Hugo Stranger and the Rattlers are so prolific that I can barely keep up with their material. They released their instrumental surf rock track “Go, Rattlers, Go!” on Halloween, and they’ve already got another tune for us, “Set Me Free.” Quantity doesn’t mean sacrificing quality for this local act. “Set Me Free” is among my favourite Hugo Stranger and the Rattlers’ songs.
“I guess it’s about wanting to be better,” explained the band’s frontman, Tom Harrison. “Knowing and being self-conscious that you haven’t been.”
Hugo Stranger and the Rattlers will celebrate the release of “Set Me Free” with a double set show at Bearded Lady in Kurilpa/West End on Sunday 17 November. It all kicks off at 2 pm and tickets are $10 at the door.
Image used with permission from Hugo Stranger and the Rattlers
Folk duo Salt Tree are easing me into the weekend with their gorgeous new EP Swell. This collection of songs transports you to Tom and Nath’s hometown of Wooditup/Margaret River, a picturesque coastal town where the ocean meets the forests, or as the band’s name suggests, where the salt meets the trees.
Salt Tree take total control of their music, writing, recording, producing, and mixing it in a bedroom studio. Their hearts shine through beautiful acoustic arrangements that showcase their lyrics and artistry. They don’t reinvent the wheel, but if you love gentle acoustic guitar melodies, two-part vocal harmonies, and uplifting songs, Swell will be everything you’re looking for.
Opening track “Take My Hand” encourages you to step into Salt Tree’s musical world. “I’ll Be Here” reassures you that you’ve made the right choice. Its foot-stomping vibe reminds me of acts like Mumford & Sons and our own Pierce Brothers. The duo keeps that energy up with “We Were Young,” a nostalgic number that reminisces about the simplicity of childhood. The natural imagery of “Follow Me in the Ocean” is so compelling. From the water to the land, Salt Tree’s “Garden” sees the pair at their most romantic. This is a gorgeous song about budding love which resists the cliches. Salt Tree close out their EP on an optimistic note with “Dreaming Of a Future.” It’s a powerful reminder that even though the seas might get rocky, there’s always hope.
After visiting Wooditup/Margaret River, I told everyone who would listen that they needed to go. Listening to Swell, I’m taking back to that space that helped me unwind from the pace of my daily grind. I still maintain you should visit Wooditup/Margaret River if you can, but until you can book the trip, listening to Salt Tree’s beautiful folk EP is the next best thing. Salt Tree kick off their European tour in Germany tonight, so many sure you get out and support them if you can snap up some of the limited remaining tickets.
8 November 2024 – Jaki, Cologne (SOLD OUT) 9 November 2024 – Ponyhof, Frankfurt (SOLD OUT) 11 November 2024 – Milla, Munich (SOLD OUT) 12 November 2024 – Werkstatthaus, Stuttgart (SOLD OUT) 13 November 2024 – Exil, Zurich 14 November 2024 – ISC, Bern 16 November 2024 – B72, Vienna (SOLD OUT) 17 November 2024 – Lark, Berlin 18 November 2024 – Hebebühne, Hamburg (SOLD OUT) 19 November 2024 – Tolhuistuin Zonzij, Amsterdam (SOLD OUT) 21 November 2024 – The Waiting Room, London (SOLD OUT) 22 November 2024 – Lock 91, Manchester 23 November 2024 – Academy 2, Dublin 26 November 2024 – Club Sauvage, Barcelona 27 November 2024 – Moby Dick Club, Madrid 4 December 2024 – Bar Brooklyn, Stockholm
Images used with permission from Nettwerk Music Group
Like so many Australians, the music of Cold Chisel is part of my DNA. They’ve been pumping out hits since before I was born. East and Circus Animals were on regular rotation as I grew up. I don’t remember when I learned the lyrics to these songs, in much the same way I don’t know when I learned English. It just seems like I always have. So when the band announced their Big Five-0 tour, celebrating 50 years in the biz, I knew I had to be there. Dad passed, insisting he saw them enough times in local pubs and clubs that he didn’t need to brave the crowds now. But as someone who missed those heady days, who has had much more limited opportunities to see Chisel do their thing, I knew I had to be there.
