“Hats Off” to them.

the Drummer/Singer/ Songwriter, Wes in fight both vocally and on his kit with amazing harmonies provided by Jarred-Guitar, Sam-Bass/ Cello and Zander-Keys. From the very frst note, your ears are engaged, and the song just keeps giving, taking you on a journey that will feel familiar yet fresh, both musically and vocally. The story unfolds like a movie in your mind with the meaning left in your hands. Take the car down a country lane or along the beach and turn it up… you’ll feel it and see it. Part of what gives Hats Off their edge, is that all four core members have lead vocal responsibility and the ensuing goosebump harmonies can stop you in your tracks. Their EP showcases Wes, Jarred & Zander on lead vocals with Sam’s tracks held back for the follow up Album in 2024. Zander’s “Heartbeat”, the closing track, will pull at your heart strings and place you in the relationship that you are drawn to… for better or worse and is written from the soul and personal experience.

The title track, “Second Chances” is Jarred’s opportunity to tell a story we can all relate to. Unusual in its format with no written Chorus, you’ll fnd yourself applying your own situation to fll that space.

One Triple J Unearthed panelist described this track as having, “that emotive indie feel”, and there is an undertone of huskiness in Jarred’s vocal that helps carry the theme right through you.

Hats Off, wrote, recorded, produced and designed the EP from start to fnish in Jarred’s Studio and when played live, you can’t help but be drawn in. They’re performing the EP, other originals as well as some amazing covers at their energetic live gigs and have ventured down towards Newcastle regularly and are looking to bring shows up to the Tweed, out to Tenterfeld and places in between.

Live music venues like to see Social Media numbers, so to help get them out your way, you can listen and review them on Triple J Unearthed, like them on Facebook / Instagram @hatsoffmusic and/ or download the EP on Bandcamp, Apple iTunes, Amazon Music and Shazam, then mention them to your favourite venue.

Target Time N A I O R T I D A

Today’s target: 44 words average 49 words good

53+ words excellent

Find words of four letters or more. Every word must include the centre letter and each letter is used once only. Find at least one nine-letter word. No colloquial or foreign words, capitalised nouns, apostrophes, hyphens. No verbs or plural words ending in ‘s’. Solution list is not exhaustive. Ref: Macquarie Dictionary

ARIES (Mar 21 – Apr 19)

This week the Sun, Mars and Mercury are all revving up your relationship and joint ventures zones. So harmonious partnerships and creative projects are highlighted. If you combine diplomacy with dynamism (and Ram charm with a sense of adventure) then you’ll sail through any challenges. Balance is the key. Your motto is from actress Claire Danes (who has the Sun in Aries and the Moon in Libra): “Relationships are a constant negotiation and balance.”

TAURUS (Apr 21 – May 20)

Remember that Jupiter (planet of expansion) and Uranus (planet of change) are both transiting through your sign. Between now and May 25 (when Jupiter moves into Gemini) it will be easier to initiate changes than at other times. So make the most of the opportunities that are around!

Your mantra for the moment is from peace activist (and birthday great) Mahatma Gandhi: “Our greatest ability as humans is not to change the world, but to change ourselves.”

GEMINI (May 21 – June 21)

Expect your home-life to be busy and bamboozling, as Pluto and Neptune link up with your patron planet, Mercury. Aim to be very clear in the way you communicate on Monday and Tuesday, otherwise misunderstandings are likely. Wednesday is wonderful for looking beneath the surface gloss and gaining some deeper insights. Then Mercury moves into peaceful and harmonious Libra on Thursday, which will calm your nerves and rebalance your brain.

CANCER (June 22 – July 22)

Calling all Crabs – are you making the most of your clever mind? This week Pluto and Mercury activate your communication and education zones. So conversation, passionate debate, informal study, detailed research and strategic thinking will take you far. But – in order to avoid misunderstandings – do your best to convey your ideas in a clear and precise way. It’s also a good time to dig deeper into a relationship problem –the answer is waiting for you to find it.

LEO (July 23 – Aug 22)

Languid Lions love to be pampered and preened but it’s time to jump out of your comfort zone and shake up your usual routine! Jupiter and Uranus are both jumping through your public reputation zone, which encourages you to do things differently, as you banish boredom and initiate positive changes. So your motto for the moment is from birthday great, political and peace activist Mahatma Gandhi: “You must be the change you wish to see in the world.”

VIRGO (Aug 23 – Sept 22)

The buzz words this week are confusion and obsession. On Monday, nebulous Neptune opposes Mercury (your boss planet) and life becomes confusing as a family member, work colleague or close friend stuffs up your perfectly planned schedule. Then – on Tuesday and Wednesday –you could become totally fixated on answering a question or solving a problem. With the help of passionate and persistent Pluto, there’s a good chance you’ll be successful!

LIBRA (Sept 23 – Oct 23)

Courtesy of your patron planet, Venus, a situation involving a class, club or friendship group should start to improve. With the Sun, Mars and Mercury visiting your sign this week, make sure your thoughts, words, actions and aspirations are all compatible and consistent. Your mantra for the moment is from birthday great, politician and peace activist Mahatma Gandhi: “Happiness is when what you think, what you say, and what you do are in harmony.”

SCORPIO (Oct 24 – Nov 21)

Scorpios are drawn to extreme views, black and white thinking, and intense communication. Compulsive thoughts and bossy behaviour are certainly a danger this week, as Pluto links up with Mercury. But there are three planets in Libra, which encourage a more balanced approach as you contemplate the subtle shades of grey in-between. You can also expect flashes of ESP, an insightful dream, or a fateful meeting with someone special.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov 22 – Dec 21)

This week, expect mental confusion and communication problems at home or work. The Sun, Mars and Mercury are moving through peace-loving Libra, in your friendship and networking zones. If you practice the gentle arts of patience and persuasion, then you’ll be surprised how much easier life can be. Draw inspiration from birthday great, peace activist Mahatma Gandhi: “Leadership at one time meant muscles; but today it means getting along with people.”

CAPRICORN (Dec 22 – Jan 19)

The Sun, Mars and Mercury are visiting your career zone, boosting your creativity, confidence and communication skills. So make the most of this celestial gift and show other people what you are truly capable of as you write that report, chair that meeting or clinch that deal. Wednesday is wonderful for doing research about an upcoming trip. Draw inspiration from birthday great, writer Anne Rice: “I’m always looking, and I’m always asking questions.”

AQUARIUS (Jan 20 – Feb 18)

Flirt alert! With Venus in your partnership zone (and three planets powering through Libra) you’re at your flirtatious best as you charm the cynics and dazzle the doubters. (When amorous Aquarians are in full-on charm mode, you’re hard to resist.) Already attached? It’s time to reboot a tired relationship with some good old-fashioned romance. Singles – are you searching for your soulmate? Be on the lookout for a gregarious Gemini or a lusty Leo.

PISCES (Feb 19 – Mar 20)

It’s a good time to expand your world via new local friendships and peer group connections. If you link up with like-minded people, it will open doors of opportunity, professionally and personally. But Neptune (your ruler) opposes Mercury on Monday and Tuesday. So be careful what you say in person and post online, as a casual comment could lead to confusion and controversy. Commitments you make this week may not look so appealing next week!