Papa Pilko & The Binrats come charging out of the gate with ‘On Your Own’ and lay down a rip-roaring swampy blues-funk testimonial that sets the scene for the rest of their debut album. Tried and true influences are at play but the way the band combines them is a winning formula. John Lee Hooker, Tom … Continue reading
The opening night of Heartbreaker Sessions at Freda’s in Chippendale, NSW was a resounding success, thanks to the efforts of the staff, Caitlin Harnett and Brielle Davis and those who attended. If you don’t know, the evening is a new fortnightly alt. country, folk and blues night curated by myself (PTW editor Chris Familton) and … Continue reading
Kris Morris released his album Ruins last year but like all good things it just keeps giving. This time in the form of a new clip for the single ‘Bury My Bones’ with the dark reverend Morris testifying the blues. Continue reading
Mark Lucas normally fronts the Dead Setters but here he steps out on his own with a collection of intimate and restrained songs. Lucas has decorated his compositions with fiddle, banjo, piano and even tuba without ever distracting from the personal and sometimes socio-political content of his lyrics. ‘Stranger’ possesses a beautiful, lilting melody, ‘Small … Continue reading
Perfect timing from Mr Craddock with his video clip for new single ‘Better Alone’ arriving as he lands in Sydney for a week of shows here and in Newcastle. We’ve sung the praises of this track with its soaring soulful blues feel. Pick of the bunch will be the show this Friday evening at the … Continue reading
James Thomson’s debut album was an impressive calling card, a introduction to a talented songwriter already sounding beyond his years in terms of his songs and their lived-in delivery. The promise of that first sprawling collection of songs has been refined and stylistically expanded on the exceptional follow-up Cold Moon. The balance and symmetry of … Continue reading
Over the last few years Liam Gale’s sound has evolved into a darker and more hypnotic form of psychedelic folk and blues music, culminating in the majestic and hypnotic The Lonely Throne. There are shades of Devendra Barnhart and Tim Buckley in Gale’s explorations in building trance-like mantras around songs via a range of instrumentation … Continue reading
We are proud to present three of the Americana music scene’s finest troubadours live at the Petersham Bowling Club in Sydney next month. Petersham Bowling Club, 77 Brighton St, Petersham May 29th @ 7pm $10 at the door or via Sticky Tickets James Thomson: In 2012, James Thomson released his debut, self-titled album to a … 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
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
In terms of rock n roll myths and legends The Basement Tapes is one of the most fascinating. A songwriter unwillingly held up as a spokesman for a generation, and seemingly close to burning out in 1966, has a motorcycle accident and retreats to the rustic surrounds of upstate New York where he holes up … Continue reading
Bob Dylan has recorded many covers over the years but never has he arranged and performed them with such reverence and austere beauty as he does here. Produced by Dylan under his pseudonym Jack Frost and recorded live with no overdubs, the ten songs are reduced to the essence of their storytelling form. Dylan’s voice … Continue reading
It was Ryan Bingham’s visit to Australia last year that made me a believer. Prior to that I’d shown mild interest but I’d written him off as something of a generic journeyman troubadour. On stage he flipped that preconception and reminded me how visceral and rewarding rock ’n’ roll can be when played with real … Continue reading
Jake Xerxes Fussell has a new album coming out via the Paradise of Bachelors label on Jan 27th. The self-titled LP is his debut release and was engineered by Mark Nevers and produced by William Tyler (solo, Lambchop) who also plays guitar on the the ten tracks. Other players on the record include Chris Scruggs (steel … Continue reading
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