Most of us think of roses as delicate flowers, feminine and gentle. But they also have thorns, something Brisbane band The Comfort remind us of with their new single called “Roses.”
This song starts off sweetly enough but it’s not too long before we’re aurally assaulted by the passion chorus. The band, which was born out of a love of punk and hardcore music, has a really big sound for a trio. I’m told they were originally a five-piece, but in slimming down they’ve found a slightly cleaner rock sound with those big soaring vocals and epic hooks. I haven’t heard their early stuff, but I love what they’re doing now. What about you?
Malo Zima Release Awesome Second Single “Slow Down”
Brisbane band Malo Zima have totally impressed me with their latest single “Slow Down,” the second song lifted from their new debut EP Cornerstone.
They’ve got such a great alt-rock sound which reminds me a little of The Jezabels. There’s a similar drama and melancholy to their music, and of course it’s anchored by such strong vocals, this time from Amela Duheric.
No wonder they packed out Black Bear Lodge when they launched the EP. I predict we’ll be hearing a lot more from this band.
Image used with permission from Habit Music Company
“XIII” – Cloves
At just 19 years of age, Melbourne singer-songwriter Cloves has created one of the most impressive debut EPs I’ve heard all year. The title XIII gives nothing away, so I wasn’t quite sure what to expect when I pressed play. However, what I received was some of the most intimate and beautiful songs I’ve heard in some time.
Cloves drew me in instantly with her heartfelt songs about love and loss, all-too fleeting romance and the heartache that lingers. The subject matter isn’t new, but in these songs she brings some freshness to familiar terrain. I love the simplicity of these songs. With just a little acoustic guitar here, the gentle strains of a piano there, Cloves’ beautiful, rich voice and poignant lyrics are at the fore. The single “Frail Love” drew me in instantly, but every song on this four-track EP is superb. It’s seem mean to single any out, because each one is just so special.
Apparently XIII was written with the aid of Lana Del Ray, regular Sia collaborator Justin Parker, and Rich Cooper, who’s worked with Tom Odell and Mumford and Sons, just to name a few. Their influences are apparent; I can hear a lot of similarities between Cloves and Lana Del Ray’s work, yet I feel the songs are a little more accessible than those of the British chanteuse.
XIII is out now. Cloves will support its release with shows supporting British songbird Soak in January.
6 January 2016 – Northcote Social Club, Melbourne
8 January 2016 – Newtown Social Club, Sydney
Image used with permission from Positive Feedback
Gurrumul Takes New Music Direction
Gurrumul is expanding his musical horizons, creating new music that combines Yolngu songs with electro-dance beats. Gurrumul calls the fusion Electro Trad Music, and he’s bringing it to music lovers with his TRIBE2tribe electro tour next year.
I must admit based on the snippet of the new single “Warrk” I’m not sure I like this stuff as much as Gurrumul’s more acoustic, Gospel material, but it’s probably unfair to judge on just a minute of music. I also appreciate an artist who wants to keep in exploring music and seeing what else is out there.
Gurrumul will bring his new sounds to music lovers on the East Coast with the following shows.
15 February 2016 – Max Watts, Melbourne
19 February 2016 – Max Watts, Sydney
21 February 2016 – Max Watts, Brisbane
Amazing Artists Showcased by Cuthbert Corner
I believe the best place to really discover what a musician can do is the live arena. There’s no auto tune or second take, just an artist creating the best music they can. So I was thrilled to discover an organisation called Cuthbert Corner, who records up-and-coming musicians and promotes their songs online.
Take a look at Sounds of Oz favourite Anna Cordell playing her song “Blue Rose” at Melbourne’s Krimper Café. It’s such a beautiful live recording which really showcases how special Anna is as an artist. After you’ve watched this, let YouTube take you to another Cuthbert Corner video, and another. If you love new Australian music, there’s plenty to keep you entertained here.
The Ten Tenors Get Festive for Children’s Hospital Foundation
‘Tis the season to create really corny music videos, according to The Ten Tenors. The clip for their latest single “All I Want for Christmas is You” is to Woolworths what those terrible Down, Down ads are to Coles. With one important exception: it’s all for a good cause.
Yes this clip is a total car crash. But the Ten Tenors are some of the country’s best singers. This track is just one of the holiday songs featured on their new album Our Christmas Wish. All net profits from the album will benefit the Children’s Hospital Foundation. You can get a copy from Woolworths stores in Queensland and Northern New South Wales and via iTunes worldwide.
