Music release reviews, some interesting interviews and other music related discourse for your pleasure... For reviews of films, books, buildings, general criticism and more, check out the What's Going On Reviews section...
Music Release
Jack Ladder & The Dreamlanders - Playmates
Simon Winkler
An engaging and musically adventurous trip, there's elements of cold wave, 80s synth pop, country, and rock ballads, all anchored by Ladder's distinctive baritone.
Music Release
Ariel Pink - Pom Pom
Simon Winkler
A characteristic, unpredictable mix of wistful AM radio rock, strange tape textures, stream of consciousness skits, and stream of unconscious pop.
Music Release
Black Cab - Games Of The XXI Olympiad
Simon Winkler
Evoking the tension, exhilaration and sonic spectrum of the time, Black Cab once again prove masters of mood and narrative.
Music Release
C.W. Stoneking - Gon' Boogaloo
Simon Winkler
Rich in invention, the record evokes the past but points to the everlasting vitality of the blues tradition.
Music Release
Augie March - Havens Dumb
Simon Winkler
"Havens Dumb" is the welcome return of acclaimed Victorian band Augie March, their first album since "Watch Me Disappear" in 2008.
Music Release
Laura Jean - Laura Jean
Simon Winkler
Laura Jean's self-titled fourth album offers a collection of deeply reflective and finely crafted modern folk songs.
Music Release
Goat - Commune
Simon Winkler
'Commune' from Swedish collective Goat explores regional rock, funk, psychedelic, spiritual and ritualistic styles.
Music Release
Zammuto - Anchor
Simon Winkler
Anchor draws from a wide array of inspiration, including experimental rock, jazz, and electronic traditions.
Music Release
Rob Snarski - Wounded Bird
Simon Winkler
'Wounded Bird' is deeply articulate and affecting.
Music Release
Geoffrey O'Connor - Fan Fiction
Simon Winkler
Another intriguing collection from Melbourne's Geoffrey O'Connor, combining late night rock, synth-wave and even dance music styles.
Music Release
White Fence - For The Recently Found Innocent
Simon Winkler
The idiosyncratic charm of White Fence's '60s pop and west-coast psych-rock writing is stronger than ever.
Music Release
Shabazz Palaces - Lese Majesty
Simon Winkler
The space and echo of their earlier work is amplified in Lese Majesty, taking the record into deeper orbits of astral jazz and hip hop.
Music Release
Jungle - Jungle
Simon Winkler
Jungle offer one of the more distinctive and compelling debut albums of the year with their new self-titled LP.
Music Release
Total Control - Typical System
Simon Winkler
The musical force of Melbourne's Total Control return with their second album, Typical System.
Music Release
Sharon Van Etten - Are We There
Simon Winkler
Building on an already accomplished career in incisive and insightful songwriting, the scale and scope of Sharon Van Etten's latest work is vast and impressive.
Music Release
First Aid Kit - Stay Gold
Simon Winkler
'Stay Gold' is the third album from sisters Klara and Johanna Söderberg, and another superb demonstration of their singular skill in modern folk songcraft.
Music Release
The Bombay Royale - The Island Of Dr. Electrico
Simon Winkler
Inspired by the highly inspiring soundtracks of Bollywood, the group deliver both a reverential, and revolutionary, album of original recordings.
Music Release
Little Dragon - Nabuma Rubberband
Simon Winkler
'Nabuma Rubberband' is the fourth album from celebrated Gothenburg quartet Little Dragon.
Music Release
Dave Graney - Fearful Wiggings
Simon Winkler
Throughout the course of the album Dave Graney and partner Clare Moore explore everything from sparse folk, jazz, to adventurous art pop, all with a richly textured ambience.
Music Release
Tiny Ruins - Brightly Painted One
Simon Winkler
'Brightly Painted One' is a layered work, led by the movingly detailed narrative lyricism of Fullbrook and her compelling, distinctive vocal style.
Music Release
Nun- Nun
Simon Winkler
This is the self-titled debut from Melbourne synth-punk quartet Nun.
Music Release
Mac DeMarco - Salad Days
Simon Winkler
Mac DeMarco returns with his awaited second album, demonstrating a marked evolution in songwriting that nonetheless bears the hallmarks of his earlier wit and idiosyncratic rock stylings.
Music Release
The War On Drugs - Lost In The Dream
Simon Winkler
'Lost In The Dream' is a sweeping epic, both outward reaching and introspective.
Music Release
Neneh Cherry - Blank Project
Simon Winkler
'Blank Project' is the long anticipated return of Swedish artist Neneh Cherry, and represents her first solo recordings since 'Man' in 1996.
Music Release
Angel Olsen - Burn Your Fire For No Witness
Simon Winkler
The lyrical depth is of the record is matched with both hauntingly sparse and densely textured arrangements.
