Tag: australia

Sturt Avenue Release Talk Single

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With the announcement of the Cursive tour, I’ve been spending a lot of time with those Saddle Creek Records of my late teens, and I think that’s why I’ve really been into Aussie outfit Sturt Avenue. The group take on a bit of a broad sweeping indie folk sound, but I’m in love with bandleader Bryn Soden’s voice; it’s feels both familiar and distinctive, particularly when the whole band joins into take on the vocals together. It actually sounds like something Tim Kasher would be into, dripping with emotive hanging syllables and swelling choruses that erupt into mass singalongs. Start your Friday here.

Deuce Share Breathe + Announce Wild Type

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Back in 2021, our friends in Australia reached out with news of Deuce, a new project of Curtis from Pop Filter (amongst other acts) and his partner Kayleigh. I really enjoyed our entry into their musical realm, so we’ve been stoked to know a new LP was on the horizon, and it seems that day’s almost here. Today the band officially announce Wild Type, with a brand new single to dive into right now. Clearly this track’s all about setting up Kayleigh’s vocals; the musical vessel has this matured pop vibe to it, filtering glittery guitars and layers of horn to create this broad expanse. Personally, the message definitely hits here too, reminding us to just take a breath, let the world come to you; you can afford to be patient and wait for the until “the air is easier now.” Wild Type will come in full this April.

Stream Looking for a Sphere EP from Dippers

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Dippers, the band formerly known as Thigh Master, today release their new Looking for a Sphere EP, offering up a new vision/sound to coincide with the name change. The EP has two core traditional tracks, embracing slower tempos while honing in on the melodious nature in Matthew Ford’s songwriting. I love the way “Drift Space” moves, slightly opening up as drums come in quietly and notes just kind of hang in the atmosphere; it feels like something you’d have found on a K Records release in the early years. The other two tunes find the band playing with more of an instrumental approach, exploring new sonic visions as they prepared to write a slew of songs for a forthcoming long player on Goner Records. So go on then.

Spice World Share Mountain Pony 20

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There’s something in Australia’s water that makes the heartfelt songwriting just tug at your heart strings, something that just feels so utterly human and relatable. Such is the latest track from Spice World, which sounds like this huge lament about the trials of falling in love; it feels pained, but also reflective, learning from the mistakes we all make. The slow accents from the group draw out the song’s power, totally immersing you in this intimate performance that almost feels like voyeurism, to a degree. The band has yet to hit a wrong note, so expect to fall head over heels in love with There’s No I in Spice World, out in January via Tenth Court/Meritorio.

Levitation Interviews: Babe Rainbow

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“There’s no formula for happiness that’s guaranteed to work”, sings Angus Dowling on the opening line from “Open Up Your Heart,” the latest release from Babe Rainbow. “It all depends on how you treat your friends, and how much you’ve been hurt. But its a start, you open up your heart, and try not to hide what you feel inside.” Throughout the new album, The Organic Band sets a strong tone of acceptance, respect, and speaking truth to love. Gone are the blase, stoner surf-pop days which so often tends to lead to apathy and negative connotations from a judgmental listening community. Babe Rainbow is taking up the reigns to make a statement and cultivate positive energy in all forms. Read more

Summer Flake Return with Stranger Single

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It’s been several years since we’ve heard from Aussie outfit Summer Flake, but we’re all being rewarded today with a brand new single and the hope that more is on the horizon. A light little strum drew me into this tune, offering a sort of musical ray of sunshine that could slide right into any moment in your life. The vocals feel equally as light, and in a sense, almost dreamily playful, riding the mix like a white knight on a glorious stallion of melody. To me, there’s something super sweet in its simplicity, and I can’t help but appreciate every moment of this tune; here’s to hoping we get more. Track out today courtesy of Rice is Nice!

Levitation Interviews: Psychedelic Porn Crumpets

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Now that most of us have moved on from ACL and the madness of things at COTA, it’s time to turn our attention to a music Festival going down this weekend which is a ‘lil more aligned with the ATH team. As I’m sure most you music fans knew, Levitation kicks off on Thursday and we are here for it with some interviews, previews and general guides. Today I’m excited to share our second interview of the season with one from Perth based artist Psychedelic Porn Crumpets. Hit the jump for their interview, set times, and tunes.

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Babe Rainbow – The Organic Band

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Rating: ★★★★☆

Turn your gaze up. The naked stars are out. The boombox is cranked to 11, salty air on the fresh breeze, and cool sand squeezes between your toes. You enjoy friendly conversation at length and share some laughs. It is “Smile Time”…so much so that your jaws hurt. Find the cooler covered in wet sand and grab some cold beers. Time to wax up the Hobie longboard for tomorrow A.M.’s rally, and gather ’round a warm fire dug into the sand. After a long sunny Saturday in the surf, that sounds epic to me. Now picture this vibe in album form. That is the newest effort from Babe Rainbow, The Organic Band, wrapped in a tight wetsuit. It is Saturday Night.

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Spice World Share Dying to Go/What a Pity What a Shame Single

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It’s hard not to get overly excited when you hear the immediate infectiousness from Australia’s Spice World. That drum beat dropped in behind the guitars on “Dying to Go” and I just felt like I had been welcomed into a party with all my best friends; there’s this natural freedom to the track, rambunctious and fun, tethered to a hook all the while. Then they slip in and slow things all the way down on the flip, getting a little more of a look-in to the band’s ability to switch speeds mid-album. And speaking of album, the band are using this double single to announce There is No “I” in Spice World out on January 20th via Tenth Court and Meritorio Records.

Cool Sounds Share Like That Single

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Whatever caused the shift in sonics for Dainis Lacey, we’re reaping the rewards on the listening end, particularly when it comes to the title track from the new Cool Sounds LP. It’s interesting that this is also the record’s closing track, as it seems to set us up for this sort of climb atop the mountain, only to find solace in this heavy pop masterpiece. There’s little shining diamonds in the corners, twinkling notes here and there splashing up to mix in with the pulse; it just reeks of cool for some reason, perfectly cinematic in its presentation. Like That is out on October 7th via Chapter Music.

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