Tag: Dear Seattle

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Dear Seattle Taking TOY On the Road

After topping the Australian Album ARIA charts and nabbing a fourth place on the overall ARIA charts, Dear Seattle have announced they’re hitting the road to celebrate their latest album TOY. I’m still listening to this album regularly weeks after its release.

“We’ve been putting in the hard yards to ensure this tour is the absolute best you’ve ever seen [from] DS,” the band said. “We always put in everything, but this time we wanna push the boundaries of what we’ve done in the past and make this album tour the most memorable one yet. We can’t wait to see you there!”

I only wish the shows didn’t come during an already busy May, as I have a sneaky suspicion that these songs will sound ever better in a sweaty pub. They’re also bringing Cleveland punk rockers Heart Attack, Tarntanya/Adelaide pop-punk act TOWNS, and Naarm/Melbourne indie-rock act LUCKY along for the ride. If your schedule isn’t as hectic as mine, make sure you grab some tickets while you can!

8 May 2025 – Rosemount Hotel, Boorloo/Perth (18+ – LUCKY not performing at this show)
9 May 2025 – Croxton Bandroom, Naarm/Melbourne (18+)
10 May 2025 – Jive, Tarntanya/Adelaide (Matinee ALL AGES)
10 May 2025 – Jive, Tarntanya/Adelaide (Evening 18+)
15 May 2025 – King St Bandroom, Mulubinba/Newcastle (18+)
16 May 2025 – Manning Bar, Eora/Sydney (18+)
17 May 2025 – Triffid, Meeanjin/Brisbane (Licensed ALL AGES)

Photo credit: Charlie Hardy

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

“TOY” – Dear Seattle

Dear Seattle aren’t playing around with their latest album TOY. The band’s third studio album is packed with stellar rock tunes that will have you singing along in no time.

The album takes off with “Nothing’s Stopping Me Now,” an upbeat, feel-good banger that perfectly sets the tone for this release. Dear Seattle have a knack for creating big, anthemic earworms. Frontman Brae Fisher’s vocals have this raw, authentically Australian quality that encourages listeners to join in. The hooky guitar riffs are infectious. High-energy numbers are the band’s specialty and tracks like “Courtney Love” and “Sungazer” are some of the band’s best. The band doesn’t keep its foot flat to the floor though. Dear Seattle ensures this rock album never feels one note when it slows down the tempo for more introspective numbers like “Evergreen” and “Counting Hours.”

While Dear Seattle’s Like a Version cover of “The Special Two” is a lot of fun, it doesn’t quite gel with all this incredible original music. It’s a shame this bonus track couldn’t be delivered like the bonus tracks on old CDs, after an extended silence that let us digest this excellent album first.

The release of TOY feels like Dear Seattle have come full circle. This album saw them reunite with Fletcher Matthews, who produced their debut EP in 2017. This time they’re coming together with years of stage and studio experience under their belt. Dear Seattle have matured without losing that raw Aussie charm that first endeared them to punters. This fresh batch of songs are instantly accessible, but I feel I’m going to love them even more once I memorise all those lyrics and can sing along at top note.

TOY is available now on vinyl, CD, and streaming platforms.

Main photo credit: Charlie Hardy

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Dear Seattle Announces Aussie Tour Ahead of EP Release

The band’s moniker might make you think of the United States, but Dear Seattle are proud to be part of Sydney’s music scene. The band creates punk rock that sounds as defiant as the genre should. The new single “Afterthought,” which comes from the band’s new EP, due out on July 14, is a glorious case in point.

Listen to this one and see if you’re not fired up as lead vocalist and guitarist Brae Fisher sings “Hope tells me that I’m getting somewhere soon.”

Dear Seattle has spent the last three years touring up and down the East Coast, so expect a tight live set at the following shows.

6 July 2017 – Hotel Tasmania, Launceston (with Kingswood)
7 July 2017 – Republic Bar, Hobart (with Kingswood)
28 July 2017 – Home Tavern, Wagga Wagga (with Kingswood)
29 July 2017 – SS&A, Albury (with Kingswood)
4 August 2017 – Brighton Up Bar, Sydney
5 August 2017 – Yah Yah’s, Melbourne
17 August 2017 – Moonshine Bar, Manly
18 August 2017 – Black Bear Lodge, Brisbane
19 August 2017 – Shaka Fest, Gold Coast
20 August 2017 – Rad Bar, Wollongong (ALL AGES)

Image used with permission from Title Track