Music Review: Josh Gabriel Presents: Winter Kills

Music Review: Josh Gabriel Presents: Winter Kills


In a musical era where reproduction and mimicry are so common place, it's refreshing to find original work that stands tall above so many other acts. The stunning release of Josh Gabriel and Meredith Cal's work under the guise of Winter Kills is welcomed with open arms to an industry where astonishingly mediocre is considered highly acceptable.


The introduction to Winter Kills was made back in 2009 with the release of the club phenomenon Deep Down. Since then, the team have been in the studio, not only working on their own debut artist album but also contributing to Armin Van Buuren's last artist album with the track Take A Moment. 


The first thing that is apparent as the album takes hold is the innovation and unrestricted musical freedom that the duo have been given to create this brilliant piece of art. The slow pick up of the first track, Tomorrow, to the steady beat of the latest single, Hot As Hades, and onto the eerie Deep Down. The album is a journey that loops back on itself and, at the same time, keeps soldiering forwards.


Meredith Cal's voice across all the tracks is haunting and enticing. The songstress has found her niche in the market full of pretty faces and dainty voices. Her singing ability is genuine and refreshing. Her talent undeniable. When this is coupled with Josh Gabriel's 25 odd year career, there is something undeniably right about the release.


Surprisingly, they even include a cover version of I'll Stand By You. It's been modernized since the original 1994 release by The Pretenders. Cal doesn't try to replicate the sound of Chrissie Hynde's voice. She finds her own footing in the track and makes it her own. The two version cannot be compared as they are so unique and different that to say one is like the other or one is better than the other is to do it no justice.


Over the 13 tracks of diverse musical creativity, it is difficult to find stand out tracks as the pair have worked hard on each and every track. The success of the album will make that apparent to anyone who takes the chance and listens all the way through the album. 


As a debut, this is the album that many artists want to release. Showcasing an awe inspiring talent and commitment to the perpetuation of the music industry by providing a legacy that will live on, even if Gabriel and Cal choose not to continue with the Winter Kills project.


Josh Gabriel Presents: Winter Kills is out now through Armada Music

Music Review: Lady Gaga - Born This Way

Music Review: Lady Gaga – Born This Way

We all knew her return was inevitable. Following up on the world wide phenomenon first album, Lady Gaga is back with her sophomore album Born This Way. It’s bold, brave and exciting. From the Queen of the Kooky, she’s proven that she has what it takes to dominate the charts for a second time.

The best thing about this album isn’t that it doesn’t try to mirror the success of The Fame/The Fame Monster. Gaga has kept a similar formula for creating her songs but has also expanded. It’s quite easy to hear the 80s influence which plays across each track while still staying true to her dance/pop roots.

By now we all know Born This Way, Judas, and Edge of Glory but the show doesn’t stop there.  For example the opening track Marry The Night. When the track starts, you could be forgiven for thinking you’d just put in the latest Glee soundtrack. That is disillusioned pretty fast when the tempo and talent kicks in. It’s a great start for the album and you just know that you are in for an absolute treat with the next 16 tracks.

SCHIEβE is a brilliant club stomping track. With the start delivered in what, to an untrained ear, sounds like flawless German, the track is just fascinating and then after you get past the intro the heavy house music influences kick in and the beat starts. Please move to the dance floor and dance like you really don’t care.

Not content to remain in just the pop style of music, 

Gaga also dabbles in electro-rock with the track Bad Kids.  It’s an interesting combination which works to Gaga’s advantage. The lyrical content of the song is a story in itself. The younger generation who are, in essence, good people but have been told that they aren’t or are a ‘bad kid’. Those labelled a degenerate and those who have nothing the offer.  It’s a song to remind them that they aren’t the lost causes and they are still a person with a heart that is pure.

There’s also the track You and I which has a country influence. It’s not the banjo playing, foot stomping, swing your partner around country.  Don’t worry it’s not talking about the cows dying or the tractor breaking down either.  It’s a story about the joy of having something special with that someone special.

Closing out the album is Edge of Glory. It’s catchy and filled with that Lady Gaga magic that singles out each track as hers. Of course, it has the club influence interpolated with the trade mark pop music that Gaga is so renowned for.

