Whitley – My Heart Is Not A Machine
The man, the legend is back! After what seemed like the longest hiatus ever, the Melbourne-based chansan has finally released some new jams to warm your soul and break your heart. The lovely Esther Holt appears on backing vocals to provide a saccharine touch to the sullen tune. Whitley will be touring nationally soon which will no doubt appease waiting fans.
Smith Westerns – 3am Spiritual
Finally some glum-core to warm our bones! The Chicago boys are back in our lives and playlists with some muchly anticipated music that seems to amalgamate 60s crooning and 90s sad core (circa Belle & Sebastian’s If You’re Feeling Sinister). Fair warning though: if you listen to tis little ditty, you will fall for lead singer Cullen Omori.
The Demon Parade – Open Up Your Mind
Summer’s never far away with this powerful surfer-rock track from Melbourne’s The Demon Parade. This sexy psychedelic romp is space-age goodness and enters you into a vortex of sound with 70s era whammy pedals and circling feedback taking you on a rad trip. Nice stuff from this foursome that shows excellent promise for an upcoming album.
Fascinator – Summer Dream
Children Collde frontman Johnny Mackay revealed his new psych-infused ambient pop earlier this year under the moniker of Fascinator, and latest singe ‘Summer Dream’ serves as an indicator of what’s to come. With subtle Indian-influences as well as a repetitive vocal line, it seems Mr. Mackay is veering away from indie-rock in favor of some more experimental music-making.
Cash Savage & The Last Drinks – I’m In Love
The latest from Cash Savage & The Last Drinks shows just what a country blues love song should be. Captivating frontwoman Savage is wrought with emotion as she warbles “I’m in love” over a bed of strings, banjo and horns in all the right measures. A 15-voice choir gives a grandiose nature to the song as it builds in volume and soul.
London Grammar – Hey Now
The hauntingly beautiful track from the British group should serve as a perfect introduction for those who haven’t yet been lucky enough to hear the ethereal tunes. The beauty of the music is enhanced greatly by lead singer Hannah Reid’s exquisite vocals, which serve as the backbone for the chilling number. A definite soon-to-be winter classic.
Jake Bugg – Seen It All
Heading to Australia for his first time this Nottingham youngster certainly started young writing his first songs when he was 13 or so. The title of his current track ‘Seen It All’ suggests he might be somewhat mature for his still tender age of only 18, or perhaps has had an interesting upbringing. Either way his songs have a rocking 60s/70s vibe from production to simplicity and are written with honestly about his surroundings. Catch Jake Bugg at his first Australian shows when he’s out here for Splendour in The Grass and sideshows in Melbourne & Sydney.
Sleep Parade – 2:09
Melbourne based band Sleep Parade are back with another new track from their forthcoming sophomore album produced by Forrester Savell, ‘Inside/Out’ due for release later this year. ‘2:09’ is a slower more melodic almost ballad like track showcasing the bands growth not just as songwriters but also their musical depth and emotions of vocalist Leigh Davies. Keep an eye for the album later this year.
