Another week and another crop of fresh music videos from some of your favourite artists and some of your new favourite artists (you just don’t know it yet). We’ve taken the time to round them all up for you to take a gander at below
Emma Louise – Illuminate
The video for Emma Lousie’s hugely successful Illuminate is a beautiful marriage between music and visuals. Under blue lights, there are dancers moving together as one to bring the words to life and the video paired with the music is so natural and seamless it is as though they were created together as one performance piece.
Coming together for their fourth video, it is a collaboration between the singer and director Dylan Duclos using choreography by Jason Winters and it is a true testament to the adage that sometimes, less is more.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3yBgjYOyPY0&feature=youtu.be
Bloc Party – Stunt Queen
They may have only released Hymns in January, but already the revamped Bloc Party have dropped a new single Stunt Queen. Written along with a bunch of other new material during their tour with Falls Festival earlier in the year, the song is reminiscent of their earlier work while (note the the hints of Silent Alarm, particularly at the open) with the renewed energy that comes with a fresh lineup.
The video is a classic tour diary, sticking strong with the theme and narrative that finds its footings somewhere between the sticky floors of The Forum (Melbourne) and Enmore (Sydney) Theatres.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VVPulAbfAj0
AYLA – Like The Other Kids
A decked out abandoned train carriage, lush fields and daisy chains make up the sweet, sun-drenched visuals for the new video from Sunshine Coast’s AYLA. Going her own way as she frolics through the greenery, chops firewood and takes aim at beer cans with a slingshot, the video is a symbol of personal libation and a celebration of the wonderfully feeling of fulfilment that comes with forging your own path.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pd838scz2NE
The song might be called Down At The Beach, but the new video from Sydney’s Big White was filmed in an abandoned Belgian castle between shows in Paris and Amsterdam. Shooting the footage themselves, they opted to avoid a beach clip as the song is about “killing something that’s old”, letting go and finding time and space to reflect.
With the filtered, hand-shot footage, the video has a certain poignant nostalgia about it, ensuring that they achieved just that. A far cry from (and far better than) the cheesy tourist beach shots they could have gone for instead.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t2p5A8vgF7M&feature=youtu.be
Dave – Six Paths
Fresh from his game-changing remix with Toronto’s incumbent king Drake, South London’s Dave has returned with the third visual accompaniment from his incredible Six Paths EP. Embodying the same stunning artistic direction, the title track video shows Dave stunting eerily in black and white with a medieval castle as his setting. Tying in with the dark, gritty, string lead beat, Dave brings his same razor sharp bars.
To keep with tradition, there’s even a cameo from collaborator AJ Tracey proving these two are bros ‘til the end.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GuV_cyckCqY
Sampa The Great – HERoes (The Response)
After sending out a call to action in the first half of HERoes earlier this month, the incredible Sampa The Great has returned with its answer. Sporadic electronic tones open the tune, making way for a truly neck shattering African-influenced drum beat.
Sampa flexes a seriously incredible flow alongside her always constant attention to lyricism. As she raps at an incredible pace, despite it being a lyric video, it’s hard enough just to read along.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N1nLFBy_weU
Action Bronson – Durag vs. Headband
Everyone’s favourite Albanian rapper turned chef in Action Bronson has finally returned with the new hilariously named track Durag vs Headband. Featuring the whole Fuck That’s Delicious crew, plus producer and Ancient Aliens co-star Knxwledge.
Both the video and music are outstanding, the whole gang filling the screen with their raw tenacity over a rough boom bap beat by Knx and always on point verses by Bronson. Not to mention Big Body Bes on the hook, reminding all once again how incredible he is.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MWLg7_G0_go
The Avalanches – Because I’m Me
After returning oh so wonderfully at the start of this year and dropping their highly anticipated sophomore album Wildflower, The Avalanches have been casually releasing a number of music videos from the project over the last few months. Obviously, they’ve saved the best until now though, with the video for Because I’m Me.