Karen Lee Andrews warmed up the crowd and reminded me just how good she is. I’ve seen her perform a few times now with the Barnes family, but those sets were solo and stripped back. Normally acoustic sets are my bag, but with a full band Karen really shines. Sharing the stage with her band seemed to calm her nerves and she was more confident than I’ve seen before. Her songs are superb and she’s got such a cool, blues-rock voice. I definitely need to listen to more of her original music, because she’s exceptional.
Tickets for Chisel’s Big Five-0 tour were arguably as hot property as tickets for Coldplay or Taylor Swift, but unlike these international luminaries, there weren’t a lot of bells and whistles about the Cold Chisel experience. There were no pyrotechnics, no costume changes, not even any of those screens ensuring people near the back got a closer view of the action. Just a bunch of Aussie blokes on stage doing what they do best. The stages have gotten bigger over the decades but this band refuses to upgrade the spectacle, so the music remains the focus.
And what music it is. Cold Chisel have been mixing up the set list this tour, so you never know exactly what you’re going to get. But with such a rich catalogue, hits can come out early. “Standing on the Outside,” “Cheap Wine,” “Rising Sun,” and “My Baby” in just the first five songs? Incredible. Cold Chisel catered for all kinds of fans, those of us who flogged Chisel Gold and cranked up their tunes whenever they came on the radio and those hardcore enthusiasts who devoured each and every album. I’ve seen Chisel several times now, but I can’t recall them ever playing so many album tracks. Digging into the vault while keeping casual fans happy is a delicate balancing act, but Chisel walked that tightrope beautifully.
Chisel might not tour with the same kind of gruelling schedule that they did back in the day, but there’s such a beautiful chemistry when this band is on stage. You won’t find a tighter act around. Everyone has a crucial part to play. Jimmy attacks those vocals, performing with the sort of gusto that makes you forget he’s only just come back from hip surgery. Ian Moss blows me away each and every time I see him with his guitar skills and those warm vocals that never seem to age. After seeing so many acoustic shows in recent years, I relished seeing him rocking out. Nothing sounds quite as comforting as Don Walker on piano. Bass players never get enough credit, but Phil Small’s instrument is the glue that holds this sound together. Steve Prestwich’s loss created a hole in this band of brothers, but Charley Drayton does an admirable job stepping into his shoes. I’m sorry I missed the names of the saxophonist and harmonica player, but they were also incredible.
Don Walker teased a little “Star Hotel” during the introduction of “Breakfast at Sweethearts,” but strangely that Novocastrian rock anthem never came. It’s a minor quibble though, because this set really delivered so much. As they rocked out one final time to their traditional closer “Goodbye (Astrid Goodbye)”, after two encores, I felt well and truly satisfied. After 50 years in the business, Cold Chisel are at the top of their game. And there aren’t a lot of bands who can say that. So many shows are sold out, but if you get the opportunity to see Chisel on any of their upcoming shows, you will not be disappointed.
9 November 2024 – Red Hot Summer @ Victoria Park, Balaarat/Ballarat (SOLD OUT) 10 November 2024 – Mornington Racecourse, Bunurong Country/Mornington (SOLD OUT) 13 November 2024 – MyState Bank Arena, Nipaluna/Hobart (SOLD OUT) 16 November 2024 – Qudos Bank Arena, Eora/Sydney (SOLD OUT) 17 November 2024 – VAILO Adelaide 500 @ Adelaide Street Circuit, Tarntanya/Adelaide 22 November 2024 – Arts Centre Melbourne @ Sidney Myer Music Bowl, Naarm/Melbourne (SOLD OUT) 23 November 2024 – Arts Centre Melbourne @ Sidney Myer Music Bowl, Naarm/Melbourne (SOLD OUT) 28 November 2024 – Stage 88, Wiradjuri Country/Parkes (SOLD OUT) 30 November 2024 – Roche Estate, Wonnarua Country/Pokolbin (SOLD OUT) 4 December 2024 – Qudos Bank Arena, Eora/Sydney 18 January 2025 – Gibbston Valley Winery, Queenstown 25 January 2025 – Taupo Amphitheatre & Riverside Park, Taupo 26 January 2024 – Whitianga Waterways Arena, Whitaianga
Naarm/Melbourne band Belle Haven really impressed me with their most recent single “fauxlove.” It opens their recently released EP something new with a bang, but there’s a lot more to love on this four-track collection.
