Backseat Downunder
Track: marigolden unveils powerful track and video for ‘Just Like Smoke’, celebrating individualism and empowerment
The sultry, jazzy/soul style of marigolden (Mel O’Neill) is quite unique: with lyrics that half rap and glide with melody and an instrumentation that defies easy labelling. Her new track ‘Just Like Smoke’ is a powerful anthem for personal liberation and ridding ourselves of others’ expectations. marigolden’s voice is golden liquid and her defiance is …
News: Indie royalty Ed Kuepper (Saints, Laughing Clowns) and Jim White (Dirty Three and Xylouris White) announce live shows together
Coinciding with the release by the legendary Ed Kuepper of his forty year career highlights on vinyl (see more here), Kueper has just announced a series of Australia-wide gigs with the equally legendary Jim White, whose drumming in trio Dirty Three is an entire orchestra in itself (see my review of their live performance at …
See: Dominic Breen releases evocative video for the glorious track ‘James Street Tonight’ plus announces live shows
Dominic Breens‘s track ‘James Street Tonight’, released at the beginning of March, was lauded by us for its chiming guitars and melancholia, lifted skywards by Breen’s gorgeous vocals. The song continues to haunt: a beautiful and enigmatic release that is growing in stature through time. Breen has also just announced a series of live gigs …
Album Review: In ‘Today We’re The Greatest’, Sydney’s Middle Kids explore angst and redemption draped in a sparkling, glittering cloak.
There is a beautiful tension the work of Sydney trio Middle Kids. Songs that detail childhood trauma, wayward ways and personal angst are delivered in the most shining and sparkling coat of many colours. Even at their darkest, though, the lyrics can exhibit a wry sense of humour; a sense of resignation and acceptance and …
Track: All India Radio unveils the mesmerising single ‘Deep Blue (ft Sasquin)’ and announces new album ‘Afterworld’
All India Radio‘s Martin Kennedy is the musical genius behind the magnificent Kilbey/Kennedy album ‘Jupiter 13’ reviewed by me last month. Already a strong contender for album of the year from me. While responsible for the shimmering instrumentation behind Steve Kilbey’s evocative vocals in this release, Kennedy’s main day job is in All India Radio …
See: The Apartments release sun-soaked evocative video for the glorious track ‘Where You Used to Be’
The Apartments‘ magnificent album ‘In And Out Of The Light’ was one of the brief rays of light last year – one of my favourite albums of the year – and the track ‘Where You used to be’ is a wistful gem in a basket of many shining jewels. With one of Brisbane’s greatest singer/songwriters, …
Track: Sydney’s Steve Smith unleashes a vibrant slice of Americana power pop in ‘Runnin’ Red Lights’
Steve Smith has a lot of very impressive form in Sydney’s indie scene, stretching right back to his early solo career (as Steven Smith) with the famous Green Fez/Citadel Records in the eighties and membership of Catherine Wheel. More recently, Smith has released a series of lauded albums that has seen him move towards a …
Track: Restless Leg releases a glorious indie pop anthem ‘The Wheel It Turns’ filled with sparkle and verve
Sydney indie outfit Restless Leg has just released a sparkling and effervescent new track, ‘The Wheel It Turns’, which draws in an indelible pop heritage from legendary antipodean bands such as The Go-Betweens and The Bats as well as the UK C86 movement. With such an heritage, the song still forges a vibrant new path …
EP: Lastlings release evocative and dreamy ‘Live Acoustic’ EP
Japanese/Australian brother/sister duo Lastlings have released an absolutely mesmerising live EP, lifting four songs from their ‘First Contact’ album released last year and recording them live. Accompanying videos of the enchanting performances add an indelible lustre. The performance is enthralling – gorgeous reflective and melancholic vocals, keys, crisp acoustic guitars and exquisite melodies. The band …
Track: Red Sleeping Beauty unveils the electronic thumper ‘Second Time’ featuring the angelic vocals of Mary Wyer of indie legends Even As We Speak
Swedish trio Red Sleeping Beauty have teamed up with Australian Mary Wyer of indie legends Even As We Speak to create the smashing dance track ‘Second Time’. This track is a perfect marriage of Wyer’s gorgeous velvety vocals filled with an air of wistful melancholy floating above an effervescent, arpeggiated electronic beat with a vibrant …