Category: Album Reviews

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

“Old Growth” – Tom Harrison

Tom Harrison takes us on a road trip through North America with his gorgeous debut EP, Old Growth. Tom burst onto the scene in 2018 with his band Hugo Stranger and the Rattlers, but he’s showing us a quieter, more introverted side with this release.

Old Growth sees Tom trading in his usual gritty blues for a sweeter, folkier sound. He penned the songs in 2017, when he travelled across Canada and America’s West Coast with his wife in a Chevy van. Each song brings a moment of that epic journey to life for listeners.

“I got the title Old Growth from the forests we were visiting in Oregon and on Vancouver Island,” Tom explained. “It felt like a summary for where I mentally was at. I was accepting a new chapter of my lifeand learning so much about myself and growing as an adult.”

If you’re a long-term reader you’re already familiar with the singles, “Start Again” and “How Long.” The other tracks help us fill in the missing pieces of their adventures. The opening song “Miles Away” may be my favourite. Its jaunty little melody and cruisy vibe perfectly set the scene for a trip with endless possibilities. It’s not all about chilling out though. “Skraeling” sees Tom at his most political, firing up at the “little men” like Donald Trump and Scott Morrison he saw failing their people from their positions of power. “Buffalo” is a haunting song inspired by the old missing people posters he saw at a New York bus terminal. Closing song “Ontario” has a cool Western feel that I’m really digging. Its bluesy sound is closest to the Hugo Stranger material that put Tom on my radar. Tom said “I think it nicely closes this chapter and gives a wink towards the next direction of my music.”

I’m not sure where his next musical moves will take him, but I’m excited to keep listening. Old Growth is out now. You can catch Tom playing at one of the following shows:

5 July 2024 – Banshees Bar & Art Space, Meeanjin/Brisbane
16 August 2024 – It’s Still a Secret, Meeanjin/Brisbane

Images used with permission from Tom Harrison

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

“Naked & Famous” – Reckless Coast

If Reckless Coast felt any nerves recording their debut EP, they don’t show. Naked & Famous is a confident rock release that declares this band from Meeanjin/Brisbane have arrived.

Many acts ease listeners into their EPs by putting familiar songs up first, but not Reckless Coast. The opening track “Runnin’” is brand new, and utterly irresistible. From the vocal intro, I was in. Inspired by a Matthew McConaughey speech, it’s got a Foo Fighters energy that makes it feel accessible from the first listen.

The track provides a natural segue to “Bad Habits,” the first single I heard from this EP. It’s a natural fit for this release, bold and dripping in swagger. “Dying Town” shows Reckless Coast at their most angsty and most poetic. “Burn Street” is another familiar single that still sounds so fresh. I’d forgotten how much I loved this nostalgic tribute to sharehouse living. “Burn Street” is an affectionate number, but a rock act can’t stay in that space for too long. So it’s only fitting that they put the finger up with this EP’s final track, “People Piss Me Off.” As we all slog through the working week, I’ll bet I’m not the only one this track resonates with!

“Naked & Famous is the perfect representation of what we are as a band,” Reckless Coast said in a statement. “It’s an authentic and unapologetic take on rock that unites both retro and indie-rock lovers. Each track has a personality of its own to create a diverse, yet sonically cohesive work. For so long now the rock genre has been diluted with worn-out clichéd approaches both sonically and visually. Naked & Famous proves that it can be done differently.”

After recently wrapping up an East Coast tour, Reckless Coast will continue celebrating the release of Naked & Famous with a show at Hunting Ground Studios in Jagera Country/Moorooka, where they recorded this EP, this Friday, June 7. Pay what you can afford tickets are on sale now from Eventbrite.

Images used with permission from Reckless Coast

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

“Tour of Duty Live at National Stadium” – Various Artists

In 1999, a who’s who of the Australian entertainment industry descended on Dili to entertain our troops. Australian Road Crew Association has now released a recording of their star-studded concert. Tour of Duty Live at National Stadium’s release marks the first time that people could enjoy this concert since it originally aired on Channel Seven and Nine.

