Browsing Tag

Tasmania

I Am Free: Ma9Na shows us the way forward on ‘Down For The Count’ (feat. Gerry Murrell)

Posted on 25 May 2021

With an ominous beat that soon leads us thrillingly into a powerfully built song that has you inspired beyond belief, Ma9Na brings us back to the 80’s with a proper rock track for the memory bank to lock in with ‘Down For The Count’ (feat. Gerry Murrell).

Peter Manaena aka Ma9Na is an experienced late-blooming Winton, New Zealand-born, Tasmania, Australia-based drummer, producer, keyboardist, former band member, bass and acoustic guitarist.

“I’m all about stepping into my courage zone”, says Manaena. “For many years I avoided controversy, so played it safe by staying in the background. But, if I want this world to be a better place for future generations, I need to share my message. If I want to make a change, then I need to stop being silent. If I want to encourage others to do the same, then I need to lead by example. I’m not leaving this world without making my mark, which is why I’m taking my music to the world. Given I’m already 62, I’m intending to get out there hard and fast.” – Ma9Na

The terrific soundtrack is one for the books as they sing for their freedom, not letting anything get in the way as they guitar solo our minds over the edge, to find that calm sea again. This is the type of song to put on loud in the morning to kick your into action — ignoring the depressing news and other heartache attached frustrations —  that are threatening to sink you into the lonely waters beyond.

‘Down For The Count‘ (feat. Gerry Murrell) from the multi-talented Tasmanian rock lover, Midnight Oil fan, former runner and veteran music professional Ma9Na, is a real lesson to all those who think they can’t learn new things when they are older. Here is a man who has defied logic, to start his solo career now, and isn’t going to stop until he reaches his goals. That is the power of music.

Stream this classic-style new track from a real legend on Spotify and see more via his IG page.

Reviewed by Llewelyn Screen

Tasmanian rockers ‘Meres’ fly in with a fine new single ‘Finally’

Posted on 11 October 2020

Tasmanian band Meres rock in with a fine new single ‘Finally‘ and this is a groovy effort.

This is a self-confessed weirdo-mildly-abrasive-pop-rawk from Tasmania in Australia. Their name is pronounced like “pairs” and “who cares”. With a cool name which has a real meaning, we are off to a great start. Their style is to set the bar low, no expectations. They certainly are a band you can’t stop listening too, the chorus gets stuck in your head. In a good way.

This is a rocking pop indie track that has a constant vibe that keeps you happy. This is a real song about finding yourself and it’s okay. You are not selfish. Sometimes you just need to do this. Stay happy and not let anything else get in your way for a while. You are in the car and can’t get out right now as you need to keep the engine going strong.

Australian band Meres are in top form in ‘Finally‘ and this is a great video that is full of dogs, cat faces and the band in full swing. We see rockets going into space at the end and this is the ending so perfect. This is a band going all the way to the top.

Click here for the YouTube page.

Head through to the Facebook link.

Reviewed by Llewelyn Screen

M. Hofmann sings with heartbreak on new single ‘You Don’t Have To Stay’

Posted on 11 September 2020

M. Hofmann sings with such heartbreak and passion on new single ‘You Don’t Have To Stay‘.

Raised in Australia’s southern most state of Tasmania, Mikhail Hofmann grew up on a simple musical diet; Elvis and 90s AM Radio. This quality artist is a true musician who loves the old school sound.

It wasn’t until his early teens, that Hofmann first picked up a guitar, which would become a daily ritual. He then tried his hand in various bands over the years, moving around before arriving in Sydney. Meanwhile, a private therapeutic songwriting habit helped keep a steady stream of creativity and experimentation throughout his teens and twenties, until the decision to strike out on his own became a clear one.

Now with three singles under his belt (You Don’t Have To Stay, Not There Yet, Dead and Gone), Hofmann’s sound blends Heartland Rock, Americana, and Indie Rock, with synthesisers, 12 string guitars and rhythmic acoustics laying the foundation for self reflecting lyrics. These songs give us a glimpse into what to expect from his debut album that he is currently working on.

With an 80’s feel, this is a top indie-rock song that saunters in and grabs you gently by the ears. The vocals are smooth, with heart and make you suddenly move into a reflective move. You think old old relationships and how they ended. Sometimes they end and the person you were madly in love with leaves, just like that. It’s over. You will move on and this is a lesson.

Australian singer-songwriter M. Hofmann does a fine job on ‘You Don’t Have To Stay‘ and this is a sad song that makes you think. A fine effort.

Click here for the Soundcloud link.

Head through to the Facebook page.

Reviewed by Llewelyn Screen

Australian singer Nuria showcases her amazing voice on brilliant ‘Touch’

Posted on 14 August 2020

‘Touch‘ is the latest single from Tasmanian pop singer-songwriter Nuria and this is one to remember.

Inspired by feelings of longing brought about by enforced isolation in lockdown, ‘Touch‘ is punchy and sensual, exploring physical desire and euphoria. Recorded in her caravan studio with superb additional production work by Alice Springs based producer Dave Crowe (aka Resin Moon). This tight pop track will take you to that party place you need to go and is being premiered with AU Review.

We all miss that tough of a human, our souls will be closer and happier. Our hearts desire that feeling so that our spines can tingle and be at one. This is a feeling that will be back soon after this horrible pandemic and it can’t come soon enough.

Exploring her desires, hopes and fears moving into adulthood, Nuria’s keyboard-based tunes have a moody and atmospheric quality and are blended with her soaring vocals and the super catchy beats. The Tasmanian based singer has been building up to the release of her debut album with six single releases and is garnering support from Australian community radio, including ABC Hobart and ABC Darwin, Triple R and features in local and international music blogs.

Nuria, meaning “fire of the lord”, speaks of passion, boldness and captures a spirit unhindered by the constraints of growing up. This energy is captured in her bold and expressive music, fusing electronic synths with her soulful and enigmatic vocals. I love her boundless energy and stunning voice that is flows into your heart with each word.

‘Touch‘ is a fantastic new song from Nuria who is on top form here. With lots of momentum building, you feel that she is really going for it and I think we could be witnessing the start of something special.

Stream this new track here on Spotify.

Click here for the Soundcloud page.

Reviewed by Llewelyn Screen