Tag Archives: Aussie Music

Space Engineer releases album Memory Trip

May 28, 2021 Marshall Cullen

Space Engineer is the alter ego of Sydney based song-writer Terry Lyndon, and sees him writing melodic, uplifting indie guitar-pop songs for the modern condition.

Terry grew up in Tweed Heads, before moving to Canberra, where he formed bands Mae West, Magic Roundabout and Glowspire (with Matthew Winter, now with Zed Penguin). Moving to Sydney, he formed Submarine with Paul Read (formally Chosen Few). After leaving the scene for a time, a chance meeting with Piri Rutherford (Easy Beats Radio,Isola Beats) inspired him to continue his song writing releasing ‘Radio Station in my Head’ album on bandcamp.

Space Engineer is his recording duo featuring producer and musician Mike Caen. Terry says “With Mike, who is an amazing all round music pro, I can realise my songs full potentials. I’m able to indulge in my experiments and musical ideas”.

The sound of Space Engineer is highly melodic, Indie, pop, rock. Terry’s influences are The Beatles, Velvets, The Smiths and Go Betweens. Many have described the Space Engineer sound as a cross between The Beatles and The Beach Boys. The guys are quite ok with that comparison, have a listen to the irresistible melodies of Space Engineer.

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Steve Kilbey and the Winged Heels Announce Tour and New Album

May 19, 2021 Marshall Cullen

For Immediate Release
After heading to Jupiter 13 for his highly successful release with Martin Kennedy earlier this year selling out the first press of both CD and vinyl, Steve Kilbey is currently ‘Swinging on the Moon’ on his way back to planet earth with the first single from the forthcoming Steve Kilbey and The Winged Heels double album ‘The Hall of Counterfeits’

New Reviews just in:
https://glidemagazine.com/257736/steve-kilbey-and-the-winged-heels-make-creative-surplus-on-musically-vast-the-hall-of-counterfeits/

https://www.backseatmafia.com/album-review-steve-kilbey-the-winged-heels-soar-into-another-celestial-sphere-with-double-album-the-hall-of-counterfeits/?fbclid=IwAR3gPv_bjvesdwtCb6_2i5U6dMJcffLZoFP7iLos5upWkwXi1h8Oe0NLGKY

From Steve Kilbey:
In 1990 I released an album called Remindlessness in which I attempted to take in everything I had ever been fascinated by and reconcile the whole damn lot with a weird and wild bunch of songs.

30 years on, armed with three brilliant musicians (The Winged Heels), time has enabled me to give voice to those same preoccupations: past lives, Indian and Middle Eastern music, religion, ancient history, the Beatles and the many implications of their work.

Barton Price an unbelievable walloping drummer. Gareth Koch and his beautiful classical and flamenco guitar (and a host of other stringed ethnic instruments). Roger Mason on piano organ hurdy gurdy, cello (and a load of other weird arcane and esoteric instruments). Together we have come up with this mercurial record that is surely the most important thing I have ever done anywhere anytime.

A new sprawling double album, a labour of love. The record I had to make before I shuffle off this mortal coil and begin again all over – some other time, some other place. But this record is the big one and even if I do get another 30 years down here it will be a hard one to ever top.

I’m lucky to have found these players plus Andrew Beck an American engineer and co-producer of this record who have helped create this huge strange unwieldy chaotic dense bunch of songs that we have plucked fresh out of the thin air. I have never been prouder of an achievement in my life.

Upcoming Tour

Steve Kilbey and The Winged Heels
Click for tix
June 3 – Lizottes
June 5 Manly Leagues
June 6 – Paddo RSL
June 17 – Brass Monkey
J une 18 Royal Hotel – Queanbeyan
June 19 – Heritage Hotel Bulli

Please, if you will, wander through the Hall of Counterfeits and take it all in.…OUT NOW (Foghorn/MGM)

Stream below:

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The Blind Pilots release their first full album ‘All Kinds of Crazy’

May 19, 2021 Marshall Cullen

Congrats to the boys on scoring top 5 Amrap Charts in the first week of release

All Kinds of Crazy is the first full length album for The Blind Pilots. The band spent months working up these songs with many of them tested and refined during their many live shows.

