Can we talk about Red Ink for a sec?

Red Ink, the indie pop/rock four piece from Melbourne, released their debut self-titled album in February this year. I have been listening to that album since then, but uni, work, and pretty much everything else has gotten in the way of me writing this post.  However, this album has been the soundtrack to my long commute to uni, more times than I can count!  I wanted to wait until I had time to do this properly, because these boys deserve it, and this album is really good.

This album, to me, is the best of both worlds from their previous releases. Combining the synthy, more laid back vibes of 'The Colour Age - EP' and the 'Audrey - EP,' with the more punchy, in your face rock of the 'Catching a Killer - EP' and the 'What My Friends Say' single, in the best way possible.

The album starts with the crackle of speakers, then kicks into the pulsing drums of 'Hourglass,' a perfect start to the album. The chorus is one that you will instantly find yourself singing along to, 'I Live In a Garden' is good in this respect too, it also has that pulsing drum, that gets you tapping straight away. 'Adolescent Minds' gets extra points for it's jackhammer use in the instrumental part, and for John's evil laugh. And while John's vocals are flawless throughout, 'Tunnel Vision' takes it to a new level. 'Ballerina' along with 'Going Insane' tick all the boxes for radio-worthiness, and 'Puzzle' has deceptively deep lyrical content.

My favourite tracks on the album would have to be 'Going Insane' and 'Fireworks,' (although all of the songs are brilliant for their own reasons). 'Going Insane' is incredibly catchy and upbeat, lyrically it is brilliant. For example, "You move like you broke an ankle, you smile like a stuttering lamb, you dance like an open bar, and you dance away." And honestly, you can't help but dance like that, the song is just infectious. 'Fireworks' has so many layers that keep building as the song progresses, and the subtle harmonies in the chorus really sold me on this one, (there's also a sneaky little extra track tacked onto the end of this song, which is a nice surprise).

If you know me, you know I love a good harmony, and this album is full of subtle, yet effective harmonies, that I have tried far too many times to master during my car sing-a-longs.

The only problem I have with the whole album is with the song 'Hard To Leave.' While the instrumentation is lovely, and the chorus is really catchy, the vocals in the verses are really hard to make out, because they get drowned out.

But all-in-all this album is hard to fault. The vibe of the album is kind of lo-fi, but done in a really nice way. The lyrical content is lovely, thought provoking, (and interestingly inspired by books John found whilst strolling Berlin). The actual instrumentation is innovative and interesting, and makes you want more and more, like a book you can't put down. And for those of us who were lucky enough to support it through the crowd funding  campaign, we got some pretty cool extra stuff too! (Like the lovely handwritten lyrics you see on this page).

So if you want to check out Red Ink (and their album), you can do so from the links below.

https://www.facebook.com/redinkmusic?ref=ts&fref=ts

https://www.youtube.com/user/REDINKMUSICGROUP

https://itunes.apple.com/au/album/red-ink/id815413887?uo=4&at=11lEW&ct=smartTab%7C10344500988%7C2014-10-31

Beth. x

Icehouse and Michael Paynter = Stellar.

You're probably already sick of me telling you that I love music... It's true... But here is some more music love for you.

I was lucky enough to go and see Icehouse and Michael Paynter perform recently, and it was amazing.

Icehouse

If you're not Australian, then you might not have heard of Icehouse, but they are a band that were dominating the radio waves in the 80's. Michael Paynter, on the other hand is a Melbourne singer-songwriter-multi-instrumentalist-allroundniceguy, who was born in the 80's.

Michael Paynter doing his thing.

Michael Paynter is a favourite of mine (as you can see here), and when I heard that he was coming to my town playing in Icehouse, as well as being the support act, I was incredibly excited. This was my fourth time seeing Michael perform live, and I was back at the venue where I had first witnessed his amazing talent. He did not disappoint.  Armed with just an acoustic guitar and his stellar voice, he managed to keep the excited crowd quiet. He started his set with a stripped back version of 'Another You,' from his album 'Weary Stars,' and filled the rest of his set with new takes on songs from the album, ('Love The Fall,' 'Weary Stars' and 'Let Go,') as well as some back catalog stuff ('Freedom's Not For Me' and 'Closer'). A cover of Elvis' 'My Babe' also made it into the mix.  All songs performed to perfection, with Michael's trademark range and vibrato. And not to forget the between-song banter that Michael does so well, making fun of himself for audience amusement.

