Category: Album Reviews

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

“full lover fake friends” – ixaras

Teen prodigy ixaras is quickly proving she’s one of the most exciting forces in the Aussie music scene. Last time I wrote about her I was impressed by the launch of her label Anti Dismal which helps make music more accessible for other young people. Now I’ve got her debut EP full lover fake friend on repeat. This incredible indie-pop release shows ixaras’ musical talent matches her passion.

Through this intimate collection of songs, ixaras shares her experiences navigating life as a young queer artist. That might sound a little niche, but these songs are so powerful that I know they’ll resonate with anyone who’s felt different. We hear her trying to figure things out as she seeks connection, falls in love, and experiences all the challenges that so many struggle with growing up.

ixaras marries her confessional lyrics with catchy pop melodies and post-punk edge. I know these songs will move you, but they also encourage you to pick up your hair brush and use it as a microphone while you jump around. Every track is an earworm.

ixaras is so young, but with the release of full lover fake friend she shows an incredible maturity and talent beyond her years. I am so excited to see where her musical endeavours take her. The release of this EP is a brilliant beginning.

ixaras is in for a busy New Year with performances at NYE on the Hill at The Farm in Gunaikurnai Country/South Gippsland and Great Escape in Lutruwita/Nugent. Tickets for both shows are on sale now.

Images used with permission from Gyro PR

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

“Half a World Away” – Dylan Wright

My review of Dylan Wright’s EP, Half a World Away, has been a long time coming. I intended to write it before I left for New Zealand, but time got away. And then I had my car accident, and I started to wonder whether it was even relevant anymore given that this EP dropped in October. But then I started to think about it, and I didn’t want you guys to miss it, especially considering Dylan has just been named as Tina Arena’s support on her upcoming tour.

This isn’t your typical post-Idol release. It’s better than that. There are no covers. There’s not even his winner’s single. It’s just fantastic, original music that really showcases who Dylan is. His words, his voice.

The opening track “Little Lost” is the perfect introduction to this collection of songs. It’s warm and stripped back, anchored by Dylan’s vocals and acoustic guitar. Its classic sound makes me hungry for road trips. He takes things up a notch with “All I Need, a darker song driven by yearning and heart. There’s a similar vibe to “Back to You.” We didn’t see this brooding side on Idol, but gritty tracks like these provide great contrast to the lighter moments. “Mess of a Man” may be my favourite song on this EP. It’s so raw and honest. At a time when we still expect men to be so strong, it’s refreshing to hear one share their broken parts. Dylan’s love for his family was well-documented through his Idol journey, so it’s only fitting that he shares a little of his joy surrounding that with us too. “Old Oak Tree” is such a beautiful, uplifting song about legacy and tradition, a celebration of the best parts of the human experience. The gospel-tinged title track shows us a different sound, one that hints that Dylan has more to share in the future.

Recording an EP, with six quality tracks, is a smart choice. Dylan could have taken more time and released an album, but dropping Half a World Away instead capitalises on his moment in the sun, ensuring we get to really know him and don’t forget him like so many people who’ve taken the Idol crown in the past. Could he be the one to reverse that Idol trend? It’s too early to say, but I really hope so. As I mentioned, Dylan will tour Australia with Tina Arena next year. Presale tickets are available now for the following shows ahead of tomorrow’s general sale:

27 April 2025 – Riverside Theatre, Boorloo/Perth
29 April 2025 – State Theatre, Eora/Sydney
30 April 2025 – State Theatre, Eora/Sydney
4 May 2025 – Evan Theatre, Mulgoa Country/Penrith
6 May 2025 – Civic Theatre, Mulubinba/Newcastle
8 May 2025 – Palais Theatre, Euro-Yroke/St Kilda
9 May 2025 – Palais Theatre, Euro-Yroke/St Kilda
17 May 2025 – Munro Martin Parklands, Gimuy/Cairns
20 May 2025 – Queensland Performing Arts Centre, Meeanjin/Brisbane
21 May 2025 – Queensland Performing Arts Centre, Meeanjin/Brisbane
23 May 2025 – The Star, Yugambeh Country/Gold Coast
30 May 2025 – Her Majesty’s Theatre, Tarntanya/Adelaide

Images used with permission from Sony Music Australia; main photo credit: Marissa Mills

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

“Swell” – Salt Tree

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

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

“something new” – Belle Haven

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.

