Wow! What a week for music. With what might be one of the most unexpected tracks of the year, a collaboration between hip-hop artist Chance Waters and Patience Hodgson of The Grates. We’ve also got the new track from King Khan’s much-anticipated new album, a new discovery in the form of Wisconsin band PHOX, a new tune from The Ocean Party, as well as some jams from Manor, Northeast Party House, Little Scout, and more!
Chance Waters – ‘Looking For Something feat. Patience Hodgson’
So all it took to get Chance Waters to smile was a bit of Patience… Hodgson that is! Known as the lead singer of one of Australia’s most fun bands, The Grates, the delightful Miss Hodgson adds an element of life and whimsy to this new track from the singer-songwriter. In what seems like a perfect amalgamation of Waters’ and Hodgson’s musical aesthetics, this is definitely a tune that’ll help fans ease swiftly into spring.
King Khan & The Shrines – ‘Born To Die’
With a killer horn section courtesy of the band and the King’s signature psych-vocals and a tambourine as loud as the lead guitar, this is surely a sign that Khan is back in a big way. Taken from their upcoming album Idle No More, out next month, it’s an upbeat rock number that hopefully indicates there’s greatness to come from the soon to be released record.
PHOX – ‘Noble Heart’
If you’re the kind of person who recalls having been wilfully shattered into pieces the first time you heard the orchestral splendour of Sufjan Stevens, and been searching for that same wincingly beautiful jab to the core since, then you need to stop reading and start listening to PHOX. Less ornate, more playful, this seven-strong Wisconsin ensemble (Wisconsemble?) make disarmingly gorgeous music a virtue.
The Ocean Party – ‘Split’
The Ocean Party are a Brunswick-via-Wagga Wagga five-piece who create lazy lo-fi anthems for Sunday afternoons. ‘Split’ is the superb first single and title track of their upcoming album (due out on September 27th) and it’s the kind of dreamy, sun-flecked pop that earns rightful comparisons to the likes of Dick Diver, Twerps, and Real Estate. Warm acoustic guitars trickle over a chugging drum beat, with Zac Denton’s slacker vocals echoing the thoughts of every 20-something in the northern suburbs. “When I go to work everyone gets to hang out/ I wanna join them but I was told I have to work”. Amen.
Manor – ‘Architecture’
Caitlin Duff and Nathaniel Morse make up the Melbourne duo Manor, and their latest single is a brilliant slice of trancing, kaleidoscopic alt-pop. Duff’s hauntingly angelic vocals drift over a bass line rhythm reminiscent of Cold War Kids’ ‘Hang Me Up To Dry’ as the track rolls on in looping circles, creating a hazy psychedelic fog that leaves you with an easing head spin as it winds down to its peaceful end. Mastered in Brooklyn by Joe Lambert (Toro Y Moi, The National), ‘Architecture’ is a dazzling display from a promising young duo who continue to impress.
Kooyeh – ‘Mountain Top’
‘Mountain Top’ is the latest offering from the Melbourne nine-piece roots, reggae, soul group and it’s a blissful five minutes that commences with a little soundtrack of chirping birds to get you in the mood for the chilled grooves that kick in next. The laid back beats are accompanied perfectly by the lead vocals from Pookie Walker, along with the impression collection of beautiful harmonies throughout the whole track; the horn breakdown must get a mention as a mellow and sexy addition. Good vibes and great tune!
Northeast Party House – ‘Youth Allowance’
Northeast Party House are back with a track that one can only assume is about getting government money, as it’s aptly titled ‘Youth Allowance’, then possibly moaning a little about it or remembering the days when they had it and what they did with it (referring to the disco biscuits…). Sounding more like an early British dance band from the 90s mixed with early Bloc Party, the Melbourne group know how to write a banger with a whole bunch of interesting production from the siren like guitars, down to the vocal breakdowns, that sound like they could be sung through a megaphone.
Little Scout – March Over To Me
If the urgency of that title didn’t give the plot away, the throbbing twin engine of toms and chugging bass that open Little Scout’s second single will. ‘March Over To Me’, pooled from the album of the same name, also contains some neat yet needling guitars, a lung-gesturing chorus, and the forceful yet feline vocals of the Tickle sisters, Melissa and Kirsty, that will definitely (apologies) tickle your ear. Indie pop with cunning and grace.
