Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Left. Win Me Over with “Lay With Me”

I’m not sure what happened the first time I listened to “Lay With Me,” the latest single from Sydney electronic duo Left. Perhaps I was too cranky to appreciate its mellow, poppy groove. All I know is that weeks after my initial listen, I can’t stop playing it.

Left. is made up of the ethereal voice of Sarah Corry and her partner in crime, guitarist and producer Jono Graham. They’ve got something really special here. It initially sounds perfect for grooving with a handsome stranger on the dance floor, but listen to the lyrics and its darker side is revealed. Sarah’s actually singing about being forced into an arranged marriage, despite yearning for someone else.

“I was inspired by how I imagined that circumstances might feel: the desperation, helplessness, and desire to make yourself happy against all the odds,” explains Corry.

“Lay With Me” is the third track lifted from Left.’s debut LP Sirens, which hits stores today. Left. will launch it with three shows in the East Coast capitals.

12 February 2015 – Laundry, Melbourne
13 February 2015 – Oxford Arts Factory, Sydney
14 February 2015 – Black Bear Lodge, Brisbane (FREE)

Image used with permission from Umbrella Music

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

With Confidence Play for the Kids

Sydney alternative rock band With Confidence are hitting the road for a kid-friendly tour. I’ve got to admire this band for knowing their market and happily making every single show appropriate for under 18s.

The gigs will promote the band’s brand new EP Distance, which features the epic single “Take Me Away.” It’s done amazing things for the band, reaching number 10 on the overall iTunes charts and number two on the alternative charts.

“Honestly, fans always surprise us with their support and we didn’t expect to push that high in the charts,” admitted lead vocalist and bassist Jayden Seeley. “We’re forever grateful for everyone that lends us their ears and supports our music”.

With Confidence sold out their last headlining tour in April 2013, so expect a very vocal crowd at the following shows.

7 February 2015 – The Lair, Sydney (ALL AGES)
8 February 2015 – Hombre Records, Newcastle (ALL AGES)
14 February 2015 – 38 Berwick St, Brisbane (UNDER 18s)
15 February 2015 – YMCA HQ, Perth (ALL AGES)
1 March 2015 – Rubix Funhouse, Melbourne (ALL AGES)

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Thundamentals Continue the Party with Brand New Tour

Twelve months after the release of their third LP So We Can Remember, Thundamentals show no signs of slowing down. They already wowed crowds at Falls and Groovin, sold out their own headline shows, and supported the Hilltop Hoods all around the country, and now they figure it’s time for another headlining gig.

If you want proof of just how good these guys are live, check them out guesting on the Hilltop Hoods’ “Cosby Sweater” with a host of other hip hop stars for Triple J’s Beat the Drum. If that doesn’t put you in a party mood, nothing will.

The following Thundamentals shows are already starting to sell out, so I wouldn’t wait too long before grabbing your tickets.

5 March 2015 – Manning Bar, Sydney
6 March 2015 – Katoomba RSL, Katoomba
10 April 2015 – Waves, Wollongong
11 April 2015 – Cambridge Hotel, Newcastle
17 April 2015 – The Zoo, Brisbane
18 April 2015 – Autumn Sounds Festival, Bundaberg
22 April 2015 – Karova Lounge, Ballarat
23 April 2015 – Star Bar, Bendigo
24 April 2015 – The Corner, Melbourne (SOLD OUT)
25 April 2015 – The Corner, Melbourne
1 May 2015 – Fowlers Live, Adelaide
2 May 2015 – Capitol Theatre, Perth
3 May 2015 – Prince Of Wales, Bunbury
7 May 2015 – The Jack, Cairns
8 May 2015 – Base Backpackers, Magnetic Island

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Greg Chiapello Spreads Good Vibes with “Hot Coffee”

If you have tickets to one of Megan Washington’s upcoming shows, it’s worth getting there early enough for the support act. She’s enlisted the help of fellow Queenslander Greg Chiapello, who has put a big smile on my face with his debut single “Hot Coffee.” Fabulously quirky lyrics, a brilliant falsetto, and irresistible pop hooks: what’s not to like?

