Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Harmless Wows with “Here’s The Girl”

I listen to so much music through writing this blog that sometimes it starts to blend together. I like a lot of it, but it’s rare that I come across anything that’s really different. And when I do, I take notice.

“Here’s the Girl,” the first single from Melbourne band Harmless’ debut album Water Feature is a really unique part of the current musical landscape. It’s got this incredible anthemic quality about it. It’s drum driven, but much more modern than anything you’d hear from an old school marching band. And then there are those beautiful harmonies, coming together to complete the hypnotic soundscape. The band’s sound feels a lot bigger than I’d have expected from a duo, and that too is a very good thing.

It sounds more professional than most debuts, but the members of Harmless are old hands. Cesar Rodrigues is a member of Blue King Brown, and we know Monty Mackenzie from his work with Cleverhorse. Together they’re creating something really special. I can only hope the album is as good as this amazing track.

Image used with permission from Show Off Services

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

The Jezabels Ready “Prisoner” Release

It’s been a long time coming, but after spending whatever time they weren’t on the road this year in the studio, The Jezabels are almost ready to unleash their debut album, Prisoner.

The release sees the band teaming up again with producer Lachlan Mitchell, the wizard behind their first three EPs. You know what they say about not fixing what ain’t broke. The record features the first single “Endless Summer,” which we should hear on radio sometime in the next week or two.

The Jezabels have been doing amazing things in the past year, earning critical acclaim with shows in the United Kingdom, Europe, North America, and at home. The album release is sure to solidify their reputation as one of Australia’s most exciting new acts.

Prisoner will hit all good record stores on September 16. Stay tuned to Sounds of Oz for a national tour announcement soon!

Image used with permission from Two Fish Out of Water

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Eskimo Joe Ready to Rock with Album Tour

They wowed crowds with their acoustic shows in May, and now Eskimo Joe are preparing to plug in for a run of gigs in September and October. The lads will be out to celebrate the release of their fifth studio album Ghosts of the Past, which hits stores on August 12.

“We’re really looking forward to taking the intimate moments from our shows in May and presenting them on a larger stage,” said the band’s frontman Kav Temperley.

If you’re intending on taking in one of the shows it’s probably worth heading to the Eskimo Joe website. For a limited time fans can order their tour ticket, a ticket and album pre-order pack, or a VIP ticket which includes a show ticket with priority venue entry, a copy of the album, and attendance at an acoustic performance and meet and greet.

Eskimo Joe will warm up at Splendour in the Grass before heading to Queensland, New South Wales, Victoria, and Western Australia. Never fear Tasmanians and South Australians; they’ll announce dates near you in the coming weeks.

Tickets for the following shows go on sale next Monday.

14 September 2011 – Andergrove Tavern, Mackay
15 September 2011 – Magnums, Airlie Beach
16 September 2011 – Great Western Hotel, Rockhampton
17 September 2011 – Sugarland Tavern, Bundaberg
21 September 2011 – Uni Bar Wollongong, Surry Hills
22 September 2011 – The Cube, Campbelltown
23 September 2011 – Newcastle University, Newcastle
24 September 2011 – Enmore Theatre, Sydney
29 September 2011 – The Forum, Melbourne
30 September 2011 – Pier Live, Frankston
1 October 2011 – Deni Ute Muster, Deniliquin
5 October 2011 – Plantation Hotel, Coffs Harbour
6 October 2011 – Southern Cross University, Lismore
1 October 2011 – Caloundra Music Festival, Caloundra
1 October 2011 – Full Noise Festival, Townsville
1 October 2011 – Tivoli, Brisbane
1 October 2011 – The Astor, Perth

Image source: Johan @ Wikimedia Commons

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Thirsty Merc Keep on Rocking Around Oz

With their current single “Tommy & Krista” soaring into the iTunes top 5, Thirsty Merc have decided to extend their Rock Ya Socks Off tour.

Following a quick trip across the ditch, the Sydney band will rock its way around Oz through August, September, and October. It’s clear they’re not feeling any signs of fatigue as they’ve confirmed a massive 29 dates.

