Players Sounds – BULLHORN

Bullhorn are a nine piece from Brisbane, they have a great big brassy sound and some of the tracks on this album are fantastic and I really enjoyed them.
They attack with gusto and energy a variety of styles from skar to reggae with jazz and hip hop also getting a go. While they make a fair fist of each of those styles the variance was a bit of a sticking point for me.
I really struggled to get into the flow of the album, it was like a sampler box and although there was stuff that I liked the next track would come along and I found I wasn’t in the mood for it.
To be fair they seem very good players and given that this is the first album of their work I have no frame of reference for them. Some great stuff on there though.

Favourite Tracks Resonate Right and Beach Party

Chris Russells Chicken Walk

There is a type of drama employed in television shows where the characters pretty much just yell at each other in a bid to convey emotion and gravitas. Its a type of television I don’t care for.
For me this album was a little bit like that, whilst executed professional enough and the style of music what it says it will be, it didn’t move me.
I wasn’t tempted to sing along, play air guitar or even close my eyes in empathetic agreement.
I’m not trying to be critical so I hope i’m not coming across that way. It just didn’t work for me much the same as shouting at each other doesn’t convey drama to me.
Other than that the guitar seemed to be a little loud in the mix for me dominating rather than supporting the singing.

Favourite track:- Skinny Girl

Diana May Clark – The Other Side of the Girl

Diana May Clark is from Melbourne and has a history as a ‘Brazilian song interpreter’to paraphrase her website. This release from November 2014 is her first solo full length album. If i told you that this was a great pop album there’s a chance you could overlook it. Do so to your own loss, this is a fine pop album bubbling along with terrific songs that you can bop along to.
With it’s easy sing along lyrics and sixties groove overtones the whole album is a delight to listen to and just the thing when you are in need of an aural pick me up.
An album worthy of a wider audience. If this is a indication of her work then I may have to examine her earlier works.

Favourite Track:- In Love with love. followed by Batacuda Bonde although Blueprint offers a different style for comparison

Sally Seltzmann Title:- Hey Day Dreamer

This album really bugged me, but I’ll get to that. Sally Seltmann is a singer songwriter from Sydney, probably more popularly known for her work under the name of New Buffalo.
Hey Day Dreamer is a fantastic pop album. Some of you might be turned off by my describing that way but you’d be missing out. Equal parts drama and whimsy the diversity offered with the variety of styles on offer is impressive.
But the thing that bugged me about the album is this. The orchestral and vocal style reminded me of another artist. It was on the third time through the album that I stumbled onto it.
I had deliberately not read the liner notes because I did not wish to have any preconceptions about the album before I heard it. Upon reading the notes it was pretty obvious that the style of the album had been influenced by a few people but the artist I had been thinking off but failing to remember was thanked right in the notes, Sarah Blasko!

Favourite track:- “Billy” then “The Catch of the Day”

Hey Rosetta! – Soft Offering

Hey Rosetta! isn’t everyone’s cup of tea. I’ve always had a soft spot for them because to me they’ve lived a life in Arcade Fire’s shadow. Although their trademark orchestral section is missing, Soft Offering is still one of many quality Hey Rosetta! songs. It seems they have decided to beef things up for their next record adding an extra member and with likely intent to appeal to a wider audience. The bass on Soft Offering alternates from a recognisably smooth tastefulness to an equally tasteful crunch. Eloquent song writing has forever been a strong point in Hey Rosetta!’s music and this track is no exception. It’s nice when a song is unpredictable and you can let it evolve.

– Gabriel Strachan

Viet Cong – Continental Shelf

With an eponymous debut album slated for the 20^th January 2015, Viet Cong have seriously teased me with Continental Shelf. Sitting somewhere between Interpol and a grimy pub at 4 in the morning, Continental Shelf is a solid first taste. Erratic piercing guitar hooks are a feature in this wall of sound. Introduced from the beginning, the repetitive lead lines ensure the song is unforgettably catchy. Contrasting to the sharp hooks are the subtler chorus’ that roll along effortlessly with vocalist Matt Flegel able to swoon over the top. Have a listen and get excited for this record.

– Gabriel Strachan

Josh Haire – Sails

Binding crunchy guitar with electronic beats shouldn’t be this pleasing. Rather than either instrument overpowering the other, balance is created through the layers of vocals stealing the limelight of Sails. Strong falsetto harmonies reminiscent of Bon Iver open the track setting the scene for the next 3 and a half minutes. I feel like I’m sitting on a pier watching a heated yacht-race. The sun is out, but it is windy and the cold breeze is very soothing. This is a strong first release from the Them 9’s front man. Check out Josh’s facebook here and stream Sails below.

– Gabriel Strachan

Lunatics on Pogosticks – Slug Cat and Snail Dog

I’ve been following Lunatics on Pogosticks for quite a few years now, and they have continued to impress me with their scuzzy lo-fi rock. The first release off new EP ‘Slug Cat and Snail Dog’ was Blood Clot, recorded as a prize for winning Triple J Unearthed High in 2013 and was released in the same year. It’s obvious though that some of their edgy charm is lost in the more polished production.

Photo by Aleksander Jason

‘Slug Cat and Snail Dog’, as a whole is a return to form from the trio. Opener ‘Less Than Sober’ tells the classic tale of being on the party circuit under the influence, and the problems that come with. ‘Edgy’ ventures into College-Rock territory reminiscent of Weezer. Calum Newton’s lyrics are quirky and straight to the point, dealing with the issues that face teenagers today.

In sum, ‘Slug Cat and Snail Dog’ is a cohesive release from the fellas who stick true to their lo-fi attitudes. Lunatics on Pogosticks will be playing at the Voice FM Showcase taking place on the 3^rd of October at Karova Lounge. Supporting them will be Ballarat locals Junipers and Average Personality Star.

– Gabriel Strachan

Ariel Pink – Put Your Number in my Phone

Ariel Pink is set to release his newest record ‘pom pom’ on the 14^th of November. ‘Put Your Number in my Phone’ is the perfect lead track for us Aussies approaching Summer. The twangy guitars, poppy bass, lightly restrained drums and dreamy vocals are reminiscent of Beach Fossils or Wild Nothing and are true to Ariel’s classic pop sensibilities. It’s amazing how much Ariel has managed to cram into 3 minutes of bliss. This will be on repeat all the way from now until the end of March. You can watch the official video clip below. It’s weird as.

– Gabriel Strachan

Leisure Suite – Ease Away

Photo: Camilla Nicholls

Leisure Suite have only played a handful of shows, yet possess the elegance of true seasoned professionals in the industry. Great Expectations was their first release and took fans by storm, racking up 25,000 plays in a few short months. Easy Away is their follow up single and maintains the subtle catchiness that Great Expectations teased audiences with. Lush synthesizers are becoming trademark for the band, creating a bed for Bridgette Le’s vocals to softly sit upon. Have a listen and ease away.

– Gabriel Strachan