Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Brave Face Serves Up Something Old, Something New

Melbourne’s Brave Face channel Elvis Costello with their brand new single “Something Old Something New,” the first cut from their self-titled debut album.

While the band might have stolen a few moves from the American songwriter, that’s far from a bad thing. We’ve all got our influences, and when they help you create music so irresistible it’s hard to be too critical. Can’t you just imagine slow-dancing to this one at a high school dance?

Brave Face will launch the single in front of their hometown fans at Melbourne’s Toff in Town on March 24. Their self-titled album will hit stores in May.

Image used with permission from First Love Publicity

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Hilltop Hoods Outsell Adele

Many acts have tried, but finally one has toppled Adele, and it’s an Aussie. Hilltop Hoods have ended the current Queen of Soul’s reign with their new number one album, Drinking From The Sun.

It’s been a big week for local urban acts, with 360 also inching up the charts with his album Falling & Flying. It’s moved from number seven to number six. No doubt that performance has been helped along by the success of the single “Boys Like You,” which has dropped one spot to sit at number six on the singles charts.

And let’s not forget Sia’s contribution to Flo Rida’s single “Wild Ones.” Surely her stellar vocals have something to do with its current number three spot on the singles charts!

Click below to see the rest of this week’s ARIA top ten!

Continue reading “Hilltop Hoods Outsell Adele” →

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Gin Wigmore Tours New Album

When I heard Gin Wigmore’s “Black Sheep” used on the promos for My Kitchen Rules earlier this year, I was reminded just how much I loved this Aussie-based Kiwi singer-songwriter.

Other than the ad it’s been a bit quiet on the Gin front, but it seems there’s been good reason for that. She’s been stateside working with acclaimed producer Butch Walker on album number two. And now she’s just about ready to unleash Gravel & Wine on the Aussie public.

Gin will treat the east coast capitals to the following intimate theatre shows next month to promote the album’s launch.

3 April 2012 – The Vanguard, Sydney
4 April 2012 – Black Bear Lodge, Brisbane
5 April 2012 – Workers Club, Melbourne

Image source: -Fuze- @ Flickr

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

We Are the Birdcage Wow with “Two Left Feet”

Sydney folk duo We Are the Birdcage has well and truly charmed me with their beautiful new single “Two Left Feet.”

The song tells of the missteps we all take in relationships. It sounds so gentle, but there’s real emotion behind those lush harmonies and the swell of the instruments. I am truly swept off my feet by this song, and can’t wait to hear more from this twosome.

It seems it’s time for me to track down the EP. “Two Left Feet” is the first single lifted from the Little Father Time, a disc that will further ponder love, loss, and other universally binding themes. I’m sure I’m not the only one begging for seconds!

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Lowlakes Releases Dreamy New EP

When I think of the music of Alice Springs I imagine earthy blues or roots or patriotic country numbers. I certainly don’t think of the sounds of Lowlakes, a cruisy ambient act that surprisingly comes from the Red Centre.

Lowlakes release their self-titled debut EP today, a recording which features this single “Song for Motion.” It’s a gorgeous slow-burning song with Tom Snowdon’s distinctive vocals and a dreamlike, epic quality. I wasn’t quite sure about it when it started but by the end I was completely won over. It’s just so different and beautiful.

The Lowlakes EP is in stores now.

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Matt Corby Announces Winter Tour

Matt Corby will usher in the cold weather ahead with The Winter Tour.

The Winter Tour sees Matt heading out of the clubs and into some of the country’s best theatres. It’ll be something of a homecoming for the singer-songwriter, who’s spending the next few months working on his debut album and playing shows in the United Kingdom and United States. He’ll take the wintery-sounding Melbourne six-piece Alpine along for the ride.

Last time Matt circled the country his shows sold out a month before he took the stage. Make sure you don’t miss out this time by getting your tickets from the usual outlets now.

1 June 2012 – The Tivoli, Brisbane
6 June 2012 – The Forum, Melbourne
7 June 2012 – HQ, Adelaide
9 June 2012 – The Astor, Perth
14 June 2012 – The Metro, Sydney

Image used with permission from Pod Artist Services

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

The Never Ever Tour Times Two

The Never Ever will circle Australia a few times in the coming months to support the release of their highly anticipated EP Breathe, which hits stores today.

Sydney’s electro power pop quintet will give fans some time to become acquainted with the EP’s five songs, including the single “Love’s Got Me Tipsy,” before they hit the road on their Remember To Breathe Tour. Once the headlining shows wraps up there’ll be just a little breathing room before they join Simple Plan on their upcoming Aussie dates.

