Tam Vantage Shares New Track, The Zone

Tam Richards Matlakowski plays on all your favorite Aussie records, or at least on all of my favorite Aussie records. But, today, we’re dropping another single from his own work as Tam Vantage. Having listened to various projects Tam’s been a part of, his solo effort, at least per these first two singles, is taking a heavier hand into studio. On these riffs, he almost feels angry, driving the song forward forcefully, creating this sort of all-encompassing darkness, this shadow closing in around you. But, there’s a light at the end of the tunnel, courtesy of the vocals; they offer just a glint of light, melody hanging on the horizon. His new record, Laughing Gas & Apple Pie will be out on November 5th.

Permits Share Negative Heart

At the end of this week, we’ll finally get to hear the entirety of the new LP by Permits, but before launching off in that direction, it seems fitting we should get one new track. This one was pinned by Tam, who was one of the main songwriters in Pop Singles (he also dropped a bunch of great demos earlier this year that you can hear HERE). I love how his voice gives way to a sort of heavier feel for the band; it’s almost psychedelic in nature, which adds another layer to the band’s arsenal. Just a steady pop song I reckoned you’d enjoy on a Monday if you’re listening. Time Permits is out Friday via Tenth Court!

The Permits Announce Time Permits LP

I had no idea there was a Permits until the other day, which just goes to show you how important it is to keep an eye on your favorite acts; the band is a super-group of sorts, gathering up members of Chook Race, Dag, Pop Singles and the Shifters to help one another wrap up odds and ends of songs they had left from their various projects. They ultimately recorded the record in a short time with Jesse Williams of Girlatones (who also put out a brilliant LP this year!), then they’ve been working through the pandemic on overdubs and final tweaks. Just one listen, and you get what you’re looking for; you get that nostalgic NYC underground pop sound, spun through the lens of the best musicians in Australia. Pretty much the perfect way to introduce yourself to the world I reckon; Time Permits will be out on November 26th via Tenth Court.

New Tam Vantage Music

I adored Pop Singles (if you haven’t listened to All Gone I don’t know what you’ve been doing with your life), the band Tam Vantage worked in long ago. Since then, he’s released one solo outing, and now he’s onto his next. This recent single seems really casual, allowing Tam to control the track through his vocal delivery; I love how he holds these calmed harmonies. The way the guitars seem to ring, announcing the chords with emphasis, definitely draws from the Oceanic sound. You’ll find the latest track fitting in with the current Aussie vibe, but maybe I hear a bit of McLennan/Forster lurking beneath too. Whatever the case, Show Me to the Sun will be high on my list of albums to wrap up my year; it hits on September 8th.

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Tam Vantage Album is Getting Nearer

tamI’ve talked up the new Tam Vantage album quite a bit, seeing as I was a huge fan of Pop Singles, it just makes sense. Being Stateside, it’s been hard to really get too much info on his album Life in High Definition. But, it looks like the album is finally set for release on October 16th via Lost and Lonesome/Beko Disques. With that, the band has released the first “official” single, and it shows quite a progression for Tam. I love the guitar sound, but you’ll also hear a wash of keyboards and a little bit of choral vocals backing him up. Definitely one of the fall releases that has me super excited.

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Stream the New Tam Vantage EP

settinIt seems like stepping away from Pop Singles isn’t going to slow things down for Melbourne’s Tam Vantage. He’s been cranking out great track after track for about a year now, and he’s finally got the full Setting Sun EP for you to listen to, if you’ve got the time to love great music.  There’s a bit more power on these tunes than perhaps what I was expecting, though there’s still an underbelly of Australian pop that supersedes that edge.  My favorite track on the listen is “Marry Me,” but I’m sure everyone will have their own pick.  Get involved in the Tam Vantage movement, as he’s been on a roll and doesn’t look to stop anytime soon.

Another Tam Vantage Tune to Make Your Day Better

a1326028043_2Just before the holiday break and year-end lists I wrote a short note about Tam Vantage, who used to be part of Pop Singles (sorely missed). But, I got carried away with getting back to work and reading all those arbitrary lists, so I missed when he released another great single just before the year ended.  So, why not make your Monday by sharing this tune with you.  It’s a really subtle pop tune, slightly revolving around a melancholy tone that is being offset by the Australian perfected jangle in the guitars.  Just one of the reasons I love this sound.

Touch of Pop from Tam Vantage

tomThose of you in the know of the Aussie pop scene might be aware of Tam Vantage; he’s previously worked in Pop Singles and ATH darlings The Stevens.  But, he’s got a new project working under his namesake, and it’s delectable pop bliss for pretty much every listener.  I like the slight bit of inflection that’s in his voice, fitting perfectly into the light-hearted approach to his guitar work.  I swear, there’s something going on in that Melbourne water; I’m in love with everything that city produces. For now, there’s just this grand single, but I’ll keep you on the up and up with more announcements as they come our way.

Top Albums of 2012: 100-51

It’s really hard to narrow down a list of Top Albums of 2012, especially when you have four contributors with different opinions.  We gave the reins to Nathan.Lankford and Nicole Baumann on this one, since they write the majority of the album reviews, but we all have a little representation within this.  Now, we do realize that our site has specialized tastes, so please realize that these are our OPINIONS.  You’re welcome to disagree, and, in fact, we encourage that process.  Also, we’re doing a Top 100 because so many records came out this year, it wouldn’t be fair to narrow it down.  Not to mention it might lead you to discover some hits you hadn’t heard about yet. Oh, and we don’t really like Frank Ocean or hip-hop…just a personal choice…here’s the first segment.

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