backseat downunder
Track: Atlas Genius unveil an elegant serving of indie pop with the shimmering single ‘Elegant Stranger’
The smooth and indelible melodies that feature in Adelaide’s Atlas Genius‘ single ‘Elegant Stranger’ has a shimmering eighties feel: an anthemic chorus and a bubbling undertow serving the layered harmonies. It is purest of pop with intelligence and a sonic vibrancy. ‘Elegant Stranger is a collaboration between the band’s singer Keith Jeffrey, acclaimed producer Ben …
EP Review: Second Idol’s ‘Defence Mechanisms’ is satisfyingly powerful indie rock with a heart, plus tour news
‘Defence Mechanisms’, the powerful EP by Sydney band Second Idol, is a solid, grounded guitar-driven indie rock’n’roll gem filled with memorable riffs, a hard unapologetic rough hewn edge and scintillating melodies that reach for the sky. Singer Kate Olivia’s strong uncompromising vocals and lyrics add an indelible sheen to the driving force of the instruments. …
Track: Moody Beach delivers a scuzzy fuzzy delightful blast with ‘The Other’ and announces new EP ‘Assembly of the Wild’
There is a lovely scuzzy, dirty edge to Moody Beach’s (aka Melissah Mirage) new track ‘The Other’ that fills it was swagger and attitude – matched by Moody Beach’s performance in the accompanying video. The track contrasts with her earlier release (‘Chance’, reviewed by me here) which was a more restrained dream pop piece. The gloves come …
Track: Polish Club releases gorgeous ballad ‘No Heaven’ and announce new album
Last time we came across the delectable Polish Club, they were blasting the cobwebs from our ears with a funky dance number ‘Stop For a Minute’ (reviewed by me here). Now, upon the announcement of their new album ‘Now We’re Cookin” on 23 July through Island Records Australia, Polish Club have put on display the …
Album Review: Tori Forsyth’s ‘Provlépseis’ is a collection of the most satisfyingly visceral indie rock anthems you could hear this year
‘Provlépseis’ means predictions in Greek, and in the new album from Tori Forsyth, out through Island Records Australia and UMA, becomes a mysterious label for a blistering, visceral piece of work with a pop heart and barbed-wire veins. Combining Forsyth’s swooping, ascendant vocals with chunky, thundering guitars and an insistent driving rhythm gives wings to …
Premiere: Sydney supergroup The Finalists unveil evocative video for the shimmering track ‘Hunting Knife’
Last year’s debut album ‘First’ by The Finalists (reviewed by me here) was a highly impressive entrance: I summed it up as being a collection of deeply personal songs that were heartfelt and passionate, raw and emotional, touched with humour and self reflection. We are very pleased to premiere the new video for the magnificent …
Track: New Zealand’s Voodoo Bloo unleash ‘MMA’: a caustic blast of untrammelled energy and attitude
Like a projectile from a cannon, Voodoo Bloo‘s ‘MMA’ blasts out with indiscriminate intent and an ultimate sense of hedonism and thrills. It’s wild and anarchic, visceral and unhinged and such a relentless piece of anarchy, you’ll be on pills for your nerves after one listen. And then you’ll want to play it again. Voodoo …
Track: Brisbane’s Austen releases a melody-dripping slice of pure indie pop in ‘North South East West’
Brisbane artist Austen has just released a sun-infused blast of pure indie pop in the track ‘North South East West’. Slinky instrumentation and an indelible melody serve together to create something that is vibrant and catchy while retaining an indie edge with the chunky guitars. Austen’s vocals are a delight – shining and bright during …
EP Review: Prudence releases the haunting and enigmatic EP ‘Untitled’ and announces launch gig
When he isn’t providing the bottom line for DMAs, Sydney’s Tom Crandle is Prudence – a dreamy solo project that is ethereal and shimmering. We reviewed his single ‘Heart Sways’ this time last year and Prudence has followed this with the EP ‘Untitled’: a natural progression that sees his song writing craft developing and becoming …
Album Review: The Chills deliver an emotional and shining masterpiece in ‘Scatterbrain’
Deep within the fabric of the lush material in ‘Scatterbrain’, the new album from New Zealand legends The Chills, is an indelible and poignant thread that binds the album together – wry observations on the temporality of life and the transience of existence; delivered with a poetic simplicity and compassion. It is no wonder such …