I think you can only tell how good a band is when you see them perform live and acoustic. Without studio trickery or even loud instruments to hide behind, you can hear that pure talent. And that’s why Good Oak, and this performance of their track “The Stumble Inn” blows me away. Shot during a secret show, part of the Sofar Sounds initiative, it really is something special.
Stonefield Tour New Single Head of Album Release
When the fresh-faced sisters Stonefield burst onto the music scene I thought they possessed maturity beyond their tender years.
However, after a year out of the spotlight they’ve grown even more to create their long awaited self-titled debut album. That won’t hit stores until October 11, but we get a taste of it with the debut single “Put Your Curse on Me”.
The track’s got all the guts we remember from the girls, but more layers than their earlier efforts. It can’t all be down to the appearance of the Melbourne Mass Gospel Choir, but their harmonious voices certainly give this number a lift.
Fans can hear this track and more from Stonefield’s debut album when the sisters kick off their national tour in Newcastle tonight. Tickets are still available, so make sure you get yourself to one of these shows.
23 August 2013 – Small Ballroom, Newcastle
24 August 2013 – Oxford Art Factory, Sydney
29 August 2013 – The Prince of Wales, Bunbury
30 August 2013 – Players Bar, Mandurah
31 August 2013 – Amplifier, Perth
1 September 2013 – Indi Bar, Scarborough
5 September 2013 – Jive, Adelaide
6 September 2013 – Karova Lounge, Ballarat
7 September 2013 – Ding Dong Lounge, Melbourne
11 September 2013 – Big Sound, Brisbane
Image used with permission from 123 Agency
Ngaiire Guests on The Strides’ Single
Sydney urban act The Strides have joined forces with up and coming soul superstar Ngaiire for their brand new single “One for One”.
The track showcases how easily this band blends classic reggae with contemporary hip hop. I love the way the big brassy horns and infectious base line marry with Ngaiire’s honey-rich voice.
“One for One” gives us our first taste of The Strides’ third album, which is scheduled to hit stores early next year. Fans can get a taste of what’s to come when the band launches the single at the following shows.
29 August 2013 – Hoey Moey, Coffs Harbour (FREE)
30 August 2013 – SolBar, Maroochydore
31 August 2013 – Mandala Arts Café, Gold Coast
1 September 2013 – Beach Hotel, Byron Bay (FREE)
3 September 2013 – The Platinum Lounge @ Lismore Workers Club, Lismore (FREE)
8 September 2013 – Barrenjoey Music Room @ Barrenjoey High School, Avalon
11 September 2013 – The Ellington, Perth
12 September 2013 – Mojo’s, Fremantle
13 September 2013 – Ya Ya’s, Perth
14 September 2013 – Prince Of Wales Hotel, Bunbury (FREE)
15 September 2013 – Clancy’s Fish Pub, Dunsborough
26 September 2013 – Lizotte’s, Newcastle
27 September 2013 – Heritage Hotel, Bulli
28 September 2013 – Murrah Hall, Bermagui
29 September 2013 – Honky Tonks, Canberra
5 October 2013 – The Basement, Sydney
25 – 27 October 2013 – Island Vibe Festival, Stradbroke Island
Image used with permission from Heapsaflash
“Dames” – Molly Contogeorge
Sydney songstress Molly Contogeorge serves up another slice of girl power with her aptly titled new EP Dames.
You always hope an EP will open with a bang; this one opens with two. The first track “Bang Bang” drips sass. The horns give it a delightfully retro vibe that transports the listener to a retro speakeasy.
The next track “Bad Boy” is another girl power anthem that calls out all those men we find so alluring. Molly’s trademark piano anchors the upbeat number beautifully.
Molly shows us her softer, more vulnerable side with the stunning “Brother”. It’s jazzy, but it’s got a heartbreaking rawness to it that so many numbers of the genre lack. We’re not held at a distance here. Molly invites us in.
