Fallow Fields continue their run of impressive singles with the sweet and catchy sound of ‘When Your Love is Over‘, out on streaming services on July 29th and taken from their forthcoming debut album Rocky Head Road. Rachel Simmons’ voice has a touch of Dolly in this delightful classic country track, with a melodic pop … Continue reading
Category Archives: Australia
ALBUM REVIEW: Winter McQuinn – Move To The Trees
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
ALBUM REVIEW: Valley Road – Valley Road
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
ALBUM REVIEW: David M Western – On, On & On
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
VIDEO PREMIERE: Michael Waugh – Beauty & Truth
Australian singer-songwriter Michael Waugh takes an honest and unflinching look at a past relationship on ‘Beauty & Truth‘, the latest single (out tomorrow) and title track from his new album which will be released on June 21st on vinyl/CD/streaming via Compass Bros Records. Tracked with a live band in the studio of his long-time producer … Continue reading
ALBUM REVIEW: Andy Golledge – Young, Dumb & Wild
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
DASHVILLE SKYLINE ANNOUNCES FIRST ACTS FOR THEIR TENTH ANNIVERSARY FESTIVAL
Dashville Skyline, my favourite Australian music festival, returns for its tenth iteration in 2024 and today they’ve revealed the first batch of acts for the Wonnarua Country/Hunter Valley NSW cosmic country weekender in October (4th-6th). In terms of personal highlights, across a very impressive line-up, The new Hurray For Riff Raff album The Past Is … Continue reading
ALBUM REVIEW: William Alexander – The Singing Stockman
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
ALBUM REVIEW: Mark Lucas – Magnetic West
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
VIDEO PREMIERE: Fallow Fields – Help Me I Need To Hurt You
Based in the misty hills of the Dandenong Ranges in Victoria, Australia, Fallow Fields are an alt-country ensemble led by the husband and wife songwriting duo, Danna and Rachel Simmons. Earlier in the year I premiered the clip for their single ‘Rocky Head Road‘ and I’m again very pleased to premiere the clip for the … Continue reading
WATTY THOMPSON ANNOUNCES LIVE FILM SCREENINGS IN VIC AND NSW
One of my favourite Australian folk/country artists, Watty Thompson, has announced premiere screenings of Watty Thompson Live at Estonian House – The Film, captured in Naarm, Melbourne on the release of his acclaimed debut album in March of 2023. Screenings kick off this week with tonight in Lorne VIC followed by Thursday in Sydney and … Continue reading
VIDEO PREMIERE: Jesse Lawrance – Your Way Of Leaving
“Is love still breathing or is this your way of leaving…” There’s been a great run of fantastic classic-sounding male voices making strides on the local country/Americana scene over the last year or two. I’m talking about the likes of Bud Rokesky and William Alexander, and now you can add the impressive voice and songwriting … Continue reading
VIDEO PREMIERE: Elly McK & The Unbelievers – Bones
Melbourne Americana/country group Elly McK & The Unbelievers released their new single ‘Bones‘ on streaming services back in March and now I’m very pleased to be able to premiere the video clip for the song on PTW. There’s a gothic noir aspect to the song that both contrasts and complements the upbeat rattle and quick-footed … Continue reading
ALBUM REVIEW: Claire Anne Taylor – Giving It Away
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
VIDEO PREMIERE: The Smith & Western Jury – Hotel Texas
“Come and check in at the Hotel Texas/Fill that vacancy/I’m from out of town/But I’ll show you around…” Last week, Melbourne/Naarm alt-country act The Smith & Western Jury released ‘Hotel Texas‘, the title-track single from their forthcoming new album, set for release on June 14. Today I’m very pleased to premiere the video for the single, … Continue reading