Posted on by Lauren Katulka

“Subtitles for X, Y, Z” – CREO

There’s been no dipping toes into water for Sydney band CREO. Their debut EP Subtitles for X, Y, Z is a gutsy effort that leaves no doubt about their talent or commitment to their craft.

I was almost lulled in to the EP by “Behind the Beat.” Almost. While it starts out at a simmer, it’s not long before the band’s passion boils over. “Give Me Yours” is similarly strong, with desperate vocals and driving drums contrasting with some shimmery retro synths. These two powerful songs lead into the single and title track “Subtitles for X, Y, Z” beautifully. I was a big fan of this song when I first heard it, but I think I might like it even better on hearing it now with the support of the EP’s other tracks. It makes so much sense.

While CREO seem most comfortable with the volume and emotion turned up to 11, they’re also smart enough to understand the value of light and shade. While “June” doesn’t have quite the same impact as the other numbers on the EP, it shows the band’s depth and gives listeners and moment to reflect. The EP’s closing track, “Too Many Thousand & 16” is also relatively subdued compared to some of the EP’s other songs. However, its epic chorus ensures this song doesn’t fade into the background. It’s a fitting end to an EP that demands your attention.

And with Subtitles for X, Y, Z, CREO have got mine. This is an EP which builds on the singles and shows they’re a band with a unique voice and a belief in their craft. It’s an irresistible combination which will hopefully see them go far. It’s available from all your favourite digital retailers, including Spotify and iTunes. If you like what you hear, get along to one of the band’s upcoming shows. They’re all free, so there’s no excuse for staying home!

20 October 2017 – The Penny Black, Melbourne
22 October 2017 – Cherry Bar, Melbourne
3 November 2017 – Transit Bar, Canberra
5 November 2017 – North Gong, Wollongong
10 November 2017 – The Northern, Byron Bay
11 November 2017 – Rics Bar, Brisbane
12 November 2017 – The Cambridge Warehouse, Newcastle

Image used with permission from Rare Finds

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

“When They Play That Song” – Lisa Mitchell

When Lisa Mitchell appeared on Australian Idol, she often seemed out of her element performing cover versions. She’s revelled in producing her own original music since her stint on reality TV. Her voice was always unique, her sound constantly evolving as she played with music and lyrics. So it’s interesting that with her latest EP, When They Play That Song, Lisa has turned her attention back to cover songs.

While this EP is something I never thought she’d do, Lisa is a very different artist to the teenager we met on Australian Idol. She’s had time to play with her sound and evolve as a musician, and that helps her approach these covers with a confidence rarely seen during her time on reality TV.

The five tracks she’s chosen are interesting. Placebo’s “Every Me and Every You” and Phantom Planet’s “California” already had a healthy dose of indie cred, while the Spice Girls’ “Stop” and The Cardigans’ “Lovefool” are as mainstream as you can get. “Cruel to Be Kind” by Nick Lowe comes from a very different time than the ‘90s anthems on this release, but it makes sense here. Lisa approaches all the songs with a delicate touch. She needs little more than an acoustic guitar and her sweet, whispery voice to bring them to life. I appreciate the minimalist approach which lets us hear the nuances in lyrics that might have been drowned out by production in the originals.

This is an exciting EP that helps us hear something different in the songs Lisa has recorded. Something tells me if we saw her on Idol now, playing the sort of covers she’s now capable of, she might have been able to win the whole thing.

When They Play That Song is released on September 15. Lisa will play some Parlour gigs around Victoria before heading to the United Kingdom and Europe for more shows.

Image used with permission from Parlophone

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

The Do Yo Thangs Release “Those Days” Single Ahead of November Residency

Melbourne’s The Do Yo Thangs continue to do their own thang with their new single “Those Days.” It marks a bit of a musical departure from the band who brought us the One Plus One EP. The song is a little darker, a little more electronic, but those angelic stacked harmonies are spot on and silky smooth.

The single is available now, but the band is letting us sit with it for a while before launching it with a residency at Fitzroy’s The Evelyn Hotel this November. See them every Wednesday in November from the 8th to hear a sneaky listen to new material from The Do You Thangs’ forthcoming album.

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Lindi Ortega Announces Aussie Shows to Support EP Release

I must admit, I hadn’t heard of Canadian singer Lindi Ortega until a press release publicising her upcoming Aussie tour hit my inbox. However, after listening to her new EP ‘Til the Goin’ Gets Gone, her name isn’t one that I’d forget in a hurry.

She has such a wonderful textured tone and a classic country-folk feel to her music which makes it instantly accessible. She also surrounds herself with top-notch musicians like slide guitar guru James “Champagne” Robertson, who will join her on her Australian tour.

The EP features some stellar originals as well as this awesome cover of Townes Van Zandt’s “Waiting ‘Round to Die.”

Lindi Ortega plays the following headline shows and festivals during her time in Oz.

