Album Track Review: Welcome Here – Matt Heaton

Matt Heaton's 2020 album, All of Us, remains a joyful and thoughtful collection of songs, packed with stories of childhood adventures and everyday  discoveries. The album covers everything from counting and bike riding to late-night snacks, and even the unfortunate agony of stepping on Lego. While the subject matter is aimed at younger listeners, the craftsmanship on display ensures the music has much broader appeal.

At its heart, this is a country record, so anyone with a soft spot for classic Americana will find plenty to love. Heaton combines the storytelling spirit of artists such as Johnny Cash with an easy melodic accessibility that gives these songs considerable charm. The result is children's music that never talks down to its audience, delivered with genuine musicality and a keen ear for memorable hooks.

The album's opening track, 'Welcome Here', is an immediate standout. More than simply a cheerful introduction, it carries a message that feels particularly relevant in today's increasingly divided world. At a time when political discourse often seems defined by conflict and exclusion, Heaton offers something refreshingly simple by affirming that everyone belongs.

Musically, the song is every  bit as inviting as its message. Shuffle-driven rhythms, jangling guitars, nimble fiddle lines and beautifully layered harmonies combine to create a sound that feels bright, uplifting and effortlessly welcoming. Every element reinforces the song's central theme, giving the track a warmth that is difficult to resist. 'America is all of us', Heaton declares, reminding listeners that 'no matter where your family is from', we're alll travelling together because 'we all ride the same big bus'. It's a sentiment that could easily feel heavy-handed in lesser hands, but Heaton delivers it with sincerity, optimism and just the right amount of charm.

'Welcome Here' captures the spirit of the album beautifully. It acknowledges the complexities of the world around us while choosing hope over cynicism and kindness over judgement. In doing so, it offers a simple but powerful reminder that, regardless of our background, appearance or place of birth, there is room for everyone.

It's an uplifting opener from an album built on empathy, inclusivity and the joy of shared experience. It's an album that has survived the test of time, and perhaps never been more relevant than it is today. Perhaps most importantly, All of Us may be made with children in mind, but its message and its music belong to everyone. The next chapter arrives this fall, with a new album waiting in the wings.

Matt Heaton – there is a light that never goes out.

Album Track Review: Ferris Wheel – Esther Crow

Who doesn't enjoy a ride on a Ferris wheel? Likewise, who can resist the charm of a beautifully crafted ballad built around little more than acoustic guitar and a captivating vocal performance? That is precisely what Esther Crow delivers on 'Ferris Wheel', a standout track from her latest album, Get Silly.

The song opens with delicate fingerpicked guitar, warm and inviting, setting the scene for a journey that is both literal and imaginative. Esther's vocals gently guide us high into the sky, inviting listeners to leave their worries behind and embrace a moment of childlike wonder. Rich in imagery and heart, the songwriting transforms a simple amusement park ride into something far more profound.

What makes the song so effective is its ability to capture the extraordinary within the ordinary. Through vivid lyrical snapshots, Esther encourages us to see the world from a different perspective. As the wheel rises above the landscape, we catch a glimpse of the ocean stretching into the distance and are reminded of the beauty that surrounds us every day, yet is so often overlooked.

Musically, the song is understated and elegant. The melody unfolds with quiet confidence, never demanding attention yet remaining deeply memorable. The production is equally impressive in its restraint. Rather than overwhelming the listener with unnecessary embellishments, its simplicity allows the lyrics, melody and emotional core of the performance to breathe.

At its heart, 'Ferris Wheel' is a celebration of curiosity, imagination and the sense of wonder that defines childhood. Esther's vocal delivery is beautifully  judged, conveying the excitement and awe of seeing the world through young eyes. There is an innocence to the performance that feels entirely genuine, drawing listeners into the narrative and making them participants rather than mere observers.

This is a wonderful example of minimalist songwriting from an album filled with thoughtful and engaging themes. Like much of Get Silly, the song works equally well as both family entertainment and as a resource for the classroom, encouraging children to explore their imaginations while inviting adults to reconnect with their own.

For a few fleeting moments, 'Ferris Wheel' allows us to slow down and take stock of the world around us. Childhood may be fleeting, but as the wheel turns and the horizon unfolds before us, Esther cleverly reminds us that wonder is never entirely lost. Sometimes all it takes is a change of perspective, and the willingness to simply look up.

Esther Crow – leave your cares behind.

