Album Review: Wylderness – Wylderness
Today sees the release of the debut self-titled by Welsh band, Wylderness. Riding the new wave of shoegaze (see what I did there?), there is no doubting the debt to Ride, but this is no carbon copy or pale pastiche. Veering away from dream pop tendencies, ‘Wylderness’ represents a more muscular guitar-driven variety, not afraid …
Track: Jack Spider – Animal Cafe EP
Associated with many excellent Brisbane bands such as Blonde Tongues and Babaganouj (all covered by Backseat Mafia in the past), guitarist Jack Gleeson has just released an awesome EP, ‘Animal Cafe’, under the name Jack Spider. There is a messy, shambolic and wild nature to the five songs, culminating in the epic ‘Cupid Sound’. I …
Album Review: Lowtide – Southern Mind
I don’t know whether Melbourne is becoming the shoegaze/dream pop capital of the Southern Hemisphere, but the release last month of Lowtide‘s sophomore album, ‘Southern Mind’ would be compelling evidence. Some of the best music is being produced in the southern capital and Lowtide are leading the pack. ‘Southern Mind’ is a stellar collection of …
Album Review: Flowertruck – Mostly Sunny
In terms of a forecast, the title to the debut album by Sydney’s Flowertruck, ‘Mostly Sunny’ is overly pessimistic. There are no clouds on this horizon. And yet in terms of temperament – and to torturously extend the metaphor – it perfectly captures the tone of this stunning album. Bright, bouncy tunes with a hint …
News: British India announce single release and tour news with call for fan video contributions
One of the most enduring and engaging indie rock bands in Australia, British India, have today announced news of a major Australian tour in May, June and July to promote new single, ‘Midnight Homie’ and, in anticipation, have called on fans to contribute their videos, saying: ‘With our next tour for midnight homie just around …
Track: Polychrome – Final Kiss
London’s Polychrome have released an absolutely gorgeous single, ‘Final Kiss’ off their forthcoming sel-titled debut album. ‘Final Kiss’ is lush, dreamy electro pop at its best: layered synths, insistent riffs, crisp production and soft, breathy, enigmatic vocals that would perfectly accompany a Nicolas Winding Refn movie. It is a mesmerising, intoxicating sound full of melancholy …
Album Review: Stina Stjern – Kap Herschell
Norwegian artist, Stina Stjern, has just released a gorgeous album entitled ‘Kap Herschell’ that is an enigmatic, haunting masterpiece that seems to capture the Arctic chill of the north while offering a warm enveloping refuge. The album was mixed using unusual recording techniques where the tracks were taken apart, played through old cassette tapes and …
See: Courtney Barnett releases new video for Need a Little Time plus album and tour news
Following the release of her excoriating attack on keyboard warriors, ‘Nameless/Faceless’, the inimitable Courtney Barnett is back with a more reflective single in ‘Need A Little Time’ from her forthcoming album, ‘Tell Me How You Really Feel’. This song has all the hallmarks of Barnett’s droll, personal lyrics that poetically capture her unique perspectives on …
Track: Soft Science – Undone/I Don’t Know Why I Love You (The House of Love)
Californian shoegaze band Soft Science are releasing a double A side single on 16 April and it is a dream pop/shoegaze delight. First song, ‘Undone’ has intricate, layered dreamy pop vocals with a distinctive instrumentation that recalls My Bloody Valentine with the volume turned down. The song is a gorgeous, lush wall of sound, mesmerising …
News: Steve Kilbey (The Church) and Amanda Kramer (Psychedelic Furs) Announce US Tour as duo
Steve Kilbey, enigmatic singer and bassist for one of Australia’s greatest exports, The Church, has announced a tour of the US with keyboardist from the legendary The Psychedelic Furs, Amanda Kramer. Taking place in April, this tour precedes both full bands playing at the Robert Smith-curated Meltdown Festival. Many of the venues are very small …