Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Bloods Delivers Edgy Take on Love with “Bring My Walls Down”

Songs that romance sentimentality can easily become schmaltzy and sugary sweet. But Bloods manages to get the mix just right with its brand new single “Bring My Walls Down.”

This is a killer pop-punk cut, with an infectious melody and a little fuzzy edge. But its lyrics are vulnerable and romantic. The Sydney band’s lead vocalist MC says the track “looks at love as a disease, a kind of infection that infests your mind and body without you having any control over it; something that breaks through uninvited and reminds you that you’re an animal.”

“Bring My Walls Down” is the first cut from Bloods’ forthcoming sophomore album.

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Angel Olsen Brings New Album Down Under

Outstanding American indie-folk songstress Angel Olsen is visiting our shores later this year to promote her brand new album My Woman. She’ll play some of the country’s most respected festivals and headline her own shows in key locations around the country.

The tour announcement coincides with the release of Angel’s brand new single “Sister.” It’s an epic ballad with a beautiful clip filmed at Joshua Tree National Park.

If you like what you hear, make sure you don’t miss Angel Olsen on her Aussie tour.

26 November 2016 – Grand Poobah, Hobart
28 November 2016 – Corner Hotel, Melbourne
1 December 2016 – Lismore City Hall, Lismore
2 December 2016 – Brightside, Brisbane
2 & 3 December 2016 – Fairgrounds Festival, Berry
5 December 2016 – Sydney Opera House Studio, Sydney
7 December 2016 – Grace Emily Hotel, Adelaide
8 December 2016 – Badlands, Perth
9-11 December 2016 – Meredith Music Festival, Meredith

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

“Backbone” – Anthony Callea

I’ve always admired Anthony Callea’s voice but I didn’t become a fan until he released his album Ladies and Gentlemen: The Songs of George Michael a few years ago. I loved George’s originals, but I found myself hearing the songs in a new way with Anthony’s release. So I was excited to see him tackling covers again on his latest album Backbone.

It’d be unfair to call this simply an album of covers though. Perhaps the term concept album would be more accurate. This collection is all about getting to the essence of each song, stripping away the bells and whistles of production and discovering its bare bones.

The approach brings out the beauty and depth in songs that once seemed like throwaway fluff, like Britney Spears’ “Sometimes” and Bananarama’s “Love in the First Degree.” The overproduction is gone, replaced for the most part with piano, Anthony’s voice, some backing vocals to support it, and those lyrics that are better than we all remembered them.

This album isn’t just about guilty pleasures, although they’re well represented. Other songs like “Man in the Mirror” and “We Belong” were already strong on their release. However, his versions do magnify the impact of the lyrics which sees them strike a little closer to the heart. Queen set the bar very high with another true classic, “Somebody to Love,” but the acapella version included here is one of the Backbone’s highlights. Steve Winwood’s “Higher Love” is another standout. The subtle sax line in is a delicious throwback to the original, although the stripped back delivery makes it brand new.

The only original song, the title track “Backbone,” is beautiful and honest. However, it seems a little out of place on this concept album, not because it’s not a cover but because it has a fuller sound that doesn’t quite gel with the other more organically treated tracks. Just a fraction more restraint would have made all the difference.

One slight mistep doesn’t make Backbone any less enjoyable though. For pop music lovers like me, it’s a real gem that breathes new life into so many songs that have a special place in my heart. With a focus on lyrics and feeling, in many cases Anthony has improved on the originals. When we’re talking about songs so beloved, that’s no small feat.

Backbone hits stores on September 16. Anthony will support its release with the following shows.

23 September 2016 – Revesby Workers Club, Revesby
24 September 2016 – The Cube, Campbelltown
30 September 2016 – The Palms at Crown, Melbourne

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Kingfisha Touring Brand New Album

The funky fellas from Kingfisha will release their second album Offered it Up, tomorrow. Featuring the single “Left It,” the follow-up to the critically acclaimed Piece of the Puzzle showcases the Brisbane party band’s signature modern twist on classic reggae sounds.

Kingfisha’s music has taken them to places as far flung as Reunion Island and Swaziland, but they’ll be back on home soil to celebrate the album’s release with a string of shows kicking off in Cairns later this month.

30 September 2016 – The Jack, Cairns
1 October 2016 – Wallaby Creek Festival, Rossville
7 October 2016 – Torquay Hotel, Torquay
8 October 2016 – Northcote Social Club, Melbourne
15 October 2016 – Newtown Social Club
21 October 2016 – Transit Bar, Canberra
22 October 2016 – Dragon Dreaming Festival, Lake Burrinjuck
23 October 2016 – Swagger Festival, Wandiligong
5 November 2016 – Imperial Hotel, Sunshine Coast
11 November 2016 – The Spotted Cow, Toowoomba
12 November 2016 – The Shark bar, Gold Coast
18 November 2016 – Settlers Inn, Margaret River
19 November 2016 – Indi Bar, Scarborough
20 November 2016 – Mojos, Fremantle
3 December 2016 – The Triffid, Brisbane
4 December 2016 – Hotel Brunswick, Brunswick Heads

Image used with permission from Remedy Music

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Ayla Impresses with “Like the Other Kids”

Ayla speaks directly to my angsty inner teen with her latest track “Like the Other Kids.” It’s such a poignant song about being different and the feelings that can stir, expressed beautifully by the Sunshine Coast songstress. I’ve enjoyed her other material but this has blown me away.

