Author: Lauren Katulka

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Flow Kobra Fly the Trap-Metal Flag With “ROLL IT OVER”

I’ve got to admit, when I heard Woolyungah/Wollongong-based act Flow Kobra made trap-metal, I wasn’t sure what to expect. But I make a point of listening to absolutely everything I receive. I’m so glad I have that policy. Because the band’s latest single “ROLL IT OVER” is awesome! Honestly, it’s enough to make me wish there were more bands making trap-metal!

“‘ROLL IT OVER’ marks a new chapter for us, leaving behind the dark grittiness of ‘CRINGE CLIQUE’ for a more uplifting and euphoric journey,” said Flow Kobra’s lead singer Kobe Stimson. “The track embodies the resilience of making it through life’s storms to reach a blissful state, embracing hope and transformation.”

Flow Kobra will play for hometown fans at Darkside Fest, held at UOW, on 26 April alongside the likes of Windwaker, Sienna Skies, Heists, and Alienist. If you like your music on the heavier side, you won’t want to miss it.

Image used with permission from Good Intent

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Oscar the Wild Explore New Sounds With “Big Think

Tarntanya/Adelaide four-piece Oscar the Wild are serving up some grungy rock for your Saturday with their latest single “Big Think.” It’s a little darker than the rest of the music we’ve heard from that band, with a hypnotic sound that simmers with brooding tension. But when you can pivot so effortlessly, why not have a change of pace? The lyrics see vocalist Ruby Gazzola wrestling with reality and existential reflection.

“I am very grateful to be a good sleeper. Regardless of environment, time or physical/ mental state, I consistently get a corpse-like 8+ hours every night,” she said. “But in that time, I exist in the most wild dreams. Then, throughout the day, I catch myself thinking about that dream version and question, is that the real me?”

This single saw Oscar the Wild reuniting with Rhys Williams, who’s produced, mixed, and mastered their music since their 2023 debut EP, She’ll be Right.

“Sonically this song came together like pieces of a medium level puzzle, one could achieve it in an afternoon,” Ruby said. “I should also probably mention that we’re diving into heavier, driven waters. We hope you enjoy the turbulence!”

Oscar the Wild will launch “Big Think” with the following shows in the coming weeks.

19 April 2025 – Jive Bar, Tarntanya/Adelaide (ALL AGES)
26 April 2025 – The Catfish, Naarm/Melbourne (18+)

Photo credit: Mayah Salter

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Miramar Show Their Softer Side With “Highlight of My Week”

Miramar prove they really can do it all with the release of their latest single “Highlight of My Week.” This stripped back ballad is a world away from the floor fillers they played supporting Groove Armada recently, but it shows the depth of this exciting Aussie act. Miramar said they wrote the tune about that feeling of meeting someone you’re inexplicably drawn to.

“Someone who really brightens up your world and gives you a reason to get through the day, or week,” they added. “It’s a bit different to our usual sound, but we found the more we added to the production, the more it got in the way of that feeling. So we peeled it back to the bones and in the end, less was more.”

“Highlight of My Week” comes from Miramar’s forthcoming sophomore EP, which is due out in the middle of the year. You might hear a few more tracks from that release when Miramar play some choice supporting slots in the coming days. Here’s where you can catch them:

4 April 2025 – UOW Uni Bar, Walyalup/Wollongong (supporting Northeast Party House)
5 April 2025 – Oxford Art Factory, Eora/Sydney (supporting Djanaba)

Photo credit: Oli Main

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

360 Releases “Coastline” Ahead of New Album + Tour

Eight years after releasing his last album Vintage Modern, iconic Aussie rapper 360 is back with some fresh new music. His latest single “Coastline,” featuring rising star Gigi Russ, is a chill summery song that combines acoustic melodies with 360’s rapid-fire rhymes.

“Coastline” is the third single from 360’s fifth studio album Out of the Blue, which drops in July. He’ll celebrate the release with some massive shows all around the country. With his longtime collaborator PEZ joining the tour, you know it’s going to be a party. Tickets are on sale now!

18 July 2025 – The Forum, Naarm/Melbourne
19 July 2025 – Odeon Theatre, Nipaluna/Hobart
25 July 2025 – Metro Theatre, Eora/Sydney
26 July 2025 – Fortitude Music Hall, Meeanjin/Brisbane
1 August 2025 – Hindley St Music Hall, Tarntanya/Adelaide
2 August 2025 – Metro City, Boorloo/Perth

Photo credit: Michelle G Hunder

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

The Southern Dukes Usher in New Chapter With “Free Man”

Award-winning Boorloo/Perth-based act The Eagleton Brothers are back with a brand new name and a brand new song. Now known as The Southern Dukes, they’re making their presence felt with their fabulous debut country-rock track “Free Man.”

All the right ingredients are here for me. Brandon Poletti’s roughened, heartfelt vocal delivery are on point. You can hear the chemistry between Brandon and his drummer Miles Gilbert, bassist Riley Burrows, and lead guitar and organist Justin Gimm, who also produced “Free Man.”  

This is how you start a new musical chapter. Follow them on the socials to see what’s next for The Southern Dukes.