Images used with permission from Good Intent

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

“222” – Renee Naccari

Renee Naccari impressed me with her cathartic pop singles “Looking For Myself” and “Perfect Storm.” She continues the trend with her breathtaking debut album 222.

It’s a concept album released at a time when those long-players are becoming increasingly rare, especially in the pop world. Don’t even be tempted to skip to the singles or hit shuffle, because you’ll miss the story that unfolds. The beautiful opening soundscape “Intro – an angel number” leads naturally into the gentle “Starlight.” It’s a beautiful jazz-infused number, romantic and peaceful. The story heats up with the steamy “Sensations.” It sounds so current it could have come from the next Arianna Grande record. It would be easy for Renee to sit in that space. It’s the music people are buying right now, after all, but there’s more of this story to tell.

The album takes a turn with “Exposed.” We’re moving from the heat to vulnerability. It’s where the real stuff is, a place where a relationship can either solidify or crumble. Once those walls come down they can really love you, but they can also hurt you. Renee explores all of that so eloquently on this track. But she’s just getting started.

“Perfect Storm” is a moment of calm as the relationship crumbles. It’s a gentle ballad, but make sure you listen to those lyrics which reveal the surrounding chaos. We sit in those feelings a little longer, as so many people do when they’re in the wrong relationship. “Sometimes I Wish” is dripping with longing, dreams unfulfilled, sadness, and ultimately a goodbye.

The final two tracks see Renee moving forward. It’s a different kind of love story now, one that sees her connecting with herself rather than someone else. The title track is an epic pop anthem, creative and experimental, and above all fierce. “Looking for Myself” is an introspective, super catchy closer. Renee’s not claiming to have all the answers. She’s still a work in progress, she’s still looking, but she’s getting there. And along the way, she might just have a dance.

“‘222’, both the number and the project, mean so much to me,” Renee said. “Rather than ending with a couple, it’s about realising that when I thought I needed a relationship, which turned toxic, I needed to love and find myself first. I had to bring my positive and negative mind together and accept it, like yin and yang coming together to form one. 1 + 1 = 2; it is duality in oneself.”

222 is such a strong debut album from an artist who refuses to play safe. With this release, Renee Naccari shows she’s a force to be reckoned with and a talent with a big future ahead.

Images used with permission from Renee Naccari

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

“Crash Test” – Gia Darcy

Listening to Crash Test, the latest EP from Eora/Sydney singer-songwriter Gia Darcy, I wondered why she’s playing tiny venues while Taylor Swift is selling out arenas. I understand that the Swift juggernaut is bigger than the music, but when I listen to the tunes Gia’s creating I think they’re every bit as good. At the risk of offending the Swifties, they might even be better.

Gia’s got a similar knack for creating vulnerable, relatable pop songs. Like Taylor, her lyrics feel like the most eloquent of diary entries, insightful yet brimming with emotions that sit right on the surface. The bittersweet happiness coupled with the uncertainty that plagues new relationships shines through the incredible opener “Nice Things” and “Make Me Wanna.” She explores heartbreak so powerfully in the title track and the closing number, “In the Next Room.” In amongst the tracks about makeups and breakups, there’s “Next Life.” This is a different kind of love song, one that celebrates platonic love. Listening to this feel-good track made me wonder why more artists don’t write songs about this steady, reliable love. Whatever the case, I’m thrilled Gia has.

