Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Tonight Alive Show Softer Side

I just love hearing a rock band strip things back. So while I appreciate Tonight Alive’s rebellious, rocking studio version of their single “Drive,” I actually prefer this acoustic version recorded for Triple M.

I think this take brings those lyrics about breaking away from society’s expectations and expressing your own truth. It also really lets you appreciate Jenna McDougall’s stellar voice. You can hear that in person when Tonight Alive embark on their single tour next year. After that Tonight Alive are heading to Europe, the UK, and the US, so these might be our last local shows for a while. Don’t say you haven’t been warned fans!

16 January 2016 – Unify Festival, Gippsland
17 January 2016 – Max Watts, Melbourne
21 January 2016 – The Triffid, Brisbane
29 January 2016 – Metro Theatre, Sydney

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Saskwatch Return to Form with “Everyone’s Giving Up”

I fell in love with Saskwatch when they first hit the music scene, but I fell out of love with them somewhere along the way. While the last couple of singles haven’t revved me, I think they’re back to their best with their latest single “Everyone’s Giving Up.”

It’s a much mellower sound from this funky Melbourne act than I’ve come to expect, but I appreciate it. With all those brassy notes it reminds me a little of something Prince might slip in to his set. “Everyone’s Giving Up” comes from Saskwatch’s third studio album Sorry I Let It Come Between Us, which is slated for release next year.

Saskwatch will support its release with the following shows just about everywhere in 2016.

9 January 2016 – Summer Of Soul Festival @ Mossvale Park, Berrys Creek
21 January 2016 – Australian Open Sessions @ Melbourne & Olympic Parks, Melbourne
23 January 2016 – Ozfest @ Miami Tavern, Gold Coast
24 January 2016 – Ozfest @ Waterfront Hotel, Sunshine Coast
4 February 2016 – Settlers Tavern, Margaret River
5 February 2016 – Clancy’s Fish Pub, Dunsborough
6 February 2016 – Summerset Arts Festival, Carine Open Space, Carine
7 February 2016 – Mojos, Fremantle
25 February 2016 – UC Refectory, Canberra
2 March 2016 – Studio Six, Sutherland
3 March 2016 – The Basement, Sydney
4 March 2016 – Baroque, Katoomba
5 March 2016 – Small Ballroom, Newcastle
6 March 2016 – 5 Church Street, Bellingen
12 March 2016 – The Triffid, Brisbane
18 March 2016 – The Jack, Cairns
19 March 2016 – Street Party, Townsville
20 March 2016 – Magnums, Airlie Beach
26 March 2016 – Fat Controller, Adelaide
1 April 2016 – Club 54, Launceston
2 April 2016 – Republic Bar, Hobart
6 April 2016 – Karova Lounge, Ballarat
7 April 2016 – Workers Club, Geelong
8 April 2016 – Corner Hotel, Melbourne
9 April 2016 – Theatre Royale, Castlemaine
14 April 2016 – The Loft, Warrnambool
15 April 2016 – The Grand Hotel, Mornington
16 April 2016 – Westernport Hotel, San Remo
29 April 2016 – The Gap View, Alice Springs
30 April 2016 – The Railway Club, Darwin

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Illy’s Ready for Swear Jar Tour

Illy may have to make use of his own virtual swear jar following the release of his new single of the same name. I wouldn’t advise listening to “Swear Jar” while you’re at work or around the oldies, but if you’ve got some time to yourself this tongue-in-cheek track which hits back at some people we’ve all come across in our time.

“Swear Jar is a light hearted take on two very serious issues: that rare breed of dickhead artist who thinks they’re God’s gift to the world, and the far more common breed of dickhead that you find dwelling online, hurling abuse at others. They both suck. I wanted to write a song for them, and here it is. I hope they don’t like it. ” Illy said in the press release.

To coincide with the release, Illy’s encouraging all of his fellow potty mouths to dig deep and donate to his virtual swear jar. The online initiative is raising money for the vital work of beyondblue.

