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

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

“Storm Boy” – Xavier Rudd

Now with his ninth album under his belt, Xavier Rudd should be considered a veteran of the Aussie music scene. You might assume after releasing so much music, he might be lacking inspiration or struggling to find vital things to say. Storm Boy proves neither is true. Far from showing signs of fatigue, he might be making his best music yet. The press release notes that he’s found love, so perhaps that’s inspired him. Whatever the reason, Storm Boy is a joy to listen to.

It starts so strong with the current single “Walk Away,” a stirring anthem that tugs at the heart string. The next track “Keep it Simple” switches gears. It has such powerful lyrics about unity, with a cool electric reggae vibe. The album likes to keep us guessing like that, never keeping us in the same place for too long.

The delicate title track might be my favourite, with its life lessons and references to the famous Colin Thiele novel. While he’s more than capable of doing a big electric epic, I think Xavier is strongest he pares things back in songs like this, “Honeymoon Bay” and “Best That I Can.” However, the bigger numbers add some balance.

This is an album not just of big songs but also songs of big importance. “Gather the Hands” is such a moving call to arms, a track which addresses our relationships with our indigenous brothers and sisters and how we move forward together. “True to Yourself” is another insightful masterstroke, a tender folky ballad with a heart of gold. The second verse about a homeless man really resonated with me.

“True Love” might be the most personal song on the album, a reflection on that love the press release touched on. It manages to be both epic and intimate at the same time. Musically there’s so much going on, an orchestra with everything from violins to sitars coming together. But its lyrics are so personal, and they keep the song centred.

After such a powerhouse song, it’s only fitting that Xavier goes back to the kind of small, delicate music he’s famous for with the album’s final track. “Times Like These” has such powerful lyrics about what is true in this world, so it’s only fitting that they take centre stage. It’s a beautiful song, and the perfect final track for what is such a beautiful album.

I’ve listened to Storm Boy at least 10 times now but I keep finding new things to appreciate about it. It’s one of those special releases that only grows richer over time. Start listening now so you’re all across is when Xavier tours the country later this year.

2 August 2018 – UC Refectory, Canberra
3 August 2018 – Uni Hall, Wollongong
4 August 2018 – Enmore Theatre, Sydney
5 August 2018 – Civic Theatre, Newcastle
10 August 2018 – Night Quarter, Gold Coast
11 August 2018 – The Tivoli, Brisbane (SOLD OUT)
12 August 2018 – The Tivoli, Brisbane
17 August 2018 – Odeon Theatre, Hobart
18 August 2018 – Thebarton Theatre, Adelaide
24 August 2018 – The Forum, Melbourne (SOLD OUT)
25 August 2018 – Costa Hall, Geelong
27 August 2018 – The Forum, Melbourne
23 November 2018 – Fremantle Arts Centre, Fremantle
24 November 2018 – 3 Oceans Winery, Margaret River

Image used with permission from Warner Music Australia