Category: Album Reviews

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

“Makin’ Me Wild” – The Bad Dad Orchestra

I’m pretty late to The Bad Dad Orchestra party. They’ve been dropping EPs since 2016, but they’d slipped underneath my radar until late last year when they released the fabulous single “Birds of Prey.” “Makin’ Me Wild” came next, and my enthusiasm for the band was in full force. With expectations sky high, I pressed play on their long-awaited debut album, also called Makin’ Me Wild. So often when a band’s set the bar so high with stellar singles, an album falls a little short. Not here. It’s every bit as good as I hoped for.

I shouldn’t have worried though. These guys have been honing their craft for years. They know each other and what they can do together, and they do it so well. Every song sounds like a classic from the first listen. Soul oozes out of every note. Frontman Jimi Steele has one of the best voices I’ve ever heard. Period. The horns section is so tight and punchy. They make me wonder why more bands don’t use one. Every member of the orchestra plays a vital part though. Together they are magic.

A lot of this EP is party music. I found myself grooving in my chair to new favourites like “Soul Survivor” and “Trauma”. Just see if you can resist clapping along to “Callin’ Me Now”. Bad Dad Orchestra excels at this kind of music, but they’re equally capable of slowing things down and delivering heartfelt ballads like the gospel-inspired “Rockin’ My Heart” and the moving closer “Sapphire Sky.” Honestly, it’s all so brilliant.

If there was any doubt, Makin’ Me Wild cements The Bad Dad Orchestra’s reputation as one of the best bands in Australia. This album is brilliant, but something tells me these guys take the energy up a notch when they’re in front of a crowd. Find out for yourself when Bad Dad Orchestra visits your hometown on their album launch tour.

22 March 2024 – Valentino Safe Co, Woiwurrung Country/Lilydale (SOLD OUT)
5 April 2024 – Stay Gold, Naarm/Melbourne
6 April 2024 – Little Lucy’s, Koorakoorakup/Sunbury
19 April 2024 – Stag & Hunter, Mulubinba/Newcastle
20 April 2024 – The Vanguard, Eora/Sydney
3 May 2024 – Republic Bar, Nipaluna/Hobart
4 May 2024 – Paragon Theatre, Timkarik/Queenstown
10 May 2024 – The Royal Oak Hotel, Kanamaluka Country/Launceston
16-19 May 2024 – Blues on Broadbeach, Yugambeh Country/Broadbeach (FREE)
17 May 2024 – The Zoo, Meeanjin/Brisbane (supporting Cheap Fakes)
1 June 2024 – The Pier/Island State Brewing, Mumirimina Country/Ulverstone
24 and 25 August 2024 – Gympie Muster, Kabi Kabi Country/Gympie

Images used with permission from Footstomp Music

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

“from my bedroom floor” – Kate Gill

The very best music makes you feel something. As the artist shares their stories and bears their soul, it triggers your memories and brings your emotions to the surface. Mine are sitting raw now as I spend time with Kate Gill’s EP from my bedroom floor.

The five songs on this EP feel like diary pages sharing secrets with the listener. They’re confessional, vulnerable, powerful. The title track opens the EP, drawing us in with its simple melody and Kate’s incredible lyrics about figuring her life out as she transitions to adulthood. It’s bittersweet, beautiful, and so relatable. From this introspective number, Kate takes us on a journey through key relationships. They’re messy, as relationships can often be in our early years. “toothbrush” introduces us to the one she can’t get over, “september” tells us about the one marred by infidelity. “friends” reminds us that platonic relationships can be every bit as complicated. The final song, fittingly called “the end,” actually gives us hope of a new beginning. A relationship that might be good, if only Kate can get out of her own head and stop comparing herself to the new partner’s ex. Full of self-doubt and self-loathing, it draws this EP to a powerful close.

With her debut EP from my bedroom floor, Kate Gill shows she’s more than ready to make the leap from TikTok phenom to mainstream success. These songs are some of the best I’ve heard. They encourage you to sit on that bedroom floor with Kate, empathise with her stories, and recognise parts of yourself in them. It’s only March, but I expect this will be one of my favourite releases of the year.

