I wasn’t aware that they’d gone anywhere, but Sydney indie rockers Hedge Fund are announcing they’re back on the scene with their new single “Look Who’s Back.” It’s the follow-up to their 2014 singles “Outta Sight” and “Object of my Affection,” which both earned attention from Triple J.
“Look Who’s Back” has got a real cool retro vibe that reminds me of The Cure meets New Order. It was clearly a labour of the love for the band, whose vocalist Will Colvin also served as producer. What do you think of the song?
Category: Releases
Brace Yourself for Bill Parton Trio’s “Stalker Man”
Bill Parton Trio’s new music video for “Stalker Man” does warn viewers that it contains explicit content, but I didn’t quite expect the overweight naked man eating an apple that greeted me in the clip. The funny thing is, I’m not even sure that he’s the most disturbing man in this music video.
It’s the brainchild of award-winning film maker Tim Pine, who’s now worked with the South Australian outfit four times. And according to the band, they’re planning to collaborate again at least once more before the year’s out.
I like “Stalker Man” and its clip, but they’ve also thoroughly creeped me out. Right about now I’m thrilled that I’m happily coupled up and not out there dating!
Héloise Speaks to me with “This is Home”
It’s kind of appropriate that the first song that’s caught my attention since returning home and getting back to blogging is called “This is Home.” Héloise’s latest single officially dropped yesterday, but it’s already caught the ears of critics who awarded it the major prize at the 2014 Melbourne Music Bank. As part of the prize the song was rerecorded at Sing Sing Studios, a process which has given it the spit and polish it deserves.
I like that Sing Sing didn’t try to do too much to this song. It’s still got an earthy, organic folkiness, a purity that lets the lyrics and Héloise’s lovely voice shine. Those lyrics really speak to me. Héloise is Tasmanian born and bred, but the creative culture of her adopted home of Melbourne, the place she now calls home, inspired the tune. I felt the same way coming back to the Central Coast this week. I was raised in Newcastle and there’s part of me that will always be in the Steel City, but getting back to this place where I laid down roots and bought a house was pretty special.
Héloise will launch “This is Home” at Melbourne’s Workers Club on April 30. She’ll release her debut EP later this year.
In Hearts Wake Release Doco Ahead of Skydancer Release
Byron Bay metalcore act In Hearts Wake are set to release their new album Skydancer, a companion piece to last year’s Earthwalker. Both albums were actually recorded in the same session back in 2013. Skydancer’s release was hinted at last year, when a hidden booklet in the Earthwalker CD contained the lyrics to current single “Breakaway,” but fans didn’t really know what they were until now.
I was fascinated to hear vocalist Jake Taylor talking about the relationship between the masculine and feminine worlds that inspired this twin release. At close to nine minutes, the documentary accompanying Skydancer’s release might be a little long for an internet audience, but it makes for compelling viewing. Seriously, grab yourself a cup of tea and check it out.
Skydancer will hit stores on May 1. In Hearts Wake will celebrate the album’s release with the following shows.
28 May 2015 – The Triffid, Brisbane (Under 18)
29 May 2015 – The Triffid, Brisbane (18+)
30 May 2015 – Roundhouse, Sydney (Licensed/All Ages)
31 May 2015 – Magpies, Canberra (Licensed/All Ages)
2 June 2015 – YMCA HQ, Perth (All Ages)
3 June 2015 – Metropolis, Fremantle (18+)
4 June 2015 – HQ, Adelaide (Licensed/All Ages)
5 June 2015 – 170 Russell, Melbourne (18+)
6 June 2015 – Arrows, Melbourne (All Ages)
Gang of Youths Bowl Me Over with “Radioface”
You know those times when you hear a song and it’s so good that you’re convinced the album’s going to be amazing? I’m feeling that way after listening to “Radioface,” the anthemic lead single from Gang of Youths’ forthcoming album The Positions.
The album comes from some heavy stuff. It was original conceived as a passion project detailing frontman David Le’aupepe’s four-year relationship with a woman battling stage 4 cancer. The songs are personal, gritty, and real, and I can’t wait to listen to them.
I’ll be able to do that when The Positions hits stores on April 17. It’ll be available for digital download and on CD and vinyl with exclusive B-sides, rarities, and other goodies.
