Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Central Rain Releases “Cold Turkey on Christmas Day”

We’re officially in the home stretch. Can you believe that this time next week, Christmas will be done and dusted for another year? Right now I’m turning into the Christmas Monster, cranking carols and wrapping gifts and getting far too excited for someone my age. The thing is though, there are only so many versions of “Winter Wonderland” you can hear. So I’m always excited when something new crosses my path, especially something Australian. And if it doesn’t get overly sappy and sentimental, so much the better.

So without further ado, I bring you “Cold Turkey on Christmas Day,” the new track from Melbourne’s Central Rain. It name checks Santa and the turkey, but it’s not your run-of-the-mill song for the season.

“Cold Turkey on Christmas Day” is the lead single from Central Rain’s debut EP, which is slated for a 2015 release. What do you think of it? If you love it, check out Central Rain’s Bandcamp page for a free download.

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Former Hungry Kids Form Sans Parents

From the ashes of Hungry Kids of Hungary, Sans Parents have come to be. The trio features former Hungry Kids Kane Mazlin and Ryan Strathie and Sydney session player Alex Bennison.

The guys originally planned to assist one another on new post-band solo projects, but they worked so well together that they put together almost enough material for a new album in no time at all. Sensing that the stars had aligned they decided to stick together, and Sans Parents was born.

“Coming Back to You” has a melodic core wrapped up in a big ball of aggression. It’s fast and furious and so much fuzzy fun. What do you think of it?

Image used with permission from Rare Finds

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Shameem Sends Important Message with “Under One Sun”

I haven’t written in here about the Sydney siege. At the time it was all unfolding, I was a bit conflicted actually. This is a music blog, not a political or news outlet. Was it my place? And if I should write about it, what should I write?

I spent the day terrified for the people involved, while thanking my lucky stars that my husband no longer worked in the centre of the city. I remember hearing something about how Americans should keep a low profile during the ordeal, and begging him to stay in his office and come straight home when he was finished. I shed tears watching the terror on the faces of the escapees, and again the next day hearing the stories of those who lost their lives. When something happens so close to home, getting emotional is inevitable.

Still I stayed silent here, deciding this blog wasn’t the place to open up about it, until I heard “Under One Sun” from Perth soul songbird Shameem. It’s a beautiful song about seeing the similarities between us all rather than the differences. It’s so appropriate for this time when Australians from all backgrounds are coming together trying to make sense of it all.

“Under One Sun” comes from Shameem’s new album The Second City, which will hit stores on January 16. She’ll promote it with a national tour next year. I probably won’t get to the shows, but I’m so grateful that I stumbled on this song at a point in time when I really needed to hear it.

17 January 2015 – Subiaco Arts Centre, Subiaco (ALL AGES)
19 February 2015 – Paris Cat, Melbourne (18+)
20 February 2015 – The Basement, Canberra (18+)
21 February 2015 – Gingers, Sydney (18+)
22 February 2015 – Lass O’Gowrie, Newcastle (FREE 2PM SHOW; KIDS WELCOME)
23 February 2015 – Bar on the Hill @ University of Newcastle, Newcastle (FREE 12:30 PM SHOW; ALL AGES)
27 February 2015 – Ric’s Bar, Brisbane (FREE; 18+)
28 February 2015 – Treehouse, Byron Bay (FREE; ALL AGES)
1 March 2015 – Ukiyo @ The Royal Croquet Club, Adelaide (ALL AGES)

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

The Griswolds Release Fun Second Single, “If You Wanna Stay”


The Griswolds have released “If You Wanna Stay,” the feel good second cut from their debut album, Be Impressive. Impressive it is too, with playful synthy hooks that take me right back to the pop heyday of the ‘80s. God it’s fun.

The Sydney band has been conquering America of late, but they’ll be back in January to support British indie gods The Kooks. Following that they’re returning to the US for a mammoth 40-date tour supporting Walk the Moon, so if you don’t see them in the New Year there’s no telling when you’ll get another chance.

Image used with permission from SCG Media

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

The Colour Code Wow Me With “Alibi”

Melbourne quartet The Colour Code have bound out of the gate with their debut single “Alibi,” a killer combination of fuzzy guitars, tribal beats, and powerhouse vocals.

And then there are those lyrics which speak of being displaced in your world, going through the motions as you struggle with those feelings of isolation and disconnect. It’s so relatable and so so good.

The Colour Code are doing a quick tour to promote the single kicking off tomorrow night. Be There or be square!

19 December 2014 – Yah Yah’s, Fitzroy
2 January 2015 – Brighton Up Bar, Sydney
12 February 2015 – The Espy, St Kilda

Image used with permission from 123 Agency

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Art of Sleeping Tour Crazy

Art of Sleeping impressed me with their single “Crazy” recently, so I was happy to hear that they’re taking it on the road. The Brisbane band will use upcoming performances at the Falls Festival as a warm-up for an east coast tour which takes in the capitals over summer.

Art of Sleeping will offer a sneak peek at their forthcoming debut album, which hits stores in mid-2015, as well as taking us back to where it all began with gems from the 2012 EP Like a Thief. Sydney’s phenomenal The Lulu Raes will serve as support for the following shows.

23 January 2015 – Northcote Social Club, Melbourne
24 January 2015 – Newtown Social Club, Sydney
6 February 2015 – Black Bear Lodge, Brisbane

Image used with permission from Dew Process

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

All But the Sun – Winterbourne

When I reviewed Winterbourne’s single “Cold” last month I swore that I’d track down a copy of the EP All But the Sun. I was so impressed with that song that there was a part of me that worried that perhaps I’d be disappointed. Winterbourne had set the bar so high. I needn’t have fretted. All But the Sun may be the best thing I’ve heard all year.

