Album Reviews

Album Review: Ricki-Lee claims pop throne on upbeat, euphoric On My Own

Given the longevity of her prolific career, it’s easy to forget that popstar-cum-media personality Ricki-Lee got her start within the Australian Idol space and that she didn’t win; Casey Donovan would ultimately be crowned the winner of said season. In the 20 years (!!!) since the commanding singer won us all over during her tenure…

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Bloom are set to explode with their anticipated debut album Maybe in Another Life

Sydney melodic hardcore act Bloom have today unveiled their highly-anticipated debut album, Maybe in Another Life, via Greyscale Records and Pure Noise Records. The five-piece made waves with their acclaimed 2020 concept EP In Passing, followed by a live version in 2021 and pit-splitting single “Sink into the Soil” in 2022. Now, the band returns…

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Album Review: Middle Kids – Faith Crisis Pt. 1 (2024 LP)

Returning for their third album, Middle Kids enter 2024 at the top of their game. A band always capable of creating songs that are just as deep as they are sing-a-longs, the Sydney band are back with Faith Crisis Pt.1, a thirteen track dive into a frontwoman Hannah Joy questioning her faith. For a band…

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Album Review: Jennifer Lopez finds love again on lush, cohesive This Is Me…Now

An album twenty years in the making, This Is Me…Now is the sequel to Jennifer Lopez‘s 2002 romantic opus This Is Me…Then, a largely mid-tempo, old-school R&B-inspired record that musically defined her relationship with Ben Affleck. This Is Me…Now is similarly a record reflecting on her relationship with the actor, only this time she’s Mrs….

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Review: Neck Deep’s self-titled LP isn’t just an album – it’s a milestone

Welsh pop-punk brilliance Neck Deep are about to drop their fifth studio album- and it is just magic. Self-titled and self-produced, the record truly captures the essence of Neck Deep in all its glory. A 10-track masterpiece of fun, brilliantly written and masterfully produced tracks- it’s Neck Deep in their purest form. Frontman Ben Barlow…

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Album Review: Green Day’s 14th LP Saviors propels their sound into the future

Green Day‘s 14th studio album, Saviors, marks a triumphant return to their roots, reclaiming the essence of their signature sound. Following the less-than-stellar reception of Father of All Motherfuckers, this latest release emerges as a refreshing revival. As the band gears up to celebrate the 30th anniversary of Dookie and the 20th anniversary of American…

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Revealing The 40 Best Albums of 2023

We’re back for the 15th annual list of the 40 best albums of the year, as compiled by the team at the AU review, bringing in music from Australia and around the world. It’s a packed list, with many artists making their debut on our countdown. Read on, and click on the album covers to…

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Old-school Atreyu fan Alex Hill of Mélancolia reviews their new album, The Beautiful Dark of Life

California metalcore legends Atreyu have been influential to many heavy bands that followed in their footsteps during the 2000s particularly. Their latest record, The Beautiful Dark of Life, was released today via Spinefarm Records to conclude the trilogy of EPs they have shared throughout the year. A whopping 15-track journey, the band’s ninth studio album…

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Review: Future Static’s Liminality is a stunning debut album (2023 LP)

Naarm/Melbourne alt-metal five-piece Future Static have today shared their highly-anticipated debut album Liminality via Wild Thing Records. The 12-track project two years in the making is a blend of deft guitarwork over intricate rhythms as vocalist Amariah Cook brings a passionate and powerful performance. Produced, mixed and mastered by Christopher Vernon (Windwaker, The Beautiful Monument),…

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Review: Melbourne’s Colourburn sets a high bar with Compromise in Colour (2023 EP)

Melbourne alt-rock trio Colourburn have today released their debut EP Compromise in Colour, a bold entry to the scene with clear talent and intent. The five-track project was produced by Christopher Vernon (Bloom, Belle Haven, Tapestry) and draws influence from the likes of Movements, Citizen and Eat Your Heart Out. Comprised of Jordyn Briggs (vocals),…

