With their aggressive mix of heavy metal, hip hop, and funk, I’ll bet you’ve never heard anything quite like the music of BADMATHS. The Alice Springs outfit have just released their brand new single “Definition.”
This track has such an awesome sound that defies genre. But its lyrics, which explore the concept of the modern day poet, are also really smart.
I’m really looking forward to hearing more from this very original band.
Image used with permission from A&R Records
Brooke MyClymont is taking a little time out from her family band to release music with the man in her life, Adam Eckersley. One of those songs is “Train Wreck,” a track which hopefully doesn’t describe their own relationship! It comes from their self-titled album Adam & Brooke, which will hit stores on February 9.
Brooke McClymont and Adam Eckersley performed a string of acoustic shows in June and July and they enjoyed it so much they’ll do it again next year. The Highway Sky Tour will play capital cities and plenty of regional centres. If they’re not coming to your town, don’t worry. This already extensive tour will get more dates soon! Expect to hear the couple’s collaborations and your favourite McClymonts and Adam Eckersley Band songs too at the following shows.
9 February 2018 – Rooty Hill RSL, Rooty Hill
10 February 2018 – Coast Hotel, Budgewoi
23 February 2018 – Heritage Hotel, Bulli
24 February 2018 – Southern Cross Club, Canberra
2 March 2018 – Armidale Ex Serviceman’s Club, Armidale
3 March 2018 – Southwest Rocks Country Club, Southwest Rocks
8 March 2018 – Leftys Old Time Music Hall, Brisbane
9 March 2018 – Lone Star Tavern, Gold Coast
10 March 2018 – South Acacia Ridge Sports Club, Brisbane South
16 & 17 March 2018 – The Pelican Playhouse, Grafton
6 April 2018 – Young Services Club, Young
7 April 2018 – Civic Theatre, Wagga Wagga
12 April 2018 – Toff in Town, Melbourne
13 April 2018 – York on Lilydale, Mt Evelyn
14 April 2018 – Gateway Hotel, Geelong
26 April 2018 – Brass Monkey, Cronulla
27 April 2018 – Leadbelly, Newtown
29 April 2018 – Oaks Hotel, Albion Park Rail
11 May 2018 – Brothers Leagues, Cairns
12 May 2018 – Dalrymple Hotel, Townsville
13 May 2018 – Mt Pleasant, Mackay
15 May 2018 – Glenmore Tavern, Rockhampton
16 May 2018 – Hervey Road Tavern, Gladstone
17 May 2018 – Melbourne Hotel, Bundaberg
18 May 2018 – Caloundra RSL, Caloundra
19 May 2018 – Highfields Tavern, Toowoomba
Image used with permission from Revolutions Per Minute
Jeffrey Jordan has taken his cues from Justin Timberlake with his first single “Dancing All Night.” The song has a similar deep groove to “Cry Me A River,” but there’s something a little darker and more haunting here. The vocals from this Victorian singer-songwriter are also spot on.
Jeff wrote the track about a personal situation that left him feeling frustrated and confused. Channelling his emotions into the song, he explored what it’s like to question your feelings for someone you love, or think you love.
This song is a world away from the music Jeff releases in local pop-punk band Rose Avenue, but I think it’s just the kind of thing that could be big if enough people hear it.
Image used with permission from The A&R Department
It’s been several years since I checked in with the music of Melbourne-based hip hop artist Pataphysics. After so many years, his new album Tip of the Spear proves he’s still got a fire fuelling his creativity.
The old-school modem sounds of the opening “Prologue” are a little bit jarring, but they force you to pay attention. That’s so important when you listen to the music of Pataphysics, because he’s got a lot to say and a rapid-fire delivery. It’ll probably take a few spins of Tip of the Spear to catch everything, but when the music sounds this good you won’t mind. His rhymes are positive and inspiring and the music groovy and laidback, with hints of jazz and funk. Guest artists like Diego Villalta, Kaiit, Allysha Joy, and Aamer Rahman complement Pataphysics’ vision beautifully.
“Frames” is a favourite, with its exploration of the constants in an ever-evolving world. I love the positivity and optimism of “Today. “Shake the Roots” provides vital commentary on the modern financial landscapes, the haves and the have nots. “Cycle of Oppression,” which explores detention centres and our treatment of refugees may be one of the album’s most important tracks.
At 14 songs, including the bonus track, Tip of the Spear covers a lot of ground. Unlike so many lengthy albums though, it feels cohesive without any filler. It’s an important record that packs a powerful punch.
Tip of the Spear is out now.
Image used with permission from Pataphysics
I was seeing musicals before I ever saw a concert. The music of Carole King has been a constant comfort in my life. So when I heard of the musical Beautiful’s creation, I was so hopeful it would eventually land on Australian shores. My parents saw it on Broadway and raved about it, and that only heightened my anticipation. But could it possibly live up to all that hype. For me it’s an emphatic yes.
