Lovely Pop Tune from Gregor

The Australian music scene is more than just those bright ringing guitars, so today we’ll turn our attention to the beautiful croon of Gregor. He’s preparing to release his debut album, and he’s shared this subtle number; it’s little more than voice, bass groove and a wash of keyboard sounds. It feels like a late night walk through a brightly lit street, capturing elements of darkness and light all at once; it’s pretty intoxicating upon repeat listens. The chorus barely steps out of line with the song, but you’ll notice a slight tonal change that only adds to the emotive power. Silver Drop is being released on October 5th via Chapter Music.

A Rocking Number From Relative Ways

It’s Monday morning, it’s hot as hell, and it’s time to kick off the week with a little rock n roll to take the edge off. Today my rock music is coming from Aussie Matt Finnemore and his relatively new project known as Relative Ways. For sharing today is his new single “This World” which features several elements of the 90s grunge rock movement combined with a somewhat brighter sound of modern day rock bands like Wavves or Surfer Blood. I love the edge and grit shown by the vocals and the music from Matt.

Relative Ways will release new album Alaska on August 10th.

Pinch Points Drop Debut EP

Recently stumbled across this brand new Pinch Points EP, and its stuck with me ever since. The Melbourne based four piece plays that sort of proto-punk that has you stuck between a solid bedroom pogo and a circle pit. The whole EP is sharp as nails, with standout “Jellybrain” sure to have you coming back to the band for more. Plus, there’s a slight political undercurrent, though not overdone, so you can go merrily on your way without grasping at the message, if you so choose. The Mechanical Injury EP is available now, and streaming below!

Downer Pop from Mope City

The name Mope City alone suggests the down-trodden, and I bet the band doesn’t mind that one bit. In the guitar sounds, you have a sort of laid-back grunge to it, though dropped in tone so that it seems to merely crawl through your speakers. You’ll find the vocals steady and solemn, with little intonation…that’s until the Amaya lends her voice to the track. It’s that slight little touch that elevates the tune into the realm of pop sensibility. This song will appear on the Aussie act’s News From Home, which will drop this October via Tenth Court.

Emma Russack & Lachlan Denton Return

It’s only been a few months since the debut from Emma Russack & Lachlan Denton, but they must have enjoyed the partnership quite a bit, as they already have a second record waiting for you. This picks up right where one would expect, though Lachlan takes the lead here on this number; he’s got this warm delivery that I always find intoxicating. Emma adds her voice to the chorus, proving the perfect accompaniment. I love how these two just sit in this homeostatic pop wonder world, not pushing anything to the extremes, only holding on to their pop penmanship. Keep on Trying is out on July 18th via Osborne Again Music.

Terry Is Back

Just the other day I was rambling on with Internet fans about the best bands coming out of Australia/New Zealand these last few years…and I know for a fact that Terry were mentioned. Well, clearly they were reading our online banter, as the group just announced a brand new LP…with a catch new track. Like many great acts from the region, the band here balance scuzzy noise with savory sugar pop antics. There’s a musical meandering that closes the song that’s so ominous, those who jump right to it will likely think they’ve found a punk gem. But, there’s bubbling bass lines and sing-along chorus work to thrill! The group release I’m Terry on August 30th via Upset the Rhythm.

New Music from Rabbit Island

Always keeping my ear to the seas, word’s been spreading about Australia’s Rabbit Island for some time, and today we get a glimpse of why Amber Fresh’s project is riding the whispers of hype. This track is very bare and emotional; it revolves entirely around Fresh and a piano, with the ivory keys striking a solemn tone. Her voice has this innocence to it, with her words showing us a more playful side of songwriting. The world will all get to hear her new album, Deep in the Big, when it’s released by Bedroom Suck Records/Remote Control on August 17th.

Gotta Love Death Bells

Australian based group Death Bells really won me over with a couple of solid performances this year during SXSW. Both shows were tight, intense, and filled with tons of emotion. Since that time, the band plans to hop from the land down under and move to Los Angeles with plans of touring and releasing new music. Some of that new music comes your way today with this new single called “Echoes”. It features much more of a bright and soft sound when compared to the band’s more raw, dark new wave sound from last release Standing at the Edge of the World. Not sure if this is a permanent change in direction or just the band playing with new ideas, but I can dig it either way.

This track appears on a new 7″ single you can pre-order now via Funeral Party Records.

Melbourne Cans Release Heart Turned Blue

I’m absolutely in love with this new Melbourne Cans single. For starters, the whole track’s an homage to Peggy Sue, the classic figure of American rock n’ roll. Even better, the band tease you for a full minute and a half, letting Ian Wallace offer up his haunting croon with minimal instrumentation behind him. But, then the drums kick in, the song grabs a bit of swagger and bounds off into joyousness. As it progresses I adore the slightest little curl of notes at the end of Wallace’s syllables; it fits well with just the faintest hint of a backing vocal. Prepare yourself to be charmed; the band release Heat of the Night via Lost and Lonesome on July 13th.

Michael Beach Visits America Tonight at Beerland

Michael Beach came to our attention a few years ago, as a friend of a friend from Australia connected us…as he’s currently living in Melbourne. He’s got a handful of releases under his belt, but he ventures across the pond for his US tour on the back of a fresh 7″, which features the below single for “Sessin,” recently released by Poison City Records. Tonight he ventures out into the Austin nightlife over at Beerland, joined by the likes of Minimal Animal, Chronophage and Endless Sewer. Check out this great new jam below, and come out to Beerland tonight; the doors are at 8 PM! You can find the rest of Michael’s US tour dates HERE.

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