(A tiny snippet of Michael Paynter playing 'Let Go.')

Next up were Icehouse, who after 20+ years of playing and touring have got it down to a fine art. Watching these guys was like watching them jam in the studio, nice, relaxed and fun.  Iva Davies' voice is as good as it is recorded, and he commands an audience when he sings. And you can tell the band has been playing together for a while, purely by the way they interact on stage.

The man himself, Iva Davies.

They played all of their hits ('Electric Blue,' 'Crazy,' 'Hey Little Girl,' 'Great Southern Land,' 'We Can Get Together,') and so many more. Each band member had their time to shine, with sax solos, guitar solos, drum solos and keys solos left right and centre. Michael Paynter even got his time in the spotlight, taking the lead on 'Touch The Fire.' The only disappointment of the night, was the fact that 'Man of Colour' didn't make it into the set.  I've seen many a video of Iva and Michael performing it together, and it's a shame I couldn't witness it in person.

Michael and Iva performing 'Touch The Fire.'

All in all, a brilliant night of music, and despite ending up with seats in the nosebleed section, it was still phenomenal.

Have you seen any good gigs lately? I'd love to know.

Beth. x

That song that you can't get out of your head #1.

I'm not going to lie, I'm a huge (note: huge), fan of The Jezabels. And when their second album 'The Brink' came out earlier this year, I had it pre-ordered months in advance.

Every song on the album is a winner to me, but the one that I keep coming back to for a pick-me-up is 'Beat to Beat.' I'm not sure if it's the catchy drum and piano line throughout the song, or Hayley's soaring vocals on the chorus that get me in, but it's just one of those songs that you end up humming at work in front of customers without realising it... (Not the best thing to be doing, but at least it's a good song.)

I saw The Jezabels perform this live, and it was just as good (if not better) than the recording, which just makes me love it even more!

My favourite lyrics have to be:

From beat to beat,

We find our own melody;

It's natural. It's a perogative.

What's your favourite song at the moment?

Beth. x


The Jezabels' links:
https://www.facebook.com/TheJezabels?fref=ts
https://itunes.apple.com/au/artist/the-jezabels/id299025689

Subscription boxes #2: Violet Box

So, my second subscription box landed on my door just recently. (Much to my excitement!) So here's the rundown for you.

I received another Australian beauty box called Violet Box. Violet Box is a bit more expensive than Bella Box, as it retails at $22.95 per month.  However, I used the code VIOLETBOX10 to get $10 off mine.

This subscription box comes with 6-7 samples, and I was much happier with the selection than I was with my last box. Violet Box has a different range of product suppliers to Bella Box, and this seems to suit me so far. Also, can I just point out the purple factor... Bonus points for that!

This month's box included:

1. Nuxe Huile Prodigieuse. - Which is a multi-purpose oil for dry skin... Very apt for this weather!
2. Eve's Ready To Wear Lipstick by Teeez.  - I am a lip product addict, so this was a welcome inclusion in this box! So far this lipstick seems really moisturising, but isn't as pigmented as I thought it would be... Perfect for a no-lipstick-lipstick day though. (And... This lipstick retails at $32, so with the price of the box, this is a steal!)
3. Nuxe Creme Merveillance. - Supposedly meant to target visible expression lines, I will definitely be getting this one onto my frown lines!
4. LUSH Popcorn Lip Scrub. - I've used this product before, and it's good if you, (like me) wear lipstick a lot, and your lips end up in bad shape. 
5. Chella Ivory Lace Highlighter Pencil. - This product excited me greatly. I've been contemplating getting a highlighter for a while now, and now I can try one out!
6. StyleSign Sleek Perfection. - I don't often use heat tools on my hair, but I think I might have to start so I can try this heat protectant spray.
7. Timeless Truth Miracle Rejuvenation Mask. - Face masks aren't kind to my sensitive skin, but my mum is excited to give this one a go.