This heartstring-plucking love tale follows a young kid in the subway trying to seduce the girl behind the ticket desk. What results is an incredible sing and dance video which is simply put, brilliantly acted, choreographed and scripted. It’s pretty much the definition of feel-good.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eu0KsZ_MVBc
YG – One Time Comin’
A possible glimpse into an upcoming project, YG’s One Time Comin’ continues with the police brutality themes which are evident throughout much of his music.
Shots of YG evading the police by car are paired with shocking first person footage of an innocent man frantically on the run, who is inevitably shot for no reason. It’s a powerful video with a similarly intense track below.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2nTCUI5reJw
I AM D – Seven Deuce
Brisbane’s most veracious emcee, I AM D, has come a long way since his 90s inspired boom bap tracks early in his career. After releasing a range of new and fresh, yet similarly dark anthems over the last few months, the D has now returned with yet another straight to the point track in Seven Deuce.
Paired with bold cinematography, this track is nothing short of fire. There’s no sugarcoated hooks to be found here either, just three minutes of the ill-est verses around, demonstrating I AM D’s skill brilliantly.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EWomlPOS73o
twelveAM – On My Own
One of Melbourne’s latest rising stars in twelveAM has released the video to his catchy heartfelt tune, On My Own. The track leads his debut EP, demonstrating briefly his ear for brilliant hooks, alongside his unique melodic flow and deep tone, painting a vivid picture as he longs for a lover.
No doubt he’ll be one to watch in the months to come.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=po-RQD36–M&feature=youtu.be
Johnossi – Air Is Free
One of Sweden’s largest bands, the platinum selling Johnossi, have returned with yet another rock scorcher to get you grooving. Backed by harsh guitar riffs, bopping bass lines, marching drums and incredible, powerhouse vocals, Air Is Free follows a young nomad as he yearns for independence and freedom.
The result is a truly moving journey, with a soundtrack that is oh so sweet.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rQDTG-caCOs
High Klassified – Gold feat. Mick Jenkins
One of Montreal’s finest upcoming producers, High Klassified has blessed us with a vocal collaboration with a similarly incredible artist in Chicago lyrical legend Mick Jenkins. With its smooth, jazzy and booming beat, we see its producer starring in a spooky love story.
Just in time for the Halloween period, the surrealistic clip is fit with creepy bunnies, eerie dolls and clowns, not to mention the sheer insanity of the narrative. Definitely a see it to believe it type video!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dzsaHjE27zo
Bad//Dreems – Mob Rule
After recently wrapping up their tour with Sydney rockers DMA’s, Adelaide kings Bad//Dreems have followed this up with the release of an incredible new track Mob Rule.
This rough and tough anthem sees the lads reflecting on Australia’s own culture, and what better way that to piece the whole track together with a range of hazy, 80s TV excerpts and clips.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vmsffFCA4fQ
Image: Pitchfork
It’s video roundup time! Once again, Howl And Echoes are coming in hot with the freshest, most eyeball stimulating music videos to be dropped by the artists you love and some of the artists you don’t know you love yet, of this week. We do all the dirty work and herd them all into one convenient web-based location for you to enjoy every Friday so that you don’t have to. Have yourself a good old gander at the latest offerings from:
Cub Sport – Only Friend
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zSUNXCKCTX4&inf_contact_key=06f54529afe2e1ded3c1fd5bbbe11d7d5dbfa925ab053aab7eccdc69d5d4b6b8
Having previously scooped up Australian Video of the Year honours from Channel V, Brisbane band Cub Sport know exactly what goes into the making of a good music video. This one accompanies their brand new single Only Friend, a prelude to their forthcoming album This Is Our Vice.
