Arun Kendall, Author at Backseat Mafia

Album Review: Haters debut with ‘Non-Violent’ – a raw and abrasive delight that soars with passion and melody.

In the words of a poetic messiah, haters are going to hate, but here at Backseat Mafia’s antipodean outpost we love the new album ‘Non-Violent’ from Queensland’s indie punk band…

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News: New Zealand’s Ringlets announce new album and unveil shimmering single ‘Heavenly Wheel’ through Flying Nun/Leather Jacket Records.

New Zealand’s Ringlets have announced the release of their second album, endearingly entitled ‘The Lord Is My German Shepherd (Time For Walkies)’ for 27 June 2025, and unveiled the first…

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Track: Tom Nethersole releases achingly beautiful track ‘Ardmona Road’ on the exquisite joys of first love.

Tom Nethersole has captured in his new single ‘Ardmona Road’ that blush of first love – that exquisite feeling that blends both vulnerability and hope, the euphoric passion and joy.…

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News: Deep Sea Arcade return with announcement of album and tour with shimmering new single ‘No Direction’ to set the scene.

Deep Sea Arcade are back with a new single ‘No Direction’ ahead of an album and tour later this year. This follows a turbulent time following the loss of co-founder…

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Track: ‘Run’ – YAGKI sets off at a turbo-charged pace in another anthemic winner, with live dates ahead.

A permanent fixture here at the antipodean outpost of Backseat Mafia, the irrepressible YAGKI (the moniker of multi-talented Sarah Yagki) is back at a shimmering tilt with her new single…

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Track: Yungblud returns with a stirring theatrical nine minute long anthem ‘Hello Heaven, Hello’ ahead of Bludfest news.

I must admit I developed a certain regard for Yungblud (the non de plume of Dominic Harrison) when I came across his single ‘Lowlife’ with its gothic Dickensian overtones and…

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Track: Amaya Laucirica unveils the dreamy romance of ‘Now Or Never’ ahead of new album and live dates.

Australian singer/songwriter Amaya Laucirica today releases the exquisite dreamy dream pop track ‘Now Or Never’ that seems to float through the air like a silken veil. Elements have a Gallic…

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News: The legendary Midge Ure (Ultravox, Visage) announces Australian ‘Catalogue’ greatest hits tour.

In fantastic news for lovers of the sinuous synth pop sounds of bands like Ultravox and Visage (or indeed ayne who appreciates first class songwriting), Scottish icon Midge Ure, legendary…

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Premiere: ‘Solid and Human’ – Maia Jelavic releases a yearning slow burning anthem that sparkles in the sunshine, with debut album and gigs on the way.

Maia Jelavic premiered her last single with us a few years back under the stage name Maia Marsh. She has made the decision to be true to herself and returned…

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Premiere: SXY XMS exclusively debut their thrilling high octane single ‘You’ll Never Know’ ahead of EP and launch date.

It is always a privilege to premiere a debut single for a band and the pleasure is always doubled when it’s something as good as ‘You’ll Never Know’ from Sydney…

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