Overall, I'm pretty happy with this one! Not sure if I'm willing to fork out the $22.95 a month though.  What do you guys think?

Beth. x

I Miss Michael Paynter.

There I said it. I miss Michael Paynter.

For those of you who don't know, Michael Paynter is an Australian singer, musician/multi-instrumentalist, songwriter, producer, all-round awesome human... And that still doesn't sum up the talent that this guy has!

Me with the lovely Michael Paynter at
The Deluxe Sessions in 2008.

Michael has been an enduring musical favourite of mine since my cousin took me to see a Shannon Noll show in 2008, and Michael was the support act. I was absolutely taken by this guy who could sing and play, and man could he sing! Since then, the only other chance I got to see MP perform was at The Deluxe Sessions - a special, intimate, rehearsal-space gig - because I wasn't old enough to attend any of his other shows. But now I'm 18, and Michael has been missing.

His stint on The Voice saw him reach audiences who had never experienced the MP magic, and I was so glad that he was reaching wider audiences. He was let go from the show far too early, (don't even get me started on that), but while all the other contestants are releasing music, MP (humble as he is) is helping up-and-coming artists to fulfil their dream of musical success on the big stage.

I have days when I play his back catalog and reminisce and remember why I love his music so much. My friends will tell you just how much! His music is just...uplifting. It tells a story. It has heart. Yes, it is unashamedly commercial pop, but it's REAL. It doesn't tell stories about getting drunk and getting with someone, it tells of overcoming hardship, of dealing with heartache and of taking chances. And yes, the music and MP himself have evolved, but everyone does over time.

I miss spending hours replaying a song like novocaine on YouTube, just so I could learn to play it and sing it myself, (and show my parents, my friends, and my school just how amazing this music is). I miss his hilarious vlogs and amazing one-take covers that were truly phenomenal.

(One of Michael's phenomenal covers).

It's not often that you find an artist that really resonates with you. I listen to so much music - I adore the stuff! - but I keep coming back to Michael Paynter. With lyrics like "There's a moment when we all, have to choose to fly or fall, here's yours," and "Before you go let me know if you're happy pretending, before you leave make believe that you know who you are," it's hard not to!

('Praying For Rain' - an original song).

It frustrates me that we have talented people like this in our own country, but can't give them the support they need and deserve. I want great things for all these striving, talented people!

So, Michael if you're reading this, your fans (and there are a lot of us!) "won't run away... We're all a little broken, hoping, to get closer."



Beth. x

Check out Michael here: https://www.facebook.com/michaelpayntermusic?fref=ts

Glass Towers brings Halcyon Days.

The long awaited debut LP from Sydney band Glass Towers has finally reached the ears of eager listeners, and it does not disappoint.  Halcyon Days combines the catchy drum beats, great bass lines and screaming guitars that Glass Towers has become known for.  With three relatively successful singles being released prior to the record's release, the hype was well and truly there for this indie-rock LP.

The first track on the record "In This City," is a great start to the record.  It's full-on, fast-paced and foot-tapping, and definitely draws the listener in.  The chorus has great vocal harmony lines, and the track ends with the stereotypical abrupt Glass Towers ending.

"Castles" has a sense of urgency to it, and the fast drum beat gives it a more punk feel.  This track also includes the squealing guitars that are scattered through most of the songs on this album.

"Jumanji" was the first single released off this album back in February 2012.  This track has a more tribal feel - reminiscent of Jinja Safari - during the verses, but packs a punch in the chorus, with a call-and-answer style vocal.  It's one of the less layered songs on the record, but it works really well.

"Tonight" was the second single released off the album, and is one of the standouts on this record. It's just so unbelievably catchy; it gets you in in a second.  The guitar riff, the bass line and the melody will be in your head for days without you getting sick of them.  The lyrical content is also really relatable.  This song is sing-a-long material, perfect for belting out as you're driving along.  For me, this was the song that alerted me to the amazing music of Glass Towers,  I found myself singing along whilst driving, and knew these guys were worth listening to over and over.

