Melbourne quintet Minibikes have put a big smile on my face with “Oh Japan,” the second track lifted from their forthcoming debut album For Woods or Trails.
I’m hearing a little Elvis Costello in this quirky pop gem, which can only be a good thing. The single should tide fans over until that album drops on September 14. Has it give your Friday a lift?
Melbourne singer-songwriter Dune is making a big impression with her debut single “Shoestring.”
Or at least, this is Dune’s first release as Dune. If she sounds seasoned, it’s because she is. Underneath all those bandages it’s the artist formerly known as Jade McRae. Remember her pop music fans?
Jade’s reinvention is about more than just a new name. “Shoestring” is a world away from the mainstream R’n’B I remember her for. It’s got a catchy pop sound, but it’s paired with some compelling tribal beats. She hasn’t relied on outside knowhow to make the song either; the whole thing’s entirely self produced.
Something tells me Dune’s going to be one of those artists we just can’t ignore. Get in on the ground up when she launches the single at two very special launch shows. She’ll play for her hometown at The Workers Club on August 30 before heading to Sydney’s Upstairs Beresford Hotel the following night.
Red Ink are preparing to tour their catchy new single “Euphoria,” our first taste of their forthcoming new single The Colour Age. They’ll play the major capitals in support of the song.
It’s such a great track, carefully crafted with a killer pop sensibility. It’s amazing to think it was originally conceived in Red Ink’s early days, and only dug out of the archives recently. Thank goodness it was! I also love the film clip, which is a moving look at the polarities of life.
If you dig the song make sure you head to iTunes or Spotify as it’s currently available as a free download. And of course get to the following shows!
3 August 2012 – CATS @ Rocket Bar, Adelaide
17 August 2012 – Ding Dong Lounge, Melbourne
6 September 2012 – Cobra Kai @ Oh Hello, Brisbane
8 September 2012 – Upstairs Beresford Hotel, Sydney
I, a Man are celebrating the release of their dreamy new single “The Scenic Route” with an East Coast tour.
The song has such a lush quality, with jangly guitars, hypnotic drum beats, and Daniel Moss’ easy vocals. It’s definitely the kind of tune that can blast you out of a winter funk.
The accompanying tour will be your last chance to catch I, a Man for a while, as the band are heading into hibernation to write and record their debut album. We should see that in stores in the first half of next year.
I, a Man kick off their Scenic Route tour tonight in Geelong. Here are all the places you can catch them in the coming weeks:
19 July 2012 – Beavs Bar, Geelong
21 July 2012 – Ding Dong Lounge, Melbourne
26 July 2012 – Lambda, Alhambra
29 July 2012 – Dan & Ash Acoustic @ Pure Pop Records, St Kilda
2 August 2012 – The Front Gallery and Café, Canberra
4 August 2012 – Kittens @ The Spectrum, Sydney
I’ve fallen hard for the charms of Melbourne singer-songwriter Elle Skies, and I’m pretty sure you will too when you hear her new single “City.”
I must admit, I missed Elle when she released her debut EP Skyscraper back in 2006, but I won’t make the same mistake with this release. It earned the songstress rave reviews and first prize in a British song-writing competition. If City’s any indication of the calibre of songs she’s assembled for her new EP, she can expect plenty more praise.
“City” is such an endearingly upbeat number. It’s quirky but in such an honest way. Its hooks draw you in, and Elle’s sweet vocals keep on there. The vibrant time-lapse stop-motion animated video is a gorgeously colourful accompaniment.
Has “City” put a smile on your face?
“Wooden Chair” is the latest single lifted from Angus Stone’s solo outing Broken Brights.
It’s not going to blow anyone’s mind, but it’s a solid little piece of folk pop. The music video’s also really sweet, with footage of Angus hanging out in the country with his dog. Adorable. I can’t imagine this will be the track to attract new fans, but I’m sure anyone who adored Angus’ work with his sister Julia will be satisfied by it.
Broken Brights is in Australian stores today. It gets a UK and European release on the 16th, and hits American stores on the 17th.
Vulpes Vulpes burst out of the gate with their first single “Mirrorvine.”
“Mirrorvine” is a bit rough around the edges, but I think this is a really exciting debut. There’s a touch of Nick Cave about the resonant vocals in the verses, and an intensity that’s hypnotic. The balance isn’t quite right in places, where the instrumentation starts to overwhelm the lyrics, but it’s early days.
And for a band that’s still green, Vulpes Vulpes are impressing all the right people. They’ve only been together for a year, but they’ve already played Canberra’s Foreshore festival and earned some great reviews for their debut EP Vol-pez Vol-pez.
Vulpes Vulpes are the kind of band that’s bound to do their best work on the stage, so if you like what you’ve seen make sure you catch them at their forthcoming Sydney shows. They’ll play the FBi Social Club on July 14, and Oxford Arts Factory on August 17.
Mia Dyson’s offered us our first taste of her forthcoming album The Moment in the form of her brand new single, “When the Moment Comes.”
The song sees Mia in fine form, with her trademark rasp bleeding all over the lyrics of her first official single release in four years. It seems she’s relished the chance to record in her new American home base. If this killer cut is any indication of what we can expect when The Moment hits stores on August 17, we’re in for a real treat.
Mia will enjoy a homecoming later this year with local shows to promote The Moment. If you’ve missed her, make sure you show your support at one of the following gigs:
24 Aug 2012 – Tanks Arts Centre, Cairns
7 September 2012 – Old Hepburn Hotel, Hepburn Springs
12 September 2012 – Brisbane Festival @ Spiegeltent, Brisbane
14 September 2012 – Lizotte’s, Newcastle
15 September 2012 – Notes Live, Sydney
16 September 2012 – The Abbey, Canberra
21 September 2012 – Republic Bar, Hobart
22 September 2012 – Corner Hotel, Melbourne
6 October 2012 – Lizotte’s, Kincumber NSW
27 October 2012 – Sydney Blues Festival, Sydney
8 November 2012 – Mojos, Fremantle
9 November 2012 – Bridgetown Blues, Bridgetown
Love Migrate’s single “Plagued Are All My Thoughts” is one of those songs that finds its way under your skin.
I began listening to the Melbourne band’s song wondering where it was heading. It sounded nice enough, but it didn’t have any hooks to grab me. I continued to tune in, but I was sure I wouldn’t write about it. It just didn’t spark with me.
But then something changed as it built. I began to realise the beauty of this slow burner. It’s not a song about instant gratification, but it wraps around you and doesn’t let go. The song takes its time, so make sure you take yours and give it a proper listen.
San Cisco brings more good vibes with their latest single “Rocket Ship.”
The cheerful tunes from this Fremantle duo have a way of getting underneath your skin, and this song’s no exception. It’s every bit as catchy as their breakthrough song” Awkward,” with a driving African drum beat and simple singalong chorus that you’ll be humming long after you hear it.
The film clip is just as much fun, with off the wall footage captured by director Matt Saville around San Cisco’s hometown.
“Shooting Rocket Ship was really fun,” explained San Cisco singer Jordi Davieson. ”It was like a day in the life of San Cisco. We hung out with friends and family and did some crazy stuff, some legal, some not so. I have no idea who that is jumping off the bridge!”
Rocket Ship comes from San Cisco’s acclaimed EP Awkward. If you’re hanging out for new music, don’t worry. San Cisco are currently recording their debut album. Until then, this fresh music video should tide you over!