Calais are an Australian quintet whose chosen sounds fall squarely between radio friendly pop-rock and accessible guitar driven indie-rock. This four track debut release shows both sides of the band’s style equally well, often centring around their gift for a melodic arrangement.
Tag Archives: aussie
MTNS – Salvage EP
Like so many electronic based artists, MTNS’ favoured approach of loading up the keyboards in place of “real instruments” and reliance on programmed elements makes this Australian outfit’s work appear rather cold at first. Once you’ve broken through that mechanized wall – much like many of electronica’s strongest artists – there’s an intermittent dreamlike world awaiting. Once the pieces settle into place, the music’s surprisingly huge presence pulls for an emotive response.
THE OYSTER MURDERS – Mourning Birds EP
Following their 2012 debut album and tour, The Oyster Murders set about writing and recording new material to follow up ‘Winter of the Electric Sun’. While the prospect of a new full album would have been very appealing, this six track offering is a welcome enough release – it’s six songs and twenty two minutes showing off the Australian dream-pop quartet’s surprisingly accessible sounds in a lean fashion, the EP format cutting down any potential filler material.
SONS OF THE EAST – Sons Of The East EP
This self-titled EP is the debut outing from Australian trio Sons of the East. Self released, there’s a warmth in the material that suggests it’s been a while in the making. Those who enjoy acoustic music are almost guaranteed to come away having heard something great, even if they don’t enjoy everything on offer.
LITTLE RIVER BAND – Cuts Like A Diamond
Australia’s Little River Band shouldn’t really need an introduction. Over the years, there have been shifting line ups and shifting sounds (1984’s ‘Playing To Win’ with John Farnham at the helm is somewhat of an AOR classic), but the much-lauded band have released music of a quality that has (probably) rightly seen them compared to the likes of The Doobie Brothers and Player. 2013’s ‘Cuts Like a Damond’ is an album with a fair amount riding on it… Not only does the band possess some gems within a quite extensive catalogue dating back to the mid-70s, but [excluding any re-recordings and albums with yuletide themes] it also breaks a recording hiatus of nine years.