Category: Album Releases

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Live Like Animals Pull Out All the Stops With “Modern State of Mind”

Eora/Sydney-based band Live Like Animals will release their debut album Modern State of Mind tomorrow, but I couldn’t wait to share something with you. The single “Bloom” is probably my favourite track from the album, a big rousing number which combines pop, rock, emo, and metal sounds with style. Just see if you’re not punching your fist in the air by the time the chorus rolls around.

This genre-bending track goes some way towards telling you what you can expect when Live Like Animals’ album, Modern State of Mind, drops tomorrow. The band’s press release describes them as a pop-rock band, but that doesn’t tell half the story. These guys love playing with genre. There are some serious twists and turns as the band’s high-level concept plays out.

“Modern State Of Mind is about six different rooms of the mind,” they explained. “Visually, the concept centres around the mind being like an multi-levelled office suite with the first track, Modern State of Mind being like the elevator music as you take it up to the different songs, the different states of mind, if you will.”

This album is so bold that I can really appreciate the attempt, even if the music isn’t all to my taste. When you take risks like Live Like Animals does, you’re probably never going to please people all of time, but you will create art.

You can hear for yourself when Live Like Animals release Modern State of Mind tomorrow. They’re also embarking on a mini-tour next week to support its release.

10 November 2023 – Stay Gold, Naarm/Melbourne (supporting RinRin)
15 November 2023 – Hamilton Station Hotel, Awabakal/Newcastle (FREE)
16 November 2023 – The Basement, Ngunnawal/Canberra
18 November 2023 – The Burdekin Hotel, Eora/Sydney (supporting The Last Martyr)

Image used with permission from Good Intent

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

The Night Terrors Release Spooky Single, “Levitation”

As Halloween approaches, it seems like the perfect time to introduce you to “Levitation,” the latest release from The Night Terrors. I can guarantee it’s like nothing you’ll hear today.

Firstly, The Night Terrors are one of the only bands in the world making original music featuring theremin up front and centre. Miles Brown’s theremin takes the spotlight, but it’s complemented so beautifully by Sarah Lim’s synthesizer. This track is so unique, but it’s got a fantastic cinematic quality that I’m really digging.

“Levitation” comes from The Night Terrors’ forthcoming album HYPNOTICA – Composition For Theremin And Electronic Music Synthesizer, which drops on November 3.

Image credit: Nicole Reed

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Ali Reyis Drops Strong New Single, “Glenfield 308 Semi-Automatic”

After honing his craft in the Eora/Sydney punk scene under the moniker Hawkeye Reis, Ali Reyis has reemerged under his own name with some of the most exciting emo/pop-punk music you’re likely to hear. His latest single “Glenfield 308 Semi-Automatic” is a powerful track with hard-hitting vocals that really drive those lyrics home.

“This song was written sitting at Glenfield Train Station, in Western Sydney. I was on my way back from an Open Mic Night in the city to my university dorm in Campbelltown at the University of Western Sydney. It was freezing cold, almost midnight, and I had a lecture at 8am the next morning, totally defeated and dog tired,” he recalled. “I had spread myself too thin, trying to finish uni as well as release and record songs, bumbling my way through both and not really committing to either. And then as the clock went to 00.00, I suddenly started laughing and smiling to myself, as I felt this huge rush of euphoria. I had a sense of conquest, of accomplishment, that regardless of the outcome, I was really pushing myself to go chase my dream of playing music.”

“Glenfield 308 Semi-Automatic” comes from Ali’s new album Stars for a Blanket, which is out now. The album launch show fell through at the last minute due to staffing issues at the venue, so keep an eye on his socials to see when that’s hopefully rescheduled.

Image used with permission from beehive; credit: Ian Summers

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Good Will Remedy Tease Sixth Album With “A Flower And A Note”

Good Will Remedy’s latest song “A Flower And A Note” is the kind of great storyteller song I just don’t hear enough of these days. It reminds me a lot of something the Black Crowes or Matchbox Twenty might have recorded, but it’s got that unique Australian flavour as a sweetener. Take a listen: it’s so good.

“The song follows the story of a couple who have lost their way, lost their path and lost each other,” explained Good Will Remedy’s singer and songwriter, Will Lebihan. “The call and response vocals rise as the song progresses and the story unfolds.”

“A Flower And A Note” comes from Good Will Remedy’s sixth album Sunshine State, which drops on November 10. The band will also join Diesel for his big New Year’s Eve Base at Bribie Island Hotel at Yarun/Bribie Island on December 31.

Image used with permission from Chris Familton Publicity

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Sweet Temper Drop “Better Than You” Ahead of EP Launch

Naarm/Melbourne based neo-soul act Sweet Temper have blown me away with their latest single, “Better Than You.” It’s so sonically intricate, but an absolutely beautiful listen. It reminds me a little of the very best jazz. And Abbey Green’s voice is absolutely other-worldly. You know you want to press play.