Photo credit: Isabelle Haubrich

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Odlaw Release Sweet New Single, “Dads Love ACDC”

Boorloo/Perth indie-rock act Odlaw have just dropped their nostalgic new single “Dads Love ACDC.” Rock music isn’t usually what you’d call sweet, but I’m struggling to find a more appropriate adjective for this ode to dad rock!

“Dads Love ACDC” comes from Odlaw’s upcoming fourth album, MI(L)D LIFE CRISIS, which drops next month and can currently be preordered through Bandcamp. The release marks a new chapter for the band which has grown from a solo project for songwriter Mark Neal to a sprawling collective performing on big stages with acts like Kisschasy and Sly Withers. Expect 2025 to be a big one for Odlaw!

Image used with permission from Odlaw

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Angie Colman Gives Me Chills With “Alps of Victoria”

I know you’re busy. It’s Friday morning and you’ve probably got a million things to do so that you can enjoy your weekend. I get it. But take three minutes to just stop, breathe, and properly listen to “Alps of Victoria,” the sublime new single from emerging Walyalup/South Fremantle artist Angie Colman. It’s a gorgeous understated, introspective song, and I know you’re going to miss its subtle beauty if you just put it on in the background.

“It’s about getting older and being unsure. It’s a quarter-life crisis,” Angie explained. “Have I just been making stupid decisions this whole time? The pressure to be successful and positively contributing to society, and not knowing what that looks like with my life.”

“Alps of Victoria” comes from Angie’s forthcoming EP How Do I Make My Life Slow Down, which she’ll release in May.

“It’s the middle track on the EP, a tune where I’m looking at my life and reevaluating things,” she explained. “This is a song that acknowledges how I feel sometimes about where my life is headed, where my life has been. It made sense to put it on the EP because it’s about the quarter-life crisis I’ve been having.”

If this song is any indication, Angie’s EP will be really something special.

Image used with permission from Blue Grey Pink

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Rhys Tolhurst Releases Beautiful New Ballad, “Lie To Make U Smile”

If you love a pop ballad with real depth, I think “Lie To Make U Smile,” the latest single from Naarm/Melbourne-based singer-songwriter Rhys Tolhurst will be right up your alley. Rhys has been sitting on this one for a while, but it’s finally out there for us all to enjoy.

“I wrote ‘Lie To Make U Smile’ three years ago about the quiet heartbreak of lying to keep the peace,” Rhys said. “It’s about that moment when you know the truth will hurt, but you say what’s needed to hold things together—at least for a little longer.”

I’ve just added “Lie To Make U Smile” to my Sounds of Oz Loves Pop playlist. If you love pop music too, make sure you’re following it!

Image used with permission from Rhys Tolhurst

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Tom Curtain Shares Incredible Story of His Birth With “Bucket Baby”

Tom Curtain has claimed multiple Golden Guitars and earned a spot in the Tamworth Country Music Festival Hands of Fame for his authentic storytelling and dedication to his craft. He showcases his skills in his gorgeous new single “Bucket Baby,” which shares the tight-knit community that helped ease his transition into the world.

“Bucket Baby” is the fourth single lifted from Tom’s upcoming sixth studio album. He’s currently on the road, clocking up his ninth consecutive Aussie tour. He’s got just a few weeks left on his seven-month Good Life tour, which sees him sharing the stage with Laura Frank, Chris Matthews, and Nick Morrissey. Here are all the remaining dates.

4 April 2025 – Broome Horse Riders Club, Rubibi/Broome
5 April 2025 – Derby Rodeo Ground, Warrwa/Derby
12 April 2025 – Kununurra Rodeo Ground, Goonoonoorrang/Kununurra
18 April 2025 – Katherine Outback Experience, Nitmiluk/Katherine
20 April 2025 – Freds Pass Sport and Recreation Reserve, Garramilla/Darwin

Image used with permission from Tom Curtain

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

James Vincent McMorrow Returning to Oz For Debut Album Shows

My husband often jokes about my love for what he calls “whisper music.” He refers to that gentle folk music that wraps around you like a blanket, instantly making you feel calm and comforted. Or at least that’s what it does to me. So I’m pretty excited that James Vincent McMorrow is coming out to Australia to celebrate the 15th anniversary of his acclaimed debut album, Early in the Morning.

James promises to play this album in its entirety solo with just a guitar, which sounds like my idea of heaven. He’ll also treat audiences to some new music and choice covers.

“Honestly, when the idea of these shows was pitched to me I wasn’t really into it. I make music in order to push myself forward, the idea of looking backwards at something I made at the very beginning felt a bit odd,” he said. “Then late last year I was in the studio working on some new ideas and I found myself sitting playing songs off Early in the Morning, ones I hadn’t played in over 10 years. I sat in front of the mic and recorded the entire album from memory, just to see how it felt. I’d forgotten how much I loved that record. I had no clue what I was doing when I made it, it wasn’t profound, it was just someone hanging on for dear life and trying to will it into existence. The naivety of it all came flooding back to me, I didn’t realise how much I missed the naivety.”

It remains to be seen whether I can convince my husband to indulge me with a night of “whisper music” … I’ve got a couple of months to work on him. Tickets are on sale now for these shows in June.

3 June 2025 – Metro Theatre, Eora/Sydney
5 June 2025 – Northcote Theatre, Naarm/Melbourne
7 June 2025 – Princess Theatre, Meeanjin/Brisbane

Image used with permission from Revolutions per Minute