Sounds of Oz

Posted on 16/01/2018 by Lauren Katulka

Down & Out Team Up With Nick Thompson For Debut Single “Horizon”

In the tradition of Simple Plan and All Time Low comes Brisbane’s own Down & Out. This pop-punk group has just released its debut single “Horizon,” but it seems the lads have already found a fan in Nick Thompson, the frontman of American pop-punk band Hit the Lights, who features on the new track.

The song isn’t perfect by any means. But while it lacks polish, there’s something irresistible about it. I found myself tapping my toes as I listened, then hitting play again for another go round.
“The song is all about those endless nights out as a band” said singer/songwriter Andy. “We’ve had some crazy times and wanted the video to flow from that feeling, from the road trip, to heading out… and playing in the hotel room” added guitarist Mark.

Pop-punk might not be enjoying its time in the sun at the moment, but you shouldn’t expect these boys from Bayside to change any time soon.

“We have always been pretty true to our music and our tastes. We were always pop/punk and will always be,” said Mark. “When the other bands moved from pop/punk to emo, we were doing pop/punk. Then the same bands did a screamo album, we were still doing pop/punk. It’s either admirable …or stupid”.

“I tried playing in different bands with different styles, but pop punk was what felt like home,” added Andy.

You can tune in to more of Down & Out’s pop-punk tunes when they launch their single and EP for hometown fans. Catch them at Ric’s on January 20 for the single launch and at The Zoo on February 2 for the EP release show.

Posted on 16/01/2018 by Lauren Katulka

“Let’s Talk Monday” – Ayla

Australia seems full of strong female voices at the moment, from the commercial acts like Jessica Mauboy and Dami Im to more alternative artists like Montaigne and Camp Cope. Ayla is another name we can add to the list. She’d impressed me with her singles, but I feel I’ve got a deeper appreciation of her music on listening to her new EP Let’s Talk Monday.

The first track, “Shallow End,” drew me in immediately. It’s such a strong start, with soaring vocals and driving drums. “Like the Other Kids” speaks to anyone who’s felt they didn’t fit in. The next track “Cry Honey Cry” is smouldering and oh so cool.

After some big, bold numbers, the delicate “Used Furniture” helps give Let’s Talk Monday some balance. This delicate portrait of a relationship may be my favourite song on the album. It’s just exquisite. “Porcelain Doll” is a powerful song about the struggle of moving on. The lyrics are so on point here. “Too Cool for June” is such a beautiful way to end the EP, a bittersweet tale of resignation of lost love, wistful but wise.

There’s a quiet power about what Ayla does. Her tone is so rich, pure and haunting. I could listen to her sing the phone book, but the personal, intimate songs on this EP are much better than that. She bares her soul through this collection of songs, and that makes her work so compelling.

Let’s Talk Monday is out now. Ayla is currently launching it with shows around the country. You can see her at Melbourne’s Penny Black on January 19 or Sydney’s OAF Gallery Bar on January 20.

Image used with permission from Mucho Bravado

Posted on 15/01/2018 by Lauren Katulka

Camp Cope Bust Glass Ceiling With Opera House Video for “The Opener”

After selling out two shows as part of Vivid LIVE, Melbourne’s Camp Cope returned to the Sydney Opera House to film the music video for their searing new single “The Opener.” The track is a passionate critique of the band’s experiences of being women trying to make their mark on the music industry.

Camp Cope continues to break down barriers, not just for their social commentary but also for their achievements. In filming their new clip they became the first punk band and first band with only female members to film a music video at the Sydney Opera House.

Camp Cope are touring the country in March to support the March 2 release of their album How to Socialise & Make Friends. With America’s Chastity Belt in support, tickets are selling fast. Limited tickets are still available for most shows, so get yours from your closest venue soon.

14 March 2018 – Republic Bar, Hobart
15 March 2018 – Thornbury Theatre, Melbourne
16 March 2018 – – Thornbury Theatre, Melbourne (SOLD OUT)
17 March 2018 – Tivoli Theatre, Brisbane
20 March 2018 – Jive, Adelaide (SOLD OUT)
21 March 2018 – Basement, Canberra
22 March 2018 – Heritage Hotel, Bulli
23 March 2018 – The Metro, Sydney (All Ages)

Image used with permission from Super Duper

Posted on 13/01/201812/01/2018 by Lauren Katulka

Karen Lee Andrews Leaves Miss Murphy Behind For “Higher” Release

It’s hard to believe it’s been five years since we first met Miss Murphy on The Voice. Since then the season two standout has shrugged off her moniker and started releasing music under her own name, Karen Lee Andrews.