“‘Better Than You’ is about the feeling of weightlessness and peace after walking away from a toxic relationship and realising you are better off,” the band explained. “It is about acknowledging that in order to see a manipulator for who they truly are, you need to step away and separate yourself from repeating the cycle of forgiveness that leads to repeatedly being deceived and hurt. It’s about the desperation of manipulators who cling to relationships, when they have a lot of control.”

“Better Than You” is from Sweet Temper’s upcoming debut EP. They’ll launch that release for hometown fans at Bar Open on September 29.

Image used with permission from Good Intent

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Ian Moss Releases “Nullarbor Plain” Ahead of Album Launch and Tour

Ian Moss is proving that his upcoming studio album Rivers Run Dry will be something special with the release of a new single “Nullarbor Plain,” which he co-wrote with country music icon Troy Cassar-Daley. I’d already raved about the title track, but this latest cut is every bit as good.

“The Nullarbor Plain is such an open and harsh part of Australia that I have driven I don’t know how many times with Cold Chisel and by myself. Whilst vast, the beauty of it never ceases to amaze me,” Mossy enthused. “I trust my co-writer Troy Cassar-Daley and I have captured a little of both in ‘Nullarbor Plain’. Who wouldn’t want to do that drive in a 351 shaker!?”

Rivers Run Dry will be released on 21 July 2023. That gives you a bit of time to familiarise yourself with all the new songs before Mossy heads out on his album launch tour which just got bigger. In addition to the full band shows in August previously announced, Mossy will also visit regional centres from October where he’ll play solo and acoustic. Tickets are on sale now for all those dates.

5 August 2023 – The Tivoli, Meeanjin/Brisbane
11 August 2023 – Palais Theatre, Euro Yuroke/St Kilda
12 August 2023 – Enmore Theatre, Eora/Sydney
18 August 2023 – The Regal Theatre, Boorloo/Perth
23-28 August 2023 – Stranded in the Whitsundays, Ngaro Country/Whitsundays
23 October 2023 – Glasshouse Theatre, Guruk/Port Macquarie
27 October 2023 – Lighthouse Theatre, Gunditjmara Country/Warrnambool
28 October 2023 – Hamilton Performing Arts Centre, Gunditjmara, Tjapwurong, and Bunganditj Country/Hamilton
3 November 2023 – Albury Entertainment Centre, Bungambrawatha/Albury
4 November 2023 – The Capital Theatre, Dja Dja Wurrung and Taungurung Country/Bendigo
10 November 2023 – Airlie Beach Festival of Music, Ngaro Country/Airlie Beach
23-26 November 2023 – Queenscliff Music Festival, Wadawurrung Country/Queenscliff
8 December 2023 – Wangaratta Performing Arts Centre, Bpangerang Country/Wangaratta
9 December 2023 – Swan Hill Town Hall, Matakupaat/Swan Hill
15 December 2023 – The Wedge, Wayput/Sale
16 December 2023 – Gippsland Performing Arts Centre, Gunai Country/Traralgon
25 January 2024 – Longyard Hotel, Kamilaroi Country/Tamworth

Image used with permission from Ferris Davies PRM

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Katie Wighton Releases Smashing Single “Without You” Ahead of Solo Debut

Katie Wighton drops her debut solo album The End in just a couple of days’ time, but I just couldn’t resist giving you guys a little sneak peek. Her current single “Without You” is just so good, that I don’t want to risk it getting lost in all the other tunes. Although if you’re like me, hearing it will make you pretty excited about tomorrow’s release.

“This is definitely my favourite on the album,” Katie said of “Without You.” “It’s deeply personal and it still feels so real even when I listen to it now. When my partner and I split up, I remember missing him so much and thinking ‘I’m better off without you – I floss my teeth now, I don’t drink so much – we weren’t even that happy together towards the end … So why on earth do I miss you so much?!’ When you break up with someone, you become supremely irrational – remembering the good as even better than it was and the bad as not so bad. He and I became such better people because we broke up. We were more independent. Happier. But we still missed each other so much. Our hearts are funny little things aren’t they? (Spoiler alert: we did end up getting back together now and couldn’t be happier!)”

I really enjoyed Katie’s music with All Our Exes Live in Texas, but I think her solo stuff resonates even more with you. If you agree, remember to give The End a listen on June 2. You’ll also want to get yourself to the launch shows in the East Coast capitals.

8 July 2023 – Longplay, Naarm/Melbourne
13 July 2023 – The Great Club, Eora/Sydney
23 July 2023 – Black Bear Lodge, Meeanjin/Brisbane

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Ian Moss Releases Fantastic First Single From 8th Album Ahead of Aussie Tour

Sadly far too many people consider Ian Moss a nostalgia act. They love his work with Cold Chisel and early solo hits like “Tucker’s Daughter” and “Telephone Booth,” but they don’t realise he’s still releasing incredible music. If it’s been too long since you’ve checked in with Mossy, make sure you listen to his latest single “Rivers Run Dry,” the title track from his soon-to-be-released eighth studio album. This epic ballad has a gospel feel that’s something new for Mossy. It’s far from the only genre represented on this ground-breaking album.