Illy’s also preparing to hit the road to promote the single. Good pals Dylan Joel and Citizen Kay will appear at all but the Darwin gig.

12 February 2016 – Discovery, Darwin
13 February 2016 – Capitol, Perth
19 February 2016 – 170 Russell, Melbourne
20 February 2016 – Metro Theatre, Sydney
26 February 2016 – The Triffid, Brisbane
27 February 2016 – Coolangatta Hotel, Coolangatta
4 March 2016 – Academy, Canberra
12 March 2016 – The Governor Hindmarsh, Adelaide

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Ben Abraham’s “Speak” a Sign of Special Things to Come

Melbourne singer-songwriter Ben Abraham has found a new home for his music at Inertia Music. I must admit, I hadn’t heard of his stuff until the good folks there sent me a press release, but the moment I started to watch him performing “Speak” in a Mahogany session, I fell hard.

The Sydney Morning Herald recently declared he’s one of the best new male voices the country’s seen in ages, and I’m not inclined to disagree. But there’s more to Ben than just a voice. He’s a superb songwriter who can deliver a lyric like nobody’s business. There’s truth in the way he sings, and I really responded to that. “Speak” is just one of the tracks we’ll hear on Ben’s album Sirens, which will be released on March 4. The album’s seen him collaborating with everyone from Gossling to Gotye, so it should be something really special.

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

“Return to the Lower Fourth Dimension” – Them Sharks

We’re only a couple of weeks into summer, but I might have already found my favourite album for this season. The unique blend of reggae, punk, and hip hop showcased by Them Sharks in their new album Return to the Lower Fourth Dimension is the ideal soundtrack for steamy summer days enjoyed with a beer in hand. It grabbed me from the first high energetic track “5am Fuzz” and didn’t let go.

You might remember me writing about the single “Tsoukalos” a few weeks ago. It’s sounding just as fresh now, and remains one of the album’s standouts. I also love the positive vibe of “All I Want.” It’s another of those tracks I keep coming back to because it just feels so good.

I might be missing the point, but I couldn’t see what “Democracy Manifest” and its penis talk really add to the album. It all felt a little puerile, and sandwiched in the middle of the album it breaks up its flow. Thankfully with the next track “Danger Zone” we were back on track.

“Haleiwa” transports the listener to a beautiful beach, taking us out of our everyday and putting us in a more relaxed frame of mind. Its big chorus makes sure the song never feels sleepy though. This is reggae with bite, something Them Sharks do oh so well.

I imagine the closing track “Hive Mind” would go off in the live arena, with its frenetic drums and raucous singalong chorus. It’s certainly the most intense track of the album, and it really sends Return to the Lower Fourth Dimension out with a bang. The recording does a pretty good job of capturing its energy, but it does hint at another level of excitement.

Return to the Lower Fourth Dimension is a really funky release from Them Sharks. It’s officially released on December 18, when they’ll launch it with a show for hometown fans at Perth’s Amplifier Bar.

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

“The Christmas Album Deluxe Edition” – Human Nature

As a teen, I was completely besotted with Human Nature. They were my boy band of choice; I covered my wardrobe doors with their posters and spent many hours waiting at venues just so I could secure my place in the front row. But as with so many teenage love affairs, my enthusiasm for Human Nature fizzled. They’ll always have a soft spot in my heart, but I can barely remember the last CD I bought or show I saw. In fact, while their Christmas album came out in 2013, I hadn’t heard it until they rereleased it this year with a few bonus tracks.

It makes a lot of sense for Human Nature to release a Christmas album. They’ve played more carols shows than I can count and their reworkings of the seasonal classics always please the crowds. However, I wasn’t so pleased with every track on this album. Human Nature’s always been a little cheesy, and Christmas is definitely a time when you shouldn’t take yourself too seriously, but some of the songs, including their covers of “Rudolph the Red Nose Reindeer” and “Let it Snow,” a collaboration with Delta Goodrem, felt too corny for my tastes.