If the weekend seems like it’s not close enough, stick this on and I guarantee that it’ll make you feel better. “Hot Coffee” comes from Greg’s debut EP, which should be released later this year.

You can see Greg supporting Megan Washington at the following shows.

13 February 2015 – 170 Russell, Melbourne
14 February 2015 – The Triffid, Brisbane
21 February 2015 – Metro Theatre, Sydney
27 February 2015 – The Gov, Adelaide

Image used with permission from Rare Finds

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Hellions Rock Me with “Nottingham”

Sometimes a song just hits you like a bolt from the blue. On paper it’s not what you’re into, but there’s just something about it. “Nottingham,” the latest single from Sydney hardcore act Hellions is one of those songs.

I generally struggle with the hardcore thing. I typically like my vocals a little prettier and my music a shade more mellow. But there’s such passion in this number and I can’t ignore it. The honesty, grit, and angst has completely won me over.

“Nottingham is about comparative thinking and jealousy within a relationship,” explained Hellions’ guitarist Matt Gravolin. “The unearthing of the erstwhile in cardiac landfill after incessant inquiry, begetting a mutual resentment.”

“Nottingham” is the latest track lifted from Hellions’ recently released album Indian Summer. To celebrate the album’s release, the band will play the following shows this March.

6 March 2015 – The Lab, Brisbane (ALL AGES)
7 March 2015 – The Brightside, Brisbane (18+)
8 March 2015 – YAC, Byron Bay (ALL AGES)
11 March 2015 – Hombre Records, Newcastle (ALL AGES)
12 March 2015 – Magpies, Canberra (LICENSED ALL AGES)
13 March 2015 – Lansdowne Hotel, Sydney (18+)
14 March 2015 – Towradgi SLSC, Wollongong (LICENSED ALL AGES)
15 March 2015 – Masonic Hall, Blacktown (ALL AGES)
18 March 2015 – YMCA HQ, Perth (ALL AGES)
19 March 2015 – Last Night, Perth (18+)
20 March 2015 – Black Market, Adelaide (18+)
21 March 2015 – Reverence Hotel, Melbourne (18+)
22 March 2015 – Phoenix YC, Melbourne (ALL AGES)

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

“Where Did You Come From?” – Darren Hanlon

Some albums grab you from the first notes, shaking you out of your world and demanding to be heard. You know it’s something special and you’re captivated from start to finish. Others sneak up on you, getting underneath your skin gradually until you realise that this album is far better than you ever imagined. Where Did You Come From?, the fifth studio album from Darren Hanlon, is that kind of album.

I initially thought it was just a sweet blend of country and folk. It was pleasant enough to listen to, but also likely to get buried amongst my massive pile of music before too long. And then I heard “Letter from an Australian Mining Town.” The fifth track, a tender slice of Australiana with all of the romance of the bush. Even if you haven’t been there you understand it. And that was when I thought “I get this. This is amazing. I need to go back to the other tracks and pay more attention.”

With my ears wide open I realised that while Darren’s music is fairly small, it shouldn’t be overlooked. Perhaps no song emphasises this point more than “My Love is an Ocean Away.” With only an acoustic guitar, Darren’s voice, and some quirky but poetic lyrics, it draws you in and proves how powerful something delicate can be. As someone who lived through a long-distance relationship, it struck a real chord.

So did “Halley’s Comet, 1986.” As he told the story I recalled my own experiences as a six-year-old, not really sure why we were all looking up at the stars and what we were waiting for, but doing it anyway.

Then there’s “Manhole Cover Tap,” which proves that anything can be a musical instrument. I’m not 100 percent sure whether real manholes were involved in the recording of this track, but I love its organic, back to basics feel. And I’m sure that Johnny Cash would have been proud to pen the rollicking country-rock of “The Chattanooga Shoot Shoot.”