Tickets to the following shows go on sale tomorrow from the venues and usual outlets.

24 August 2011 – Whalers Hotel, Warrnambool
25 August 2011 – Ballarat Regent Multiplex, Ballarat
26 August 2011 – Gershwin Room, Esplanade Hotel, St Kilda
27 August 2011 – Live at Catalyst @ Bridgeway Hotel, Pooraka
28 August 2011 – Sandbar, Mildura
31 August 2011 – Sussex Inlet Tavern, Sussex Inlet
1 September 2011 – Marlin Hotel, Ulladulla
2 September 2011 – The Cube, Campbelltown
3 September 2011 – Wyong Leagues Club, Wyong
4 September 2011 – Panthers, Penrith
8 September 2011 – Hoey Moey, Coffs Harbour
9 September 2011 – Panthers, Port Macquarie
10 September 2011 – Club Forster, Forster
11 September 2011 – Caves Beachside, Caves Beach
14 September 2011 – High Road Hotel, Riverton
15 September 2011 – Grand Boulevard Tavern, Joondalop
16 September 2011 – Charles Hotel, North Perth
17 September 2011 – Latitude 28, Geraldton
18 September 2011 – The Ravenswood, Murray River
22 September 2011 – Sharkies, Cronulla
23 September 2011 – Metro Theatre, Sydney
24 September 2011 – SS&A, Albury
28 September 2011 – Surf Club, Noosa
29 September 2011 – Springfield Lake Hotel, Springfield Lakes
30 September 2011 – Beenleigh Tavern, Beenleigh
1 October 2011 – Coolangatta Hotel, Coolangatta
28 October 2011 – Young Services Club, Young
29 October 2011 – Mulwala Ski Club, Mulwala
30 October 2011 – Club Barham, Barham

Image used with permission from Anouk Van Meeuwen Publicity

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

The Trews Tour Hope & Ruin Down Under

Regular tourists The Trews are heading back to Australia this September for a national tour.

It seems like only yesterday that the Canadian rock band were making their way along the East Coast. This time around though, fans in South Australia will also get a chance to see this dynamic act in the flesh. The run of dates also includes a few acoustic shows which should be a real treat.

The latest Australian tour comes on the back of last month’s release of Hope & Ruin, the band’s fourth studio album. And I suppose a brand new disc is as good a reason as any for another Aussie holiday!

Tickets are on sale now for the following shows.

14 September 2011 – The Great Northern, Newcastle
15 September 2011 – The Brass Monkey, Cronulla (Acoustic)
16 September 2011 – Old Manly Boatshed, Manly
17 September 2011 – Sydney Fringe Festival @ Notes Live, Newtown
18 September 2011 – Beaches, Thirroul
22 September 2011 – Jive, Adelaide
23-25 September 2011 – Cherry Bar, Melbourne
28 September 2011 – The Great Northern, Newcastle
29 September 2011 – The Vault, Windsor (Acoustic)
30 September 2011 – Old Manly Boatshed, Manly
1 October 2011 – The Brass Monkey, Cronulla (Acoustic)
6 October 2011 – Byron Bay Brewery, Byron Bay
7 October 2011 – The Zoo, Brisbane
8 October 2011 – Spotted Cow, Toowoomba
12 October 2011 – The Great Northern, Newcastle
13 October 2011 – The Brass Monkey, Cronulla (Acoustic)
14 October 2011 – Old Manly Boatshed, Manly
15 October 2011 – The Gaelic Club, Sydney

Image used with permission from Revolutions per Minute

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Slow Chase Readies Venomous Debut EP

Melbourne band Slow Chase is preparing to assault your eardrums with the upcoming release of their debut EP Venom. I’ve heard the debut single “You’ll Never See Me,” which will hit radio next week, and I’m pretty impressed.

The rollicking blues-tinged track has such a big, dirty sound, so I was surprised to hear the band has just two members. Adam Gresty takes care of the vocals and guitars, while drummer Emily Shaw drives the tunes along. Drumming is a bit of a boys club, so I’m thrilled to hear Emily rocking out!

