Mellow Tune from Harry Permezel

I was looking for something really chilled out and relaxed, and luckily this track from Harry Permezel caught my attention. It’s a pretty simple tune, stylistically, using strummed guitar and steady backing percussion to set the course. There’s some light textural additions popping in and out, but the core of the music really relies upon Peremezel’s softened vocal delivery. It’s patient and warm, inviting listeners to sit in with him as the song unfolds before their ears. It’s immediately familiar, yet something about it stands out, so I’ll be keeping an eye out for his new LP, Wax Man, which drops on May 4th via Muscle Beach Records.

SXSW Interview: RVG

You are probably aware already that I’m a huge fan of RVG. If you’re lucky enough to catch the Aussie act on their brief US jaunt, then you’re in for a treat. Their album A Quality of Mercy was a stunner, and to those who spent time with it, it sounds like everything pop music was meant to be. We caught up real briefly with the group to have them answer our little SXSW interview, which is below with their most recent video.

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Jaala Offer Something Different

I can’t stop playing this brand new track from Jaala. At times it seems as if it’s a soulful R&B performance, but the edges aren’t as soft and the fleshed out sound seems a touch more artful. Singer Cosima Pay flirts with various nods to other artists, but she has a voice all her own; I’m particularly impressed by the range of notes she can pull of, even when she’s delivering vocals in a stop/start fashion. Ultimately, this track’s a soulful ballad under the umbrella of experimental pop tunes. The group will release Joonya Spirit on April 20th via Bedroom Suck Records/Captured Tracks.

Brand New RVG Video

We’re just a week and a bit from SXSW, and I’ve had RVG penciled in as one of the acts I absolutely cannot miss this year. I adored the band’s album A Quality of Mercy, and have been anxiously awaiting their arrival in the States. They’ve got hints of Go-Betweens sure, but I hear a slight Byrne affection in the vocal delivery on this track. The drums roll across the track, the guitar notes seem spritely and the lyrical content has a sinister playfulness that you can’t ignore. All of these things make the band something to keep an eye out for, so get hip to them now!

The Ancients Are Back

The Ancients first came to my attention when they released Night Bus via Chapter Music back in 2013. Today news has made it overseas that the band will release a brand new LP, this time on Tenth Court. There’s a slightly new line-up since the last record, though it still is centered around Jon Michell. In regards to the song, it’s precisely what I love about the band, casually plodding along with these airy guitar chords and delectable melodies floating in and out. They take the liberty to playfully jam out as they wrap up the song’s last minute, filling in every inch of space with layered instrumentation. Prepare to be charmed on February 23rd when they release Frozen Aisle.

New Music from Suss Cunts

The Aussie trio Suss Cunts first came to my attention with their debut EP, released over in the US by Emotional Response. They’re already back with a brand new EP for Hysterical Records, and we’ve got the title track here for you. It’s got an interesting punk rock edge, though more infectious than some might give that genre; I hear a few similarities on both guitar tone and vocals to Dead Kennedys. But, the trio brandishes their own style and flare, almost as if they’re falling off the tracks, whilst still sounding steady as ever. Look for the Temper EP on April 27th. Love these ladies, and here’s hoping you do too.

 

Stellar Track from Flowertruck

The best thing you can do as a music fan is surround yourself with trustworthy music friends…those who will lead you to new acts. That’s how Flowertruck came upon my radar, and I’m really enjoying their latest single. It’s tough to determine precise influences, but I hear little bits of Byrne or Orange Juice, presented in a casual atmosphere that will make pop fans swoon. It’s the perfect intoxicating slow jam, best meant for holding the ones you love close as you twirl about. This track is slated to appear on the band’s Mostly Sunny LP, which drops on March 16th.

New Tunes from Totally Mild

We’ve already covered our Best of Oceania for 2017, but something I’m already penciling in will be the newest album from Totally Mild. This new single is strikingly bare, but in that, it delivers the powerful emotional connection listeners seek; it’s almost as if we’re sitting in the drawing room of Elizabeth Mitchell while she works on a newly penned tune. It’s impressive with how memorable this song is, despite employing piano and vocals as the key element; Mitchell’s performance will fill your room through your speakers. Look for the band’s new LP, Her, on February 23rd via Chapter Music.

New Tune from Thigh Master

Thigh Master has been high on my list of Aussie imports this year, and they just announced a forthcoming split with Dag (another of my favorites) for December. Those familiar with any of the previously managed bands will surely enjoy this track, as it walks that line between angular guitar and haphazard melody. To me, the band just embrace their own musical inclinations, even with slight tonal imperfections; this is what Pavement would have sounded like had they just gone out to have a grand old time. This split 7″ will drop on Bruit Direct Disques come the end of December.

Brand New Hit from The Ocean Party

I don’t think the Ocean Party ever stop writing songs together; they seem to be the most prolific act about. Fresh off the release of Beauty Point, the band are back with a brand new collection of tracks for the Guilt EP. The vocals are deep here, especially in the opening 45 seconds, before they change the pace with steady percussion and slide guitar, fleshing the song out. You’ll even get to hear the whole gang chant “please tell me nothing’s wrong,” adding emphasis to an already joyous track. You’re not going to find a single band out there writing pop songs this good, anywhere. Look for Guilt to drop on December 1st via Spunk!

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