The album was recorded in July of last year, in between the gaps of isolation during the Covid pandemic. ARIA award winning producer – Govinda Doyle engineered the project with the band in his studio on the Northern Rivers of NSW.

Years of gigs and similar musical influences mean that the band meld together: Blues, Stoner Rock and remanences of 90’s riffage together to get their point across. Drawing from their more recent experiences, everything from social perceptions, loosing mates, the band found inspiration from ‘All Kinds of Crazy’. The unexpected became the topics that allowed them to bond together creatively to deliver an exceptional album.

The Blind Pilots strive for the ‘magic moments’ and serve it up with plenty of dirty slide guitar and foot stompin’ harmonica riffs. The four friends have known each other from previous successful bands playing gigs up and down the East Coast. All grew up listening to the same music and share common influences of artists who had something to say – Muddy Waters, John Lee Hooker, Van Morrison and well – you can guess the rest.

After seeing each other play, a mutual friend conjured a plan to get them together at the same time in the same rehearsal room. A few late-night jams, many entertaining stories and a full fridge, The Blind Pilots was ignited. They released an EP in 2019 that saw them feature on the Australian Blues Charts and led to appearances at The Byron Bay Blues Festival, Woodford Folk, Festival Of the Sun and Echuca Blues with loads of pub shows in between.

The Blind Pilots produce an energetic live show full of intense commitment – whilst still maintaining a laid back vibe for all to enjoy.

The Blind Pilots are:
Owen Mancell – Guitar/Vox
Matt Hough – Drums
Ryan Stone – Harmonica
Daniel Chamberlan – Bass

Song Descriptions:
All Kinds Of Crazy
This title track really sets the scene for what’s to come. Expertly executed rocking blues, not unlike ZZ Top and other southern blues bands. These guys are seasoned live players and the track comes together with the classic bass, drums, slide guitars, blues harp and powerful vocal delivery.

Mood Of The Dude
Another catchy up-tempo rocking guitar blues tune, this one really sits in the groove, and is capped off by the great guitar and blues harp riffing these guys do so well.

Probably Think Of You
A catchy slide guitar riff and drum pattern introduce another up-tempo foot tapper. By the time the harp, vocals, bass and more guitars come in this one has you hooked – just like the whole album – a great offering from this rocking blues line up.

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New Release to radio from PG Naylor

May 18, 2021 Marshall Cullen

Phil Naylor is a Sydney, Australia-based singer/songwriter who has been recording under the name PG Naylor since 2018. He was originally rhythm guitarist/vocalist with 60s band The Quiet Ones, who played surf clubs, football clubs, suburban dances and discos, as well as country Bachelors and Spinsters and Town and Country balls during the 60s.

The Quiet Ones reformed in 2007 to support the original Aztecs for a fundraising event for Beyond Blue. The band continued to perform at charity functions , having raised around $50k for their chosen charity -Bo Children’s Hospital in Sierra Leone.

In 2017, having left the corporate world, Phil commenced a project with legendary Australian instrumental guitarist, Kim Humphreys, to record his original compositions, releasing two albums: Sanctuary and 60’ Refugee.

The title track from Sanctuary was a semi finalist in the 2019 International Songwriting Competition based in Nashville USA. Sanctuary and Hollywood Road were semi finalists in the 2020 Voyager International Songwriting Competition based in Melbourne Australia.

60s Refugee, including the tracks 60s Refugee, Law ‘Biding Man and Hollywood Road represents ‘tongue -in-cheek’ reflections on life and events with a strong 60s rock beat. The unmistakeable guitar style of Kim Humphreys and the ‘lived-in’ quality in PG Naylor’s voice are evident on all tracks.

The track 60s Refugee, with a 60s bluesy rock feel, perhaps best encapsulates the state of mind of the writer and performer yearning for the ‘good ol’ days’ of the 60s.

Law ‘biding Man has a great 60s gutsy riff which drives the song under some innovative lead guitar, while Hollywood Road brings events closer to the current era with a visit to a Hong Kong bar and civil unrest outside.

