Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Counting Crows @ Opera House, Sydney – April 9 2013

Goodness, has it really been that long? I apologise, I really do. Life’s been a bit hectic with birthday celebrations (yes plural – I managed to stretch mine out over four days, which is no mean feat) and concerts. I could wax lyrical about the former, but since this is a music blog turning my attention to the latter is probably for the best.

The day before the big birthday bash I made a pilgrimage to the Opera House to see one of my favourite bands of all time, the Counting Crows. I’ve loved them since I hit my teenage years and the lads released August and Everything After. So much has happened since then, but I found myself becoming that enthusiastic thirteen-year-old again as I entered the venue.

I’m kicking myself that my dinner dragged on and I missed the start of Jackson McLaren’s set. Vocally he reminded me a lot of one of my favourite singers Howie Day, but his tight alt-country rock band gave his music a different dynamic. Not enough acts play with a fiddle either; I take my virtual hat off to their violinist who added a real richness to the sound. I definitely want to hear more from Jackson and his crew. I’m a fan.

I could have listened to Jackson all night if I weren’t so psyched to see the Counting Crows. They set the scene with the opening number, one of those first singles “Round Here”. It’s a song that’s morphed into something very different over the years, as many of the Counting Crows songs have. The band likes to play free and easy with the melodies and lyrics, which can be alienating. I know I’ve criticised some acts for this before. But I felt that the changes were sincere and heartfelt. It wasn’t about being bored with the songs or trying to be clever. It’s just how they come out right now.

The Counting Crows aren’t a band that ever delivers a predictable set. There are no certainties, and that makes every favorite song you hear that much more exciting. To hear my two absolute favourites was something I hadn’t dared dreamed of. Yet sure enough, “Mrs Potter’s Lullaby” made an early appearance, and “Anna Begins” came out in the encore. “Colourblind” was also breathtaking, with a single spotlight on singer Adam Duritz ensuring we stayed transfixed. As if that was ever in doubt. “Rain King” had me pumping my fists in exultation.

If I was to make any criticism it’s that I wish Adam talked to us a little more. We had a word here or there, but there were none of the long explanations of songs or tales of travel that I adore. However it’s a bit hard to criticise someone for not sharing enough of themselves when they do it so completely with their music.

They say that you can never really go back and perhaps that’s true, but when you can spend a night with a favourite band it feels like for just a few hours, you can.

Image source: Jimmy Harris @ Flickr

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Jake Shimabukuro @ Lizotte’s, Newcastle – 31 March 2013

In a week that’s seemed far too short, it’s nice to take a breath and look back on a moment I got to slow down. There really is no better place to do that than Lizotte’s, especially when the wonderful Jake Shimabukuro is playing for you.

I ordinarily frequent the Kincumber Lizotte’s, but Easter festivities lured me to the Newcastle venue with my parents. There’s a different vibe to the Newcastle venue. It’s still warm, but there’s a little more space to spread out. That means it loses a little of the lounge room feel, but it’s still much more intimate than most venues around. And just like the Central Coast, the food is to die for. I struggled through my generous serve of herb battered fish and chips after a big Easter lunch, but it was too delicious to leave.

There was no support act tonight, perhaps because following Jake would be a tall order. I’d caught some of his performances online, but I really went into this show knowing very little. He joked that expectations are always low when people see someone playing ukulele. His reputation precedes him though. I was expecting greatness, but I didn’t expect to be quite as engaged as I was.

You see, I’ve always been a lyrics girl. Without lyrics to hang on to I wondered whether parts of the night might drag. No chance. Jake relished sharing the stories of the moments that surrounded his original songs, and they allowed us to understand the instrumental pieces better. He’s also such a compelling, dynamic performer. You can feel him, whether he’s strumming hard or playing so softly that you have to strain your ears.

The sounds he gets from a ukulele are incredible. The instrument has a range of just two octaves, yet he somehow makes it sound like so much more. He played it like a mandolin, like a guitar, like a piece of percussion. I couldn’t believe the tones he created.