“fauxlove” hits hard, but the band aren’t all edges. The next track “lose, regret, repeat…” has more of a pop sensibility and even more vulnerable lyrics. The bittersweet contrast of the happy sound and heartbreakingly sad lyrics is so compelling. “thx” is a high-energy, angsty rock number that puts the pedal to the floor from the first note. “a hypothetical exit” rounds out this stellar collection of song. It’s Belle Haven at their most melodic and anthemic. It sounds fantastic, with massive drums, guitars, and vocals. If you love your emo music, you’re going to love this.
“‘something new’ isn’t about one specific theme or story—it’s a mix of the emotions we’ve been going through as a band,” Belle Haven’s frontman David De La Hoz explained. “We explore love, sex, heartbreak, bad habits (and breaking them), choosing yourself, and even death. It covers a lot because that’s just how life happens sometimes. Each track brings its own feeling. ‘fauxlove’ taps into something raw and intimate, ‘lose, regret, repeat…’ feels deeply sad, ‘thx’ has this angry energy, and ‘a hypothetical exit’ comes off a bit tongue-in-cheek. We didn’t plan to cover all these themes—it just naturally unfolded that way. In a way, we’re still figuring out what Belle Haven is, learning by doing. This EP is part of that journey.”
With the release of something new, Belle Haven continues to show us the depth of their artistry. Don’t you dare put this band in a box, because they’re masters at pushing the envelope and developing their sound. If you love what they do, make sure you check them out at am//pm emo night at Burdenkin Hotel in Eora/Sydney on November 30.
Naarm/Melbourne-based act Among the Restless has knocked it out of their park with their latest single “Cutting Corners.” It’s one of those tracks that hooks you in with a killer intro and doesn’t let go.
“’Cutting Corners’ is a recount of growth and the confusion that comes hand in hand with it,” the band explained. “We approached the sound and writing process differently, and our natural progression as a unit really shines through. The emotion runs deep in this track, which is something we always strive for.”
Among the Restless have been slowly building buzz through performances at major festivals like Good Things and Uncaged alongside rock music’s elite, and with releases like “Cutting Corners,” it doesn’t sound like they’re slowing down. They’re also playing a secret show for hometown fans tomorrow night. Use the code NORTH20 for discounted tickets!
Image used with permission from Among the Restless
Yorta Yorta/Wurundjeri man Briggs hasn’t released solo music since 2021, but his latest effort “Ballad of the GOATs” has certainly been worth the wait. Press play and crank this track right up. Featuring Gomeroi artist Kobie Dee and the song’s co-writer David Novak from Polish Club on guitar, this one is an absolute banger.
“If the GOATs needed a song to enter the Pantheon of GOATs I would hope it would be this,” Briggs enthused. “I explained my vision for the track; a highlight reel of a song. I asked Kobie to trust the vision, think of it like we are creating the soundtrack for the highlight reel of life. The best bit was when we realised, we didn’t have to have any words for the chorus. Goats traditionally don’t speak.”
Briggs’ outfit A.B. Original were set to perform alongside Public Enemy last month but unfortunately, that tour’s been postponed. Let’s hope that they get the gig again when those dates get rescheduled.
Hit that volume and enjoy Abbey Lane’s awesome new pop-rock single, “Just a Little”. This fabulous single has a nostalgic sound that perfectly marries with its insightful lyrics exploring bad timings, lost love, and self-reflection.
Abbey co-wrote “Just a Little” with New Wave Records’ Hayden Marie who also produced, mixed and mastered the single. The two creatives worked across different states, sending demos back and forth.
“Hayden had sent me the bare bones of the track originally and allowed me creative freedom to write my own parts to it,” Abbey explained. “We both vibed what the other was creating, so it made for a very easy creation process, sending each other logic sessions and demos until we reached our final recorded version.”
She said she wrote the lyrics “based on a friend’s relationship experience before the song took on a story of its own. Overall, it’s a narrative about having someone in your past who you can’t seem to separate from, and although you’ve both tried to move on, that in the end you’re still drawn to them.”
