Category: Reviews

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

“Duets” – Kevin Borich

I had pretty high expectations for Kevin Borich’s new album Duets the moment I looked over the track listing. It should come as no surprise that his Aussie guitar icon had no problem recruiting some top talent for this release. But you might still be surprised how good this album is.

Kevin is one of the nation’s best singer-songwriters, so I expected the original songs would be top-notch. He’s also one of our best guitarists, so I knew the tracks would sound good. He’s not the best vocalist in a classic sense, but his voice is full of character. And he’s partnered up with some excellent vocalists, including Baby Animals frontwoman Suze Demarchi, who has one of the best rock voices in the business, and Angela Fabian, who made such an impression on me a few years ago on The Voice Australia.

What I didn’t quite expect was the energy that leaps from this album. You can almost hear how much fun Kevin and his pals are having in the studio. It’s also so diverse that you’re never going to get bored. “Wrapped in Rock,” with Suze Demarchi and the politically charged “Soapbox Bitchin’” with Angry Anderson rock hard. “I’m Together,” with Ella Hooper, is a sweet love song that sounds like it could have come from a Cole Porter musical. “There is a Road,” with another Party Boys bandmate Swanee, takes us straight to church. As someone who grew up on the Eagles, I have such a soft spot for “The Fires,” featuring Kevin’s old Party Boys bandmate and Eagles guitarist Joe Walsh. “Straight From My Heart,” with fellow guitar legend Ian Moss, is another standout. And that’s to say nothing of the fantastic tunes recorded with Joe Camilleri, Tim Rogers, and Leo Sayer.

With such an impressive list of guest artists on its side, most Aussie music fans will want to give Kevin Borich’s Duets at least one listen. But don’t be surprised if, like me, you find yourself pressing play time and time again.

Images used with permission from SGC Media

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

LANY @ Oxford Art Factory, Eora/Sydney – 6 August 2023

We’ve all got those bands we wish we knew when they were playing tiny venues. We rarely get the chance for a do-over, but LANY treated Aussie fans to just that when they decided to return to the very first venues they played in this country last weekend. The shows were announced less than a week before they happened and LANY fans were quick to jump on the very limited tickets. I couldn’t quite believe I scored two, especially when I read that they sold out in minutes.

The Oxford Art Factory has a listed capacity of 500, but I’m not sure it held even that. It certainly felt very intimate as we shuffled into this warehouse-style room for the show. There was such a buzz in the air, like we all knew how special this was going to be. And special it was. A short, stripped-back set that celebrated the new material while paying homage to their back catalogue. The tracks from LANY’s upcoming album, i really really hope so, came out early. The beautiful thing about playing such a small gig before an album release is that the people that are there love you. They won’t criticise you like those Red Hot Chilli Peppers fans who wanted the old favourites. They’ll be thrilled to hear these songs live for the first time. And they’ll sing along to every damn word. Even to “XXL”, which dropped on Friday. The smile on lead singer Paul’s face as we joined him in those new lyrics was everything.

This was always advertised as a half-hour show, so I wondered what old favourites might make the cut. When you’re performing for such die-hard fans, you really get the opportunity to play anything that moves you after all. Fittingly for this venue, LANY took it right back, playing “pink skies” from the kinda EP and “Super Far,” “13”, and the predictable but perfect closer, “ILYSB”, from their self-titled debut album. I tried to hang onto every moment, but soon enough the fans down the front were throwing roses on the stage and Paul was assuring us they’d be back early next year. I can’t wait. Until then, I’ll hold my memories of this very special night in Eora/Sydney with LANY close to my heart.

Image source: Stephen Katulka

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

“Sad King Billy” – Sad King Billy

After honing his craft with Western Australian bands like Old Blood and the Southern River Band, Julian Peet is striking out on his own. Recording under the moniker Sad King Billy, he’s just dropped his self-titled debut. This diverse collection of songs serves as the perfect introduction, or perhaps reintroduction, to this talented artist.

