Meeanjin/Brisbane emo rockers Bad Neighbour have blown me away with “Mean Faces,” the opening track from their forthcoming sophomore album Burns From the X-rays. It starts at barely a whisper, drawing you in until those electric guitars kick in and the emotional intensity lifts.
After choice collabs with Urthboy, A.B. Original, Hilltop Hoods, and heaps more, MARLON has finally unveiled his debut solo single “Blood in the Water.” It’s an R&B-infused pop banger in the vein of The Weeknd and Jason Derulo. But beyond that infectious sound, there are some serious lyrics worth listening to.
I can never resist some quality angry girl pop. So you can bet I’m blasting “TINY TSHIRTS,” the latest single from queer Western Australian artist Rosalie Chilvers. It’s angsty, energetic, and oh so good!
If you’re not already across Laura Adeline’s music, her latest single “Acquainted” is the perfect introduction. A sublime mix of R&B and pop sounds, this track shows off Laura Adeline’s heavenly voice and knack for relatable storytelling.
Western Sydney artist FRIDAY* flips the classic love song formula on its head with the release of his latest single “just you.” Its sweet lyrics don’t reinvent the wheel, but sonically this track really steps up. FRIDAY* has created a layered sound which blends elements of shoegaze, pop, and New Jack Swing. They’re not natural bedfellows, but somehow the combination works!
Chilean-Australian artist ELAURA has blown me away with her latest single “LDDWYD.” Short for Love Don’t Do What You Did, this is a vulnerable neo-soul track that breaks all the rules. It’s one of those songs that keeps you guessing instead of relying on obvious hooks and runs to engage listeners. It’s so original, so bold, and an exciting taste of ELAURA’s forthcoming EP.
Joan & the Giants have really impressed me with their latest single, “Mamma Don’t Cry,” a beautiful alt-pop track about family bonds, resilience, and metamorphosis. Few artists are prepared to be as honest as frontwoman Grace Newton-Wordsworth, who wrote this song about confiding in her mother that she was in an abusive relationship.
Naarm/Melbourne-based singer-songwriter Rowena Wise has rewarded the patience of fans with a fabulous new single, “Blood Ties,” her first solo effort in two years. It’s so cool and bluesy, with superb lyrics that explore family bonds and the costs of emotional restraint.
If you’re feeling that Humpday slump as much as I am wrap your ears around “How I Know It’s Right,” the latest single from Naarm/Melbourne outfit Max Aurora & The Southern Lights. This energetic, anthemic banger blends elements of indie rock with pop-punk for a sound that’s guaranteed to make you sit up and take notice.
Emerging Eora/Sydney act Toy Saints are taking me right back to the ‘90s with their latest single “You Would Know.” It’s a grungy rock effort which manages to feel nostalgic, yet totally fresh. I love its youthful energy and lack of artifice. You can imagine it’d sound just the same live as it does on the record.