But there’s no denying that these guys have some of the best voices in the business. Individually, they’re so strong, but when they harmonise it’s magic. One Direction wish they could sing like these guys can. While some of the Motown-esque arrangements feel a little stale, I absolutely loved the mash-up of “Silent Night” and “O Holy Night” and their take on Donnie Hathaway’s “This Christmas.” I also appreciated hearing them really let loose on the rocking “Run Run Rudolph.” “Amazing Grace,” with the Prague Philharmonic Orchestra, is truly breathtaking. The purity of “Mary’s Boy Child,” delivered completely acapella, is also really special.

Human Nature have built their recent success on recording and performing covers, and that’s because they do it so well. With such voices, it’s unsurprising that their reinterpretations are always solid. Sometimes they’re even outstanding. But I can’t help thinking that if they were still writing and recording their own original music they might have delivered a Christmas album that feels a bit more current. However, if there’s ever a time for a nostalgic sound, I suppose it’s the festive season.

The Christmas Album Deluxe Edition by Human Nature is in stores now.

Image used with permission from Sony Music Australia

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Timber Bones Pay Homage to Festival Flings in “Travelling Song”

I am really enjoying the wave of new songs that seem to embody summer. The latest is “Travelling Song,” an energetic folk-infused track from Queensland five-piece Timber Bones.

The song celebrates those festival romances that come about in the steamy weather after you’re full of the euphoria of seeing some great bands and drinking one too many alcoholic beverages. Its driving beat makes it the perfect song to slip on if you’re heading to a festival of your own this summer.

There are no dates announced as yet, but I hear they’ll be playing some summer shows along the East Coast, so make sure you look out for them in a venue near you soon.

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Peter Cetera @ State Theatre, Sydney – 11 December 2015

It’s a big call to name someone “the voice of a generation.” It’s the sort of thing you typically read on marketing posters, knowing it’s about selling tickets more than the truth. But if there is an artist that’s earned that mantle, I think it’s Peter Cetera. My dad, the source of almost all of my early music knowledge, didn’t own one of his albums, yet the distinctive sound of his voice is one that’s synonymous with my childhood. I was reminded of that as the Sydney Symphony Orchestra took the seated crowd at the State Theatre on Friday night through a medley of his hits before the man himself came out. Whether with Chicago or out on his own, Peter Cetera truly was a musical force in the ‘80s. He still occupies a very special place in my heart today.

When Peter stepped out, my excitement was at fever pitch, even though I didn’t know the song “Restless Heart” that he started with. It gave me a little time to calm down before he brought out the big gun, “Glory of Love.” I could scarcely believe three songs in I was going to hear that song, the song that my husband and I danced our “first dance” to at our wedding, but there it was. When your discography is as loaded as Peter Cetera’s, you don’t need to wait for an encore to play the hits. And they kept on coming, all with the expert backing of the Sydney Symphony making these special songs even richer.

It’d be remiss of me to suggest this was the perfect concert. At 71 years of age, Peter’s voice is starting to show some limitations. He can still hit the high notes he’s famous for, but he can’t sustain them as he once could. When he’s in his comfort zone, he sounds just as good as he ever did though. He also cleverly surrounds himself with talented young musicians who can now do what he once did. Whether he’s singing a duet like “After All” with his gorgeous young backup singer Tania Hancheroff or sharing vocals on a song like “Hard Habit to Break” with his guitarist Chris Rodriguez, he knows when he needs reinforcements to make the songs sound as they should.

Peter Cetera’s passion also impressed me. He’s probably sung these songs more times than he can remember, yet he seems to genuinely enjoy sharing them with an audience. He sang with such enthusiasm, truly giving us everything he had. He also took the time to share fascinating facts about the songs and himself with us. Did you know “Glory of Love” was originally written for Rocky 4? Or that he wrote “You’re the Inspiration” for Kenny Rogers, who lost a serious hit when he passed on the track? Neither did I, and as a music trivia buff I loved discovering this stuff.