Main photo credit: Gabi Rankine

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

“Nothing to Lose” – Hollow Coves

The mercury might be falling, but Hollow Coves are keeping the summer vibes flowing with their cool new album Nothing to Lose. Full of chilled out tunes that will have you thinking of the sun, surf, and sand, this album sounds good at any time of year.

The first thing that struck me about this album is how accessible it is. These acoustic-driven folk-pop songs feel familiar, a little nostalgic, from the very first listen. It’s a gift to create music that feels so comforting, while remaining fresh. Most of these songs aren’t singles, but they still manage to evoke memories and feelings of peace from the get-go.

The first couple of listens I just let myself get swept away by the sound. However, the more I listened (and trust me, I’ve listened a lot) the more I heard the wisdom of these songs. Tracks like “Nothing to Lose” and “Harder to Fake It” remind us of the importance of making the most of moments and living our most authentic self. The single “Photographs” celebrates physical photos and the simplicity of a time before mobile phones were so ubiquitous. “Let’s Go” and “Purple” are beautiful love songs, but they also emphasise the healing power of travel and escape from the daily grind. “On the Way” reminds us that we don’t need to have it all figured out, that we can continue to grow and find our feet as we journey forward. You can’t make an album like this as a band starting out. It takes some seasoning to gain such maturity in music and message.

Nothing to Lose sounds good from the first listen, but sit with it a while and I know you’ll discover its deeper beauty. Hollow Coves are celebrating its release with shows all over the country. Check them out anywhere you can.

26 March 2024 – Gloria-Theatre, Cologne
28 March 2024 – Muziekgieterij, Maastricht
29 March 2024 – TivoliVredenburg – Ronda, Utrecht (SOLD OUT)
30 March 2024 – Zeche Carl, Essen (SOLD OUT)
31 March 2024 – Uebel & Gefährlich, Hamburg
2 April 2024 – Columbia Theater, Berlin
3 April 2024 – MeatFactory, Prague
4 April 2024 – Simm City, Vienna
5 April 2024 – Technikum, Munich
7 April 2024 – Magazzini Generali, Milan
8 April 2024 – Komplex 457, Zurich
9 April 2024 – Les Docks, Lausanne
11 April 2024 – Halle02, Heidelberg
12 April 2024 – Opderschmelz, Dudelange
13 April 2024 – Le Trabendo, Paris (SOLD OUT)
14 April 2024 – AB Ballroom, Brussels
16 April 2024 – O2 Forum Kentish Town, London
17 April 2024 – Brudenell Social Club, Leeds (SOLD OUT)
18 April 2024 – Academy 2, Manchester
5 June 2024 – Union Stage, Washington DC
6 June 2024 – The Foundry, Philadelphia
8 June 2024 – Warsaw, New York City
10 June 2024 – Paradise Rock Club, Boston
11 June 2024 – MTELUS, Montreal
12 June 2024 – Danforth Music Hall, Toronto
14 June 2024 – Lincoln Hall, Chicago
15 June 2024 – Fine Line, Minneapolis
17 June 2024 – Gothic Theatre, Denver
19 June 2024 – The Grand at the Complex, Salt Lake City
22 June 2024 – El Rey Theatre, Los Angeles
23 June 2024 – Venture Music Hall, Ventura
24 June 2024 – Bimbo’s 365 Club, San Francisco
26 June 2024 – Aladdin Theater, Portland
27 June 2024 – The Crocodile, Seattle
29 June 2024 – Vogue Theatre, Vancouver
30 June 2024 – Capital Ballroom, Victoria
24 October 2024 – The Church, Christchurch
25 October 2024 – Tuning Fork, Auckland San Fran, Wellington
26 October 2024 – San Fran, Wellington
2 November 2024 – The Tivoli, Meeanjin/Brisbane
8 November 2024 – Republic Bar, Nipaluna/Hobart
9 November 2024 – Lion Arts Factory, Tarntanya/Adelaide
15 November 2024 – Enmore Theatre, Eora/Sydney
16 November 2024 – Forum, Naarm/Melbourne
22 November 2024 – Freo.Social, Boorloo/Perth
23 November 2024 – The River, Wooditup/Margaret River

Main photo credit: Catherine Bernier

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

“The Folk Singer” – Kerryn Fields

Kiwi-born, Naarm/Melbourne based singer-songwriter Kerryn Fields has thoroughly captivated me with her new live EP The Folk Singer. This collection of songs is a powerful reminder of the value of simplicity.

