Another week, another mountain of amazing new music. While we try to cover as much as possible throughout the week, there’s always a few tracks that slip through the cracks – and that’s where your weekly Friday playlists come in. Here are the top ten tracks we may have missed earlier on this week for you to enjoy. You can check out all the other new music we’ve been loving over at our singles and playlists pages.
- Lanks, Bitter Leaf
Melbourne artist Lanks has returned with a sensual new slice of slinky electronica. Dabbling in a more playful rhythm across all layers, the soulful sound, and really nicely arranged lyrics, draw influence from R&B and electro-soul. Also, I love the multi-layered vocal phrases that give off an acapella feel. This might be my favourite Lanks track to date. - Strict Face, Murderer (ft. K-Major)
This is a really cool new track out of Nina Las Vegas’ label NLV. The track has a really smooth feel to it overall, in spite of the heavy, glitchy beat. K-Major’s vocals are a perfect addition, adding a strange kind of delicacy to the melodic synths and understated rhythm. For a track called Murderer, it sure is dreamy. - Mild High Club, Homage
It goes without saying that pretty much anything to come from Stones Throw is alright in my book. With its laid back melodies and off-kilter keys, this feels like a really twisted take on a classic mid-60s pop tune. It feels like it’s being played at the wrong frequency on a record player, kind of melting the corners and warping the synths. - Stwo, Out At Night (ft. A Chal)
Stwo has been on my radar for a long time now, and it’s always great to hear new sounds. This track similarly mixes sensual, hip-hop and R&B-tinged male vocals with really excellent, understated production. The rhythm and percussion work in particular stand out to me on this one, a great contrast to the spritely instrumental layers. - GL, Hallucinate
The Melbourne synth-pop duo have returned this week with new track Hallucinate. I’m usually no fan of disco, but GL have always impressed me. The vocals have a real Little Dragon vibe to it, and that baby-makin’ bass is all kinds of right. I love that this track can have a retro feel to it, without the overly intentional nostalgia befallen to many of their contemporaries. - Emma Louise, West End Kids
Man, do I love Emma Louise. Every single track she’s released of late has made me want to cry and sing at the same time. I believe this song is about the west end in Brisbane, and while I can’t specifically relate to this, the atmosphere is universal and immediate. It rings of sentiment and nostalgia, of reminiscing on days past, for better or for worse. I’m aware that this is a strange comparison, but the verses and atmosphere really reminded me of the melody on Seekae’s Another. - Sannhet, Short Life
This week’s Adult Swim Single comes from Sannhet, who admittedly I somehow wasn’t aware of up til now, but man am I grateful for the discovery. Experimental, instrumental metal is certainly not for everyone, but it’s been a long time affair for myself. Like Deafheaven or Pelican, or even Red Sparowes to a lesser extent, the sweeping phrases and wide, provocative chords, coupled with frantic drums and ear-splitting toplines, bring you along for one wild, wild ride. This might be my favourite Adult Swim single of the season so far, and I’ve just discovered my new favourite post-metal band. - Josué, Jupiter
Moving on from there comes a gorgeous soul/R&B offering from Australian artist Josué. Taking cues from Thundercat as much as D’Angelo, this is a spacey, sensual piece, with honeyed melodies, an understated beat, late-night vibes and a lush atmosphere overall. if you happen to be reading this in Melbourne, catch the man in action at the Evelyn Hotel this Sunday 26th.
Image: Sannhet/Adult Swim
Australia’s favourite disco duo Client Liaison are currently on tour in support of their recent single and video, World Of Our Love. We caught them live at The Metro Theatre in Sydney on May 26, with support from Melbourne duo GL.