If you love the song and want to own it, just head to the band’s website. They’re generously giving the MP3 of “You’ll Never See Me” away to anyone who clicks the button on the music page!

Image used with permission from Show Off Services

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Owl Eyes Tours “Raiders” Again

Following the digital release of her EP Raiders last week, touraholic Owl Eyes is wasting no time getting back on the road. She’ll embark on an ambitious 16-date national tour through August and September.

In exciting news for oft-neglected music fans, the tour will make pit stops in Tasmania and regional Western Australia. Hobart even gets an under-18s show, which should thrill those kids who usually miss out. It all kicks off at the newly reopened Palais in Hepburn Springs on August 19.

Tickets for the following Owl Eyes shows go on sale from the venues tomorrow.

19 August 2011 – The Palais, Hepburn Springs
20 August 2011 – Northcote Social Club, Melbourne
24 August 2011 – Beach Road Hotel, Bondi
25 August 2011 – Byron Bay Brewery, Byron Bay
26 August 2011 – Sol Bar, Maroochydore
27 August 2011 – Alhambra Lounge, Brisbane
1 September 2011 – Goodgod, Sydney
2 September 2011 – Brass Monkey, Cronulla
3 September 2011 – Transit Bar, Canberra
9 September 2011 – Hotel New York, Launceston
10 September 2011 – The Grand Poobah, Hobart (Under 18s matinee show)
10 September 2011 – Republic Bar, Hobart
15 September 2011 – Jive, Adelaide
16 September 2011 – The Villa “Speakeasy,” Perth
17 September 2011 – Malt Market Bar, Dunsborough
18 September 2011 – Norfolk Basement, Fremantle

Image used with permission from Shiny Entertainment

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Polar Nation Hit Slopes on Back to the Top Tour

The Back to the Top tour has brought some of Australia’s most promising new acts to the snowfields for the last 13 years. Over that time the shows have introduced local audiences to then unknown bands like Bliss n Eso, Midnight Juggernauts, Rogue Traders, The Galvatrons, and more. And in 2011, Polar Nation will take their place as Back to the Top headliners.

Given the quality of previous bands who’ve taken the Back to the Top stage, we can expect big things from this unique Sydney outfit. They blend rock, hip-hop, electronic, and even American Indian sounds to create something really exciting.

You can score a free copy of Polar Nation’s new single “Sleep” through the band’s website, and if you like what you hear make sure you catch them on the slopes this ski season!

29 July 2011 – Oxford Arts Factory, Sydney
6 August 2011 – Swindlers, Mt Hotham
11 August 2011 – Red Bennies, Melbourne
31 August 2011 – Station Resort, Jindabyne

Image used with permission from Remedy Music

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Barry Southgate Charms with “Summer Night”

Fresh from his Australian tour supporting Brian McKnight, Barry Southgate has revealed another track from his forthcoming EP Epitome. “Summer Night” shows a more romantic side of Barry than his playful first single “Don’t You Think,” and I’m predicting the ladies are going to lap it up. And as a bonus, this video has accompanying lyrics so you can sing along, karaoke style!

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Channel Ten Axes Video Hits

After 24 years, the axe has fallen on Video Hits. Channel Ten has made the move in a wake of budget cuts, which is cold comfort to Australia’s music fans.

I’ve always appreciated the program’s easy blend of commercial top 40 and independent music. In many ways it stands for the same things this blog does, celebrating music in all its forms, enjoying established acts and discovering the latest sounds. Like me it’s also championed local artists, introducing us to many household names before anyone else in the mainstream.

It just seems like Video Hits has always been there. Rage often gets a bit too cool for school, especially since it axed its Top 50 countdown. There’s no such pretension with Video Hits, and while I don’t always enjoy what it’s playing I find myself consistently tuning in. I’ve spent many mornings dancing in front of the box as it played a long forgotten classic, or devouring clip after clip while I ironed or performed other menial tasks. I saw the series through host after host. Hell I can even remember when there were no hosts. I wonder how Ten can ever hope to fill that weekend morning void!

The program will wrap on Saturday August 6 with a retrospective of the last 24 years of music. R.I.P Video Hits.