Posted on by Lauren Katulka

PVT Announce Long Awaited National Tour

After working tirelessly supporting the likes of Bloc Party and Gotye around the globe, PVT are returning home for their first headlining tour in more than two years. The occasion is the release of Homosapien, the band’s highly anticipated fourth studio album which hit stores today.

I must admit, the name of this band didn’t ring a bell until I realised they used to perform as Pivot. Whatever you know them as, you’re sure to appreciate the band’s new focus on vocals and intimate lyrics. Before you rush out and snap up a copy of the album it’s worth noting that you can bundle a discounted copy on CD, LP, or digital format with your PVT concert ticket.

PVT will make their way through the major capitals this March with long-distance duo Collarbones. You can get your tickets for this impressive double header from the PVT website.


22 March 2013 – The Zoo, Brisbane
23 March 2013 – Corner Hotel, Melbourne
28 March 2013 – Oxford Arts Factory, Sydney
30 March 2013 – The Bakery, Perth
31 March 2013 – Ed Castle Hotel, Adelaide

Image used with permission from IMC Music

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

The Model School Releases Retro Music Video

Sydney band The Model School takes us on a trip down memory lane with the nostalgic film clip for their latest single “Pictures of Summer.”

The retro clip was directed by HW Wheelie, who previously collaborated with the band on the music video for “Streets I Left Behind.” This time around he’s sourced some amazing BMX footage from the ’70s. I was so entranced by it that I had to give it a second spin to listen to the song! The track’s perfect for summer, very chilled and easily accessible. It doesn’t push the boundaries, but it’s a very likable.

“Pictures of Summer” comes from The Model School’s third album Backwards Down the Highway. They’re hard at work on the release, but the band assures me it should be in stores in a few months.

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Blues’ Best Come to the Capitals

Some of America’s most revered bluesman will be bringing their music to Australia this March thanks to the Music Maker Foundation. The non-profit organisation looks to keep blues and southern roots alive by introducing music lovers to the greats of the genre. This year the Music Maker Blues Revue will feature appearances by a who’s who of blues.

There’s Ironing Board Sam, a boogie woogie great who was a house musician on the first televised African-American music revue, Night Train. Dr G.B. Burt feels that at the age of 72, doors are just beginning to open for his uniquely tuned 12-string guitar driven music. Then there’s Pat Wilder, who is regarded as one of the most exciting blues guitarists and singers to ever come out of the San Francisco Bay Area. For four decades, Major Handy has delighted music lovers with his accordion and guitar skills. Albert White, Nashid Abdul Khaaliq, and Ardie Dean round out the team.

Of course, appearances at Byron Bay’s Bluesfest are a given. But thankfully the Music Maker Blues Revue will also come to the major capitals. Melbourne can see the show on March 27 at Northcote Social Club. Sydney gets its turn at Blue Beat on March 28. Tickets cost just $40 plus booking fee from the Bluesfest Touring website.

Image used with permission from Shows in Space Publicity

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Amanda Merdzan’s Stellar New Single

I hear a lot of new artists writing this blog, so it takes a lot for one to stick into my mind for any period of mind. Yet Amanda Merdzan is one of those acts I’ve thought of on and off over the years. I heard this Western Australian songstress’ debut album Into the Gallery way back in 2010, and wondered what she was doing. So I was thrilled to see she has a new single, and an EP on the way.

That EP The Map Has Been Redrawn will be released in March, but until then we’ve got the lead single “Afraid” to tide us over. It’s everything I loved about Amanda’s first release, but with a bit more refinement. The sound is larger, but it doesn’t overwhelm the song’s strong emotional core. Once again her lyrics are right on point. Put simply, I’m in love.

Amanda will launch the EP for her home state at North Fremantle’s Mojo’s Bar on March 2. After that she’s flying off to play Canadian Music Week. No doubt the Canucks will see something just as special in this exciting singer-songwriter. Expect to hear big things from this real talent.

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Darren Percival @ Lizotte’s, Kincumber – 2 February 2013

I was blown away when I caught Darren Percival at Lizotte’s last September. This intimate Central Coast venue was perfect for showcasing the talents of this incredible performer with a knack for connecting for people. The impact he made on our television screens in The Voice was amplified ten-fold in the small surroundings of the “Cubby House.” So when he announced a return visit, we snapped up more tickets without hesitation.

Darren had a bit more material to play with this time around thanks to the recent release of A Tribute to Ray Charles. The audience embraced those classics tunes just as they did the covers Darren delivered on The Voice. I was particularly impressed by his takes on The Beatles’ “Blackbird” and Ray’s “Georgia on my Mind.” I’ve heard so many people put their stamp on the latter, but his soulful version stands out as one of the best I’ve heard. In hindsight perhaps encouraging people who’ve enjoyed too many of the house wines to take over the vocals on “Shower the People” wasn’t a good idea, but the singalong was certainly lots of fun. Familiar tunes made up the bulk of Darren’s two-part set, but he treated us to a few choice originals, including the stunning “Damage Down” heard on The Voice.

