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.

Last Week’s Jams, Today (August 23 -27)

Happy Monday everyone! Hope you’re doing alright, physically and emotionally. We’re here to wrap up last week’s hits, or at least what we loved. This collection has a bunch of songs included from some albums that dropped on Friday, as well as new tunes from Gustaf, Dinner and the new collaboration from Living Hour + Peel Dream Magazine. Start your week off right by reviewing what we loved last week. Have a good day!

Tam Vantage Announces New LP

Tam Vantage, aka Tam Richards-Matlakowski, has played in some of my favorite Aussie outfits, whether you’re talking his old act Pop Singles or more recently, Girlatones. Now we’ve got Tam back at it with solo stuff, and he’s just announced Laughing Gas & Apple Pie, a new long player slated for November 5th via Still Traveller Records. This song finds Tam working his way in and out of a 10 chord cycle, letting the drum work punctuate the riffs, all the while his voice calmly soothes the listener. There’s certain moments when I hear this pristine old school pop, but other moments where I hear the track taking on a sort of GBV feel, but perhaps that’s down to the clever guitar work. Whatever the case, it’s never a bad day in my neck of the woods for a new Tam tune!

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!

Nathan’s Favorite Oceanic Albums of 2017

For the 8 or so people who read this blog on the regular, you’ll likely be aware of my affection for all things Oceanic, primarily New Zealand and Australia. So, with year end lists in mind, I thought I’d offer up my personal takes on the best tunes to come out of the area in 2017. There’s no particular order, just my sixteen favorites of the year.

There’s even a fun little playlist at the bottom for you to enjoy!

 

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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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Tam Vantage Now T.V.; Announces Debut Album

11402594_863094203762613_3487640641002569411_oI’ve hit you with several of the tunes of Tam Vantage, one of the former members of Pop Singles.  It looks like Tam’s rounded out the perfect line-up for his songs, and gone in to record the tracks for his forthcoming LP, Life in High Definition…doing it now as T.V.  The band’s latest single, “Do You Remember,” seems to hold true to the sounds of other Melbourne acts like Dick Diver or Twerps, but the recording (and the band for that matter) seem to have grander orchestration in mind.  They’ve added some solid piano backbone to the track, lifting it just a hint above Aussie guitar pop.  Look for this highly anticipated effort come September.

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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.

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