…Continued from Volumes 2016: Day 1
The second day of Volumes not only began four hours earlier than Day 1, but it opened up three new rooms across two venues. We began back in the Gallery with Solid Effort and Orb.
Orb
Meanwhile, the OAF main stage was also kicking off, with Good Boy and Rolling Blackouts CF getting the crowd in the mood for a big night ahead.
Good Boy
Rolling Blackouts CF
Brighton Up Bar hosted an outstanding demonstration of the very best that Australian garage and indie has to offer, including Darts, Summer Flake, You Beauty and Scott & Charlene’s Wedding, pictured below.
Wax Witches
Nicholas Allbrook was the highlight of my weekend. It was the first time I’ve finally managed to catch his solo act, and it was everything I could’ve hoped for. Weird as hell, enhanced by wild eyes, distorted facial expressions and spindly jerks of limbs, Allbrook’s one-man show is a performance to behold. He looks a bit like his mind is in a different room, but his guitar is completely on point and his voice is unarmed and brilliant. And let’s be real – anyone who can use a flute both as an instrument as a cane to point and dance with, is doing a good job at live performance.
Mossy
Slum Sociable
Volumes is a really wonderful addition to Sydney’s nightlife, which has been dwindling for so long now. Between the buzzing, bustling audience and the huge variety of artists on display, there was a wonderful atmosphere throughout.
Despite being held across a number of venues, the weekend felt so easy to navigate. On the first night punters were given stamps, and the access was upgraded to plastic wristbands from Saturday afternoon. Each venue had its own feel, from the tropical vibes and minuscule dance floor in Cliff Dive, to the crooked cosiness of the tiny Brighton Up Bar from the sweaty rooms of Oxford Art Factory to the beat-centric Burdekin. The audience were in great spirits and the whole process seemed to run really smoothly. Multi-venue events aren’t easy to pull off, but when they’re done well, they’re done really well. Volumes 2016 was a wonderful weekend event, we can only hope for plenty more like it.
Photos: Danielle Hansen / Howl & Echoes
This week had so many good songs I couldn’t narrow it down to just 10, so I threw an extra one in because I’m an independent lady and you can’t tell me what to do.
Kidding, but seriously, this week has been awesome for new singles of all styles. This playlist is positively brimming with musical goodness, and you can check it all out below!
Mossy, Electric Chair (Slum Sociable Remix)
Mossy is I Oh You‘s latest signing, and his first single, Electric Chair, picked up a lot of love worldwide thanks to his sinister, hazy synths and peculiar voice. Now, Slum Sociable have picked up the track and spun it into a brand new remix, and the combining of the two make for quite a great track indeed. Sped up synths that sound almost like a theremin, stuttered vocals and a groovy beat that thrust it into dance floor territory, this is a rework we can definitely get on board with!
Kilter, Fool For You (Ft. Micah Jey)
Kilter triumphantly returns to the scene with this new single. Titled Fool For You, he’s teamed up with Micah Jey for some powerful vocals and sassy lyrics, whilst he delves even further into his electro styling a with a hook of epic proportions. Explosive drums, metallic synth jabs and an array of samples firing off, Fool For You is definitely one of Kilter’s hottest tracks. Hopefully this song signifies a turning point for Kilter, who should be so much bigger than he is. I still have faith though, and it’s songs like this that will get him to where he deserves to be – Flume big!
Loose Tooth, Sherry
Loose Tooth became my favourite band ever purely because of their press pic. It’s just a bonus that they make really good rock. Kind of slacker, kind of indie, kind of pop, Loose a Tooth do their own thing and that’s what makes them them. Sherry is their latest single and its a gentle number with a lot to give. Some angelic harmonies, scuzzy guitar, rumbling bass and enough DIY vibes to hold them in good stead with the continually burgeoning garage scene, Sherry is 3 minutes of gorgeous garage rock and garage pop blended together to make one really great tune.