In a world where music is often over-produced and over-manufactured, this EP really stands out. Kerryn presents these songs as purely as possible, typically just with her voice and an acoustic guitar. We hear a little harmonica now and again, but that’s it. No backing vocals, no ensemble of musicians, and definitely no studio wizardry. It’s so interesting that this approach is radical today, but I was so struck by the sound of the stillness in these recordings. When you strip away everything but what’s important, those crucial elements are left to shine. And shine they do. These songs are some of the most well-crafted I’ve heard in some time.

As the EP’s title suggests, this collection of songs focuses on the artist. I felt like I really got to know Kerryn through these songs. The EP starts with the title track, which establishes not just the EP’s genre but who Kerryn is as a performer. The tracks to come peel back the layers. The current single “Fork in the Road” is a heartbreaking response to a stranger questioning why she doesn’t have children. “Human Touch,” which explores the longing for human connection, also hits hard. After such deep material, Kerryn brings us back up with a more playful ditty, “I Know Nothing.” “Canadian Folk Song” has a similar upbeat feel, but its lyrics which capture a relationship lost resonate deeply. “Trains & Whistles” provides another perfect snapshot of a moment of connection. “Should I See You Again” brings the EP to a poignant close. It’s a song of love and longing, but also one of strength, of refusing to bend or break to fit into someone else’s mould.

I’ve listened to The Folk Singer several times over the last few days and every time I fall a little more in love with it. It’s an exceptional collection of songs that are honest, personal, and poetic. It’s available exclusively for fans on Kerryn’s Bandcamp page.

Image used with permission from Kerryn Fields

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

“Moments Between Dreams” – Ella Haber

Eora/Sydney-based singer-songwriter Ella Haber has wowed me with her new EP, Moments Between Dreams. It’s an exquisite collection of songs so that are both expertly crafted, yet so heartfelt.

It’s one of those EPs that transfixed me from the first atmospheric notes. The opening track “Hynogagic Bloom,” is so unique and dreamy, I felt like it cocooned me in a beautiful bubble. Its lyrics and gentle melody just wrapped me up and held me. I was in. It’s special, but so is every song on this EP. They explore relationships, from the paternal in “My Father” to the romantic “My Lover” and “Good For Me.” Ella’s voice is so striking and it can seemingly do anything. It’s got a great storyteller quality which is perfect for these revealing songs conceived in bedrooms on her piano. They’re often quiet, drawing you in and capturing you with their intimacy.

On writing this material in the summer of 2021-2022, Ella said “I needed to release myself from my own numbness, isolation, inactivity and loneliness induced by successive lockdowns, a long-term relationship coming to a close and a disconnection from my own body and heart. As soon as lockdown ended, I found new love, threw myself into activism and connected deeply with new friends for the first time in years. I felt a profound hope for the future, and I felt a restlessness to dive into the next chapter of my life with all senses open and alive with feeling.”

Moments Between Dreams is the sort of EP that deserves to be savoured. So make yourself a cup of tea. Grab a blanket. Turn it on. Take time to listen to every lyric, to catch every note. You can thank me later. You’ll find it on all the streaming services and you can buy a limited edition vinyl copy here. Ella will celebrate its release with a sold-out show supporting CYMANDE at Liberty Hall in Eora/Sydney on March 4.

Main photo credit: Thea Elder

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

“Veruca Moon” EP – Veruca Moon

Boorloo/Perth-based group Veruca Moon have been building a strong following through performances at Western Australian events like Nannup Music Fest, WAMFest, and RTR’s Winter Music Fest. Now with the release of their self-titled debut EP, it’s time for the rest of the country to hear what they can do.

A great debut EP should serve as the perfect introduction. This EP does that beautifully. From the atmospheric soundscape that ushers in the opening song “War,” we know instantly that Veruca Moon are doing things their way. This track is so cool and brooding, with spine-tingling harmonies and a driving, almost primal rhythm. Talk about making a strong first impression.