The opening track “Bad Man” drew me in with its chilled guitar groove and poetic lyrics. I’m such a sucker for a great turn of phrase. But this is just the start of the journey. Sad King Billy doesn’t like to keep us in the same place too long. He plays with genres, keeping us guessing with every track. “Lately” starts like a simmering rock song but explodes with a psychedelic guitar crescendo. “Every Part of Us” is one of the most exquisite acoustic guitar ballads you’re likely to hear. I found myself on the edge of my seat, wondering what Sad King Billy would serve up next. “Don’t Come Back” has the cool country-inspired rock feel of a Tom Petty track. “Runneth” has a dark, bluesy feel that is so compelling. The album’s closing numbers, “The People Forgotten” and “Ode to a Dying Race”, are every bit as epic as their titles suggest. They’re the kind of experimental numbers you used to hear on classic albums from bands like Pink Floyd and Yes. It’s the sort of music you don’t hear these days. It’s too long for radio play and too polarising for audiences. I admire the bravery of leaving the listener with these final impressions.

Sad King Billy’s debut is an eclectic album, but that’s a great part of its charm. His compelling vocals and stellar songwriting stamp are ever present, ensuring that no matter what genre he plays with, it feels right. With so many twists and turns, you might not like it all, but I guarantee something will resonate with you. Take a listen.

Main image credit: Emelia Peet

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

“Lavender Marriage” – William Street Strikers

Never one to rest on their laurels, Tarntanya/Adelaide rockers William Street Strikers have released Lavender Marriage, the follow-up to their 2022 album Baltimore Train. With just six tracks, it’s all killer, no filler.

This is the seventh release from William Street Strikers. At this point, they’re a well-oiled machine, confident in their sound and their connections. The band strikes the right balance between being tight and just loose enough for real rock and roll. Their harmonies are always on point. Listening to the way their voices naturally come together reminded me just how few rock bands harmonise these days.

Those harmonies aren’t the only element of William Street Strikers’ sound that is delightfully old school. The straight-up rock of the opening track “Candles” wouldn’t have sounded out of place on a record by The Kinks or The Easybeats. “Hands of My Paper” reminded me a little of The Rolling Stones in their heyday. Don’t mistake this band for imitators though. While their sound celebrates nostalgia, none of those classic bands could pull off the cheeky lyrics of tracks like “Tammy” and “I’ll Be Okay.” After bringing solid rock vibes through most of Lavender Marriage, the final track “Pieces” is a real left turn. A gentle piano ballad with strings, it’s not what you expect from William Street Strikers. But this isn’t a band that ever wants to become predictable. By keeping things fresh, they ensure we’re always interested in what comes next, whatever that may be.

Lavender Marriage is available to stream now from the William Street Strikers website. Alternatively you can buy the album on CD for $15 plus postage by emailing the band at thewilliamstreetstrikers@yahoo.com.

Images used with permission from William Street Strikers

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Dami Im @ Avoca Beach Picture Theatre, Darkinjung Country/Avoca Beach – 15 July 2023

It’s been three years since I saw Dami Im live. Back then she was just beginning to release some of the confessional music that turned me from a casual fan to a committed member of the “Dami Army.” I feel like her music has gone from strength to strength since that time, so I was thrilled to nab one of the best seats in the house for Saturday’s show at Avoca Beach Picture Theatre.

While The Art House is hardly a large venue, it doesn’t have the intimacy of the little community movie theatre that has become one of Darkinjung Country/Central Coast’s most beloved music venues seemingly overnight. The beautiful art deco cinema room (just the one, this is no multiplex) holds less than 300 people. While there’s a bar in the foyer, once people sit down they stay in their seats, listening to the music attentively and clapping respectfully. We’re even told that if we insist on taking photographs, to hold our cameras low to ensure we don’t annoy other patrons, and to be sporadic as a live event like this is much better experienced with our eyes rather than through the lens of a device. Normally I won’t take any photos, because my usual front row seats cast such a spell. But tickets sell so fast these days that I found myself a few rows back and able to catch a few.

A venue like this is perfect for an EP launch because people are there to appreciate music. They welcome new material and give everyone a chance to properly discover it in real-time. It’s a rare, special thing. Dami clearly relished the opportunity to introduce us to the songs from In Between, an EP written as she processed her emotions on falling pregnant and giving birth. They’re weighty songs, confessional songs which give real truths about this often-confusing time in a woman’s life. Honestly, I think they might be some of the best songs Dami’s ever written. Hearing her speak about that time that inspired this material has given me an even deeper appreciation of this recording.

While the night was a celebration of new material, Dami had time for old favourites. She belted out all her singles, relishing the opportunity to dance around and interact with her band. She even took us back to where it all began with a piano medley of songs that helped her clinch the X Factor crown. And of course she couldn’t leave us without delivering “Sounds of Silence,” the song that launched her into the global consciousness at Eurovision.

