This week once again brought the goods, as every week does, when it comes to brand new music. It’s a difficult job narrowing it down to just ten top tracks, but someone’s gotta do it (even though we secretly love it). Spanning a multitude of genres, this playlist has something for everyone. Enjoy!
Spookyland, God’s Eyes
Sydney band Spookyland have returned, not only with a brand new song, but also with the announcement of a debut album due for release in May. God’s Eyes is the first taste of that record, Beauty Already Beautiful, and it is fucking awesome. The one-of-a-kind vocals courtesy of Marcus Gordon gives an extra element as he sings the powerful lyrics whilst the song meanders its way into a roar. It feels like an Australian rock anthem waiting to happen.
SMILE, Holiday
Droning guitars, scuzzy vocals, a sluggish drum beat and a vibe that sounds like a male fronted Yeah Yeah Yeahs on xanax, Melbourne band SMILE are onto something really good here with Holiday. Gearing up for the release of their forthcoming record, Rhythm Method, Holiday serves as a pretty great taste tester, and we can’t wait to hear what is going to come next!
Urthboy, Second Heartbeat (Ft. Sampa The Great and Okenyo)
Three of Australia’s best all on one track, Urthboy has done himself a huge favour teaming up with not just one, but two of the most exciting up-and-comers around right now. Sampa The Great and Okenyo each bring their own unique flavour to this uplifting track that will put you in a good mood within seconds of listening to it. Its got soul, swagger and a hook that has been stuck in my head since I first heard it a few days ago – but it sounds so good I don’t even mind.
Yuma X, Keep Me Up
Yuma X are a mysterious duo that keep to themselves mostly, apart from when they release sublime tracks like this one. Keep Me Up is the latest in a slowly growing number of Yuma X tracks, and it’s also one of their best. Gentle, sparse and delicate, you almost feel like you’re being let in on a little secret. It’s quiet and soothing, and yet another example of just how much these two can do.
GoldLink, Zipporah (Gravez Remix)
GoldLink will be touching down in Australia in just a few weeks for St Jerome’s Laneway Festival, and whilst my excitement levels were already pretty damn high to see him action, LA producer Gravez has shared a remix of his track Zipporah that has tipped me over the edge! Amping up the soul, he keeps it light with airy synths and tinkering beats, and shows off a whole new side to the rapper – a side we really enjoy.
AlunaGeorge, I’m In Control
AlunaGeorge have made their long awaited return to the scene this week with a new single, I’m In Control. Featuring Popcaan (who was also on Jamie xx’s I Know There’s Gonna Be (Good Times)), the duo have made their return loud and clear with this one. It’s got a really awesome dancehall feel, with Aluna’s commanding vocals sounding better than ever. It’s been a while since we’ve heard new stuff from these guys, but we’re glad they’re back!
SG Lewis, All Night (Ft. Dornik)
Dornik reminds me of Michael Jackson which is a very good thing, so basically any track he has anything to do with is more than alright in my books. This latest, a collaborative effort with SG Lewis, is a sultry RnB number that shows off both artists in all their glory. Deep bass, swirling synths and funky guitars, All Night is a fun, uplifting track but still maintains a relaxed, mellow quality that might come in handy in the, uh, bedroom. All Night indeed!
Poliça, Wedding
This song only came out this morning, and immediately landed itself as one of the best songs of the week. Thumping drums, trickling synth sounds, droning guitars and commanding vocals, Wedding is full on in all the best ways. Having triumphantly returned at the end of last year with Lime Habit, this latest single is the second cut from the band’s forthcoming record United Crushers – a record we are increasingly keen to hear after listening to this.
Majical Cloudz, Wait & See
Majical Cloudz released a new EP this week called Wait & See, and the title track is one that immediately caught our attention. Having already released their critically acclaimed Are You Alone? record last year, vocal Devon Welsh said of the release that they were a collection of old tracks that didn’t really fit on the album, but they still wanted them to be released and we’re really glad they did.
Le Pie, Up All Night
Sydney artist Le Pie is an act you may or may not have heard of. If you have, this latest song is for you. If you haven’t, this latest song is also definitely for you too. Energetic, punchy and lots of fun, her voice gives an angsty-teen feel over the rolling guitars and sharp, fast drums to give it a sense of urgency. It’s a great track, and is the perfect move for her as she builds on the success she saw last year.