While his originals were solid, the covers wowed me. I knew I loved his version of “While My Guitar Gently Weeps,” and it was a fitting encore. However I was most impressed by his take on “Bohemian Rhapsody.” It was just so clever, with the ukulele singing all of these incredible parts, from rock to opera.

My expectations weren’t as low as Jake teased that they might be, but they were still exceeded by this incredible musician.

Image source: own photo

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Call the Shots’ New EP Drops

The long wait is finally over for Call the Shots’ loyal fans. The Brisbane punk-rock band released their second EP, When Everything When Goes Wrong today.

It’s been two years in the making, so it’s only right that When Everything Goes Wrong is closer to a mini-album at seven tracks. It features the single “Alexis Texas” and a few tracks with guest vocals from Tony Lovato of Mest.

Call the Shots say their fans mean “nothing less than everything in the world” to them, so it’s only right that they’re taking the EP on the road. Call the Shots will support the release of When Everything Goes Wrong with the following launch shows.

21 April 2013 – The Old Museum, Brisbane
27 April 2013 – The Metro (Lair), Sydney
11 May 2013 – Fowlers Live, Adelaide
26 May 2013 – Fitzroy Town Hall, Melbourne

Image used with permission from AAA Entertainment

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

The Growl Tour Debut Album

After warming up crowds on Tame Impala’s local and North American shows, The Growl are ready to head out on their own. Next month the bluesy Western Australian band will play gigs around the country to promote tomorrow’s release of their debut album What Would Christ Do??

The album contains the brand new single “Liarbird”, which is so swampy and sexy and downright delicious. I love Cameron Avery’s raspy vocals and that deep, fuzzy bass. It’s not pretty, but its raw energy is infectious.

Expect plenty of that energy in the flesh at the following shows.

19 April 2013 – Brighton Up Bar, Sydney
20 April 2013 – Ric’s Café, Brisbane (FREE)
24 April 2013 – The Workers Club, Melbourne
26 April 2013 – Cats @ Rocket Bar, Adelaide
27 April 2013 – Wolf Lane Carpark, Perth

Image used with permission from Two Fish Out of Water

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

John Farnham Tops List of 100 Greatest Australian Singers

John Farnham has taken out the top spot on a list of Australia’s top 100 singers printed in the Herald Sun today. The list, which was voted on by a panel of local musicians, has inevitably generated plenty of discussion amongst music lovers across the country.

These kinds of lists are never perfect. Once the numbers are crunched, we can all think of deserving talents who missed out. I was shocked that Richard Clapton and Mark Seymour missed out. I would have also loved to see David Campbell recognised for more than just being a decent morning show host. I couldn’t believe James Reyne, Dame Joan Sutherland, and Peter Allen were left languishing in the bottom half of the list. I also heard plenty of criticism about the number of Kiwis that made the cut, but perhaps it’s time we truly opened our arms to anyone who calls Australia home.

I was impressed at the diversity of the top 100. We saw legends of the local industry and bright young things with so much ahead of them. We saw artists from so many genres: rock, country, pop, soul, opera, world music whatever that means, and the list goes on. What a reminder that we can do more than straight up pub rock.

Perhaps it’s that reminder of the strength of our industry that I like more than anything. I can imagine young music fans reading the words that chart-topping musicians had to say about the country’s pioneers, and that inspiring them to explore the back catalogues. I also marvelled at the number of acts still kicking on, still performing regularly, even if it’s at the RSLs and small theatres rather than arenas. I started my concert-going long before the heyday of many of these artists, yet I can proudly say I’ve seen many of these talented musicians on stage.

We’ve got a lot to be proud of here, and this top 100 is a lovely reminder of it, don’t you think?

Image source: Jeanie Mackinder @ Wikimedia Commons

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Kelly Dance Impresses with “Head in the Noose”

Kelly Dance offers us a delicious taste of her forthcoming debut album, Goodnight Berlin, with the lead single Head In The Noose.

As its title suggests, this is an unflinching, searing track. I love its raw honesty. What an incredible mix of lyric, stripped back melody, and compelling vocals. It’s got me very excited about Goodnight Berlin, which is due to hit stores on May 17.