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Album Review: Taking Back Sunday’s 152 is a tremendous return to form

Taking Back Sunday‘s triumphant return to the music scene is marked by their eighth studio album, 152 This long-awaited release, their first full-length endeavour since 2016, is a nostalgic ode to their roots and the memories of their formative years in North Carolina. The album’s title, a reference to the road connecting Highpoint, Chapel Hill,…

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Angie McMahon

Album Review: Angie McMahon – Light, Dark, Light Again (2023 LP)

I vividly remember the first time I saw Angie McMahon live. The Jezabels had announced a week-long residency at The Lansdowne in Sydney, and with each of these shows, a different act opened as support. Out walks Angie and her guitar. As humble and nervous as you’d expect someone to be supporting such an influential…

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Album review: Caitlin Harnett and The Pony Boys- All Night Long (2023 LP)

Country-soul powerhouse Caitlin Harnett and The Pony Boys released their second album All Night Long through Spunk Records today, the follow-up to successful debut Late Night Essentials (2020) which scored the title Album of the Week on FBi Radio and 2SER. Originally formed  in 2015, Caitlin Harnett and The Pony Boys have spent the last…

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Teen Jesus and the Jean Teasers

Album Review: Teen Jesus and the Jean Teasers – I Love You (2023 LP)

It’s fun watching bands grow and become absolute stars. Whether they’re an international act you’ve stumbled across online or a local band you first saw opening a festival/ headline tour a million or five years ago, the fun of it all remains the same. Seeing and hearing Teen Jesus and the Jean Teasers crush it…

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Album Review: Boy & Bear – Lost Dreams (2023 EP)

With the tenth anniversary of their smash hit sophomore album Harlequin Dream having just passed, Aussie indie icons Boy & Bear are celebrating their milestone by releasing an EP consisting of three previously unreleased tracks written in their Harlequin Dream era. Lost Dreams is out today, and I’m here to take you through it track…

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MAY-A

Album Review: MAY-A – Analysis Paralysis (2023 EP)

If you think you haven’t heard of MAY-A, think again. After touring with Aussie legends 5 Seconds of Summer earlier this year, the 22 year old Sydney artist went on to be crowned #1 in Triple J’s Hottest 100 with her feature in Flume’s “Say Nothing”, as well as recently performing at the Logies. And…

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Album Review: Georgia Mooney delivers a lovely, luxurious soundtrack in Full of Moon

Georgia Mooney, vocalist and mandolinist of All Our Exes Live in Texas, has taken a bold and beautiful step towards a solo career with her debut album. Following EP Another Year On, released back in 2012, new release Full of Moon is light years ahead and a treat to listen to. Full of Moon is…

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Genesis Owusu

Album Review: Genesis Owusu – Struggler (2023 LP)

Genesis Owusu has returned with a sense of urgency and darkness on his second album Struggler. Where his last release felt like a culmination of years’ slowly chipping away at what eventually would become his groundbreaking debut Smiling With No Teeth, here on Struggler it feels like a body of work from an artist who…

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Album Review: Bad Juju – Blue Heaven (2023 LP)

Melbourne alt-rock outfit Bad Juju have today dropped their awaited debut full-length, Blue Heaven. Produced by Callan Orr (Dream on Dreamer, Hands Like Houses) and Sam Bassal (Ocean Grove, Trophy Eyes), the 12-track album explores life’s subtle complexities through moving lyrics and affecting music. The title track opener sets the tone of the record with…

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The Regime

Album Review: The Regime – Love Funky Revolution (2023 LP)

When was the last time you heard a band make their debut album a double album? I can only think of one and I’m fairly confident that unless you’re also thinking of The Regime and their Love Funky Revolution release then you’re going to struggle. After a few years of lighting up hometown stages with…

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Album Review: The Slingers – Sentimentalism (2023 LP )