Stina Tester & Cinta Masters, Mystery
Stina Tester & Cinta Masters have a penchant for the dramatic, and we have a penchant for them. Theatrical synths, piercing and insistent drum beats and their over-the-top-in-all-the-right-ways vocals, Mystery is the next taste from their forthcoming record, Awake and Dreaming, which is set to be released this month via LISTEN Records. We first heard Deep Sleep, and now Mystery shows us another side of their new album – a side we can definitely get around. Its been a long time coming, but if these two singles are anything to go by, it’s going to be more than worth the wait!
Iman, Naive
This song actually came out last week, but I heard it this week so it still counts (sort of, don’t judge me). Even if it doesn’t count, you will forgive me once you hear Iman’s voice. Naive is a stunning song, featuring some impeccable vocals intertwined with rich, atmospheric sounds that blend into an absolutely beautiful pop song. The emotion is rich, the production is flawless and I just can’t get enough of how Iman sings. Her lyrics are unashamedly about being head over heels in love, and it’s just about enough to make you do the same. She’s relatively new on the scene, hailing from London, there are huge things on the horizon for this superstar in the making!
Gonzo Jones, Misty Dreams
Gonzo Jones is the latest signee to the always on point roster at Good Manners, and it’s no wonder they nabbed him before anyone else did. Misty Dreams is his first single, and as far as debuts go, Jones has hit the nail on the head with this one. It’s got a health mix of both indie rock and dream pop, but it’s his vocals that nab your attention. Said to be taken off a forthcoming EP, I hope we can continue to hear him borrow elements from pop, rock and psychedelia and tie them together with electronica, as it’s an intoxicating mix that I can’t get enough of!
Nadia Nair, Dear Brother
Nadia Nair is tipped to be Sweden’s next big thing, and you only have to listen to any of her songs to know why. Her latest track is Dear Brother, and is her best yet. Dark, shifting beats, captivating vocals and a bed of rich bass and synth to keep it fresh, Dear Brother is equal parts hypnotic as it is entrancing, with its persistent drums and enchanting vocals. Borrowing influence from her Malaysian-Indian heritage, Nadia Nair flirts with darker themes and sounds here, and pulls them off so well. Sounding like four different songs in one, Dear Brother is the perfect example of the Swedish star-in-the-making, and our only hope is that we hear a lot more from her in the future.
Spookyland, Big Head
Spookyland are one of the most hyped bands in the world right now, and they’ve just released their latest single in time to wow audiences at SXSW this week. Big Head is one of their more explosive songs, and would be an absolute stand out in a live setting, with an anthemic hook and rocking, driving guitars carrying it along. Vocalist Marcus Gordon sounds better than ever, and said of the track that it is “giving gender tradition a little rattle, but as the bald face love song, not the straight-laced Facebook post. I was trying to celebrate the promiscuous woman; raise up some kind of female James Dean.” In honour of International Women’s Day this week, I feel this message is quite fitting. Yas, Spookyland, yaaaaassssss!
Jameszoo, Flake
Jameszoo is a name you should get used to seeing. It’s the name of Dutch producer and musician Mitchel van Dinther, who is the latest signee on Flying Lotus‘ Brainfeeder label. Flake marks his first release on the imprint, and considering just how much is going on in this track, it makes sense why he’s now rubbing musical shoulders with FlyLo. Borrowing from jazz, hip-hop, electronic and so much more, it’s certainly not a song you’ve heard before by any means, but also one you won’t forget any time soon. The weirder the better in this writer’s opinion, and Jameszoo is as weird as this week comes.
Yuma X, You Said
We’ve had our eyes on Yuma X for a while now, so it’s been really great watching their musical journey so far. You Said is their latest single, and it’s a far cry from their debut last year. Their production is stronger, their influences more diverse and their experimentation becoming more and more curious; all elements that make You Said such a beautiful song. It also marks their fourth and final release on their Home Recordings EP, and their strongest release yet. They’re set to support ODESZA in just a few weeks on their Groovin’ The Moo sideshows, and if this is anything at all to go by, they are bound for really big things this year!