This album captures a moment in time. It feels like forever since Roy & HG hosted a gig, and gee it’s good to hear them taking the reins here. We get to hear Doc Neeson at the height of his powers delivering hits like “Shadow Boxer” and “No Secrets,” and John Farnham belting out so many of his classics like “Playing to Win” and “That’s Freedom.” He even “reluctantly” agrees to a rousing rendition of “Sadie (The Cleaning Lady)”! We’ve lost Doc, and likely we’ll never hear John Farnham sound like this again, so it’s a real thrill listening to them separately and duetting on timeless tracks like a medley of The Easybeats’ “She’s So Fine” and “Sorry.” Relative up-and-comers at the time like Gina Jeffreys and The Living End also make incredible appearances, along with our pop princess Kylie. You couldn’t wipe the smile from my face as I listened to big singalong numbers featuring the entire cast like “You’re The Voice” and the poignant closer, “I Still Call Australia Home.”

Admittedly some bits haven’t aged well, from the RMC Band’s cover of “Mambo No. 5” to John Farnham introducing Rachel Starkey of the RMC Band as a “pretty young lady.” But again, I remind you, this album captures a moment in time. And what a moment it was.

If there wasn’t enough incentive to get your ears around this release, all money raised with benefit Support Act’s Roadies Fund, which provides financial, health, counselling, and wellbeing services to local roadies and crews in crisis. Tour of Duty Live at National Stadium is out now and available on streaming services and as a digital download.

Images used with permission from On the Map PR

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

“Daylight” – In Good Hands

GuriNgai and Darug Country/North-West Sydney-based indie-rock outfit In Good Hands have just dropped their debut EP, Daylight. The title reflects the feel-good tunes the band showcases on this six-track release.

You might not expect a band like In Good Hands to release such upbeat music. They hit the scene in 2020, a less-than-ideal time for any musicians, especially those trying to establish their reputation. They felt the impact of the COVID lockdowns as their debut shows were cancelled and their creative process was pushed online. However, you know what they say about the things that don’t kill you making you stronger.

Rather than letting the setbacks defeat them, In Good Hands used the time to hone their craft. Their efforts developing their sound and songwriting skills haven’t gone unnoticed. Tracks like “Lately” and “How ‘Bout Time?” lyrically encapsulate the frustrations of feeling like you’re wasting your youth while the world presses pause. It’s heavy subject matter, but it’s lifted by the connection you hear between these musicians who clearly relish coming together. The optimism they feel as they forge forward is evident in “Fly Away.” As the opening track, it sends a strong message that no matter what the band or their listeners have been through, everything’s going to be okay.

With the release of Daylight, In Good Hands showcase their resilience, tenacity, and above all, talent. The future looks bright for this local band. They’ll officially launch the EP for hometown fans at Oxford Art Factory in Eora/Darlinghurst on May 31.

Images used with permission from In Good Hands

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

“Ramona” – Grace Cummings

Grace Cummings is an artist like no other. No one sounds like her, no one is making music like her; she’s simply in her own lane. Listening to her third album Ramona gives you a deep appreciation for that.

Grace’s voice is the first thing you notice. It’s richly textured, wise beyond her years, deep and full, passionate, uniquely beautiful. Her hushed tones remind me of Dusty Springfield, but then there’s the raw, earthy side that’s a little like Janis Joplin. Honestly, it’d be enough to keep me interested. But then there are the songs. Each one incredible, with a classic sound you can’t quite put your finger on. There are elements of soul, gospel, blues, but you can’t put them neatly into any box. They simmer with emotions that threaten to bubble over, casting a spell each and every time.

