Category: Album Releases

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Alex Lahey Teases New Album With Single Release

There’s just no slowing down Alex Lahey. She’s been touring relentlessly here and abroad, yet she’s somehow found time to record a brand new album. “Don’t Be So Hard On Yourself” is the upbeat first single from her forthcoming LP, The Best of Luck Club.

“I wrote this song for my partner who was on tour and was feeling the fatigue and stresses of the road, as we all do,” she explained. “It doesn’t matter how capable or strong or resilient you may be, we all have bad days, and that’s OK. There’s nothing wrong with feeling tired after a hard day’s work and sometimes I have to remind myself of that too.”

The Best of Luck Club drops on May 17. She’ll take its songs on the road this June.

6 June 2019 – The Governor Hindmarsh, Adelaide
7 June 2019 – Rock Rover, Fremantle
13 June 2019 – The Tivoli, Brisbane
14 June 2019 – The Basement, Canberra
15 June 2019 – Metro Theatre, Sydney
22 June 2019 – Forum, Melbourne

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

The Sky’s the Limit for MOBS

I must admit, I listened to MOBS’ new EP Bad Love feeling a little disconnected for the most part. Perhaps I shouldn’t have read the press release first, which cited such wide ranging influences as Tears for Fears, Steve Winwood, Billy Ocean, and my current favourite new band LANY. It also stated the Melbourne outfit has just signed a record deal with Rude Records, home to Less Than Jake, The Maine, and Set It Off, to name a few. It wasn’t that I didn’t like the music. It was fun, ear-pleasing pop. But it didn’t grab me as much as I’d hoped. Until the final track.

Funnily enough, the final track is also the EP’s first song, but a more stripped back, acoustic version. It was in this mode that I really got to appreciate “Dark Side of a Good Thing,” and MOBS generally. I’ve often said that it’s an underrated talent to write a catchy pop song, and this track is that. But it’s a bit more too. The lyrics are complex and interesting, while still being accessible. There’s a real musicality about this band. I might have missed it on the first run-through, but it’s definitely there.

It’s also worth noting that while Spotify states Bad Love has a 2019 release, thanks to that new deal with Rude Records, it’s actually a re-release of music that came out in 2017. What’s here is solid, but I think we’ll hear a little more maturity on future releases.

MOBS have got all the makings of a really good band. In fact, they could be a great one.

Image used with permission from AAA Entertainment

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Patrick James Releases Stellar New Single “Up” Ahead of EP & Tour

With Patrick James’ new EP What We’re Fighting For set for release, there’s no better time to wrap your ears around his latest single, “Up.”

I’ve been following Patrick’s career for some time, and I think he’s getting better and better. This single is so polished, with mature lyrics and a great sound combining classic piano pop with modern electronic influences.

This single’s release has me counting down the days until the EP lands on March 8. Patrick will give us a little time to familiarise ourselves with his new material before heading off on an East Coast tour. Tickets are on sale now through his website.

6 April 2019 – The Lansdowne, Sydney
12 April 2019 – Workers Club, Melbourne
18 April 2019 – Black Bear Lodge, Brisbane

Image used with permission from GYROstream

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

The Phazes Tease New EP With “Control My Radar” Release

Sydney indie rockers The Phazes’ new single “Control My Radar” has me pretty excited about their sophomore EP Manners.

The track has a dirty, classic sound that reminds me of UK bands like Stereophonics, Arctic Monkeys, and Oasis. With big chunky guitars and a singalong chorus, “Control My Radar” makes a strong statement about the direction this band’s heading.

Manners will drop on March 1, a couple of weeks ahead of their March 16 launch party at Brighton Up Bar in Darlinghurst.

Image used with permission from Firestarter Music

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Buchanan Release Final EP, The Crayon Collective

After 10 years in the business, Melbourne band Buchanan has gone their separate ways. But not leaving fans with a parting gift, their final EP, The Crayon Collective. It’s a fitting celebration of their career, a mixtape if you will featuring songs recorded in collaboration with every producer they’ve worked with over their 10-year run.

