BOOM! BAP! POW!
So Heavy
No strangers to the slog of touring, Perth’s sweatiest soul and rockapop outfit are yet to lose their penchant for fun. ‘So Heavy’ proves it, supplying punchy guitar hooks, toe-tapping drums and Novac Bull’s salted caramel voice – sweet, but no doubt at its tangy best tearing apart a frenzied chorus line (‘My World’, ‘Cry and title track ‘So Heavy’). Dylan Hooper’s saxophone is definitely a powerful (sorry) contribution to the band; roaring with surprising force half way through ‘All Hope’ and sliding like a jazz snake through ‘His Mind Is Gone’. – Carmen Reilly
Cate Le Bon
Mug Museum
It’s no coincidence you can’t spell intricate and delicate without Cate. The Welsh artist’s third album is a discerning, ten-song study in the fragility of memory, grief and family. Written in Le Bon’s homeland after her maternal grandmother’s death and then produced in Los Angeles, the record is indie-folk at heart, but glimpses a balmy Californian beach. The merry-go-round riffs (‘I Can’t Help You’, ‘Cuckoo Through the Walls’), suburban organs (‘I Think I Knew’), and fits of eccentric, Deerhoof-esque clarinet and guitar make for a melodious, charming and curious listening experience. – Carmen Reilly
Robbie Williams
Swings Both Ways
There’s no doubt that Robbie Williams is chasing the queer audience, with the album’s title, his recent proclamation that he’s “49% gay” and the camp banter with Rufus Wainwright. William’s scored a huge hit ten years ago when he released an album of Frank Sinatra tunes, but recent albums have not been fairing well. Here he swings it both ways with some classics ‘If I Only Had a Brain’, ‘Minnie the Moocher’, Puttin’ on the Ritz’ and some new tunes, none of which stand out much. In the middle he covers himself, presenting a swing version of ‘Supreme’. Fill a stocking with it. – Graeme Watson
Catherine Traicos and the Starry Night
The Earth, The Sea, The Moon, The Sky
Catherine Traicos returns with a backing band and a new album of smooth country tunes. Like her previous work it sounds dark, dreamy and luscious. There are a few tracks which are a bit more upbeat but it’s when Traicos is slow and subtle that she really excels. ‘Sunshine’ is a highlight, ‘Share Your Heart’ has some great storytelling and ‘A Stranger’s Lullaby’ is filled with interesting sounds. If you love some chilled out country, you’ll love this album. – Graeme Watson
Graham Wood Trio
Remembrance
Perth’s jazz empersario Graham Wood releases an album made mostly of original work with a few pieces from other composers, a sprightly version of Cole Porter’s ‘So In Love’, fan favourite ‘Caravan’ and a very emotive take on Michael Legrand’s ‘I Will Wait For You’. Wood’s original work is first rate ranging from the bustling ‘34th Street Traffic Jam’, that captures the streets of NYC, to ‘Phish Night’, a funky 70’s inspired jam, and the beautiful title track which is an ode to Wood’s late father. – Graeme Watson