16-19 November 2017 – Mullum Music Festival, Mullumbimby
19 November 2017 – Camelot Lounge, Sydney
21 November 2017 – Coogee Diggers, Coogee
23 November 2017 – Northcote Social Club, Northcote
24 November 2017 – Caravan Music Club, Melbourne
24-26 November 2017 – Queenscliff Music Festival, Queenscliff

Image used with permission from Thrillhill Music

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Rigidy Rourke & The Love Dogs Launch “Low Pockets”

Melbourne soul act Rigidy Rourke & the Love Dogs have released a sultry new single “Low Pockets.” This track is so cool, with a killer groove and powerhouse vocals from the band’s keyboardist Tina Behrsin.

“Low Pockets is the affectionate nickname I dubbed Love Dogs keyboard warrior Tina Behrsin. I wrote this song specifically for Tina to sing on,” Ridigy Rourke explained. “I was inspired by the raw and powerful vocal performance Tina delivers in her own band Niine and I wanted to capture that same performance in a Love Dogs song.”

Victorians can see Tina, Rigidy, and the rest of the Love Dogs doing their thing at the following shows.

21 September 2017 – Bar 303, Northcote (single launch)
23 September 2017 – Sea Shepherd Melbourne’s Stand Fast Festival, Melbourne
14 October 2017 – Baha, Rye (supporting Brian El Dorado and the Tuesday People)

Image used with permission from Beehive PR

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Rick Price and Jack Jones Team Up For “California Dreaming”

My inner teen can’t wait to hear California Dreaming, an album featuring two of my first musical crushes, Rick Price and Jack Jones, covering the classic North American music I grew up with. I’m so excited to hear these two fantastic voices take on some of my favourite artists including The Eagles, Jackson Browne, and Joni Mitchell.

“I felt we needed to pay homage to these songs and be respectful to the melodies and arrangements and not drift too far off the reservation. But, at the same time we wanted to add some things here and there that made a difference,” Rick said in a statement.

“Rick and I have been talking about doing something for close to two decades,” Jack added. “It was a great opportunity to work together and celebrate great artists, some great songs and a certain time and genre. That period in music will never be repeated again.”

We get a little taste of what’s in store with the release of the title track, the Mamas and the Papas classic “California Dreamin’.” It does not disappoint.

The California Dreaming album is released on September 29.

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Caiti Baker Releases Soulful Single “I Won’t Sleep”

Darwin’s Caiti Baker has released a killer new cut from her debut album Zinc. “I Won’t Sleep” is fearless and foot-stompingly good, a stripped back soul cut with an infectious groove.

The track explores Caiti’s battle with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS) and represents a physical, metaphoric, and artistic awakening.

“I Won’t Sleep is a song about finding my identity after having been asleep with CFS for so long,” said Baker. “The driving production is a musical metaphor for the energy and hype that for so long was absent in my life. In a way, it’s a celebration of having clarity and being present.”

There’s more where this came from; Zinc drops on October 6.

Image used with permission from SGC Media

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Tigertown Spreads Summery Vibes With “Warriors”

Summer can’t be too far away when bands like Sydney’s Tigertown are releasing shimmery new singles like “Warriors.” It’s such a feel-good track, upbeat and irresistibly catchy, pure pop in the best possible way.

Tigertown is currently wowing crowds in North America, where the band is supporting VÉRITÉ. Hopefully it won’t be too long before we see them back on home soil. If you’re Stateside, catch Tigertown at the following gigs.

9 September 2017 – Soda Bar, San Diego
12 September 2017 – Valley Bar, Phoenix
15 September 2017 – Stubb’s Jr., Austin
16 September 2017 – Three Links, Dallas
17 September 2017 – White Oak Music Hall, Houston
19 September 2017 – Vinyl, Atlanta
20 September 2017 – Local 506, Chapel Hill
21 September 2017 – Rock & Roll Hotel, Washington
22 September 2017 – Music Hall of Williamsburg, Brooklyn
3 November 2017 – Petit Campus, Montréal
4 November 2017 – The Garrison, Toronto
6 November 2017 – Pike Room, Detroit
7 November 2017 – Beachland Tavern, Cleveland
9 November 2017 – Canopy Club, Urbana
10 November 2017 – 7th St Entry, Minneapolis
11 November 2017 – Vaudeville Mews, Des Moines
12 November 2017 – Minibar, Kansas City
14 November 2017 – Paper Tiger, San Antonio

Image used with permission from Inertia Music

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

MANE Back in Oz to Play “What If the Love Dies” Single Shows

Dramatic, dark, and haunting are three words that came to mind as I listened to MANE’s new single “What If the Love Dies.” The track is so compelling as is that special voice of hers. The mind-bending video clip is also worthy of some attention.

“We played on a ‘love is blind’ narrative quite literally,” Paige Renee Court, the woman behind MANE, explained. “Between the performance shots of the band, the story of two people evidently in love spans over three completely different eras in time … but there is a constant sense of distance between them.”

After wowing crowds in the United Kingdom and Europe, Adelaide’s MANE is set to impress with a string of shows to launch her single on home soil. Catch her at the following places.

19 October 2017 – Gasometer Upstairs, Melbourne
27 October 2017 – Rocket Bar, Adelaide
1 November 2017 – Rad Bar, Wollongong
2 November 2017 – Brighton Up Bar, Sydney