“The song selection for ‘Rivers Run Dry’ was focused on simply finding good songs, regardless of the style or genre they may have initially presented, and the result is an album that covers straight-ahead rock, Latin, funk, country, blues & unapologetic pop and yet we still ended up with an album that sounds very cohesive,” Ian said. “I don’t think any of us feel we have any ‘What the fuck is that song doing on this album?’ moments.”

The Rivers Run Dry album drops on July 21. Mossy will play Legends of the Lawn in Mackay today heading abroad for some UK shows. He’ll be back before you know it with some gigs in Australian capitals to celebrate the album’s release. Don’t miss him when he comes to a city near you.

20 May 2023 – Legends on the Lawn, Yuwibara Country/South Mackay
1 June 2023 – Hare & Hounds, Birmingham
2 June 2023 – Rescue Rooms, Nottingham
3 June 2023 – 100 Club, London
7 June 2023 – Cluny, Newcastle Upon Tyne
9 June 2023 – Retro Bar, Manchester
10 June 2023 – Oran Mor, Glasgow
5 August 2023 – The Tivoli, Meeanjin/Brisbane
11 August 2023 – Palais Theatre, Naarm/Melbourne
12 August 2023 – Enmore Theatre, Eora/Sydney
18 August 2023 – The Regal Theatre, Boorloo/Perth
28 August 2023 – Stranded in the Whitsundays, Ngaro Country/Whitsundays

Image used with permission from Ferris Davies PRM

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Women of Soul Ready to Launch “Feel Good” LP

Australian female-identifying artist collective Women of Soul are releasing their first full-length LP Feel Good on June 2, but they’ve given us a little sneak peek. While the album features some well-known soul acts like Kylie Auldist and Thndo, it’s exciting to hear some new voices here.

The first song is “Lifeline,” a beautiful song of resilience and strength performed and co-written by classically trained violinist and vocalist Rita Satch.

“I see this song as an anthem for anyone who feels like they’re caught in the storms of life,” said Alzzy, another of the song’s co-writers. “It’s a song about the power found in the choice to fight and to hold on to hope, no matter what obstacles lie ahead. Finding your ‘lifeline’ means finding the perseverance, resilience, and strength to push through and overcome the challenges you face. It all starts inside – you can feel like you’re sinking and surrounded by rising waves, but when you choose to keep fighting, it means that triumph is still possible.”

The second song is “I Am Enough,” an empowering self-love anthem by Candice Monique.

“The song is essentially about realisation of self-love and self-acceptance, overcoming the pressures society puts on us to look/be/act a certain way, especially when it comes to body image, and allowing ourselves to just be amazing,” she said. “It’s about throwing all the self-criticism away and embracing our own unique brilliance.”

I hadn’t heard anything from these incredible women before, but I’ve instantly fallen in love with them both. Something tells me I’m going to find plenty more favourites when Feel Good drops next month. Artists from the Women of Soul collective will launch the album with a very special show at The Toff in Town in Naarm/Melbourne on June 2.

Image used with permission from On the Map PR

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Brad Cox Releases “Acres” Ahead of Largest Aussie Tour

I might be a little biased, but I think the country music scene in Australia is at least the equal to the scene over in the United States. It might not get the same international attention, but we’ve got so many superb artists telling authentic stories in this genre. The latest to really impress me is Brad Cox. Today he dropped his third studio album, Acres, and it’s an absolute cracker.

This is a guy with so much to say. The album features 17 songs, so you might expect a few filler tracks. Not even close. Every one is a winner. Trust me. Perhaps that’s because Brad took his time with this release, recording the songs after two years in Kabi Kabi Country/Gympie, Eora/Sydney, and Nashville. I encourage you to listen to the whole thing, because it’s just that good. But if you’re short on time, try the current single “Now She Ain’t.” As a bit of a grammar Nazi, the song title made me bristle. But it didn’t take long before I softened. It’s such a sweet song about stepping up and being the person someone else needs you to be.

“‘Now She Ain’t’ is “a song for the girls!,” Brad said. “Have hope and believe that person is out there. Stop crying into your pillow, strap on your can-do attitude, and get after it. We have been playing this one on the road for a few months now and it’s a super fun one to play live.”

Speaking of the road, Brad will be embarking on his biggest headline tour to date next month to support the release of Acres. Tickets are on sale now, so get onto it:

1 June 2023 – The Governor Hindmarsh, Tartanya/Adelaide
2 June 2023 – Rosemount Hotel, Boorloo/Perth
8 June 2023 – Kings Beach Tavern, Kabi Kabi & Jinbara Country/Sunshine Coast
9 June 2023 – Kingscliff Beach Hotel, Bundjalung Country/Kingscliff
10 June 2023 – The Tivoli, Meeanjin/Brisbane
16 June 2023 – The Gateway Hotel, Djilang/Geelong
17 June 2023 – Northcote Theatre, Naarm/Melbourne
22 June 2023 – The Cambridge Hotel, Mulubinba/Newcastle
23 June 2023 – Manning Bar, Eora/Sydney
24 June 2023 – Anita’s Theatre, Thurraral Country/Thirroul

Image used with permission from Sony Music Australia; credit: Brad Elder