Author: Lauren Katulka

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

“Noonlight” – Yours, Georgina

I’ve been a fan of Georgie Currie’s voice for years. As one-tenth of Naarm/Melbourne folk-pop act The Northern Folk, her gorgeous vocals always drew me in. While I love what she does in this band, I’m perhaps even more excited by her first EP Noonlight, released under the musical moniker Yours, Georgina. Through listening to these songs, I feel like I’ve gotten to meet Georgie the artist, who is so much more than a vocalist, for the first time.

Georgie’s heart sits so close to the surface in these songs which are united by the central theme of deceit. There’s deceit from past partners who told her things that didn’t turn out to be true. If the former flame in the opening track “If You Wonder” wasn’t capable of love as they claimed, she wonders how they’re all but married to someone new. Then there’s self-deceit, whether she’s convincing herself that dating apps are the answer in “Dog Tired” or looking at an old relationship with rose-coloured glasses in “We Hardly Speak At All.” Georgie flips the script with the closing song, “Who You Gonna Be Girl.” This upbeat country-tinged anthem celebrates the desire to move forward with most honesty. It’s like a breath of fresh air after the emotional weight of the songs that came before.

It’s interesting that an EP built around an exploration of deceit feels like it comes from such an honest, authentic place. The lyrics bring the relationships Georgie recalls, and the emotions they stir, to life so vividly. Coupled with her warm, inviting voice, they really make this EP so special. I love what Georgie does with The Northern Folk, but I hope this isn’t the last time that we hear her making her own music.

Noonlight is out now.

Photo credits: Shannyn Higgins

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Zion Garcia Releases Epic Single “Film Star Prelude”

Campbelltown Art Centre’s Conscious Program has been elevating talent from Western Eora/Sydney for more than a year now. I’ve relished hearing the diverse acts nurtured by this program, including Zion Garcia. Through the program, Zion worked with Conscious and producer Chelsea Warner (BOY SODA, Emalia) on his epic track, “Film Star Prelude.”

“Before letting everyone in on my next era as an artist, I wanted to launch myself into the frame of mind of: ‘How can I make the biggest thing sonically that I possibly can, while still staying grounded in who I am right now?’” Zion explained.

Big is one word to describe this track. Bold and trailblazing are just a couple more. Trust me, you need to hear this.

“This was my first time really collaborating like this and Chelsea really gave me the space to explore ideas. She’s such a wizard at her craft, and I trusted her ear,” Zion recalled. “We kept going back and forth until we finished up the song you hear now. A prelude to my next body of work- Inspired by lots of ambition, and in unison, lots of delusion.”

Zion’s done some big things, such as performing at the Sydney Opera House as part of Vivid and sharing the stage with Lil Uzi Vert and Ice Spice as part of the Listen Out Sydney line-up. And surely there’s more to come. Keep an eye on Zion, because he’s definitely got a big future ahead.

Photo credit: Justin Cueno

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

“an introduction to a theme” – PRETTY BLEAK

It might seem premature to usher in a new era with the release of a second EP. But press play on an introduction to a theme, the latest release from Naarm/Melbourne-based act PRETTY BLEAK, and it all makes sense.

PRETTY BLEAK dropped this EP after the release of in retrospect, featuring all their previous singles including those from the debut EP BLOOD, earlier this year. It definitively put a line through what came before and the music we hear now. PRETTY BLEAK hasn’t started from scratch, but they’ve built on the foundations of their early music. There’s still the mix of happy-sad that captured my ears when they hit the scene, although the balance shifts a little more towards the light these days.

As the title implies, an introduction to a theme is a concept EP. Through these six songs, PRETTY BLEAK explore the journey of a relationship. Opening track “she’ll come around” is a feel-good alt-pop track that celebrates the kind of love-at-first-sight infatuation that’s like an addiction. When it’s good, it’s so good, and we see it play out with the honeymoon phase in “now i feel it coming on” and “in your air”. The final track, “can’t say” sees it all fall apart. It’s devastating, dramatic, a natural evolution from PRETTY BLEAK’s earlier emo releases. I didn’t know the band had a song like this in them. It’s incredible.

