Australian pop and garage maestro Dom Mariani (The Stems DM3, Datura4, The Someloves) is previewing his new solo album with a killer single.

Picking up where the sun-drenched strumming of the acclaimed first single "Jangleland" left off, “Apple of Life” highlights Mariani’s knack for melody and the power-pop sensibilities that have defined his previous work.

"Apple of Life" is also the title of the album, due soon on US label Alive Naturalsound. Do we dare say the apple never falls far from the tree? Both singles are out now on digital and streaming platforms. 

The first vinyl LP release of a wild 1979 show by Aussie icons Lipstick Killers is almost here - but it won’t last long.

“Tour De Force”, which was recorded for Adelaide radio station 5UV, captures the band as they were still emerging from the cocoon that was the Psycho Surgeons. The “Nuggets” influences are there, but its the Stooges hangover that dominates proceedings.

Definitive readings of both sides of the Psycho Surgeons' classic 45 "Wild Weekend" b/w "Horizontal Action" are included, alongside early Killers killers like "Teen Police" and "Sockman" and later faves like "Hindu Gods of Love', "Shakedown USA" and "Dying Boy's Crawl".

“Badlanding”, the Rob Younger-produced album for seriously powerful Newcastle band East Coast Low, is poised to touch down on August 4.

It’s the third long-player for the band and was recorded with the assistance of a rolled gold brass section, comprising Rudi Thomson on sax (Xray Spex, The Members, Lords of the New Church, The Jam), Rob Parkes (Mucho Sonar) on trombone and Peter Kelly (New Christs, Vanilla Chainsaws) on trumpet.

The 10-track LP was recorded at Rock the Nation Studios in Newcastle by guitarist Geoff Mullard and mastered by Rick O'Neill at Turtlerock Mastering. It will be available on vinyl, as a download or via streaming services.

Launch shows are listed below. Pre-orders are open here.

East Coast Low
Badlanding Launches
AUG
17 – Royal Oak, Tighes Hill, NSW
23 – In-store @ Hiss and Crackle, Wallsend, NSW
(2pm, free)
23 - Link & Pin, Woy Woy, NSW
+ The Strike-Outs + The Dark Clouds
24 – MoshPit, St Peters, NSW
+ The Dark Clouds + The Strike-Outs

_{Van Ruin: Andy Newman, Big Al Creed, Stui Wilson and Phil Van Rooyen.}

Van Ruin -  the high-energy Sydney outfit whose pedigree includes past and current membership of the New Christs, Lime Spiders, The Visitors, East Coast Low, Panadolls, Aberration, Chickenstones, Chris Masual’s Dog Soldier and Deniz Tek Group - are embarking on a French tour in September.

What’s more, it will be on the back of a debut full-length album, “Trauma Magnet”, on Aussie label Crankinhaus Records.

Hugo Race, founding member of Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds and The Wreckery, is bringing his recent European touring partner Michelangelo Russo home to Australia for select Victorian, New South Wales and Canberra dates.

The duo have a spectacular European run under their belts and will be supporting their well-received album, “100 Years” out now on Gusstaff/MGM.

Blending experimental blues, ambient soundscapes, and electronica, “100 Years” is  a bold, immersive record born from a two-day live session at Soundpark Studios in Melbourne. Layered with echoing guitars, smoky vocals, and primal percussion, it’s been hailed as “a hauntingly raw and transcendent listen”.

Race is known for his signature haunting vocals and evocative guitar work, while Russo, a solo artist who was also a member of  Race's The True Spirit, adds hypnotic layers of electric harp and psychedelic textures.

Their live performances are highly improvisational, emotionally resonant and each show is reputed to be a one-of-a-kind sonic experience that redefines the boundaries of blues. The shows are presented by Luna Live with tickets here.

Hugo Race and Michaelangelo Russo
100 Years Tour
JUL
31  – Camelot Lounge, Sydney
AUG
1  – Smith’s Alternative, Canberra
2 – Qirkz in the Hunter, Abermain, NSW
3 – Franks Wild Years, Thirroul, NSW
8 – Tanswell’s, Beechworth, VIC
23 – Brunswick Ballroom, Melbourne
SEP
12 – Odessa, Creswick, VIC
Tickets

You can't keep them down: The Beasts are back for one special show in September, celebrating the memory of departed members and the 35th anniversary of celebrated Beasts of Bourbon album "Black Milk". 

It's a one-off show at The Forum in Melbourne on Friday, September 12, with support from Cash Savage, The Johnnys and Ezra Lee, and tickets are on sale here at 0900 tomorrow.

The $64,000 quesiton has been answered. The drum stool that belonged to the recently departed James Baker will be inherited by Evan "Rock" Richards, stage roaide and an adept player in his own right whoi shadowed The Late Great Man on recent tours.