The Sugarcanes Take Soulful Sound on the Road

With their self-titled debut album in stores now, it’s the perfect time for soulful Melbourne act The Sugarcanes to travel around the country.

It’s already been a big year for the Sugarcanes, who enjoyed a celebrated residency at The Old Bar and toured the country with The Smith Street Band. They also earned some big praise for their stellar single “Never Call.” Lucy Wilson’s powerhouse vocals and the track’s lush horns are just a match made in heaven.

Tickets for all shows are available at the door except for the Sydney gig; buy your tickets in advance from the venue for that one.

2 June 2016 – Phoenix Bar, Canberra
3 June 2016 – Brighton Up Bar, Sydney
4 June 2016 – Lass O’Gowry, Newcastle
11 June 2016 – Grace Emily Adelaide
17 June 2016 – The Luwow, Melbourne
18 June 2016 – The Tanswell Hotel, Beechworth
19 June 2016 – The Bridge Hotel, Castlemaine
25 June 2016 – Major Toms, Kyneton

Boom Crash Opera Announce Winter Tour

Boom Crash Opera have a big year ahead, with 2017 marking 30 years since the release of their debut album. To prepare for what will no doubt be a big year of touring, the classic Aussie act will play a string of shows this winter.

This is the first time fans will see Andrew de Silva out in front, replacing original lead singer Dale Ryder. I must admit, I’m a little nervous about whether he has the grit to pull off tracks like “Onionskin” and “The Best Thing,” but I’m already hearing his sweet soulful voice on “Dancing in the Storm.”

You can check up the brand new Boom Crash Opera at the following shows.

3 June 2016 – SSA Club, Albury
4 June 2016 – Mulwala Ski Club, Mulwala
11 June 2016 – The Whalers Hotel, Warrnambool
2 July 2016 – Workers Club, Geelong
23 July 2016 – Caravan Music Club, Oakleigh

Image used with permission from Revolutions per Minute

The Smith Street Band Says Goodbye to “Throw Me In the River”

The Smith Street Band has crossed this wide brown land many times since releasing their third album Throw Me in the River. Now before they head into the studio to record its follow-up, they’re planning on touring the album across Australia and New Zealand one last time.

The album’s earned praise from punters and critics alike. The single “Surrender” made it to number 69 on the Hottest 100 and the band were named Best Live Band at The Age Music Victoria Awards. Showing their altruistic side, the Melbourne punk act also donated profits raised from the release of “Wipe That Shit-Eating Grin off Your Punchable Face” to the Asylum Seeker Resource Centre.

The Smith Street Band is sending Throw Me in the River off with a bang. The talented Luca Brasi, Joelistics, and Jess Locke Band will play at all Aussie shows. Sorry New Zealand!

3 June 2016 – Metro, Sydney
4 June 2016 – Max Watts, Brisbane
10 June 2016 – Capitol, Perth
11 June 2016 – The Gov, Adelaide
17 June 2016 – Max Watts, Melbourne
23 June 2016 – Kings Arms, Auckland
24 June 2016 – Great Job, Palmerston North
25 June 2016 – Moon 1, Wellington

Photo credit: Ian Laidlaw

We Lost the Sea Prepare for First Local Headlining Tour

Sydney cinematic instrumental band We Lost the Sea are gearing up for their first ever headlining tour of Australia. We’ve seen them cross the country supporting international acts like This Will Destroy You, Rosetta, and Mono, so it’s about time they enjoyed a moment in the spotlight.

This tour is well overdue, with the band’s third full length album Departure Songs being released last year. The band promises to perform the album in its entirety. It features gems like the atmospheric “A Gallant Gentleman.” Hear this track and many more at the following gigs.

27 May 2016 – Rad, Wollongong
28 May 2016 – Beatdisc Records, Parramatta,
3 June 2016 – Small Ballroom, Newcastle
4 June 2016 – Hotel Gearin, Katoomba
10 June 2016 – Jimmy’s Den, Perth
17 June 2016 – The Crown & Anchor, Adelaide
18 June 2016 – The Old Bar, Melbourne
24 June 2016 – The Basement (Backroom), Canberra
25 June 2016 – Oxford Art Factory, Sydney

James Reyne and Mark Seymour Touring Together

James Reyne and Mark Seymour are some of Australia’s most enduring talents. I’ve seen them both live many times, and they’ve never delivered anything less but stellar performances. They’re very giving artists, continuing to play the hits the fans love while gently introducing them to the incredible new music they both produce. Local music fans are in for a real treat when they team up for a string of shows later this year.

James and Mark promise to perform together and alone, with songs drawing from their days with Australian Crawl, Hunters & Collectors, and their extensive solo careers. The gigs will also be semi-acoustic, which is perfect for these small venues.

Tickets for the And the Rest is History shows are on sale now.

