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Midas.Gold: 19 Forever (Single)(R.E.A.L Music)
Pious Faults: Old Thread (Single)(Aimless Wander / Feel It Records)
Brisbane’s own Pious Faults present us with their new album ‘Old Thread’. The recordings are a chaotic mesh of ugly noise and attitude, accurately representing the energy the band brings to their live shows. In the current musical landscape of over polished recordings, ‘Old Thread’ is a refreshing record that’s unashamedly blown out, full of grit and with an apathetic disposition that bands from the Sunshine State know how to cultivate, only all too well. (Jasmine Dunn)
Stace the Rapper: Yeah U Did (Single)(Independent)
Desmond Cheese:Storm's Coming (ft. Roman MC, Rohan the Intern and Katie Jane)Single) (Independent)
Somewhere inbetween the lo-fi and the completely crystallised, a re-emergence has occured. Desmond Cheese is back with the floaty yet grooving flow ridden track "Storm's Coming" featuring the rhymes of Roman MC, and touches from Rohan The Intern and Katie Jane. Roman MC seems to effortlessly cast a spell over the atmosphere of the track with rhymes that switch up the flow leaving you guessing what his next key word will be, while leaving space for the remaining musicians to bring the track to its full potential. Truly more than the sum of its parts. Say, isn't that a storm coming? (Peter Strasser)
Michael: Care (hellosQuare Recordings)
Chrome Leather: Personal Hell (Single) (Independent)
Featuring 4ZZZ's own Jasmine Dunn on vocals & bass, Chrome Leather's first single "Personal Hell" is the sonic embodiment of opressive space, with Jasmine's vocals bathed in a migraine of reverb. Accompanying Jasmine's bass is the haunting guitar work, driving drums, and piercing synth of Steven Schnorrer, which perfectly round out the palette of the song. Her lyrics echo around your head only to leave you empty after the closing remarks: "We are our own personal hell." (Peter Strasser)
Australia
Thando: Happy (Single(Independent) Sounding like a classic neo-soul cut from the likes of D’Angelo or Erykah Badu, Thando goes in at her ex-lover and asserts her power while riding the silky smooth production effortlessly. Each individual instrument shines, with the bass taking reigns at the end of the piece with its own funk driven solo. The imagery also provided by Thando’s lyrics is so vivid, the listener immediately understands that this is one ex not to be messed with. (James Chadwick)
FourPlay String Quartet: Wish (Single)(Independent)
Demon Days: Magic Eye EP (Independent)
The year is 2028. Neo-soul is now the most popular genre in the world headed by three figurehead female-fronted bands from Australia: Hiatus Kaiyote, 30/70, and Demon Days. Back in 2018 Demon Days confirmed their place at the podium among the world's best neo-soul with their EP Magic Eye and proved the soul that lives in Australia is fierce and alive while still being smooth to the touch. It's fun to reminisce about the good old days. (Peter Strasser)
Winter Witches:The One (Single) (Independent)
Ambient slow burning track The One comes from Adelaide alt-pop duo Winter Witches, with layers of sequenced glitchy percussion and spacious elements giving the tune a vibe anyone can get lost in. Add in the vocal harmonies from Em and Sweeny and you have a passionate track to dance to, with or without a partner. (Peter Strasser)
ZAN: Fight (Single) (Independent)
ZAN brings the last word for the release of their new EP 'Gulnaz' in the form of "Fight". Crisp enveloping production coats the Perth based Pakistani's voice in layers of complex harmonies with a steady R&B groove underneath. If this EP is the quality to be expected of ZAN, watch this space. (Peter Strasser)
Kwame: NO TIME (Single)(Independent)
Played splendour? Check. Crisp production with detailed instrumentation? Check. Extended vocabulary with incredible flow? Check. Rising star of Australian Hip-Hop? Check. Making the playlist? Oh you best believe that's a check. (Peter Strasser)
NZ
Connan Mockasin: Con Conn Was Impatient (Single) (MEXICAN SUMMER / ROCKET)
First thing’s first, Connan Mockasin’s vocals are so painstakingly beautiful that they could make the hardest of hearts crack. Mockasin’s ability with the acoustic guitar helps perfectly accentuate this fact and create a dower melancholy mood that feels like a high school heartbreak. Drifting through the chords like clouds, Mockasin has created a wonderful pop song that deserves to be on your feelings playlist. (James Chadwick)
Overseas
Mitski: Be The Cowboy (Inertia Music)