High Tropics Release Indie-Rock Banger “Feel The Same”

Queensland’s own High Tropics have released the indie rock song you’re bound to find yourself singing all day. Their new single “Feel the Same” is ridiculously catchy with a nostalgic feel that quickly gets under your skin.

Singer and songwriter Josh Stewart says the song is about “finally reaching that goal or milestone you’ve been chasing, only to find that nothing has changed at all.”

And haven’t we all been there! 2018 was a massive year for High Tropics, who represented Australia in the Project Aloft Star Asia competition in South Korea and got us all streaming “You Never Made it Easy” and “Wait for You.”

High Tropics promise they’ll play shows around the country in the coming months. In the meantime, they’ve announced they’ll be at Sydney’s Oxford Art Factory on May 25.

Image used with permission from Good Intent

Reynier’s “Lukewarm” is Red Hot

Gold Coast electronic artist Jordan Burns, making music under the moniker Reynier, has just dropped a fresh new track “Lukewarm,” the second single from his forthcoming EP Surrender.

“This is one of the more upbeat songs on the upcoming EP,” Reynier explained. “This song has an uplifting and positive energy to it. When listening I can imagine people on each other’s shoulders, in a crowd at a festival all singing along and grooving out.”

The dreamy single sees Reynier collaborating with singer-songwriter KESMAR, who believes working with artists like Jordan is a vital part of his creative process.

“It can be so refreshing working with someone new, and especially when working with someone as talented as Jordan,” he said.

Surrender will be released in April. If the tracks I’ve heard so far are any indication, Reynier has a bright future ahead.

Mechanical Pterodactyl on Comeback Trail With “Strike Up a Match”

Melbourne multi-instrumentalist Yen Nguyen hasn’t released material under his alias Mechanical Pterodactyl for seven long years. But as they say, some things are worth waiting for. He’s breaking his silence with a new single “Strike Up a Match,” a cool track which explores the monotony of being stuck in a familiar grind. Could it be more appropriate for Wednesday?

I love the way Yen’s dark brooding vocals interplay with the sweeter sound of his guest single Jenny Lee. Her angelic voice really elevates this already strong single.

“Strike Up a Match” comes from Mechanical Pterodactyl’s forthcoming sophomore album Timelapse.

Image used with permission from The Right Profile

Every Low Spark “Joy”

Andrew Samuel has teamed up with Ryan Brennan from Phantastic Ferniture for an exciting new musical venture called Every Low. Their first offering is “Joy,” a darkly romantic ditty that makes me really excited about the music to come.

“Joy” is the first cut from Every Low’s forthcoming EP. These Sydney musicians are such talents in their own right, and together it seems they’re only going from strength to strength.

Mantell Provide Midweek Pick-Me-Up With “Set It Right”

Hump-days are notoriously hard work, but this new track from Mantell should get you through. “Can I Set It Right” is a feel-good slice of indie-rock in the vein of The Kooks and The Strokes. It’s got an appealing raw spontaneity about it, so I wasn’t surprised to read the Melbourne band wrote, recorded, and produced the track in their home studio/garage.

They haven’t come across my radar before, but Mantell has actually been at this music caper since 2013. I love that they haven’t been overly polished in that time though. Their rough edges are a big part of their appeal.

More of this please!

Image used with permission from the A&R Department

The Avenue Kicks Off East Coast Tour Tonight

One of my favourite things about working from home is the ability to take a dance break. Never underestimate the power of a few minutes dancing with wild abandon to clear your head and recharge your batteries. With Melbourne indie rockers The Avenue kicking off their EP tour tonight, it seems only fitting that their latest single “suburbs.cities.towns” was my soundtrack today.

The track comes from The Avenue’s third EP BODIES, an exciting collection of songs in the vein of international sensations like The 1975 and LANY. Listening to the EP, I know these shows will be incredible fun. Join in and enjoy your own dance break at the following gigs.

28 February 2019 – Frankie’s Pizza, Sydney (FREE)
1 March 2019 – Netherworld, Brisbane (FREE)
22 March 2019 – Old Bar, Melbourne

Image used with permission from Beehive PR

Patrick James Releases Stellar New Single “Up” Ahead of EP & Tour

With Patrick James’ new EP What We’re Fighting For set for release, there’s no better time to wrap your ears around his latest single, “Up.”

I’ve been following Patrick’s career for some time, and I think he’s getting better and better. This single is so polished, with mature lyrics and a great sound combining classic piano pop with modern electronic influences.

This single’s release has me counting down the days until the EP lands on March 8. Patrick will give us a little time to familiarise ourselves with his new material before heading off on an East Coast tour. Tickets are on sale now through his website.

6 April 2019 – The Lansdowne, Sydney
12 April 2019 – Workers Club, Melbourne
18 April 2019 – Black Bear Lodge, Brisbane

Image used with permission from GYROstream

Put On Your Dancing Shoes For Germein’s Shiny New Single

Adelaide sister trio Germein are making serious waves overseas. Last year they supported Little Mix around the United Kingdom and played major international festivals like Kimiko and Isle of Wight. But there’s nothing quite like being back on home soil. Their latest track “Red Rover” is about that unmistakeable feeling of being reunited with the ones you love, and it’s absolute pop bliss.

“’Red Rover’ for us is about coming home after being away for a long time, and that cool moment when you finally get to run into the arms of your favourite people,” they said. “As a band we spend a lot of time on the road touring – which we love – but there’s always something pretty special about going home.”

Germein have a couple of local shows before they jet off again. Catch them at The Toff in Melbourne tonight or The Gov in Adelaide on February 28.

Gothum and the Noise Pollution Wow Me With “The Curse of the True Romance”

Melbourne-raised, New York based act Gothum and the Noise Pollution have given me goosebumps with their stellar new folk single “The Curse of the True Romance.”

This doesn’t sound like a debut single. It’s far too confident for that. The lyrics about the constant interplay between the heart and head during a long distance breakup really resonate.

“It’s about loving someone with no logical step forward because life is sending you in different directions. Hollywood and society tell us that love can conquer all, but sometimes the circumstances are set against you, sometimes love is not enough.” Gothum explained.

Those lyrics come from the heart and Gothum’s own experiences letting go of someone special while pursuing his musical dreams in the United States. The song was recorded, mixed, and mastered here at Melbourne’s Sonic Fingerprint Studios.

If Gothum and the Noise Pollution can release songs this good at the start of their musical journey, I can’t wait to hear what comes next.

Image used with permission from the A&R Department

The Phazes Tease New EP With “Control My Radar” Release

Sydney indie rockers The Phazes’ new single “Control My Radar” has me pretty excited about their sophomore EP Manners.

The track has a dirty, classic sound that reminds me of UK bands like Stereophonics, Arctic Monkeys, and Oasis. With big chunky guitars and a singalong chorus, “Control My Radar” makes a strong statement about the direction this band’s heading.

Manners will drop on March 1, a couple of weeks ahead of their March 16 launch party at Brighton Up Bar in Darlinghurst.

Image used with permission from Firestarter Music