Song Descriptions:
Law ‘Biding Man
Here’s a great up-tempo, 60’s revival sounding tune with all the right elements, hooky guitars, vocals and harmonies, strong rhythm section and some poppy keyboards to boot.
Spotify link to stream:

60s Refugee
A more blues-based tune with some harmonica taking the riffs. A strong chorus sets this one apart as a powerful ode to the entire era. The Stones and The Beatles even get a mention.

Hollywood Road
A dark guitar riff begins this straight ahead rock tune. Once the vocals kick in it’s a story telling song all about those classic experiences in a new city we can all relate to. Like all of these PG Naylor tunes its up-tempo, catchy and well worth a listen.

OUT NOW
CDs Instore via MGM

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Official website: www.pgnaylor.com

Video link: https://youtu.be/qXRx5OhkyyM

News and Touring

Settlement Mirage EP release

May 6, 2021 Marshall Cullen

In 1992, after Sydney’s Happy Hate Me Nots split, Paul Berwick put together a trio called Settlement, with bassist, Jim Dickson (at the time ex New Christs) and drummer, Chris Welsh (at the time ex Died Pretty).

“I wanted to start something new” explained singer, guitarist and songwriter, Berwick.

“I advertised for a drummer and bass player. Jim Dickson answered, momentarily separated from the New Christs. We were already friends but I couldn’t believe it! We auditioned several drummers until Chris Welsh, momentarily separated from Died Pretty, called me. Again, I had to pinch myself! I already had enormous respect for both Jim and Chris!”

Settlement recorded five glorious tracks at Damien Gerard Studios at its original location in the inner Sydney suburb of Ultimo. The songs weren’t left over from Berwick’s days in the Happy Hate Me Nots. “All the songs were new. It was a good songwriting period for me.” A life long fan of great pop/rock songs, Berwick was inspired by some of the form’s masters. “At that time it was The Pretenders, The Who, Big Star, Prince and of course the Beatles!”

Settlement are:
Paul Berwick – Happy Hate Me Nots
Jim Dickson – The Survivors, Passengers, Deniz Tek Group, Radio Birdman, New Christs
Chris Welsh – Died Pretty

As well as the recording session at Damien Gerard Studios, the band played some shows around Sydney in the second half of 1992. While the band and the music showed promise, Settlement’s existence was brief. “Chris got the call to return to Died Pretty. I couldn’t compete with that so it ended there”, said Berwick.

Or so it seemed.

In 2020, in the middle of the COVID-19 lockdown, Jim Dickson found the DAT tape of their studio session, which he then had mastered – significantly – at the same studio where it was recorded!

This band was a unique creation that doesn’t feature at all in Sydney’s early 90s rock history. It wasn’t a mirage though…they did exist. Here’s the proof!!

What’s Good For Me
Originally recorded in the 90’s these songs have that warm and analog tape sound that is hard to replicate successfully anymore. The lead tune What’s Good For Me is up-tempo and moves along in a power pop, jangly guitar way, not unlike early REM. The chorus is the standout and has a melodic and catchy chorus that stays in your head, tailed out by a strong instrumental section, this one is a winner.

Golden Handshake
Some shaker, guitar and huge drums start this up-tempo radio track. Once the vocals and band come in you are curious and want to hear more. The song drives along at a quick pace and maintains the interest with plenty going on plus a great vocal from Paul Berwick.

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The DK Effect release their Debut Album ‘Moving Time’

April 24, 2021 Marshall Cullen

This Deep South(Tasmanian) Soul and Blues band release their debut album and premiere their latest video courtesy of scenestr

The DK Effect are an 8-piece original funk, soul and gospel-infused RnB band from Australia’s deep south (Tasmania). Fronted by the powerful yet exquisite vocal and focal trinity (Crystal Campbell, Ruby Austin-Lund and Belle Richardson) the band’s material focuses on storytelling, melody and harmony, and is saturated with the passion and polyrhythmic ‘call and response’ vocal synchronicity of gospel music. The band: Randal Muir (keys), Aleks Folvig (guitar and vocals), Al Tolond (drums), David Johnstone (bass) and Jed Adams (sax) deliver grooves as deep as a freshly pressed 45.

