New Music

New Estate – ‘Parallel’

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New Estate – ‘Parallel’ (mp3)

‘Parallel is lifted from the latest record by New Estate called Recovery. It was recorded in the band’s home studio over two years on GarageBand. Oh so DIY. They took their time, hanging out and making tunes which sounds very nice. It’s sloshy pop-rock that is easy to get into and the tracks sung by Mia, including ‘parallel’, are quite sweet.

Band page here – http://www.facebook.com/newestate

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Mount Pleasant – ‘Lakers’

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Mount Pleasant – ‘Lakers’ (mp3)

‘Lakers’ is the first track from the EP named Cathedral created by Jonathan Phillips under the name Mount Pleasant. It’s a curious track that mixes quite a few styles but has an overall relaxed vibe. Phillips plays guitar and adds loops and effects with soft lyrics laid over the top. His sound is well mixed and he makes it all seem too easy. I like the style and dig his visual aesthetic too.

Check out his blog here – http://mountpleasantmusic.blogspot.com.au/

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R.L Jones ft. Adalita – 'Everybody Wants To Be Your Friend'

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Add this track to the long list of your favourite Australian male/female collabs featuring everybody’s local musical heroes. Overseas charts and the general populace still aren’t bored of naked sulking and Wally painting triangles on everyone after a year, so I hope this will provide a bit more joy.

I was under the impression that the initialled psuedonym thing was reserved for science fiction writers or medical practioners but the former Middle East member is now releasing material under R.L Jones (although I always thought Rohin was a cool name). Since The Middle East disbanded, Jones has been spending time in Townsville and Sydney developing both new and older songs into a record expected early next year.

But back to the tune – Rohin and Adalita are way out from their familar sound here. Rohin’s gentle folk stylings have been replaced with something a little more confident. It’s got that bright, driving Ernest Ellis vibe to it and I’m really enjoying that huge, melodic riff cradling the intro. And even for the comforts of slight distortion, Adalita’s done away with the trademark drawls just for this and sounds unusually – but incredibly, sweet. ‘Feel good’ is a cheap description. But I do get the strange urge to hug someone after hearing this.

R.L Jones is playing this Friday 22nd June at Brisbane’s Old Museum with fellow former Middle East bandmates + Black Water Fever, Pete Cullen, John & Alexander and Dom Miller. Tickets here.

R.L Jones FB

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Blackmilk – ‘Rattle the Cage’

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Blackmilk – ‘Rattle the Cage’ (mp3)

Blackmilk sound like one of those easy rockin bands out of ‘Almost Famous’. They came together in the hills of Perth – not sure where that is? But it’s what the presser says. Maybe its where they make the meth for the miners… ‘Rattle the Cage’ is a laid back affair with a smooth hook, a nostalgic sound and good vocals by James Sherry. Their debut LP is due out soon, we’ll keep you posted.

Check out their page here – http://www.facebook.com/pages/BLACKMILK/35213651826

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Love Migrate – 'Plagued Are All My Thoughts' Video

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A sombre, but beautifully shot video from Melbourne’s Love Migrate.

Filmmaker Dylan Wiehan also made Mosman Alder‘s ‘Raisin Heart’ vid, so naturally all those vast expanses of sky and land play a big part in this. Some wonderful shots tracking both sunrise and sunset in the Macedon Ranges, but Wiehahn is definitely a details guy and gets that there’s a lot of brooding to be done here.

The track features on Love Migrate’s debut album released soon.

www.lovemigrate.bandcamp.com

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Runner – ‘Flaws’

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Runner – ‘Flaws’ (mp3)

Oh man, it really pleases me to come across such talent from all over this fine land. I caught this band on the Fat Shan winter playlist and grabbed the ‘Indiana’ Ep on BandCamp. I pretty much instantly fell for the whole thing. I haven’t heard much of this sound coming from Perth at the moment (please write in and tell how wrong I am). There seems to be more love for vintage rock over there but these guys have the hazy instrumental sound of Gersey with the whimsical vocals of Sandpit. Yep, late 90’s stoner. The last track ‘Pilgrim’ is probably the odd-man out amongst a really coherent progression of melody. This is a standout Ep that kicks off with a nice instrumental piece leading into ‘Flaws’ and carries an understated tone throughout what is, well crafted indie dream pop.

Facebook them for upcoming dates here – http://www.facebook.com/runnerband

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