Directed by Joe Agius, from one of our other favourite Brisbane bands The Creases, the video delves into the seldom-touched themes of anxiety and depression. The song features a haunting synthy build up to a gorgeous chorus, the music video featuring the four members of the band stuck in the middle of a party full of revellers, highlighting the awful feeling of isolation even in the most celebratory of circumstances that is such a largely overlooked aspect of anxiety and depression.
Shot beautifully lo-fi, with all the fuzz of a well-worn VHS, and exploiting some heavy neon pinks and blues, the clip is visually fantastic (and features plenty of cameos from members of The Creases too). A nifty taste of their new album, which drops March the 4th next year.
Big White – Dinosaur City
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c0JaLlNSj9Y
Sticking with the lo-fi vibes for this one is the latest single from Big White: Dinosaur City. The track itself sounds like Robert Smith fronting an Australian new wave band from the 80s (a sound as outrageously good as you’d imagine) and the chorus will have you in a death grip.
The video makes the above one by Cub Sport look as thought it was 1080p, it’s a VHS bleed and so everything is just melting on the screen nice and warmly. There may be no velociraptors of any description but the video for Dinosaur City does feature the band running through what looks like a cracker of a night out on the town with swings in the park and a whole lot of alleyway dancing. It’s a feelgood clip for the summer and the track is an absolute standout.
Also in the spirit of the 80s, Dinosaur City is being released as part of a limited edition 7″ paired with a B-side of the Japanese version of their previous single You Know I Love You. You know we love you too Big White.
Moses Gunn Collective – Hole In The Wall
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y6-ahJvHIbs
Having released their debut LP Mercy Mountain earlier in 2015, psychedelic Brisbane legends Moses Gunn Collective have been riding a wave of roundly-deserved critical acclaim to back up the tsunami of hype that preceded that record. They’ve now released their third single from the album, Hole In The Wall and a video to go along with it.
It’s as summery a track as you’re going to get, the mellowed out and breezy psych rock vibes taking your ears for a blissful ride. The clip was filmed on a sunny afternoon in a field just perfect for rolling around in. It features frontman Aidan Moore in all white everything, having an absolute whale of a time playing guitar in a paddock as the sun goes down and copping a glitter shower to the face amongst other activities. It’s pure bliss on the eyes and the ears.
Editors – Ocean Of Night
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nqlY2fxaFrw
The Staffordshire rock band came back with an absolute bang in 2015 with the release of their long-awaited fifth studio album In Dream. The latest single from that album, which stormed all the way to the top five of the UK charts, is Ocean Of Night. One of three tracks on the album to feature the vocal assistance of Rachel Goswell, the sparkly little piano melody will hook you from the beginning, the song burning slowly around the ghostly chamber vocals of frontman Tom Smith before an absolutely mammoth chorus.
The video, shot in a warm black and white, is comprised of footage both backstage and on from a sold out show the band threw on at Dublin Olympia. Stunningly shot, it’s as uplifting as the track itself and the reactions of the crowd are a ringing endorsement of Editors’ continued position at the forefront of modern rock.
CHVRCHES – Empty Threat
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KNHxwSp-6Og
September saw the release of Scottish synth pop trio CHVRCHES sophomore LP Every Open Eye, a record that built to skyscraper heights off of an already rock solid debut and one that has won over an enormous swathe of fans both old and new. The latest single and video to be released from that effort is Empty Threat.
Driving at 100 miles an hour, elating the listener to brand new heights and generally just being an absolute stomper of a dance anthem, the video for Empty Threat features firepower frontwoman Lauren Mayberry on a punked out road trip with a water park as the end destination, the safety pins and endless black juxtaposed nicely with the summer sun.
Catch CHVRCHES in Australia when they touch down here to headline Laneway and play some (already very sold out) sideshows.
Pusha T – Untouchable
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NPI_6MX74j4
President Pusha is in the house. The newly coronated overlord of GOOD Music recently announced a double drop of albums to cap off 2015 with Darkest Before Dawn and then again in mid-2016 with the long, looong-anticipated King Push. His latest single Untouchable is notable for its sampling of a lesser known verse from The Notorious B.I.G. (from the 1995 cut by Pudgee Tha Phat Bastard Think Big).
