Team Utopia release new EP The Gallery Sessions

July 16, 2021 Leave a comment

Redcliffe outfit Team Utopia have come a long way in 5 years. After international support slots with Richie Ramone and Bonjah the band has gained a global cult following. Line up is Dan/Sue/Kirsti and Mick.

Team Utopia emerged unscathed from the past 18 months with a blockbuster Five Song Live set. Recorded live at an Art Space in the Seaside town of Redcliffe Qld last November 2020. They haven’t held back with production. Very nice sounds indeed. “We joined a bunch of other bands and shot a short 20 min set”, explains Drummer Sue Kennet. The project came about after many misfires and let downs from what the pandemic has continued to do to the industry. “We didn’t want to just sit around and wait for this to end. We wanted to give our fans some Lovin”, insists Kennet.

This Brisbane based Rock outfit continues to make waves. The band had a nice little tour kicking off early in July in Brisbane to coincide with the release of this EP. This was cancelled due to Covid. Many cool things happening and lots of festivals booked pre covid for Team Utopia. “That’s 3 times now”, says Kennet. “We started rehearsals for the tour and had Bob Spencer coming for the run for some fun. That got shut down, however that won’t stop us releasing this one”.

‘A great mix of good old fashioned Australian Rock done with a nice Twist’ – RS

‘This band sounds like a cross between TISM and Max Q. Nice Combo’ – Jane Gazzo Triple M

The Gallery Sessions (Live) is OUT NOW Foghorn/MGM.

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Thirty Three Degrees release first full Album

June 10, 2021 Leave a comment

Central Coast Band Thirty Three Degrees Release their debut Album and play Launch Shows

New Reviews:

Thirty Three Degrees Self-Titled Debut Album Epitomizes Cutting-Edge Artistry

Thirty Three Degrees – Thirty Three Degrees (reviewed by Dave Franklin)

Thirty Three Degrees release their debut album

Friday 16th July: The Servo Wollongong:
www.eventbrite.com.au/e/thirty-three-degrees-wthe-huneez-chance-magnetic-the-servo-tickets-155764121681

Saturday 17th July: The Basement Canberra:

thebasementcanberra.oztix.com.au/outlet/event/a3af7588-bc68-446a-92c9-55a71513a664

Thirty Three Degrees’ self-titled debut album never had a real theme planned, but came together as the songs took shape over a period of time. The band views the songs as seeming to split into two as some of the songs are older than others.
One half is all about emotions and love, whether that be in conflict or happiness in songs like Bleed, Place In The Sun, The Key and No Illusions, then moving into the newer songs delving into current situations in the world. Reflecting on how we all react differently according to how those situations are portrayed to us on an information highway, both overloading and dividing us.
The music itself contains some strong grooves, rootsy slide driven rock with some blues undertones.
The album was recorded at Damien Gerard studios over 3 days, laying down twelve live recorded tracks and then adding guitar overdubs, vocals and mixing. The band eventually settled on a 9 track album as the best representation of their work.

Tracklist

Thirty Three Degrees are an original rock band with a strong groove and some rootsy vibes, from the Central Coast of New South Wales, Australia.

After a brief hiatus from the music scene, Shane decided to re-enter the music world and search for like-minded musicians to write and perform with. At this same time, Chris was re-entering Australia from Los Angeles with the same goal. Thanks to musician classifieds on social media, the two met up and at the end of January 2020, Shane Romeyn and Chris Roberts formed the band.

The good vibes and good songs flowed out immediately. Due to COVID-19 gigs were off the table for the most part, so with the temporary assistance and amazing bass work of Chris’ brother Mike, the band decided to instead enter the studio and recorded their debut album.

Since then the band has brought on a full-time bass player, Andrew, to complete the trio and they are
continuing to pump out song after song and rehearse for future gigs.

Stream the album here (Foghorn/MGM) :

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Space Engineer releases album Memory Trip

May 28, 2021 Leave a comment

Great new feature album to check out

Space Engineer is the alter ego of Sydney based song-writer Terry Lyndon, and sees him writing melodic, uplifting indie guitar pop songs for the modern condition.

