We needn’t look further than our own backyards for amazing new music across pretty much every genre there is. Sure, there’s great stuff coming from overseas too, of course, but we’ve seen an incredible run of fantastic tunes from upcoming and established Australian acts over the last few months, and it’s only getting better. Here’s some of our favourite recent Australian indie and electronic releases.
PVT, Another Life
All hail PVT, who are about to release their first album in three years, New Spirit. Last week they dropped this video for recent single Another Life. It’s the second taste of the album, following from last year’s triumphant nine-minute epic, Morning Mist, Rock Island Bend. The pristinely produced video, directed by Jim Pillion, is an utterly engaging visual accompaniment to the layered, dynamic, fairly ominous single. It was filmed in central Romania, and is absolutely magnetic.
Joyride, Twilight Driving (Methyl Ethel cover)
One Dayer Joyride returns with a cover of a track a little out of his comfort zone, revamped the eerie 2015 indie track with a bright and bouncy electronic treatment, while keeping it still fairly sparse and understated. Joyride’s airy vocals and spritely synths transplant the track into a completely new, unexpected environment – and that’s the best kind of cover. This is the first in a new series for Joyride, who has selected a few of his favourite Aussie songs to rework – we’re excited to see which tune he picks next.
Ali Barter, Cigarette
Ali Barter has today announced her debut album A Suitable Girl, set for release on March 24. The 11-track offering features, among other tracks, Girlie Bits and the newly released Cigarette, which furthers her dynamic, bright grunge-pop sound. Her high, dulcet lilt is a beautiful contrast against heady, distorted guitar chords and chugging riffs, making for another jangly, catchy tune from the upcoming artist. Already known for her energetic live performances, we have no doubt that Barter’s album will be a heartfelt, acclaimed debut.
Oliver Tank, Swerve
It’s been a full three years since we heard from Oliver Tank, once touted to be the next big thing in Australian electronic (unfortunately his rise was largely eclipsed by that of another young electronic gun emerging at the time, Flume). New single Swerve sees him expanding on that gentle atmospheric sound he became first known for, taking things even slower and more ambient than before, injecting Bon Iver-type harmonies into the sparsely used vocal layer. We’re looking forward to see how this sound develops, assuming a new EP will be on its way in the coming months.
Fierce Mild, Solaris
Fierce Mild’s new single Solaris sort of cherry-picks elements of many of rock’s most epic genres – Pink Floyd–esque chanty bits and pained yells, postrock-inspired flickery guitars and huge-crescendos-followed-by-instant-breakdown, a little metal percussion for added ferocity. Fierce Mild clearly have a lot of talent for emulating their favourite artists, and though they currently wear their influences a little too proudly on their sleeves, I genuinely feel like they will craft something quite special once they come into their own.
Wet Lips, Can’t Take It Anymore
Can’t Take It Anymore is a fantastic feminist punk anthem from Melbourne’s Wet Lips, an aggressive, partially tongue-in-cheek take on how the band found themselves getting booked as the “token girl band” on all-male lineups. Sonically it’s simple and bouncy in the best way possible, awash with the energy and punch of a band like Sleater-Kinney and a Siouxsie-style singalong chorus. The lyrics are hilarious at times, pointed at others, and make a damn important point about how female bands are still perceived by so many today.
The Brouhaha, Audrey’s Song
Audrey’s Song is a gorgeous, soulful piece out of Adelaide. Kelly Breuer’s velvety smooth vocals are not only rich and jazzy, but sincere in a way that really does make you believe “we’re gonna feel alright,” as the chorus insists. The folk instrumentation is simple and sunny, but the flippant twists and twirls of the melody, along with the backing vocals, serve as the perfect embellishment to the playful, feel-good tune.
Image: Wet Lips c/o Future Popes