This week was a doozy when it came to new songs. Coming at us left, right and centre, it seems just about everyone thought this was the perfect week to drop a great new track. But hey, we’re not complaining because we love great new tracks, but it can be hard sifting through all of them to get to the real gems.
Thankfully, we’ve once again got your back, and we’ve narrowed it down to a handful of the absolute best to get your weekend started. Check it out below!
Sango, Life Without God Is Nothing
Part of the Soulection crew, Sango is a god in my books. His beats are always so solid, with nothing but the highest quality coming from him with each and every release. Focussing on intricate drum patterns, he manipulates the sounds accompanying a soulful vocal samples. It’s clean, tight and fresh with it’s soulful, sensual delivery and relaxed groove. He may have just released an EP, but this bad boy is tagged as “ALBUM MATERIAL” so our hopes are high for more releases on the (hopefully near) horizon. The title Life Without God Is Nothing could be up for debate, but right now we’re thinking the same about a life without Sango.
Jodie Abacus, Space Buffalo (Prod. Royce Wood Junior)
Jodie Abacus is a name you have to get acquainted with, because he is set to truly break through this year. After a string of catchy RnB/hip-hop singles last year, he has returned once again with Space Buffalo, and it’s exactly the type of track he should be releasing to take his career to the next level. It’s a track that highlights his stellar voice, paired with nostalgic soulful production courtesy of Royce Wood Junior. The pair are perfect for each other, and it shows. However, even though it might sound like a feel good number, don’t let those lyrics catch you off-guard. They’re sobering and sad, which is a wonder because if I was making songs this good, I wouldn’t be sad at all!
Nico Ghost, Night Terrors
He just finished supporting Wu-Tang Clan on their national tour, and now he’s about to support G-EAZY at his Brisbane gig, so it’s safe to say Nico Ghost’s name is blowing up, and for very good reason. Just listening to his latest single, Night Terrors, you can hear just how much the Melbourne MC has going on. Representing yet another artist heralding in the new era of Australian hip-hop, he spits over a dark, moody beat with a refined approach and progressive lyrics. He is tipped to be one of the next big things in the local hip-hop scene, and if he keeps putting out tracks like this, that is definitely where he is headed.
San Holo, New Sky
San Holo is sitting on a few million plays of his tracks on Soundcloud, and continues to push not only himself, but his peers with each release. New Sky is yet another example of this. Flirting more and more with the experimental side of things, this track is like Mario Kart meets Blade Runner in an underground trap nightclub somewhere in the best way possible. With shimmering synth jabs and soaring samples, San Holo works his magic to deliver an unsuspecting breakdown and a drop of epic proportions. It’s hard hitting, expertly produced and indicative of yet another huge step forward for the Dutch-future bass producer.
Tourist Dollars, Horse Girl
I was a little late to the party when it comes to Tourist Dollars, but I was instantly hooked once I heard their track, End Of Time, last year. So, it makes me really happy to see another new single from them, this time in the form of Horse Girl. It’s equal parts nostalgic as it is forward thinking, as the band’s love affair with reverb and the 60s is reignited once again here. Frontman Jesse McCormack’s voice has never sounded better, and when he sings the final lyrics, “The future is bright,” you get the feeling he could be talking about more than just the obvious meaning. Big things are coming for these guys.
Argonaut & Wasp, Always
These guys have been on our radar for a while now, but this is hands down my favourite track ever from them. Pop in its best form, Always is a summer anthem waiting to happen. It’s got elements of 80s pop, and features a liberating, feel good chorus that would see any party burst into dance. Reminiscent of the indie pop band explosion of the late 00’s, they’ve picked out all the best elements of that time and have thrust it into the future with their modern thinking production and their always progressive song-writing skills. Argonaut & Wasp are one of the hardest working duos I’ve come across in some time, and their ever-evolving and ever-impressive output only gets better and better.
L-FRESH The LION, 1 In 100,000
L-FRESH The Lion is one of the best hip-hop artists in the country right now, and if you aren’t familiar with him yet, his latest single should serve as the perfect introduction for him. Speaking with triple J, L-FRESH said about his track, “When I think about my journey in music, ever since I started it’s felt like, from every angle people have tried to sculpt me to be to their expectations… This song really just speaks to the voice of self and wanting to stand and be my own person regardless of what anyone says or believes.” Couldn’t have said it better myself, L-FRESH. Just try not getting down to the electronic/hip-hop blend this song is, and keep your ears pricked for the traditional tumbi at the start.
Tiny Little Houses, You Tore My Heart Out (Anatole Remix)
Anything producer Anatole touches turns to musical gold in my opinion, and I will hold that until he proves me wrong. Today is not that day. This week, Anatole has jumped on You Tore Out My Heart by indie four piece Tiny Little Houses. Stripping it right back to the bare minimum, Anatole plays with so many different sounds that he builds it back up as a totally different track. Keeping with the original vocals, he flirts with fluttering synths and bubbling electronica, as well as intricate percussion like light cymbals and crips drum beats. It’s seriously beautiful, and once again proves my theory – musical gold!
Summer Flake, Wine Won’t Wash Away
Summer Flake continues plugging away making jus about everyone who hears her excited for the release of her forthcoming album, Hello Friends, with the release of a brand new single. Wine Won’t Wash Away is a warm and fuzzy song, in the way that it’s got warm vocals and fuzzy guitars. It’s a lot more badass than the initial meaning synonymous with “warm and fuzzy” would make you think. The reverb-drenched guitar is paired perfectly with her poignant and emotive lyrics, and has me even more excited to hear Hello Friends come April 8.
Mat Zo, Sinful (Ft. I See MONSTAS)
A nice, fun one to finish off with! Grammy nominated Mat Zo returns once again with a new track that will embed itself in your brain for days on end. Titled Sinful, he has enlisted the help of British three-piece I See MONSTAS for this one, and it’s one of my favourites from him yet. Funky as all hell, it’s reminiscent of Nile Rogers-era Daft Punk meets Disclosure – in other words, a total banger. It’s also been released alongside some pretty spectacular visuals, and has us desperate to hear what else he’s been sitting on. Thankfully, the March 25 release date of his new album, Self Assembly, is fast approaching and our patience has just about run out!
Image of Sango via HypeTrak
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!