One of the things I love most about Ramona is its vintage sound. It’s pure, free from the interference of modern technology. I can imagine Grace and her bandmates playing these songs at producer Jonathan Wilson’s Topanga Canyon studio just as you hear them, in one take. The beautiful thing about music like this is that it’s likely to be just as good, if not better, when you witness it live. Thankfully for us, she’s got plenty of shows scheduled all around the world at beautiful intimate venues. Tickets are on sale now and aren’t likely to last long:

5 May 2024 – Cat’s Cradle, Carrboro
7 May 2024 – DC9, Washington City
8 May 2024 – Arden Gild Hall, Wilmington
9 May 2024 – Public Records, Brooklyn
12 May 2024 – The Blue Basement, London
15 May 2024 – Forest National, Bruxelles (with King Gizzard and the Lizard Wizzard)
16 May 2024 – Stadthalle, Offenbach (with King Gizzard and the Lizard Wizzard)
18 May 2024 – Forum Karlin, Karlin (with King Gizzard and the Lizard Wizzard)
19 May 2024 – Arena Wien, Vienna (with King Gizzard and the Lizard Wizzard)
21 May 2024 – Kantine am Berghain, Berlin
23 May 2024 – AFAS Live, Amsterdam (with King Gizzard and the Lizard Wizzard)
24 May 2024 – The Lexington, London
25 May 2024 – Wide Awake Festival, London
26 May 2024 – Liverpool Olympia, Liverpool (with King Gizzard and the Lizard Wizzard)
27 May 2024 – Usher Hall, Edinburgh (with King Gizzard and the Lizard Wizzard – SOLD OUT)
29 May 2024 – Civic Halls, Wolverhampton (with King Gizzard and the Lizard Wizzard)
30 May 2024 – Bristol Beacon, Bristol (with King Gizzard and the Lizard Wizzard)
31 May-2 June 2024 – Maifeld Derby, Manheim
3 June 2024 – Import Export, Munich
4 June 2024 – Unaltro Festival @ Circolo Magnolia, Milan (with King Gizzard and the Lizard Wizzard)
7 June 2024 – La Boule Noire, Paris
8 June 2024 – Best Kept Secret, Hilvarenbeek
12 June 2024 – Bergenfest, Bergen
12 July 2024 – The Espy, Euro Yuroke/St Kilda
13 July 2024 – Meeniyan Town Hall, Boonwurrung Country/Meeniyan
14 July 2024 – Brunswick Ballroom, Naarm/Melbourne
20 July 2024 – Altar, Nipaluna/Hobart
25 July 2024 – Crown and Anchor, Tarntanya/Adelaide
26 July 2024 – Mojos, Walyalup/Fremantle
27 July 2024 – Rosemount, Boorloo/Perth
2 August 2024 – The Zoo, Meeanjin/Brisbane
3 August 2024 – The Great Club, Eora/Sydney

Images used with permission from Riot House Publicity

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

“Caught in a Reverie” – The Dreggs

I’ve been championing The Dreggs since they released their debut EP, Seas Embrace, back in 2018. They’ve never put a foot wrong, but like a fine wine, they’ve gotten better over time. Now with the release of their long-awaited debut album Caught in a Reverie, I think this Kabi Kabi Country/Sunshine Coast duo is truly stepping into their powers.

The album opens with “Peeps With the Goods,” a recent single that wowed me so much that I wondered whether the band might have set the bar too high. It’s brilliant, but so is every song that follows it. Every single song. Paddy Mccrae and Zane Harris know how to craft a song. Their voices seem to complement one another effortlessly. They’ve got a strong instinct for indie folk. It runs through every track, through every note of the duo’s acoustic guitars. While this is clearly the place they feel most comfortable, the soulful notes of “Peeps With the Goods” and rock vibes of “She Picks Flowers” show they’ve got more to explore.

While I think The Dreggs have matured as a twosome, they haven’t ventured too far from what first captured my attention. When I wrote about Seas Embrace, I noted the way the music helped me through a loss, and how I was sure it would make others feel better. This album is a little darker, with songs exploring grief in a very real and unfiltered way, however ultimately the duo still arrives at a positive place. The Dreggs might be older, wiser, but they don’t sound jaded yet. Their music still feels hopeful, it still has the power to bring a smile to your face and nurse you through whatever you’re facing. It just has a little more substance behind it these days.

