An almost all Australian mixtape, this weekend. With new tracks from Sydney duo Jagwar Ma, Melbourne rockers Strangers, Nashville-based songstress Caitlin Rose, Melbourne’s Harmony have released a limited 7″, a welcome return from Something With Numbers and a killer track from newcomer Drop Frame.
Jagwar Ma – The Throw
Another band that featured on the Big Day Out line-up, Sydney’s Jagwar Ma have released a brand new single to kick off what will surely be a huge 2013. Jono Ma’s vocal is infectious but it’s the early ’90s British inspired beat that really highlights the strength of this track. The extended outro introduces a hypnotic synth line that compliments the rolling momentum of the beat whilst Ma’s vocals continue to float in falsetto.
Strangers – Closer To Nowhere
It’s good to know rock n roll is still alive and nobody’s doing it better than Sydney’s Strangers. ‘Closer To Nowhere’ is another killer track from their debut album ‘Persona Non Grata’, showcasing what the band do best by delivering yet again a well crafted high energy rock song. Lead by vocalist Ben Britton he doesn’t disappoint with his trademark effected vocals and drummer Timmy Hansen holding it altogether. Strangers are currently on a national tour and well worth checking out live.
Caitlin Rose – I Was Cruel
Who says country music isn’t accessible? Caitlin Rose, the now Nashville-based songstress, proves that banjos don’t have to be scary and vocal crooning may be making it to the mainstream. The twangy guitars on the track are well complimented by Rose’s sweet-as-honey vocals which coo the lyrics “I never knew I was cruel/baby ’til I met you.” Taken from her upcoming album The Stand-In, which is out in early March, “I Was Cruel’ is the perfect introduction to country.
Harmony – Do Me A Favour
The lead singer’s in-tune yelling are beautifully juxtaposed with some saccharine female vocals which add an element of cohesion to the song. With some very retro backing vocals (think “doo-wops and “wah-wah-oohs”) harmony’s latest single is sufficiently referential without seeming like a parody We can’t wait to see this live.
Something With Numbers – We Kill The Weekend
Having just come off the huge Big Day Out tour, the NSW Central Coast 5 piece have also released their brand new single ‘We Kill The Weekend’. In preparation for the release of their fourth album and after a considerable amount of time since their last release Something With Numbers have given a glimpse of what’s to come. Another catchy melody from singer Jake Grigg carries the song, underpinned by a blend of heavier influences with pop rock.
Drop Frame – Trichome (Feat. Annie Inkerman)
Taken from 2012’s Kinetic EP, ‘Trichome’ is a cinematic mix of classical and electronic textures. The song initially contrasts the deep voice of Tom Hubble – the man behind the moniker – against the lighter touch of guest Annie Inkerman. But the female vocals of Inkerman are solely prominent for most of the duration of the song. With a piano-led entrance the song builds towards a dubstep climax, before finishing with a horn piece. ‘Trichome’ is atmospheric and brooding, yet nonetheless brilliant.