Songwriter, David Johnstone had been content to satisfy his passion for writing and recording in sheltered isolation but following the illness of a close friend he reluctantly acknowledged that life is a ‘one-time only offer’. He began the Mama K project. Mama K and the Big Love release their ‘Blind’ album in 2017. The album received rave reviews including 4.5 stars from the Sydney Moring Herald. At this time David had the amazing good fortune to be introduced to Crystal Campbell. Her innate musicality and perfect interpretation of his ideas took each new song to a soulful new level. They quickly formed an enduring, productive and creative relationship.

Having been born on Kiribati in the South Pacific, Crystal was adopted and raised in Tasmania. She is also an accomplished singer songwriter with soul music running through her veins, and as with the African-American originators of soul, she has a sense of identity, culture, consciousness, pride and an unbreakable bond to her homeland.

Crystal and Ruby were together in an all-female band called The Duchesses and formed a great musical relationship and friendship. Ruby is from Northern Tasmania and completed a Bachelor of Music with Honours in Songwriting. She is also an accomplished keyboardist and has always had a love for soul music.

Ruby met Belle (also from Northern Tasmania) at the Conservatorium of Music where Belle is currently studying music, specialising in Blues, Funk, RnB and Gospel. As well as The DK Effect, she also sings with the soul band Belle’s Boys.

The vocal trio have an undeniable chemistry that radiates the authentic early soul / funk power and vulnerability of the genres pioneers, which allows them to reflect the full range of emotion and meaning embedded in every lyric and groove of The DK Effect repertoire.

Though the band was originally formed purely as a recording entity, there has been an overwhelmingly positive audience reaction from every DK Effect performance at venues including MONA (Museum of Old and New Art), The Moonah Arts Centre, Kickstart Arts and the iconic Republic Bar, establishing their reputation as an exciting and dynamic live band.

A selection of the band’s material has been captured on their debut recording – ‘Moving Time’, which has been expertly mastered by Grammy Award winning, Dave Darlington (Bass Hit Recording, NYC), and accurately presents their organic and authentic, early funk and soul sound.

The album was recorded and mixed in Hobart, Tasmania using vintage gear, 4 mics and a whole lot of enthusiasm. We wanted to capture the natural sound of the band so you’ll find NO fancy production techniques, NO auto-tune and NO midi on these recordings. Just the band, performing the songs – the way we do live…

The original plan was to release a 5-track EP, but got carried away and ended up recording a 10 track album!

Album Trailer

Moving Time single official video:

Song journey from rehearsal, to gig, to album release:

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Videos

Drawing Arrows – No Remedy(Official)

Video April 16, 2021 Marshall Cullen

News and Touring

John Kennedy’s Love Gone Wrong reissues Always The Bridegroom

April 15, 2021 Marshall Cullen

CD ONLY IN STORE NOW

Deluxe Reissue including bonus ‘Live at 3LO Disk’

Sold out Launch at Petersham Bowlo

Read all about it in the Bernard Zuel review right here

An enthusiastic young music journalist once described John Kennedy as a humble genius. Kennedy is neither a genius nor particularly humble. Kennedy started his music career in Brisbane in 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.

Over the years Kennedy has shared stages with many of the acts covered on this new album. Band members have come from or gone on to the Triffids, Paul Kelly, the Go-Betweens and Ed Kuepper.

The Sydney musician, John Kennedy, was enjoying a successful independent career in Australia in the 1980’s before the release of his band’s Always The Bridegroom LP in 1987. John Kennedy’s Love Gone Wrong broke up in mid 1988 as a result in part, of the mixed responses the album received.

Now nearly 35 years later, he has taken the opportunity to re-assess the record.

Together with a bonus live disc and stand alone single tracks, this release presents a talented young band performing a strong collection of Kennedy’s songs. The songs including some live rearrangements and cover versions, display the pop, rock, folk and country influences that Kennedy combined to create his Urban and Western sound. Gospel and even a bit of funk were also added to the mix.

On listening to the remastered versions of these songs, Kennedy states that he can now, “hear the care and the craft that went into them. Under the pale skin of the production, I hear the beating hearts of the songs, they are an important part of my back catalogue – part of my story – part of my legacy.”