The name might be unfamiliar right now, but her soulful voice is unmistakable. I wish I could share her new track “Higher,” the first from her new EP Far From Paradise, with you in its entirety because it’s such a great track. It’s got a classic soul meets blues meets rock feel that makes me think of Janis Joplin, albeit with a smoother, huskier delivery. See what I mean in this song snippet.

Far From Paradise is released next month. If there’s more tracks like this on it, I can’t wait to hear it.

Posted on 12/01/2018 by Lauren Katulka

Missy Lancaster Drops Steamy New Single “Heatwave”

Missy Lancaster’s new album Piece of Me doesn’t drop until next Friday, but you can hear a sneak peek with the release of her sexy, summery new single “Heatwave.”

This is the perfect county-pop song for the season, with sensual lyrics, a great groove, and on point lyrics from the Picton singer-songwriter.

Expect to hear a lot more from Missy this year, who is currently featured on Spotify’s Fresh Country playlist and part of the sold-out CMC Rocks Qld Festival.

Posted on 11/01/2018 by Lauren Katulka

Acclaimed Vegas Act Bring Bee Gees Show to Oz

The Bee Gees were one of Australia’s greatest musical exports, but with the deaths of Robin and Maurice Gibb, if you didn’t see them at the height of their fame you’ve missed your chance. However, you can still enjoy the next best thing, with news the Australian Bee Gees Show is heading Down Under this autumn.

The Australian Bee Gees Show has been wowing crowds for seven years in Las Vegas, during which time it’s played more than 2250 performances and recently earned the title of the Best Tribute Show on the strip in the Las Vegas Review Journal.

This is no token Aussie tour, with plenty of regional dates in the mix. Celebrate the legacy and songs of the Bee Gees at the following shows.

13 April 2018 – Araluen Arts Centre, Alice Springs
14 April 2018 – Skycity Casino, Darwin
19 April 2018 – Mandurah Performing Arts Centre, Mandurah
20 April 2018 – Bunbury Regional Entertainment Centre, Bunbury
21 April 2018 – Crown, Perth
22 April 2018 – Albany Entertainment Centre, Albany
26 April 2018 – Bathurst Panthers, Bathurst
27 April 2018 – Top Of The Cross, Canberra
28 April 2018 – Belmont 16s, Belmont
29 April 2018 – Anita’s Theatre, Thirroul
1 May 2018 – Civic Theatre, Orange
3 May 2018 – Blue Mountains Theatre, Springwood
4 May 2018 – Dee Why RSL, Dee Why
5 May 2018 – Wenty Leagues, Wentworthville
6 May 2018 – Norths, North Sydney
9-12 August 2018 – Reef Casino, Cairns
15 August 2018 – Brolga Theatre, Maryborough
16 August 2018 – Redland Performing Arts Centre, Redland
17 August 2018 – The Events Centre, Caloundra
18 August 2018 – The Star, Gold Coast
19 August 2018 – Star Court Theatre, Lismore
22 August 2018 – Glasshouse, Port Macquarie
23 August 2018 – Cessnock Performing Arts Centre, Cessnock
24 August 2018 – Revesby Workers Club, Revesby
25 August 2018 – The Juniors, Randwick
26 August 2018 – Shoalhaven Entertainment Centre, Shoalhaven
29 August 2018 – Lighthouse Theatre, Warrnambool
30 August 2018 – Wendouree Performing Arts Centre, Wendouree
31 August 2018 – The Palms At Crown, Melbourne
1 September 2018 – Drum Theatre, Dandenong
2 September 2018 – The Cube, Wodonga

Image used with permission from AAA Entertainment

Posted on 10/01/2018 by Lauren Katulka

Aussie Musicians Join Forces for Malcolm Young Tribute Show

The death of Malcolm Young was one of the Australian music industry’s greatest losses of 2017. In February some of our best and brightest will pay tribute to the man who made such an indelible mark on rock music with a tribute show at Melbourne’s Corner Hotel.