Thoughts of Taylor popped into my mind several times while listening to Crash Test. Gia has a similar sweet voice and a comparable knack for lyrics and melody. But while Taylor’s released several albums of varying quality in recent years, Gia understands that sometimes less is more. Unlike those recent Taylor releases, every song on Crash Test is outstanding. Take a listen, then get out to see Gia on her Crash Test tour.

9 October 2024 – House of Strings @ Mumbo Jumbo’s, Darkinjung/Terrigal (FREE)
10 October 2024 – The Hamilton Station, Awabakal/Newcastle (FREE)
11 October 2024 – TBH Friday’s, Towradgi Beach Hotel, Dharawal/Wollongong (FREE)
2 November 2024 – Trocadero Room, Eora/Sydney

Photo credit: renata.jpg

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

“Half Time Oranges” – Alana Wilkinson

2024 has already been a massive year for Alana Wilkinson. She earned standing ovations at Woodford Folk Festival, was named the top act at the Illawarra Folk Festival, took her music to the United States for the Folk Alliance International, and toured the country with Ross Wilson and Scotland’s Ryan Young. And all of this came before she released her debut album. Today we get that recording, Half Time Oranges, a collection of songs that can best be described as the sonic equivalent of a warm hug.

The songs capture beautifully ordinary moments, the kind that add up to create a rich, full life. Many explore motherhood, whether she’s hilariously recounting her brain fog in “With My Boob Out” or encouraging her offspring to aim for the stars in the intimate closer “Dream Big.” “Charlie’s Song” is a gorgeous lullaby for the baby she breastfed between takes. We meet other key characters in her life too, her fabulous friend Jack in “Ultraviolet,” her late grandmother in “Shine Through,” the loves that worked out and the ones that didn’t. She brings them to life through her personal lyrics, which really stand out against her stripped-back melodies.

I love the simplicity of this recording. There are no bells and whistles, no artifice, just lovely little songs that are good for the soul.

Half Time Oranges is out now. Alana will kick off her album tour tomorrow.

13 September 2024 – Kulchajam, Cavanbah/Byron Bay
15 September 2024 – Junk Bar, Meeanjin/Brisbane
19 September 2024 – No.5 Church, Baligin/Bellingen
22 September 2024 – Ecovillage Town Hall, Darkinjung Country/Narara
26 September 2024 – Smith’s Alternative, Ngambri/Canberra
6 October 2024 – The Shed Theatre, Bunurong Country/Main Ridge
26 October 2024 – Sapphire City Festival, Kamilaroi Country/Inverell
1-3 September 2024 – Maldon Folk Festival, Liarga Balug Country/Maldon
17 November 2024 – Hybrid Warehouse, Walyalup/Fremantle

Main photo credit: Jack Fenby, edited by Claudia Sangiorgi Dalimore

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

“Strings Attached” – Greg Gould

Australia met Greg Gould in 2013, when he came second in that year’s season of Australia’s Got Talent. He might not have claimed the title, but his incredible covers of tracks like “Purple Rain” and “Feelin’ Good” stuck in the public consciousness. His debut album 1998, jampacked with covers of the year’s biggest hits, topped the charts. He toured the country with En Vogue’s Maxine Jones on the back of their cover of “Don’t Let Go.” Covers have served Greg well. He has a knack for inhabiting a familiar song and making it his own. But Greg has much more than an amazing multi-octave voice to offer the music scene. With the release of Strings Attached, his first album of original music, he shows us he’s got plenty to say.

Pop is so often accused of being a lightweight musical genre. Musicians who come through the reality system are often dismissed by their industry peers. Greg seems to relish busting those myths and showing exactly what he can do. He doesn’t shy away from weighty material, tackling issues like sexual assault, the fight for equality, and the violent deaths of his friends Jesse Baird and Luke Davies. And that’s just the singles. Some songs can be confronting, but they’re also incredibly moving. Greg’s rich voice and knack for pop melodies draw you in, encouraging you to listen even when it’s uncomfortable.

