New Navy Spread Good Vibes with “Regular Town”

It might be grey and miserable in my part of Australia, but New Navy have reminded me that summer is on its way with their brand new single “Regular Town.”

This is the ideal warm weather soundtrack, with its African-inspired percussion and cheerful, upbeat melody. It also marks the first official performance from the band’s brand new frontman Luke O’Loughlin. His warm vocals show he’s a worthy replacement for Ben McInerny.

“Regular Town” is released digitally today.

Image used with permission from Remote Control Records

Tom Busby and Pals are Good Oak

When he’s not singing with his mate Jeremy Marou in the acclaimed folk outfit Busby Marou, Tom Busby is playing music with his housemates in the brand new band Good Oak.

Good Oak began when Tom, Brett Gibson, and Stephen Ryan began jamming over a couple of beers. They soon realised they had something pretty special, so now they’re taking their music to the masses.

This is pure music, without the technology or modern frills. Their three-part harmonies are sublime.

In this electronic press kit you can hear a bit of Good Oak’s first single “Fill My Cup.” It gives us a taste of what’s in store when Good Oak release their debut EP early next year. If this EPK’s any indication, that recording’s going to be something special.

Aussie Expat Jess Harlen’s “Weaving”

Jess Harlen is another Aussie making good abroad. She’s currently splitting her time between Brisbane and Boston, but Jess filmed her latest clip in Chinatown, New York.

“Weaving” doesn’t exactly jump out at you, but it’s got a cruisy soulfulness that gets underneath your skin. I found myself humming along by the end of it. The appearance of acclaimed krump dancer HallowDreamz earns the clip extra points.

Dan & Hannah Acfield Back with “Lonely Robot”

Talented siblings Dan and Hannah Acfield are back with a brand new EP, Turning a Page.

The recording features the brand new single “Lonely Robot.” It’s another gorgeous cut with soaring vocals and a beautiful melody. I love Dan’s voice, but it’s even more beautiful when it joins with Hannah’s harmonies near the end of the tune.

Dan and Hannah are currently promoting Turning a Page with shows around the country. You can still catch them at The Newsagency in Sydney on November 30 and Barsoma in Brisbane on December 2.

Wires Look for Short Term Pleasures

Friday’s winding down and we’re ready to kick up our heels and usher in the weekend. So it seems like the perfect time to introduce you to “Short Term Pleasures,” the fun new single from Sydney act Wires.

This song is so playfully self deprecating, I love it. If only most guys were so honest in bars, right girls? It might save us all a lot of heartache!

“Short Term Pleasures” comes from Wires’ debut EP Hold On To Me Now, which in the very best record stores now.

The Townhouses Impress with Asylum Seekers Ode, Diaspora

I’m floored by “Diaspora,” the stunning new single from The Townhouses. Fellow Sydney act Guerre lends his talents to this beautiful haunting track.

“Diaspora is made up of questions – it’s an open letter to refugees coming to, and currently living in, Australia,” the musicians explained. “The victimisation of asylum seekers by the Australian media and political institutions is a deplorable smudge in an already tainted history of ‘tolerance’ in our country. I want my people to ensure the pain of leaving what refugees devastatingly left behind is not amplified due to our own reluctance and ignorance, to provide an inclusive supportive community, and to learn from our past mistakes. I hope this song helps, even just a little, in looking forward from here.”

“Diaspora” is the second single and title track from The Townhouses forthcoming album, which will hit stores on November 20. What do you think of it?

Image used with permission from Yes Please Records

Sleep Decade Back with “Mexico”

With their debut album Into Spinning Lights now in stores, we can see the dreamy romanticism Sleep Decade showcased on their debut single “Bicycle” was no flash in the pan.

There’s that same gentle vibe and poetic lyrics in the current single “Mexico.” Some music lovers might demand more light and shade, but I was so impressed with the first offering that I don’t mind the consistency. Perhaps we should just say this Melbourne band knows itself and its creative vision!

Needless to say, I can’t wait to wrap my ears around the rest of Into Spinning Lights. I’m also a bit jealous that Melbourne gets an afternoon launch show at the Northcote Social Club on November 18. Hopefully we see them playing around the rest of the country soon!

Hear Tomas Strode & The Tour Guides Single First!

Tomas Strode & The Tour Guides blew me away with their EP The Cat & The Fiddle. When I reviewed it way back in May, I remarked that I couldn’t wait to hear what comes next from the band.

Happily they’ve listened and offered me a sneak peek of their debut album Graceful Mistake. The single “The Sword” doesn’t hit iTunes until November 16, but you can hear it first here!

Needless to say, I’m just as in love with “The Sword” and the B-side “Cavalry Train” as I was with the EP tunes. Despite just recording their first album, Tomas Strode & The Tour Guides is a band that seems really comfortable in its sound. I’m definitely digging this. How about you?

Image used with permission from Tomas Strode & The Tour Guides

Eagle and the Worm Go Retro

Melbourne’s Eagle and The Worm have released a killer new clip to promote their latest single “Give Me Time,” the first lifted from their brand new EP Strangelove.

I’ve got to admit, the song feels a little bland in comparison to the brassy party tunes we heard on their debut album GoodTimes. However the video is so strong that it makes up for the fairly mediocre tune.

The clip was filmed on location at Melbourne’s Caribbean Rollerama. It stars former Neighbours actor Matthew Werkmeister as a roller-skating sex symbol, although he’s not doing all the fancy footwork. That’s the genius of Jayson Sutcliffe, 2004 artistic inline world champion. It seems he’s kept his skills up!

What do you think of the clip?

Hunting Grounds Release “Star Shards”

Hunting Grounds debut album In Hindsight just won’t quit. The band has released another single, “Star Shards.”

“Star Shards” is the third song lifted from In Hindsight, and it’s set to be another radio favourite. I love its anthemic quality and dreamy reverb drench guitars. The video, directed by Ballarat’s own Vegadeet Films, is also pretty brilliant. Who would have thought a scrap metal yard would be the perfect venue for an epic hockey match?

Hunting Grounds will support the release of “Star Shards” at a handful of shows before joining the Big Day Out tour this summer.

3 November 2012 – Bradbury Oval, Campbelltown (FREE)
5 November 2012 – Vault 8 @ Banana Alley, Melbourne
18 January 2012 – Big Day Out @ Sydney Showgrounds, Sydney
20 January 2012 – Big Day Out @ Gold Coast Parklands, Gold Coast
25 January 2012 – Big Day Out @ Adelaide Showgrounds, Adelaide
26 January 2012 – Big Day Out @ Flemington Racecourse, Melbourne
28 January 2012 – Big Day Out @ Claremont Showgrounds, Perth