Gordon Koang Shares Brand New Single

Okay, so the title of the brand new Double A-side Single from Gordon Koang seems a bit on the nose, but don’t dismiss on title alone. The track has this infectious bob and weave from the percussive elements, which are always an omni-present feature in Koang’s music. But, central to his work is his unique four string instrument, the thom; it has this unique ability to give his work this slight little jump, like a spiritual lift amidst the textural elements behind in the mix. I think that works wonders for Gordon as his theme here is to send out condolences to folks who’ve suffered due to the pandemic, as well as vibes of healing; this truly is world music, at its very very best. The new 12″ single will be out via Music in Exile on August 4th.

Meadow Argus Share Gone Extinct

I’ve been listening to Meadow Argus a bit today, and I’m rather intrigued by their sound, if not pleasantly confused. When this song opens, it does so with that tumbleweed Western feel to it, but the vocals, somehow, have this current left of the dial pop vibe; they’re casual and warm, even a wee bit indifferent. Then the song sort of flirts with ambient craft, using spoken word samples to let the song open up a bit, while that sort of psychedelic folk meanders in the background letting the song finish off its pop touches. Definitely a blend of great sounds, and no matter what a gem of a tune. Think I’ll spend some more time digging into their album Silverling.

Stream the Debut LP from Deuce

Over the last few months, surely you’ve noticed us hyping up Deuce; it’s the project of our old friend Curtis Wakeling (Pop Filter/Ocean Party) and Kayleigh Heydon. Deuceis an album filled to the brim with these incredible duets, where vocal duties are shared and guitar lines seem to go for a walkabout as they turn and burn in the mix. Honestly, the surprise here, or introduction perhaps, is Kayleigh’s performance throughout; she’s got such a remarkable voice that I wouldn’t be surprised to see a solo effort bubble up on her end in the near future. Still, it’s the way the two play off each other that’s delighted me, which you can hear immediately in the album’s slow-burning opener “Heat Wave.” This album takes time, and actually deserves time, as you’re not going to find a track to skip over. If you do, let me know, and we can talk about it. Stream it all below!

Snowy Band Announce Alternate Endings

I seem to be drawn to a particular brand of pop of late, and it comes as no surprise (to me anyways) that I’d be inclined to share a track from Snowy Band, the project led by Liam Halliwell (Ocean Party/Pop Filter). I love how this tune begins rather sedated, almost muted riffs creeping to match Halliwell’s walking vocals, faintly hanging a melody out there to drift through your speakers. The percussion seems to stay out of the way, almost enticed to pop out, though always staying close to the track’s center. You also get a beautiful eruption of joy when Emma Russack joins in for the gang chorus, giving the song almost a celebratory nature that’s sure to put a smile on everyone’s face. This track appears on Alternate Endings, which is out in August via Spunk Records. Video directed by Jordan Thompson.

 

What’s Cool in Australian Music, Today

Clearly I’m struggling to not write about all the songs and all the cool things, so why not turn three posts into one, you know, just to cut down on boring you with my mundane thoughts on people’s music. So, below, you’ve got streams to 2 great LPs and a new single.

 

 

Shrapnel – Alasitas

This record’s impossible to describe in the absolute best way possible, though I’ve tried to pigeon-hole the band’s sound in the past. Just imagine bits of indie pop, elements of experimentation, prog and psych, then swirled about like the colors on the album art. This is an LP worth self-immersion.

Quivers – Golden Doubt

They’re going to get Go-Betweens comparisons, based on the band’s line-up alone, and parts of that are unfair, but parts are definitely just. What’s just is that they’re writing the same style of timeless pop tunes you want to share with everyone you love. I’m stuck on “When It Breaks” at the moment.

 

Delivery – Brickwork

I’ve already written about the first single from the band’s forthcoming Yes We Do EP, so, feels like we should continue that support as they offer up another frantic bouncer, an energetic frolic in fast forward. Their new 7″ will drop at the end of the month via Spoilsport!

New Jam From Loulou

Wandering what’s hot from Australia? I mean, I usually am. That’s where I found the latest tune from Loulou, which should definitely have you keeping your eye on the band’s brand of rambunctious indie rock. The band name references to Eddy Current and Parquet Courts, but I can hear bits of Wedding Present in the guitar playing; I also hear touches of our friend Santi (Growl/DaphneTunes), though I’m sure that’s purely unintentional. This trio keeps churning out these great bops that wear badges from your favorite genres, yet always seem to somehow escape being perfectly pigeonholed; they’re creating their own recipe of rock n’ roll and I’m totally on board.

Dag Share Who Own’s Pain Single

When I heard that Dag were putting together a double LP, I was a little shocked, wondering how they’d get all those song together. But, as more leaks come out from the release, it seems you really get all these different vibes from the band, which has me rather excited. I love the sort of baroque pop attitude of this new single, sort of plodding along like a marching band down the streets, albeit one with a bit of an Aussie twist. Subtle backing vocals add a further texture that’s equally enchanting…I mean, who doesn’t like the “ba ba ba da da” moment in the song’s late end? Pedestrian Life sounds like its going to rip; it drops on June 25th via Bedroom Suck Records.

The Goon Sax Announce Mirror II

Through two albums, the Goon Sax have been nearly flawless with their brand of jangling guitar pop, but as they announce Mirror II, their third LP, it sounds like they’re taking some chances. In this tune, both the video and the song seem to have this heavy anxiety, almost a sense of foreboding; it’s a weight that even seems to hold the chorus down, with Riley and Louis seemingly holding back where they’ve been buoyant before. Still, that little change has me drawn to the tune like a moth to the light; I particularly like Riley’s vocal performance just as the song fades to nothing but synths and drums at the 3 minute mark. They’ve changed things up a bit, while still managing to sound wholly like the vibrant pop band that seemingly sprung out of nowhere; I’ve got to applaud them for pushing their sound into new territory. I look forward to hearing more from Mirror II…out July 9th via Matador Records.

Quivers Share Chinese Medicine Video

At this moment, I’m not sure anyone’s writing timeless pop music quite like Quivers; Sam Nicholson has dialed into peak songwriting, and with his band’s arrangements, they’re crafting some truly unforgettable tunes. This latest single opens much the way you’d expect, with semi-wayward jangles and Nicholson’s voice; the steady beat keeps things moving, giving the listener this undeniable connectedness. Soon, a synth note twinkles in the far off night sky, matched by some very faint backing vocals that build towards a burst…a shooting star of pop falling across the song’s skyline. While all this goes on, sit back and watch the great video animated by Jordan Thompson of the Ocean Party; I’m a big fan of the line work there. But, the song’s not done, as the vocals swell, joined by more of a backing chorus, letting the guitars ring silent as the song fades into a tinkering piano line that eventually disappears into the world. Just another string pop number from the forthcoming Golden Doubt, out on June 11th via Ba Da Bing/Bobo Integral/Spunk.

Shrapnel Annoucne Alasitas

Shrapnel have been toiling around Australia for a hot minute, and now they’ve got a brand new record on the way courtesy of Tenth Court. This time around, the band have expanded their line-up, adding new instruments to flesh out their sound beyond the confines of jangling pop rock. Here you get a subtle nod towards psychedelia, with faint little woodwind nuances layered over the guitars. It almost feels out of place, but in the best way, reinventing the pop of 1970s communes and filling it with this new vibrant nature that makes it magical in its own way; you’re honestly not sure what direction they’re going, or where they’re taking their cues, but your ears are rewarded with every textural note. Alasitas drops on June 11th.

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