“Let Me Go” is a bit of a left turn, a rock ballad with an easy groove and insightful lyrics about the wrong relationship. “About You,” has such a playful feel that you might mistake it for a love song if you weren’t paying attention to the lyrics. Don’t miss them, because they’re superb. Veruca Moon leave us waiting until “Winter Solstice” to deliver a song about a pure, beautiful love. I’m unsure whether it’s about finding yourself in the right relationship or learning to love yourself, because it works both ways, but I’m not sure it matters much. Instead, it’s more important to tap into those lyrics and let yourself get swept up in the cinematic, cathartic instrumentation.

It could be the ideal closer, but instead Veruca Moon reprises “About You.” This acoustic version, recorded at the Vinyl Café, really shows how good this band is. When you can create music this good away from the studio, with simple instruments, it’s really special. I loved revisiting this song and hearing it presented in such a new way.

In this introduction, Veruca Moon give us a tantalising taste of what they can do. This EP takes so many twists and turns that I’m sure there’s plenty more in their arsenal. While the songs are quite sonically different, they’re drawn together by exceptional lyrics that aren’t afraid to get raw and real. It’s an excellent EP and one that shows the promise of this exciting WA outfit. Veruca Moon will launch the EP tomorrow night at The Bird in Noongar Country/Northbridge.

Images used with permission from Blue Grey Pink

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

“Giving It Away” – Claire Anne Taylor

Claire Anne Taylor may just be the greatest singer you haven’t heard of yet. I know that sounds like an incredibly bold claim, but press play on her latest album Giving it Away and see if you don’t agree with me.

I’ve had this album on repeat since its release on Friday, and I think I love it a little more each time. It’s such a strong collection of songs. Each one is well-crafted, skillfully written with turns of phrase that speak to the heart and bring you to your knees. They come from such an honest place. You can hear the connection between Claire Anne and her musicians. This isn’t music made to sell records or promote a brand. It’s authentic, organic, raw, and real. And then there’s Claire Anne’s voice, like cigarettes and whiskey, so textured and compelling, full of soul and passion.

Giving it Away is an album that explores love, loss, grief, and acceptance. Writing and recording this material became a kind of therapy for Claire Anne as she struggled to process her 14-month-old son’s recent diagnosis of Angelman Syndrome. Others might retreat after such a blow, but not Claire Anne. This album bears the scars of that tumultuous period, but also her warrior spirit.

Giving it Away doesn’t shy away from the darkness. Tracks like “Lay You Down In the Cold Hard Ground” and “Giving It Away” are heart-breaking. But they’re balanced so well with lighter fare like “Dance With Death” and “Keep on Truckin’.” This album takes you on a journey through the entire human experience, and it’s beautiful.

I haven’t heard an album like this, or a voice like Claire Anne Taylor’s, in such a long time. It’s special. Take a listen, and if she’s anywhere near you, make sure you get out and see her play. Something tells me she might be even more amazing live.

22 February 2024 – Shotkickers, Naarm/Melbourne
23 February 2024 – Palais-Hepburn, Dja Dja Wurrung Country/Hepburn Springs
24 February 2024 – Archies Creek Tavern, Gunai Country/Archies Creek
25 February 2024 – Sedgwick Hall, Dja Dja Wurrung and Taungurung Country/Sedgwick
28 February 2024 – The Ellington, Boorloo/Perth
29 February 2024 – The Buffalo Club, Walyalup/Fremantle
1-4 March 2024 – Nannup Music Festival, Noongar Country/Nannup
16 March 2024 – Sandy Point Community Centre, Gunaikurnai Country/Sandy Point
17 March 2024 – The Old Gaol, Baarmutha/Beechworth
22 March 2024 – Tomerong Hall, Yuin Country/Tomerong
23 March 2024 – Frank’s Wild Years, Dthirrawell/Thirroul
24 March 2024 – Petersham Bowls Club, Eora/Sydney
30 March – 1 April 2024 – National Folk Festival, Ngambri/Canberra
18 April 2024 – Upper Lansdowne Hotel, Upper Lansdowne
20 April 2024 – Lowanna Community Hall, Burgong/Lowanna
26-28 April 2024 – The Gum Ball Festival, Wonnarua Country/Belford
3 May 2024 – Jetty Theatre, Gumbaynggirr Country/Coffs Harbour
4 May 2024 – Brunswick Picture House, Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung Country/Brunswick
5 May 2024 – Dust Temple, Yugambeh Country/Currumbin
10 May 2024 – The Citadel, Kalibai Country/Murwillumbah
11 May 2024 – It’s Still a Secret, Meeanjin/Brisbane
12 May 2024 – The Majestic Theatre, Karura/Pomona

Images used with permission from Jo Corbett Publicity

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

“The Woodshed Sessions” – Matt Joe Gow

While his next official studio album is some time away, Matt Joe Gow has dropped a special treat for his fans online. Exclusively available online, The Woodshed Sessions is a beautiful collection of Matt’s best loved songs stripped back to their very essence.

