The Wesley Anne, Melbourne
27 May 2018 – Taproom, Castlemaine
2 June 2018 – Old Church on the Hill, Bendigo
16 June 2018 – Martian’s Cafe, Deans Marsh
17 June 2018 – The Door Gallery Cafe, Geelong
22 June 2018 – The Delatite Hotel, Mansfield
30 June 2018 – Kilmore Celtic Festival, Kilmore
1 July 2018 – Gypsy Bar, Echuca
13 July 2018 – Oscar’s Alehouse, Belgrav

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

The Dreggs Bring Back Summer With “Feel Alive”

There’s nothing like folk music done well. There’s an ease and simplicity about it, a purity that’s just so endearing. One folk act that gets it right is The Dreggs, who’ve just dropped their brand new single “Feel Alive.”

The duo hails from Bribie Island, which might be why this song has a summery road trip vibe despite its nearly winter release. It’s such a charmer, with a hand-clapping foot-tapping rhythm that instantly gets under your skin.

“Feel Alive” comes from The Dreggs’ new EP Seas Embrace, which is also out now. They’ll play Cardigan Bar in Sandgate tonight and support Mar Haze at Byron Bay Brewery on June 2. An East Coast tour is in the works, so hopefully it won’t be too long before we all get to see these guys live.

Image used with permission from The A&R Department

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Inklines Rock Out With “Elusion”

There are just three members in Inklines, but they create a great big rock sound.

The Sydney band’s new single “Elusion” has everything you want from a rock track: hard-hitting riffs, infectious melodies, and a chorus that will have you singing along in no time.

Inklines will support British India at Narrabeen RSL in Sydney on May 26, but they won’t leave the rest of the country waiting too long to see them play. Expect these guys to tour nationally in September.

Image used with permission from RiSH Publicity

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Dream on Dreamer Drop New Rocking New Single Ahead of Album Release

I don’t know how your Humpday is going, but mine is one that deserves some heavy rock. Big riffs and pounding drums, like those provided by Dream on Dreamer’s new single “Let It In,” are just perfect for echoing a little mid-week frustration.

“Let It In” comes from the Melbourne band’s fourth studio album It Comes and Goes, which is set to drop on May 25. The band say it’s their “most intimate and personal full-length to date,” so it’s sure to be something special.

Dream on Dreamer will waste no time bringing their new music to the masses, with dates all around the country this winter. Check them out at the following pubs and clubs.

31 May 2018 – Factory Floor, Sydney
1 June 2018 – Tattersalls Hotel, Penrith
8 June 2018 – Northcote Social Club, Melbourne
10 June 2018 – Sooki Lounge, Belgrave
15 June 2018 – Fowler’s Live, Adelaide
16 June 2018 – Amplifier Bar, Perth
22 June 2018 – Elliots Bar, Ringwood
23 June 2018 – Pelican Bar, Frankston
30 June 2018 – The Brightside, Brisbane

Image used with permission from Little Giant

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

FourPlay Releases Exciting New Single “Bound”

Premiere electric string quartet FourPlay are back with a sexy new single “Bound.” This rock track just oozes cool, with its big dirty riffs, sexy lyrics, and one of the best viola solos you’ll hear all year.

That riff was inspired by Jack White and Beyonce, and written out of a jam session the band enjoyed as part of the Bundanon Trust’s Artist-in-Residency program in the Southern Highlands. The band produced this stellar track with the help of Justin Tresidder (Macy Gray, Wolfmother).

Longtime FourPlay fans will love the single, which includes three remixes of material from their Now to the Future album. Experience “Bound” live at the following shows. Every ticket comes bundled with a free single download.

2 June 2018 – Camelot Lounge, Marrickville
3 June 2018 – Trinity Sessions, Adelaide
5 June 2018 – The Street Theatre, Canberra
6 June 2018 – The Salon, Melbourne Recital Centre, Melbourne
8 June 2018 – Baroque, Katoomba
9 June 2018 – MONA, Hobart

Image used with permission from Heapsaflash

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Nick Barker & The Reptiles Back With “Bend Not Break”

Nick Barker hasn’t released an album with The Reptiles since 1991’s After the Show, but it doesn’t seem like he’s having any teething problems putting the band back together. New single “Bend Not Break” is a welcome return to form with all the blues-rock trademarks this outfit is famous for. I’d forgotten just how much I loved their music until I wrapped my ears around this one.

