It was really hard to choose only eight tracks, so hopefully we’ve chosen right…. Major excitement hit the Tone Deaf office when this track hit online we couldn’t pass up making it the feature: ‘Brennisteinn’ the first track from Sigur Rós as a three-piece, followed by the first taste off Melbourne group I’lls forthcoming EP, an awesome City Calm Down remix by Zac Hayse, The Love Junkies from Perth have a new one, as does Frank Turner, Christopher Coleman Collective, The Postal Service and The Death Rattles.
Sigur Rós – Brennisteinn
It kind of makes sense that Iceland’s most famous band would follow up their dreamiest, most ambient set yet with what is touted to be the heaviest album of their career in the forthcoming Kveikur. After all, in their reduction to a three-piece, what better way to fill the gaps than with volume? ‘Brennisteinn’ is grittier, but loses none of Sigur Ros’ atmospheric grandeur in the process. The growling bass synths and clattering drum part roughen up the edges, while Jonsi’s vocals are sharp and direct, while his bowed guitar wails and churns. The track builds and writhes through distinct sections that mark a refreshing turn to an earthier, angrier sound for a band that was due for a little darkness in their diet.
I’lls – Plans Only Drawn
“Plans Only Drawn” is the first taste taken from Melbourne band I’lls’ upcoming EP A Warm Reception, due for release in May. Soothing and ethereal, the minimalistic track drifts along in near weightlessness, only prevented from floating away into space by the constant gentle tapping of an atmospheric bass, and Simon Lam’s flowing layered vocals which blend seamlessly with their sparse, ambient surroundings. Having recently supported the likes of XXYYXX and PVT, I’lls are a standout in Melbourne’s crowded electronic scene.
City Calm Down – Sense Of Self (Zac Hayse remix)
Melbourne’s own City Calm Down get some help from producer Zac Hayse in this newly-released remix of one of their album’s most popular hits. With a synthy, beat-driven layer added to the already upbeat track, this one is sure to get lovers of the Melbourne four-piece excited once they hit the dancefloor.
The Love Junkies – Maybelene
Kicking off with a lazy guitar, and plenty of “la la las”, the newest single from the Perth trio is heavily reminiscent of the early 2000s pop-rock movement to come out of the UK. Lead singer Mitch McDonald’s vocals are in fact, very much like Jon Fratelli’s (of the oft forgotten Fratellis). With angsty lyrics and heavy, catchy guitars, the WA three-piece have a lot going for them, and a lot to look forward to.
Frank Turner – Recovery
Short and sweet, isn’t normally associatedwith punk, however this folksy nugget from Englishman Frank Turner turns genre on its head. With vigorous acoustic strumming and some light tinkering piano, this track is serves as a perfect opening to his latest album Tape Deck Heart.
Chris Coleman Collective – Dandelion Flower
Hailing from Hobart Tasmania, the Chris Coleman Collective brings us great taste of what Australia has to offer in new music. With varied influences from Tasmania, Flanagan, Whitman, Lager, Winton, Ginsberg and Steinbeck, ‘Dandelion Flower’ probably has a hint of each of them, with brilliant storytelling lyrics about being on the road, drinking all sung is a very honest and loveable Australian accent and a great little blues track.
The Postal Service – Turn Around
The second, and unfortunately last new tune to be released from the 10th anniversary addition of The Postal Service’s seminal record Give Up proves to be a decidedly more 80s tune, from the beats to the melody. With Gibbard’s vocals soaring as usual, support is brought in the form of Jenny Lewis’ beautiful backing vocals. As one of the most lyric-heavy cuts ever to be released by the long distance duo, it’s a nice compliment to their more established and loved songs.
The Death Rattles – Crying Moon
It might start with a singular, strutting guitar lick, but the intentions of this searing blues rocker are clear from the outset. The Melbourne five-piece have been taking the raggedy back-roads of blues to the dark allies of boogie-fied country for a couple of years now, but ‘The Crying Moon’ is a bold, brash statement of intent. Tyrone John Bremmer’s pinched vocals and yarn-driven lyrics coast over a dust-storm of jostling guitar solos and the barrel-tight swagger of their rhythm section. You’ll want to take a deep, healthy swig of this hear tune.