Image used with permission from Spark and Opus
Dex Releases Fly Tune
One of the greatest things about the Australian hip hop scene is that it remembers what the genre should be about. Most American rappers might care more about bling and bitches, but our local acts are penning poignant songs with real substance.
The latest of this new breed is Dex, a 16-year-old wunderkind from Melbourne. He loves Bliss & Eso and Hilltop Hoods, but he’s no copycat. With his new single “Fly” he showcases his gift for crafting heartfelt lyrics and delivering cutting rhymes. He’s not just good for 16; he’s just good.
“Fly” comes from Dex’s mixtape Something to Say, which drops on April 20. He’ll launch it with shows at Fitzroy’s Laundry Bar on April 10 and 11.
Hiatus Kaiyote Wow Me With “Breathing Underwater”
Melbourne act Hiatus Kaiyote are still largely unknown here, but their debut album Tawk Tomahawk spawned a Grammy nominated single “Nakamarra” and earned the respect of music heavyweights like Prince, Pharrell, and Erykah Badu.
Maybe they’ll get the attention they deserve at home with album number two, Choose Your Weapon, which drops next month. It features the amazing single “Breathing Underwater.” I must admit, I wasn’t sure about it when I first listened, but give it some time and let it build. It’s brilliant.
We’ll find out just how good the rest of the new album is when Choose Your Weapon is released on May 1.
Betty & Oswald Wow Me with “King of Bohemia”
I hear a lot of music, but I can’t remember hearing anything quite like “King of Bohemia,” the new single from Sydney duo Betty & Oswald.
It’s retro and jazzy, but also so much grungier and dirtier than anything you’d hear at a smoky speakeasy. That grittiness makes it feel completely fresh, while its classic influences make it instantly accessible.
In short, I want to hear more. If you do too, make sure you catch Betty & Oswald as they travel around the country next month in support of “King of Bohemia.”
10 April 2015 – Brighton Up Bar, Sydney
11 April 2015 – The Brewery, Wollongong (FREE)
17 April 2015 – Sooki Lounge, Belgrave (FREE)
18 April 2015 – The Espy, Melbourne (FREE)
22 April 2015 – Lass O’Gowrie, Newcastle (FREE)
23 April 2015 – No. 5 Church St, Bellingen NSW
25 April 2015 – Miami Marketta, Gold Coast (FREE)
26 April 2015 – The Milk Factory, Brisbane (FREE)
Adventure Land, Not Just Another Pop-Rock Act
Pop-rock almost got to be a dirty word for a while there. It started to describe music that was accessible but bland, background music that satisfied people who listened to solely to commercial radio. So when I saw the term “pop-rockers” on Adventure Land’s press release I braced myself for a whole lot of beige. But these guys do it right with their new single “Put Your Money Where Your Mouth Is.”
Perhaps it’s because their music is entirely self-funded. They’ve had to struggle a little bit, and that shows in the music. They actually formed five years ago, when they were teenagers, and they’ve just been slogging away, learning their craft and evolving as artists.
“Our previous stuff was like a plate of chocolate brownies at fat camp: sweet, dense and would go pretty fast,” explained Tim Dennis. “Our new stuff is like a New York deli sandwich, more diverse, easier to sink your teeth into and overall more satisfying.”
Apparently Adventure Land put on one hell of a live show, so if you’re in Brisbane and over 18 make sure you head to The Zoo on April 11 for the single launch.
Image used with permission from AAA Entertainment
Art of Sleeping Tour “Voodoo”
After wowing crowds with their Crazy tour earlier this year, Art of Sleeping are set to do it all again with a tour to celebrate their awesome new single “Voodoo.”
Perhaps fittingly considering its title, there’s a really dark, tribal feel to this track. It perfectly captures that angst and out-of-control longing that comes with a love gone wrong.
Fans will get a sneak peek at Art of Sleeping’s forthcoming debut album at the following Voodoo shows. Tickets are on sale now.
5 June 2015 – Transit Bar, Canberra
6 June 2015 – Oxford Art Factory, Sydney
12 June 2015 – Corner Hotel, Melbourne
13 June 2015 – Jive, Adelaide
18 June 2015 – Mojos, Fremantle
19 June 2015 – Prince of Wales, Bunbury
20 June 2015 – Aplifier, Perth
26 June 2015 – Sol Bar, Maroochydore
27 June 2015 – Triffid Hanger, Brisbane
Image used with permission from Dew Process