Tag: The Vanns

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Joe Mungovan Critiques Modern Life With “Cyclone”

Joe Mungovan continues his musical evolution with the release of “Cyclone.” It’s a world away from the laidback romantic tunes that turned me on to his music, but it’s so cleverly written and sonically interesting that I just don’t care. I’m sure it’ll turn off some of the fans he made in the start of his career, but I love listening to the twists and turns his career’s taking.

“Cyclone” comes from Joe’s forthcoming album SUGAR, CANDY, LIPS, which drops on March 15. He’ll waste no time taking these songs on the road.

“We knew (the band and I) that we couldn’t wait to get these songs in front of a crowd as soon as we were recording them – they’ve got big, electric energy that screams for a live audience to get amongst it and have a boogie,” Joe enthused. “We’re stoked to return to some old haunts on this East Coast line up, and play some new venues too. The boys in the band absolutely kill it and while this is our most ambitious headline tour yet, and we are itching to get on the road and bring the show to a city near you.”

Joe will play a string of shows with The VANNS before kicking off his headlining tour. Here are all the dates. You know what to do!

29 February 2024 – Sooki Lounge, Wurundjeri Country/Belgrave
1 March 2024 – Torquay Hotel, Wadawurrung Country/Torquay
3 March 2024 – Volta, Ballaarat/Ballarat
5 April 2024 – Stag and Hunter, Mulubinba/Newcastle
6 April 2024 – La La La’s, Woolyungah/Wollongong
19 April 2024 – Oxford Art Factory, Eora/Sydney
20 April 2024 – The Gasometer, Naarm/Melbourne
28 April 2024 – The Gum Ball Festival, Wonnarua Country/Hunter Valley
3 May 2024 – It’s Still A Secret, Meeanjin/Brisbane

Photo Credit: Ben Develin

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

THE VANNS Announce Mini-Festival As Part of Next Week’s Regional Tour

The VANNS’ regional tour just got even cooler. Fans in Woolyungah/Wollongong have just had their show upgraded to a mini-festival. Curated by The VANNS, the Bring it on Home Festival will feature some of their favourite local acts including Tyne-James Organ, The Moving Stills, Surely Shirly, The Colliflowers, and GOSH. And after all that fun, punters will still get a headlining set by hometown heroes, The VANNS!

“We’ve always wanted to put on a hometown mini-festival show in the Gong and have some of our best mates/favourite artists be apart of it, The VANNS enthused.

Tickets for that event and all the other shows on The VANNS’ upcoming tour are on sale now. This tour marks the first time The VANNS have played in many of these regional centres, so you won’t want to miss it.

22 February 2024 – Commercial Hotel, Wurundjeri Country/South Morang
23 February 2024 – Westernport Hotel, Boonwurrung Country/San Remo
29 February 2024 – Sooki Lounge, Wurundjeri Country/Belgrave
1 March 2024 – Torquay Hotel, Wadawurrung Country/Torquay
2 March 2024 – Mordi Fest, Boonwurrung Country/Mordialloc
3 March 2024 – Volta, Ballaarat/Ballarat
8 March 2024 – The River, Wooditup/Margaret River
9 March 2024 – Indi Bar, Whadjuk Country/Scarborough
10 March 2024 – Indi Bar, Whadjuk Country/Scarborough
15 March 2024 – Drifters Wharf, Darkinjung Country/Gosford
16 March 2024 – Moonshiners Bar, Kamilaroi Country/Tamworth
17 March 2024 – Finnians, Guruk/Port Macquarie
22 March 2024 – Basement, Ngambri/Canberra
23 March 2024 – Bring it on Home Festival @ Waves, Woolyungah/Wollongong
28 March 2024 – King St Bandroom, Mulubinba/Newcastle
4 April 2024 – Magnums, Ngaro Country/Airlie Beach
5 April 2024 – Dalrymple Hotel, Gurrumbilbarra/Townsville
6 April 2024 – Edgehill Tavern, Gimuy/Cairns
18 April 2024 – Cleveland Sand Hotel, Quandamooka/Redlands
19 April 2024 – Kings Beach Tavern, Kabi Kabi Country/Sunshine Coast
20 April 2024 – Miami Marketta, Yugambeh Country/Gold Coast

