Evolution Machine hits stores today, proving the band is just as relevant today as they were on their inception in 1990. The album’s seen the band working with an all-star production roster including M-Phazes, Plutonic Lab, Katalyst, and Dave Atkins and Katch from Resin Dogs, as well as diverse artists like beatboxerTom Thumb, funk guitarist Xela, and hardcore punk singer Scotty Mac. As you can imagine with all of those musical influences, the album is a diverse collection of songs that really pushes the envelope of urban music.

See why Def Wish Cast have influenced Australian chart toppers like Hilltop Hoods and Bliss N Eso at the following shows:

25 May 2012 – The Standard, Sydney
1 June 2012 – Republic Bar, Hobart
2 June 2012 – Laundry Bar, Melbourne
7 June 2012 – Mustang Bar, Brisbane
8 June 2012 – Runaway Bay Tavern, Gold Coast
9 June 2012 – Seaview Hotel , Townsville
10 June 2012 – The Jack, Cairns

The quartet’s sound takes its cues from local acts that have come before including Regurgitator and Custard. The modest lads would probably blush at the comparisons, but the band is already earning a reputation for their energetic live shows.

See what all the fuss is about at the following East Coast gigs:

19 May 2012 – Ric’s Bar, Brisbane (“No More Reason” single launch)
30 June 2012 – Twilight Markets, Brisbane (Acoustic)
2-5 July 2012 – Race Café, Brisbane (Acoustic)
5 July 2012 – Transit Bar, Canberra
6 July 2012 – Oxford Art Factory, Sydney
7 July 2012 – Great Northern, Newcastle
14 July 2012 – Revolver Upstairs, Melbourne
15 July 2012 – The Wesley Anne, Melbourne (Acoustic)
20 July 2012 – The Beetle Bar, Brisbane

Image used with permission from Footstomp Music

How does it feel to finally unleash that music?
Pretty unreal. We are just ‘going with the flow’ and aren’t sure if it’s going to do really well or not. We’re just pumped that the public will be available to hear it and buy it!

You released an EP before this. How have you grown between releasing that and the long player?
Most definitely. We have matured as musicians, which has seen the development within the band.

The band’s made up of cousins and close friends. What does that shared history bring to the band?
It means that we all have a close, tight-knit connection on and off stage.

I believe your music didn’t quite gel with the rest of the scene back home. How did that experience shape you?
In a way it encouraged us to be the different. To start something ‘fresh’ and new. Glad we thought along those lines, because it ended up working really well.

Triple J was an early supporter of your work. What did their belief in your music do for you?
It encouraged us that we were doing the right thing, stepping out and just being plain original. They also exposed us to Australia! Oh and of course Stifler’s mum …

You’ve supported some amazing acts over the past couple of years. What are the highlights for you?
Playing with and meeting incredible artists is so inspiring. Touring with The Grates and Last Dinosaurs last year was a definite highlight.

You’ve also played just about every festival that matters. How do those shows compare to the club gigs?
They are both good. It’s really cool to play big festivals because the exposure and vibe is awesome!

Are you planning any shows to support the album release?
Yep. We are having a launch party at the Black Bear Lodge (in Brisbane) on 22 May. Come PARTY! We’re hoping to do some touring later in the year.

Do you have anything else in the pipeline?
We are incredibly excited for Splendour in The Grass. It’s going to be epic! We can’t wait to play in front of friends and fans!
Image used with permission from Footstomp Music

The band’s vocalist Sid O’Neil is planning to recharge his mind, body, and soul with an extended European vacation, so The Vasco Era are giving him a proper send off. They promise some special guest bands will join them so it should be quite a party.

If you want to send Sid off in style make sure you get down to the Corner Hotel on June 22. Tickets are on sale now from the venue.

Image used with permission from Riot House Publicity

The girls are taking some of Australia’s hottest young independent talent along for the rides. They’ve handpicked a swag of promising new acts, including Jack Carty, Whitaker, and Echo and The Empress to serve as supports.

Make sure you arrive at the following shows early to discover some great new bands!

25 May 2012 – The Palais, St. Kilda (with Whitaker)
27 May 2012 – The Toff in Town, Melbourne (with Whitaker)
9 June 2012 – The Basement, Sydney (with Jack Carty)
10 June 2012 – The Promethean, Adelaide (with Southie)
17 June 2012 – The Black Bear Lodge, Brisbane (with We The Ghosts and Echo and the Empress)
5 July 2012 – The Ellington Jazz Club, Perth (with Jessica Morhall)

Image used with permission from Alpha Entertainment

The recording of Burning Boy saw Joe returning to his hometown of Perth after four years living in London. He came back with a head full of songs about the dissolution of his old band, his life in the United Kingdom, and the return to the land of his birth. Once back on home soil he reconnected with his long-time collaborator Dave Parkin and set about putting the songs he’d collected over the past three years down.

The album represents a real shift in Joe’s sound. The pulsing rhythm section we associate with Snowman is gone, replaced by more intimate vocals.

Burning Boy hits record stores on May 25.

Image used with permission from Remote Control Records

After three years perfecting her craft, Eliza’s laid down seven breathtaking tracks including the first single “Without Words.”

“’Without Words’ is about the pull and shift within a relationship and the questioning that can often happen,” Eliza explained. “It captures the beautiful confusion love can stir inside us. It’s one of the earlier songs written for the EP and is still one of my favourites.”

The disc has a compelling organic quality which comes from shunning big budget studios and opting to record in garages, churches, and home studios. Although perhaps that may have come from necessity, as Eliza funded the release herself. You’ve got to admire that sort of commitment!

You can show your support by picking up a copy of Dawn when it hits stores and iTunes on May 18, or seeing Eliza launch the disc at Melbourne’s The Toff in Town on May 31.

Image used with permission from Show Off Services

Lowlakes have created one of the most beautiful videos I’ve seen in some time for “Buffalo,” one of the four tracks featured on their self-titled debut EP.

Lacey Whelan is behind the fairy-tale style animation, which brings this haunting tune to life. “Buffalo” was one of my favourite tracks from the EP, and I’m thrilled to see it realised so beautifully with this video.

The discs don’t simply capture John Butler’s musical prowess but also his relaxed on stage demeanour. Listening to the discs you feel like you’re witnessing someone simply having a jam session with a bunch of mates. The songs are interspersed with personal anecdotes which make the tunes even richer. Those numbers touch on his entire back catalogue. Listeners will enjoy new songs, reworked versions of old songs, and of course plenty of favourites.

The Tin Shed Tales recording is available digitally from iTunes, but with a sexy digipack hitting stores I reckon it’s much smarter to enjoy the hard copy. It’s sure to become a collector’s item!

Their first single “Animal” was so mellow that this poppy number really took me by surprise. It’s an infectious ditty which should help getting through Friday a little easier.

If you like what you hear make sure you check out Briscoe at the following shows. Every gig is free, so you’ve got new excuse!

12 May 2012 – The Phoenix, Canberra
18 May 2012 – The Patch, Wollongong
24 May 2012 – The Landsdowne, Sydney
9 June 2012 – The Great Northern, Newcastle