The release of “Just a Little” ushers in a new era for Abbey’s music following the release of her debut EP Afterthoughts in June. If you live in New South Wales, make sure to see Abbey play “Just a Little” and other fantastic tracks at one of her upcoming shows:
3 November 2024 – Gossy Weekender @ Drifter’s Wharf, Darkinjung Country/Gosford (FREE) 6 & 7 November 2024 – Musicbox Stage @ Sydney Olympic Park, Eora/Sydney (FREE for Coldplay ticketholders) 8 November 2024 – Lord Dudley, Eora/Sydney (FREE) 9 November 2024 – Sydney Streets Festival, Eora/Sydney (2 pm – FREE) 16 November 2024 – Sundown Festival @ Glenorie RSL, Darug Country/Glenorie (FREE) 29 November 2024 – Ramblin Rascal, Eora/Sydney (FREE)
I don’t know about you, but these warm weekends flip a switch in me. I stop wanting to hibernate and get excited about getting out and amongst it. If you’re looking for a fabulous way to spend your days off, check out Free-kin Weekends, a free outdoor courtyard music program that happens every Saturday and Sunday at the Factory Theatre in Eora/Sydney.
The events feature live music and local DJs as well as the Island Boys food truck and cold drinks from Hawke’s Brewing on tap. What could be better than that? Everyone’s welcome, including your human and furkids, so get out there and enjoy it.
Free-kin Weekends run at the Factory between 1 pm and around 7 pm every Saturday and Sunday through to March 2025. It’s completely free, but make sure you head to the Factory website and let them know you’re coming. Here are the bands already scheduled for the coming weeks. Keep an eye on the Factory website for the lineups as they’re announced.
2 November 2024 – ‘Outside’ – presented by Dog Days & Left Feels feat. Annika + Colin Ho b2b Tim Mall + Loraio + Mimi J + Tom Bruce 3 November 2024 – Club Halifax + Final Girls + Great Job! + Drama Club 9 November 2024 – ‘Children Of The Hardcore’ feat. Spellbound + Showboat + Scotty G vs Speedracer + Twisted Tony vs Stryka + Pebblez + Robin Banks + Majestik + Napoleon SHN 10 November 2024 – Sounds of Sud B2B Birthday Bash feat. Dink93 b2b Disco Dan + Tommie Traxx + Brewer & Butler + House of Lowkey + Partigirl + Daniel Tonik 16 November 2024 – ‘Better Together’ feat. Simon Caldwell + Garth Linton + Gabriella Spritz + Veda b2b Alex Dowsing 17 November 2024 – ‘Mahico’ feat. La Payara + Senor Bolivar + Xuja + Cuerpo Negro 23 November 2024 – ‘Freakquency’ feat. Lui Raptor + Galaktik + more to be announced 24 November 2024 – Jasper and the Jokers + Maia Toakley + El Coyote + Eagle Ray 30 November 2024 – ‘Veer East’ 7 December 2024 – ‘The Elements of Tech and Bass” feat. Annie B + Patto + Kinetictheory + Stefcon + D3W4N + Thierry D 15 December 2024 – Pricey + special guests
Carla Webhe celebrates all of the chaotic terrible joy of human existence with her gorgeous new single “Life’s An Awful Mess.” Whatever you’re going through right now, I know this breezy little bop will make you feel better.
“‘Life’s An Awful Mess’ is about the contradictory nature of life, and how it can be so terrible in one moment and magical in the next,” Carla explained. “It’s also about accepting the inevitable finality that life will face and realising that it’s all not that serious when you take a step back. We’re all doing our best, and while some of us are killing this whole life thing, some of us are still bringing swords to pillow fights. Life is everything and nothing at all, but in seeing the beauty in it and accepting it – flaws and all, maybe someday we can learn the art of living.”
If you need a little mid-week pick-me-up, look no further. Daphnie’s latest single “Perfect Piece Of Person I’m Made For” may just be the perfect piece of pop music.
“I wrote this one with Will O’Donohue (Runaway Mornings), and produced/mixed it in my bedroom,” explained Alistair Hayes, who performs under the Daphnie moniker. “We wanted to create a cruisy silly absurd love song that you could dance to with your significant other in your bedroom while your neighbour yells at you through the walls for being too loud. I think we really got it there, mostly because that actually happened.”
