June Playlist

As we Melburnians hurtle towards the depths of winter, I'm starting to notice those nasty winter blues seeping into my psyche like so much mildew. It would be so easy just to give in; put on some Radiohead and cry into my pillow. But no! I'm not going to do that! Screw you winter, take your Radiohead and shove it!

The Roxy talks Music June playlist is a collection of songs that warm the cockles of my heart and make me feel good. There's nothing new on here, but that's okay. Sometimes all you need is the company of old friends to remind you that life can be pretty good.

P.S. Gabriella Cohen's new album Pink Is The Colour Of Unconditional Love is a freaking delight. It's indie pop at it's finest, with a refreshing and diverse range of styles from 60's pop to psychedelic jazz rock to bossa nova and beyond. Give it a spin, you won't regret it.

February Playlist

As much as I love writing about music, I love making playlists. Finding just the right combination of songs that sound awesome together to convey a particular mood or message. And it's another great way to share the music I love with the world.

So, I'm trying something new: Roxy talks Music monthly playlists. Once a month I'll post a collection of songs that mean something to me. Whether it's new music I've been listening to lately, old favourites I listen to all the time, or something that is particularly significant to me this day for whatever reason.

So I hope you enjoy the very first Roxy talks Music playlist, specially designed for the month of February. Happy listening!

Album Review: The Preatures' 'Girlhood'

2017
11 songs
Length: 43:26
Available to buy from the band's website

I’m a big fan of The Preatures. I love their first album, the 2014 hit ‘Blue Planet Eyes,’ and listen to it regularly. It’s a feel good, pop rock album; a guaranteed mood lifter. Needless to say, I was pretty excited about the release of the band’s second album ‘Girlhood.’

The Sydney four piece, fronted by Isabella ‘Izzi’ Manfredi on vocals and guitar, initially achieved success with their breakthrough hit single ‘Is This How You Feel?’ which came in at number 9 on Triple J’s Hottest 100 and saw them playing Glastonbury, Coachella, Bonnaroo and the Jimmy Kimmel Live show. ‘Blue Planet Eyes’ was an extension of ‘Is This How You Feel?’ chock full of catchy, rock and soul tunes that you just HAVE to shake your hips to. ‘Girlhood’ however, is something quite different.

The album’s opening and title track kicks off in the same vein as their debut album and is catchy as hell; the stuff hit singles are made of. But the rest of the album doesn’t follow suit. There are more layers on ‘Girlhood,’ which make for a more mature offering this time around.

Listening to this album, I can’t help thinking of the Divinyls or the Pretenders. Particularly on the tracks ‘Lip Balm’ and ‘Girlhood.’ There is definitely the sense that the band is exploring a host of different influences here, more so than on their debut, and not limited to musical influences either. The indigenous Darug language of Sydney is featured on the track ‘Yanada,’ which is Darug for moon. Manfredi also speaks some Italian on ‘Something New.’ Says Manfredi ‘I’m a first generation Australian, My dad came over here on a boat as an Italian immigrant. My mother is Scottish, Irish and English-Australian. I was born on Gadigal land. Understanding and respecting those histories is part of who I am. I’m trying to find some harmony in the contrasts.’

‘Girlhood’ is full of ballads that showcase Manfredi’s sweet voice. ‘Your Fan’ is the most classic example. ‘The First Night’ is a slow burn, heavy on the guitar with some crashing cymbals and gorgeous reverb. ‘Magick’ is a dreamy pop rock ballad that creates an ethereal atmosphere. ‘Cherry Ripe’ pairs percussive beats with a lovely slow, dreamy tempo.

‘Girlhood’ is also more of a rock album than its predecessor. That isn’t to say that there aren’t plenty of pop gems though. ‘Mess It Up’ sports an 80’s tropicana vibe, complete with synth, a funky bassline and a killer guitar lick. ‘Nite Machine’ feels like disco rock and ‘I Like You’ is perfectly pop.

As a follow up to ‘Blue Planet Eyes,’ the latest album from The Preatures, ‘Girlhood,’ doesn’t disappoint. If you’re expecting more of the same, don’t be. ‘Girlhood’ is not a sequel. It’s an exploration into new territory for the band, but a natural evolution as opposed to a step away from the groovy pop rock of their debut.