Horsell Common – ‘Good From Afar, Far From Good’
Call me crazy, but I really think Horsell Common are a cut above the emo crust. The first single from their debut album, ‘Good From Afar’ has the hallmark Horsell emphasis on melody and movement. They are vigilant and vigorous in their songwriting, and the track is full of sharp edges but there are no dark corners, no accidental notes. Every moment is an avalanche.
Regurgitator – ‘Blood and Spunk’
For one reason or another it’s been a while since I’ve listened to Regurgitator, but ‘Blood and Spunk’ is an electric reminder that these profoundly creative, funny and forward-thinking musicians are the godfather’s of our ubiquitous electro-clash scene. The first single from their eighth album sees the band return to stylized, sample-driven punk with the usual pulse-quickening results. The muted four-on-the-floor bass bulging darkly from the room next door is a particularly nice touch.
The Cat Empire – ‘No Longer There’
This song, which is in the very broad neighbourhood of a Coldplay ballad, speaks volumes about The Cat Empire’s confidence. Clearly, the ska hop kings feel their audience will follow them down any old path of musical whimsy they fancy having a stab at, no matter how random or self-indulgent. For cahones alone, they deserve a round of applause (but it’s hard to clap and block your ears at the same time).
Devastations – ‘Mistakes’
Melbourne’s lost sons the Devastations have released two albums from their adopted home of Berlin, and built a solid following from their sombre recordings. Their third album promises a new direction for the band, with a silvery lining around their dark cloud. More pop, less mood, so they claim, but you wouldn’t pick it from their single. Mistakes, despite running at a very different pace, evokes the memory of Morphine, complete with the image of haunted men in haunted bars, playing out their demons.
Ricki-Lee – ‘Can’t Touch It’
Ricki-Lee’s another Top 40 baby worth backing. One of the most successful Idol experiments, the hippy brunette was on a steady climb towards pop legitimacy with her debut, and the first single from her second album slams her right up there in the big leagues. Fierce, infectious and sophisticated pop, Ricki-Lee has delivered the Holy Grail to Australian chart music acolytes with this tune – the local artist that sounds just like her multi-platinum sisters in the States. A quick survey of available friends confirmed my suspicions: everybody thought they were listening to Beyonce. Considering how much money is lavished on the Destiny’s Child diva to make her records sound that way, this is no mean feat. Go Ricki.
Batrider – ‘Legs’
New Australian growlers with NZ roots, Batrider announce their local album debut with a double-sided single. Legs sets the trickle drip of one guitar against the skulking threat of another, while singer Sarah Chadwick mutters and threatens her way over the top. Pink Guitars takes a different route, with a humming, lo-fi rhythm section and a gentle pop melody that moves away from the art rock threat of their reputation. Both tracks are clever and beguiling, promising big small things for this unique indie outfit.
Wons Phreely – ‘The Rules of Nature’
Immediately intoxicating, Wons Phreely shares the rich breath of Chris Martin’s voice and the sharply sweet songwriting of Ben Kweller, to whom he is often compared. This is the very first release from the West Australian talent and it spills over with beautiful rhymes and bubbling melodies, with four distinct shades on the four track EP. Another Thing bursts with muscled pop bounce onto the landscape, in the naïve indie bluster of a Ben Lee or a Badly Drawn Boy, unrelenting in its good humour and energy. Wons’ deft, literary lyricism shines on Rules of Nature as a balladry love emerges warmly ironic from his smiling words, and Temper Temper dances lightly half way between The Eels and Bob Evans. Closing with Soldiers, a fitful folk fable of unexpected melodic twists, Phreely puts his voice out front and winds his sunny way through whipping words of beguiling intelligence. A great new talent.
Latest Comments
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Still trying to purchase!!!ANTHONY J LANGFORD
Cool track. Congrats Joshua. Hope the release is a success.Tristan
Man I love these guys. I can't believe they are not releasing any new music. I've been to so many…sophie
^^ I love Grimes! Banoffee is one of my new favorite music artists! :) I love With Her, Reign Down,…Ace
Read your review then listened to the EP. Fantastic ! Different to most hardcore punk I listen to. Somewhat more…