The performance of Esther Hannaford as Carole is the lynchpin of this performance and she excels. Carole has such a unique way about her and Esther captures her voice and mannerisms without ever becoming a caricature. She’s supported beautifully by other key players: Josh Piterman as the troubled, complex love of her life Gerry Goffin, Amy Lehpamer as her vivacious and loyal friend and fellow songwriter of note Cynthia Weil, and Mat Verevis as Cynthia’s own songwriting partner and beau Barry Mann. While this isn’t Weil and Mann’s musical, as a fan of their music I was excited to learn a little more about the lives of the creators. The chorus of minor players was also exceptional. They brought us The Drifters, The Shirelles, Little Eva, and the songwriters of Don Kirshner’s Dimension Records in a such superb voice and retro fashion.
The music of the era, especially the songs of Carole King, both on her own and with Gerry Goffin, are key to Beautiful’s success. But the story is no afterthought. It’s told with heartbreak and humour drawing the viewer in and helping them understand more about these songs that are such a part of the upbringing of many of us. The players weren’t there just because they could sing and dance well, but also because they could bring the right emotional note to that story. It was a curious decision to refer to a “Nick” who encouraged Carole as she broke away from Gerry and resolved to start a new musical journey in California, when it so easily could have been James Taylor. But this was really my only quibble as I watched Carole transition from teenage Carole Klein to the Grammy-Award winning Carole King playing Carnegie Hall.
Beautiful is at Sydney’s Lyric Theatre until February 4. It will then travel to Melbourne, Adelaide, and Brisbane.
Sun Sap seem to have been soaking up the laidback vibes of their home on the New South Wales South Coast, because their new single “Walking Out the Door” has a real sun-drenched surf-rock feel to it. I’m really digging its classic retro sound.
“Walking Out the Door” is the latest cut released from Sun Sap’s forthcoming EP Sometimes, Always, Never, Maybe, due out on February 2. They’ll launch the single tomorrow night, December 9, at The Botany View in Sydney.
Image used with permission from Brain Drain
Prepare to be moved as you listen to “Heart Beat,” the latest release from Melbourne alt-pop duo Folia. It’s a beautifully layered track with angelic vocals and progressive riffs exploring the devastation and confusion that comes with losing someone you love.
“Though fortunately neither of us have lost a significant loved one, ‘Heart Beat’ is our own perception of the agony and frustration that would ensue following the loss of a loved one, encompassed with the fear of this happening and not having the chance to say goodbye,” the duo says.
What do you think of this beautiful single?
Blending indie rock and electronic sounds seamlessly, Brisbane’s Machine Age makes a real impression with his new single “Fighting.”
Machine Age says the entirely self-recorded track was inspired by those moments “When you find yourself paralysed by your own decisions and wake up asking ‘How did I get here?’ The only way to gain clarity is to be kinder to yourself and not repeat the mistakes of the past.”
There’s more where this came from. “Fighting” comes from Machine Age’s EP, due in March 2018.
Image used with permission from Rare Finds
I had high hopes for Aussie expat Reuben Koops‘ music when I heard he’d been working with the likes of David Ryan Harris and William Bowden. Despite those lofty expectations, his new EP Higher Ground didn’t disappoint.
It feels good from the opener and title track, “Higher Ground,” an optimistic radio-friendly pop rocker that seems instantly familiar without being cliched. “Something to Believe In” is another crowd pleaser with just as much heart.
After a few upbeat numbers, Reuben Koops shows a softer side with “Lady on a Train.” It’s a beautiful reflection on those moments when you’re struck by someone, struggling to get the courage to try to make it something more. “You and I” is another tender ballad, a nostalgic number recalling young love and the way it can grow into something more.
“Labour of Love” kicks the energy up a notch. It’s a rollicking feelgood track that leaves no doubt Reuben Koops has a big future ahead of him.
I think a lot of people underestimate the skill that it takes to create music like this which is instantly accessible. There might not be a lot of sharp edges to the music Reuben’s making, but that’s part of its charm. Higher Ground certainly doesn’t challenge the ear, but sometimes it’s nice to hear a collection of songs that speak to you from the first listen, and only get richer with every subsequent spin.
Higher Ground by Reuben Koops is out now.
Image used with permission from Circa41
When I slipped on Take Her, the new EP from Taylor Pfeiffer, I was struck by her sweet vocals and prowess on the banjo, a formidable combination for any country-crossover artist. I couldn’t help but think of another musical Taylor’s early material as I listened to her music. There’s a similar confessional nature to the songwriting, an innocence that’s so endearing.
The opening track “Beauty is the Beast” is a searing commentary on the modern obsession with our external beauty and a reminder of the importance of looking inside when evaluating ourselves and one another.
The title track “Take Her” reveals more colours to Taylor’s voice. I just love her little yodel and the quirk of this powerfully feminist song. This isn’t a tale of sorrow at a relationship’s demise; rather than wallowing, Taylor sings that “sometimes it feels good to be alone.”
There’s more of that strength in “Murder in the Dark.” What a powerful track this is, dark and brooding.
After the layered instrumentation of the previous tracks, the simplicity of “Make Today Count,” a duet with Matt Scullion, is so endearing. Their voices blend beautifully in this song about grabbing life with both hands.
“Romeo” is a sweet closer, the kind of song we might expect from a young performer like Taylor. However, while it’s expected, that doesn’t make it any less gratifying.
Taylor Pfeiffer is likely to draw comparisons to Taylor Swift which her pop-country songs, but that’s not a bad thing. We can only hope the future is as bright for this talented young Aussie. Take Her is available now from leading digital platforms and via mail order.