The lyrics over the minimalistic backbeat are just stupendous, Pusha calling out professional piece of shit Donald Trump in deliciously profane fashion as well as comparing himself to Tony Montana and U2 (with The Edge) in the same breath. But mainly, according to Untouchable, Pusha T is here to chew gum and sell drugs, and he’s all out of gum.
The video features Pusha riding around some tough looking streets in the night, living fearlessly because he’s King Push, President of Everything and he does exactly what he wants at all times. It’s a cracker of a clip and we’re grateful to our ruler for his generous spacing between future albums.
Seth Sentry – Fake Champagne
Seth Sentry has had one hell of a year. After releasing Strange New Past, he went on an incredible fifty date tour of Australia, toured across Europe, and just last night he went home with the ARIA Award for Best Urban Album.
He’s slated to perform at Falls Festival across the new year, but first comes the video for Fake Champagne, created using footage compiled throughout this year’s relentless tour schedule. The really nicely shot clips blends live gigs with highway stops, snowy landscapes, early morning flights and all sorts of ridiculous antics.
Lyrically, this was one of my favourite tracks on the album. A bitter judgement of trying to live a reflective and self-aware life while being surrounded by fake friends and what we assume to be both literal and figurative “fake champagne”. We hear that.
BIGSOUND is once again upon us here in Brisbane, and soon The Valley will be swarming with delegates and punters trying to catch a glimpse of the next big thing. Two nights, 12 stages, over 150 bands and too many beers; it’s safe to say this is our favourite time of year. But, it’s a pretty hefty task to take on that timetable, so we took it upon ourselves to give you our top 10 must see acts for this year. Take it from us, you CAN’T miss these acts!
Green Buzzard
One of the great unknowns of this year’s Bigsound, they’ve scarcely played any gigs together and the only song they’ve released is the (utterly ridiculous) Brit-rock garage throwback Zoo Fly. They’re freshly signed to I Oh You though, who are behind relatively unknown acts like, oh, Violent Soho and DMA’s, so they aren’t known for being here to fuck spiders and I’m happy to assume they’re bringing the goods once again with Green Buzzard.
Wednesday September 9th, The Winn, 8:50pm
City Calm Down
Speaking of I Oh You, City Calm Down are also a recent addition to that label. If you’d dig some kind of a love child between The National and New Order then City Calm Down are the stork, bringing you that baby real hard. They create an immense wall of post-punk meets electro noise and they should be a bloody joy to catch live.
Wednesday September 9th, The Winn, 11:20pm
Skegss
These Byron Bay dudes are Dune Rats-endorsed (they’re the first artists to sign with old mates Dunies’ very own Ratbag Records) so you just know they’ll be an absolute mental party of a live show. Their sun-drenched surf punk is utterly perfect to boogie down to and they should be well worth a look.
Thursday September 10th, Ric’s Bar, 11:30pm
Holy Holy
If you missed their disgustingly good set at Splendour this year then you should be ashamed, but whatever blows your fur back I guess. These Melbournites bring gargantuan throwback riffs and songs that are larger than life and their live show will knock your socks straight off, guaranteed.
Wednesday September 9th, triple j Unearthed stage (Oh Hello), 11:30pm
Gang Of Youths
Son of a bitch. SON of a bitch. I am absolutely fiending to see these guys live for the first time ever, with their debut LP The Positions still on insanely high rotation in my life. Monstrous guitars, gorgeous synths and, above all else, heartfelt lyrics that cut to the bone, their set promises to be full of absolute belters like Magnolia, Radioface and the raucous Poison Drum. Miss them at your absolute peril.