I loved Dami’s live show the first time around, but in this special intimate venue, excited to share new music that clearly means so much to her, she might have been even better.

Image source: Stephen Katulka

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

“Something Rare and Beautiful” – Nathan Seeckts

I love hearing voices that draw me in instantly. I’m with them from the first note, hanging on their every word, relishing their unique tone. Nathan Seeckts has one of those voices. I fell for that voice when he released his single “The Wildest One” a few months ago, and I’m thrilled to hear more of what it can do with the release of Something Rare and Beautiful.

Listening to the album, I discovered that Nathan really can do it all. “The Wildest One” was a love song, but it soon becomes apparent that Nathan isn’t just another country crooner. Anyone that’s encountered a dickhead on a night out will relate to the scathing “King of the Room.” “Cassette in the Tapedeck,” featuring guest vocals from Gretta Ziller, is a nostalgic ballad celebrating his dad’s LC Torana. And that’s just the first three songs. In truth, I could wax lyrical about every one, but I’d rather you discover them for yourself. Every song tells a story so vividly you feel like you were there. Nathan is a master at bringing characters and moments to life.

The title of Nathan Seeckts second album couldn’t be more appropriate. His voice is so unique and so compelling. His songwriting is worldclass. And when you put them together, the music is indeed something rare and beautiful. Nathan will showcase his incredible music at these upcoming shows:

7 July 2023 – Pot Belly Bar, Ngunnawal Country/Canberra
8 July 2023 – The Curious Rabbit, Wiradjuri Country/Wagga Wagga
15 July 2023 – Bird Rock, Wadawurrung Country/Jan Juc
16 July 2023 – The Eastern, Ballaarat/Ballarat

Images used with permission from Chris Familton Publicity

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

“Public Fun Part 1” – Raging Hormones

I’m having a ball rocking out to Public Fun Part 1, the debut EP from new Naarm/Melbourne band Raging Hormones. If you love your rock music raw and gritty, these guys will be right up your alley.

The frenetic pace, rebellious lyrics, and scorching guitar solo of the opening track “Power Hour” set the tone. I must admit, this one rocked a little hard for me at first, but the more I listen the more I love it. I found the remaining tracks instantly accessible though. They’re a little more melodic without losing that all-important rock edge. “Going Out in Style,” released as a single in May, is the sort of track you can imagine igniting a room with its driving drums and singalong chorus. Raging Hormones keep the foot on the throttle for “Shake It Up” and “Everything Opens Up”. The closing track “Sunglasses” is perhaps Raging Hormones most radio-friendly. It’s a love song at its heart, with pop-rock elements that make it perhaps the band’s accessible song. This isn’t an EP with a lot of light and shade though, but it doesn’t need to be. If you want ballads, there are plenty of other bands that will give it to you. If you want to rock, Public Fun Part 1 is your EP.

The only thing that excites me more than this EP is that it’s named Part 1. Does this mean there’s more Public Fun on the way? We can only hope so! Until then, they’ll play for hometown fans at Stay Gold’s Beers for Bands event on July 14 to raise money for Support Act.

Images used with permission from Little Giant Agency

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

“I Don’t Hear You Anymore” – The Money War

The Money War have come of age with the release of their gorgeous new EP I Don’t Hear You Anymore. Over the years they’ve created delicate folk music which was beautiful, but at times became a little sleepy. However, they’ve got the balance right with this collection of songs, creating a collection of songs that get under your skin without fading into the background.

A coming of age is only natural as Dylan Ollivierre and Carmen Pepper mature as a musical outfit and real-life couple. They’re raising three young children together now, trying to carve out time for their family, their relationship, themselves, and their music. Dylan is also a full-time producer, who says his commitment to other people’s music leaves limited time for The Money War. Being pushed and pulled in so many directions, quality becomes so much more important than quantity.

“Every now and then, I have this insatiable desire to create something that embodies my own vision and expresses Carmen and me as The Money War. In the past, we often had numerous songs to choose from, but nowadays, with three young kids, our time has significantly decreased. Therefore, a song only progresses beyond the ‘idea’ stage if it strongly demands to be realised,” he explained.

What we’re left with is four incredible tracks. The title track eases us in. It’s laidback and a bit of a slow burner, but it’s truly magical. “Was It Ever Really Anything?”, featuring FEELDS, is a gentle Americana-inspired track with a gorgeous slide guitar solo. I love the interplay between Dylan and Carmen’s vocals in the romantic “Ride.” The closing track “Somebody Loves You” is an uplifting love song without the schmaltz.