To those fans who liked these songs the first time round, this release will take them back to the joys of well spent years in the Australian Indie landscape of the 1980’s. Harsher critics will find some fine moments from a band that never quite reached its potential.

The Deluxe Edition CD release includes a 16 page booklet with Kennedy’s essay and band photos, record covers. posters and reviews from that period which help place John Kennedy’s Love Gone Wrong in the context of the golden era of Australian indie music.

“Even without the addition of the live-on-radio disc, which has brighter sounding takes of some album tracks and a bunch of older and non-band songs, and four bonus tracks which include the surfing Christmas single Run Rudolph Run, history will be kinder to this Always The Bridegroom than both Kennedy’s memory and the original reviews.
Who knows? What we do know is that this never was the album that killed his career. And that’s a good thing.”
(Bernard Zuel - 14/4/2021)

ALWAYS THE BRIDEGROOM DELUXE REISSUE DOUBLE ALBUM WITH BONUS ‘LIVE AT 3LO’ 2ND CD.

EXCLUSIVE CD ONLY LIMITED RELEASE

OUT NOW THROUGH MGM DISTRIBUTION AT ALL GOOD MUSIC RETAILERS – Redeye, Greville, Rocking Horse and many more.

OR MAIL ORDER HERE

Always The Bridegroom OUT NOW In Store CD Only

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Drawing Arrows Release their Debut EP Rojo

April 15, 2021 Marshall Cullen

Bored with cookie-cutter pop sound!

Drawing Arrows is a love letter to rock music. Not one band, not one decade, but the whole effect. With multiple influences – from Australian rock’n’roll, US grunge and flamenco guitar to Britpop rock and amped-up punk.

With band members from Spain, the UK and right here in Australia, each member brings their own unique influences. Sidney (vocals) and David (bass/guitar) have previously worked on an experimental dubstep project (Milo Firewater). They played at festivals in Sydney and Byron – but were frustrated by not being able to put on a truly live act.

They went back to their roots. Powderfinger, Radiohead, U2, Queens of the Stoneage all influenced an authentic live sound that sits as well on stage as it does in your headphones.

The Rojo EP is the debut release for Drawing Arrows and it will take you on a journey of love sickness, sly mermaids and general mischief. ‘No Remedy’ hints at the rock sound that is impossible to sit still too. ‘Siren’ combines a dark edge with a very cool rhythm. And ‘The Genius’ ramps up the tempo to go out with a bang. But, this is just the first shade. There’s a lot more to come.

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For further information, advance cd’s and interview requests please contact:
Marshall Cullen at Foghorn Media
0416 143 030
marshall@foghornrecords.net

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Kaijin Solo New Single Viva La Difference

March 23, 2021 Marshall Cullen

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

He has been working and honing his craft for many years with various band line-ups and the plentiful bread and butter busking jobs and pub/club gigs around the coast (most recently at Link and Pin in Woy Woy). With the advent of Covid, Kaijin spent the downtime working on new material which resulted in the recording and release of ‘Drink Deep Lovers’, a classic retro rock single. Kaijin has also been revising earlier materiel throughout the break and has had these two songs remixed and mastered to 2021 standard ready for his first release this year.

Originally recorded as part of the Watch your Head sessions, at Damien Gerard’s Balmain studio. Kaijin played guitars, bass and vocals with Chris Prendergast on drums and backing vocals from Kiersten. The track was later re-mixed by Russell Pilling. Viva La Difference celebrates the change in the atmosphere from a divisive period of black and white/cold war politics to something a bit more together. Rock Bottom speaks to the current punitive economic stinginess in the face of the pandemic from an Australian government that should know better.

Viva La Difference
A Bozz Scaggs influenced up-tempo bluesy/funky tune which is lyrically relevant to todays polarized society. The track features full band backing with Kaijin’s groovy Fender Strat featuring and his vocal driving the song along.

Rock Bottom.
A more up-tempo tune as the B Side to Kaijin Solo’s new release. This has a solid rock backing, prominent electric guitar and some keys to balance out the top line. A catchy chorus using the songs title finishes off this great track.

Viva La Difference March 19th – via MGM
All DSP’s

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