29 & 30 July 2016 – Palms at Crown, Melbourne
4 August 2016 – Anita’s Theatre, Thirroul
5 August 2016 – Panthers, Penrith
6 August 2016 – Metro, Sydney
12 August 2016 – Twin Towns, Tweed Heads
19 August 2016 – Wrest Point, Hobart
20 August 2016 – Country Club, Launceston
26 August 2016 – The Gov, Adelaide
2 September 2016 – The Charles Hotel, Perth
9 September 2016 – Castle Hill Tavern, Castle Hill
10 September 2016 – Wenty Leagues Club, Wentworthville
16 September 2016 – The Triffid, Brisbane

Image used with permission from Revolutions per Minute

Marina Prior and Mark Vincent Singing Together

Marina Prior and Mark Vincent undoubtedly have some of the best voices of the country. Combine them and you’ve got an album that’s sure to make your Mum melt. Their duets album Together features their interpretations of operatic hits and musical theatre favourites including “Music of the Night,” “The Prayer,” and “Amigos Para Sempre.”

“I was so excited to work with Marina,” Mark said. “I’ve always wanted to work with her … singing together created such a great bond between us and we’ve become great friends. I think that shows in the songs we sing on Together … there’s an honesty between us.”

“You have to be on the same wavelength,” Marina added. “You have to be ‘simpatico’ and feel things together. I think that we do that musically, but I also think that we click personally. Music is just an extension of who you are, really. The work has to be true for it to resonate.”

While the Together CD is bound to impress if you’re still searching for the ideal Mother’s Day gift, if you really want to get in her good graces buy a couple of tickets to their upcoming tour. You might even offer to go with Mum to really make her day!

23 September 2016 – Concert Hall, Perth
29 September 2016 – State Theatre, Sydney
30 September 2016 – Concert Hall @ QPAC, Brisbane
1 October 2016 – Festival Theatre, Adelaide
2 November 2016 – Hamer Hall, Melbourne (1pm and 8 pm shows)

Rock Gods TASTE on Comeback Trail

After a hiatus of nearly 40 years, TASTE are back. However unlike so many bands, they haven’t reformed to cash in on the nostalgia of the past or fund their retirements. Instead they’re doing it because they never got the chance to fulfil their potential.

Rewind to the ‘70s and TASTE were poised to be the next big thing. They were the first band to appear on Countdown, their song “Boys Will Be Boys” was going gangbusters, and they were set to tour the United States with Queen. Then their parents charged into their management office demanding they disband. Sadly, they listened to their mums and dads.

However, they’re looking to put all that behind them. The band’s back together, with the addition of new drummer Michael Corniola, and they’ve got a brand new single “I Am God.” It’s just as grandiose and it rocks just as hard as a proper glam rock track should. The clip is also brilliant.

The track comes from TASTE’s latest album Life on Earth, which drops on May 27. They’ll celebrate its release with shows in capital cities around the country.

1 July 2016 – Crowbar, Brisbane
9 July 2016 – Fowlers Live, Adelaide
14 July 2016 – Frankie’s Pizzeria (FREE)
16 July 2016 – The Corner, Melbourne

The Harlots Unleash “High Roller”

Melbourne rock act The Harlots have delivered a dirty, sexy new single “High Roller.”

I love the grungy funkiness of this track. It also has a really old school feel, perhaps because it was recorded through old-school pre-amps onto reel to reel tape.

“High Roller” comes from The Harlots’ debut album, which will be released in the coming months. You can hear some of the songs to come at the following upcoming shows.

12 May 2016 – Frankies Pizza, Sydney
14 May 2016 – Dicey Riley’s, Wollongong
20 May 2016 – Crown & Anchor, Adelaide
21 May 2016 – The Loft, Warnambool

Winters End Tour New Single “Thoughts”

Magical things happen when siblings create music together. Think of Angus and Malcolm Young, Ann and Nancy Wilson, the Wilson brothers from The Beach Boys, the Gibb brothers, Dave and Ray Davies, and stacks more. Well now we can add Marissa and Christopher Pinto to the list. Sure the brother and sister behind Sydney’s Winters End might not have gained the critical acclaim of the international artists I’ve mentioned yet, but there’s no questioning their talent.

Their new single “Thoughts” showcases that talent beautifully. It has all the hallmarks of a classic piece of piano pop, with stirring lyrics and a stunning vocal performance from Marissa. After launching the single to fans in their hometown last month, Winters End will bring their music to punters along the East Coast. Here are all the places you can catch them play.

13 May 2016 – Tanswell’s Commercial Hotel, Beechworth
14 May 2016 – Smith’s Alternative, Canberra
4 June 2016 – Janes, Wollongong
18 June 2016 – Ric’s Bar, Brisbane
25 June 2016 – Oxford Art Factory, Sydney

Image used with permission from Winters End

Shihad Celebrate 20 Year Anniversary of Debut Album

Way back in 1996, Kiwi rockers Shihad made a splash with their self-titled debut, an album that became affectionately known as the Fish Album. Now 20 years later the band is marking the milestone.

This month a remastered version of the Fish Album was reissued on vinyl and digital. And in June, Shihad will tour Australia. The shows will no doubt include plenty of cuts from the debut album as well as more recent tracks that remind us Shihad are much more than a nostalgia band. Special guests The Grenadiers will join the band on the road.

Tickets are on sale now from Oztix for the following shows.

23 June 2016 – Settlers Tavern, Margaret River
24 & 25 June 2016 – Rosemount Hotel, Perth
26 June 2016 – Newport Hotel, Fremantle
1 July 2016 – The Triffid, Brisbane
2 July 2016 – Pigsty in July, Hunter Valley
15 July 2016 – The Factory, Sydney
16 July 2016 – The Croxton, Melbourne

Image used with permission from Secret Service Public Relations