Single Review: Puppet Power – Larrikin Puppets

Award-winning Brisbane duo Larrikin Puppets have been delighting audiences across Australia for many years with their energetic, educational and thoroughly entertaining performances. Alongside their engaging puppet shows, they have built an impressive catalogue of original children's music. Their latest single, 'Puppet Power', is a wonderfully quirky slice of pop that entertains from beginning to end.

Musically, the track draws on a subtle seventies disco influence, combining infectious grooves with upbeat vocals designed to get children involved. Whether singing the alphabet, counting along or simply moving to the beat, there are plenty of opportunities for audience participation. From the opening chorus, the irresistible rhythm encourages listeners to get up, move and play.

The arrangement is refreshingly adventurous, pairing rhythm guitar reminiscent of Chic with keyboards that capture the soulful energy of a classic Stevie Wonder recording. Lyrically, the song celebrates the art of puppetry itself, encouraging children to 'bring the puppet to life' while embracing creativity, imagination and the joy of play.

What makes 'Puppet Power' particularly distinctive is its confident fusion of musical styles. Tight precision and retro-inspired flourishes sit comfortably alongside verses that move seamlessly between rap, spoken word and melodic vocals. As the song encourages listeners to 'feel the power in our hand', it delivers precisely what it promises: a celebration of music, imagination, creativity and participation.

Larrikin Puppets have embraced the modern children's entertainment landscape by combining original music with high-quality puppets to create a distinctive experience for family audiences. Their energy, creativity and professionalism shine through in every aspect of their work.

If Larrikin Puppets are performing in your area, they are well worth seeing. They are among Australia's hardest-working children's entertainers, consistently delivering lively, engaging performances that delight audiences of all ages. Whether appearing at festivals, schools, community events or country shows, they have earned a reputation as reliable crowd-pleasers who leave audiences smiling long after the final curtain call.

Larrikin Puppets - fun for all the family.

Single Review: When Everything Falls Apart – The Hat Ladies

Every so often a song arrives that demands your immediate attention. 'Everything Falls Apart', the latest single from sibling duo The Hat Ladies, is one of those rare tracks. How many times have we heard children's artists claim that their music also appeals to adults? It's a promise often made but rarely delivered. This dynamic duo, however, have the goods to back up this claim. This isn't simply a great children's song; it's a great song, full stop.

A brief drum fill serves as a launching pad before the track erupts into a scintillating chorus. From that moment on, the music rarely pauses for breath, driven by urgent guitars, soaring harmonies and an irresistible melodic hook. The result is a sound that feels both contemporary and timeless, combining raw energy with effortless accessibility.

Central to the song's success is the vocal performance. The lead vocals pass seamlessly between the two siblings, each bringing a distinct tonal quality that enriches the musical texture. Their voices complement one another beautifully, creating a constant sense of movement that keeps the song fresh and engaging from beginning to end.

Beneath the song's exuberant surface lies a powerful message of resilience. The lyrics acknowledge the pressures and noise of modern life while offering a measured response: breathe, slow down and keep moving forward. It's an uplifting sentiment, but one delivered with sincerity rather than cliché. The result is a song that feels genuinely encouraging instead of simply optimistic.

The bridge is particularly striking, with the band briefly abandoning melodic certainty for something more dissonant and unsettling. Here, the music mirrors the anxiety and confusion explored in the lyrics, creating a moment of genuine tension before the chorus returns with even greater impact. It's a clever structural decision that adds emotional depth and dramatic weight to an already compelling composition.

What ultimately distinguishes 'Everything Falls Apart' is its sheer vitality. The track is packed with hooks, yet never sacrifices substance for immediacy. It is simultaneously exhilarating and thoughtful, balancing emotional honesty with an irresistible sense of momentum. While The Hat Ladies are a new band, and still in the process of establishing themselves, this release suggests they possess both the songwriting craft and musical ambition to make a significant impact.

The song stands comfortably alongside the kind of guitar-driven anthems that have defined generations. Whether your tastes lean towards The Who, The Pretenders or The Killers, there's plenty here to satisfy lovers of melodic rock. Inspirational lyrics, soaring harmonies and crunching guitars combine to create something genuinely exhilarating. It's the kind of song that bursts from the speakers with such confidence and conviction that you can almost imagine Chrissie Hynde nodding along in approval.

Without doubt, this is one of the finest songs I've heard this year, and I don't say that lightly. This really is 'Famwave music' to coin a phrase: intelligent songwriting that speaks to children without excluding everyone else. Congratulations, ladies you've delivered an absolute gem. I take my hat off to you.

The Hat Ladies – power in the darkness.