I Don’t Hear You Anymore is the EP I always knew The Money War had in them. It’s their strongest release to date, and a real sign of exciting things to come for this Boorloo/Perth band.

Images used with permission from Kick Push PR

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

“Hearticulate” – Melita

Proving you don’t need the backing or budget of a big record label, Melita has really impressed me with her debut EP Hearticulate. The Eora/Sydney-based chanteuse recorded this EP with her brother Alex Ertler in their home studio. But listening to this slick, neo-soul affair, you wouldn’t guess at its humble origins.

Melita effortlessly blends fresh neo-soul sounds with classic funk, disco, and yacht rock influences. The ethereal “Greeting” is the ideal introduction, putting Melita’s voice front and centre before we settle into the easy groove of the title track. It flows naturally into “Delusional,” which has some of the most relatable lyrics on the EP. Melita amps up the energy with “Crystal Logic,” a funky floor-filling homage to the disco era before easing us back into a gentler groove with “Behind My Smile” and “Saturn Blues.” In some ways “Hold On to My Mind” is a subtle closer, but while it’s got a mellow groove it’s also probably the most musically complex track on this EP. I could hear the influence of artists like Steely Dan and Boz Scaggs come through, but Melita’s interpreted their sounds in such an exciting new way.

Hearticulate doesn’t have a lot of bells and whistles, but it doesn’t need them. Melita’s stunning voice is an anchor, impressing on each and every track. This EP is a great introduction to a fantastic new talent.

Images used with permission from beehive; main image credit: James Tarbotton

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Billy Ocean @ Darling Harbour Theatre, Eora/Sydney – 22 June 2023

For years one of my friends has told me that I needed to see Billy Ocean. When he announced his greatest hits tour, in winter when few other artists tour no less, I knew I’d run out of excuses. Now that I’ve been to my first Billy Ocean concert, I wonder why it took me so long.

Boorloo/Perth neo-soul artist Drea warmed up the crowds with a beautiful set. What a stunning voice she has. I was mesmerised as she layered vocal loops for her opening track before her keyboardist Alfred joined her for her remaining numbers. My husband leaned over and whispered that they reminded him a little of a modern-day Toni Braxton and Babyface. It’s a brave thing to perform a set focused on originals at a show that relies so heavily on nostalgia, but Drea was so captivating that the crowd couldn’t help but pay her respect. You could have heard a pin drop throughout her performance. I made a mental note to follow her on the socials, as she encouraged, to see where she’s playing next.

It’s also a brave thing to announce a greatest hits tour, then open with a song from a new album, but after nearly 50 years in the business, he’s earned the right to do as he pleases. We weren’t left waiting too long for those hits though. When an artist can bring out a track like “Love Really Hurts Without You” as the second song, and back it up with “Get Outta My Dreams, Get Into My Car” just a couple of numbers later, you know they’ve got some songs in their back catalogue. He played all our favourites eagerly, relishing the opportunity to hold the microphone out to better hear us singing his words back to him. His wide smile seemed a permanent fixture throughout the set. I’ve seen artists get a little jaded after decades in the business, admitting they’d rather skip certain singles, but Billy Ocean celebrates his repertoire with pure joy.

You sometimes wonder when seeing an artist of advancing years whether they may be past their prime. Billy Ocean isn’t ready to be put out to pasture anytime soon. While the voices of so many of his contemporaries show signs of age, his vocals are still strong and clear. He might be a little slower, but he still loves shaking his hips and grooving to the beat. I imagined my husband and I might be one of the younger ones in the audience since we were under 10 when he had some of his biggest hits, yet I saw so many people half our age out with their friends and partners having a ball. Even those of us of advancing years forgot how old we really were and joined them on our feet dancing to the closing songs “When the Going Gets Tough, the Tough Gets Going” and “Caribbean Queen.”

My friend was right. I should have seen Billy Ocean years ago. Now I’ve discovered how good he is live, I can only hope that he’s got a few more tours left in him. If he hasn’t visited your city yet, go! Trust me! Tickets are still available for the following shows:

25 June 2023 – Royal Theatre, Ngunnawal and Ngambri Country/Canberra
27 June 2023 – Thebarton Theatre, Tartanya/Adelaide

Image source: Stephen Katulka