Have You Listened to Walt?

Seeing as we’re always trying to bring you the best news from the Australian scene, I thought I’d introduce you all to Walt…another great act out of Melbourne. But, while the relaxed pacing of this single might be familiar to those in love with this particular musical scene, the comparisons stop there (thus why pigeonholing scenes is dumb–note to self). Musically, this is dense pop world that doesn’t feel crowded; there’s plenty of space for movement, allowing notes to take on this resonation that billows through your speakers. This dream vision is one of the earliest glimpses we get at Walt’s craft, with a debut album dangling on the horizon.

Dannika Shares First Single from Gems LP

As always, I try to listen to the Aussie tip hotline, where I was pointed in the direction of Dannika, who just announced the forthcoming release of Gems, slated for release in January. For me, what I’ve found interesting on my repeated listens is how the song seems to straddle two varying styles. On one hand, the music has this casual pop feel that fans of the Melbourne scene will surely be familiar with; you know that I’m a fan! Still, the vocals, 95% of the time, feel like they might fit in with a Waxahatchee or Big Thief style; it definitely gives off a feel that’s slightly different than what I’ve come to expect from the region, which makes it refreshing. Figured it’s a nice way to get you started on this week! The LP drops on January 29th courtesy of Osborne Again/Spunk.

Mystery Guest Share A Joke

We return to our almost daily coverage of Aussie outfits, by looking over at Mystery Guest, who released a wonderful debut in Octagon City; they’re here now with a brand new single to wrap up 2020. The duo is known for making ‘club music for the chill pop crowd,’ and its clear that Caitlyn’s voice has the ability to force you to fall in love with a tune; I love her move in this tune of dragging and playing with pronunciation of syllables, particularly when its riding the melodic wave of the tune. It all works over a driving organ/piano and a percussive element that does its best to steer clear of the track. If you haven’t visited this band yet, then perhaps this is a great place to start!

Top Aussie Releases of 2020

So, lists are pretty arbitrary, especially for a site like ours, where you mostly know what you’re going to get each day. But, still, I always fall for the “Best Of” lists, though this year, I’m personally staying away from the numbering system; it just doesn’t really mean much to me these days. That said, I do spend a lot of time covering Aussie acts, more than most, so for me, its fun to revisit my favorites. Without further hoopla…here’s my Top Aussie Releases of 2020.

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Great Earthquake Share I’m Hiding Behind a Mask Video

I first got turned onto Great Earthquake when Thinking & Making was released. I immediately fell in love with the songwriting, so when Organized Religious Sounds quietly dropped on Friday, I was rushing to listen to it. This great song is the perfect introduction to the record; it’s like this steady pop meditation on identity…do we want to be noticed or hide because its easier? The song’s unassuming, but I love that about it. It almost seems too subtle to be noticed, like hiding behind a mask…but there are these slight little tonal shifts the give the song its natural little charm. If you’re looking to spend some time today, you should probably stream all of Organized Religious Sounds, out now via Lost and Lonesome.

Cool Sounds Announce Bystander

It seems like just yesterday that Aussie outfit Cool Sounds released More to Enjoy (or Sleepers EP), which was one of my 2019 favorite Aussie releases…but they’re back today with the announcement of Bystander, a new LP for 2021. It begins with almost a forlorn outlook, almost presented like a soft ballad with just these careful little vocal notes. But, keys start to bounce, just before the 1 minute mark; you can feel the ground swell of full band pop rock, and we’re so lucky when it hits. I love the guitar cutting a rug across the front of the mix, giving a little old school classic rock a nod…at least in my ear. The new LP will drop in February of next year…and I have a feeling it will be every bit as rewarding as this song here.

Stream Pop Filter’s New LP, Donkey Gully Road

Not more than a handful of months ago, we were treated to the debut LP by Pop Filter, a group largely made up of the songwriters from the Ocean Party; it was a glorious visit from old friends; they also took some time out to share a Rock n’ Recipes with us. Those old friends were able to get back together and write an entire new album, which they sort of dropped out of nowhere today. They chose not to offer singles, celebrating the release as its own standalone story, and in that, we all get the joy of listening to the whole thing together! Right now, I’m stuck on “Tree Change” as my favorite, but I reckon that’s because I’m in a sad bastard sort of Thursday. Love this group so much. Donkey Gully Road is now available via Bobo Integral.

Permits Share World in Numbers

Been real weird lately, but I feel like the Australian scene is just hitting that sweet spot, and Permits are just another act that feels like they’ve kind of weaseled their way into my soul. I love the sort of garage-y swagger, almost falling off the rails, opening that sets the tone on their latest single. Still, not to be stuck in one direction, they take a left turn right before the 1 minute mark, almost with a little that sort of arrogant assuredness you’d associate with Jarvis Cocker…and suddenly the song opens up into something you never saw coming. It’s a roller coaster of incredible pop sounds, which makes Time Permits a promising release; it’s out on November 26th via Tenth Court.

Eggy Share HAL 9000

I’ve been pretty high on Eggy during their release cycle for the forthcoming Bravo!, so we continue our support by giving you a little nod towards their latest single from the LP…the last before the record drops on Friday! This one’s got a little nod to Kubrick, and you can almost feel the famous AI machine in the sort of hobbling synth work that bobs and weaves into the song’s foreground. All that said, this lot are great at building in extemporaneous textures, layering in vocals and a snappy drum beat that gives the song more depth as Hal exclaims “pop culture’s killing me!” Spoilsport Records release the full LP this Friday!

Rock N’ Recipes: Gregor

I’ve been covering Gregor for some time, particularly with the release of his 2018 album, Silver Drop. But, in case you haven’t been in the loop, we will soon get to celebrate the release of Destiny, his new LP for Chapter Music. We reached out to see if he’d be willing to answer a few quick questions and share his favorite recipes, and thankfully, he’s obliged. Read on below…and as you browse, press play on the stream to sample a few of the album tracks. He’s also been so kind as to share a delicious Artichoke Soup recipe!

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