There was no support act; instead Darren played for close to three hours. We couldn’t believe it when we left and realised we’d enjoyed Lizotte’s hospitality for almost six hours that evening. But time flies in this place where good food and wine are in abundance, the service is always warm, and some of the world’s best performers entertain you from mere meters away.

As we were enjoying those delicious meals a Lizotte’s spokesperson came to our table and informed us Darren had announced more shows at the venue this April. Again, we didn’t hesitate to buy a few more tickets. The combination of Darren Percival and this wonderful venue is just impossible to resist.

Image source: Stephen Katulka

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Flume Takes Number One

We’ve got some local talent back on top of the ARIA charts once again! Sydney electronic artist Flume has managed to land the top spot with his debut album.

Flume’s far from an overnight success story. This album’s been out since November. It reached number 2 on debut but then languished near the bottom of the charts. Last week it was at number 16 on the charts. To jump right up to the top spot is incredible, and a testimony to his impressive sets at recent summer festivals.

Flume is actually the only local act in the albums top 10, although we have some right to claim the Les Mis soundtrack as one of our own. No doubt it’s Hugh Jackman’s dulcet tones (they were superior to Russell Crowe’s!) that see the album at number 8.

The singles charts are also a bit of a wasteland of imported music. Thankfully we’ve got Birds of Tokyo flying the flag at number four with “Lanterns.”

Click to see the complete top 10s!

Continue reading “Flume Takes Number One” →

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Rainy Day Women Celebrate Summer with Friends

Their name might be a bit gloomy, but the music from Fremantle four-piece Rainy Day Women is all about summer’s good vibes. Think The Beach Boys with a splash of Fleetwood Mac.

They showcase their positive garage pop tunes on their sophomore EP Friends, a six-track release which shows a more mature Rainy Day Women.

The EP won’t hit stores until February 21, but Rainy Day Women will give fans an early taste of the new tunes at Perth’s St. Jerome’s Laneway Festival next week. They’ll then launch the EP good and proper with the following shows in the major capitals.

9 February 2013 – St. Jerome’s Laneway Festival, Perth
8 March 2013 – Amplifier Bar, Perth
14 March 2013 – Black Bear Lodge, Brisbane
15 March 2013 – FBi Social, Sydney
16 March 2013 – The Workers Club, Melbourne

Image used with permission from Positive Feedback

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Keith Urban @ Allphones Arena, Sydney – 30 January 2013

I’ve enjoyed the music of Keith Urban for years. My husband and I cut our wedding cake to “You’re My Better Half” and we consider “Without You” one of ‘our songs’. But it took Keith’s turn on The Voice and the release of a greatest hits album to convince us we needed to make the leap from casual fan to concert goer. And we’re so glad we did.

I’ve got to admit, we missed the Madden brothers’ supporting set. Starting a midweek show way out in Homebush at an early 7:30 is just madness in our books. Pairing country-singing Keith with these pop-punksters also seemed a strange decision, despite their association on The Voice. And so we opted for a leisurely dinner instead. Not being a fan of the Madden music, I don’t think we missed too much.

We were there in the thick of it once Keith took the stage. Our fifth row seats were incredible, but I must admit to feeling a little out of place. Keith fans seem lovely, but boy are they passionate. I bobbed my head in time to songs I was enjoying while they danced and sang with gusto to every tune.

The thing is though, you don’t need to know every song to appreciate Keith’s easy stage presence and incredible guitar skills. You don’t even need to have those seats near the front of the arena; Keith delivered several songs from another stage near the back of the auditorium. The interaction with the fans continued when Keith encouraged three devotees to sing off during “Kiss a Girl.” None of the punters could hold a candle to Keith’s voice, but you had to admire their enthusiasm! All good fun.

Keith and his stellar band were more than enough to keep us entertained, but the appearance of a few choice special guests took the energy in the room up a few notches. Benji and Joel Madden returned to the stage to join Keith for a cover of Oasis’ “Wonderwall.” Keith’s The Voice charge Darren Percival made a not so unexpected appearance later on. But when Jimmy Barnes joined Keith Urban for “Flame Trees” I lost my mind. What a special concert moment it was.

Keith’s Sydney show was pure entertainment. He gave us the right mix of upbeat numbers and heartfelt ballads. He chatted easily to the crowd and seemed genuinely humbled by their support. And he looked pretty damn good while he was doing it. Who could ask for anything more?

Image source: Stephen Katulka

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Q & A with Civil Civic’s Ben Green

On the eve of Civil Civic’s first headline tour of Australia, I caught up with one half of the band, bass player Ben Green. Read on to find out about Civil Civic’s brand new album, the upcoming tour dates, and what it’s like for this expat to come home.

