Bonjah are back with ‘Evolution’, the first taste of the band’s new direction on their forthcoming third album. Then keeping with the vibe of bands being back, The National have also given us a taste of what’s to come off their next album, followed by Pond bringing us a cover of the Fremantle Dockers football club song! Next up, local Melbourne act Velma Grove, before we get into remix land with Darwin Deez, followed by emerging New Zealand songstress Lorde, back to another remix that Luke from The Laurels has done for Melodie Nelson and last but not least New Orleans six-piece Royal Teeth. Enjoy!
Bonjah – Evolution
The first single from Bonjah’s highly anticipated third album is no doubt a winning track. The bluesy rock influenced guitar work is accompanied by grooving base, delivering a sound that is full of sass. Combined with steady, liquid smooth vocals, “Evolution” highlights the band’s steady progression into soulful rock.
The National – Demons
The National are back with the first single from their upcoming sixth studio album, Trouble Will Find Me. Complete with driving bass and drums, Matt Berninger’s brooding vocals, and one hell of a chorus hook; “Demons” is a slow burner that will have every National fan hanging onto each emotion-laden line. Despite its characteristically dark lyrics (“do my crying underwater/I can’t get down any farther”), there is something anthemic and oddly uplifting about it, breeding excitement for the album’s release.
Pond – Fremantle Dockers Club Song
Football and music have always had a pretty hilarious relationship (Meat Loaf, anyone?). One of the unfortunate things about any team which has joined the league in the last twenty odd years is the propensity for their theme song to suck. Case in point, Fremantle’s club tune. But lucky for them, one of the coolest bands in the country count themselves as fans. Cue Pond’s rendition of Fremantle’s AFL Theme song. With a skittering drumbeat, phased guitars, and effect-laden vocals, it’s the best joke in AFL since the Melbourne Demons. Too soon?
Velma Grove – Paper House
‘Paper House’ starts off with a classic roots sound, very relaxed with a steady infectious rhythm, and the lead vocals of Maxwell Roberts only add to the chilled vibe of the song. A welcome surprise comes in after about a minute with the addition of French horn. That instrument is so unexpected it takes the song to an entirely new place. The Melbourne seven-piece have created a compostion that is engaging and effortlessly likable.
Darwin Deez – You Can’t Be My Girl (Is Tropical Remix)
A fresh remix, Deez’ Brooklyn jams, Is Tropical, have brought their alt-electro sensibilities to the New Yorker’s often too-indie songs. Slowing down Deez’ vocals and adding some much needed layers to the backing music, the London trio have succeeded in making an already catchy song even catchier.
Lorde – Royals
The New Zealand songtress is producing some of the best, least derivative music out there. And no, not for a woman, and not for someone south of the equator -she’s making some of the most original music around, period. Are you just waiting for Lorde to explode? Yeah. Us too. Off the basis of ‘Royals’ and its savvy production, it shouldn’t take long.
Melodie Nelson – Spin The Bottle, (The Laurels Remix)
Slightly left of centre Sydney artist Melodie Nelson (aka Lia Tsamoglou) gets the remix treatment from Luke of The Laurels on her track ‘Spin The Bottle’, from second album To The Dollhouse. Full of chilled out grooves, jangly guitars, and Middle Eastern vibes, the remix showcases the sensual and seductive vocals of Melodie Nelson wonderfully. Catch Tsamoglou and the full band at their super cool seasons inspired residency every Wednesday during April at Good God in Sydney.
Royal Teeth – Wild
The poppy lead single ‘Wild’ from New Orleans six-piece Royal Teeth is a stunningly cute bopper that is fun and super punchy. Wait for the slightly unexpected ‘drop’ at 3:30 for a powerful yet busy number littered with owl-like ‘ooh ooh oohs’ and happy handclaps. Their first EP Act Naturally charmed the pants off everyone at SXSW and we’re sure the sugary sweet outfit will deliver an equally catchy second release.
