“If Only” – Juke Kartel

I know there are plenty of Juke Kartel fans around so I figured I’d show you their new music video for “If Only.” The clip takes us around their new base of California, from the streets of downtown Los Angeles to the arid beauty of the state’s deserts. This song was one of my favorite cuts from their album Levolution, and I think this gorgeous video definitely does it justice. Do you like it?

Congratulations “Levolution” CD Winners

Congratulations to Renee Hermansen and Stephen Fairbank. They’re the lucky winners of a copy of Juke Kartel’s new album Levolution. Keep an eye on your mail box guys, because the CDs will be heading your way really soon.

I’ve been listening to my copy this morning, and it’s really good stuff which takes me back to the golden age of rock. You know what I mean; the kind of music that makes you want to put your lighters in the air and pound your fists in time with the beat.

I was initially concerned that the disc may sound a bit pieced together, with tracks from previous album Nowhere Left to Hide sitting alongside newer material. Instead it just allows Juke Kartel to showcase their very best material, making it a great introduction for anyone that wasn’t familiar with their music.

I must admit, I only knew bits and pieces myself. When “Save Me” started though I cranked it up, remembering how much it revved me a few years ago. How wonderful to hear it still sounding fresh after all this time.

A lot of Levolution kicks along at a rocking pace. Juke Kartel are very good at these kinds of songs; they give them just enough attitude and aggression without every sacrificing the melodies. But for me the standouts were the quieter moments, “If Only” and “Soul Shaper.” They remind us of a different side of the band, and give the disc the right amount of light and shade. We all know this band can rock, but these tracks prove that there’s so much more to them.

Supernova definitely missed out when they passed on Toby Rand, but something tells me he’s having the last laugh. At the helm of his own original rock act, he’s proving himself to be a real star.

Win Juke Kartel’s “Levolution” Album

I hinted at it earlier this week, and now that the weekend is upon us it seemed the perfect time to announce that Juke Kartel competition. I have two copies of the band’s new album Levolution still wrapped in plastic and ready to find new homes with my Sounds of Oz readers.

Levolution is the latest album from the Melbourne rock act fronted by Toby Rand. It helps music lovers catch up on the band’s history and where they’re heading, with six tracks from the album Nowhere Left to Hide and six new songs. Each features strong hooks, lush instrumentation, and plenty of heart.

Winning a copy of Levolution couldn’t be simpler. Just leave a comment below to let me know why you want to add to the CD to your collection, and then cross your fingers! Entries close at 5 pm EST next Friday September 17, and I’ll announce the winners on Monday September 20. Make sure you leave your e-mail address (which won’t appear to other readers) so I can get back in touch with you if you’re one of the lucky winners!

Juke Kartel Chat with Fans Online

I know there’s not a lot of notice on this one, but if you’re a Juke Kartel fan you’ll want to point your browsers to Ustream in a couple of hours.

From 11 am EST this morning (or 6 pm PST if you’re in the US) the band will host a live video chat with their fans. This is your chance to ask all those burning questions, or just touch base with the Juke Kartel.

I hope some of you can make it. And make sure you keep your eyes on Sounds of Oz as I’m about to announce a cool Juke Kartel giveaway, and I’d hate for you to miss it!

Image used with permission SGC New Media Marketing

Juke Kartel Back in Oz for Shows with Slash

Juke Kartel are heading home for a string of shows later this month to promote the release of their new single “The Sign” and forthcoming album Levolution, which hits stores on August 20.

The album acts as something of a best of, with a selection of the premium cuts from Nowhere Left to Hide remixed and joining a bunch of new tracks. Juke Kartel also enlisted the production talents of Brian Virtue, who has worked with the likes of 30 Seconds to mars, Jane’s Addiction, and Velvet Revolver.

The run of local shows includes gigs supporting former Guns N Roses guitarist Slash and their own headline concerts. Tickets are available at the venues for the following shows.

11 August 2010 – Festival Hall, Melbourne (Supporting Slash)
12 August 2010 – The Tivoli, Brisbane (Supporting Slash)
13 August 2010 – Hard Rick Cafe, Gold Coast
14 August 2010 – Step Inn, Brisbane
16 August 2010 – Festival Hall, Sydney (Supporting Slash)
18 August 2010 – Sandringham Hotel, Sydney
19 August 2010 – Bull N Bush, Baulkham Hills
20 August 2010 – Prince Of Wales, Melbourne
22 August 2010 – The Sand Belt, Moorabin

Image used with permission from Stephen Green Consulting

Acoustic Goodness from Juke Kartel

My readers have been at it again, recommending some of Australia’s best up and coming bands. Keep your e-mails coming! I love to hear what you’re listening to, and what you think I should be!

Yesterday I heard from Denise who told me I needed to check out Juke Kartel. I remembered the band’s single “Save Me” released a couple of years back, but I thought they’d dropped off the radar. Silly me; I just wasn’t looking hard enough.

Denise pointed me to this video for “My Baby,” one of the non-single tracks from Juke Kartel’s debut album Nowhere Left to Hide. When songs like this aren’t released, you start realizing how strong an album is. I’m always partial to an acoustic performance because it shows us what talented musicians a band are. I like “Save Me,” but I love this.

Juke Kartel played a few shows in Hollywood last month; hopefully we’ll see them back on home soil real soon.

Juke Kartel Score World Cup Gig

Toby Rand might have missed out on the RockStar: Supernova crown, but life is pretty sweet for the Melbourne singer. He’s now fronting his own rock outfit Juke Kartel, and they’ve just scored a spot at the Rugby League World Cup Semifinal in Sydney!

The high profile slot is just one of many shows the band will perform over the coming months. They’re also the first chance for new drummer Jason Pinfold to show us what he can do. Catch Jason, Toby, and the boys at the following venues around the country.

13 November 2008 – The Zoo, Brisbane
14 November 2008 – Shark Bar, Gold Coast
16 November 2008 – World Cup, Sydney Football Stadium
21 November 2008 – Gaelic Club, Sydney
29 November 2008 – Hi Fi Bar, Melbourne
5 December 2008 – Enigma Bar, Adelaide
7 December 2008 – Hi Fi Bar, Melbourne (under 18s show)
31 December 2008 – Odyssey Festival, Gold Coast
3 January 2008 – Solar Festival, Mornington Racecourse

Image source: Juke Kartel press page