Check out the video here and remaining tour dates below:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8XnyF-tDia4&feature=youtu.be
Client Liaison World Of Our Love Tour Dates
Friday June 3: The Worker’s Club, Geelong (SOLD OUT)
Saturday June 4: The Forum Theatre, Melbourne (SOLD OUT)
Sunday June 5: The Forum Theatre, Melbourne (Tickets)
Friday June 10: The Fat Controller, Adelaide (Tickets)
GL
Client Liaison
All photos copyright Danielle Hansen / Howl & Echoes
This week is pretty electronic heavy, which we don’t mind one bit considering how good they all sounds. From all corners of the globe, but a heavy focus on local acts, this playlist will have you boogying into your weekend in no time! Enjoy!
Chymes, Oracle
This is the first single from Central Coast duo Chymes and as far as first singles go, this one is certainly up there. As magical as the song name would suggest, Oracle is a tinkering, hypnotic song that has hints of Purity Ring with its eerie vocals and captivating soundscapes, but it would be remiss to totally lump them in that category. No, Chymes shine bright on this single and will make just about anyone very keen indeed to hear the rest of what they’ve been working on with their Grow EP out later this year.
Kllo, Bolide
Kllo (formerly Klo) have finally returned with some new music, and holy shit was it worth the way. Bolide is a shifting, jolting number that has elements of footwork and garage-house with it’s beats, but is kept grounded thanks to Chloe Kaul’s heavenly vocals, husky and soft. Showing a bit of a change in direction from their previous EP last year which focussed more on the lo-fi vibes, Kllo have amped up the tempo here and are delving into unchartered territory. We cannot wait to hear what else they’ve been cooking up, nor can we wait to catch them on tour later this year!
Client Liaison, World Of Our Love
The purveyors of fine things and turn-of-the-90s nostalgia, Client Liaison, make their entry into 2016 with World Of Our Love– a liberating, upbeat, exciting song that heralds their return as some of Australia’s best dance artists. World Of Our Love is a dancefloor filler, and it’s thumping beat, swelling chorus and borderline euphoric lyrics make me just feel like everything is okay in the world now that new Client Liaison is out in the world. They’ve also announced a huge national tour, which promises to be their biggest and best yet if this new single is anything at all to go by. Head here for more details on that!
Left., No Way
Sydney duo Left. have been around for a while now, but I have never quite heard them like this before. Delving further into the indie electro arena, the pair are sounding better than ever. It’s an uplifting tune that hides a powerful message. Sarah Corry, one half of Left., said of the track that, “I want to be able to say something in our songs, to use my voice as much as I can in a positive way. ‘No Way’ was written in this time where we see so much deep seeded, dark abuse and mistreatment of women. Women’s bodies being found raped and destroyed by their partners – it hurts me so much to see this. I decided to write a song that was bursting with positivity and a powerful message that we have the power to own our bodies, our lives, our fate.” YES. GIRL!
Aeora, Medicine
Melbourne artist Aeora has changed her name up and really come into her own with this latest single. Previously going under the moniker “Aura”, Aeora is building on the success of New Thing and Out Loud with Medicine – and she is really bound for big things. Just listen to that voice around the 2 minute mark. The production throughout, expertly laid down and throbbing, is vast and massive as more and more is added to the fray. Produced by Owen Rabbit, this is the first taste from her forthcoming record Alt, out in July via local label Riot Expert Records, and we are expecting one hell of a release for that one!
GL, Grip
GL are back with a banger in the form of Grip– another throwback to the 80s in a way only they know how. Released alongside their previous single, Number One which was also a total jam, for Record Store Day last weekend. Ella Thompson, the “L” in GL, said of the track, “Grip is about physical love. This is a recurring theme in our album Touch. When something takes its grip and really has a hold on you, it can feel like a game of cat and mouse. You might say all the right things, try and keep your cool but in the end your body does the talking.” GL are about to go on tour with Client Liaison (mentioned above) and are an unstoppable force live. Don’t miss out!