Caught in a Reverie is out now. The album launch parties are already sold out, but if you missed out, don’t worry. After playing shows in Europe, The Dreggs will do another lap of the country in June before heading to New Zealand. Just like those launch parties, tickets probably won’t last, so make sure you get them while you can.

26 April 2024 – Miami Marketta, Yugambeh Country/Gold Coast (SOLD OUT)
27 April 2024 – Kings Beach Tavern, Sunshine Coast (SOLD OUT)
28 April 2024 – The Triffid, Meeanjin/Brisbane (SOLD OUT)
1 May 2024 – Torquay Hotel, Wadawarrung Country/Torquay (SOLD OUT)
2 May 2024 – Northcote SC, Naarm/Melbourne (SOLD OUT)
10 May 2024 – Oran Mor, Glasgow
11 May 2024 – Eiger Music Studios, Leeds (SOLD OUT)
12 May 2024 – Whelan’s, Dublin
15 May 2024 – Hare & Hounds, Birmingham (SOLD OUT)
16 May 2024 – Lafayette London, London (SOLD OUT)
17 May 2024 – Tunes in the Dunes 2024 @ Perranporth Beach, Perranporth
21 May 2024 – Kavka, Antwerp
22 May 2024 – Melkweg, Amsterdam
24 May 2024 – Artheater, Cologne
25 May 2024 – Bahnhof Pauli, Hamburg
27 May 2024 – Privatclub, Berlin
29 May 2024 – Café V lese, Praha
30 May 2024 – Fluc und Fluc Wanne, Vienna
1 June 2024 – Strom, Munich
2 June 2024 – Papiersaal, Zurich
3 June 2024 – Muhle Hunziken, Rubigen
14 June 2024 – Hindley Street Music Hall, Tarntanya/Adelaide
15 June 2024 – Metro City, Boorloo/Perth
21 June 2024 – The Fortitude Music Hall, Meeanjin/Brisbane
28 June 2024 – Enmore Theatre, Eora/Sydney
29 June 2024 – Forum, Naarm/Melbourne
26 July 2024 – The Church Pub, Christchurch
27 July 2024 – U Bar, Dunedin
28 July 2024 – Yonder, Queenstown
1 August 2024 – San Fran, Wellington
2 August 2024 – The Tuning Fork, Auckland

Main photo credit: Jordy Wydra

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

“Say What You Mean” – Hana & Jessie-Lee’s Bad Habits

Hana & Jessie-Lee’s Bad Habits impressed me with their single “Paper Boats” last month, raising my expectations for their sophomore album sky-high. There are so many bands that drop incredible tracks, but their albums just don’t meet your expectations. With Say What You Mean, Hana & Jessie-Lee’s Bad Habits prove they’re one of the most exciting bands around.

Say What You Mean is one of those albums that grabs you from the first note. The music feels classic, and those textured vocals with just a hint of yodel are so compelling. I can imagine listening to “Misery Queen” at a smoky bar somewhere, whiskey in hand. It’s so much fun, but there’s a darkly humourous underbelly that runs through so much of Hana & Jessie-Lee’s Bad Habits’ music. Their tongue-in-cheek lyrics bring to life the flush of infatuation in “Arrowhead”, the agony of terrible dates in “The Tallest of Tales,” and the difficulty of dealing with problematic people in “Bullseye”. It’s left of centre, and one of the big reasons that the music Hana & Jessie-Lee’s Bad Habits creates it’s so appealing. This twosome knows how to create those sassy singalong songs so well, but everyone now and then they switch gears. Quieter moments like “Insomniacrobat” and “Tether” show a fragility that’s so compelling. These women might be bad-arse, but they’re not afraid to lay their hearts bare.

Hana & Jessie-Lee’s Bad Habits sit in a rare space on the Australian music landscape. There aren’t too many acts making this kind of music. There are even fewer female duos delivering it here in this country. It’s alt-country, with rock and roll swagger, a dash of honky-tonk, and the heart of the blues. It’s authentic, without pretension, as good country should be. It’s organic. You get the sense that you could see them live and their harmonies would be just as flawless, the musicians would be just as tight.

