The Acfields Sing of Love Rekindled in “The Years”

My love affair with brother-sister duo The Acfields continues with the release of their powerful new song “The Years.” It tells the real-life story of an elderly divorced coupled reunited again after suffering from dementia.

“Once we tell the story live, people tend to fall in love with the message of the song,” explained Hannah, who herself was told the story by a grandchild of one of the song’s subjects.

As the tale goes, the husband and wife married, had children, then separated forty years later. As fate would have it, as dementia took hold they ended up at the same nursing home. Despite losing his memory, the ex-husband really did ask the nurse “Who’s the pretty one?” when he clamped eyes on his ex-wife for the first time in years. The song doesn’t go into the particulars, but apparently the pair was often spotted holding hands and fumbling at each others clothes as they rekindled their romance without the baggage of conscious memories.

The brother and sister act decided to make the song a focus after discovering that the song connected with audiences all over the nation, while touring to promote their self-titled full-length album last year. who was originally told about this true story by her friend, a grandchild of the song’s subjects.

The Acfields will celebrate the release of “The Years” with an East Coast tour, kicking off in Brisbane this week.

23 July 2015 – The Milk Factory, Brisbane
24 July 2015 – House Concert, Lismore
25 July 2015 – Mandala Organic Arts, Mermaid Beach
26 July 2015 – Bohemian Bungalow, Eumundi
31 July 2015 – Pizza Paradiso, Byron Bay
1 August 2015 – Thirty Three on Hickory, Dorrigo
2 August 2015 – Flow Bar, Old Bar
5 August 2015 – Lizotte’s, Lambton
7 August 2015 – Humph Hall, Allambie Heights
8 August 2015 – House Concert, Terara

Animaux Charms Me with “Come On Over”

Melbourne act Animaux has won my heart with their funky new single “Come On Over.” Its hooks are ridiculously catchy and the lyrics should strike a chord with anyone who’s ever felt the push and pull of a difficult relationship.

“I guess it’s about the fine line between giving too much, and losing sight of what you love about yourself, and recognizing your weaknesses, and compromising,” explained the band’s songwriter and saxophonist Ollie.

I’ve heard these guys are exceptional live, so if you’re near any of the following venues make sure you get along and check them out next month.

14 August 2015 – Moonshine Rum & Cider Bar, Manly
21 August 2015 – Beach Hotel, Byron Bay
22 August 2015 – The Motor Room, Brisbane
29 August 2015 – The Gasometer Hotel, Melbourne

Image used with permission from the 123 Agency

Immigrant Union Tour “Anyway” Album

Get ready to start tapping your toes to Immigrant Union’s new single “War is Peace,” the latest cut from the critically acclaimed album Anyway.

The song’s a great modern twist on an old-fashioned hoe down tune, and the film clip is a brilliant a satire on home shopping networks.

Immigrant Union have earned high praise for their live shows, so make sure you see what the fuss is all about when they head out on their Anyway album tour next month.

7 August 2015 – The Grace Emily, Adelaide
8 August 2015 – The Loft, Warrnambool
13 August 2015 – Transit Bar, Canberra
14 August 2015 – The Lass, Newcastle
15 August 2015 – Gallery Bar @ Oxford Arts Factory, Sydney
16 August 2015 – The Junkyard, Maitland
27 August 2015 – Lefty’s Music Hall, Brisbane
28 August 2015 – The Great Northern Hotel, Byron Bay
29 August 2015 –Solbar, Maroochydore
4 September 2015 – David Bowie Late Nights @ ACMI, Melbourne
5 September 2015 – The Grand Poobah, Hobart

Way of the Eagle Launches Album with Special Guests

Melbourne’s Jan Skubiszewski has produced music from a who’s who of industry talent, including Dan Sultan, John Butler Trio, and Illy. Now he’s flexing even more creative muscles with the recent release of his album Kodo under the moniker Way of the Eagle.

Jan serves as songwriter, musician, composer, and of course producer on the album, which has seen him collaborating with the likes of Dan Sultan, Illy, Harry James Angus from The Cat Empire and, on his latest single “Sweet Addiction,” American soul singer Bobby Saint.

“I love melodic songs and writing songs with different singers,” Jan explained. “And I think people love to sing along to songs – I know I do. I want that to be a really big part of Way Of The Eagle. I’ve written this music so that lots of people can enjoy it. It’s not dense jazz music and it’s not taking itself too seriously. There’s a strong sense of musicality, but the essence of it is to make people get up and have a good time.”

If you have a good time listening to “Sweet Addiction,” you going to want to see Jan playing shows in the east coast capitals next month. Dan Sultan, Benji Lewis, and Ceeko will be along for the ride, making these gigs you won’t forget in a hurry.

14 August 2015 – The Triffid, Brisbane
15 August 2015 – Oxford Art Factory, Sydney
20 August 2015 – Howler, Melbourne

Image used with permission from 123 Agency

Queensland’s Red Deer Fest Back

After a one-year hiatus, Red Deer Fest is back in Queensland, bigger and brighter than ever. This year’s event will see Frenzal Rhomb, Andy Bull, Salmonella Dub Soundsystem, Ayla, Hey Geronimo, and heaps more taking over the natural amphitheatre beneath the D’Aguilar range in the Samford Valley.

