Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Lusinth Try Something New with “Blue”

Sydney duo Lusinth proves they’ve got something really special with the release of their debut single “Blue.”

It’s great to see a band doing something really different. The track starts off like in an electronic space, but somewhere along the way it becomes much more organic as drums swell and electric guitars squeal. It’s so interesting hearing the way the instruments interplay as the song builds to a crescendo.

Lusinth’s music isn’t like anything I’ve heard before, and that’s a really good thing.

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Phia Does Bowie

Prepare to be enchanted by Phia’s cover of “As the World Falls Down.” The Berlin-based Melbourner teamed up with her producer Josh Teicher for this dreamy cover of David Bowie’s song from one of my favourite films, Labyrinth.

This exquisite cover version was recorded for Rolling Stone Germany for a special CD compilation celebrating the music of the Thin White Duke. Isn’t it gorgeous?

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Fieu Impress with Debut Single


Queensland band Fieu have captivated me with their debut single “Put it on the Line.” The track is the first song lifted from Fieu’s debut EP, also called Put it on the Line, and it’s an absolutely cracker.

It’s hard to believe it was originally imagined as a collective of a capella vocal loops. It’s so lush now, with pounding drums, keyboard synths, and layers of those angelic vocals from Emily Brewis. Her voice reminds me a little of Katie Noonan crossed with Beth Gibbons from Portishead. It’s stunning.

The Put it on the Line EP won’t be released until August, but you can get a sneak peek when Fieu launch the single with a free gig at Brisbane’s The Bearded Lady on May 17.

Image used with permission from Footstomp Music

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Justice Crew Score Second Number One Single

Justice Crew have stormed to the top of the charts with the debut of their latest single “Que Sera.” This is their second number one, following “Boom Boom” in August 2012.

One of the other local acts to top the charts this year, Sheppard, are still going gangbusters with “Geronimo,” which sits at number four seven weeks after its release.

Also in its seventh week, global smash Iggy Azalea has moved up two places to sit at number seven with “Fancy.”

Sia’s also showing her staying power with “Chandelier,” which is at number nine two months after its first chart appearance.

We’re also seeing some impressive debuts on the albums charts. Thundamentals have debuted at number three with So We Can Remember, the third album from the hip hop group from the Blue Mountains and their first to grace the top 50.

Byron Bay hardcore act In Hearts Wake will also be happy with the number five debut of their sophomore album Earthwalker. This is their first top ten appearance after Divination peaked at number 27.

The Mothers’ Day rush has helped Harrison Craig hold steady at number seven with L.O.V.E. INXS’ The Very Best and Chet Faker’s Built on Glass round out the top 10.

Click below to see all this week’s top 10s.

Continue reading “Justice Crew Score Second Number One Single” →

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

SWRLS Impress with “Definition”

Sydney band SWRLS have gotten underneath my skin with “Definition,” their first single and our first taste of their debut EP. It’s such a slick song with such a great melodic core.

SWRLS’ vocalist and guitarist Thom Moore wrote the song about a girl who’d often hang out in the next room of the Sydney sharehouse where the band wrote and rehearsed, but it’s got a much more universal appeal. Haven’t we all felt that longing for someone just out of reach? The track reminds us to reach for the stars, because surely the endless longing is worse than any potential regret.

SWRLS are set to release their debut EP, featuring “Definition,” this winter. They’ll roadtest songs from the EP for hometown fans at the following shows.

12 June 2014 – Fredas, Sydney
19 June 2014 – Oxford Art Factory, Sydney
28 June 2014 – The Standard, Sydney

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

New Empire Tours Top 30 Album

Sydney rock quartet New Empire are celebrating the recent top 30 debut of their sophomore album In a Breath with a national tour. The sort of MMM-friendly stadium rock you’ll hear on the album is showcased beautifully by the lead single “Say It Like You Mean It.”

The boys from Cronulla have supported the likes of Owl City, Neon Trees, Simple Plan, and Good Charlotte, but now it’s there time to shine. Tickets are on sale now for the following shows from New Empire’s tour website.