Ayla will launch the single the following shows along the East Coast next month.

2 October 2016 – Caloundra Music Festival, Caloundra
7 October 2016 – Studio 188, Ipswich
8 October 2016 – The Zoo, Brisbane
21 October 2016 – Brighton Up Bar, Sydney
22 October 2016 – The Penny Black, Melbourne

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Taylor Payne Gets Primal with “The Jungle Talks”

There’s something about a rich, resonant female voice that suckers me in every time. So it’s understandable that “The Jungle Talks,” the latest single from Taylor Payne has gotten underneath my skin.

The Sunshine Coast singer’s voice is the perfect foil to the moody syncopated drums that drive this song along. A smattering of synths gives the track a retro 80s vibe.

“The Jungle Talks” is officially released on September 9.

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Breakaway Back with “Restart”

After a hiatus from the live scene lasting more than a year, Sydney pop-rockers Breakaway are back with a brand new single, aptly titled “Restart.” This is the band’s first new material in two years, but it’s a welcome return to form.

The track charts new territory for the band, with retro synth sounds adding depth to their signature pop-rock vibe. Everything’s a little more evolved and more mature.

Breakaway promises the upcoming gigs will give fans the chance to hear new songs from the forthcoming debut album first. With a mix of all ages and under 18s events, everyone can join in the fun. Tickets are available now from Breakaway’s website.

24 September 2016 – The Lair, Sydney (Licensed/All Ages)
8 October 2016 – Milk Bar, Brisbane (18+)
9 October 2016 – Foundry Records, Brisbane (All Ages)
14 October 2016 – Wrangler Studios, Melbourne (All Ages)
15 October 2016 – Workers Club, Melbourne (18+)
16 October 2016 – Enigma Bar, Adelaide (Licensed/All Ages)

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Caiti Baker Does It Her Way With “Heavy on My Heart”

Caiti Baker seems to be one of those artists that defies genre. The press release accompanying her debut single “Heavy on My Heart” calls her a soul/hip hop act, but there’s a strong spirit of blues and gospel running through the tune. It’s gorgeously rhythmic, with handclaps and brass flourishes driving things along. The clip, featuring old Super 8 footage of Caiti’s folks, is also really special.

With influences ranging from Big Mama Thornton to Missy Elliot, Caiti Baker is making the kind of music we don’t hear enough of it. If you want more, make sure you catch her at one of her single launch shows.

3 September 2016 – No. 5 Church St, Bellingen
4 September 2016 – Pacific Hotel, Yamba
17 September 2016 – Headland Café, Valla Beach
18 September 2016 – Flow Bar, Old Bar
2 October 2016 – Caloundra Music Festival, Caloundra
5 October 2016 – Elements Bar, Coffs Harbour
7 October 2016 – Stag & Hunter, Newcastle
8 October 2016 – Six Strings Brewery, Central Coast

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Kav Temperley Goes Solo

Kav Temperley continues his musical evolution with the release of his first solo EP, Hope St, on September 9. The EP features the brand new single “Dancin’,” a quirky romantic number that’s put a big smile on my face.

Kav says the EP is as honest as he gets.

“It’s terrifying! But it’s also liberating. There was no censoring – no towing a particular line,” he explained. “I suppose you could say Hope St is me burying my 20s and elegantly dancing into my late 30s. It’s about finding a new way.”

Hope St is actually the first of four EPs Kav has in the works.

“They all form a complete narrative,” he explained. “They take us full cycle. I wanted to present these songs in a unique format, in a different paradigm – it was an artistic challenge. Each EP tells a different part of the same story – each is a part of the whole.”

The lead single from Hope St, “Dancin’” features guest vocals from Lucy Peach who will join Kav at all but the Brisbane Festival show. Catch them both at the following venues.

3 September 2016 – FAC Gallery Sessions, Fremantle
11 September 2016 – Brisbane Festival, Brisbane
15 September 2016 – Caravan Music Club, Oakleigh
16 September 2016 – The Bridge Hotel, Castlemaine
17 September 2016 – The Basement, Sydney
18 September 2016 – Front Bar, Canberra
23 September 2016 – Jimmy’s Den, Perth
24 September 2016 – Clancy’s Fish Pub, Dunsborough

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

The Harlots Rock Out With “Umma Gumma”

Melbourne band The Harlots show they’re a rock force to be reckoned with with the release of new single “Umma Gumma.” It’s dirty, bluesy, and full of raw power. You just can’t help but be swept along for the ride.

“Umma Gumma” tells the familiar story of being trapped in that moment when you know a relationship is over but you haven’t managed to escape it yet. Its spontaneous sound comes from the decision to record the track live onto reel to reel tape. Using old-school technology makes it feel much more authentic than new recordings which can get a little too polished.

The Harlots plan to tour Australia in October and November to coincide with the release of their brand new album.