You’re just about to release your album Rules. What can you tell me about it? 
It’s a collection of ten songs which we pieced together over the first two years of playing together. It’s generally pretty up-tempo, with heaps of loud hysterical bits, a few soft moody bits and with any luck it’ll drive you completely out of your fucking mind.

It must be interesting being in a band with someone who lives in another country. How do you make it work? 
We make good use of both the internet and Easyjet. Between the two of them those tools do a good job of making the international collabo thing a functional reality. But of course we’d probably get a lot more done if we lived in the same share house and jammed in the loungeroom every day.

What’s it like after so much time apart to come together again? 
Pretty disturbing, really. There’s nothing but bubbling hatred and contempt between us, so it’s always dicey for the first couple of days of rehearsal before a tour. But we’re both disciplined professionals, so we keep that shit under control and get on with the job. Word.

You’ve played some big European festivals in your career. What have been some of your highlights so far? 
This is a CAREER!?? Shit, that’s going to take a while to digest. But that’s an easy question, really. We headlined the side-stage on the Friday night at last year’s La Route Du Rock in Brittany and it was so good I couldn’t wipe the stupid grin off my face for days. It was sooo fucking loud, and there was 6000 drunk French people just going nuts in front of us. Unbelievable.

You’re actually embarking on your first headlining tour of Australia, despite both being born here. What’s it like to come back home? 
Awesome. We were both super excited about doing some gigs in Aus, and maybe a bit nervous too. But it’s great to be able to catch up with family/friends ect. and the gigs are just a big bonus.

What do you miss about Australia when you’re away? 
Aussie banter, mostly. Aaron [Cupples] also misses the sun, because he’s a sucker and lives in London.

Many of the Australian shows are going to be quite intimate compared to some of your overseas dates. Will you approach them any differently? 
We’ve played plenty of toilet-sized venues in Europe, and all the places we’re playing in Australia are way bigger and better equipped than most toilets, so I reckon we’ll be fine. In some ways club shows are more nerve-wracking than festival gigs, especially when they’re at The Tote Hotel and all your mates are standing there, seeing you play for the first time. That’s going to be fucking terrifying.

I’ve heard a little about this “Box” which is a key part of your live shows. Can you tell my readers exactly what it is? 
It’s a cube about two foot square which functions as our robot drummer. Besides cranking out big, dumb beats it also has a group of square, colored lights on it’s front face which fire in unison with the drum sounds, so it’s sort of a light show as well. People end up staring at it, which takes attention away from our bad dancing on stage.

You’ve been generating some serious buzz for your live shows. What makes you guys so different do you think? 
Well, we try our damnedest  to be a tight, punchy unit and create some excitement and atmosphere in the room. Some nights are better than others, but we’re always aiming high. NO SLACKING! Maybe that, but on the other hand maybe it’s just The Box.

After you leave Australia, what comes next for Civil Civic? 
We need to knuckle down to some serious songwriting, but unfortunately there won’t be much time for that before we start gigging in Europe again. We’re aiming to get a single out more-or-less as soon as we can, just so people know we are actually still creating, and it would be great to have a new album ready for the end of the year, but we’ll have to see how that goes.

Rules hits Australian record stores today. You can see Civil Civic on their homecoming tour at the following shows.

7 February 2013 – Black Bear Lodge, Brisbane
8 February 2013 – Brighton Up Bar, Sydney
16 February 2013 – ATP: I’ll Be Your Mirror @ Westgate Entertainment Centre and Grand Star Receptions, Altona
19 February 2013 – The Tote, Melbourne

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Gofer Land – Mark Boulle and the Haba Dudes

After releasing a solo album a couple of years ago, Queensland’s Mark Boulle is back with his band mates for Haba Dudes album number five. On Gofer Land the outfit is billed as Mark Boulle and the Haba Dudes but make no mistake; this recording is still very much a band effort.

Mark Boulle’s ruggedly raw voice stands out front and centre, but the instruments really elevate it, whether they’re the swell of strings, a classic piano, or some simple hand claps. These elements help bring the songs Mark penned to life. They add gravity to the words, and realise Mark’s vision.

When you slip a Haba Dudes record on, you know you’ll be entertained. At 15 tracks Gofer Land is an ambitious album, but its diversity ensures that it doesn’t drag. The band seems to delight in delivering the unexpected.

The album starts with the laidback “Lovin in Your Mind,” a track which is as much fun to listen to as it seems like it was to perform. “Hurt U Again” is another of those numbers that feels like we’re listening to a jam session. I was thrilled to be taken along for the ride. More highlights come with the ultra-catchy “Take Me Slowly” and sultry “Animal Kingdom.” I was beginning to almost feel like I knew what to expect from the Haba Dudes, some gypsy music here, a little folk there, when they threw me for a loop with “Gypsy Man.” This track shows real fire with its rocking, reverby guitars.

I guess you never really know what to expect from the Haba Dudes. And that’s just why I like them, and their latest release Gofer Land.

Image source: Mark Boulle and the Haba Dudes Bandcamp page