LANKS – Settle Down
I’ve seen a lot of music videos that are ‘funny’, in the sense that you understand the humour but really you’re just sitting there watching in silence. This one isn’t that. Melbourne pop artists LANKS has released the visual accompaniment to his latest single Settle Down two days ago, and it is fucking funny.
The clip, which was filmed in two takes in the artist’s own dining room, features LANKS being fed breakfast by a pair of unrelated hands. The fact that he’s trying so hard to keep a stony expression gives it this wonderful sense of indifference and seriousness. On top of that the song is beautiful, featuring stunning vocal harmonies and simple, catchy instrumental layers.
Angus and Julia Stone – From the Stalls
Angus and Julia Stone have released some excellent video clips in their time, but this film for their latest single From the Stalls has something really special about it.
The pair spent five days and nights being filmed in South Australia, catching the stunning natural landscape at sunrise and sunset. The film has a beautiful duality to it, alternating back and forth between light and dark, land and sea. The artists talked about wanting to capture the untamed wild both in the forest and the ocean at different times of day.
The pair have a lot coming up in the next few months, their worldwide tour is in action and they are set to play at Lollapalooza as well as the Governor’s Ball this summer.
Hanni El Khatib – Melt Me
Melt Me is the third offering from Hanni El Khatib’s latest album Moonlight, and he has released a lovely music video to go with it. The clip is filmed entirely on the artist’s iPhone, but he was heavily influenced by French film director Simon Cahn, making sure that the final product was far from amateur.
Melt Me simply depicts the artist in a gaming room, surrounded by kids and adults playing various electronic games. The film is quite artfully composed, and it’s refreshing to have an unprofessional music video that isn’t recorded with some kind of retro camera or nostalgic aesthetic. The film isn’t trying to be quaint or sentimental, it is just depicting our generation using a device that we rely more than any other.
Hedge Fund – Look Who’s Back
Yesterday indie-rock band Hedge Fund premiered an awesome music video for their single Look Who’s Back. The clip features a man running on a treadmill, naked but for a pair of skin-coloured tighty-whities. It’s a mixture of funny and also very very disturbing.
The figure has white stripes down his back and a white-painted face, giving off a kind of creepy Joker vibe. We can see the strain on his face as he runs for dear life, fat jiggling around like nobody’s business. Look Who’s Back has a dark, tense energy, and the film captures that perfectly.
Montaigne – A Cinematic Plea for an End
Montaigne’s latest video clip forA Cinematic Plea for an End was recorded live at her sold-out headline tour at Brighton up Bar. The film, which was produced by Masses Collective (Hungry Kids of Hungary, Ballpark Music) captures a moment of raw, intense emotion.
Montaigne begins the song with an incredibly beautiful vocal, accompanied by a simple, paired-back soundtrack. The song builds in pace and complexity, becoming faster and more dynamic as it goes on. It really takes off at around 3 minutes in. Montaigne is on fire at the moment, having recently played at Groovin the Moo in Canberra as well as having supported Megan Washington and San Cisco. She’s definitely an artist to watch out for.
Japanese Wallpaper yesterday announced something special for his fans. Not only does he plan to go on an East Coast tour (alongside one of Sydney’s brightest, Montaigne) in the lead up to his appearance at Splendour In The Grass, but he’s also (finally) announced his debut EP.
Known better by his mum as Gab Strum, the Melbourne artist took to Facebook to announce that the EP is ‘a collection of everything I’ve released from the past few years as well as an exclusive track that you’ll only be able to hear if you buy the EP’. He also wrote that pre-orders for both digital and 12” vinyl would be coming soon for the collectors among you.
Considering that he’s only 17 years old, he’s all about the all ages shows, giving Sydney and Melbourne two shows each (one all ages and one 18+). At the moment, the Brisbane leg will only feature an 18+ show.
This will be JW’s final headline tour for the year, having already played at Secret Garden Festival and opening for Highasakite (read our review here), among other things. It’s safe to say that Japanese Wallpaper is straight up killing it – and it looks like this is only the beginning.
EP tracklisting:
1. Between Friends (featuring Jesse Davidson)
2. Waves (featuring Pepa Knight)
3. Breathe In (featuring Wafia)
4. Forces (featuring Airling)
5. Arrival
Get it on June 18!
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Like many others, I discovered Montaigne, the Sydney-based 19-year-old beauty, last year with her incredible debut single I’m a Fantastic Wreck and I Am Not An End. Her vocal delivery, her quirky-sounding personality and her refreshingly ego-free, relatable lyrics really caught my eye (and ear).
Having initially been found through Triple J’s Unearthed High in 2012, Montaigne took a break to finish her HSC before setting out to record her debut EP. Life of Montaigne was met to critical acclaim, and she’s quickly built up an increasingly large fanbase ever since. Not only was I Am Not An End was, insanely, the 36th most played song on Triple J last year but she blew us all away by her Like A Version last year, where she bravely, and beautifully covered Sia’s Chandelier.
Following support slots for San Cisco and Megan Washington, topped off by an FBi Radio SMAC Award for Next Big Thing, she’s also sung backing vocals on Benevolence Riots by Gang of Youths, one of my absolute favourite Sydney acts. I’m also pretty certain I saw her walking around at Falls Festival Byron about six times, I hope she doesn’t think I was stalking her. How awkward.
Anyway, Montaigne has now announced her first string of headline dates around the country! Details right here:
Have you heard of Montaigne yet? You’ve probably heard her on the radio if you’re a triple j listener. The 19-year-old came on to the scene earlier this year with her two debut singles, I’m a Fantastic Wreck and I Am Not an End. Her unique melodies, style and overall personality is the kind that balances quirkiness with talent, fun with maturity well beyond her 19 years.
Anyway, Montaigne, also known to some as Sydney-based Jessica Cerro headed over to triple j last week so for Like a Version. She covered Sia’s Chandelier, a belter of a pop tune that is not for the faint of heart.
Luckily, Montaigne KILLED it. Easily one of the best all year. Listen here:
Montaigne’s debut EP Life of Montaigne came out last week too, and I highly recommend grabbing a copy for yourself.