If you were wise enough to get hold of the deluxe version of the album, you will be delighted with that second disc which contains 6 remixes for your listening pleasure. Included is Born This Way (Country Road Version) which was streamed by Gaga not long after the initial release of the song. It’s such a change from the usual music we hear from Lady Gaga but it’s certainly a welcome change given fact that it does show her diversity. Also included on the second disc are remixes of Judas, SCHIEβE and another remix of Born This Way.

Many discounted Lady Gaga as a fad who was disappear quickly after the initial craze. With the release of this album, she’s proven that she isn’t going anywhere and is a musical force to be reckoned with. The album is going to garner her more attention and loyal fans. Be ready for the world to keeping going mad for Lady Gaga for some time to come. Either get on board with loving her or keep quiet. Either way, Gaga and her army of little monsters aren’t going to be silenced.

Born This Way is out Monday 23^rd May 2011.

Music Review: Ali McGregor - Jazz Cigarette

Music Review: Ali McGregor - Jazz Cigarette


Australia is certainly well known for it's superb talent and to follow the tradition, let us introduce the stunningly fabulous Ali McGregor.


To some she is a household name after her appearance on the soundtrack to the 2004 film, One Perfect Day performing on the Paul Van Dyk remix of the title track. Since then, Ali McGregor has gone from strength to strength travelling the world and performing one stunning show after another.


Now in 2011, we have the release of McGregor's breath taking album Jazz Cigarette. With her sultry voice and unmatched talent, McGregor has hit the right notes to make a truly stunning album. From the captivating first notes to the enticing closing of the album, jazz lovers will fall in love with the genre all over again and embrace McGregor as a shining star.


As mentioned, McGregor sang the title track from One Perfect Day and then the second introduction to this heavenly voice was at the 2010 Melbourne International Comedy Festival where she sang with our favourite comedian Mr Sammy J. The audience at Sammy J's solo show Sticky Digits was blown away by the powerhouse vocals that this dynamic lady displayed. 


These vocals are out in full force as you traverse the 14 tracks of sheer listening pleasure that makes up Jazz Cigarette. The traditional jazz sounds met with the operatically trained voice of McGregor leaves such an impression that this album will be put on repeat and listed to at any chance.


The album includes traditional tracks such as Whatever Lola Wants and Georgia On My Mind. Also appearing is the Cry Me A River Medley which interpolates the classic 1953 song penned by Arthur Hamilton and also 2002 song by the same name performed by Justin Timberlake. The track is nothing short of amazing.


Also popping up are two surprises. The first being Sweet Dreams. Not the same as you are used to by the Eurythmics but instead a brilliant jazz version which meets beautiful smoky cabaret and sweet vocals which fuse to create one of the absolute stand out tracks on the album.


The other surprise is the adaptation of Oops! I Did It Again by Britney Spears meeting similar treatment. As an added bonus, McGregor works with the highly talented James Morrison on the track. The pair together make it a track that stands out and is more memorable than the radio disposable version that we are used to.


This album has been made for anyone who loves stunning music. Whether you are a jazz fan or not, after listening to this album there's no doubt that you will fall in love with the stunning Ali McGregor and her breath taking performances and sultry voice. This album would be amazing to play at a dinner party or have playing on a Sunday with a good book and nice glass of wine. Get this album now and fall in love with the voice of Ali McGregor.


Jazz Cigarette is out now.

Music Review: iiO - Exit 110 (feat Nadia Ali)

Music Review: iiO - Exit 110 (feat Nadia Ali)


After an extended break, iiO have returned with their follow up to the hugely successful debut album, Poetica. Continuing with their electronic experimentation, Exit 110 sees the return of Nadia Ali as the divine voice of the band.


It's hard to believe that it's been 10 years since iiO captured the hearts of clubbers worldwide with their debut smash Rapture. A track that has spawned dozens of remixes from the likes of Armin Van Buuren and Deep Dish. A track which, a decade on, still get heavy club rotation. Now, a decade on, we are getting new music from the band. Those looking for a rehash of old material will be sorely disappointed however. As any musical entity must, iiO have grown and so has the music. Still close to their electronic roots, it's no longer the overall ambient feel from Poetica.


The album starts strong with It'll Be Like. This is probably the closest track on the album to Poetica material we're used to. The song is captivating and enchanting. It's steady beat thumping away behind the stunning vocals. Both parts work together to capture the ear and attention of the listener.


