Local
The Gametes:The Man Of Thumbs (Single) (Coolin' By Sound)
- The Man of Thumbs is the new single from Brisbane four-piece punk-rock band the Gametes. This short track pumps as much energy as it can in the time it's got; fuzzy guitars and a punchy bass line keep the momentum going for a short and sweet minute and fourty five seconds. The single comes off the Gametes upcoming album 'The Astronomical Calamities of Comet Jones', which plays out as a 'space tragi-comedy' with each song a part of the story of Space-Diplomat Comet Jones. The album is due out in August. It's a great track from one of Brisbane's most vibrantly wierd and wonderful groups that continue to set themselves apart from the crowd. Check them out. (Harry Bain)
The Goon Sax: She Knows (Single) (WICHITA RECORDINGS / CHAPTER MUSIC)
- Fun, energetic number by local trio The Goon Sax. Warning: this song will get stuck in your head but you'll love every second of it. The guitar riff and cheery cymbal makes this tune an anthem to blast in your bedroom alone while jumping on the bed in your underwear. (Jade Rodrigo)
L.Flora:What's My Name (Single) (Indie)
- Local R-n-B/neo-soul outfit L.Flora are gearing up to release their debut record in June, amping up the stakes with this warm, noodling second taste. Nodding a little harder to their hip-hop influences, What's My Name adds a decidedly smooth and agreeable brushstroke to L. Flora's self-portrait in progress. (Liz Ansley)
Australian
Various Artists: Dark Days 2018 / Animal House Benefit Compilation (Indie) - Compilation of 30 punk and hardcore bands from around the country who played at Hobart's recent Dark Days festival. Tending toward the heavy end of the spectrum, but ranging all the way from acoustic folk punk to garage rock, crust punk and noise. Also welcome is a high proportion of women in the bands included. Highlights include the brutal crust of Extinct/Exist, the sludgecore of BØG, Apteria's blackened crust and the debut recording from Brisbane's newest all-women anarcho-punks Schism. (Andy Paine)
Harmony: Daisy Cutter (Single)(Poison City) - Harmony are back after a short hiatus, during which singer Tom Lyngcoln (The Nation Blue) released a solo album, and singer Erica Dunn formed multiple musical endeavours (Mod Con, Tropical Fuck Storm), yet the Harmony sound hasn't been touched by these other projects. The themes explored on their 2014 effort CARPETBOMBING are still present, the trio of female voices lift the music to soaring highs, while Tom Lyngcoln explores the crushing lows. Certainly they haven't lost their ability to cut straight to the bone, the feelings of desperation and loneliness are sickly contagious, as with most of the emotion that Harmony choose to examine or convey in their music, yet the song is more direct, more pointed at the self than previous efforts. Poverty, loneliness, depression, you might hear folk, you might hear gospel, but this is honest to god punk in it's honesty and determined glory. (Clayton Bick-Paterson)
Okin Osan: I Wanna Be That Girl (Single) (INDIE)
- Australian musician Okin Osan releases fun new single. I imagine this nostalgic, retro-pop song to be played at a 50's prom night. The happy-go-lucky rhythmic pattern and crackly vocals are sure to get anyone (even those without a date) up and on the dancefloor. (Jade Rodrigo)
Winston Surfshirt: Sponge Cake Rebaked (SWEAT IT OUT)
- Sponge Cake Rebaked is the new 8 track remix EP of Winston Surshirt's best tunes. Everyone needs to listen to this musical masterpiece right now. Go on click the Soundcloud link. Your ears will thank you. With a whirlwind of musical goodness this EP has some totally mad chill remixes but also suprises you with some absolute bangers. Icing on the sponge cake Winston Surfshirt. Amen.(Jade Rodrigo)
Overseas
Gang Gang Dance:Lotus (Single) (4AD / Remote Control Records)
- Lotus is the lead single from Gang Gang Dance's first album in seven years 'Kazuashita'. It's an ethereal journey to another place complete with ghostly sounding synths and the piercing out of this world voice of Lizzi Bougatsos. If you were jump forward in a time machine 100 years, this is how music might sound. Gang Gang Dance have always been ahead of their time and this track is no different. Brilliant stuff. (Harry Bain)
Komaine: Mirage (Single) (INDIE) (NZ)
- New psychedelic piece from the very mysterious New Zealand band, Komaine. The band's opening vocals are dark and haunting, inviting you into a foggy atmosphere of strangeness. The minimal use of instruments, deep bass, chanting vocals and short pauses of silence build and brew a concoction of tension. Keen to see more from this cryptic band. (Jade Rodrigo)
Navy Gangs: Housekeeping (Single) (DINOSAUR CITY RECORDS / MODERN SKY USA)
- Swayful new single by American band Navy Gangs. Mallet percussion accompaniment + groovy guitar riff + lyrics about room deco and feng shui = totally righteous tune. The melodies and harmonies shared between the band ooze a chill and airy vibe. Will lift the mood of any listener. (Jade Rodrigo)
Parquet Courts: Mardi Gras Beads (Single) (Rough Trade/ Remote Control Records)
- Mardi Gras Beads is an emotionally exposed piece of music that differs from some of Parquet Courts earlier releases. Nonetheless the New York based band have produced a shimmering piece of indie-rock with an equally beautiful music video. The single comes off of Parquet Courts upcoming album 'Wide Awake!' which is due for release mid May. It's a fantastic track and I can't wait for the album.(Harry Bain)
Thundercat: Final Fight (Single)(Brainfeeder) - Released initially as part of the Adult Swim Singles Club, Thundercat's latest release is as much of an undulating funk-driven non-sensical dreamhaze as his followers have come to expect, bubbling over a shuffling beat without any particular destination in mind - which is juuuust fine. (Liz Ansley)
Xiu Xiu & Mitski: Between The Breaths (Single)(Sony Music Australia)
- A gorgeous pop song driven equally by synth and ghostly guitar parts, if you're at all familiar with the work of Jamie Stewart(Xiu Xiu, Former Ghosts), the sound and songwriting are immediately recognisable. The gorgeous vocals of avant-pop songstress Mitski flutter and carry the song to climactic heights, punishing lows, whispered demands leaving you with shivers. Taken from the soundtrack of HOW TO TALK TO GIRLS AT PARTIES, a film I have not seen, lyrically this song is a glimmering, shimmering expression of love and hate, and perhaps an exploration of the fine line that inexplicably entwines the two. Lines like "The blood in my gut is a thousand years old, but you are the sweetest infection" are delivered in a haunting whisper, "scream in my mouth, I'll barely hear you" spoken plaintively and straight. Another piece of late night music that will leave you cold despite its beauty. (Clayton Bick-Paterson)