Photo credit: Jye Talbot

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

“Last of Your Kind” – The VANNS

Through The Walls, the debut album from The VANNS, was my favourite release of 2019. I still have it on regular rotation. This Aussie rock band set such a high bar from the jump that I wondered whether they could ever come close with album number two. I found myself getting my hopes up with each brilliant single release. Now that Last of Your Kind is out in the world, I can emphatically say it’s every bit as good as The VANNS’ debut. In fact, it might even be better.

I was hooked from the first shimmery notes of the title track. Then Jimmy Vann’s warm, easy vocals kicked in, followed by the drums, and everything felt so right. There’s a familiarity about The VANNS’ music. Their sound is instantly recognisable, accessible, yet it never feels formulaic. Every song is a banger. They do anthemic rock music so well. The energy stays up with the singles “Haunted” and “Ever” following the album’s title track. But The VANNS have a sensitive side too. Ballads like “Silhouette” and the stunning closer “Collide” provide poignant moments that let us catch our breath. This album has been a long time coming, with some singles like “Red Light” and “Feels Good Now” dating back to 2021, yet it sounds so cohesive. In taking their time to release another LP, The VANNS have got it so right.

With the release of Last of Your Kind, The VANNS’ prove that their exceptional debut album was no fluke. They’re simply one of the best bands in the country. Press play and hit repeat, because you’ll want to listen to Last of Your Kind again and again. The VANNS’ are just about the embark on some instores and shows to support the new album’s release. Tickets to the gigs are limited, so pounce on any that you can get your hands on!

19 May 2023 – Greville Records, Naarm/Melbourne (1 pm)
19 May 2023 – The Espy, Naarm/Melbourne
20 May 2023 – Crosstalk Records, Eora/Sydney (1 pm)
20 May 2023 – Oxford Art Factory, Eora/Sydney
21 May 2023 – Music Farmers, Woolyungah/Wollongong (3 pm)
21 May 2023 – La La La’s, Woolyungah/Wollongong
24 May 2023 – Sonic Sherpa, Meeanjin/Brisbane (6 pm)
25 May 2023 – The Zoo, Meeanjin/Brisbane
27 May 2023 – The Jynx House @ Your Mates Brewing Co., Kabi Kabi and Jinibara Country/Sunshine Coast
16 June 2023 – San Fran, Wellington
17 June 2023 – The Tuning Fork, Auckland
21 July 2023 – Splendour in the Grass, Ngarindjin / North Byron Parklands

Images used with permission from beehive; main photo credit: Senor Friday

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

The VANNS Release Your New Favourite Song, “Ever”

I still have The VANNS’ album Through The Walls on repeat, but I’m pretty excited about sinking my teeth into all their new music. Ahead of the release of their long-awaited follow-up Last of Your Kind, the band has dropped a fabulous new single “Ever.”

This track is so smart. It builds on their classic rock sound, with a few twists and turns that are going to keep you guessing. There’s everything we love about The VANNS, and a little something extra. I’m into it.

“Thematically, ‘Ever’ is about the breakdown of a relationship that seemed to have all the boxes ticked as it pertains to the future and longevity of it all. The assumption that you’ll be with a person for life after constantly being reassured that nothing will ever change between the two of you, and when it ends, you’re left with a bevy of questions why and suppressed emotions that you’re dying to express,” The VANNS explained. “It’s a desire for answers, understanding, and, if attainable, some kind of closure.”

The band filmed the music video for “Ever” in their hometown of Dharawal Country/Kiama, on location at Jimmy Vann’s old primary school. Everybody say aww!