I hear the album is “dark and nostalgic, sweet and unsettling”, which all sounds pretty perfect to me. Kelly recorded it over ten days and nights holed up in a German studio. She’s joined by guest vocalists Toby Martin of Youth Group and Adrian Roberts from The Maple Trail, who also wrote one of the album’s songs.

It’s early days, but I think Kelly’s going to be one to watch this year.

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

David Bridie Back with Solo Single

David Bridie is back with his latest solo single, “The Shortest Day of the Year”.

It’s a haunting number, a slow burner which builds beautifully with guest vocals from Rebecca Coseboom (Stripmall Architecture). David wrote it while he was touring through Scotland, and he’s captured the feel of the area’s winters beautifully.

“The Shortest Day of The Year” comes from David’s forthcoming solo album Wake, which will hit stores in the middle of the year. David will play the following intimate shows to support the album’s release.

14 June 2013 – The Governor Hindmarsh, Adelaide
15 June 2013 – Barossa Regional Art Gallery, Tanunda
22 June 2013 – Old Street Theatre, Canberra
13 July 2013 – Visy Theatre @ The Powerhouse, Brisbane
25 July 2013 – Clarendon Guest House, Katoomba
26 July 2013 – The Basement, Sydney
27 July 2013 – Lizotte’s, Kincumber
28 July 2013 – Lizotte’s, Newcastle

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Catherine Britt Takes Mic on Saturday Night Country

Saturday Night Country fans will no doubt miss Felicity Urquhart while she takes a break from radio and soaks up life as a new mum. But ABC Local Radio listeners don’t have to be sad for too long. Felicity’s pal and fellow Australian country sensation Catherine Britt will take over the airwaves from this Saturday night.

Rest assured, Catherine knows her stuff. She cut her eye-teeth hosting Alt Country on the Country Music Channel, and she’s a big fan of the program.

“I grew up listening to the show and the great voice of John Nutting so to be asked to host the show while Fliss has a break is a huge honour and I really can’t wait to start,” Catherine said.

Tune in to hear Catherine on ABC Local Radio this Saturday, April 6.

Image source: Bruce Howlett @ Wikimedia Commons

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Citizen Kay Does it Again with Yes!

The killer tracks from Ghana-born adopted Aussie Citizen Kay just keep on coming. His latest offering is “Yes!”, the title track from his debut EP, which is scheduled to hit stores later this month.

Kay grew up with a love of old-school hip-hop and it shows. What great energy this song has! I love the way Kay’s slick rapping works with the song’s big brass instrumentation.

The song’s got such a cool vibe that I’m sure it’d go off in the live arena. We can all find out soon too, because Citizen Kay has been named as the support act for Matt & Kim’s Groovin the Moo sideshows. Check out both talented acts at the venues below.

1 May 2013 – Oxford Art Factory, Sydney
3 May 2013 – Northcote Social Club, Melbourne
9 May 2013 – The Zoo, Brisbane

Image used with permission from Reckoning Entertainment

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Owl Eyes Announces Album Tour

Why yes, we are seeing a lot of Owl Eyes. And it seems like we’re about to see a lot more of her! I recently shared her new single “Closure” with you, and now I’ve got some tour dates to celebrate the launch of her debut album Nightswim. That album drops on April 19, which gives us just enough time to become comfortable with the songs before she graces stage around the country.

This is the first time Owl Eyes has toured around Australia since she sold out venues last May. Expect similar hysteria this time around, especially with exciting up and comers Mammals and Collarbones on support duties. In short, I wouldn’t wait too long before getting your tickets.

4 May 2013 – Governor Hindmarsh, Adelaide (All Ages)

10 May 2013 – The Zoo, Brisbane (18+)
11 May 2013 – The Standard, Sydney (18+)
17 & 18 May 2013 – Republic Bar, Hobart (18+)
24 May 2013 – Amplifier, Perth (18+ – Mammals not appearing)
1 June 2013 – Corner Hotel, Melbourne (18+)

Image used with permission from Illusive