Local and or general for our midweek mixtape. What can we say, we love local bands! Solo artist Yeo has delivered a new track off his forthcoming album, James Wallace of Wintercoats, who seems to be everywhere right now has dropped his first single off his forthcoming EP, Melbourne’s Gosteleradio are back, Vance Joy the name on everybody’s lips has unleashed his debut single, Brothers Grim And The Blue Murders bring us another killer track and Sydney youngsters Lines finish off the mixtape with their first single.
Yeo – Covered In Gold
With a back catalogue that takes in DIY Prince antics, countrified alt-rock, and funk punk, Melbourne maverick Yeo is quite the savvy music-maker. As a taste of his latest stylistic concoction, Sell Out, ‘Covered In Gold’ demonstrates how – in the artist’s own words – “an experiment [in] using commercial music as an influence.” The result is a stylish synth anthem-in-waiting with all the production gloss that would appeal to mainstream radio, but conversely beating with the narrative heart of a true songwriter. Building from a syncopated key pattern, ‘Covered In Gold’ takes in tribal drum loops, keen vocal hooks, and melancholy lyrics, whisking them into a towering, triumphant anthem that could easily soundtrack festival fields. If its humble creator should want to travel that path…
Wintercoats – Halogen Moon
The immensely talented Ballarat bred James Wallace has released his first single from forthcoming Heartful EP. This track is a real slow burner, creating a somewhat contemplative mood with a repeating glockenspiel line underpinning the whole song. What seems to be a constant build, Halogen Moon really highlights Wallace’s ability to create understated pop and conjure up feelings of dreaming. Another impressive display from this extremely promising artist.
Gosteleradio – Albion
It’s absolutely impossible not to be transposed to 1963 when listening to ‘Albion’ or any of Gostelradio’s other tunes, actually. Seriously though, we dare you to try. From the heartbroken, sleepy, and slightly echo-y vocals to the lazy harmonies to the very 60s piano, it’s hard not to smile and be reminded of a time when sunshine pop reigned supreme. Think The Buckinghams, or The Lovin’ Spoonful, but better. Why? Because Gosteleradio are local Melbourne boys!
Vance Joy – From Afar
Inspires by 70s folksters such as Paul Simon, Vance Joy’s single ‘From Afar’ is an angelic introduction to the singer songwriter. That isn’t to say the music is without edge, but the purity of the vocals coupled with the simple guitar strumming make for a winning musical combination. “I’ve been living on the crumbs of your love and I’m starving now” he coos as an unlikely beat comes in towards the end of the song. Taken from the debut EP God Loves You When You’re Dancing it’s clear Vance Joy has some tricks up his sleeve.
Brothers Grim And The Blue Murders – Been A While
What’s not to love about Brothers Grim And The Blue Murders? Everybody loves good time foot stomping swap rock and these guys are the Australian kings of it. ‘Been A While’ is the first single from their upcoming EP ‘Roll It In’ brothers Grim James & Matt don’t disappoint, drawing from their love for blues, this track is fast paced and fun and makes you want to drink, dance around in sing in a saloon bar. Currently on the road on their Well Hung Well Used tour, they are one band not to miss.
Lines – Moment
Sydney youngsters Lines bring us their first single ‘Moment’ and the first of many, on the newly reinvented Sydney based indie label RiSH. ‘Moment’ reminds us how good simple and unstated music still is in Australia, with no frills production Lines deliver and straight up indie rock track, that showcases Daniel Adams vocals with a super catchy chorus. The band hit the road later for their first interstate shows.
