Tempus Sun Wins Me Over With “Owls”

When I attempted to stream “Owls,” the new single from last year’s Bank of Melbourne ‘Melbourne Music Bank’ winners Tempus Sun, on Spotify, it came up on an album called Listen Up Australian Volume 1, which was listed as “featuring the top ten songwriters in Australia.” As you can imagine, my curiosity was piqued and my expectations set high!

At first I wasn’t sure about the song. It was quite nice, with its gentle acoustic guitar and delicate vocal delivery, but I wasn’t really seeing what distinguished from the glut of solid folk music we have in this country. But I gave it time, as you should with any song, and it built into something exceptional.

So I urge you, give it time. This song just keeps getting stronger as the harmonies kick in and the instruments intensify. The message is also one that anyone who’s battled mental illness or been close to someone who has will identify with.

“Owls is about speaking up about our struggles. It’s a tune relatable to anyone with troubles, be it in the past or ongoing,” explained Tempus Sun’s lead guitarist Ed Borreomeo. “It was created with mental illness in mind and the intention of influencing people to just have a chat about it with someone. Coming from personal experience, something as simple as having a chat is very easy to disregard as helpful, or is easy to procrastinate on, but I found it to be the first step in combatting almost anything.”

“Owls” is the first single from Tempus Sun’s self-titled debut EP, which will drop on August 4. The band will launch “Owls” with a show for hometown fans at The Toff in Town on June 30.

Adam Eaton Launches EP Tonight in Melbourne

Melbournites without evening plans should consider ditching the television and checking out Adam Eaton’s set at The Toff in Town.

After spending the last two years in Norway, Adam’s returned home with a few Norwegian musicians in tow to support the release of his first EP, You and I and Us. I was particularly struck by this song “Not Alone,” a gentle, subdued folk tune that’s so beautifully measured. What a gorgeous number.

It’s one of the songs featured on the EP that came together in just three days. Whenever music comes so quickly I get excited. There’s a gorgeous free, unforced quality to tunes that come together so naturally and organically.

While Adam’s Melbourne hometown gets tonight launch, Sydney and other spots in his home state won’t miss out on this great talent. He’ll play the following shows before returning to Norway.

7 March 2012 – The Old Manly Boatshed, Manly (Free)
8 March 2012 – The Clovelly Hotel, Sydney (Free)
9 March 2012 – Heritage Hotel, Bulli
10 & 11 March 2012 – Tastes of Rutherglen Festival @ Bullers Winery, Rutherglen, Australia
17 March 2012 – Pure Pop Records, Saint Kilda (3 pm)
22 March 2012 – The Empress, Fitzroy

Image source: Adam Eaton website