The highly anticipated debut album, Sentimentalism, by Melbourne band The Slingers is finally here, and it’s truly beautiful. Produced by Errol Green (Big Yawn), the 10-track LP features the singles “No Harm Done”, “Living In The Age Of Loneliness”, “Streets Of Tokyo”, “Our Last Day In The Sun”, and their latest release, “Down To The…

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Nothing But Thieves

Album Review: Nothing But Thieves welcome you to Dead Club City

UK rock band Nothing But Thieves are marking their 10-year anniversary by entering a new era. Dead Club City is their fourth LP, an 11-track concept album that was born during the end of the pandemic. ‘Dead Club City’ is a members-only club. It’s a mindset and a universe that explores concepts around personal relationships/experiences, the…

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Album Review: Brooke McClymont & Adam Eckersley deliver that feel good fix in Up, Down & Sideways

Award winning country duo Brooke McClymont & Adam Eckersley drop their second album Up, Down & Sideways tomorrow. Brooke McClymont is one third of top-selling, award-winning Australian country music trio The McClymonts. She has over 200,000 album sales, 40 million streams, two ARIA Awards, fifteen Golden Guitar Awards, one CMA (USA) Award, one APRA Award and…

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Album Review: Trophy Eyes Suicide and Sunshine (2023 LP)

Trophy Eyes have made a triumphant return with their fourth studio album, Suicide and Sunshine, due to be released on the 23rd of June. As the title suggests, the album revolves around contrast, presenting songs of beauty and tragedy through the heartfelt words and talent of front man John Floreani. Produced by Shane Edwards, Suicide…

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Album Review: The Teskey Brothers – The Winding Way (2023 LP)

With anything in life, when you know you’re onto a good thing, you’d be a fool to change it up. Whether a lifestyle, relationship or career, for most people consistency in their life is key to success. This extends to musicians. And yet, sometimes even when you’re at the top of your game, change is…

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Album Review: Jack River’s Endless Summer takes listeners on a breathtaking, sun-drenched journey

Get ready to embark on a sun-soaked journey through the vibrant soundscape of Jack River‘s highly anticipated latest album, Endless Summer. Set to be released on June 16th, this musical gem encapsulates a delightful fusion of psychedelic waves and captivating melodies that will undoubtedly leave you craving more. Holly Rankin, the ingenious Australian artist behind…

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Album Review: Saint Lane – CRYING IN THE PORSCHE (2023 LP)

NZ-born, Gold Coast-based alt-pop artist Saint Lane has already returned with new album CRYING IN THE PORSCHE – released 19 May – after his acclaimed 2022 full-length i thought my name was cursed. With a wealth of singles and two EPs under his belt, the multi-instrumentalist offers a beguiling record with pop, hip hop and…

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Album Review: Sleep Token – Take Me Back to Eden (2023 LP)

UK alt-metal juggernauts Sleep Token have today revealed their highly-anticipated new record, Take Me Back to Eden, via Spinefarm. The enigmatic quartet have acquired a enormous devoted fanbase in recent years who ‘worship’ at their ‘rituals’ worldwide, including a sold-out Australia tour last month – without supports. Fronted by the masked Vessel, Sleep Token further…

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EP Review: Peach PRC’s rise to pop stardom continues with debut EP Manic Dream Pixie

You think you’ve had a big week? Peach PRC set off on her national sold-out tour last Thursday then dropped her debut EP, Manic Dream Pixie, a day later! The Aussie artist has amassed more than 2 million TikTok followers, and over 110 million combined streams, and Manic Dream Pixie is everything we’ve come to…

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Album Review: RedHook – Postcard from a Living Hell (2023 LP)

Eora/Sydney alt-rock giants RedHook are sending their best for their debut album Postcard from a Living Hell, out today. The 11-track project is an impressive offering of contemporary pop-punk with nu-metal nostalgia at its core. Featuring the singles “Low Budget Horror”, “Jabberwocky” and “SAY”, Postcard from a Living Hell showcases everything RedHook has to offer…

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