The title and final track “Dames” is a great bookend for this EP, as it takes us back to the big brassy sound and vintage feel of “Bang Bang”. After feeling emotionally sapped by “Brother”, I was looked for something to put a smile back on my face. “Dames” delivered in spades.
I had high hopes for this EP after enjoying Molly’s previous effort Glasshouse Living. This local dame definitely didn’t disappoint.
Image used with permission from Molly Contogeorge
Gyton Grantley Stars in New Electric Empire Video
I was initially going to dismiss the press release about Electric Empire’s new single “Changin’” as old news, as the EP came out last year. But then I revisited the track and watched the excellent music video, starring my favourite House Husband Gyton Grantley, and I changed my mind.
Because many of you might not have heard this gorgeous soulful song, and you really should. And if you’re one of the folks who bought the Changin’ EP last year, maybe you need a reminder to get it out of your CD rack and have another listen.
Classixx Remix The Preatures Ahead of EP Tour
Ease yourself into the working week with this very cool remix of The Preatures’ latest single “Is This How You Feel?”
Los Angeles-based dance duo Classixx have put their stamp on the title track of The Preatures’ new EP, which is in stores now. That EP was recorded at The Preatures’ own DIY studio space in Surry Hills, which they’ve dubbed Doldrums.
To celebrate the release of the Is This How You Feel? EP and remix, The Preatures have announced a national headline tour for next month. They’ll play the following local dates before wowing crowds in the United States and United Kingdom.
6 September 2013 – Oxford Art Factory, Sydney
13 September 2013 – Northcote Social Club, Melbourne
14 September 2013 – Karova Lounge, Ballarat
19 September 2013 – Jive, Adelaide
20 September 2013 – Flyrite, Perth
21 September 2013 – Mojos, Fremantle
26 September 2013 – Transit Bar, Canberra
27 September 2013 – Black Bear Lounge, Brisbane
Make Valar Your Sunday Soundtrack
Sydney trio Valar offers a great chill-out Sunday soundtrack with their latest single “Anoesis”.
It sounds so slick, I was doubly impressed to hear the band self-produced this number. The subdued electronic track is accompanied beautifully by this stunning music video, directed by Jon Key. “Anoesis” comes from Valar’s new EP Chocolate Cake, which is available now.
Rufus Tops ARIA Charts
Sydney indie-dance trio Rufus have topped the ARIA albums chart this week on debut with Atlas. It’s the ninth Australian album to top the ARIA albums chart this year. The feat’s even more impressive when you consider their highest charting single was “Sundream” which only reached number 65.
Rufus edged out Dead Letter Circus, who debuted at number two with The Catalyst Fire. Their sophomore release is their second to debut at number two.
Cloud Control also cracked the top ten with their second album Dream Cave. It sits at number nine on debut.
Troy Cassar-Daley and Adam Harvey have also reentered the top 10 with their country tribute album, The Great Country Songbook.
Vance Joy is the lone Aussie act represented in the singles top 10. “Riptide” sits at number 10 this week.
Jacob Butler’s “Reason” in Stores Today!
It’s the day that Jacob Butler fans across the country have been waiting for. His long awaited debut album Reason will hit music stores across Australia today.
The latest single “Kites” is just one of many reasons to pick this album up. It’s a soaring pop-rock number accompanied by a stunning video. The clip, which was shot in Switzerland, features some of the most gorgeous scenery I’ve seen!
Sons of Rico Speak for Us All with “Get to You”
Around this time of the week, it’s easy to let things get to you. The weekend’s too far away and everyone seems irritating. Thankfully Sons of Rico have released a single that speaks of just this experience.
“Get To You” marks a bit of a departure for the lads better known for rocky numbers “I’m Not Thinking About You” and “You Don’t Know What’s You’re Missin’”. It has a dreamy Beatlesesque feel to it and some really relatable lyrics from frontman Alex McRae. It comes from Sons of Rico’s awesome album In Rico Glaciers.
Sons of Rico will be announcing some September shows shortly to mark the single’s release, so watch this space.
Image used with permission from Firestarter Music