Local
Fingerless: Don't Go (Single) (Indie)
- Sometimes a big ol’ Alt-country lament is good for what ails you. It’s with a heavy plod that Fingerless give you a foundation for reflection, it’s a little cagey and a little confused but it's humane simplicity throughout that subtle and shimmering instrumental break offers some redemption and that builds some intrigue into this developing Brisbane project. (Nicholas J. Rodwell)
Mid Ayr: Exit (Single) (Eat More Records)
- Existentialism has never sounded so freeing with Mid Ayr’s leading single Exit. Their increasing desire to explore textural possibilities helps to lift you out of the curious clutter of the opening groove into a realm that floats upon the will to life. It’s certainly step away from their usual guitar orientated gaze, but if the blend of intricate percussive with swelling harmony is their guiding template, their impending album should be a treat. (Nicholas J. Rodwell)
Prod & The Moonbaby: BRISBANE LP(Mothball Records)
- Some essential pieces of Brisbanes musical history have been released, the BRISBANE LP being a collection of low budget, lo-fi synth pop from the two groups Prod & The Moonbaby / Ash In October originally recorded in the early-mid 80's. This re-release (courtesy of former member of both groups Lee Ingram) showcases some absolutely fantastic, fun, and freeing tunes, all courtesy of cheap electronic instruments such as the Dr Rhythm drum machine, and various Casios and Yamahas. Both groups sound absolutely phenomenal for the times, although apparently few people would let them play shows, 4ZZZ remained supportive of both groups to the best of my knowledge. These songs have barely seen the light of day, so it is only fitting that they be remastered and re-released. A monumental thank you to Lee for his hard work towards making these songs available again! (Clayton Bick-Paterson)
Requin: Blood Sweat and Bees (Single)(Independent) - Requin are a group that I know little about, but are nevertheless quite exciting for me. They capture a variety of familiar emotions, familiar scenery and familiar sounds, invoking a form of nostalgic synesthesia, very reminiscient of a sepia toned photograph, perhaps one of an old Queenslander house in the midst of decay. Audibly reminiscient Australia's melodic punk/emo/skramz heyday of the early-late 00's. The drumming is fantastic and varied, the bass perfectly fading in and out between soft, loud and back again, highlighting the dynamics of the track perfectly, with guitar strings being plucked, strummed, hammered, pulled and slid with precision to produce a stunning blend of sounds that steadily weave melody and discordance. Served with gorgeous interchanging male/female vocals and a touch of synth melody to highlight particular passages, Blood Sweat and Bees has me chomping at the bit to see Requin perform live as soon as possible.(Clayton Bick-Paterson)
Australian
Clarissa Mei: Vulnerable (F) (Indie) - Taking some distinct cues from late 90’s / early noughties artists, Mei, hides nothing as she combats exhaustive facades with irrefutable poise and power. There is no shortage of talented R’n’B artists in Australia, from Brisbane, Melbourne and now western Sydney, you should look to add Clarissa Mei to your soulful playlists. (Nicholas J. Rodwell)
Gena Rose Bruce: The Way You Make Love(Single)(Independent)
-This new release from Gena Rose Bruce was a delightful surprise for me, because it so closely recalls so many of my favourite Australian artists and musicians, but Gena carves out a niche of her own amongst them all. Her almost sickly sweet vocals are almost hissed at times, as they weave their way through a bass-groove driven desert landscape, plenty of reverb on the guitars expand the landscape, the softly strummed resonator conjuring up quintessential yet disparate images of country and the big dirty city simultaneously. Safe to say, I was left coughing amongst the heavy dose of dust and darkness kicked up in the wake of the pitch-black hearse that is The Way That You Make Love. Fans of HTRK Spencer P. Jones, The Drones, Rowland S. Howard and the dark, dusty country/continent they depict will get a kick out of this one! -Clayton Bick-Paterson
Hashshashin: nihsahshsaH (adj.)(Art As Catharsis Records)
-Hashshashin are back with a live re-recording of their 2016 debut release, now featuring the improvisational guitar playing of Simon Dawes and released as 'nihsahshsaH (adj.)'. While the original 2016 release focused on prog-rock and metal sounds with Middle-Eastern influenced melodies, the addition of Dawes' guitar has taken this concept and given it wings, expanding the bands dimensions almost a million times over. Intensely tight performances from all members are transformed and re-energised by the inclusion of a new guitarist, testament to Dawes' intense style and technical ability. This release should definitely be of interest to fans of Robert Fripp, psychedelica, and anybody who values true instrumental proficiency.(Clayton Bick-Paterson)