Say What You Mean is available now digitally, and there’s a vinyl and CD to come. Hana & Jessie-Lee’s Bad Habits will give us a chance to see just how good they are live when they play shows across four states this May and June.

27 April 2024 – Castlemaine Pride Festival @ Mechanics Lane, Dja Dja Wurrung Country/Castlemaine (FREE)
3 May 2024 – The Eastern, Ballaarat/Ballarat
4 May 2024 – Trashcult Records, Dja Dja Wurrung and Taungurung Country/Bendigo
9 May 2024 – The Royal Oak Hotel, Kanamuluka/Launceston (FREE – duo show)
11 May 2024 – MONA, Nipaluna/Hobart (FREE – duo show)
17 May 2024 – The Grace Emily, Tarntanya/Adelaide
18 May 2024 – The Stone Pony, Wirruwarrungga/Willunga
24 May 2024 – Tanswells, Baarmutha/Beechworth (FREE)
25 May 2024 – The Old Bar, Naarm/Melbourne
30-31 May 2024 – Cronulla Jazz & Blues Festival, Gweagal Country/Cronulla
1 June 2024 – The Golden Barley, Eora/Sydney (FREE)
2 June 2024 – The Junkyard, Wonnarua Country/Maitland (FREE)
15 June 2024 – Memo Music Hall, Euroe Yroke/St Kilda
22 June 2024 – Odessa Leavers Hotel, Dja Dja Warrung Country/Creswick (duo show)

Image used with permission from Jo Corbett Publicity

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

“Everything is Bigger Than Me” – Pierce Brothers

The Pierce Brothers have been one of Australia’s finest indie-folk acts for more than a decade. With the release of their third album Everything is Bigger Than Me, brothers Jack and Patrick Pierce are showing they can do more than simply write and perform incredible songs. They’ve co-produced this album alongside longtime collaborator Phil Threlfall and recorded it at Jack’s home studio. The resulting collection of songs may just be their best yet.

Of course, this album was always going to be wonderful. I’d already been wowed by the singles “Studio”, “Bottle”, “Wilder”, and “In the Water.” But they’re far from the only exemplary tracks on this album. I have relished getting to fall in love with each and every song showcased here. They’re built on a solid foundation of beautiful lyrics, irresistible melodies, and sublime harmonies, just as the Pierce Brothers’ music always has been. But the lads have added new, exciting layers this time around. The arrangements are so lush and textured, and the lyrics seem more revealing. The emotion in the vocals of “Blood” is palpable. And you won’t hear a more heartfelt love song than “White Dress.” This music is so intimate, encouraging you to step inside the Pierce Brothers’ world and stay a while. These gentle moments provide a counterpoint to those raucous singalong songs like “Bottle” and “Everything is Bigger Than Me” that this twosome does so well.

Everything is Bigger Than Me is a special album from one of Australia’s best acts. It encourages repeat listens, and there’s no better time to start than now. The Pierce Brothers are currently making their way around the country. Make sure you see them anywhere you can.

20 April 2024 – Queensland Music Trails, Bidjara Country/Charleville
2 May 2024 – The Lansdowne Hotel, Eora/Sydney
3 May 2024 – King Street Warehouse, Mulubinba/Newcastle
9 May 2024 – Sooki Lounge, Wurundjeri Country/Belgrave
10 May 2024 – Pelly Bar, Boonwurrung Country/Frankston
11 May 2024 – Torquay Hotel, Wadawurrung Country/Torquay
23 May 2024 – Mojo’s Bar, Walyalup/Fremantle
24 May 2024 – Froth Craft Bunbrewery, Goomburrup/Bunbury
25 May 2024 – The River, Wooditup/Margaret River
6 June 2024 – Seabreeze Hotel, Yuwibara Country/Mackay
7 June 2024 – Magnums, Ngaro Country/Airlie Beach
8 June 2024 – Edge Hill Tavern, Gimuy/Cairns
22 June 2024 – Northcote Theatre, Naarm/Melbourne
27 June 2024 – Miami Marketta, Yugambeh Country/Gold Coast
28 June 2024 – Solbar, Kabi Kabi Country/Sunshine Coast
29 June 2024 – The Zoo, Meeanjin/Brisbane
4 July 2024 – Big Red Bash, Munga-Thirri/Simpson
15 August 2024 – Mundi Mundi Bash, Wilyakali Country/Broken Hill
25 August 2024 – Gympie Music Muster, Kabi Kabi Country/Amamoor Creek