"Gloom" is slightly different to the rest of the tracks on the album.  It has a more dreamy style, with just the right amount of vocal editing, almost reminiscent of Tame Impala. 

Another standout off the record is "Halcyon." As the single released immediately prior to the record, it really does set the tone for what's in store on Halcyon Days.  Again, it has a lovely bass line, catchy drums and some great falsetto.  What makes this song stand out though, is the use of pauses and silence throughout the song, it just adds an extra element that keeps the listener on their toes.  But overall it's just a lovely fun indie rock track to sing a long to.

Glass Towers bring a more moody tone to the record with "Lust For Life."  This track has an almost Panic At The Disco! vibe, both vocal and musical wise.

"You're Better" brings the pace down a bit.  The instrumentation isn't as full on, but in a good way.  That is until you hit the chorus, which brings a soundscape of noise.

"Griffin" runs along the same lines as "Tonight," and is everything that Glass Towers is known for: fast drums, catchy guitar riffs sing-a-long chorus.  The vocal on this is also really interesting with lots of interval jumps throughout the song.

The second last track on the record, "Best Of Friends" hits you with drums as soon as it starts, and draws you in.  This drum and bass heavy song also has great lyrics.

The final track on the record, "Foreign Time" is a slower more reflective track, with deeper lyrics than the more acoustic sound lets on.  There are also some lovely piano lines throughout the song.  A perfect choice for the closing track.

Glass Towers have really carved out a great representation of themselves with this record.  They show influences from many people, but their own style shines through.  The fast drum beats of Daniel Muszynski, catchy bass lines of Cameron Holdstock and squealing guitars of Sam Speck are present throughout, as are the lovely (and at times haunting) vocals of Ben Hannam.  

Halcyon Days is a record that has captures your attention in seconds and has you listening for hours.  These guys are definitely ones to keep an eye on.

You can stream/buy Halcyon Days here:

http://themusic.com.au/listen/all/2013/07/01/exclusive-glass-towers-halcyon-days/

https://itunes.apple.com/au/album/id659190109

http://www.jbhifionline.com.au/music/alternative/halcyon-days-bonus-mp3/686231

You can find Glass Towers here:

https://www.facebook.com/glasstowers?fref=ts

The wonder of Woodlock.

I've been lucky enough to stumble upon the lovely boys from Woodlock performing twice while I've been in Melbourne, and both times they've had huge crowds.  No other busker in the busy Bourke Street mall could compete with the quietly confident boys from Woodlock, who thanked each person who bought their EP mid song, as well as warning the crowd to move off the tram tracks when there was a tram coming.  They let their music do the talking, and it speaks to so many people; I saw the very young and the very old enjoying every moment of the music.

With melodies and harmonies similar to that of Mumford and Sons and falsetto reminiscent of The Temper Trap, they are certainly a band to watch!  Their set contains many originals that you will be humming all day long as well as covers of some of the biggest songs at the moment.  Many bands wouldn't dare cover songs like "Resolution" by Matt Corby, "Get Lucky" by Daft Punk or "Don't You Worry Child" by Swedish House Mafia, but Eze and Zech Walters and Bowen Purcell do so with ease, reinvigorating these songs with their indie folk vibe.

Their live performance is like no other.  First of all there is a drum setup like none I've ever seen before, but also you can just see the joy on all of their faces, and that makes you love their music as much as they love it.  It seemed people only had to listen for a couple of minutes before they bought an EP, proof that they are good at what they do.  These guys aren't just buskers, they are musicians... No question about it.

The EP Lemons which features four folk/indie pop songs, has lovely melodies and harmonies, and really thoughtful lyrics. Even the title track "Lemons" which seems like just a fun song, is about "people who've gone sour" says Zech Walters.

For me, all the songs on the EP are great, easy to listen to and catchy, but the standout is "Lemons."  This track is just so infectious and joyous and the vocal loop that runs throughout the song is impossible to not sing for hours afterwards.  The drum beat, especially towards the end is also incredibly catchy, and live both Zech and Bowen play this part, which is quite exciting to see.

