Tag Archives: rock

Kaijin Solo New EP Universal Love

May 15, 2020 Marshall Cullen

Kaijin Solo is a contemporary singer/songwriter based on the NSW Central Coast with a blues rock influence.

Universal Love is an experiment in letting other people find their way into his music.
The idea came about from jamming original songs live with a host of different people on the local open mike circuit. The result is an electric mix of ideas that provides a solid rocking sound-scope for the lyrics.

Mark Cashin and Jake Hunt from The Little Hussies were the collaborators this time round, with Russell Pilling at Damien Gerard Studios engineering. The combination of talent without prima donna egos made the sessions into a fun day with a fantastic output and every song grew in dimension.
The EP was Mastered by Andrew Beck.

Universal Love – “When we can think, speak and act the way we want to be treated ourselves, the power of love will exceed the love of power and the world will know peace.” Is what Universal Love is about, it was inspired by a quote from Jimi Hendrix “When the power of love exceeds the love of power the world will know peace.

Into the Dream was written the morning after a Ryan Adams concert, thinking about how much things has changed since the beginning of the century.

The Republic is a tribute to the people and their achievements, and a wake up to call to Canberra to get on with it.

Spirit on the Wind is an ode to the Spirit of Freedom.

Like Sunshine is a love song to music itself.

Stream from your favourite service:

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Sydney’s blues-rock-rockabilly act Toadvine release new EP

October 25, 2019 Marshall Cullen

Toadvine are a five-piece blues-rock outfit hailing from Sydney, Australia, who dish up a unique blend of blues-tinged rock’n’roll with generous lashings of rockabilly, country and fuzzed-out garage sounds. Their new five-track EP is called Love Is A Dangerous Game.

The band members draw from hugely diverse musical influences, and together pull together a broad musical palette. At the helm is vocalist Mandy Newton, accompanied by a formidable group of seasoned veterans of the rock scene both here and abroad, including guitarists Scott Mackenzie and Phill Salera, drummer Simon Carnovale and bassist Jeff (El Jefe) Newton.

With influences ranging from the legendary Aretha Franklin, Samantha Fish, Chris Stapleton, The Gun Club, Hillbilly Moon Explosion through to Led Zeppelin, Link Wray and The Baby Animals, Toadvine hurl down the riffs and paint them with their own inimitable style. From Mandy’s huge voice, which has been compared to legends Maggie Bell and Susan Marshall, to fuzzed-out, tremolo laced chords wrung from Scotty’s tele and Phill’s sweet and melodic slide and lead work, all held together with a rhythm section that’s all bite, no bark, Toadvine are a formidable unit, and don’t mind letting people know!

With countless live shows under their belts, in late 2019 Toadvine decided to hit the studios once again to record the follow-up to their previous EP, City Livin’.

The five track EP Love Is A Dangerous Game is set for release on 25 October 2019.

TRACK BY TRACK:

Stones and Bones – The EP opener is a rip snorting bluesy garage rock tale about love gone wrong and revenge, featuring a blues harp solo courtesy of Celia Curtis.

Dead Man’s Clothes – cool country Johnny Cash vibe

Dirty Lies – garage rock with a peppering of country roots

More Than Anyone – fun bar-room classic about boy meets girl

Black Naomi – a blues tinged rockabilly sound with the swagger of the Stray Cats

Toadvine will launch the EP at Moshpit Bar, 642A King Street (south end), Newtown on Saturday November 9.

Download or stream from October 25:

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Aussie Rockers Black Aces release new EP and announce Tour’

September 13, 2019 Marshall Cullen

Drawing from the history pages of Aussie rock come Victorian four-piece Black Aces!

Never Change is the name of their new single and also the title track of their new EP. Driven by dirty slide guitar, and a driving tempo, the title track is a catchy and upbeat rocker that pays homage to the old adage that ”some things never change”.

Also featured on the EP is the previously released single, Feverdreams. A fast paced rocker in the vein of the Australian rock greats that have come before them, married with Black Aces signature sound and Tyler Kinder’s distinctive and unique vocals, Feverdreams is a self-deprecating soundtrack to the hangover from hell.