With the release of an introduction to a theme, it feels like the emo kids have come of age. While I’ve enjoyed some previous releases, I found they could be a little hit-and-miss. This EP is their most cohesive and compelling body of work to date. The band sounds ready for stadiums and the vocals from Sam Thomas soar. They should be proud of this one.

an introduction to a theme is out now. PRETTY BLEAK will officially launch the EP with the following shows:

30 August 2024 – The Workers Club, Naarm/Melbourne
14 September 2024 – Tomcat, Meeanjin/Brisbane

Main photo credit: Tom Thomas

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Amalia Wows Me With “Silly Cliche”

Sounding like some enchanting mix of Joni Mitchell, Kate Bush, and Lana Del Rey, Amalia has enchanted me with her latest single “Silly Cliché.” Her voice effortlessly moves through the swirling kaleidoscopic sound she’s created here. That’s a pretty off-the-wall description, but take a listen and I swear it’ll make sense to you.

“Musically, ‘Silly Cliche’ whisks you back to the 70s, blending swirling psychedelia with modern pop allure,” Amalia explained. “It’s a song about the overwhelming feelings of the early stages of a relationship and the hope the feeling never fades.”

Can you believe this is only Amalia’s second release? The sky’s the limit for this Naarm/Melbourne-based talent. I’m obsessed and can’t wait to hear more.

Photo credit: Nick Manuell

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Forever Ends Here Release Career Best Single, “Unspoken”

I am such a sucker for a pop-punk anthem and “Unspoken”, the latest single from Eora/Sydney trio Forever Ends Here is right up there with the best. Crank that volume, press play, and enjoy this one!

“Unspoken is about the realisation that you left it too long to open up to someone and missed the window to be together – knowing the other person felt the same, but you both left it unspoken and ended up in different places,” vocalist Luke McChesney shared. “I had to channel my teen self to match the energy of a coming-of-age pop-punk track, and I think this is something we all experienced in some capacity growing up. The secret crush that we’ll probably never talk about.”

This sound feels so fresh and youthful, but these guys actually started making music together more than a decade ago. However, after some time off between 2018 and 2023, they’re sounding better than ever.

“It really feels as though we’ve finally found our sound, all of these years later,” Luke said. “Last year was about the reunion, focusing on the pre-hiatus memories and reminding ourselves of why we started this band. Unspoken marks the beginning of the new FEH. We’re treating this like a new band now. Our new baby. We’re more in love with the music than we’ve ever been before and we hope that shows.”
I’m hearing that there’s more new music where this came from, with the band planning a larger release later this year. Bring it!

Image used with permission from Bigmouth PR

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Left Cassette Impress With Debut Single “Two Left Shoes”

After gaining a solid reputation as one of the best emerging live acts in Meeanjin/Brisbane, Left Cassette has just dropped their fantastic debut single “Two Left Shoes.” It’s got all the youthful energy of a track from The Wombats or The Kooks in their heyday, and I’m here for it.

The band said “The track came together after many years of trial and error. Having had the track written in late 2021, Josh (Aldred, lead vocalist) workshopped the song to his then-punk rock band. When Left Cassette was formed in early 2024, the song was re-workshopped and we put our own spin on it. The song was originally written about being in a relationship that was always having its ups and downs. Not knowing whether you were in it for the long haul, or on your way out the door. The relationship got to a point where neither party knew who was at fault anymore. Both just entertaining the idea that things may not be perfect, but you’re too hung up on the other person to do anything about it. Just desperately holding on for the ride.”

Left Cassette will play in the second semi-finals of the Access All Areas Battle of the Bands comp at The Brithside tonight and a free gig at Greaser tomorrow night before they officially launch “Two Left Shoes” at Tomcat on August 24. They sold out a show at Tomcat earlier this year, so don’t expect to just get them on the door! Hopefully it won’t be too long before we see them gigging around the rest of the country. We can’t let the people of Brisvegas have all the fun!

Image used with permission from Good Intent

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Have a Good Day Drop Pop Bop, “Punch-Drunk in Love”

Wednesdays are much maligned, but WA act Have a Good Day are bringing the positivity with their dreamy new single “Punch-Drunk in Love.” I’ve fallen hard for this cool indie-pop number, and I’m sure you will too.