Kid Cupid, Siren
They’ve already drawn comparisons to the likes of London Grammar, and for very good reason. Indie-electro quartet Kid Cupid make brooding, powerful indie pop with electronic elements infused to give it that extra depth. It’s expertly produced, sounding way more accomplished than their relatively short history would suggest, and it’s because of this that I have such high expectations of what else these guys can achieve. Big things are coming for this London band, with tribal drums, sensational vocals and harmonies and subtle guitar licks to really take it home. Very nice indeed.
Donatachi, Bubblegum (Ft. Rosebud Leach)
Out now via the legendary Sydney party crew Sidechains‘s latest mixtape, Donatachi steps further into his own as a producer and as an artist. Talking of the collab with Melbourne singer Rosebud Leach (who you may recognise from LUCIANBLOMKAMP tracks), Donatachi said, “Rosebud and I both share are deep love for bubblegum pop and wanted to do a sickly sweet, exaggerated version of the genre in this song. We wanted it to sound like Sailor Moon and Tuxedo Mask’s first dance at prom.” And they have achieved it! Sounding like PC Music meets a fairy or something, this is a shimmering, over the top exercise in pop music but it sounds so good.
Fifi Rong, Forbidden Desire
Beijing born, London based producer Fifi Rong sounds like a more badass Lana Del Rey, with her inviting voice but secret bite. Forbidden Desire is the latest release from the up and coming artist, and a taste of what we can expect from her forthcoming EP out next week. She’s worked with the likes of Tricky and will be featured on none other than Skepta‘s forthcoming album Konnichiwa, so if you don’t want to take our word for it then maybe theirs will help. Seductive, woozy and somehow chilled out even though it’s totally captivating, Fifi Rong holds it down here and makes it sound easy.
Katy B, Water Rising (Ft. MssingNo & Geeneus)
Another shimmering slice of pop from Katy B’s forthcoming collab heavy album, and it’s one of, if not the best we have heard so far. Her album, titled Honey, comes out today and Water Rising is the perfect tune to herald its arrival. The album sees Katy B working with many, many artists including Four Tet, Floating Points, Major Lazer, Craig David, Kaytranada, J Hus, Wilkinson, Jamie Jones, Sasha Keable, Novelist, Hannah Wants, Mr. Mitch, D Double E and more, and has already shaped up to be a formidable release. Working with electronic producer MssingNo and Rinse founder Geeneus, Katy B’s impeccable voice sounding commanding and powerful over the dark track. It’s an impressive song from a sure to be impressive album.
Festival season has officially kicked off over the past few weeks, including the long-running Meredith Music Festival taking place earlier this month near Melbourne. Melbourne-based electro-pop duo GL capped off their incredible 2015 by performing alongside Thurston Moore, Father John Misty, Ratatat and plenty more. We couldn’t be there on the weekend, so we asked them to share some of their favourite Meredith moments with us in a tour diary.
Enjoy!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ucbK0iyA3Vs
The safari room backstage quarters
Side of stage for Harvey Sutherland
Pre show, dressed and ready to rumble
Sarah folding the fabric
Fabric prep
Having a knock off in the Safari room
Having a laugh at Pink Flamingo
Yuri our helping stage hand having a rest in swag
Having just released their latest single Number One earlier this month, Plastic World signees GL are already killing it ahead of the release of their album next year. This week saw them drop the video for Number One, which is just as fun and crazy as you’d imagine from the song.
Pastels. This video is pastels, and it’s gorgeous. The track and the video have a perfect aesthetic harmony, with both going in a really clean 80s style direction. We’re introduced to a bunch of characters from the get go: a pair of red-headed twins making pancake batter, an older woman tearing clothes out of a cupboard, an absolutely stunning woman taking a bath, and of course the duo, sitting in the lounge room just singing and grooving along. It’s absolutely lovely to look at, with everything shot perfectly. Shots of the suburbs and the house itself really fit the song even though there doesn’t seem to be a story, and everything comes together really chaotically at the end, with every character going nuts in the living room.