This is a festival that loves being different. Tickets are strictly limited to create an intimate atmosphere, there are food and market stalls, and camping is encouraged. If you do have your heart set on a night under the stars, be warned though. Organisers have reduced the number of camping tickets available to ensure this beautiful site stays at its best.

Red Deer Fest hits Mt Sampson on October 3. Tickets are available now from the festival website.

The Drones Celebrate “Wait Long’s” 10th Anniversary

The Drones’ Sydney Opera House gig celebrating the 10-year anniversary of their critically acclaimed album Wait Long by the River and the Bodies of your Enemies Float By went so well in May, the Melbourne band’s decided to take the show on the road. They’ll play songs from the album, some other old favourites, and some new stuff too at intimate venues across the country this August and September.

To celebrate the album’s milestone, Wait Long will be released as a deluxe double 180g vinyl LP with a digital download an unreleased live album. You can preorder your copy now from The Drones’ website.

Tickets are on sale now for the following anniversary shows.

20 August 2015 – Darwin Festival, The Lighthouse @ Festival Park, Darwin
22 August 2015 – Rosemount Hotel, Perth
28 August 2015 – Small Ballroom, Newcastle
29 August 2015 – Triffid, Brisbane
4 September 2015 – The Gov, Adelaide
5 September 2015 – The Forum Theatre, Melbourne
6 September 2015 – Theatre Royal, Castlemaine

Image used with permission from Secret Service Public Relations

San Cisco, Stonefield, and More Play Port Macquarie’s New Memory Lane Festival

Port Macquarie is a lovely place but the residents are a bit starved for live music. The occasional big name act plays The Glasshouse or the local pubs, but most often the people of Port have to make the long drive to Newcastle to see their favourite bands. So I was thrilled to see that Port’s getting a brand new festival, called Memory Lane, this October.

The line-up’s awesome, with San Cisco, Patrick James, Stonefield, and Zefereli playing alongside local heroes Bear in a Man Suit, Plebeian Groove, and Withernecks. There’s also going to be plenty of awesome food on sale and heaps more.

The event welcomes music lovers of all ages, and it’s entirely drug and alcohol free so parents can breathe easy. Something tells me we’re going to see plenty of young things blowing off steam before their end-of-year exams.

Memory Lane hits the laneway behind Port Central on October 18 between noon and 7 pm. Tickets go on sale tomorrow from Oztix.

Image source: MJR Presents

Katie Noonan Back to Band with Transmutant

Katie Noonan’s musical evolution has been nothing short of stunning. I always eagerly anticipate her album releases because I’m never sure just what I’m going to get, but I’m confident it’ll be beautiful.

She’s about to begin her latest chapter with the release of Transmutant on July 24, an ethereal collection of songs which takes Katie back to fronting a band. With her new outfit Vanguard she creates exciting soundscapes which pair beautifully with her heavenly voice.

Katie’s Vanguard will take Transmutant on the road later this year with shows in intimate venues around the country. Tickets are on sale now.

15 October 2015 – Grand Hotel, Mornington
16 October 2015 – Theatre Royal, Castlemaine
17 & 18 October 2015 – Melbourne Festival, Melbourne
22 October 2015 – The Triffid, Brisbane
23 October 2015 – The Byron Theatre, Byron Bay
24 October 2015 – Spicers Hidden Vale, Grandchester
25 October 2015 – Majestic Theatre, Pomona
28 October 2015 – Fremantle Town Hall, Fremantle
29 October 2015 – The Gov, Adelaide
30 & 31 October 2015 – John Painter Hall @ AIM, Sydney
5 November 2015 – Brass Monkey, Cronulla
6 November 2015 – Street Theatre, Canberra
8 November 2015 – Spicers Vineyard Estate, Hunter Valley

Image used with permission from Revolutions per Minute

Lior’s Autumn Flow Turns 10

Has it really been 10 years since Lior released Autumn Flow? Every time I spot an anniversary tour announcement like this I become incredibly conscious of my age! It really does seem like only yesterday that I first heard “This Old Love” and became instantly besotted.

If that clip’s got you feeling nostalgic, you’ll be interested to know that Lior will rerelease his debut album with previously unreleased tracks to mark the milestone. He’s also announced a string of theatre shows where he’ll play Autumn Flow from start to finish as well as other choice cuts from his back catalogue.

Tickets are available now from Metropolis Touring for the following shows.

9 October 2015 – Anitas Theatre, Thirroul
10 October 2015 – Enmore Theatre, Sydney
16 October 2015 – Athenaeum, Melbourne
24 October 2015 – Powerhouse, Brisbane
30 October 2015 – Astor Theatre, Perth
31 October 2015 – Her Majesty’s Theatre, Adelaide

The Jensens Ready to Rock with Morning Harvey

The Jensens are loading up the tour bus and preparing to play shows all around the country with good mates Morning Harvey.

While Morning Harvey are the headliners, the tour comes at the perfect time for The Jensens who’ve just released “Fears” and the awesome garage rock song “A New Hope.” This is such good honest rock and roll, I imagine it’s going to go off in the live arena.

The Jensens have earned rave reviews for their shows all around Brisbane, so make sure you turn up early enough at these Morning Harvey gigs to catch their set.

4 July 2015 – Sol Bar, Maroochydore
10 July 2015 – Great Northern, Byron Bay
11 July 2015 – The Elephant, Brisbane
17 July 2015 – Shebeen, Melbourne
18 July 2015 – OAF Gallery, Sydney