The lead single “An Uncommon Experience” feels like the perfect good bye. The accompanying video, a retrospective of Buchanan’s 10-year career, hits just the right note.

Buchanan were a welcome addition to the Aussie music scene. I wish all the guys in the band the best of luck for the future!

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Something Good Comes Out of Preston; Introducing Short Shadows

Andy Coates wowed crowds around Melbourne with his party-swing band Frankie Wants Out, but it seems he’s the one ready for something new. Now performing under the moniker Short Shadows, he’s blending genres and providing some witty commentary on suburban life. His lead single “Nothing Good Comes Out of Preston” is the perfect introduction to his music.

If you love Ben Folds and The Whitlams, you’re going to adore this song. The lyrics are on point and the sound so intriguing, with soulful horns, some jazzy keys, and a punk ethos. The song celebrates Short Shadows’ love of Melbourne’s north with its references to Preston Market, the 86 tram, and Cramers.

“Nothing Good Comes Out of Preston” is the lead single from Short Shadows’ EP War Anecdotes From the Northern Suburbs, out February 15. Short Shadows will celebrate its release with a launch show at the Northcote Social Club on February 17.

Image used with permission from the A&R Department

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Evol Walks Back and Rocking Harder Than Ever With “Our Time Is Now”

I wrote about Evol Walks way back in 2016, excited about their classic rock sound. But then the Gold Coast band kind of fell off my radar. They’re well and truly back on it with the release of their new EP Our Time is Now.

The EP showcases a much harder rock sound than their earlier material, one that’s much fresher. While I loved an early single “Without Me,” it was a bit of a throwback to the power ballad era. The band, now based in Los Angeles, has found their own sound here, and it rocks.

Evol Walks have surrounded themselves with the right people. There are tracks here co-written with Jack Pitts from Black Veil Brides, Travis Miguel and Dan Jacobs from Atreyu, and Tim Henwood from the Superjesus and Palace of the King. But Evol Walks do most of the heavy lifting. Lead singer Leah Martin-Brown is a true rock dynamite and she’s ably supported by her tight band. Take a listen to the title track “Our Time is Now” and just try to resist seeking out the rest.

Our Time is Now is out now on all your favourite digital platforms.

Image used with permission from AAA Entertainment

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Karise Eden on the Comeback Trail With “Born to Fight”

Karise Eden hasn’t released an album in four years. It’s been more than six years since she won The Voice. Taking time to create, avoiding becoming one of those reality stars that pumped up album after album, has been a good thing for Karise. She’s had time to reflect, grow, and release a stellar new album Born to Fight.

This is an album of warrior songs. Tracks like “Stop Fucking With My Head” and the title track are bold and defiant. More vulnerable numbers like “Hopeless” and “Ted” show there are chinks in the armour, but refuse to lie down. This is a special collection of songs that showcases one of the best soul and blues voices in the country.

Karise is celebrating the recent release of Born to Fight with shows all around the country. Catch her at one of the following venues in the coming months.

22 February 2019 – Twin Towns, Tweed Heads
23 February 2019 – Hamilton Hotel, Brisbane
27 February 2019 – Burrinja Place Theatre, Upwey
28 February 2019 – The Capital Theatre, Bendigo
1 March 2019 – Palms at Crown, Melbourne
2 March 2019 – SS&A Club, Albury
6 March 2019 – West Leagues, Newcastle
7 March 2019 – Anita’s Theatre, Thirroul
8 March 2019 – Bowral Bowling Club, Bowral
23 March 2019 – York Theatre (Seymour Centre), Sydney
24 March 2019 – Canberra Theatre Playhouse, Canberra
31 March 2019 – The Gov, Adelaide

Image used with permission from Revolutions per Minute

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

The Skelton Collective Inspires With “She”

Perth-based family band The Skelton Collective are spreading good vibes with their inspirational new single “She.” The track champions self-discovery, confidence, and the quiet power of choosing a path of happiness.

