We listen to a lot of music here at Tone Deaf HQ, and we’re the first to admit we’re perhaps a little biased towards sounds of the Australian variety. We do make the best music in the world, after all.
In honouring our favourite Aussies, we’ve once again compiled a list of the most outstanding local releases you should be listening to right now – whether they’re smaller indies acts or big-name essentials, these are the newest Australian records you should be adding to your ‘must-listen’ list.
Let’s get started.
HTRK – Body Lotion (Sleeperhold Publications)
Earlier this year the Australian duo HTRK released their most impressive and sophisticated work to date withPsychic 9-5 Club (out via Mistletone Records). They’ve just recently release a follow-up of sorts, a three track EP titled Body Lotion out via Sleeperhold Publications.
Featuring the trademark down tempo melodies teamed with Jonnine’s syrupy vocals, the single side EP was recorded live in HTRK’s London rehearsal room, the then trio of Jonnine Standish, Nigel Yang and (the late) Sean Stewart.
While the release of Psychic 9-5 Club marked a new direction for HTRK, the release of Body Lotion stands as a bittersweet reflection on the history of band. (Lucy Dayman)
George Maple – Vacant Space EP (Future Classic)
This year rising Sydney-based electronic producer George Maple (aka Jessica Higgs) has earned a steadily growing list of accomplishments to her name that includes collaborations with label mates Flume and Flight Facilities and a strong showing at SXSW. Now she can also check-off the all-important ‘debut-EP-that-delivers-on-the-hype’.
Vacant Space is a polished, confident first release from the Future Classic-signed artist. George Maple’s slick, soulful electronica has already proved a hit with the masses – breakout single ‘Talk Talk’ is currently sitting on a massive 2 million plays on SoundCloud.
It’s the most dance-y track on the EP, with the rest of the track-listing leaning more towards sensual, down-tempo, Jessie Ware-esque stylings.
Pairing those stunning vocals with an ear for slick production, George Maple is one to watch. (Dylan McCarthy)
Pepa Knight – Hypnotized Vol. I EP (Independent)
Jinja Safari co-frontman Pepa Knight is garnering quite a bit of attention with the solo project he launched in early 2014.
Alone, Knight makes euphoric dream-pop worthy of sound-tracking a Go-Pro highlights video of a picturesque overseas getaway – think people jumping into water, climbing mountains, drinking with locals on beaches, and all that other FOMO-inducing picture-perfect things you see plastered across Instagram.
Prior to the release of Hynotized Vol. 1, debut singles ‘Rahh!’ and ‘Clams’ delivered the perfect one-two punch of spiritual folk-pop goodness to earn Knight some notable international hype.
With lush, summery acoustic instrumentation, wild sing-along chants, and infectious standalone vocal melodies reminiscent of Animal Collective’s Noah Lennox, it’s pretty hard not to get swept up by the overwhelming (and incredibly pretty) feel-good vibes Pepa Knight stirs in your endorphins. (DM)
Rolls Bayce – Rolls Bayce EP (Create Control)
Recognise those vocals from somewhere? Hungry Kids of Hungary fans will recognise the pipes of ex-frontman Dean McGrath, who now leads this new Brisbane trio Rolls Bayce alongside ex-Millions drummer James Wright and bassist Neal Apel. And, with their debut EP produced by Yves Klein Blue alumni Sean Cook, this band’s foundations of strong local independent talent has been turning heads both locally and overseas.
‘Don’t Get Me Wrong’ is the band’s biggest single to date, a psych-pop track with reverb-heavy guitars and groovy hooks that’s caught the attention of NME and Triple J alike.
Not bad for an outfit who formed out of a drunk conversation to “totally, definitely start a cool new band together”. Expect the buzz to only get louder. (DM)
Tempura Nights – Whine EP (Independent)
Brisbane three-piece indie rock outfit Tempura Nights is made up of members from other staple bands on the Brissy scene, namely Major Leagues, the Good Sports and the sadly defunct Go Violets.
Originally starting as a “joke band”, they’ve since decided to turn into the real thing, now made official with the release of their shiny debut EP, Whine.
Recorded in a garage belonging to none other than The Grates, Whine is four tracks of lackadaisical, (literal) DIY garage.
Making lo-fi anthems balancing the Govies’ sweet pop sensibilities with perfect amounts of bratty punk attitude, tracks ‘R.I.P. CHIX’ and ‘Brainroof’ are great glimpses of catchy guitar pop from a promising young band. (DM)
Aether Beach – Aether Beach
Opening with ‘Tomorrow Never Knows’-like swirls of white noise complimented by creeping twangs of warm sitar, Friends, the opening track of Sydney outfit Aether Beach’s self-titled full-length effort, recalls The Brian Jonestown Massacre when they were at their Methodrone best, though with a summery, glistening sheen that’s more akin to the kind of offspring a cosmic lovemaking session between The Vaselines and Slowdive might spawn.
What follows is five tracks’ worth of crate-digging through the musical touchstones of the 1960s, starting with Their Satanic Majesties Request, making a left at The Velvet Underground & Nico, and ending with the 13th Floor Elevators. (Greg Moskovitch)