Check out the video here:

As with the band’s 2017 album Anywhere But Here, the new EP was produced by Mark Opitz and Colin Wynne. Opitz has a long list of Aussie rockers from his own ARIA Award-winning career to take inspiration from, including AC/DC, The Divinyls, Cold Chisel, INXS and The Angels.

Formed in rural Australian town Bendigo by singer-guitarist Tyler Kinder, Black Aces set about forming a set of songs influenced by the greats of Aussie rock. Bassist Alex works as a mechanic in the same shed where the band rehearses and write songs.

After developing a strong live following across their homeland and sharing stages with the likes of Cosmic Psychos, Angry Anderson, Dallas Crane, and The Casanovas, Black Aces released their debut album Shot In The Dark in early 2016 and took their live show all the way to Europe and the UK.?

Through sheer hard work the album broke into the top 20 of the iTunes Australia rock charts, and the band ended a bumper year with a show stealing performance at Hard Rock Hell festival in Wales, alongside such heavyweights as Molly Hatchet, Living Color and Ratt – earning themselves a call back to the festival’s main stage alongside the legendary Dee Snider (Twisted Sister) in 2017. The band then released their second album Anywhere But Here in the same year and received a rave review from their famous fan. “Black Aces is like getting a new vintage AC/DC in 2017! And there ain’t nothing wrong with that!… My new turn to album. Anywhere But Here” – Dee Snider, Twisted Sister

The future looks bright for the boys from Bendigo.

UK Label Off Yer Rocka will be releasing the bands new music as per below-

Oct 3 Never Change Video Premiere

Oct 4 Never Change Single release/EP Pre Order/Tour Begins(dates below)

Oct 31 EP Release date

Black Aces are:

Tyler Kinder – Lead Vocals / Lead Guitar
Jarrad Morrice – Rhythm Guitar
Alex McMillan – Bass
Pete McMillan – Drums
(FUN FACT: Despite Alex and Pete sharing the same surname, they in fact aren’t related at all!)

NEVER CHANGE TOUR DATES

Friday – Sunday 4th, 5th, 6th October

Chopped, CARRISBROOK VIC

https://www.chopped.com.au/

w The Chats, The 5, 6, 7, 8’s plus more

Tickets: $230 for weekend pass

Time: Black Aces are appearing at 5.30 on Saturday 5th October.

Saturday 12th October

Shovel Fest, BENDIGO VIC

https://www.centrestaterodders.com/shovel-fest-bendigo

Tickets: $10

Time: 10am start – Band time TBC

Saturday 26th October

Crowbar, SYDNEY NSW

https://crowbarsyd.com/

w The Neptune Power Federation

Tickets: $17.85

Time: 8pm

Friday 1st November

Old Bank Hotel, DUBBO NSW

https://www.oldbankdubbo.com/

with Flickertail

Tickets: $10

Time: 8pm

Saturday 2nd November

The Vic Hotel, ORANGE NSW

https://www.victoriahotelorange.com.au/

with Flickertail

Tickets: FREE

Time: 9pm

Friday 15th November

Transit Bar, CANBERRA ACT

http://www.transitbar.com.au

with Flickertail, Loud So Clear & Babe Fiasco

Tickets: $10 presale and $15 on the door

Time: 8pm

Saturday 16th November

Botany View Hotel, NEWTOWN NSW

https://www.botanyviewhotel.com/

with Flickertail

Tickets: TBA

Time 8PM

Sunday 17th November

Frankies Pizza, SYDNEY NSW

https://www.frankiespizzabytheslice.com/

with Lagerstein

Tickets: FREE

Time: 7PM

Friday 29th November

Stay Gold, BRUNSWICK VIC

https://staygoldmelbourne.com.au/

with Smoke Stack Rhino, Dead Preachers + TBA

Tickets: TBA

Saturday 21st December

Golden Vine Hotel, BENDIGO VIC

https://www.facebook.com/goldenvinebendigo/

Support TBC

Tickets: $10

Time: 9PM

The Never Change EP will be available to pre-order from October 4.
Officially released on October 31st.