Hoodlem, 4 Real
Hoodlem are so underrated it hurts my soul, but with each release they slowly but surely seem to be achieving the recognition they so obviously deserve. I remember catching this live last year and it was so explosive I stopped dancing for a while just to see the duo live in action. It was then I realised just how much they have going on as an act, and when I realised how underrated they were. So, when I saw today that this was their latest single, I was very happy indeed. The stuttered track stops and starts quick enough to give you whiplash, but it’s so lush as well that you don’t mind at all. Its one of their most experimental tracks so far, and also one of their best. If these two aren’t on your radar yet, you had better change that with this bad boy!
Read our review of Laneway Festival Brisbane 2016
We snapped up Laneway Festival in Sydney this year. This gallery contains photos of: Slum Sociable, Blank Realm, Banoffee, METZ, DIIV and FIDLAR.
Part two contains photos of: Goldlink, Shamir, Royal Headache, DMAs, The Smith Street Band
Part three contains photos of: The Internet, Violent Soho, Battles, Beach House
Part four contains photos of Chvrches, Purity Ring, Grimes and Flume
Slum Sociable
Blank Realm
Banoffee
METZ
Read our interview with METZ
DIIV
FIDLAR
Read our interview with FIDLAR
Melbourne duo Slum Sociable (Edward Quinn and Miller Upchurch) blew us away when we caught them at BigSound in September, and we have since been eagerly awaiting the release of EP TQ. With their debut, they have unleashed their self-dubbed “lo-fo,” trip hop/dirty late-night jazz/shoegaze/psychedelic wonder, and it’s enough to make you want to slow shuffle across the room with the most impressionistic of dance moves. With the pair playing almost everything themselves, plus the winning co-production stamp of Tom Iansek (Big Scary, #1 Dads), the result is a wistful kaleidoscope of sound.
Amorphous single All Night kicks off the seven-track jam with a languid flow. Led along by the unique vocals of Upchurch and burrowing down into those layers of shimmering instrumentation, you best bring a flash light, because man, those grooves are deep. The video to accompany the track was released last week and gives a surreal bend to the already-dreamy number. There is humour, there is melancholy, and there is some line dancing that will make you want to strap on those cowboy boots and bust out the moves you learned way back in grade five.
[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yfsEJOIlgnc]
Instrumental bridge I Want to Sit On The Biggest Chair You Own, is a rag-time time warp with crackling vintage sounds that gives way to stand-out track Paradigm. The restrained intro slowly climbs to a Thom Yorke-esque melody that never quite reaches a climax, but leaves you clinging to the sparsely populated backing of glitchy strings and electronic accents. My Main Broad Got Into My Wife’s House similarly provides a sleepy intro to closing track Luck So Far.
While I’m usually not one to dictate a listening experience, this one is best played in order from beginning to end to fully appreciate the whole nuanced journey. A seemingly insignificant key strike is called back on at just the right moment, giving the collection of sounds the feeling of a lazy eight infinity symbol, looping back on itself with blissful dexterity.
Despite clocking in as an EP, TQ has all the feeling of an accomplished album from an established band. Rarely does a debut find a group so completely comfortable in their own sonic skin, bleeding a sound that is truly their own. Finding themselves on the bill for next year’s Laneway Festival, and already selling out headline shows in their home town, it is safe to say these boys from Mordialloc, Victoria, are well on their way. For the live show, the duo expand to a four piece, with a performance that brings an added exuberance that should not be missed.
Grab the EP here and check out their full tour dates here.
There is something about the weather heating up that makes me really excited, and it could have something to do with the steadily increasing amount of new music we are now hearing as the year comes to an end. With everyone racing to get one final release in before the year is out, it can get hard to sift through all the new material. Thankfully, we’ve got you again and have put together the top 10 songs that you should, you MUST listen to from this week. Man, we’re good to you!
Jaala – Salt Shaker
This track actually came out last week, but I heard it this week so it technically falls into this category? Either way, there will be no argument of technicalities when you hear it, because from the first listen you’ll be just as hooked as I am. Jaala’s unique voice, the jangly chords and evocative lyrics will leave you begging for more.