Darren’s spent a lot of time in the United States, but he certainly hasn’t forgotten where he came from. Australian stories are at the heart of every one of these songs, and he sings them in a real Australian voice rather than that generic accent-free one so many performers use. It’s so refreshing to hear. As the first few tracks washed over me I didn’t expect to become so invested in Where Did You Come From? But I’ve found myself going back to it and giving it another spin for a couple of weeks now. It creeps up on you, and when it does it’s so rewarding.

Where Did You Come From? hits stores on March 2. Darren will celebrate the release of Where Did You Come From? with the following shows.

27 February – 1 March 2015 – Nannup Festival, Nannup
2 March 2015 – Mojos Bar, Fremantle
5 March 2015 – Republic Bar, Hobart
6-8 March 2015 – Panama Festival, Panama Forest
12 March 2015 – Railway Club, Darwin
20-22 March 2015 – Yackandandah Folk Festival, Yackandandah
24 March 2015 – Clarendon Guest House, Katoomba
25 March 2015 – Gallipoli Legions Club, Newcastle
26 March 2015 – Manning Bar, Sydney
27 March 2015 – Street Theatre, Canberra
28 March 2015 – Candelo Festival, Candelo
2 April 2015 – Jive Bar, Adelaide
3 April 2015 – Karova Lounge, Ballarat
9 April 2015 – The Spotted Cow, Toowoomba
10 April 2015 – The Zoo, Brisbane
11 April 2015 – Majestic Theatre, Pomona
17 April 2015 – The Corner Hotel, Melbourne

Image used with permission from Mucho Bravado

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Jim Lawrie Impresses with “Good Old Days”

After charming me with a pair of singles before Christmas, Jim Lawrie is doing it again with his latest offering “Good Old Days.” It reminds me of something Ryan Adams would have released when he was at his all-too-fleeting best, with a little Tom Petty thrown in.

All these incredibly-crafted songs are helping to create some serious buzz ahead of the release of Eons, Jim’s sophomore album, which will be available on February 20 for digital download and as a limited edition 12”. Head to the Barely Dressed Records Bandcamp page to pre-order the vinyl, because they’re going to sell quickly.

Jim will celebrate Eons release with an intimate instore show at Basement Discs in Melbourne on 27 February ahead of the official album launch at Shebeen Bandroom on February 28.

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Q & A with William Street Strikers’ Andrew Matters

With a new album on the horizon, I figured it was time to catch up with Sounds of Oz favourite Andrew Matters from William Street Strikers. Read on to learn more about the Adelaide rock band’s new music, courting controversy on social media, and Andrew’s scariest time on tour.

Your new single Wrong Way Home got an official release this month giving your fans a taste of the new album. What is it about this song that made you decide to release it as a single?
Our new single “Wrong Way Home” was chosen as a first single for two reasons. Firstly, because it is a straight forward surf rock song it came together really organically in the studio and just sat right straight away so it was easy to mix and produce and get past our discernment. The second reason was that it sounded good to us and we knew that our core group of listeners would like it so we felt comfortable that it would be liked and embraced by those who are already into the band.

How indicative is “Wrong Way Home” of the rest of the music on the album?
The song is probably not that indicative of the rest of the music on this album. We have gone back to what we do best and that is being diverse. With this new album, it is a real hodgepodge, probably more than Keep Left is. It’s time for us to do reach out again and after seven years we really took our time with this one and just went with whatever direction came up at the time of writing with no stylistic limitations.

How has the process of putting the album together this time treated you ?
The process has been a lot of fun but also quite testing at times as we’ve had to spend a lot of time in the studio which doesn’t have the same spontaneity as jamming or playing, nor is it the same process of how we usually record which is more urgent to try and capture a more live feel. This has obviously caused frustrations and creative differences and tested each of our patience at times but we have been in this game collectively for some time so we know when to drop off and shut up and do what we have to do for the greater good, as opposed to throwing tantrums and letting things get in the way of progress.