The Whole Lotta Rosie show features a star-studded lineup; Jackie Barnes (Jimmy Barnes Band), Pete Wano (Suzi Quatro Band), Nat Allison (Suzi Quattro Band), Lachy Doley (Powderfinger), Paul Christie (Mondo Rock), Mick Pealing (Stars), Paul Woseen (Screaming Jets), James Morley (The Angels/Choirboys), Rusty (Electric Mary), Greg Aldridge (Blood Sweat & Beers), Joel McDonald (Rose Tattoo) and Simon Croft (“We Will Rock You”) are all confirmed starters, and more artists and special guests will be announced before show time. Melbourne’s Whole Lotta Rosie band will support the big name talent on show.

Whole Lotta Rosie will take place on February 17, the same day AC/DC’s debut album High Voltage dropped in 1975. Tickets are available now from the Corner Hotel. Their sale will help raise funds for the Dementia Foundation, which works tirelessly supporting other victims of the disease that claimed Malcolm’s life.

Image source: Pandemonium73 @ Wikimedia Commons

Posted on 09/01/201809/01/2018 by Lauren Katulka

“Accomplice One” – Tommy Emmanuel

Tommy Emmanuel has been regarded as one of our greatest guitarists for as long as I can remember. Any album he releases is worth listening to because he’s just that good. So how do you improve on that? When you’ve set the bar so high, how do you release a body of work that can stand above the rest? You get together some of your talented musician friends and jam on some of the world’s best songs. Turn on the recording equipment and the rest will take care of itself. That’s exactly what happens with Accomplice One, the latest release from our local guitar hero.

Tommy Emmanuel has assembled a who’s who of talent here, from relative newcomers like Jason Isbell to true legends like Ricky Skaggs and Mark Knopfler. It’s hard to pick stand-outs among the collection of country and folk tunes here. Each song feels special, like real magic has been captured like we’ll never hear again. There is such energy to these songs, the kind of spontaneity that comes from like musical minds come together. Tommy was never known as a singer, although he lends his voice to many of the numbers. I won’t say his vocals will ever set the world on fire, but they get the job done. Other tracks are instrumental, allowing the always exceptional talents of Tommy and his famous friends to take the spotlight. I do have a soft spot for the laidback “(Sittin’ On) Dock of the Bay,” one of several numbers recorded with J.D. Simo and the unique take on Madonna’s “Borderline” with Amanda Shires. “The Duke’s Message,” with vocals from Suzy Bogguss, is such a beautiful way to wrap up this recording.

Accomplice One isn’t just an album for Tommy Emmanuel fans or country music fans. It’s essential listening for all music fans. Accomplice One hits stores and digital outlets on January 19.

Image used with permission from Sony Music Australia

Posted on 24/12/201707/08/2023 by Lauren Katulka

2017: A Year in Review

Making a post to you, dear readers, is the last thing to cross off my to-do list before kicking back and taking a well-deserved break over Christmas and the New Year. I would have loved to have queued up some posts for you to enjoy while I was gone, but you know what they say about best laid plans. Instead I encourage you to take a look back at some of the reviews I wrote of the great concerts I saw and albums I listened to this year. What got you excited in music this year Sounds of Oz readers?

Top 10 Aussie Albums/EPs

Top 10 Aussie Tours

I’m back at my desk on January 8. I hope you all have the wonderful time I plan to over the festive season. Thanks for your emails and comments over the last year; catch you all in 2018!

Image source: Pumpkinmook@ Flickr.com

Posted on 19/12/2017 by Lauren Katulka

Scott Graham Releases Stellar Solo Debut “Little Minds”

Drawing inspiration from fellow Melbourne musicians The Teskey Brothers and Raised by Eagles, and sounding more than a little like Bernard Fanning, Scott Graham has released his debut single “Little Minds.”

It’s got such an accessible pop-rock feel to it, yet there’s a real depth there too. This might be his debut solo single, but Scott’s been honing his craft with blues outfit 40 Thieves for some time, and that experience shows here. The song takes on some weighty issues, as Scott explained.

“The song was born out of my frustration of the continuous news cycle of innocent people suffering in war torn parts of the world and the apparent inaction of the people in power to recognise the root cause of these problems,” he said. “The song is both a protest and a call to action”.

“Little Minds” comes from Scott’s debut solo EP Into the Sun, which is available for digital download now.

Image used with permission from A&R Records