It was tough to get this playlist down to ten tracks, as once again the music industry has delivered the goods. But, you have to be cutthroat about this – so these are ten of our favourites that have come into the world this week. Enjoy!
Marcus Whale, My Captain
One half of Collarbones/one third of Black Vanilla Marcus Whale has shared his second single this week, and has once again shown just how much musical prowess is surging through those veins of his. We first had a taste of his solo project with his debut release, If (demo) and then another glimpse with his remix of Lucianblomkamp‘s Comfort, and now we have a third look in My Captain. Showing off his impressive set of pipes more than ever before, his voice soars over a bed of uneasy and metallic sounds that show him taking lead from forefathers Seekae. It’s his most impressive release yet and has us aching for his upcoming album, Inland Sea.
Mat Zo, Soul Food (Club Mix)
Mat Zo is nominated for a Grammy for his album, Damage Control. Just going to put that out there. And when you listen to any of his songs, you know why. He has now returned with Soul Food (Club Mix), and what a track it is. Groovy as hell, he keeps it light whilst commanding you to carve up on the dancefloor with his modern house stylings. Zane Lowe himself described it as an “absolute banger”, and that basically hits the nail right on the head. Just TRY not to dance when this comes on, it’s impossible.
LANKS, Golden Age
Melbournian LANKS makes some really, really beautiful music, so whenever he releases any new material, we get really excited indeed. He has returned after a banner year last year that saw him reach the top of the Hype Machine charts with his Just A Gent collab and accrue a few casual hundred thousands listens to his Banquet EP, and his new track has him sounding better than ever. It’s a little different to what we’re used to from LANKS, but we don’t mind it at all. It’s groovy, upbeat and captivating, and has us really keen to hear what else he’s been working on.
Nadia Nair, Something Something Something
Swedish newcomer Nadia Nair has released Something Something Something this week, and it wins the prize of best track not only of the week but quite possibly the month. Maybe even the year. Gentle, intimate and so special, Something Something Something is as powerful as it is delicate. A soft and warm synth line provides the quiet backdrop for Nair’s incredible vocals, and the simplistic composition makes for a very commanding and spellbinding song indeed. She’s already got a bit of a buzz about her, but things are surely set to take off soon if she is putting out songs like this!
Ben Abraham, Hyperballad with Tim Shiel
This is a cover of Bjork‘s track, and whilst nothing can ever really come close to the original, this rework is a beautiful rendition. Ben Abraham actually loved the track so much he released two covers, but this one with double J host Tim Shiel is stunning. It’s soft and gentle like morning dew, and creates powerful imagery thanks to the gentle, serene vocals. It really is a beautiful job, albeit an intimidating one, and one that has us seriously impressed with Abraham. You can here the other one with Luke Howard here.
Vallis Alps, Young (Feki Remix)
Our favourite Brisbane producer has once again knocked this one out of the park. Jumping on remix duties for Vallis Alps’ Young, he has turned the track into a dreamy number that once again shows off just how promising this young gun is. He had teased this a little while ago, and now we can confirm the wait was well and truly worth it. Dark and brooding, but with his signature twinkling flourishes, Feki really makes this track his own. We can’t say it enough, this guy is the real deal!
Le Villejuif Underground, On The Seine
Anyone that sounds this much like Lou Reed already scores pretty high in my books. Add to that how great this song is and you’ve found yourself a winner! This is frontman Nathan Roche’s reincarnated band, and he is back sounding better than ever. Teaming up with local legend label Rice Is Nice, there are definitely big things in the works for these guys, and judging from this track – they’re going to be sounding really nice too!
Motez, Down Like This (Ft. Tkay Maidza)
Two of Adelaide’s hottest exports have teamed up for this absolute banger. With Motez on the beats and Tkay on the mic, Down Like This is an instant classic. Heralding Motez’s long awaited return to the game after his amazing Vancouver EP last year, he’s employed Tkay (who is currently riding a wave of hugely deserved hype herself) to bring an extra element to his bassy house music. With a dirty bass line, a hook that embeds itself in your brain for days on end and ‘Tez’s penchant for perfectly crafted dance tracks, this is a total winner!
Carmouflage Rose, Dreams (Prod. Drumm & James Angus)
This is the first single ever from Brisbane rapper Carmouflage Rose, and what a track it is. Huge bass, hard hitting drums, lyrics that will get you pumped up to take on the world and a flow that shows he is set for big things, Dreams is a total banger. He’s been kicking around his hometown for a while now so it’s good to see him with an official release. Let’s just hope there is a lot more where this came from!
Major Leagues, Better Off
Brisbane darlings Major Leagues have released their first single of the year in the form of Better Off. The track comes alongside the announcement that a new EP is slated for release come April, and that they’ve been working with members of Unknown Mortal Orchestra and Bored Nothing for the record. If that isn’t impressive enough on it’s own, the track definitely is. Sticking to their indie-pop guns, Better Off is hopefully the sign of big things to come!