Hopefully its recent release means there’s plenty of new Nick Barker and the Reptiles music to come soon!

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Merpire Bares Her Soul With “Invitation”

Merpire speaks straight to the heart with her intimate new single “Invitation.” It’s one of those songs that draws you in with its quiet vulnerability. It’s an exercise in restraint, which starts small but builds to a stunning conclusion.

This song is a little bit out of left-field for the artist who usually drops upbeat numbers, but for me this could be her best. It’s so powerful and raw. I can’t stop listening.

“Invitation is about a time I was really fighting the need to be on my own. I struggled to be the one to provide the love I needed,” Merpire explained. “It’s about the confusion and the clarity, the frustration and the freedom, the loneliness and the longing that came along with that.”

“Invitation” comes from Merpire’s EP Endless Chatter, due out 23 June. She’s playing a few shows in the coming months. Official launch shows will be announced soon.

15 June 2018 – The Newsagency, Sydney
16 June 2018 – Smiths Alternative, Canberra
30 June 2018 – The Wesley Anne, Melbourne
13-15 July 2018 – Bello Winter Music Festival, Bellingen

Image used with permission from This Much Talent

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

“Good Money” – Mar Haze

Summer might be behind us, but Mar Haze is spreading with its cool new EP Good Money. There’s such an easy, funky vibe about these guys that makes listening to these five tracks a joy.

Opening track “Fit Freddy” has such a great bass-driven groove. It suckered me in right away, whetting my appetite for what was to come. The title track comes next, with more of a rock edge. The Hammond organ gives this one the feel of an instant classic. “Wonderland” starts out a tender love song but it builds to an epic, emotional rock crescendo. After the power of “Wonderland,” the laidback groove of “Strange” helps us catch our breath. This is one of those happy-sad songs, which bounces along despite its lyrics exploring a relationship breakdown. There’s a dash of reggae in the closer, “Don’t Hold On.” There’s also an element of pathos to the lyrics here, although the big drums and piano chords make sure it doesn’t sound mopey.

Good Money is such a cool EP. Mar Haze seem to ooze charisma with their beachy vibes and laidback grooves. They’re not afraid to rock a little harder or explore some big stuff in their lyrics, but ultimately these guys want you to have a good time. Good Money has all the right ingredients for warding off those winter chills.

Image used with permission from Mar Haze

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

“Far From Paradise” – Karen Lee Andrews

Critics of The Voice like to say the reality show hasn’t produced any stars. Perhaps if you take that to mean artists selling truckloads, it’s true. The singers from The Voice certainly don’t have the profiles of Australian Idol’s Guy Sebastian, Shannon Noll, Jess Mauboy, or Anthony Callea. Personally I take a different view of stardom. While fame is exciting, true stars shine simply because they’re doing something fabulous. When you consider that definition, Karen Lee Andrews, better known to The Voice audience as Miss Murphy, is the genuine article.

Of course, The Voice didn’t make Ms Murphy shine so bright. Her talents were already in her. But they gave her a platform to showcase them. Surely they helped open the doors that see her releasing her latest EP Far From Paradise.

What a collection of songs this is. Soulful and bluesy, with so much heart and pain. They feel like instant classics, delivered with so much class.
Opening track “Love You” eases us into a more soulful space, with its earnest declarations and easy groove. “Troubled Mind” is a delicate soul piece which shows the power of restraint. It’s driven by pure emotion and Karen’s powerful voice, which slays each and every time.

After the tenderness of the first two tracks, the dark swampiness of “Going Down” is like a bolt from the blue. If you thought Karen Lee was all sweetness and light, this is the track that dispels the notion. The EP is rounded out by an extended version of “Higher,” an earlier upbeat release which feels right at home here.

What a talent Karen Lee Andrews is. Hopefully she won’t leave us waiting too long for a full-length album. Far From Paradise is a stellar EP, but it leaves me wanting more.

See Karen Lee Andrews performing at Blues on Broadbeach, the country’s largest freee music festival, from May 17 to 20.

Image used with permission from Jessica Davidson