Your website says the album is forthcoming. When can we expect it in stores?
We are aiming for February. We have to wait for the film clip to be finished so everything is synchronised.

It’s been a couple of years since To the Motel. How have you grown as a band since then?
Well I have started to play guitar live for one. We have started to use a plethora of different instrumentation which will be evident on the new album and we have begun to fuse a few different styles. I think we have grown and are very well oiled which is allowing us to reach out a bit. We are also comfortable with our position within the Australian music community so this is reflected in how we go about things as opposed to when we were scuffling around. We’re more relaxed.

You’ve been doing the occasional gig. When can we expect a national tour?
Yes, that is true. We have just been taking shows that have been offered to us and focusing mainly on this album. We did so many shows for years and where we are situated, there’s a limited audience so we decided to do a few less shows for a while so as not to over do it. After this album we have plans to do an East Coast tour and only think of of gigging for a while as we have quite a back catalogue of recorded material now that gets regular airplay, so we feel comfortable that this body of work combined with the new album should carry us for a while and we want to get out and play as much as possible for a while.

You guys have been around for quite a few years now. What’s your best touring story that’s fit to print?
OK, one night when we were gigging in Sydney. Instead of going to bed I decided to take a drive around the coast in a car I wasn’t very familiar with. I corralled my guitarist and we went along a dirt road on the coast and rolled it into a ditch. We rang the guys to come and get us in the van. They ran out of petrol en route. So we decided to hitch a lift. We got picked up by a complete sociopathic drunk freak in a powerful car. When we got in he hit the door lock, we were hostage and he proceeded to floor it and nearly fish tailed us into various trees. The other guys were trying to appease him with comments like “Don’t wipe us out man! It’s a great car for sure. Just let us out here.” I was paralysed with fear and couldn’t speak. He kept going from ten kms an hour to one hundred and eighty in bursts until he finally got bored and let us out. I think that’s the closest I’ve been to shuffling off this mortal coil.

I love reading your Facebook page because you’re not afraid to tell it like it is. What issues are firing you up at the moment?
Well I like to put up things for the sake of argument for sure. I found the TripleJ Hottest 100 Taylor Swift debate to be very interesting in light of its history and some of the songs that have managed to get a run in previous years that may not have been considered apt. I also find from following music journalists and blogs that there seems to be a lot of sheep. Not too many are willing to run with anything contrary to the pack which defies logic and the whole purpose of critiquing art. On the other hand you have one or two who’ll be deliberately contrarian and go against the tide which is just as ridiculous. So I’ll deliberately post things that highlight this where possible. They’re not a protected species and neither are musicians for that matter, and that’s how it should be.

We just celebrated Australia Day. What’s your perfect way to spend the holiday?
For me, I like to relax and just do something relatively unassuming. I enjoy it for what it is and love this country but I tend to appreciate it rather quietly in my own way as opposed to large gatherings with fireworks. I did eat a sausage sandwich and went to a thong throwing competition by default when I went for to get some food at the pub, so I guess that counts as being a participant.

Is there anything else on the horizon for the band that you can tell me about?
The only other thing that I’ve not mentioned is is that we will be doing a a couple of shows to film with some recruits for a one off. We’ll have piano, a rhythm guitarist, some extra percussion and some singers. It’s important for us to get a really good live document of our band at this time for posterity.

Image used with permission from Andrew Matters

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Sydonia Give Fans New Album Sneak Peek on East Coast Tour

After rocking music lovers with their sophomore album Reality Kicks in 2014, Melbourne’s Sydonia are set to do it all again with number three.
The band are still writing and working on the preproduction for the release, but word is that this one is sounding harder, heavier, and faster than anything we’re heard from Sydonia before. We should see a single released late in the year before the finished product hits stores in early 2016.