Moonbase Commander – Southpaw
I’m calling it, Southpaw is a straight up banger. Sometimes bigger is better, and that is definitely the case with this one. Hard hitting, bouncing, bassy and down right dirty in all the right places, Moonbase Commander certainly knocked me for a six when I heard this track, and made me very sorry for missing him at BIGSOUND. I’m predicting big things to come from this guy!
Tourist Dollars – End of Times
An exercise in out to pull off guitar pop in fantastic fashion, Tourist Dollars have dropped a doozy in the form of End of Times. Vocals soar over the tight guitar melodies and jangly beats, the light cymbal work keeping it fresh as the harmonies swell and the track drives along. It’s an incredibly tight, solid track and one that has made Tourist Dollars one act I’ll be keeping an eye on.
Suiix – Alright
Fresh off from showcasing their music BIGSOUND last month, Sydney four piece Suiix have released Alright, a shimmering pop song with a unique flair. With warped noises and hard hitting drums, the echoing, dreamy vocals lay soft over the almost psychedelic track as it swells and blooms. However, it’s the chorus that really gets you. Sounding like a combination of Alpine and Ratatat, Suiix are onto something really good with Alright.
Spelles – Wild Heart
This track is utterly mesmerising. Steadily building, the track goes from delicate piano keys to a swirling, blooming masterpiece as more and more is added to the fray. Careful and considered, Spelles commands the instruments with her incredible voice; drums, strings, searing guitar and more slowly coming together in a graceful waltz. It’s a gorgeous song that takes leads from the likes of Florence + The Machine, but putting her in a league of her own.
Leisure – All Over You
Leisure are one of my favourite discoveries of this year, and this is their third single. Each one has spread like wildfire across the internet as soon as it’s released, and All Over You is no different. Laying down a solid groove, this New Zealand band know a thing or two about making good songs and their natural talents are fully on display yet again here. Soulful vocals, funky beats and sensual lyrics, Leisure have once again taken one step further to total global domination.
Mila J – Hotline Bling Bling
I won’t deny that Drake’s Hotline Bling has been my jam since it came out, so I am enjoying the steady stream of remixes that keep popping up all over the internet. Last week, we featured Erykah Badu’s rework in this very playlist, but now this week the crown must go to Mila J. A lot more downtempo than the original, Mila J’s distorted lyrics float above a bed of pounding, bouncy bass and skittering beats, providing a sexy, steamy alternative to the original.
Hermitude – Ukiyo (YUMO Remix)
Brisbane producer YUMO is the latest in a slew of producers and DJs to take on Hermitude’s Ukiyo. However, there is something about this one that really caught my attention. It’s groovy, slowed down, emotive and fun, and sees the producer completely in his element. This is definitely one of my favourites I’ve heard, and should make for a perfect introduction to the mellow, soulful world of YUMO. You’re welcome.
Slum Sociable – Paradigm
There is really no one else that sounds like Slum Sociable. I could try and draw comparisons but any such effort would be undermining the totally original, unique sounds they consistently offer up, and Paradigm only reiterates this. One of the most innovative acts in Australia right now, it’s really only a matter of time before these two really blow up – especially if they keep putting out songs like this one.
Raleigh Ritchie – Bad Place
There is more to Raleigh Ritchie than Game of Thrones, and this track shows that off in all it’s glory. Short and sweet at not even three minutes long, Bad Place is a thumping, cool-as-fuck track taken from the film Just Jim and is where we can really hear Ritchie in his element. This is a track for strutting down the street or driving with the windows down and the volume up LOUD.
You probably haven’t heard of them – few people have. But Slum Sociable are about to make an impact in a big way if their first two singles are anything to go by. Their sound is an exotic yet refined mash-up of different genres, instruments and ideas – surprisingly though, somehow it works. After releasing their first single earlier this year, the experimental duo are back with their next delicious offering; All Night. The song is taken from their upcoming EP TQ, which is due for release on October 9. It follows their successful debut single Anyway.
Bringing a slap of fresh air, like their pervious signle, it is compellingly varied, with different sounds and textures weaving in and out seamlessly, forming a thoroughly unique blend. They have employed some excellent vocal layering, with a restrained, laid back sound that almost appears washed-out, while not removing its appeal.