[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ucbK0iyA3Vs]
With their album dropping next year, hopefully this is a sign of things to come for GL. They’ve got such a clear aesthetic alongside their music, so one can hope that they bring out way more videos as well. Either way, we’re super excited for what’s still to come.
Is it Friday already? Who knew that seven days was enough time to release so many goddamn good videos. This week we present our homegrown edition, with a killer line up from a whole lot of stellar Aussie acts. We didn’t need to look any further than our own back yard to get your afternoon started off right. Happy weekend!
Holy Holy – A Heroine
It’s no secret we are big fans of Holy Holy. We have eagerly followed the release of their debut album When the Storms Would Come, and have caught them live at every opportunity. The latest clip to track A Heroine is a stripped back, highly polished recording of the song being performed at Howler in Melbourne and gives a taste of just what these guys sound like in the flesh. When we caught up with vocalist Tim Carroll, he told us how the song was inspired by Melvin Bragg’s In Our Time podcast. “I was just riding my bike around once and he was doing one on ancient China and I was really struck by these repeated tragedies and the rise of emperors, and the collapse of empires, and love and loss and all these different things that repeat themselves again and again up until now.” To watch Carroll belt out those notes with all the pain of all of history inside of him is transcendent. You just gotta do it.
[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u0mYWwfRk_M]
Feels – Jungle
New kids on the Aussie hip hop block, Feels, are landing with a bang with their debut single Jungle – out this week. It’s a downbeat number featuring minimalist electronics and flowing lyrics that evoke all the, well, feels. Vocalist Dane Kennedy unleashes softly sung verses, complimented by Ryan Jordan raps lamenting the loss of someone close. The moody clip splices together black and white imagery tracing the journey through an emergency room as the pair plead for “one more day.” It’s pretty heavy, but it’s touching and a strong taste of what is to come on debut EP due out in 2016.
[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MGK98EcoVlM]
Matt Corby – Monday
Just wow. Who knew that sweet sweet voice of Matt Corby could get any better. Put him in a cabin in the woods, set him up with a microphone, and record in one take and the results are a little mesmerising. The clip for track Monday was shot in the same cottage in Berry, NSW where the song was recorded. With peeling paint, mismatched furniture, and just the right amount of light, it looks like the perfect setting for contemplative moments and creative grandeur. The track is taken from his forthcoming debut album due out early next year, and we are now more than a little excited to see what it holds.
[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pPnA-Vs5ATU]
Crayon Fields – Love Won’t Save You
The latest clip from Melbourne four-piece Crayon Fields for track Love Won’t Save You might make you feel like busting out those disposable 3D glasses that you “accidentally” stole from the cinema. Set against a white backdrop, lead singer Geoffrey O’Connor is silhouetted in neon auras that warp and fade with the lilting pop melody. The clip centres on inanimate objects like a vase and a bunch of bananas in a celebration of still life that bears tribute to the ordinary and the constant, as the title line is repeated over and over and we are reminded of the chaos of love. These guys are about to embark on a couple of shows in Sydney and Melbourne, so be sure to check out the details here.
[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9sgmQKIuK1w]
GL – Number One
Sultry synth-poppers GL translate their bright and romantic sound perfectly with their latest clip. Symmetry ties together scenes of non-sequiturs that thread together to create a surreal story that turns making pancakes and eating a peach into a visceral experience. The duo really summed it up best themselves in a recent interview:
“We wanted to make something that had a slightly surreal narrative. Colour and movement are very much a part of the story. Many great moments were captured by chance, like when brothers Rhys and Louis were chasing the family chicken on the tennis court and Annelise decided to film it because the chicken matched their hair colour. I felt like we were in some sort of Edward Scissorhands suburbia. The song is kind of about idolising perfection, the video is like a visual dream sequence interpretation of that.”
Take a walk to that strange world below.
