We almost did it again… Nearly an all Australian mixtape. Kurt Vile has saved the day as this weeks only international feature with his new track ‘Wakin On A Pretty Day’ taken from his forthcoming LP. Local hip hop group The Tongue have dropped their first track off their upcoming album, followed by tracks from local rockers Them Bruins & British India before finishing with local indie dance acts Clubfeet and All The Colours.
Kurt Vile – Wakin On A Pretty Day
Two years after the release of the beautiful Smoke Ring For My Halo, the lo-fidelity and dreamy voiced long haired crooner Kurt Vile is back. Ahead of the release of his new LP Wakin On A Pretty Daze, out April 9th via Matador Records, Vile has put out the first single ‘Wakin On A Pretty Day. ‘The track is a hazed out and nonabrasive welcome back to the former guitarist of indie folk outfit The War On Drugs. Mellow guitar riffs that fade in and out of languid chords with the occasional psychedelic gesture reminds us of the Kurt Vile everyone fell in love with in 2011. Vile is taking his time with this one, with the track clocking in at just under nine and a half minutes, but it doesn’t feel like a long and dragged out self indulgent piece. It feels more like a casual afternoon spent with friends where time just seems to float on in front of you. And that’s exactly what ‘Wakin On A Pretty Day’ does, ambling nostalgically along to Viles smooth and understated vocals. Kurt’s not going anywhere in a rush and so beautifully eases through this track. And we’re more than happy to hang back with him.
The Tongue – Drums
The first track from The Tounge’s album, ‘Surrender to Victory’ due for release in March is the ridiculously catchy and punchy track ‘Drums’. The smooth vocals and politically inspired lyrics by Sydney hiphop artist, Xannon Shirley are an impressive stand out. The track blends Shirley’s vocals with unique mixing effects making a track you can’t help but want to dance to. For those of you who are anti-Australian hip hop, give this track a try as you may just change your mind.
Them Bruins – Shock Rockets
Them Bruins play hard, fast and in your face and ‘Shock Rockets’ from their debut EP ‘God Bless The Bruins’ is no exception to their rule. Stripped back production with four to the floor pounding drums, driving riffs and 2 minutes and 14 seconds in length, a sure fire winning recipe for a straight up no bulls#*t punk rock song. Catch these guys tearing the roofs of venues around Australia this month.
British India – Summer Forgive Me
The second single from British India’santicipated March release Controller provides an infectious taste of what is to come. The track opens with lead singer Declan Melia’s recognizable grungy voice accompanied by the catchy electric guitar riff that keeps a steady pulse throughout thesong. Featuring a fast tempo and catchy lyrics, the song holds high hopes for the release of the album.
Clubfeet – Everything You Wanted
The latest single from this Melbourne via Cape Town outfit comes from their sophomore release, Heirs & Graces. With walloping drum beats and 80s synthesisers ‘Everything You Wanted’ is not only an infectious gem, but one of their album’s stand out tracks. And how could it not be memorable with the song’s chorus, sung by lead singer Sebastian Cohen, leaving it’s lyrical imprint on the brain incredibly quickly? Make sure you also check out the Calvin Harris endorsed video for the song, with it’s incredible visual effects. After the album’s lead single, ‘Heartbreak’ (featuring Chela), this track is the perfect example to highlight the strengths of Heirs & Graces.
All The Colours – Second To None
Arriving on the scene last year with their debut single, ‘Love Like This’, the Melbourne four piece return with their next solemn, yet ‘vintage pop’ offering. ‘Second To None’ is slightly more mellow but no less infectious than it’s predecessor, with the song’s accompanying black and white video all but confirming the track’s complicated love notions. The Miami Horror frontman Josh Moriarty gives another reason for listeners to jump on board with his new band.