The next three tracks More (Love Hi), All I Need and Meant to Be have quite a heavy 80s influence while still remaining uniquely modern. The seductive tones of Nadia Ali's voice and the excited energy of the music all work and fuse together to make each track an adventure for the ear. The three tracks are proof of just what made iiO such a household name.


Going sideways from the 80s style, the track I Don't Know branches off into a steady and almost tribal feel track. The beauty of the track though, is that the musical styling can't be quantified or actually defined given the fluidity of the track. It's electronic, it's tribal, it's got both a house and trance feel to it. As messy as that makes the track sound, it's actually not. It's polished perfection showing how easily the boundaries can blend.


Also on the album is P.I.C. (Partner In Crime). A track that returns to the 80s influence and even features an interpolation of Funky Town. It's a refreshing track with energy and excitement running free. 


Don't Talk to Her and Fiends are not the best tracks that iiO have ever released. As much as they are exciting and energetic, there's just something about the two tracks which make them feel a little bit like fillers which isn't something that has ever been said about an iiO track before. Each track has it's own merits, don't be mistaken. They just take a few listens before they start to grow on you.


Featured towards the end of the album is Poetica II. A musical sequel to the spoken word conclusion of the Poetica album. The track follows in the same vein as the original but Ali's voice tends to be drowned out by the music which runs over the top. It does, however, lead nicely into the closing track Exit 110. The slick production and instrumental track shows that MarKus Moser can create masterpieces on his own without Ali. 


All in all, Exit 110 is a great album. People looking for a mirror or reproduction of Poetica will be disappointed. The sound is similar but different at the same time. There will be those who don't like the evolution that has occurred and there will be bothers who embrace it. No artist can release the same album twice and iiO haven't either. Even if you don't have this album on your 'To Buy' list, at least put it on the 'To Listen' list.


Exit 110 is out now through made records

Show Review: Sammy J & Randy in Bin Night

Show Review: Sammy J & Randy in Bin Night


Never let it be said that the Melbourne International Comedy Festival doesn't showcase the most brilliant of comic minds from around the world. Included this year are two home grown talents in their latest show Bin Night. Yes, Sammy J and his purple pal Randy are back with another laughter filled hour of madness, slapstick and expletives.


Following up there 2010 sensation, Ricketts Lane, the team are back for more comedy featuring a tall, skinny man and a purple puppet. Sammy J and Randy (with the talented Heath McIvor pulling his strings) are back with another outlandish and out of control show.


The quality of the show is just as high now as when the pair launched themselves onto the stage, missed the top step, stumbled and fell into the spotlight looking slightly dazed. The amount of jokes, quips, touching moments and brief moments of possessiveness regarding a bin (don't ask - it's safer that way) that can be fit into an hour will leave the audience amazed, if not a little befuddled.


The pair are chasing the bin bandit. The mysterious figure who keeps stowing their trash in Sammy and Randy's bin. The hilarity comes from the shenanigans that the pair got up to. From the singing pizza box through to the snibbing of snibby bits (it's no less confusing when it's explained in the show than it looks written down) there is laughter that will left people in the audience with tears from laughing so much.


As per any good comedy show, nothing is sacred. From Ringtail Possums to Peru to Tom Cruise and even Father Time, everything is fair game. Even playing off each other missing the occasional line or an eye related incident, the pair soldiered on with their improvisational skills stunning and wowing the audience that say before them.


From start to finish, Sammy J & Randy provide hilarity and amusement for the crowd and make sure that the audience gets their money's worth. From the included songs to the madcap slapstick humor, the pair have shown why they won the 2010 Barry for Best Show (for Ricketts Lane) and delivered another comedic masterpiece.


If you get a chance to see this show, make sure you do. A tall, white, skinny man and a purple, somewhat acerbic, and sarcastic puppet. It's comedy gold in any language.


Bin Night is playing until Sunday 24th April at Melbourne International Comedy Festival

Book Review: Diane Adams - A Place to Run

Book Review: Diane Adams - A Place to Run


Following up her largely successful writing debut, Our December, Diane Adams has wowed audiences world wide with the second part of her stunning series 'The Making of a Man'. A Place to Run is an amazing and emotive piece that will leave the sternest of hearts a little watery eyed.


Following the story of Alex and Jared, the heart gets swept away with the trials of a grown man dating a younger man. There is nothing held back with the raw emotion that both of the two main characters face. It's a learning curve for both and a bliss to read. The story deals with real situations and heart breaking moments. The story will bring out random giggles and make tears spill.