“We filmed the ‘Ever clip’ in my hometown of Kiama and in my old primary school which I attended in 2001. Walking back into that old sandstone building was very nostalgic for myself and my long time friend Jules Bourne (tour manager) who also attended the school and helped out directing the clip,” Jimmy said. “We had Christopher Kidall Park filming and directing the clip on the day, he is a young gun!”

The VANNS will celebrate the release of Last of Your Kind with three shows in the East Coast capitals. They’ll play the new album top to bottom, so it’s a great opportunity for fans to get across their new material. Here are the dates you need, music lovers!

19 May 2023 – The Espy, Naarm/Melbourne
20 May 2023 – Oxford Art Factory, Eora/Sydney
25 May 2023 – The Zoo, Meeanjin/Brisbane

Image used with permission from beehive; credit: Senor Friday

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

The VANNS Strike Gold Again With “Haunted”

I’m not sure there’s a more consistent Aussie outfit than The VANNS. I know before pressing play I’m going to dig their releases, and they never let me down. Their latest single “Haunted” continues the trend with its emotive vocals from Jimmy Vann and powerful themes.

“Haunted is another taste from our forthcoming album,” the band said. “The song is about dealing with some tough mental health issues and coming out the other side of it learning to acknowledge it’s OK to feel like absolute shit and there are heaps of people around you who give a fuck.”

The VANNS haven’t been in the spotlight much this year, as they’ve been working hard on that new album. Before it’s release though, they’ll let their hair down with a few summer festival sets. Make sure you don’t miss them at these events.

29 December 2022 – Lost Paradise, Darkinjung Country/Glenworth Valley
31 December 2022 – Falls Festival, Naarm/Melbourne
1 January 2023 – Fall Festival, Cavanbah/Byron Bay
8 January 2023 – Falls Festival, Walyalup/Fremantle

Image used with permission from beehive; credit: Todd Hardingham

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

The Vanns Impress Again With “Making It Out Alive”

Can The Vanns ever put a foot wrong? I’ve been a little slow to listen to their latest track “Making It Out Alive,” but I am so glad I’ve taken the time to listen this morning. Perhaps it’s that new-music rush talking, but this single might just be their best yet.

“Making It Out Alive’ is one of a bunch of songs we recorded with Chris [Collins, producer] earlier this year,” The Vanns explained. “The song wasn’t finished being fully written until the night before we tracked it, which is always a fun timeframe to record in. It also features some great saxophone work by Dusty Boots, who’s so talented and an absolute legend.”

Life’s been good for The Vanns, with the band selling out their entire Red Light national tour, recently wrapping up a successful regional run, and sharing stages with The Wombats. And they’re still not done. Check them out at the following shows:

4 October 2022 – The Fortitude Music Hall, Meeanjin/Fortitude Valley (supporting The Kooks)
6 October 2022 – Festival Hall, Naarm/West Melbourne (supporting The Kooks)
29 December 2022 – Lost Paradise, Darkinjung Country/Glenworth Valley
29-31 December 2022 – Falls Festival @ Pennyroyal Plains, Burai Gurray/Birregurra
31 December 2022-2 January 2023 – Falls Festival @ North Byron Parklands, Cavanbah/Byron Bay
7-8 January 2023 – Falls Festival @ Fremantle Park, Walyalup/Fremantle

Image used with permission from Beehive PR; credit: Todd Hardingham

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

The VANNS Bring Good Vibes With New Single & Rescheduled Tour

The VANNS might just be the most consistent band on the music scene right now. The South Coast act recently dropped their latest single “Feels Good Now,” and it’s predictably brilliant. With Jimmy Vann’s exquisite vocals and big chunky guitars, this track is bound to make your Hump Day a little easier. Like their last single “Red Light,” this song came out of recent recording sessions with producer Chris Collins at The Music Farm.