This is a live album with a difference. Instead of recording it in front of an audience, Matt recorded the stripped back, acoustic versions of these songs in the studio in just one take. It’s a brilliant idea. While I love the energy of live recordings, the crowd noise can get distracting and the sound quality is often poor. There’s an energy to these songs too, but that comes from the dynamic between Matt and the members of his long-time band The Dead Leaves. You can feel the chemistry as their voices combine in beautiful three-part harmonies. Hearing the way the vocals sat alongside the piano and strumming of an acoustic guitar, I thought this is what music should be. It’s organic and pure, coming from the soul so naturally, free from studio “enhancements” like autotune and drum machines.

If you’ve listened to Matt’s music before, you know these songs are ripe for this kind of treatment. In acoustic mode, their introspective lyrics and perfect melodies come to the fore. If you’re new to Matt’s music, this compilation of career highlights makes the perfect introduction. It’s really like a greatest hits with a beautiful acoustic twist. I can’t wait to hear new music from Matt, but this release will keep me satisfied until that time comes. I’m going to leave you with this video of “Grand Ambition” from The Woodshed Sessions; check it out and I’m sure you’ll want to discover the rest of the tunes. You’ll find The Woodshed Sessions on all your favourite streaming services. If you’d like to purchase a physical CD copy, head to Matt’s Bandcamp page.

Main photo credit: Lucas Packett

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

“Yours Forever” – Jessica Mauboy

Jessica Mauboy has one of the best voices in the country. It’s undeniable. She’s been wowing us since she stepped out in front of the Australian Idol judges as a shy teen in Alice Springs. But what isn’t said enough is what a talented songwriter she is. Yet that’s what really struck me on listening to her latest album Yours Forever.

“Yours Forever is me at my truest self, comfortable in my skin, not comparing myself or trying to be someone or something that anyone expects me to be,” Jess says. “When you strip it all back, musically it’s beautiful melodies, storytelling lyrics, rhythms that connect with the soul, and it has a depth that I’ve never gone to or shared before.”

She wrote and recorded these songs on home soil, and perhaps that’s helped her better connect to the music. Perhaps she’s just a bit older and wiser these days. Either way, it works. This album has the floor fillers that Jess is famous for but these fierce anthems have a lot more depth than most of the music that tops the dance charts. “Never Giving Up” is a powerful call to arms in the wake of last year’s No vote. “The Loneliest I Ever Was” is such a poignant look back at the wrong relationship. Hindsight is always 20/20, but it’s rarely brought to life in such technicolour detail. Those high-energy numbers are perfectly balanced with gentle ballads. The past also inspires “Whitney,” a gorgeous song which recalls the power of the musical icons who lifted her up through hard times. “I’m Sorry” is such a beautiful love song which acknowledges that a good relationship isn’t always easy. This is really Jess’ album, with Jess’ stories, but there’s a little space for some choice collaborations. “Give You Love”, featuring fellow Voice judge Jason Derulo, is undoubtedly catchy, but it’s not as moving as “Little Too Late,” featuring Miiesha. The chemistry of these two powerhouse First Nations women is off the charts. There are so many brilliant moments on this album though, it almost feels unfair to single any of them out.

Jess Mauboy has an incredible voice, but plenty of people have incredible voices. What sets her apart is the way that she can share her stories through incredibly crafted songs. That’s what makes Yours Forever a great album, one that has encouraged me to keep listening.

Jess wraps up a string of instores today before embarking on her Yours Forever national tour next month. Limited tickets are still available, but I wouldn’t wait too long before securing yours. Once everyone hears this album, they’ll want them too!

