Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Love Like Hate Ready for English Summer Tour

Brisbane’s dark pop duo Love Like Hate released their EP Unnoticed late last year, but I’ve only just gotten around to listening to it. I’m so glad that I did. I already knew I loved the singles – “Electric Ships” and “Unnoticed – but I didn’t expect the other three songs to make up this release to be just as strong.

Its second song “Bright Eyes” is my new favourite I think. Its lyrics are exceptional and its driving beat compelling. I’m not sure whether it was written about a school shooting, but I couldn’t help but imagine a student struggling to fit in and striking back as I listened to it. The closer “Ride This Down,” which shows a softer side of the band, is so poignant and haunting. What a beautiful way to end an exceptional release.

Apparently Love Like Hate have been kicking goals overseas, but we’ve got them back for their English Summer tour this week. They’ll fit in the following local shows before heading to the United Kingdom for a headline tour (dates to be announced).

17 May 2015 – Fox Hotel, Melbourne (18+)
29 May 2015 – Captain Cook Hotel, Sydney (18+)
6 June 2015 – Brisbane Hotel, Hobart (18+)
21 June 2015 – Brisbane Powerhouse, New Farm (ALL AGES – FREE AFTERNOON SHOW)

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Patrick James Soothes us with “California Song”

Hump Day’s a bitch. The stresses of the week are starting to pile up and the weekend seems too far away. What we all need is some relaxing music to take the edge off. That makes Patrick James’ new single “California Song” the perfect soundtrack if you ask me.

It’s got a mellow vibe without being sleepy, as it has me dreaming of road trips abroad. It seems plenty of people like what they hear, because Patrick’s single launch shows are selling fast. Don’t dilly-dally if you want tickets to his gig at Melbourne’s Northcote Social Club on June 13 or the Sydney show at Newtown Social Club on June 27.

Image used with permission from Title Track

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

The Outdoor Type Releases Your Road Trip Soundtrack

It might be the time of year where most of us are hibernating, but I guarantee you’ll feel like taking a road trip when you listen to The Outdoor Type’s debut single “When the Sun Goes Down.”

It’s got such a great cruisy vibe and the sort of chorus that you just can’t resist singing along to. It’s good honest pub rock, the type of stuff that we just don’t hear often enough.

The Outdoor Type will launch “When the Sun Goes Down” with a show at Sydney’s Oxford Art Factory on May 21 before heading to Melbourne’s The Toff in Town on May 23.

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Melissa Tkautz Back on Music Scene

If you’d asked me which ‘90s pop singer was due for a comeback, the name Melissa Tkautz wouldn’t have entered my head. She had the perfect package, but I thought in 2015 some of her appeal might have faded. Yet Melissa is coming back with a brand new single “Gotta Let You Go.”

This snippet reveals that the single’s hardly a work of lyrical genius, but it is a lot of fun which has always been what her music’s about. She also looks like she’s barely aged a day, which I can’t help but feel envious about.

What do you think about a Melissa Tkautz comeback?

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Hein Cooper Impresses with “The Art of Escape”

Hein Cooper has gotten under my skin with his debut single “The Art of Escape.” It’s a gentle song, a real slow burner but let it creep up on you and you’ll start to appreciate its delicate beauty.

Hein hails from the New South Wales south coast but he recorded the track, and the others on his self-titled EP, on a recent trip to Canada where he played Montreal’s Canadian Music Week.

Something tells me it’s not going to long before the rest of the world discovers this talented troubadour.

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

“The Bones of Us” – Eliza Hull

Eliza Hull wears her heart on her sleeve with her debut album The Bones of Us. It’s an evocative title which indicates just how raw this release is.

The haunting opening number “Walk Away,” drew me in to the album immediately. “Caught” is the perfect follow-up. I love how delicate this song is. It shows that fragility of early relationships so beautifully. But these two tracks are just some of the highlights of this gorgeous release. I appreciated the way that Eliza’s voice melded with Texture Like Sun on the single “Used To” when it was released and it sounds just as special in amongst the other tunes. I felt the pain of “Skeleton” and was floored by the achingly beautiful “Bella Lou.” A song like this, with just an angelic voice and a piano, shows the power that simplicity can bring. The final song “Head Above Water” is such a strong, triumphant closer.

This intimate album drew me in from the first listen, but something tells me I’m going to love it even more with subsequent listens. The Bones of Us is just one of those releases, something fragile, beautiful, and incredibly special.

The Bones of Us is in stores now.

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Discover Something New at Emerge in the West Festival

Enjoy some great music, fashion, and culture for free at the Emerge in the West 2015 festival, which will take over Footscray’s Nicholson Street on May 16.

The event will have two stages showcasing the talents of emerging musicians, artists, circus performers, dancers, and fashion designers. These will be complemented by craft workshops, foodie experiences, and heaps more.

Since this is a music blog it’s worth noting what’s in store on the musical front. There’s truly something for everyone with Ethio-jazz act The Lalibelas featuring Nhatty Man, digital reggae band SKAAKI, the Somali Peace Band, and hip hop duo Royalty Noise all on the bill.

Emerge in the West runs from 1 to 7 pm on Saturday May 16. Entry is completely free, so there’s no excuse not to experience something new and support this great arts event.

Image used with permission from Multicultural Arts Victoria

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Andy Bull Takes on Okenyo

I must admit, the first time I heard Okenyo’s “Just a Story” it didn’t resonate with me. Perhaps she set the bar too high with the previous single “Broken Chest.” Whatever the reason, I just didn’t love it.

However now that Andy Bull’s worked his magic on the track, I feel like I’m hearing it in a brand new way. It’s so much fun. This is what the song always should have sounded like.

Are you feeling the love?

Image used with permission from Original Matters

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Triple Treat for Flying Doctor Fundraiser

There’ll be three times the divas at this year’s Altitude event, as Jessica Mauboy, Reigan Derry, and Dami Im join forces to raise funds for the Royal Flying Doctor Service (RFDS) of WA.

“We are very excited that these wonderful Australian artists are performing at Altitude in what is a very special year for us – the RFDS celebrating 80 years of service in WA,” explained the state’s RFDS chief executive officer, Grahame Marshall. “The number of people needing our services are today at record levels and growing every single year with us managing 35,000 patient contacts around the state last year alone, and we want to ensure that we’re still here responding to the needs of the people of WA for another 80 years at least.”

To achieve that, the RFDS needs your help. Tickets to the event aren’t cheap, but you’ll be treated to first-class entertainment and the knowledge that you’re doing good.

Altitude hits Crown Perth’s Grand Ballroom on July 25. Tickets are available online now.

Image source: The Harbour Agency

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Ainslie Wills Wows me with “Hawaii”

When I think of Hawaiian music I think of ukuleles and laidback vibes. So I wasn’t quite prepared for Ainslie Wills’ single “Hawaii” to be quite so powerful. It might not be what I was expecting, but god it’s good. Heartfelt lyrics, powerhouse vocals, and stirring instrumentation all combine for this corker of a track, the second lifted from Ainslie’s Oh the Gold EP.

It won’t be released until late in 2015, but music lovers can get a little sneak peek on Ainslie’s current residency shows at Melbourne’s Gasometer Hotel. She’s playing every Tuesday this month, and I can’t think of a better reason to get yourself out on a school night.

Image used with permission from Wondercore Island