Download or stream:

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News and Touring

The Blind Pilots release debut 3-track EP

August 29, 2019 Marshall Cullen

When describing The Blind Pilots it’s easy to say the same old things about being an explosive four piece Australian Roots, Rock and Blues outfit from the Northern Beaches of Sydney. But the truth is all four members have known each other in previous successful bands, which gives them an advantage in the creative songwriting process. The four friends share a close rapport and have a laugh together every week. They say, “There’s never a dull moment in rehearsals!”

The band members’ camaraderie is largely based on the fact they grew up listening to the same music and share common influences like Muddy Waters, John Lee Hooker, Van Morrison, Jimmy Hendrix, Cat Stevens, Led Zepplin and Midnight Oil. Together they form a band making the most of dirty slide guitar, hard hitting drums, solid bass grooves, accompanied by a soulful vocal drenched in foot stompin’ harmonica riffs. “We all have an urge to push each other harder to get the best out of our muscianship and are driven to create those magic moments,” says lead guitarist and vocalist Owen.

In a live format, the band produce an energetic show full of intense commitment, whilst still maintaining a laid back vibe.

The lead track of their brand new EP is called Tell Me I’m Wrong, which offers frontman Owen’s perspective on the current political landscape. Accompanying tracks are Telephone – a hard-hitting blues rock tune about breakdowns in relationships, complete with dirty blues harp and riffing electric guitar. The swampy southern blues rock style of Howling at the Moon fits perfectly with the lyrical lament about longing and yearning.

Between them, their experiences have seen them performing at festivals including Byron Blues, Woodford Folk, Festival Of Sun, Echuca Blues Festival, Mud Run, Harley Days, Throttle Roll, Sydney Blues Festival and has found them on the Australian Blues charts. With new ideas consistently being brought to the table this group will continue to make inroads in the Blues and Roots World and be one to watch.

The Blind Pilots members are: Owen Mancell – Guitar/Vocals; Matt Hough – Drums; Ryan Stone – Harmonica; Daniel Changas – Bass/Vocals

“Owen brings the spark, Matt is the conductor and reconstructs, Changas adds the bottom end whilst Stony waves the magic which is the icing on the cake.”

The Blind Pilots EP is out on August 30.

Download or stream from August 30:

Connect with The Blind Pilots here:

News and Touring

Big Merino’s second album Sweet Little Angel is out now!

August 8, 2019 Marshall Cullen

Big Merino’s second album to follow Surbuban Wildlife is Sweet Little Angel and it’s out now!
It features the singles that have already made an impact at radio – Hummingbird and the title track, as well as a cover of the classic Neil Young track Ohio.
The band recently played a successful launch for the album at the Marrickville Bowling Club and next Canberra audiences will have their turn. What better way to spend a Sunday afternoon than hanging at Smith’s Alternative with Big Merino!
Show starts at 4pm.
Sunday August 25 @ Smith’s Alternative, Canberra

Bruce Elder at the Sydney Morning Herald gave the album a glowing review recently – have a read below.

ADULT ROCK Big Merino
SWEET LITTLE ANGEL (Foghorn) ???½

It has long been an orthodoxy that second albums are more problematic than debut offerings. Here’s the exception. If Big Merino’s debut, Suburban Wildlife, was scattergun in its approach, this is a tour de force of, for want of a better term, classy adult rock, funk, soul and pop. It’s the kind of music Jo Camilleri and Van Morrison see as their bailiwick: a clever and sophisticated blend of heart-stopping gospel-style harmonies (I Watched the Light), and classy lead vocals (courtesy of Stuart Davis, a long-time member of Sydney-based choral masters Cafe of the Gate of Salvation).

Instrumental features include beautiful interplay between acoustic and electric guitar (the title track is seductive); searing guitar solos from Alex Craig (I Lay Me Down); delicious horns courtesy of James Greening (Satellite) and some pulsating funkiness on This Song and Living in the Past.