“When you listen to it, you simultaneously want to be She and feel like She already,” explained the group’s lead singer and saxophonist Jess Skelton.

The Skelton Collective will play a few shows in their home state and Victoria next year to celebrate the recent releases of “She” and the EP it comes from, Choosing Happy. Catch them at the following venues.

24 January 2019 – Moldy Fig, Brunswick East
25 January 2019 – Relux, Reservoir
26 January 2019 – Mr Boogie Man Bar, Abbotsford
23 March 2019 – Toodyay Music Festival, Toodyay

Image used with permission from the A&R Collective

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Listen to Dami Im Live With New EP & Tour

Dami Im is one of this country’s most talented vocalists, a singer who doesn’t need studio wizardry to sound sublime. She’ll prove just how good she is without the heavy production with the release of her new Live Sessions EP next year. Her new single “Dreamer” offers a taste of that six-track recording. You’ll get your own copy now if you preorder the EP.

“Dreamer is a really personal song for me,” Dami explained. “At the time I felt like there were so many opinions and voices around me and slowly I was getting lost. I wrote the first verse and chorus in fifteen minutes and it felt great to get it off my chest. It’s was the most empowering feeling.”

The EP celebrates Dami’s extraordinary gift for covering songs and her original material. Highlights include her take on “Amazing Grace” and her big Eurovision hit, “Sound of Silence.”

Dami Im’s Live Sessions EP will drop on January 11. She’ll get back on the road for her Dreamer tour next August. She’ll warm up those vocal chords supporting Human Nature on their A Little More Love: a 30-Year Celebration tour in April.

26 April 2019 – Gold Coast Convention and Exhibition Centre, Gold Coast (with Human Nature)
27 April 2019 – Brisbane Entertainment Centre, Brisbane (with Human Nature)
29 April 2019 – Adelaide Entertainment Centre, Adelaide (with Human Nature)
1 & 2 May 2019 – Margaret Court Arena, Melbourne (with Human Nature)
4 May 2019 – Perth Area, Perth (with Human Nature)
6 May 2019 – AIS Arena, Canberra (with Human Nature)
7 May 2019 – WIN Entertainment Centre, Wollongong (with Human Nature)
9 May 2019 – Newcastle Entertainment Centre, Newcastle (with Human Nature)
10 & 11 May 2019 – ICC Sydney Convention Centre, Sydney (with Human Nature)
2 August 2019 – Ballina RSL, Ballina
3 August 2019 – Saraton Theatre, Grafton
9 August 2019 – Orange Civic Theatre, Orange
10 August 2019 – Dubbo RSL, Dubbo
16 August 2019 – Armidale RSL, Armidale
17 August 2019 – Club Forster, Forster
23 August 2019 – Wagga Civic Theatre, Wagga Wagga
24 August 2019 – Albury Entertainment Centre, Albury
30 August 2019 – Anita’s Theatre, Thirroul
31 August 2019 – Canberra Southern Cross Club, Canberra
6 September 2019 – The Art House, Wyong
7 September 2019 – Port Macquarie Panthers, Port Macquarie
27 September 2019 – The Palms at Crown, Melbourne
28 September 2019 – Wendouree Centre for Performing Arts, Wendouree
4 October 2019 – Lighthouse Theatre, Warrnambool
5 October 2019 – Horsham Town Hall, Horsham
6 October 2019 – Capital Theatre, Bendigo
19 October 2019 – The Tivoli, Brisbane
24 October 2019 – The Metro, Sydney
25 October 2019 – Nelson Bay Diggers, Nelson Bay
26 October 2019 – Belmont 16s, Belmont
14 November 2019 – Albany Entertainment Centre, Albany
15 November 2019 – Mandurah Performing Arts Centre, Mandurah
16 November 2019 – Astor Theatre, Mount Lawley

Image used with permission from Sony Music Australia