The EP opens with “Cold,” which was every bit as epic and beautiful as I remembered it. The energy was turned up several notches with “The Boy Prince,” a raucous number with a deliciously dark edge that reminded me a lot of something Mumford & Sons might release. I couldn’t help but thing of the English band from time to time as I listened to the rest of the songs, as there are a few similarities in the way their music builds, their lyrical sensibilities, and the lush harmonies. I could hear the longing in “Steady my Bones.” There was real palpable sadness in “Leaves” too. After so much sorrow the light of “Sunrise,” the closing track (or so I thought) was such sweet relief. It’s jubilant and uplifting, a dazzling conclusion.

I instantly ran to my stereo and started the EP again. And again. It reminded me of when I got Sigh no More, than first Mumford & Sons album, and I couldn’t stop listening to it. I’d play it in my home, need to go out and take it to my car stereo, bring it back in with me and whack it on again. Something tells me this EP is going to be much the same.

In my enthusiasm for these songs I didn’t actually realise that in a throwback to the ‘90s, there’s a hidden track. It’s wonderful too, full of spirit and folky energy. But of course.

EPs might be much smaller than full-length albums, but even so, there are usually weaker tracks. Not here. Every single song on All But the Sun is so very good. Winterbourne are such a quality band and I can’t wait to hear more from them.

Image source: Winterbourne Facebook page

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

The Smith Street Band Tour New Album

I just love the honesty of The Smith Street Band. Every time I hear one of their songs I’m struck by its raw power. “I Don’t Wanna Die Anymore” is another one of those tracks that just floors me with its gutsiness. It’s just one of the many songs on the band’s newly released album Throw Me in the River.

There’s no smoke and mirrors here, so you know they’ve got to have a killer live show. And they’re aiming to bring it to as many people as possible in the New Year. Not people on the oft-neglected Central Coast mind you, but most Aussies will have a chance to see The Smith Street Band play classic cuts like this and so much more at the following gigs.

24 January 2015 – Railway Hotel, Darwin
28 January 2015 – Musicman, Bendigo
29 January 2015 – Barwon Club, Geelong
30 January 2015 – Karova Lounge, Ballarat
31 January 2015 – The Hi Fi, Melbourne
1 February 2015 – Northcote Social Club, Melbourne (Under 18s)
4 February 2015 – Sol Bar, Maroochydore
5 February 2015 – Spotted Cow, Toowoomba
6 February 2015 – The Hi Fi, Brisbane
7 February 2015 – Crowbar, Brisbane (UNDER 18s)
8 February 2015 – The Northern, Byron Bay
11 February 2015 – Coffs Hotel, Coffs Harbour
12 February 2015 – Cambridge Hotel, Newcastle
13 February 2015 – Metro Theatre, Sydney
14 February 2015 – Factory Theatre, Sydney (ALL AGES)
15 February 2015 – Magpies, Canberra (ALL AGES)
17 February 2015 – Mariners, Batemans Bay
18 February 2015 – The Bridge Hotel, Castlemaine
20 February 2015 – Party in the Paddock, Burns Creek
21 February 2015 – Railway Hotel, Fremantle
26 February 2015 – Prince of Wales, Bunbury
27 February 2015 – Rosemount Hotel, Perth
28 February 2015 – The Gov, Adelaide
1 March 2015 – The Gov, Adelaide (ALL AGES)

Image used with permission from Remedy PR

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Fall in Love with Meredith

Brisbane songstress Meredith effortlessly fuses lo-fi indie pop with folk with the release of her new single “Jumpin Beds.” It’s a gorgeous poetic song which is made even beautiful thanks to Meredith’s stunning warm, honey voice. I swear I could listen to her sing all day.

Meredith filmed the clip with director Danny McShane in urban and industrial spaces around her hometown.

“The inspiration from the clip came from the story in the lyrics, depicting a transitioning stage in my life where I was constantly packing up a bag and heading to different homes. I didn’t have my own house and nowhere really felt like home – it seemed like I was living in a constant state of change,” she explained.

“For filming, we hired an amazing old warehouse space in Brisbane CBD and filled it with a bunch of mine (and my friend’s) belongings to make it look like a place I’d been crashing in. It was a lot of fun to film, record and write and it’s cool to have a little memory of my life at the time – in film form.”

What do you think of Meredith and her cool new clip?

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Guy Sebastian Strips Back “Linger”

I always think it’s a bit weird when I get press releases about songs without links to videos or at least the audio. What’s the point in telling me there’s a song unless I can experience it? I don’t really want to tell you about it if it’s terrible. So I tend to do my own research, which is what led me to this cool acoustic version of Guy Sebastian’s new single “Linger.”

Now I haven’t caught the song on radio, although I’m told it’s there, but I have a hunch this sounds dramatically different to the version Guy recorded with Lupe Fiasco. Anything with Lupe Fiasco probably doesn’t sound this mellow and cool. But I like it, so that’s what I’m going to post.

Guy will promote “Linger” and the album it comes from, Madness, when he tours all around the country next year. Tickets are on sale now.

12 February 2015 – WIN Entertainment Centre, Wollongong
14 February 2015 – Brisbane Entertainment Centre, Brisbane
18 February 2015 – Qantas Credit Union Arena, Sydney
21 February 2015 – Rod Laver Arena, Melbourne
25 February 2015 – Adelaide Entertainment Centre, Adelaide
28 February 2015 – Perth Arena, Perth