With a back catalogue as rich as Peter Cetera’s, it may seem impossible to hear every song you want, but I did. Even songs that I hadn’t remembered he did, like “After All” with Cher, and “No Explanation” from Pretty Woman. As he took his final bow after two encores, I clapped until my hands were sore.

Image source: Wikimedia Commons

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

“Harvey’s Bar … The Backyard Sessions” – Adam Harvey

In this PC world we live in, we don’t hear a lot of drinking songs. But Adam Harvey has bucked the trend with his brand new album Harvey’s Bar … The Backyard Sessions. This album celebrates everything that’s great about getting together with friends and family members and knocking back a few cold ones.

Original songs like “Harvey’s Backyard Bay,” “Alcoholaday,” and “Yeah I Like Beer” are real party starters. His take on “The Nips Are Getting Bigger” was a little sleepy for my tastes, but it suited the relaxed feel of this recording. It’s not all fun and games though. Moving numbers like “Misery and Gin” and “Bartender Blues,” a duet with Lyn Bowtell, remind us of the potential dangers of the bottle.

There’s a real energy about this recording, no doubt because Adam recorded it in his backyard in Bateau Bay, on the Central Coast, a world away from those big city studios. As a fellow Coastie I know how time in this part of the country affects your mind set, putting you at ease and making you feel more relaxed. Add alcohol and it’s always going to be a good time. I really enjoyed listening to Adam banter with his mates in between the recordings; it makes hearing the album feel like you’ve got an invite to an awesome party.

I’ve never been much of a country music fan, but Adam Harvey’s won me over with his rich baritone and sense of celebration here. It might not be your typical Christmas album, but I reckon Harvey’s Bar … The Backyard Sessions is the perfect soundtrack for those parties coming up.

Harvey’s Bar … The Backyard Sessions is out now. Adam will support the album’s release with the following shows.

16 & 22 January 2016 – West Tamworth Leagues Club, Tamworth
3 March 2016 – Hallam Hotel, Hallam
4 March 2016 – York on Lilydale, Mt Evelyn
5 March 2016 – The Gateway Hotel, Corio
11 March 2016 – Windsor RSL Club, Windsor
13 March 2016 – The Oaks Hotel, Albion Park
17 March 2016 – Bairnsdale RSL Club, Bairnsdale
18 March 2016 – Italian Australian Sports Club, Morwell
19 March 2016 – Terang Country Music Festival, Terang
20 March 2016 – Wonthaggi Workmen’s Club, Wonthaggi
29 April 2016 – Lizotte’s, Newcastle
30 April 2016 – Panorama Lounge, Gosford
12 May 2016 – Bathurst RSL, Bathurst
13 May 2016 – Forbes Services Memorial Club, Forbes
14 May 2016 – Dubbo RSL, Dubbo
26 May 2016 – Inverell RSM Club, Inverell
27 May 2016 – City Golf Club, Toowoomba
28 May 2016 – Kedron Wavell Services Club, Chermside
17 June 2016 – Revesby Workers Club, Revesby
18 June 2016 – Halekulani Bowling Club, Budgewoi
23 June 2016 – The Woombye Pub, Woombye
24 June 2016 – Maryborough Sports Club, Maryborough
25 June 2016 – Brothers Sports Club, Bundaberg
26 June 2016 – The Lionleigh, Rockhampton
1 July 2016 – Dalrymple Hotel, Garbutt
2 July 2016 – Mareeba RSL, Mareeba
3 July 2016 – Herbert River RSL, Herbert River
5 July 2016 – Big Red Bash, Birdsville
15 July 2016 – South West Rocks Country Club, South West Rocks
16 July 2016 – South Grafton Ex Servicemen’s Club, South Grafton

Image used with permission from Sony Music Australia