We listen to a lot of music here at Tone Deaf HQ, and we’re the first to admit we’re perhaps a little biased towards sounds of the Australian variety. We do make the best music in the world, after all.
In honouring our favourite Aussies, we’ve once again compiled a list of the most outstanding local releases you should be listening to right now – whether they’re smaller indies acts or big-name essentials, these are the newest Australian records you should be adding to your ‘must-listen’ list.
Let’s get started.
Hoodlem – Hoodlem (Caroline)
Local duo Hoodlem have been winning hearts with their refreshing and experimental take on hip hop and electronic pop for a little while now. After copping serious critical acclaim from tastemakers MTV, NYLON, Noisey, MTV, Fader and Pigeons and Planes, plus tours across Europe and North America and organically accumulating hundreds of thousands of plays on Soundcloud they’re now ready to quench our Hoodlem thirst with the release of their self-titled EP.
With meticulously crafted, yet still relaxed production cleverly chaotic melodies, the EP which is out now via Caroline Records, the EP cements the band as definite ‘ones to watch’ – the hype it legit.
The Drones – Feelin Kinda Free (TFS Records)
As our writer David Couri explains “‘The best songs are like bad dreams…’ is as much a prophecy as it is an opening lyric. It’s (Gareth) Liddiard firing a warning shot ever so slightly over your head. The kind of slap that stings the back of your neck and the pit of your stomach all at once. If the best songs are, indeed, like bad dreams, then Feelin Kinda Free sees The Drones offering up a sweaty nightmare.”
This ‘sweaty nightmare’ is The Drones’ seventh studio album, their first since the iconic 2013’s I See Seaweed, and potentially their most gut punching LP yet. “As an overall picture it’s a really good representation of where the band are at the moment…” percussionist Chris Strybosch told us in a recent interview, and fuck it’s great.
Good Boy – No Love For Back Home (Independent)
Fresh off the back of performing at St Jeromes Laneway Festival in Brisbane, and then playing to a capacity crowd at their hometown venue The Foundry. Indie rockers Good Boy have just released their brand new EP and what a killer intro to the band it is.
Titled No Love For Back Home the EP comes after copping some serious radio accolades including play from triple j, RRR,FBI and 4ZZZ and sell out launch shows around the country. Give the EP a spin and see for yourself just what the fuss is about.
The Goon Sax – Up To Anything (Chapter)
We’ve been in love with Brissy trio The Goon Sax for a little while thanks to their uncanny knack for crafting endearingly guitar pop gems. Having signed last year to Chapter on the strength of an unsolicited demo, (the first time that has ever happened in the label’s history), the young collective have gone on to slay critics’ hearts internationally and play with the likes of US Girls, Twerps, Blank Realm and Crayon Fields, and nabbed a spot on Brisbane Laneway Festival earlier this year.
Comprising of Louis Forster, James Harrison and Riley Jones, have recently dropped their debut LP Up To Anything. Riding a down tempo wave of both laconic wit and painful longing it’s an absolutely stunning effort from a band talented beyond their years.
Eastward – Laurie Came Home (Independent)
Following his stunning singles ‘Golden Morning’ and ‘Old Green Thumb’ Melbourne master of trip-hop, funk, indie folk, and everything in between, Eastward has just recently dropped his impressive new EP and it’s worth paying attention to.
Recorded at Mini-700 studios in Melbourne for Omelette Records and mixed by Steve Schram (Eagle and the Worm, Paul Kelly, San Cisco) and mastered by William Bowden (Gotye, Hermitude, Empire of the Sun), Laurie Came Home sees the multi-talented solo artist push his sonic boundaries to create something truly special.
Psychic Sun – Death Rattle (Independent)
Get pumped because local fuzz rockers band Psychic Sun have unleashed their second album Death Rattle, out now via Bandcamp. Blending psych-based textures with supercharged grit and dirt, this new album, which we have the pleasure of premiering today really defines the band’s live energy and showcases their unshakable DIY work ethic.
Recorded by the group at Wollongong’s Silversound Studios, Death Rattle builds upon the unique style and atmosphere Psychic Sun created in their earlier efforts – big riffs, melodic hooks and spaced-out, otherworldly sounds shape the journey of this hold holds barred release.
