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.
Milwaukee Banks – Deep Into The Night (Dot Dash / Remote Control Record)
It’s no secret that we’re long time fans of woozy-avant hip hop duo Milwaukee Banks. From their string of attention commanding singles and stunning music videos to their Rose Water EP in 2014, each release sees these guys nudge the bar a little higher when it comes to producing quality local hip hop, and their anticipated release of the debut LP Deep Into The Night is no exception.
Building upon the foundations of their acclaimed 2014 Rose Water, Deep Into The Night sees producer Edo craft a sound that encapsulates what’s so exciting about Australia’s rising underground of new electronica, while MC Dyl Thomas continues his reign as one of the country’s most enthralling lyricists. If you haven’t heard this LP yet – you’re really missing out.
Habits – Ugly Cry (Independent)
If you can find a more fascinating Aussie act than Melbourne duo HABITS we’d like to hear ’em. Producing self- described “sad goth party jams”, the local duo have released a five track EP filled to the brim with thoughtfully crafted electronic gems.
Garnering hype for their live shows and the release of their singles ‘Ether’ and ‘Reverend Mother’ in 2015, the release of Ugly Cry sees the two piece blow all those expectations out of the water with this, one of 2016’s most defining Aussie EP releases.
Lower Spectrum – New Haze (Pilerats)
Perth based (via Melbourne) producer Lower Spectrum is one of this country’s best kept music secrets. After releasing a string of impressive EPs, singles and remixes Ned Beckley is back at it with a brand new collection of minimal electronic gems on his EP New Haze.
Heady and sprawling, one incredibly fascinating element of Beckley’s output is the sheer consistency of his work. Following the release of his stunning 2014 EP Traces, this new collection of tracks picks up where Traces finished ebbing and flowing into new and unexpected terrains.
Nearly Oratorio – Tin (Solitaire Recordings)
Having garnered fans locally and internationally with his production work both in the studio and on stage with local acts I’lls and Kllo, Nearly Oratorio (aka Simon Lam) is now releasing his second solo EP.
It’s been about five years since Lam uploaded his first ever release as Nearly Oratorio: the stripped back, yet supremely sophisticated EP Showers. Like Showers this new effort Tin is incredibly striking in Lam’s trademark unassuming way. The five track effort encapsulates Lam’s indisputable talent as a song writer, performer, producer, mixer and everything in-between.
Summer Flake – Hello Friends (Rice Is Nice)
As we’ve reported, old mate Henry Rollins cannot get enough of Summer Flake, and if you spend just even the teeniest bit of time with the Adelaide project’s latest release Hello Friends it’s pretty clear why.
Following on from the release of the buoyant but melancholy single ‘Wine Won’t Wash Away’ Hello Friends is the perfect balance of delicately crafted yet not overthought guitar pop gems. Having performed in a swag of iconic local bands in the past, the woman behind Summer Flake, Stephanie Crease is undoubtedly one of this country’s most important songwriters of recent years, spend some time with Hello Friends and see what we (and uncle Hank) are on about.
Ribongia – Escapisms (Independent)
Recently Italian born/Sydney based producer Ribongia was hand picked by Hermitude to join them on their massive EU tour and listening to his EP Escapisms it’s pretty clear why you’d want this guy kicking off your parties.
Featuring chilled out tropical dance numbers with more world-music infused bangers, Escapisms is a proper escape into the psyche of the well-travelled producer. Escapisms is Ribongia’s celebration of native African cultures such as Azonto, Gqom and Shaangan electro, both mind-opening and addictively danceable it has something for every keen electronic music lover.
Man Made Mountain – Congo Square (House Of Beige)
Local genre-pushing hip hop duo Man Made Mountain are releasing their brand new EP Congo Square via Remi and Sensible J’s burgeoning label House of Beige. This EP is made up of hip hop, jazz, soul, spoken word, and instrumental tracks spanning a whopping 14 tracks.
Comprised of ARIA Award winning producer Billy Hoyle and vocalist Cazeaux O.S.L.O. Man Made Mountain draw upon their spiritual connection with the sounds of Brazil which they combine with their undeniable knack for crafting soulful, laid back hip hop journeys that both uplift and challenge the boundaries of hip hop.
Beni Bjah – SURViVOR (Independent)
What a couple of months is has been for Aussie hip hop releases! Another title to add to your already stacked ‘new local hip hop’ playlist is the latest LP from Perth lyricist and rap talent Beni Bjah.
Having won WAM’s acclaimed ‘song of the year’ award for the LP title track ‘Survivor’, Bjah has dropped a collection of socially conscious, politically charged gut punching Australian hip hop. Telling his life story from struggle and pain, to strength and glory, from a nothing with no one, to that someone with everything, SURViVOR is an incredibly powerful effort from this West Australian talent.