[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ucbK0iyA3Vs]
Ali the Great – Trophy
If you are familiar with Brisbane hip hop legends The Astro Travellers, then you are no stranger to the sharp rhymes of one of their lead emcees Ali the Great. This week Ali has dropped the clip for his lively track Trophy, and it plays out like a moving postcard of his hometown. Making it’s way through the streets of Brisbane there are familiar landscapes washed out in vintage hues, and we are introduced to a range of eclectic characters. Ali appears in a gangster suit rapping under the Storey Bridge, and layers verse upon verse of sharp lines. We look forward to checking him out when he supports Oddisee on the 26th of November at Brisbane’s The Wooly Mammoth.
[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-3nuqfp14_g]
Synth pop isn’t exactly an under-represented genre around these parts, so when an artist emerges who take the overdone style and make it sound totally fresh and new, we sure as hell pay attention. That’s exactly the case with Melbourne duo GL, comprised of producer Graeme Pogson and vocalist Ella Thompson (who you may have seen on tour with Mark Ronson earlier this year).
Fresh off the back of releasing their glittery new single Number One, their first new music since debut EP Love Hexagon, premiered back in February, the pair are now readying themselves for an official single launch in Melbourne next weekend. They’ve also just taken the stage at OutsideIn Festival in Sydney, and are set to perform at Meredith Music Festival in December.
We wanted to get to know them a little better, so we asked them what some of their favourite songs were. Enjoy!
My favourite track to wake up to is…
You Get The Best From Me (Say, Say, Say) by Alicia Myers. Its got an amazing slow vocal intro, then breaks into a groove that is the perfect start to any day.
My favourite song to sing in the shower is…
I’m more of a shower-percussionist. So here’s Aftershower Funk by Joe Bataan.
The best track for cooking is…
Sweet Sticky Thing by The Ohio Players. The whole Honey album for that matter.
The best track for spring cleaning is…
Don’t Mess Up This Good Thing by Janet Jackson. I had been sleeping on Janet’s first album, produced by Leon F Sylvers III and featuring the immaculate sound of Wardell Potts Jr.
The ultimate road trip track is…
Escape (The Pina Colada Song), only because it was on the radio as my friend and I drove into Vegas recently. For drum nerds: it’s 2 drummers playing together on this, apparently Steve Jordan and Jim Keltner which is a good combo.
My favourite love song is…
Leroy Hutson – I’m In Love With You Girl from the album Love Oh Love. Lots of love in that album.
The best track for sweet love makin’ is…
Intimite Connection by Kleeer. As long as you ignore the questionable lyric ‘I rub my fingers all over your face’ or, ‘I’ll be the key, you be the door’ :/
The track that always gets the party started is…
Well, recently it was Emotions by Mariah Carey, unfortunately it was the last song we played in our set.
My favourite drunken karaoke track is…
I know Ella’s is We Belong Together by Mariah Carey. I tend to watch at karaoke.
I can’t stop dancing when I hear….
Get It Right by Aretha Franklin. Yogi Horton can get anyone dancing.
The best track to wind down a crowd is…
Joy and Pain by Maze Ft Frankie Beverly. Simon TK once played this right after a GL set and it couldn’t have been a more perfect choice.
A song that always makes me cry is…
Etta James Only Time Will Tell – Etta’s delivery is always intense, but this one is extra heart-wrenching.
I love going to sleep listening to…..
Bob Marley and the Wailers’ Exodus album is very hypnotic and has a nice warm tone.
Spoiled for choice this week, when it comes to new music? Sounds about right. Don’t worry though, because we’ve got you. Lots of Aussie talent (RaRa, Zone Out, GL and many more) flexing their knack for making damn good music, a killer hip hop collaboration from two of America’s finest, some dramatic synth pop and more – these are the ten songs from this week you need to hear NOW!
RaRa – young n dramatic
Melbourne hip hop act RaRa are quickly becoming one of my favourite acts in the country, and for good reason. If you’re yet to catch on, their latest track young n dramatic is the perfect introduction. Forward-thinking production, intelligent lyrics, four lead singers and their individual styles and some serious feels – this track has it all.
