The duo who have a sideline in standup comedy onstage between their songs are about to release their new album Monterey on May 19th via Anti Records. i was very impressed by The Milk Carton Kids when they played Sydney’s Factory Theatre a couple of years ago but on record they haven’t yet nailed it, unable … Continue reading
Dan Parsons is something of a go-to guy on the Melbourne scene for his guitar playing. Recently he’s hit the six strings for Marlon Williams, Tracy McNeil and others but he is an established songwriter in his own right. He has a third solo record coming out this year, here’s the first taste of it … Continue reading
Like a straighter American cousin to C.W. Stoneking’s more esoteric old-timey sound, Pokey LaFarge blends all manner of traditional musical forms – from jazz and swing to folk, country, doo-wop and mariachi. It’s all woven together in LaFarge’s authentic style on this, his most realised album to date. With a band that he’s been playing … Continue reading
Ben Horder’s set started with some guitar issues and forgotten lyrics but that was quickly overcome and he set about delivering a batch of honest, observational songs that chronicled everyday life in Australia. With a style reminiscent of Neutral Milk Hotel and The Tallest Man On Earth his set concluded with two thirds of the … Continue reading
Ahead of the 30th anniversary of their 1985 debut, Valley of Rain, the Howe Gelb-led Giant Sand have released the first taste of their new album Heartbreak Pass. ‘Transponder’ features Grandaddy’s Jason Lyttle and the upcoming album also has appearances from Sonic Youth’s Steve Shelley, Grant-Lee Phillips, John Parish and more. Heartbreak Pass is due out on May 5th via New … Continue reading
Shelby Lynne’s new album I Can’t Imagine is due for release on May 5th via Rounder Records. You can pre-order the CD/LP/Digital (plus bundles with her remastered classic I Am Shelby Lynne album) HERE and in the meantime you can check out the great clip for the equally wonderful title track. Continue reading
Bayden Packwood Hine’s earlier releases were more rooted in traditional folk forms which makes this expansion into a beautifully ornate and intimate sound palette even more rewarding. He conjures up pastoral qualities via the instrumentation (woodwind, strings, banjo and many more) and wordless vocal harmonies that bring to mind wind, birdsong and other elements of … Continue reading
Solo and acoustic, Shane Nicholson previewed songs from Hell Breaks Loose as well as various highlights from his back catalogue. With his laid-back and commanding stage presence he offered up observations on the dangers of facial hair and harmonicas between songs and coyly commending the audience for supporting real country music. A social media … Continue reading
Mark Lucas is taking a detour from his work with band The Dead Setters to release his new solo album Little Town Blues on Laughing Outlaw Records. The first taste of the album is the song and video for ‘Tell The DJ’, a plea to the DJ from a heartbroken soul featuring Brielle Davis on backing vocals … Continue reading
Currently on tour with Tony Joe White and fresh from her support slot with Shovels & Rope, Ruby Boots is gaining momentum in the run up to her debut album Solitude which comes out on April 27th via Lost Highway Records. ‘Wrap Me In A Fever’ is the second single from the new record and … Continue reading
Whitey Morgan is coming off the back of his excellent live LP Born And Raised And Live From Flint and he’s already got a brand new studio album Sonic Ranch ready for release on May 19th via his own imprint Whitey Morgan Music. Here’s his cover of the essential Townes Van Zandt song ‘Waitin’ ‘Round To … Continue reading
Melbourne’s Lost Ragas set the scene early with a set that felt more low-key than some of their other recent shows but it was by no means any less captivating. Their sound was a widescreen take on soulful blues and country with flashes of Beatles-esque and 70s power pop. From tales of 1970s motorcycle daredevil … Continue reading
Ruby Boots had opening honours and showed just why the powers that be at Lost Highway Records have recently signed her as a recording artist. With electric guitarist Lee Jones carving out some wonderful solos and backing she showcased her songs (old and brand new) of heartache sung with a strong country voice and interspersed … Continue reading
Elvis Perkins has been floating around the music business periphery since his very good debut solo LP Ash Wednesday came out in 2007. His latest which was released in February is I Aubade which is a much denser, layered and raw collection of folk ruminations that veer towards the eclecticism of a band like Califone … Continue reading
Glen Hansard was a close friend of the dearly missed Jason Molina (Songs: Ohia, Magnolia Electric Co) who died in 2013, establishing a friendship with him after writing a fan letter in the late ’90s. After Molina’s death Hansard sought solace in his music, getting together with ex members (Jeff Panall, Jennie Benford, Dan Sullivan, … Continue reading
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