After already smashing out a set at Sugar Mountain, they are headed for another tour hitting up Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane.
Check out their tour dates below:
SLUM SOCIABLE ‘ALL NIGHT’ TOUR
Tickets on sale now.
Tue 8 Sept The Flying Cock, Brisbane (BIGSOUND)
Wed 9 Sept The Winn Outdoor Stage, Brisbane (BIGSOUND)
Sat 19 Sept Shebeen Bandroom, Melbourne – TIX
Sat 26 Sept Goodgod Small Club, Sydney – TIX
Morning Harvey – Smith Street Swap Meet
Brisbane psych pop band Morning Harvey are an act we cannot get enough of right now, even if we tried. Their first single for 2015, Smith Street Swap Meet came after the hugely successful T.I.D.E, and the accompanying clip has made me love the track all over again. According to frontman Spencer White, the clip was inspired by Bjork and Nick Cave in regards to narrative-based videos, but it’s also open to your own personal interpretation. “This guy has some kind of a bond with this computer monitor and in someways wants to get rid of it and is fed up with whatever they have… But as soon as this certain thing is gone, he wants it back. What that might mean is up to the viewer.” Seriously though, this is my favourite song of this year.
Jamie xx – Gosh
The second single from Jamie xx’s highly anticipated forthcoming album, In Colours paints an even more exciting picture of what we can expect from the prolific producer. Gosh is a percussive dream with sweeping beats and a groove I just can’t get enough of, and in true Jamie style, the accompanying visuals are something to truly be marveled at. Compiling footage from NASA, JPL and Goodard Space Flight Centre Scientific Visualization Studio, the clip directed by Erik Wernquist, shows a projection of space in the future. We cannot wait for this album to drop next month!
Slum Sociable – Anywhere
It’s a pretty great feat, getting as much love as Slum Sociable have been getting from just one single, but when it’s a song like Anywhere – it all makes sense. Now, that hype will surely reach a critical level thanks to the fantastic accompanying video clip. Directed by Danny Cohen (who has previously worked with Mac DeMarco and Chela), the clip shows a bunch of cloaked figures standing on small pillars, with quite a peculiar background. As it gets further into the song, the figures start dancing and eventually writhing around, before leaping across the scenes. It’s really quite beautiful, and is a testament not only to the director but to the song as well.
HEALTH – New Coke
After six years, LA’s HEALTH are well and truly back with their latest video for new single, New Coke. Coming from their third album titled Death Magic, The dark track is frenetic and anxiety-inducing, with it’s quick drums and ethereal vocals, but there is also a sense of fun in there (or is that just me?). The accompanying video, directed by bassist John Famiglietti is equally as ominous, featuring a cameo from Alice Glass as it depicts a harrowing representation of clubbing. Spoiler alert, there is some artistically filmed vomit in one part, so probably best to mentally prepare for that before watching it.
Miami Horror – Love Like Mine (Ft. Cleopold)
Citing “weirdness and sunshine” as two of the band’s biggest mood-influencers, Miami Horror continue their return with the release of their single Love Like Mine. Upon first listen of the track, I imagined a similarly looking video to go along with it – bright, fun, probably involving dancing. However, the boys have gone for a different approach, and instead have opted for a static shot of a car, with their song playing on the radio whilst an unsuspecting story plays before your eyes through the car window. It’s completely different from a lot of other clips seen today, and is definitely one of my favourites of this year!
Ben Khan – 1000
One of the most exciting names in the world right now is Ben Khan, noted perfectionist and game changer. His David Lynch-esque clip for his single 1000 is no exception, with the whole thing taking on a Twin Peaks via some dream wonderland feel. Khan himself appears, splitting his time between typing on a typewriter and hanging out in weird, eerie halls fitted out with tarps and strobe lights, and other such bizarre activities until things get really weird. The track is taken from his forthcoming EP out via his own Blessed Vice imprint.