Zone Out – Inside
Zone Out are part of the legendary crew of Deaf Ambitions, sitting alongside acts like Crepes and Leisure Suite, so they’re in pretty good company. Inside marks just their second track on their SoundCloud, and what a doozy it is. Dream pop at it’s absolutely finest.
Autre Ne Veut – Panic Room
We caught up with Autre Ne Veut just last week, so it goes without saying that his latest single would be in this playlist. Crazy vocals, unpredictable synths, a whole lot of uncertain emotion – the man sounds quite panicked indeed. Taken from his latest album, Age of Transparency (which is out today!) this is Autre Ne Veut at his best.
GL – Number One
GL smashed it out of the park at last week’s OutsideIn festival in Sydney, then dropped this superb track just days after when fans were begging for more. It’s been a while since the release of their 2014 EP, Love Hexagon, but this track sees them welcomed back with wide open arms. Shimmery, fun, and just the right amount of 80’s nostalgia, this track sounds like Kylie Minogue-era Neighbours but with a modern touch.
KYLE – Remember Me? (Ft. Chance The Rapper)
It seems Chance The Rapper just can’t stop collaborating! This time, it’s with Californian rapper KYLE, and the results are a total dream. They’ve worked together previously back on The Social Experiment‘s Surf, and now they rejoin forces for Remember Me? Taken from KYLE’s upcoming album, Smyle, the Cali rapper said this was one of the hardest songs he’s had to write, but it definitely doesn’t show. Showing a bit of a slow and more pensive side to himself, Remember Me? is a soulful track with a lot to give.
Kuren – It Still Hurts
Yet another Australian producer making you feel bad about how little you have accomplished in your life, Kuren took the nation by storm this week with the release of It Still Hurts. Clearly taking note from the big dogs of the game, writing down their key moves and working them to his advantage, Kuren represents everything good about Australian dance music right now, and It Still Hurts is the proof. This song is a fucking jam.
Good Boy – Transparency
I’ve had my eye on Brisbane band Good Boy for a while now, and they definitely did not disappoint with their latest track. Sounding a little like a beer soaked version of The Ocean Party, their songs are refined and considered, and Transparency represents a big step forward for the trio. They’re about to go on tour, and I strongly recommend seeing them in action. More details here.
Hermitude – Ukiyo (Tina Says Remix)
Perth producer Tina Says is one of my favourite homegrown talents, and for very good reason. She almost keeps to herself in a way, and doesn’t get anywhere near as much recognition or traction as she deserves, but still she goes along, dropping mixes here and there to devoted fans. This Hermitude remix is yet another example of how much she’s got going on. Perfect for a sunny day or getting down in the club, she heaps a whole lot of genres and influences into the one track and cooks it up until it’s just right. Here’s hoping the rest of the country catches on soon.
Erykah Badu covers Drake – HOTLINE BLING BUT U CAINT USE MY PHONE MIX
Well, shit. Whenever Erykah Badu does anything, it’s time to prick up your ears. When she takes on what is arguably the biggest R&B track of the year, you down a few espressos and stand to complete attention. This is a ridiculously cool cover from the neo-soul legend. I’ll be honest – I prefer this to the Drizzy original. Drake should be honoured that she took it on. I’m honoured just because I get the chance to listen to it.
Kyler Slater – Black Eyes
Dark and seductive, this is kind of a halfway point behind The Weeknd and Chet Faker. Kyler Slater’s latest track is smooth and sensual, with a deep, enveloping beat and a massive bass that really gets under your skin. The overtly sexual lyrics don’t leave much up to the imagination – and pared with the intense beats, it makes for one visceral damn listening experience. Of the track, Slater says, “When you are at the edge of destruction and loss, you are inspired to write songs that, without diving too deep, can help you process emotions and move forward.