Lindsay Phillips Releases Bare Bones New Single

Melbourne singer-songwriter Lindsay Phillips strips it all back for his latest single “Only You (And The Lord),” the second to come from his forthcoming album Taedium Vitae.

The stripped back arrangement really highlights just how special Lindsay is. With little to distract us we focus on his rich voice and the lyrics he sings. I love the way his resonant voice interplays with the steel guitar.

It’s a real departure from the lush orchestration of the first single “Exile,” and personally I prefer this. There’s something so genuine and true about “Only You (And The Lord).” Colour me impressed.

Image used with permission from Show Off Recordings

N’fa Jones Back with “Wayooy”

N’fa Jones really impressed me when he burst onto our music scene with his hip hop act 1200 Techniques way back in 1997. The band fizzled out in 2005, but now N’fa’s back with a new swag of songs.

N’fa’s new single is “Wayooy,” a fun summer groove which features Roots Manuva and M-Phazes. You can download the track for free by entering your e-mail address into the widget above. I’m guessing that’ll add your details to N’fa’s e-mail list, which is a great way to stay in the loop with his music.

“Wayooy” comes from N’fa’s brand new EP Babylondon, which is scheduled to hit stores next March. It’s wonderful to have him back!

Skypilot Rock with Historically Inspired Single


I always thought that the best rock songs came out of unrequited love, lust, or a healthy dose of angst. However for Skypilot it seems key historical events work just as well.

The Brisbane band says their new single “Harold (You Sold Your Brother Down)” is about the relationship between King Harold Godwinson and his brother Tostig during the Battle of Hastings. These events happened way back in 1066, yet somehow the band has managed to interpret them in a fresh, modern way. The rich vocals are haunting, and I love the way they build to a haunting crescendo. It’s the kind of song I can imagine hearing in a big stadium, which may indicate where these guys are headed.

“Harold (You Sold Your Brother Down)” is our first taste of Skypilot’s forthcoming EP, which will hit stores in January.

Image used with permission from Paper Street Records

Saint Jude Impress with New Single

What do you get when the lads from Downhills Home, Little John, and Dynamo join forces? You get a band called Saint Jude, and some bloody good music.

The experience these musicians have behind them ensures this new act feels very seasoned. There’s something effortless about their new single “All Ways Were Lost” which is perfect for those listless summer days. I’m besotted by the jangly guitars, the seemingly casual harmonies, and the relaxed alt-country feel.

Saint Jude will launch “All Ways Were Lost” this Sunday night at Coburg’s Post Office Hotel. If the single’s any indication, anyone who can make it is in for an amazing night.

Image source: Saint Jude website copyright Amy Piesse

Mushu Back with “Traps”

Sydney band Mushu are back with their new single “Traps,” our first taste of the indie rock act’s forthcoming EP.

Since the release of their self-titled EP in 2010 the band has been honing their live show with gigs here and in North America, and I think that’s reflected in the single. It’s a bit darker than their previous material, but there’s a spontaneous energy that’s so infectious. I predict that fans of Nick Cave and Tom Waits are going to eat it up.

I’m really enjoying watching the progression of this local act. “Traps” is another stellar single which has me eagerly awaiting the release of that next EP next year.

Image used with permission from Mushu

Regurgitator Turning Japanese for “No Show” Single

Regurgitator have taken the cheat’s way out with their fun new film clip for “No Show.”

The single name is pretty appropriate, as the band members themselves were no shows for this clip. Instead they’ve relied on snippets from an old Japanese monster movie to back the single, a track from their brand new album Superhappyfuntimeswithfriends. Personally I’m happy to let them off the hook because that record title might just be the coolest I’ve heard all year.

The song is also pretty brilliant with its big crunchy chords and radio-friendly hooks. It reminds me just how much I missed Regurgitator’s quirky brand of pop. Have you?

The Tiger and Me Wow with “The Smoke”

The Tiger and Me blew me away with their last double A-side single “So Let It Go/The Little and Lost,” so I was thrilled to see what they’d serve up next. “The Smoke” is the latest helping from the band, an exquisite folky number that’s perhaps even better than their last offering.

The song comes from The Silent City, the second in a trilogy of recordings produced by Tasmanian composer Myles Mumford. The song builds so beautifully, from its stripped back twin harmonies to a lush sound featuring piano and horns. There’s a lot going on, but that intricacy never gets overwhelming.

Needless to say, I’m floored. That third EP can’t come soon enough; I need to hear more from The Tiger and Me. The Silent City hits the shelves of good record stores today.

Image used with permission from Show Off Services

The Demon Parade Back with “All The Cool Kids”

I haven’t heard anything from The Demon Parade since they released their debut EP God Said It’s Legal last year. But now they’re back on my radar with their new single “All The Cool Kids.”

The Melbourne lads are sticking to what works here, serving up more of the Brit-pop influence psychedelia that first turned my head. It might have been nice to see a little more growth, but this is clearly a band that knows its sound.

If you’re digging it you can catch The Demon Parade launching the single at the Phoenix Public House in Brunswick on November 25.

Made in Japan Show Us Sights & Sounds

Made in Japan are going from strength to strength since they were signed up to General Pants Co’s Major Label last April. They’re preparing to release their debut album Sights & Sounds next February, but are already giving fans a taste with the title track.

I love the tracks cruisy retro feel, which has me anticipating more. If it makes you feel that way too you can check out a few other songs at Made in Japan’s Bandcamp page.

Saskwatch Release Soulful New Single

Humpdays are always hard to handle, but they’re made a little easier with some sweet soul music. Saskwatch deliver just that with their new double A-side 7-incher “Don’t Wanna Try/Pushin’ Me Away.”

Saskwatch knows that not everyone has the old technology to play a 7-inch album, so you can listen to it digitally here. I love the way the single captures the duality of the band. “Don’t Wanna Try” is sweet and tender, while “Pushin’ Me Away” shows real spunk.

Saskwatch will celebrate the single’s release with two big shows at Fitzroy’s Workers Club on November 24 and 25. Presale tickets are just $10 and come with a complimentary CD, so make sure you get in early to score some free soul music!

Image used with permission from Show Off Services