“The song was originally meant to finish with a fade-out, but we were having too much fun playing it for it to end so soon. We wrote (and I use that term loosely) the jam at the end of the song at the last minute, before we got in the studio and tracked it,” explained the band’s lead guitarist Cameron Little. “Thematically, ‘Feels Good Now’ is about taking a risk on something that you feel needs to change in your life despite any anxieties, apprehensions, and reasons why you tell yourself you shouldn’t; and actually pulling it off and feeling all the better for it. It’s a good feeling, hence the title; we can’t bloody wait to play this one live!”

That tour has just been rescheduled, but there’s an extra Torquay show and a few more tickets to previously sold-out gigs to sweeten the deal. Tickets are selling fast though, so get onto it!

3 March 2022 – The Corner Hotel, Melbourne
6 March 2022 – Torquay Hotel, Torquay
18 March 2022 – Cambridge Hotel, Newcastle
19 March 2022 – Manning Bar, Sydney
25 March 2022 – Wollongong Uni, Wollongong
1 April 2022 – Kambri @ ANU, Canberra

Image used with permission from Beehive PR; photo credit: Vasili Papathanasopoulos (@vasilipappas)

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Eliza & The Delusionals Release “You” Ahead of The VANNS’ Tour

Potsville/Brisbane act Eliza & The Delusionals have just dropped their new indie pop-rock track “You,” and I can’t stop listening. It’s instantly accessible, with a radio-friendly familiarity that quickly forges a connection with listeners. But once you tap into the lyrics, you’ll start to appreciate just how special this song is.

“‘You’ was written as a point of view type situation of any type of relationship where you just can’t possibly do enough for a person, only to have them give nothing in return and pretty much throw it back in your face,” explained the band’s guitarist Kurt Skuse. “Essentially watching someone fall apart and knowing there’s nothing more you can do to help. That’s why it’s called ‘You’, it’s for you.”

For the music video, Eliza & The Delusionals worked with Nick Maguire, who’s also created clips for Cub Sport, Ball Park Music, and Last Dinosaurs.

“We were lucky enough to be able to film the video in a warehouse at Screen QLD, which was really handy as we had multiple large sets to build. It was great for that because we had more than enough space to work out of,” the band said. “We wanted it to be inspired by the 90’s/2000’s outfit and style-wise, and we wanted it to have something that was nostalgic but with a fresh feel to it.”

Eliza & The Delusionals are touring almost everywhere in June and July supporting The VANNS. If you’re lucky enough to have tickets already, make sure you arrive early to catch their set at the following shows. Some limited tickets are still available for selected shows.

10 June 2021 – Sol Bar, Sunshine Coast
11 June 2021 – Felons Barrell Hall, Brisbane
12 June 2021 – Felons Barrell Hall, Brisbane
17 June 2021 – Lion Arts Factory, Adelaide (Early Show)
17 June 2021 – Lion Arts Factory, Adelaide (Late Show – SOLD OUT)
18 June 2021 – Indian Ocean Hotel, Perth
19 June 2021 – Indian Ocean Hotel, Perth (SOLD OUT)
25 June 2021 – Cambridge Hotel, Newcastle (SOLD OUT)
26 June 2021 – The Factory Theatre, Sydney (Early Show – SOLD OUT)
26 June 2021 – The Factory Theatre, Sydney (Late Show)
2 July 2021 – Uni Bar, Wollongong (SOLD OUT)
3 July 2021 – Altar, Hobart
4 July 2021 – Forth Pub, Forth
15 July 2021 – The Corner Hotel, Melbourne
16 July 2021 – The Forum, Melbourne (SOLD OUT)
24 July 2021 – Kambri @ ANU, Canberra

Image used with permission from Beehive PR; credit Kurt Skuse

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

The VANNS Drop Shiny New Single, “Red Light”

The VANNS have reminded me just how much I love their music with the release of their latest single “Red Light.” Their debut album Through the Walls was my favourite release of 2019, and if this new track is any indication, I’m going to lap up the next one. But I’m getting ahead of myself. For now, hit play and let this killer rock track wash over you.

The South Coast band recorded “Red Light” in Byron Bay, and I can definitely hear the influence of that town in this track. There’s a relaxed cool to the vocals and guitars, although it never threatens the song’s intensity.

