Matt Walker has been quietly going about his business for three decades now, from his early collaborations with Ashley Davies, through his ongoing tenure as singer/guitarist for the brilliant Lost Ragas, his solo work, and as sideman for Tex Perkins— in his many guises. What typifies his playing is a kind of austere, unhurried precision, … Continue reading
Claire Anne Taylor – Giving It Away There’s so much new music that comes down the information superhighway, a veritable landslide of songs and singer-songwriters opening up their hearts and baring their souls. To be honest, most of it is bland and derivative and you have to wade through an avalanche of mediocre to find … Continue reading
Like compatriot Delaney Davidson, whose new album we recently reviewed, Matt Hay is another Aotearoa/New Zealand songwriter who likes to cross musical lanes, albeit with more subtle combinations. His remit is country, blues, roots-rock, and Americana – the kind of sound that fans of John Hiatt, J.J. Cale, Mark Lucas and Mark Knopfler will recognise … Continue reading
When it comes to the incorporation of ‘noir’ into country and folk music, the reigning king of capturing the essence of that sound in this part of the world is New Zealand artist Delaney Davidson. A prolific artist both in the recording studio and on stage, he recently released his album Out Of My Head … Continue reading
Victorian group The Smith & Western Jury dial into authentic, gothic-tinged and dusty twang on their debut album Hotel Texas. Theirs is a distinctly American border sound, where one could picture Calexico backing Eilen Jewell in a late-night honky tonk. Opener ‘Have Mercy’ tumbles and shimmers beautifully, with singer Samantha Lombardi making her mark instantly, … Continue reading
Over the last couple of years, Melbourne-based New Zealanders Matt Joe Gow & Kerryn Fields have been writing, recording and touring together, harnessing the undeniable musical chemistry they have and channelling it into their sublime new album I Remember You. Right across the record, even when things get busier, there’s a wonderful sense of space … Continue reading
Winter McQuinn will be a new name to most but he’s had his hand in a number of other musical projects, including as frontman for the Melbourne band Sunfruits and drummer for Jade Imagine. On his debut solo album Move To The Trees, McQuinn immerses himself in cosmic folk-rock, where a pop sensibility meets psychedelic … Continue reading
Released late last year, the debut self-titled album by the duo Valley Road is a distinctly Antipodean folk affair, courtesy of both the lyrics and richly rounded accents of Rebecca Jane Howell and Marty Mckenna – two friends based in Central Victoria. The pair really understand the power of space and pacing in a song. They … Continue reading
Stylistic diversity is the name of the game on On, On & On, the 2023 LP from David M Western. This is just the Melbourne artist’s second album yet it sounds like he’s been at it for years. There’s a relaxed and organic feel to all of the songs across the record. Melodies hang and … Continue reading
Andy Golledge took his sweet time getting to the release of his debut album Strength Of A Queen in 2022 but he’s seized that momentum and his popularity as a live performer and swiftly delivered the follow-up LP, Young, Dumb & Wild. Mixing up soulful ballads (‘Siren’), baroque pop (‘White Rabbit’), heartfelt country rock, melodic … Continue reading
William Alexander already has three albums up on streaming services, from back in 2018, but his latest, The Singing Stockman, sounds like an artist truly coming of age. The 27 year old is a working stockman in the Central West region of NSW and he sings with real conviction and classic country authority. Alexander is … Continue reading
Sydney songwriter Mark Lucas has been treading the boards of Sydney bars, clubs and cafes for roughly four decades now, since emigrating from England in 1981. Along the way he’s released something like 14 albums, both with his band The Dead Setters and under his own solo name. Barely a year has passed since he … Continue reading
Claire Anne Taylor Giving It Away Cheatin’ Hearts Records There’s so much new music that comes down the information superhighway, a veritable landslide of songs and singer-songwriters opening up their hearts and baring their souls. To be honest, most of it is bland and derivative and you have to wade through an avalanche of mediocre … Continue reading
NSW songwriter, singer and guitarist CJ Stranger has worked as a musician in musical theatre and played live with William Crighton and others but it’s his particular brand of cosmic Americana at the junction of psych rock, folk and country where he most impresses. CJ shares that rarefied air with the likes of The War … Continue reading
Patrick Wilson is something of a go-to figure on the Melbourne scene, often found behind the drums for acts such as Georgia State Line, Ben Mastwyk and Dan Brodie. On his debut album It’ll Be Alright it turns out he’s something of a consummate artist in his own right. It’s an album that swings from … Continue reading
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