I love the way this song manages to strike the perfect balance between sounding modern and like an 80s throwback. The nostalgia is perfect for a track that celebrates youthful enthusiastic love, the kind that knocks you off your feet giving you no choice but to give in to it. A bit like this song really!

East Coasters will get the chance to see Have a Good Day when they play Towradgi Beach Hotel in Dharawal Country/Towradgi on September 6.

Image used with permission from Kick Push PR

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

“Party Boy” – Eaglemont

Proving the adage that good things come to those who wait, Naarm/Melbourne based singer-songwriter Eaglemont recently released her debut album Party Boy. It’s a really special collection of introspective indie pop-rock-folk songs that eloquently explore themes of heartache, self-acceptance, and connection.

I knew I’d love this album before I hit play. I’d already raved about the singles “You Don’t Live Here,” “Vodka Pineapple,” and the title track “Party Boy,” marvelling at their confessional lyrics and Eaglemont’s heartfelt delivery. Sometimes when an album comes on the back of such strong singles, the remaining tracks struggle to hit the same bar. As I listened to this album though, and I’ve done that a lot over the past week or so, I was struck by new favourites. I fell in love with the wistful nostalgia and rock angst of opening track “Two Dumb Kids.” I wiped away tears as “Ikea” immersed me in a painful breakup recreated so vividly with Eaglemont’s detailed lyrics. I felt such empathy for the complicated relationship she recounts in “Girls, Darts, Panic Attacks.” The quiet, emotional power of “Spiral” really resonated with me.

Party Boy’s songs are so incredible on their own, but when you put them all together, they’re even stronger. They create such a powerful portrait of Eaglemont and her journey towards love, both for herself and others. She shares her queerness, her insecurities, and her heart so authentically that most listeners should find themselves relating to this impressive album, even if they haven’t gone through some of Eaglemont’s struggles.

Party Boy is one of the best Australian debut albums I’ve heard in some time, and it’s out now.

Main photo credit: Wildrose Pictures

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Toby Mobbs Announces In Between The Words Album Tour

Fresh from the release of his fabulous sophomore album In Between The Words, Toby Mobbs is hitting the road. His national album tour will see Toby play some of the country’s most charming venues, including art galleries and bookstores, in every one of the country’s states and territories.

Toby will start the tour in October playing duo shows with his mate Matt Cross before going it alone for the bulk of these dates. He’ll close things out with a big full band gig in Bungambrawatha/Albury-Wodonga this November. Visit Toby’s website or simply click the links below for all the details on these events and tickets.

2 October 2024 – The Curious Rabbit, Wiradjuri Country/Wagga Wagga (duo show with Matt Cross)
3 October 2024 – The Baso, Ngambri/Canberra (duo show with Matt Cross)
4 October 2024 – The Press Book House, Mulubinba/Newcastle (duo show with Matt Cross)
8 October 2024 – Elixir Music House, Gimuy/Cairns
13 October 2024 – Godinmayin Rijard Rivers, Emungalan/Katherine
18 October 2024 – Regional Arts Gallery, Goomburrup/Bunbury
23 October 2024 – 5290 Bar, Berrin/Mount Gambier
25 October 2024 – Beav’s Bar, Djilang/Geelong
27 October 2024 – Valentino Safe Co, Kanamaluka Country/Launceston
3 November 2024 – The Lincoln, Bungambrawatha/Albury-Wondonga (full band)

Image used with permission from Toby Mobbs

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Zara Haines Drops Sensational New Pop Single “6 Figure Trigger”

After impressing me earlier this year with “The Blonde,” Zara Haines shows that was no fluke. Her latest release “6 Figure Trigger” is another outstanding pop song. This catchy little number explores all the complications of the dating game. Whether you’re in it or glad to be done with the scene, I know you’re going to relate to this one.

“’6 Figure Trigger’ was written for all different people to relate to … with a fun and catchy side, people can’t help but sing along!” Zara enthused. “It has been a fan favourite in listening sessions, so it was about time we let the world hear it!”

Zara’s Instagram profile says she’s writing new music right now, so it sounds like there’s a lot more in store. Give her a follow to learn all about it once it drops.

Image used with permission from Zara Haines