7 June 2014 – Old Museum, Brisbane (ALL AGES)
13 June 2014 – Factory Theatre, Sydney (ALL AGES)
19 June 2014 – Northcote Social Club, Melbourne (18+)
21 June 2014 – SUB, Melbourne (ALL AGES)
26 June 2014 – Transit Bar, Canberra (18+)
27 June 2014 – Heritage Hotel, Bulli (18+)
28 June 2014 – The Small Ballroom, Newcastle (18+)
4 July 2014 – The Promethean, Adelaide (ALL AGES)
5 July 2014 – Venue TBC, Perth (ALL AGES)

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

“I’ve Found You” – Holly Buchanan

From the moment you slip on Holly Buchanan’s debut EP I’ve Found You, and the title track begins, everything just feels easy. There are not a lot of bells and whistles about this recording from the Central Coast singer-songwriter, but that ensures her natural talent shines.

At just 21 years old, Holly’s crafted a gorgeous collection of acoustic-pop love songs. They’re not going to change the world, but there’s a real beauty and truth about them. They’ve got the hooks that will leave you humming them later, and a real honesty behind them. I was particularly moved by “Love You Peacefully,” one of the more gentle numbers on the recording which showcases Holly’s softer side.

Holly’s vocals are fragile and delicate, a little like Missy Higgins’ with a touch more huskiness. The simple production ensures her angelic voice stays front and centre, with just some laid back drums and acoustic guitars keeping it company.

I’ve Found You is available from iTunes now. Holly will launch it with a hometown show at Quattro Café in Erina on May 16.

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

East of Ely Tour Debut EP

Once upon a time East of Ely were just a group of young things from Sydney playing borrowed vintage instruments which they kept at Cavers Inn. However this year they’re a fully-fledged band with a killer new single “Easy Friend” and an EP on the way.

I can’t help but think of The Temper Trap and The Naked and Famous as I listen to this epic, hook-filled number. It just goes down so easily that I’m convinced we’re seeing the start of greatness.

East of Ely’s self-titled EP will hit stores on May 16, the same day that they’ll kick off an East Coast tour with a hometown show. Here are all the places you can see them play.

16 May 2014 – MUM @ The World Bar, Sydney (TICKETS AT THE DOOR)
17 May 2014 – Upstairs Beresford, Sydney (FREE)
22 May 2014 – The Espy Front Bar, Melbourne (FREE)
23 May 2014 – The Brightside, Brisbane (TICKETS AT THE DOOR)

Image used with permission from Mucho Bravado

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

The Evening Cast Do It Again with “Questions”

The Evening Cast are one of those awesome Aussie bands that never quite got the accolades they deserve. They plug away releasing incredible song after incredible song to very little fanfare. It’s a shame, because more people really deserve to hear their latest single “Questions.” Lucky for you, you can do just that here.

It’s got such a strong melodic centre. It all seems to effortless, and before you know it it’s over and you’re ready to play it again.

If you love “Questions” too, make sure you catch The Evening Cast when they tour the single all around the country. They’re playing some lovely intimate venues which are perfect for showcasing their special brand of music.

7 June 2014 – The Grace Darling, Melbourne
9 June 2014 – The Lass, Newcastle
20 June 2014 – Yours & Owls, Wollongong
21 June 2014 – Oxford Art Factory – Gallery Bar, Sydney
27 June 2014 – The Brewery, Byron Bay
28 June 2014 – Ric’s Bar, Brisbane
12 July 2014 – The Grace Emily, Adelaide

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Mind Over Matter Collaborate with Bliss N Eso

After wowing listeners with their single “Real Life,” Mind Over Matter are back with a brand new track, “What They Say.” The lead single for the local hip hop duo’s album This Way to Elsewhere features special guest vocals from Bliss N Eso.

It’s such a soulful track with some really smart lyrics. What do you think of it?

Mind Over Matter’s new album This Way to Elsewhere hits stores on May 30.