It’s not all heavy-going though. “Hurricane” is an uplifting dancefloor anthem about trusting the right relationship. The earnest message and sweet piano melody of “You Are Enough” wrap around you like a big, self-affirming hug. “Love It All Out” is a beautiful torch song, a simple romantic ballad elevated by the musical chemistry Greg shares with Asian superstar Phoenix Morissette. She’s one of several big names on the album. There’s Broadway icon Shoshana Bean, Australian Idol Kate DeAraugo in her first pop appearance in nine years, Drag Race royalty Kween Kong, and a massive list of talent working behind the scenes. It’s a testament to Greg’s talent that all these luminaries have clamoured to work with him.

Strings Attached may well be the most powerful pop album I’ve ever heard. Greg takes the opportunity to tackle some big issues here, but he perfectly balances the darker songs with the light usually associated with the genre. With this album, I feel like we’re finally seeing the true depth of his talent, and it’s glorious.

Strings Attached is out now. You can see Greg live at one of the following shows:

13 September 2024 – Adelaide Entertainment Centre, Tarntanya/Adelaide (Synthony Dance Anthems Orchestrated)
20 September 2024 – Margaret Court Arena, Naarm/Melbourne (Synthony Dance Anthems Orchestrated)
27 September 2024 – Flamingo’s Live, Mulbinba/Newcastle (Keep the Faith George Michael & Whitney Houston show)
28 September 2024 – Avoca Beach Theatre, Darkinjung Country/Avoca Beach (Keep the Faith George Michael & Whitney Houston show)
30 September 2024 – Reef Casino, Gimuy/Cairns (Keep the Faith George Michael & Whitney Houston show – FREE)
31 September 2024 – Reef Casino, Gimuy/Cairns (Keep the Faith George Michael & Whitney Houston show – FREE)
8 November 2024 – Athenaeum Theatre, Naarm/Melbourne (Immortality Celine Dion & Bee Gees show)

Images used with permission from Kick Push PR

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

“In the Clear Light of Day” – The Holy Smoke

After eight years together, The Holy Smoke have called it a day. But not before releasing one more EP, In the Clear Light of Day. This five-track collection is a celebration of everything that makes this trio so special.

Something so magical happens when Karlee Rae, Delilah Rose, and Rose Parker sing together. Their harmonies are incredible and effortless. But you don’t just hear beauty as their voices come together. You hear their connection, which seems amplified by the recording process. It was mostly recorded live, sometimes through a shared mic, so it captures their spontaneous joy and unmistakeable bond so beautifully. I can almost hear them smiling as I listen to these songs.

These songs are the perfect selections. The Holy Smoke says they deal with “secret women’s business,” those concepts so many women struggle with but perhaps don’t talk about enough. I was so struck by the opening number “Little Light,” a song about stepping into your powers that so beautifully incorporates the timeless standard “This Little Light of Mine.” With just this one track, I was hooked. “Deeper Water” sees the trio resolving to keep moving forward, taking life’s challenges head-on and refusing to dwell on the mistakes of the past.

While the first two tracks celebrate internal strength, the EP’s heart comes from “My Mama.” We hear where the strength came from as we learn about the lessons passed down from generations. Its stunning acapella arrangement highlights the lyrics and The Holy Smoke’s incredible harmonies.

“Self Talk” is a courageous song about battling imposter syndrome. Hearing the trio tackle this song is inspiring. Imposter’s syndrome is a battle many face alone, but as the three voices come together it creates a shared understanding and resolve which is so powerful. This EP ends with the gentle piano ballad “Shine On,” which introduces us to a diverse cast of female-identifying characters telling their truths and forging their own paths. Exploring this central theme for The Holy Smoke through these characters is a beautiful way to end both this EP and the trio’s story.

In the Clear Light of Day is out now.

Photo credit: Bridget Julie-Anne

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