Oh, yes, and there is an astonishingly good reading (with blistering guitar solos) of Neil Young’s Ohio. The result is a deeply satisfying collection of songs which, while they defy any easy categorisation, sit happily at the richly mature end of popular music. Hear them at Marrickville Bowling Club, July 27. Bruce Elder

******************************************

Sweet Little Angel was recorded at Damien Gerard Studios.

Watch the video for Sweet Little Angel at YouTube:

Sweet Little Angel is out now on Foghorn Records through MGM.

Stream or download:

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News and Touring

Brisbane’s Team Utopia release double A-side called Comin’ Back.

July 12, 2019 Marshall Cullen

Building on the success of the singles and videos of ‘Strips Off My Soul’ and ‘Calling Out To The Masses’, Brisbane’s Team Utopia release their new double A Side ‘Addiction’ and ‘Waiting for You’ under the apt title ‘Comin’ Back’.

The songs were written by Team Utopia and inspired by broken love and personal battles. Addiction is a slice of classic hard-paced up-tempo rock from the dynamic Brissy outfit. Taking a leaf from their popular live set you can almost hear the punters singing along and moving on the dance floor to this tune.

The second of the double-A sides is Waiting For You, a more laidback rock tune featuring some classy female backing vocals. Lead singer Danny’s world-weary vocals tell the story.

The ‘Comin’ Back’ release was recorded at Star Audio Studios in Brisbane, tracked and engineered by BJ McGuinness. The songs were then lovingly mixed by Russell Pilling at Damien Gerard Studios, while vocals were added in Sydney.
Final touches from Ex USA mastering guru Andrew Beck were added on the NSW Central Coast to add the final polish for radio and release.
And there you have it, another killer release from this exciting band!

Catch Team Utopia live soon at Rockin 4 The Homeless events. The band will be doing their bit for the very worthy The Breakfast Club charity.

Rockin’ 4 The Homeless with You Am I, The Superjesus, Diana Anaid and more!

Friday, 30th August 2019 – Gold Coast RSL Club, Southport

Saturday, 31th August 2019 – Picnic Hill, Cnr Oxley & Anzac, Redcliffe

More local tour dates will be added soon. The band are also in negotiations for a USA West Coast run in February 2020.

Comin’ Back featuring Addiction and Waiting For You is out July 12 through Foghorn Records/MGM.

Stream or Download the new songs from July 12:

Connect with Team Utopia:

MadCds4PanelDigiPack+Pocketsideentry FINAL

News and Touring

John Kennedy Raining Treasure Tour Update

June 7, 2019 Marshall Cullen

Following the Successful Melbourne Show last weekend including an appearance from Kim Salmon,
The Sydney Launch is Friday June 21 Next Week at the fabulous Patersham Bowlo

And for Brisbane folks there are still last minute tix available for tomorrow night at The Junk Bar

Sydney musician John Kennedy’s new album Raining Treasure celebrates the golden era of Australian independent music from the late ‘70’s and the 80’s. Kennedy compiled a list of classic indie songs (and some obscurities) from that era and with his band, John Kennedy’s 68 Comeback Special, has recorded songs from The Go-Betweens, The Triffids, The Scientists and many more. Some of these acts were contemporaries. Some were inspirations. All had some great songs.

The idea for this release sprang from the 2017 album, JFK and the Midlife Crisis. It was a concept album about a middle aged Sydney musician looking back over his life to the glory days of the Australian indie music scene. It explored the joys and disappointments of being part of the thriving music culture that was centred around Surry Hills at that time. The logical next step was to cover some of the great songs from that fertile period. These songs take you back to the Trade Union Club and the Strawberry Hills Hotel.