14 February 2024 – Westfield Fountain Gate instore, Boonwurrung Country/Narre Warren (SOLD OUT)
12 March 2024 – Gippsland Performing Arts Centre, Gunai Country/Traralgon (SOLD OUT)
13 March 2024 – West Gippsland Arts Centre, Darug Country/Warragul (SOLD OUT)
15 March 2024 – Costa Hall, Djilang/Geelong
16 March 2024 – Palais Theatre, Euro Yuroke/St Kilda
17 March 2024 – Ulumbarra Theatre, Dja Dja Wurrung and the Taungurung Country/Bendigo
21 March 2024 – West Tamworth League Club, Kamilaroi Country/West Tamworth
22 March 2024 – Newcastle Civic Theatre, Mulubinba/Newcastle
23 March 2024 – Enmore Theatre, Eora/Sydney (SOLD OUT)
5 April 2024 – Townsville Civic Theatre, Gurrumbilbarra/Townsville
6 April 2024 – MECC, Yuwibara Country/Mackay
7 April 2024 – Pilbeam Theatre, Darumbal Country/Rockhampton
9 April 2024 – Moncrieff Entertainment Centre, Kabi Kabi Country/Bundaberg (SOLD OUT)
11 April 2024 – Empire Theatre, Jagera, Giabal, and Jarowair Country/Toowoomba
12 April 2024 – HOTA Theatre, Yugambeh Country/Gold Coast
13 April 2024 – Fortitude Music Hall, Meeanjin/Brisbane (SOLD OUT)
18 April 2024 – Crown Theatre, Boorloo/Perth
20 April 2024 – Darwin Entertainment Centre, Garramilla/Darwin
24 April 2024 – Adelaide Entertainment Centre Theatre, Tarntanya/Adelaide
26 April 2024 – Princess Theatre, Kanamaluka Country/Launceston (SOLD OUT)
27 April 2024 – Wrest Point Entertainment Centre, Nipaluna/Hobart
2 May 2024 – Albury Entertainment Centre, Bungambrawatha/Albury (SOLD OUT)
3 May 2024 – Canberra Theatre, Ngambri/Canberra
4 May 2024 – Shoalhaven Entertainment Centre, Wandi-Wandandian Country/Nowra (SOLD OUT)

Images used with permission from Warner Music Australia

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

“RECKLESS” – Arig

Arig is one of those special talents that refuses to be pigeonholed. She showcases the full breadth of her artistry with the release of RECKLESS today, the long-awaited follow-up to her 2018 debut EP, Attrition.

I loved Attrition, an EP which explored Arig’s feelings about growing up with her mum in government housing in Australia after the pair fled conflict-ridden Eritrea, so I was keen to wrap my ears around this release. So I was a bit taken aback by the opening tracks, “His Nation” and “Pop Off”. They’re real party jams, with unashamedly swaggy lyrics, a real departure from the introspective music on the first EP.

But by the third track, “Lambos in Logan”, I was warming to this reinvented Arig. With its deep bass groove and confident lyrics, it makes a strong statement that Arig is a real force. “Intoxicated” is a more stripped back, like an old-school slow jam. Arig picks up the tempo again for “Goodness Gracious,” an infectious R’n’B bop with some powerful lyrics about loving someone who’s hurt you deeply.

While I appreciated Arig’s evolution, in my opinion she saves the best for last. From the moment you hear the opening acoustic notes of “Freedom.” A beautifully simple folk song, it’s simultaneously emotionally vulnerable and strong. This is such an intimate recording, one that lets you hear every movement of the guitarist’s hands and every break in Arig’s voice. I was determined to write a review of this EP based on the strength of this song alone. It’s that good.

While Arig played with genres with her first release, she seems even more determined to take risks here. A self-described “messy chameleon,” it’s hard to believe that the artist who bared her soul in “Freedom” is the same one fronting in “His Nation.” Some songs I fell for instantly while others took me a little longer, but I appreciate that she’s showing us all sides of herself and taking risks. It’s so diverse that you might not love the entire RECKLESS EP, but you certainly won’t forget it.

RECKLESS is out now. Arig’s got EP launch dates in the works, but until then people in her new hometown of Eora/Sydney can see her play an intimate free show at The Dock on February 18.

Main photo credit: James Kenny