“We recorded ‘Red Light’ in an insanely nice studio just outside of Byron Bay called The Music Farm. We did a few days there and recorded a couple of tunes with producer/all-round legend Chris Collins (Gang of Youths, Ruby Fields). The process was pretty stress-free, and we recorded live with all of us in the same room which I’d like to think translates on the recording,” explained lead guitarist Cameron Little.

“I view ‘Red Light’ as a story of a “lack of control” state of being. Not everything is as it may seem, jumping to reactions may cause more harm than good,” added the band’s drummer, Andrew Banovich. “For myself, this single was the first of many written with myself involved and shows a move towards a sound that is influenced a lot more on groove and feel.”

The clip saw the band travel to Broken Hill. The outback city provided a stunning backdrop, but it wasn’t without its challenges.

“It was hot, we were severely dehydrated and we are running in RM William boots, not the best combo but damn we had a ball,” admitted frontman Jimmy Vann. “We headed out to Broken Hill with our best mate and videographer Todd Hardingham (Senor Friday) to shoot a clip and try to capture as much red outback dirt as possible. We had no real plan, we were more in it for the journey and just being a bunch of young lads keen for a road trip but I’m stoked with how it turned out!”

With live music back on the agenda, The VANNS are hitting the road this winter. Catch them at the following venues around the country.

10 June 2021 – Sol Bar, Sunshine Coast
11 June 2021 – Felons Barrell Hall, Brisbane
12 June 2021 – Felons Barrell Hall, Brisbane
17 June 2021 – Lion Arts Factory, Adelaide (Early Show – SOLD OUT)
17 June 2021 – Lion Arts Factory, Adelaide (Late Show)
18 June 2021 – Indian Ocean Hotel, Perth (SOLD OUT)
19 June 2021 – Indian Ocean Hotel, Perth
25 June 2021 – Cambridge Hotel, Newcastle (SOLD OUT)
26 June 2021 – The Factory Theatre, Sydney
2 July 2021 – Uni Bar, Wollongong
3 July 2021 – Altar, Hobart
4 July 2021 – Forth Pub, Forth
16 July 2021 – The Forum, Melbourne

Image used with permission from Beehive PR

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

The Vanns Drop Alternate Version of “Jules Said” Ahead of Red Eye Tour

I loved The Vanns’ Through the Walls so much that I named it my favourite album of the year. Several months after its release, I still have it on regular rotation. I love the big rock numbers, but I have a special spot in my heart for one of the more reflective songs, “Jules Said.” Perhaps it’s because The Vanns first hit my radar when Jules showed off the tattoo he got celebrating the band on The Bachelorette. Maybe it’s just because it’s beautiful to hear a softer side to their music. At any rate, it’s a top song and I’m so thrilled to see it released as a single. Not content to rest on their laurels, the single is a brand new version of “Jules Said” recorded with Grammy-nominated, ARIA Award-winning producer Adrian Breakspear (Gang of Youths, Pharrell Williams).

“Jim (Vann) and I wrote ‘Jules Said’ in my bedroom in under an hour. It was the first song we finished writing for Through The Walls. We were doing a lot of writing on Logic and trying to come up with ‘cool sounds’ for a while, and then we went out to lunch and were like, ‘When we get back, let’s just try and write something with two guitars and no computer,’” explained guitarist Cameron Little.

A new single release is as good a reason as any to gig, so The Vanns have also announced their Red Eye tour. Catch them at the following venues this autumn.

19 March 2020 – Altar Bar, Hobart
20 March 2020 – Howler, Melbourne
21 March 2020 – Unibar, Adelaide
27 March 2020 – Sol Bar, Sunshine Coast
28 March 2020 – Crowbar, Brisbane
3 April 2020 – Unibar, Wollongong
4 April 2020 – Cambridge Hotel, Newcastle
17 April 2020 – Indian Ocean Hotel, Perth