Thursday September 10th, The Zoo, 11:30pm
Pearls
Melbourne indie outfit Pearls has been on high rotation in my house, my work, my car, and well everywhere, with their debut album Pretend You’re Mine. Their foot stomping glam rock is more infectious than the common cold, and you would need to be a little bit insane not to see them play.
Wednesday September 9th, Elephant Hotel, 9pm
Banff
Benjamin Forbes might just be one of the most exciting names in Australian indie music right now, with debut EP Future Self out last month. With stellar production and languorous vocals his set will be a moment to catch your breath and soak up those blissful atmospheric vibes.
Thursday September 10th, Elephant Hotel, 8:20pm
Big White
Big White make you feel like you have been transported into a John Waters film with 80’s drenched melodies aka The Psychedelic Furs. I am very much looking forward to throwing my hair back to their infectious throw back ditties. Who doesn’t love a good old bit of pan flute?
Wednesday 9th September, The Zoo, 8:10pm
Hockey Dad
Hockey Dad make fun, boisterous garage surf anthems ala Wavves or Cloud Nothings with a distinct local flavor. As this years Unearthed winners there is a lot of hype surrounding these guys, and I’m pretty sure they will more than deliver even in a timeslot directly competing with Gang of Youths.
Thursday 10th September, The Alehouse @ The Wooly Mammoth, 11:20pm
Tiny Little Houses
With only a single track that I have been able to track down, this might just be my most anticipated act. These lo-fi bedroom guitar melodies have been swimming in my head for days and it’s pretty exciting to imagine what else the set my hold.
Thursday 10th September, Black Bear Lodge, 10pm
Friday afternoon! You know what that means – we have selected the best of the best new tracks released this week for your aural pleasure. Whether it’s afternoon wind downs, Friday night turn-ups or just plain old dancing in your room, we have definitely got you covered with our top tracks!
Big White – You Know I Love You
Big White are the first local band to be signed to Caroline Australia, and after hearing this track this news really comes as no surprise. Intricate guitar melodies, dramatic and attention grabbing vocals and just enough jangly beats to keep that head swaying, this track is made for after work beers in the sun. Thank you very much, Big White!
Loon Lake – Just Now
This track was apparently written in 2 hours, which is a testament to Loon Lake’s song writing ability. I’ve heard tracks made over months that don’t sound as rad as this! Good old rock’n’roll, this is thrashy, passionate and heaps of fun – the perfect song to mark the band’s return to the scene. A very welcome return indeed, Just Now is hopefully indicative of very good things to come!
JATA – Drowning In Your Arms
“Keep me up because sleep is the cousin of death” is a lyric I can relate all to well with in JATA’s new track Drowning In Your Arms. Beautiful lyricism, plunging synths and impassioned choruses, huge production and cinematic organ bass drops – this track is one that sticks with you from first listen, and the second, and the third…
I’lls – Let Me Have Just One
I’lls are outstanding, and with each release this reputation is just further cemented. The Melbourne trio work so well together, if they ever stopped doing so it would probably be regarded as a national loss. The three are as on point as ever with this latest track, with Lam delivering the heart wrenching chorus of “Don’t fuck around, the thoughts become profound” above a bed of swelling synths, erratic beats and scattered samples. Intricate, meticulous and just plain stunning.
Motez – One 2
Motez continues his domination in the land of house music with this latest track – the next release off his forthcoming Vancouver EP. One 2 can be aptly described as a “total fucking jam” the way it rises and falls, plunging into the depths with it’s huge bass versus the sky high synth swells. Also that vocal sample is a lot of fun, and you just know this is going to be a ripper on any dance floor. I’m proclaiming this to be the Year of Motez.
Antony & Cleopatra – Take Me
Somehow drawing on the past but twisting it into a futuristic style, Antony & Cleopatra have a lot going on, and a lot to love with their new track Take Me. This track actually came out last week, and somehow slipped through the cracks at H&E HQ. However, we can make a little exception, based on how good the song is. Just try not getting down to this one! I dare you.