The tracklist is:

1. Swampland* – The Scientists
2. Raining Pleasure – The Triffids
3. Leilani – le Hoodoo Gurus
4. Come On – The Atlantics via The Wet Taxis

5. Stuck On You – Sardine v

6. Girl In The Sweater – The Hard Ons

7. King Street* – John Kennedy’s Love Gone Wrong
8. Ocean Liner – The Lighthouse Keepers

9. Lee Remick* – The Go-Betweens

10. Refugee – The Apartments
11. When The Birdmen Fly – The Fun Things
12. Brisbane (Security City) / Electrical Storm – The Saints / Ed Kuepper
13. Nothing Grows In Texas* – Sacred Cowboys

14. Don’t Go To Sydney – The Zimmermen
15. St Kilda to Kings Cross – Paul Kelly
( * Suggested airplay tracks)

An enthusiastic young music journalist once described John Kennedy as a humble genius. Kennedy is neither a genius nor particularly humble. He is the writer and performer of many fine songs, some of which have found a place in the hearts of music fans of the golden era of Australian independent music. Kennedy started his music career in Brisbane in the ‘80’s with his band JFK and the Cuban Crisis. The band moved to Sydney and after establishing itself on the indie music scene broke up leaving Kennedy to pursue a solo career with his band vehicle, John Kennedy’s Love Gone Wrong. Despite numerous indie hits, commercial crossover proved to be elusive leading to his decision to leave Australia. Kennedy spent the ‘90’s living and playing music in Berlin, Hong Kong and London before returning to Sydney’s Inner West in 2000. He formed a new band, John Kennedy’s 68 Comeback Special and continues to perform and produce independent releases.

Over the years Kennedy has shared stages with many of the acts covered on this new album. His band members have come from or gone on to the Triffids, Paul Kelly, the Go-Betweens and Ed Kuepper. The current line up of the band boasts its own fine indie pedigree. Long time drummer, Peter Timmerman was an original Love Gone Wrong member before moving on to the Widdershins. New bassist Phil Hall played with Sardine v, the Dropbears, the Lime Spiders and many others. Guitarist Murray Cook started out in Finger Guns before going on to found what is probably Australia’s most successful independent band, the Wiggles. Together with Kennedy they have created versions of these Australian indie classics, reinterpreting some, expanding some and celebrating them all.

TOUR DATES ARE:

Melbourne ALBUM LAUNCH – Swamplands, 744 High St, Thornbury VIC.
Saturday 8 June, from 8pm.

Brisbane ALBUM LAUNCH – The Junk Bar, 215 Waterworks Rd, Ashgrove QLD
Saturday 15 June, from 8pm.

Sydney ALBUM LAUNCH – Petersham Bowling Club, 77 Brighton St, Petersham NSW
Friday 21 June, from 8pm.

Pre-sale tickets are available via Oztix, or buy tickets at the door.

Raining Treasure (Australian Indie Gold Covers Vol.1) will be released on 7 June 2019,
on Foghorn Records through MGM.

Stream or Download John Kennedy’s music:

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News and Touring

Texas Strangers deliver new single: Always In The Rain

March 12, 2019 Marshall Cullen

The second slice of Texas Strangers forthcoming Borderline album is called Always In The Rain and it’s streaming and at radio now.

Rich in harmonies and melody, this rollicking tune bounces from start to finish and is bound to be an instant smash with the band’s loyal live following as well as country radio stations all over the country.

Piano and electric guitar along with strings and slide over the top of a tight rhythm section cap off the classic Nashville style production.

The band’s penchant for a catchy tune is already evident, since their debut EP spawned 3 Number One Singles on the Country Songwriters chart.
The previous single, River Of Tears gained great support across ABC Country and regional radio.

Texas Strangers are from the Central Coast of NSW and are fronted by singer songwriter Steve Killeen, who together with his bandmates create a sound rich in classic Country tradition.

Always In The Rain was recorded during the album sessions for Borderline at Damien Gerard Studios engineered by Russell Pilling. The song was mastered by Sage Audio Nashville Tennessee.

Stream now via your favourite service:

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News and Touring

The Vegas Nerves – New Video Premiere on Scenestr – An Act of Faith

August 1, 2018 Marshall Cullen

The Vegas Nerves Debut Album “An Act of Faith”

Update!; Vegas Nerves are on Air on Triple M 104.9 FM nationally at HOMEGROWN 8-10PM SUNDAY

Drops 3/8/18 and the title track and New Video Premieres on Scenestr. Today August 1

After the success of their Single/ Video release “A List As Long As Your Arm” on the 5 of June. There are only good things coming to this Sydney based band, playing their music around the less salubrious parts of Sydney town.