"The Last of Us," although slower than "Lemons" is such a beautiful song, with such lovely lyrics.  On the EP it also has a string arrangement to die for, and an instrumental passage which most bands don't do anymore.  It's the same with "Blood Brothers;" the lyrics tell a real story.

Eze Walters voice is reminiscent of that of Marcus Mumford from Mumford and Sons and Caleb Hodges of Art Of Sleeping, and combined with the more contemporary vocals of Zech, makes for beautiful harmonies.  And just when you thought they were talented enough, they swap from guitar to keyboards, to probably any other instrument you could name!  Bowen, with his crazy drum setup, has to be the most joyous drummer I've seen!  He honestly makes you happy, just by watching him.

These guys are beyond their years as far as storytelling and writing music is concerned, and are well worth a listen or hundred.


You can find them here:
http://www.youtube.com/user/WoodlockOfficial/videos
https://www.facebook.com/WoodlockMusic?fref=ts

Albums That Lift My Mood.

           So I've just written an assignment for uni that has potentially fried my brain, so what is the first thing I reach for to remedy this?  Music, of course.  Music is something that I know can instantly lift my mood or help me to get over brain strain (as is the case at the moment!)  So I thought I'd introduce you to a few of my favourite albums.... Note few, I have so many LPs it's hard to choose favourites without leaving out something out!

Here goes, my brief list of favourite mood improving albums.

San Cisco - San Cisco

     The debut LP for the WA quartet starts off slow and melancholic with "Beach," but boy does it pack a punch when you get to songs like "Fred Astaire" and "No Friends," which have you bopping away without a care in the world.  The combination of Jordi and Scarlett's vocals make for lovely easy listening, and the catchy melodies have you singing in seconds.

     My personal favourites on the album would have to be the foot-tapping "No Friends" in the upbeat stakes and "Nepal" for lyrics and piano.  However all the songs are worth multiple listens.

      San Cisco's album is extra special - not just because it's signed by the lovely band themselves - but because I got to see them perform it live... Oh the nostalgia.

Motor Ace - Shoot This

   The oldest of my selections, "Shoot This" took a lot of work to find.  It's not online and CD's of it aren't printed anymore, and I was starting to lose hope.  That is until I walked into a second hand record  store one Spring afternoon... I struck gold!

    If you're after classic Aussie rock/alternative Motor Ace is your band, with classics like "Keeping Secrets," "Carry On," and "Ride The Wave" all on the one album, you're in for a great 50 minutes.  

     Favourites on this album, again, are many, but "Keeping Secrets" is definitely number one, purely for the many sing-a-longs it created in the car in the early 00's.  

   "It's the way I feel.  Speak up when you know that it's real."

New Empire - Symmetry 

    Another album of songs that really speak to you is "Symmetry" by the Sydney boys New Empire.  Hope and strength is a theme throughout, with songs varying from the pulsing "Train on Time" to the ballad that is "Ghosts" to the anthemic "Give Me The World."
    Again New Empire is a band I've seen live, and their performance is better than the album, if you can believe that!
     Favourite songs would have to be "Train On Time," "Tightrope" and "Give Me The World."  All for their amazing and melodies, which make them impossible to not sing along to!

Emma Louise - Vs Head Vs Heart

      "Vs Head Vs Heart" is the long awaited debut from Emma Louise, and I have to say it's worth the wait.  Soothing and soulful is how you'd describe it.  All the songs carry a theme of heartbreak or melancholia, but you'd never know if you just listened to the lovely melodies and Emma's voice caressing the notes.  While most of the album is fairly laid back, tracks like "Boy" and "Freedom" up the tempo a bit to a danceable pace.

       Favourites would have to be "Stainache" for it's beautiful piano, and "Freedom" for it's incredibly catchy chorus.

Gold Fields - Black Sun

     Last but not least is the infectious first album by Ballarat boys Gold Fields.  All I can say is that every song will have you nodding your head without you even realising.   Innovative use of tribal beats and harmonies make for an even more exciting experience.

     Favourites are definitely "You're Still Gone," "Meet My Friends," "Dark Again" and "Treehouse"... So most of the album basically.

So there you have it, some of my favourite albums.  Hope you can find some great new music!