Main photo credit: Dara Munnis

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

“Please Leave Quietly” – Leo

Naarm/Melbourne-based singer-songwriter Leo has impressed me with their debut EP Please Leave Quietly. The five-track EP delivers the perfect combination of infectious melodies and lyrics that speak from the heart.

“It is incredibly introspective and focuses on the feelings associated with loss, abandonment, and isolation” Leo explained. “The title was chosen to serve this introspective motion with the idea of ‘I know you’re going to leave and that’s okay – I would too. But when you do, the only thing I ask is that you do it quietly.’”

Leo is exactly the kind of songwriter that I love. Their lyrics are brutally honest. They’re unafraid to lay bare their own emotions and stories of pivotal moments with other people. These lyrics don’t shy away from the hard stuff, and Leo acknowledges that when you’re young and just trying to figure stuff out, so much of it is hard stuff. There’s pain and pathos in these lyrics, but the melancholy moments are typically balanced out with Leo’s wry sense of humour. A defense mechanism, maybe. But it gives these songs such a distinctly Australian flavour. They’re so relatable that they’re instantly endearing.

These songs are also total earworms. I’ve been lucky enough to listen for a few days, and I catch myself humming the tunes at random moments. They’re so catchy, in the best possible way. It feels unfair to single out these songs because they’re all incredibly strong, so I’m just going to let you listen and decide which one’s your favourite.

Please Leave Quietly is out now. Leo and their live band will launch the EP for hometown fans at The Old Bar on April 19.

Main photo credit: Claire Giuffre

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

“SH!T YEAH” – Between You & Me

Between You & Me are ushering in a new chapter with the release of their first independent body of work, SH!T YEAH. Made of six absolute pop-punk bangers, this release shows these guys are more than capable of forging their own path in the music scene.

They make a strong statement opening with “Kill My Vibe”, a collaboration with their former touring partners Knuckle Puck. Between You & Me go toe to toe with the U.S. heavyweights, proving they’re just as big a force to be reckoned with. It’s such a fun, feel-good song which gets backed up with the single “In The Middle”. “Nevermind” celebrates the simple things in life. It’s an anti-rock star anthem if you will about being content with your material lot even as you strive for musical success. “Every Morning” (no, not the Sugar Ray song) sees Between You & Me at their sexiest. If the lyrics didn’t already get me excited enough, the electric guitar solo takes this track over the edge. “YEAH!” takes a little dig at Insta culture while reminding us what really matters. “Sad Songs” rounds out this EP which is the definition of all killer, no filler. With big chords and a singalong chorus, it leaves the listener on such a high.

With most tracks clocking in at around the three-minute mark or less, SH!T YEAH is short and oh so sweet. As if there was any doubt, it establishes this band as one of the best modern pop-punk outfits, not just in Australia but on the world stage. They’ve got the goods. Listen, enjoy it, and make sure you snag a ticket to one of their upcoming shows.

5 April 2024 – The Rebel Lounge, Phoenix
6 April 2024 – Chain Reaction, Anaheim
17 May 2024 – 170 Russell, Naarm/Melbourne
18 May 2024 – Lion Arts Factory, Tarntanya/Adelaide
19 May 2024 – The Rosemount, Boorloo/Perth
24 May 2024 – Factory Theatre, Eora/Sydney
25 May 2024 – The Zoo, Meeanjin/Brisbane

Main photo credit: Max Pasalic