This week’s playlist was particularly hard because we skipped last week, so we’ve had to smash the best of TWO weeks together into one playlist. I’d go so far as to say this is my favourite playlist yet. We start and end on two entirely different but phenomenal, epic tracks, with a banger, smooth funk, chilled electro-R&B and hip hop in the middle of it all. Enjoy!
- Tonik Ensemble, Imprints
Opening on a stunner. There’s something incredibly magical in Icelandic water. I don’t know what it is, but I’ve never found an Icelandic artist I didn’t love. Opening with deep, subtle synths that slowly trickle their way upwards, the eerie indie vocal melody comes in and absolutely captivates me. There’s strings, effects, flutes and more. I have listened to this song maybe 20 times in the past two days and I have a feeling I won’t be the only one.
- Alison Wonderland: U Don’t Know ft. Wayne Coyne
Lets take it up a notch for a few minutes. Listen to this one here, it’s not on Soundcloud. The Australian producer has been blowing the hell up recently, with her knack for huge beats, dark bass and rhythmic gymnastics that keep each phrase as interesting as the last. Teaming up with The Flaming Lips‘ Wayne Coyne for her new track, it’s sultry, it’s deep and it’s ready for a sweaty, sweaty dance floor.
- Argonaut&Wasp, When You Came Into My Life
Definitely my favourite song of the week. This track blew me away the first time I heard it, and it continued to do so for the next 15 or so times too. Unbelievably smooth, sexy, understated groove with an incredible melody and a wicked guitar solo. Read my full song review here. “One for the bedroom playlist, one for the dirty-martinis-on-a-rooftop playlist.”
- Slum Sociable, Anyway
The debut track from new duo Slum Sociable absolutely caught my ear on first listen. The lo-fi vibe gives it a bluesy, vintage vibe, while the gorgeous melody dances with piano licks and shuffling hip hop percussion. All in all this is a seriously cool track. I can’t wait to hear more from these guys.
- ZAPED, Eyes Collide ft. Groszek
Once again proving that Australian producers have a hell of a lot to offer, this is a really nice track, with a bubbly bass, rich vocals and an airy, enchanting soundscape. The laid back beats lay the foundation for a beautiful atmosphere, topped off by a soft, yet attention-grabbing soulful melody.
- Terry Urban, Video Girl Dreams
Okay so I’ve never posted a mash-up into a playlist, but this one is too good to pass up. It’s only one minute long, bu tluckily it’s a teaser for a full album, FKA Biggie, a blissfully, surprisingly perfect combination of Laneway headliner FKA Twigs and Notorious B.I.G. I don’t need to even say anything else, just give it a listen.
- Kaytranada, Drive Me Crazy ft. Vic Mensa
I freaking love Kaytranada, and I’ve recently started getting really into Laneway performer Vic Mensa. This is a match made in heaven. Kay’s plinky synth rhythms and a deep, dark bass complement Mensa’s spat-out flow to perfection, the ultimate contrast between chilled electronica and utterly cool hip hop verses.
- Flower Drums, Don’t Wait ft. South
Another totally smooth lo-fi track, with sensual syncopation and gentle, husky vocals. One of my favourite things is R&B-infused low key electronic music with light vocals, and, well, this hits the nail on it’s very sexy head. Guitar plucks and echoed vocal loops add tantalising colour to the already sumptuous layers.
- Seekae, The Stars Below (LUCIANBLOMKAMP remix)
I can’t explain how much I love this remix. I’m a big fan of both artists and this is something else. Adding so much murky, industrial, weird darkness to the original track – one of my favourites off Seekae’s 2014 album The Worry – it’s strange and glitchy and perfect, it’s left me both totally on edge and totally satisfied. Read my full single review here.
- Shlohmo, Buried
Ending on a particularly dark note. There’s something so fucking eerie and disconcerting about this track. My friend described it as the kind of song you might hear on the Blade Runner soundtrack, and that’s the exact perfect way to explain it. As the track unfolds it booms and crashes around a wailing synth, the atmosphere just blossoms into something so phenomenally dark. Listen from start to end, at full volume, with headphones.