They also have a radio interview lined up with Aussie Music Weekly playing on the air at the end of August.

About; Did you ever make a wish that only brought you trouble? Well then here are the band for you because they know that feeling well. Did you tell a secret and find out everyone already knows? Then let The Vegas Nerves talk you down because they understand. Their work has been compared to a consultation with a psychiatrist who could well be crazier than you are. They can’t make too many promises but if you come out of your safe spaces you could learn something new. You might remember how to celebrate both the sublime and the ridiculous in the everyday and avoid listening to bores who are afraid and offended by their own shadows.

Upcoming shows:

The Vegas Nerves Playing with Ariane Campbell (also recorded at Damien Gerard Studios) Album Launch “TH/EF SHOT TO THE HEART” on the August 9th @ The Valve Bar Sydney

The Vegas Nerves Playing with Ariane Campbell on October 11th @ Leadbelly

keep up to date with gigs with Vegas Nerves @

(https://www.thevegasnerves.com/gigs)

(https://www.facebook.com/pg/The-Vegas-Nerves-1139475662785359/events/?ref=page_internal)

News and Touring

Medusa’s Wake – Debut Album – Rascals & Rogues

June 12, 2018 Marshall Cullen

Medusa’s Wake – Debut Album – Rascals & Rogues

With the recent release (1 June) of Sydney Celtic Folk Rockers Medusa’s Wake’s debut album ‘Rascals & Rogues’ with a very uptempo and energetic style of music that will have you raising your beer glasses and showing off your skills on the dance floor. Rooted very much in a Celtic Rock style based on Australian and Old Ireland folklore, Medusa’s Wake has been described as a love child of The Pogues and Australia’s own Roaring Jack.

Their debut album portrays lots of characters of time past who in fact where Rascals and Rogues hence with the naming of the album. The band spent quality time in Damien Gerrard Studio’s in Balmain with the brilliant Russell Pilling adding his magical touch to the recording.

The debut single: ‘Seldom Sober’ was a late inclusion to the album. It is an ode to, lead vocalist Eddie Lawlor’s, love of whiskey. It is a hard and fast lively drinking tune to get you in the mood for a party! With band members John, Zane, Ben, Ron and Frank all fond of a drop of whiskey this song certainly shows the fun-loving high energy that this band is all about.

Seldom Sober (video) In the bands own words ‘It’s fairly lively as all good Irish Whiskey drinking songs should be’, and we heartily concur, with full band backing and great production this one will have ‘ye dancin’ a jig’ in no time at all. Band quote word for word “1. Seldom Sober. This is a song wrote as an ode for my love of whiskey with the origins being a young boy drinking with a friend up till my adult years. It’s fairly lively as “all good drinking songs should be”

Link to Scenestr Article with Seldom Sober video

Band Questions; Eddie Lawlor lead frontman

1. Your bio mentions your sound is a “lovechild of The Pogues and Australian’s own Roaring Jack” High praise indeed.

It is a comparison and I think that’s where it stops! We have a similar edge but In my view, if we were to be half of what both those bands where we would be doing alright. I think the Irish/Celtic influence is there. I have gotten to know Steph Miller who used play in Roaring Jack and he truly is one of the most gifted musician’s and performer’s I have ever seen. Big boots to fill! We can only stay doing what we do and see how we go.

2. Favourite artists of all time?

Did I mention The Pogues! Luke Kelly Folk singer with The Dubliners and Paul Kelly.

3. What current Australian acts inspire you and why? What international acts?

I also play with The Handsome Young Strangers Driza, Looch, Adam, Dave and Na na are really top muso’s and have been doing it so well for such a long time. International acts always have been and will always be The Pogues!

Medusa’s Wake launch ‘Rascals And Rogues’ at Norton’s Irish Pub in Leichardht (Sydney) 16 June.

Album Out Now

Connect with Medusa’s Wake
-Website
http://medusaswake.com/
-Social Media Links
https://www.facebook.com/medusaswake/