Here are all the places you can see The Never Ever in the coming months.

7 April 2012 – Expressive Grounds, Gold Coast (All Ages)
12 April 2012 – Leederville YMCA HQ, Leederville (All Ages)
12 April 2012 – Oh Snap! @ Villa Nightclub, Perth (18+)
20 April 2012 – EV Youth Centre, Croyden Melbourne (All Ages)
29 April 2012 – The Lair, Metro Theatre, Sydney (All Ages)
5 May 2012 – Fowlers Live, Adelaide (All Ages)
1 June 2012 – Hordern Pavilion, Sydney (with Simple Plan)
2 June 2012 – Festival Hall, Melbourne (with Simple Plan)
3 June 2012 – Panthers, Newcastle (with Simple Plan)
6 June 2012 – University Hall, Wollongong (with Simple Plan)
8 June 2012 – Southport RSL, Gold Coast (with Simple Plan)
9 June 2012 – Eatons Hills Hotel, Brisbane (with Simple Plan)
10 June 2012 – Caloundra RSL, Sunshine Coast (with Simple Plan)

Image used with permission from RAWR Music

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

“Sins of the Blessed” – Transvaal Diamond Syndicate

Brisbane based blues act Transvaal Diamond Syndicate grab us by the throat and don’t let go with their new album Sins of the Blessed.

It opens with the explosive “Devil on my Shoulder,” a foot stomping opening gem driven by its big slide guitar, and never really takes its foot from the throttle. The following track “I’m Your Ticket” is similarly compelling with its snarling sexiness. The third song “Blackwater” shows a different, softer side of the band. While its gentle groove takes things down a notch, it’s every bit as powerful as the high energy numbers that came before. It gives the album some real balance, allowing us a moment to catch our breath. More great numbers followed it, particularly the Charlie Daniels-esque “Pistols at Dawn” and the closing number “Cold-Hearted Killer.” This upbeat number with its throbbing bass line has a sinister underbelly which is so delicious.

At just seven tracks Sins of the Blessed is very short for an album. It’s too long for an EP, but very brief by modern album standards. However I think Transvaal Diamond Syndicate has done the right thing here. By choosing fewer tracks of real quality the Brisbane act has avoided the dreaded fillers that plague so many recordings. What’s included is swampy, gutsy, down and dirty, with a much bigger, ballsier sound than you’d expect a two-piece to deliver.

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Rainman Shows Off His Record Collection

Respected Queensland hip hop artist Rainman is currently traveling around the east coast to promote his brilliant new single “Darlin’.”

I love the way Rainman’s rapping works with Calski’s soulful vocals, but I think I love the accompanying clip even more. Rainman assures us it’s no music video, but when a piece of footage is backed by a single it’s hard to resist calling it one! Whatever it is, it introduces us to Rainman’s impressive vinyl collection. Colour me jealous!

The track, which is digitally released on March 23, comes from Rainman’s second album Bigger Pictures, which drops on May 4. Both release dates are a little while off yet, but Rainman is already building buzz on his single launch tour. Here are the remaining dates.

17 March 2012 – Corner Hotel, Melbourne
12 April 2012 – Beach Hotel, Byron Bay (Free)
13 April 2012 – Alhambra Lounge, Brisbane
14 April 2012 – Sol Bar, Maroochydore
27 April 2012 – The Annandale, Sydney (Supporting Dialectrix)
28 April 2012 – Great Northern Hotel, Newcastle (Supporting Dialectrix)

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Nick Cave & Tex Perkins Play on Jeffrey Lee Pierce Tribute Album

Australian and international musicmakers have joined forces for a second tribute album honouring the music of Jeffrey Lee Pierce and his Gun Club.

Local acts Nick Cave, Mick Harvey, Tex Perkins, and Hugo Race cover Pierce’s tunes on The Journey is Long. Leading international acts Debbie Harry, Lydia Lunch, and Mark Lanegan have also leant their talents to the project.

The Gun Club’s music blended punk and American roots in a way that no one had ever heard before. Their albums influenced many modern day artists including Jack White, Jon Spencer, Hoodoo Gurus, and the acts that appear on the disc. After living hard with drugs and drink, the world lost Jeffrey Lee to a brain haemorrhage in 1996.

The Journey is Long will his stores on April 6. It follows 2009’s We Are Only Riders. A third and final volume, entitled The Task Has Overwhelmed Us, should be released later this year.

Image used with permission from Fuse Group