Slumberjack – Body Cry (Trumpdisco Remix)
Slumberjack released their self-titled EP late last year, comprised of heavy trap beats and surprising textures, making them one of the most exciting acts to emerge in the electronic scene. One of my favourite tracks on that EP was their song Body Cry, which was conveniently remixed this week by Trumpdisco as part of their Remix EP release. I haven’t heard the Perth duo sound quite like this before, but the addition of Trumpdisco’s touches sure makes for a fantastic rework!
Jinja Safari – Find My Way
Finally new Jinja Safari in my ears! Being a long term fan of these guys (Peter Pan anyone?), hearing the news that there is indeed a new track from my favourite sitar playing, pan-piping band made me one happy lady. Songs don’t get much more fun than this, jam packed with feel good vibes and Marcus Azon‘s infectious vocals – definitely one to warm up these colder months!
Baio – Brainwash yyrr Face
Chris Baio is the bassist of Vampire Weekend, but he also makes REALLY good dance music. Brainwash yyrr Face is the first track from his forthcoming album The Names (he’s already released a couple of EPs as well) and is one of the best tracks I’ve heard in quite a while. Unpredictable, fresh and totally unique, Brainwash yyrr Face has been on repeat for the past two days, and is a very exciting first taste from his new album. This track also wasn’t on SoundCloud, so here’s the YouTube version:
Words by Katie Rowley
Despite an overcast afternoon at The Vic, there is no shortage of beer jugs and denim shorts on show for Australia/Invasion/Survival Day. Local bands Big White and FLOWERTRUCK provide the soundtrack to a loyal following of fans, who duly dance and sway to the jaunty guitar-heavy pop.
First on the bill is Big White, self-professed Australiana appreciators – appropriate for the eponymous day. Easy comparisons would look toward The Cure, but it’d be more appropriate to listen out for the influences of Aussie indie-rockers The Go Betweens. Each song starts seemingly disjointed and off-kilter, but the band has a knack for meshing together their brisk sounds. The three guitars at the front of stage add to the string-heavy fuzz, heard particularly on tracks like Tuesday where the vocals are spread around and the song crescendos to a pounding chant of ‘chooo-ooo-ooo-ooosDAY’
The band is soon to head off on an American tour, including a set at Austin’s SXSW, to promote their second album. Teenage Dream (not exactly of the Katy Perry sort) is the title track for the new collection and showcases the precision drumming and melodic guitar that we can continue to expect from Big White.
Dinosaur City, Crank Up displays lead singer Cody Munro Moore’s warbling vocals at their best, while his fellow guitarists nonchalantly sway on either side in panel caps and brown boots. The band’s jingly jangly guitar offers a good soundtrack for a pint at the pub with friends.
The next band to take stage are indeed friends of Big White. FLOWERTRUCK, who have been watching from the crowd begin their set just as the rain starts to spit with intent. It doesn’t seem to deter the dancers in the front row though, energetically flinging their limbs as the tempo lifts.
With homemade tees showing off the lead singer’s abs and stage banter so bad it’s good, FLOWERTRUCK up the ante. There’s strong bass and lots of variation in vocals, especially when keyboardist Sarah Sykes joins in to harmonise during their catchy choruses.
Bass player and guitar swap roles for the band’s breakout hit I Wanna Be With You; it’s a crowd favourite, proven by the bunch of blonde Bondi surfers who launch themselves on stage to dance along. The track shows the band’s potential, as breezy new-wave guitars jolly along under taunting wails about the frustrations of relationships.
Lead singer Charles Rushforth twists and turns throughout the set with hands pointing vaguely at the sky or grasping out for something just beyond the heads of the assembled crowd; his is an interesting voice to listen to, bellowing out the low notes whilst reaching for the high ones and just about getting them. It’s shouty and shabby but their back yard style goes down a treat with the dancing fans at a rainy Vic.