Terry grew up in Tweed Heads, before moving to Canberra, where he formed bands Mae West, Magic Roundabout and Glowspire (with Matthew Winter, now with Zed Penguin). Moving to Sydney, he formed Submarine with Paul Read (formally Chosen Few). After leaving the scene for a time, a chance meeting with Piri Rutherford (Easy Beats Radio,Isola Beats) inspired him to continue his song writing releasing ‘Radio Station in my Head’ album on bandcamp.

Space Engineer is his recording duo featuring producer and musician Mike Caen. Terry says “With Mike, who is an amazing all round muso, I can realise my songs full potentials. I’m able to indulge in my experiments and musical ideas”.

The sound of Space Engineer is highly melodic, Indie, pop, rock. Terry’s influences are The Beatles, Velvets, The Smiths and Go Betweens. Many have described the Space Engineer sound as a cross between The Beatles and The Beach Boys. The guys are quite ok with that comparison, have a listen to the irresistible melodies of Space Engineer.

THE ALBUM IS OUT TODAY FRIDAY 28th MAY ON ALL DIGITAL PLATFORMS
Radio/Media

Clink on the album below to Stream/Download from your preferred service:

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New Release to radio from PG Naylor

May 18, 2021 Leave a comment

Phil Naylor is a Sydney, Australia-based singer/songwriter who has been recording under the name PG Naylor since 2018. He was originally rhythm guitarist/vocalist with 60s band The Quiet Ones, who played surf clubs, football clubs, suburban dances and discos, as well as country Bachelors and Spinsters and Town and Country balls during the 60s.

The Quiet Ones reformed in 2007 to support the original Aztecs for a fundraising event for Beyond Blue. The band continued to perform at charity functions , having raised around $50k for their chosen charity -Bo Children’s Hospital in Sierra Leone.

In 2017, having left the corporate world, Phil commenced a project with legendary Australian instrumental guitarist, Kim Humphreys, to record his original compositions, releasing two albums: Sanctuary and 60’ Refugee.

The title track from Sanctuary was a semi finalist in the 2019 International Songwriting Competition based in Nashville USA. Sanctuary and Hollywood Road were semi finalists in the 2020 Voyager International Songwriting Competition based in Melbourne Australia.

60s Refugee, including the tracks 60s Refugee, Law ‘Biding Man and Hollywood Road represents ‘tongue -in-cheek’ reflections on life and events with a strong 60s rock beat. The unmistakeable guitar style of Kim Humphreys and the ‘lived-in’ quality in PG Naylor’s voice are evident on all tracks.

The track 60s Refugee, with a 60s bluesy rock feel, perhaps best encapsulates the state of mind of the writer and performer yearning for the ‘good ol’ days’ of the 60s.

Law ‘biding Man has a great 60s gutsy riff which drives the song under some innovative lead guitar, while Hollywood Road brings events closer to the current era with a visit to a Hong Kong bar and civil unrest outside.

Song Descriptions:
Law ‘Biding Man
Here’s a great up-tempo, 60’s revival sounding tune with all the right elements, hooky guitars, vocals and harmonies, strong rhythm section and some poppy keyboards to boot.
Spotify link to stream:
60s Refugee
A more blues-based tune with some harmonica taking the riffs. A strong chorus sets this one apart as a powerful ode to the entire era. The Stones and The Beatles even get a mention.

Hollywood Road
A dark guitar riff begins this straight ahead rock tune. Once the vocals kick in it’s a story telling song all about those classic experiences in a new city we can all relate to. Like all of these PG Naylor tunes its up-tempo, catchy and well worth a listen.

OUT NOW
CDs Instore via MGM

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Official website: www.pgnaylor.com

Video link: https://youtu.be/qXRx5OhkyyM

Drawing Arrows Release their Debut EP Rojo

April 22, 2021 Leave a comment

Bored with cookie-cutter pop sound!

Drawing Arrows is a love letter to rock music. Not one band, not one decade, but the whole effect. With multiple influences – from Australian rock’n’roll, US grunge and flamenco guitar to Britpop rock and amped-up punk.

With band members from Spain, the UK and right here in Australia, each member brings their own unique influences. Sidney (vocals) and David (bass/guitar) have previously worked on an experimental dubstep project (Milo Firewater). They played at festivals in Sydney and Byron – but were frustrated by not being able to put on a truly live act.

They went back to their roots. Powderfinger, Radiohead, U2, Queens of the Stoneage all influenced an authentic live sound that sits as well on stage as it does in your headphones.

