Peak Twins Return with Beloved

Not too long ago, Peak Twins were getting some adoration from the masses, but they’ve been relatively quiet since 2013. Today that changes with the announcement of the group’s new LP, Beloved. “Water” is our first listen, accompanied by a gorgeous video employing mirror images, but ultimately it’s the song I’m in love with right now. All the verses reside in that casual pop arena popularized by many an Aussie outfit; they’re not pushing the envelop, merely caressing the natural melody within their songs. For my two cents, the special moment, aside from the nice little added arrangements, is the nice little change that comes for the first time around the 2 minute mark (also at 3:30); it’s just a mild directional turn, but plays in perfectly to the song’s aesthetic. Call it what you will, but Peak Twins have dropped one hell of a new number. The new LP will be out on June 28th.

Catchy Ditty from Party Pest

One of the things I love about the post-punk period was the clarity and space allowed in the music; there were bands leaving all sorts of empty space in their songs. Sometimes they were filled with groovy rhythm sections, other times it was merely just a stylistic choice to really build the song’s tension. Aussie trio Party Pest seem to employ those standards, working with precision rhythm while focusing on those angular guitar notes; the vocals get delivered in that Kathleen Hanna-esque howl, the style that makes you scared and entranced all at once. The band will deliver their Happy Man/I Can Do Better 7″ on May 24th.

Win Tickets to An Horse at Barracuda on May 5th

After a long hiatus, Aussie duo An Horse are returning with their brand new album, Modern Air this Friday. We’ve heard several of the tracks, all just as convincing as when the band left us with Walls back in 2011. But, more importantly, the band return to Austin this Sunday at Barracuda, and seeing as it’s never easy to catch an Australian band in the States, you should jump at the chance to win free tickets! Plus, the group will be joined by local powerhouse, Lola Tried.

All you have to do to win two tickets is pick a number between 1-1000, leave it in the comments, or tweet it at us! The only hint I’m giving you is that it’s not my favorite number! You’ve got 48 hours! Go!

Regular old tickets are HERE.

New Ballad from Emma Russack

Emma Russack has made these pages on several occasions; she popped up with Permanent Vacation, and then later on her collaboration with Lachlan Denton. But, today we’re pleased to inform you that she’s announced a new LP, and we’ve got the title track working below. The whole of this song revolves around Russack and the piano; the rhythm section hangs out quietly, filling in some of that space just when they’re called upon. There’s this forlorn delivery that Emma seems to have mastered here, adding to the solemn mood emanating from your speakers; it’s a pretty powerful performance, and one I deem worthy of your ears. If you like, Winter Blues will be out on July 5th via Osborne Again Music.

New Hit from Hierophants

The whole genre of post-punk can get a little stale at times, so it’s great that we have a band like Australia’s Hierophants to really turn things upside down. We haven’t heard much since 2015’s Parallax Error, but now there’s a new LP on the horizon. This one actually seems more like something you’d get from a chilled pop group, almost as if Hot Chip were really cool all over again; there’s this happy bounce, almost like a slinky club hit that really drive the tune. The vocals are delivered in this very casual matter-of-fact manner, allowing the slightest emphasis on various syllables. It’s also a study of patience, as the group don’t really hang reveal a massive hook; they’re not trying to be catchy, they just want to deliver a tune you’ll come back to again and again, letting it reveal its secrets over time. Spitting Out Moonlight drops May 24th via Anti Fade Records.

Monnone Alone Shares Do It Twice Video

I warned you back in February about how great the latest single from Monnone Alone was, showing off Mark’s songwriting chops with a fuzzy guitar wound tightly around his pop sensibility. I mean, really, all you need is to hear that chorus and it’s “do it again” refrain by the backing vocals, and you’d be sold. So, with slow Monday’s, why not share with you the band’s recent vid of the track, just to be sure to keep it on your radar. For the most part, the video is live footage of the band, spliced atop found video footage from the past; it must have been windy too because Mark’s hair is all over the place! Just watch the band jam out in the song’s latter half and tell me pop bands can’t rock it out.

Indie Pop From Tight Knit

We in the ATH crew love our indie pop and we get excited when someone sends us something new from the genre. Today I’m pleased to share this new single “Too Hot” from Melbourne based all girl group Tight Knit. This one is a sort of mellow take on the genre made complete with crunchy guitars and a simple drum beat. The band just put out this single via 7″ vinyl on Not Unloved out of Glasgow. If you’re into it, check out the label’s bandcamp page to make a purchase.

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Please to Meet You Sweet Whirl

A great deal of my childhood was spent listening to my father’s folk collection, and perhaps that, more than any other memory, will be our legacy. I mention this as Esther Edquist aka Sweet Whirl seems steeped in the rich history of folk music; her powerful voice has this faint quiver in it, something that reminds me of Harris or Baez. The track’s arrangement definitely aid to the songs depth, though those bits seem careful to stay out of the way when necessary. It’s a striking voice, and, for me, a striking introduction to the newest Australian export to land on Chapter Music; the label will release Love Songs & Poetry on May 3rd.

The Smallgoods Announce Lost in the Woods

It looks as if the Smallgoods were not calling it quits, they were merely on a hiatus, and now, seven years later, that has come to an end; the band just announced their return and a new album to come this June. It’s been about a dozen years since their last proper release, and they’re still writing these soaring pop tracks that seemingly survive on melody alone. Don’t get me wrong, the sonic texture is bright and meaningful, but the slight tonal changes that rise and fall are pure bliss; it’s like the best indiepop and power-pop mash-up you never knew you needed…one might even call it the twee Nada Surf (and I mean that respectfully). Lost in the Woods will be released in June via Lost and Lonesome.

Quivers Share You’re Not Always on My Mind Video

You think we’d sleep on another up-and-coming Melbourne act? Think not, especially when it comes to churning guitar pop like Quivers present to us here. There’s a classic alternative sound to this track, something that’s faintly reminiscent of early U2 or REM, though they’ve reworked the style to fit right into today’s musical landscape. I love the sharp guitar stabs that shine through your speakers, and you don’t have to get me started on the vocal harmonies that float throughout the entirety of the single. They fill this track with so much delicate musicianship that I keep going back and hearing little chords or melodies that I hadn’t heard the first time, so please, give this at least 12 listens. Oh, and did I mention they’ll be at SXSW?

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