A Place to Run deals with the painful trial of coming out that many gay men face. Adams has taken this in her stride and proven just who much of a powerful writer she is. The moments where the tears won't stop falling as the heartache and confusion of Alex reigns supreme while dealing with how to tell his mother that he prefers the company of men. It's a story that many out gay men will be able to relate to.


Fortunately, rather than spending the entire story crying, there are light hearted moments between the two men and even a bit of light raunch to kick the story off. The story focuses on how deeply the two characters care for each other and just how beautiful love can be. Gender regardless.


The story can be read more than once and never get tired. It's a strong follow up to what was already a brilliant first story. A Place to Run is one of those stories that won't date quickly and people can find something to relate to and hold close.


Adams is an amazing writer with a huge amount of talent for dealing with touchy subjects in a sensitive and respectful manner. Each time she announces a new release you reach for the kleenex. To wipe the tears of both laughter and sadness. Adams will have you on the edge of your seat emotionally and begging for the next installment of her series.


A Place to Run is out now through Silver Publishing

Music Review: Britney Spears - Femme Fatale

Music Review: Britney Spears - Femme Fatale


After a dismissal reception to her last album, Circus, Britney has returned with a brand new album which she says her best album yet. Amazingly, this album isn't terrible. Go figure.


The album is full of dance classics. A hint of dub step, a bit of house throb and a pinch (handful) of auto tune. That aside, the overall feel of the album will appeal to people who have grown with Britney and the club culture. Each song is unique and enjoyable. 


The album starts off with the amazing track Til The World Ends. It loops and throbs. The sound of the music is destined to grace club speakers worldwide. It's actually a bit confusing that this isn't the lead single off the album.


Hold It Against Me is the song that got everyone's attention back on Britney. It's not following her usual generic radio disposable pop crap. It shows a bit of substance. Maybe not lyrically, but with the bump and grind that play throughout the track, it's certainly not something to be ignored.


The only real ballad on the album (no, it's okay - you don't need to cringe at this one) is Inside Out. The stop start at the feel of the track will have you wondering if the track is playing. It's creative if the artistic types are to be believed. The song sounds like something that is akin to Madonna's Ray of Light era. The difference is that this song is a lot more sexier. With the chorus starting "So come on, won't you give me something to remember, Baby shut your mouth and turn me inside out." Someone pass me a cold drink.


One of the highlights of the track is I Wanna Go. The heavy thump of the bass and thrilling electronic sound will please clubbers worldwide. It will also need very little remixing to be a club anthem. This could very easily be the best work she has released in a long time. You want the album for this track alone.


People listening to the track (Drop Dead) Beautiful could be forgiven for thinking that they were listening to Blow by Ke$ha with the backing tracks sounding near identical. The track takes on it's own life with the exciting rapping by guest vocalist Sabi. The track is certainly easy to listen to but isn't one of the highlights. It's a fill in track much like the following track Seal It With A Kiss. The vocals are well done and production slick, it won't set your heart on fire though.


Big Fat Bass. It's a Will.I.Am track. I was prepared to shake my head and fill my ears with hot wax. Amazingly, I didn't need to. The track has a similar feeling to his Black Eyed Peas work while still keeping the Britney feel. It's got the right sounds to have feet stomping and hips gyrating. Throbbing bass and repetitive lyrics. It's a club kid dream.


Trouble for Me sounds like something you would expect to hear on a Ministry of Sound album. It's a surprise to hear on an UNremixed Britney track. It may have something to do with the producer being Fraiser T. Smith who has written tracks for the likes of Taio Cruz, Kylie Minogue and Cheryl Cole. The production of this track is amazing.


Finishing the album is Criminal which, after an album of electronic whistles, bangs and beeps is refreshing. The album is a guitar driven piece which is mid-tempo. The track is different from anything else on the album and has it's own unique flavour.


This is the album Britney should have made instead of Circus. It's track after track of stunning music. The bass throbs. The hooks and beeps drag you in. The album is a piece of dance music history and proves that Spears will continue to exist much the same as Madonna, constantly re-inventing herself and bringing something new to the table with each new album.


Femme Fatale is out in Australia 25th March 2011 and 29th March 2011 worldwide.