The Rojo EP is the debut release for Drawing Arrows and it will take you on a journey of love sickness, sly mermaids and general mischief. ‘No Remedy’ hints at the rock sound that is impossible to sit still too. ‘Siren’ combines a dark edge with a very cool rhythm. And ‘The Genius’ ramps up the tempo to go out with a bang. But, this is just the first shade. There’s a lot more to come.

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Mark Cashin New Single Book of Shadows

March 5, 2021 Leave a comment

FOG521 Mark Cashin Book Of Shadows 3000px

A positive and uplifting tune from Mark featuring lead guitar and riffs from gun guitarist Jake Hunt. Full band backing with Gareth Koch on Bass and Mark supplying Drums, Percussion, Acoustic Guitar and Vocals all coming together to create this classic up-tempo rock track.

Need the single? Stream it here:

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Steve Kilbey – New Solo Album – Eleven Women

August 28, 2020 Leave a comment

STEVE KILBEY PRESENTS HIS FIRST SOLO ALBUM FOR 2020 – ELEVEN WOMEN

Catch the new LIVE SHOW – click image for tix.

Checkout The Latest Review

We’ve become used to seeing many of our favourite artists and acts taking advantage of their enforced isolation to complete albums or other musical projects that might normally have been put aside to fulfil touring obligations, but Steve Kilbey was already well into perhaps his most prolific period to date beforeCOVID overwhelmed us. This year already there have two albums in collaboration with Gareth Koch, another with Kate Ceberano and now comes a solo album, Eleven Women. All the collaborations in which Kilbey has been involved over the past couple of decades have certainly helped him push his muse beyond the expected pop/rock references points, but at the end of the day he’s still the archetypal pop sponge; his love of ‘60s psychedelia and artists like The Beatles and Bowie with a dash of The Small Faces remains paramount, the more exotic elements absorbed providing quirky flourishes and whimsical embellishments – which makes for a very accessible and enjoyable classic record. The references, musical and literary, are replete and once in a while they quite cheeky – Birdeeneven sees Kilbey toss in a little reference to Abba’s ‘Money Money Money’. While the title suggests this collection presents Kilbey’s musings on a variety of women, historical, literary and some perhaps even actual, he’s happy to toss in something more oblique – ‘Lillian in Cerulean Blue’ for instance references a brand of metallic paint, while the aforementioned ‘Birdeen’ seems to be about particularly greedy lorikeet. So Mary Shelley is name-checked in ‘Poppy Byron’, though of course Kilbey’s Mary “was watchin’ the telly/on SBS it was in Mandarin”. Elsewhere he advises his listeners not to cross the “bewitching” ‘Doris McAllister’. Kilbey’s lyrics have never been straightforward of course. The fun has always been to test his listeners, to tease them with possible meanings – and so too with Eleven Women. Professionally enigmatic? Perhaps – and why not?

MICHAEL SMITH

NEW INTERVIEW ON THE EVE OF RELEASE WITH ARUN FROM BACKSEAT MAFIA

Meet: We chat with Steve Kilbey from The Church about celebrating 40 years, acting ‘European’, the fruits of isolation and we review his new solo album

Steve Kilbey has created a fine new album for 2020. His first solo release for an astoundingly creative year reveals a dazzling array of songs brimming with ideas, personality & effervescence. The collection is at once whimsical yet personal, and in a masterful sleight of hand Kilbey’s Eleven Women are not quite as one might expect.

The album leads us through a shimmering whirlwind of encounters. After the disarming love song Baby Poewe are plunged headlong into the dark world of Doris McAllister, an evil witch who takes us ‘by the bells’. We are regaled by the Celtic wistfulness of Josephineas she forbearingly awaits her ‘wine & roses’ while Birdeen, a greedy lorikeet with a sweet tooth, beguiles us with infectious bounce & colour.

Eleven Womenis full of melodic invention & lyrical surprises. Singling out tracks for special mention is frankly impossible since this album consists entirely of highlights. Amongst these bijous however the timelessly beautiful Think of Youshines brightly. This song has the unmistakeable stamp of eternity & evokes a sense of having existed since music began.

From the album’s opening salvo it is clear we are in the most capable of hands. Steve Kilbey is a veteran song writer at the very height of his creative powers.

