Yep, we’re a third of the way through the year already so we thought we’d have a look back at our ten favourite albums that have been released in 2015. In no particular these are the records that have regularly been on the stereo and provided many of the musical highlights of our year so far. You can hit … 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
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
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
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
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
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
Steve Gunn is one of the key members of the burgeoning scene of guitarists (Cian Nugent, Ryley Walker, Chris Forsyth) that have expanded their sound into song form from more experimental leanings, Gunn released his superb Way Out Weather album last year and now he’s filmed a clip for the dreamy, sparkling track ‘Wildwood’. 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
Harry Hookey has been touring his Misdiagnosed album all over the country since it’s release and tonight’s opening slot for partner Kasey Chambers was an opportunity to reach a wide demographic of music fan. The majority of the seated crowd responded warmly to Hookey’s enthusiastic performance, genial stage manner and the memorable melodies he embeds … Continue reading
Sydney’s Roland Kay-Smith has already kicked off the year with the release of his debut solo LP Sailing By The Stars and now he’s heading out for a run of dates along the East Coast of Australia with Melbourne reprobates Skyscraper Stan and the Commission Flats performing at some shows and M.E. Baird at others. TOUR … Continue reading
Joe Pug tours relentlessly, slowly building an audience across a number of countries with his country and folk infused songs. The 30 year old Austin resident’s new album Windfall is out April 3rd. Here’s the record’s first single featuring Pat Sansone (Wilco, Autumn Defense). “The aim on this one was very straightforward. We wanted to capture the … Continue reading
On her third album Humphreys continues to explore confessional folk music, this time with a dash of country thrown into the mix. Kasey Chambers produced New Moon and though there are elements of twang on songs such as ‘Read My Heart’, Humphreys is more of a fellow folk sister to Caitlin Harnett and Melody Pool. … Continue reading
POST TO WIRE 