After they’re done spreading Christmas cheer, The Ten Tenors will embark the Power of TEN tour, which will hit theatres all around the country next year.
12 & 13 February 2016 – Regal Theatre, Perth
13 April 2016 – Mackay Entertainment Centre, Mackay
14 April 2016 – Pilbeam Theatre, Rockhampton
15 April 2016 – Moncrieff Entertainment Centre, Bundaberg
16 April 2016 – Brolga Theatre, Maryborough
17 April 2016 – The Events Centre, Caloundra
20 April 2016 – Festival Theatre, Adelaide
21 April 2016 – Hamer Hall, Victorian Arts Centre, Melbourne
22 April 2016 – Theatre Centre, Canberra
24 April 2016 – The Star Events Centre, Sydney
30 April 2016 – QPAC Concert Hall, Brisbane
4 May 2016 – Townsville Civic Centre, Townsville
5 May 2016 – Empire Theatre, Toowoomba
Prickle Impresses with Debut Single
I’ve never believed in that whole “good for your age” thing that you hear so often on singing reality shows. I figure you’re either good or you not. You might show the potential to be good, but potential’s not going to keep me listening. However, I am impressed when an artist is making quality music at the age when I was still trying to figure out what I wanted to do. And that’s the case with Prickle, a 17-year-old indie pop act from Melbourne.
Apparently she’s already spent a few years discovering her voice and she’s unleashing it with her debut single “Tell Me Why.” This is gutsy stuff with raw, empassioned vocals and an energetic garage sound. Prickle’s set to release a lot more music in 2016. If it’s as good as this, it’s something to look forward to.
“Wild Love” – Jake Bosci
Queensland pop-rock act Jake Bosci has taken me back to my teens with his new EP Wild Love.
This collection of six songs has me feeling nostalgic for a couple of reasons. Firstly, the tracks tackle themes which tap into teenage me. They speak of big loves that promise to last the test of time, heartache that rips your guts out, warring parents that just make you want to run away from it all. It’s been a long while since I’ve experienced that kind of turmoil firsthand, but you never forget it.
The sound also has me reminiscing. It reminds me of that period in the early noughties where acts like John Mayer, Gavin Degraw, Teddy Geiger, and Ryan Cabrera were just breaking through. Like these artists, Jake Bosci wears his heart on his sleeve and delivers songs with such earnest intent that even when the lyrics get a little cheesy, you believe them. By the time the closing track, the epic “Let Love Go,” rolled around I was hooked.
I do wish Wild Love was a little less produced though. Too often the production overshadows the vocals, almost as if Jake doesn’t trust in his own voice enough. I’d love to hear these songs really stripped back, even in acoustic mode, because they really are solid. The wonderful single “Heartbreak” heads in this direction, but the vocals still aren’t pure enough for my tastes.
Jake Bosci’s EP Wild Love is available on iTunes now.
Castlecomer Help us Get Away From Everday with “Escapism”
According to the dictionary, escapism is “the tendency to seek distraction and relief from unpleasant realities, especially by seeking entertainment or engaging in fantasy.” What the dictionary neglects to mention is that it’s the also the name of the latest single from Castlecomer, which is being bundled with their previous release “Fire Alarm” for a double A-side available from December 19.
Apparently the track was written while lead singer Bede was working in a boarding house for men with schizophrenia. In it, he reflects on the way we all look for ways to escape the everyday we’re living in. The track has such a great energy; of this doesn’t get you going on your Tuesday morning nothing will.
The Monikers Release Catchy New Single
If you’re a fan of Brit alternative-pop acts like Supergrass and The Kooks, you’re going to love “Friends Like These,” the latest single from Adelaide band The Monikers.
It’s got such a great energy about it, with chunky guitars and more hooks than a tackle box. I love the dark undercurrent that bites through the melody.
“It’s probably the happiest and saddest song I’ve ever written. Definitely the most personal” confirmed Andy Mackenzie in a press release.
When The Monikers play, the dance floor quickly packs out with punters dancing along to the tunes. If you want to be one of them, you can catch them at the following single launch shows.
12 December 2015 – The Ed Castle, Adelaide
8 January 2016 – Mr Boogie Man Bar, Melbourne