If that’s sounding like an age away, then make sure you get yourself along to one of Sydonia’s shows this autumn. They’ll take songs from that forthcoming release in embryonic form up and down the East Coast, so this will be fans first chance to hear what’s coming next. The final Melbourne show will also help the band fundraise for a trip to the United States around May, so make sure you get along to show your support.

19 February 2015 – Colonial Hotel, Melbourne
20 March 2015 – The Hi-Fi, Brisbane
21 March 2015 – Grand Hotel, Gladstone
27 March 2015 – The Basement, Canberra
28 March 2015 – Factory Floor, Sydney
18 April 2015 – John Curtin Hotel, Melbourne

Image used with permission from Pricewar Music

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

The Griswolds Release Live Digital Boat Cruise EP

Last November, The Griswolds took a boat cruise around Sydney Harbour with some lucky fans and some of their best music industry pals including Pepa Knight of Jinja Safari, Jake Stone of Bluejuice, Nick McKenzie of Deep Sea Arcade, and Castlecomer. If you couldn’t be there, good news. The band’s released an EP, The Good Ship, capturing all of the craziness and killer tunes.

Listening to these live songs is the perfect primer for The Griswolds upcoming North American tour supporting Walk the Moon. If you’re Stateside, make sure you don’t miss these Aussie juggernauts when they visit a town near you.

10 March 2015 – House of Blues, San Diego
12 March 2015 – Palladium, Los Angeles
13 March 2015 – House of Blues, Anaheim (SOLD OUT)
14 March 2015 – Masonic, San Francisco
16 March 2015 – CATALYST, Santa Cruz
17 March 2015 – Ace of Spades, Sacramento (SOLD OUT)
19 March 2015 – Roseland, Portland
20 March 2015 – Neptune, Seattle (SOLD OUT)
21 March 2015 – Neptune, Seattle (SOLD OUT)
22 March 2015 –  Commodore, Vancouver
25 March 2015 – Fillmore Auditorium, Denver
26 March 2015 – Granada Theater, Lawrence
27 March 2015 – First Ave, Minneapolis
28 March 2015 – First Ave, Minneapolis (SOLD OUT)
29 March 2015 – Orpheum Theatre, Madison
31 March 2015 – Egyptian Room, Indianapolis
1 April 2015 – Bogarts, Cincinnati (SOLD OUT)
2 April 2015 – LC Pavillion, Columbus (SOLD OUT)
3 April 2015 – House of Blues, Cleveland (SOLD OUT)
4 April 2015 – House of Blues, Chicago (SOLD OUT)
7 April 2015 – The Fillmore, Detroit
8 April 2015 – Danforth Music Hall, Toronto
9 April 2015 – Lupos, Providence
10 April 2015 – Asylum, Portland
11 April 2015 – House of Blues, Boston (SOLD OUT)
13 April 2015 – Theatre of Living Arts, Philadelphia (SOLD OUT)
14 April 2015 – Terminal 5, New York (SOLD OUT)
15 April 2015 – Terminal 5, New York
16 April 2015 – 9:30 Club, Washington (SOLD OUT)
17 April 2015 – 9:30 Club, Washington (SOLD OUT)
20 April 2015 – Mercury Ballroom, Louisville
21 April 2015 – Orange Peel, Asheville
23 April 2015 – Cone Denim Entertainment Center, Greensboro
24 April 2015 – Cannery, Nashville (SOLD OUT)
25 April 2015 – Tabernacle, Atlanta (SOLD OUT)
26 April 2015 – State Theatre, Tampa (SOLD OUT)
27 April 2015 – Revolution, Fort Lauderdale
29 April 2015 – House of Blues, New Orleans
30 April 2015 – House of Blues, Houston
1 May 2015 – South Side Ballroom, Dallas
2 May 2015 – Stubb’s, Austin
4 May 2015 – Cain’s Ballroom, Tulsa
6 May 2015 – Sunshine Theatre, Albuquerque
7 May 2015 – Rialto, Tucson
9 May 2015 – House of Blues, Las Vegas