“Steve Kllbey was born in England a long time ago and arrived in Australia as a ten pound pom with his parents in 1957. in 1980 he formed The Church who have gone on to have many hit singles including Unguarded Moment, Almost with You and international best seller Under The Milky Way. Their 1988 album Starfish sold over one million copies in America alone. Kilbey has released many solo albums and collaborations making him one of the most prolific songwriters in the world. He acts , paints , writes books and juggles dangerous objects . He lives in Coogee Beach NSW and is hoping to one day own a Daschund .”

ELEVEN WOMEN SEPTEMBER 4 via FOGHORN/MGM.

Streaming

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Kaijin Solo New EP Universal Love

May 15, 2020 Leave a comment

Kaijin Solo is a contemporary singer/songwriter based on the NSW Central Coast with a blues rock influence.

Universal Love is an experiment in letting other people find their way into his music.
The idea came about from jamming original songs live with a host of different people on the local open mike circuit. The result is an electric mix of ideas that provides a solid rocking sound-scope for the lyrics.

Mark Cashin and Jake Hunt from The Little Hussies were the collaborators this time round, with Russell Pilling at Damien Gerard Studios engineering. The combination of talent without prima donna egos made the sessions into a fun day with a fantastic output and every song grew in dimension.
The EP was Mastered by Andrew Beck.

Universal Love – “When we can think, speak and act the way we want to be treated ourselves, the power of love will exceed the love of power and the world will know peace.” Is what Universal Love is about, it was inspired by a quote from Jimi Hendrix “When the power of love exceeds the love of power the world will know peace.

Into the Dream was written the morning after a Ryan Adams concert, thinking about how much things has changed since the beginning of the century.

The Republic is a tribute to the people and their achievements, and a wake up to call to Canberra to get on with it.

Spirit on the Wind is an ode to the Spirit of Freedom.

Like Sunshine is a love song to music itself.

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Gareth Koch-Code Blue(Official)

May 8, 2020 Leave a comment

Review of New Album from Graham Gouldman

March 23, 2020 Leave a comment

Review

Graham Gouldman

Album: Modesty Forbids

by Adam Jones, 21/3/2020.

I click on the link and start to listen to the opener Standing Next To Me, without taking notice of the artist name. “Mmmmmm” I think as the song commences, “this is very groovy and that’s a nice feel on the drums”. Vocals start and it sounds like a cross between Paul and Ringo from those legends I have loved all my life. Now he’s mentioning Ringo and the story appears to be about the songwriter being a bit awestruck working with the great drummer.

I start doing a bit of reading about Mr Gouldman and hit his Facebook page only to discover that it actually is Ringo Star playing drums on the first track! Wow, what an honour to review this British gentleman’s interestingly titled new album Modesty Forbids. He has been active in the music scene as a performer and songwriter since 1965, AND this man was a hit songwriter and member of 10CC! I loved all their hits. Okay so now I’m really looking forward to writing this one. Can’t call it ‘work’.

“That’s love right there” we are then told to the tune of a bit of piano swing big band jazz. I’m smiling and suddenly life feels fine and my foots a-tapping. All Around The World takes us everywhere with some more nice chords on piano and a Beatley sounding band. This is as enjoyable as Ringo’s last album which I listened to on repeat when it came out.

It’s Not You It’s Me rocks on with a tasty acoustic guitar part and some cool, almost dreamy hippy style vocals. There’s a nice variety of songs on this album. I think Graham could write a hit song in his sleep, as the acoustic strums with some more great band sound reminiscent of George in the 70s on What Time Won’t Heal.

More luscious keyboards feature in the sadly romantic Different Times. Wake Up Dreamer is the next solid song with the opening guitars sounding like a Crosby Stills Nash and Young track. Oh, and the bridge in this one is simply magic, then Graham reminds us that “even though we must accept, that doesn’t mean we can’t reject”. Yep!

Now I’m treated to the Russian Doll instrumental with its majestic and classic melodic stylings. The last 3 tracks treat my ears to more cruisey acoustic folk rock with some beautifully played guitar and perfect harmony backing vocals on the closing track New Star. “When all is over, when all is done, only love survives”. Yes. So true. Modesty Forbids is a real gem, that is well worth searching for, and when you find it, give it a good shine!

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