Lyyar – ‘Afterall’ – mp3

Lyyar, pronounced ‘lee-ar’ have released their debut ep Outside, Elsewhere. This is the first track off what is a post prog rocky, dark winding, wave of dirty guitars with heavy bass and solid drumming. It gets darker and heavier, then takes a slight pych detour and back again. They really step it up in the last minute of the ep but overall I prefer the loose mish-mash of the first track. These guys would def be worth seeing play live.

You can check it out on their bandcamp and mail away for vinyl too – http://whothehell.net/U2U

Summer Flake – ‘On the River’ – mp3

Stephanie Crase’s first solo release and self-titled ep is ‘Summer Flake’. I’ve posted ‘On the River’ from this release, which you can download for free here. ‘The Summer Flake’ is a straight forward DIY (shudder at that term, but it’s accurate) recording of lo-fi indie rock tunes. So if your feeling like getting blue with some downer fuzz, this might be your bag. I’m rarely in that mood being that I left my angst in high school, despite what my mum says, but there is something catchy about this ep and it’s crept up on me a few times following Sui Zhen in my library. A real slow burner that is def worth a listen.

Facebook for Steph here – http://whothehell.net/hGA

Emma Louise – ‘Boy’

Listen up boy! If Emma Louise believes in you then best you pick yourself up, live up to your potential and stop disappointing this girl. OK. Good. Now that that’s outta the way, ‘Boy’ is the new single by Emma Louise. Another fine example of her incredible voice and intimate song writing ability. This is a rather restrained track that is as catchy as ‘Jungle’ but deploys more smokey vocals with subtle instrumental hooks and beats that compliment her melody. ‘Boy’ speaks of youth, love, hope and distance and will no doubt feature on a lot of winter soundtracks.

Emma Louise has also announced a string of East Coast tour dates – sure to sell out so check it fast – http://whothehell.net/TH4

‘This Thing’ launched a bunch of artist releases at the Phoenix Public House to a pumped up crowd of excited punters. A night of cool beats by a diverse group of producers floggin their wares and ripping up the house with five live sets. I caught four and they were very good.

Naps – http://whothehell.net/zVU

Crumbs – http://whothehell.net/X8l

Wooshie – http://whothehell.net/0at

Andras Fox – http://whothehell.net/66a

More pictures after the jump.

The Ruminaters – ‘Timmy’ – mp3

These guys caught Mel’s attention with their first single ‘Deadstuff’ and this is their new one called ‘Timmy’. It’s a cabaret slacker-rock affair that’ll get you up doing the polka with your friends. Surfer guitar licks and a little story telling go along way when you add some back ground yelps and a damn catchy hook. Good times Ruminaters.

Go drink in their youth here – http://whothehell.net/CmZ

Click here to view the embedded video.

We are back to regular programming after yesterday’s special mix diversion. This is Danger Beach’s ‘Sioux’ and it’s the first single from their upcoming long player titled ‘Pacific’.

Check out their Facebook  here – http://whothehell.net/7Nf

Wizard Oz – ‘Pull Out Slow’ mp3

Whilst Wizard Oz’s stuff is a bit hit and miss for me – especially the computer game sounds on the last ep, I don’t mind this one. Lo-Fi will only last so long in my playlist as it mostly starts to blend but there are a few stand out tracks in here and I recommend downloading the free ep ‘Flashing Lights’. There is a bit of an Ariel Pink vibe going on and it’s kinda sweet. The ‘tape’ version will be released on the 5th May (Yeah tapes? seriously what is going on… are kids gonna raid vinnies stores to find Sony Walkman’s and old foam covered headphones… probably, yes.) at The Grace Darling in Melbourne for a lazy $8. You’ll also get to see ‘Pop Singles‘ supporting.

Grab the digital ep here – http://whothehell.net/1QJ

Gonzo – ‘Love Vibrations’ mp3

Looks like we have a new contender for music to make sweet lovin to. Step aside D’Angelo, Melbourne beats guy Gonzo, has released a new ep titled ‘For You’ and ‘Love Vibrations’ is one of his little gems. Crackling vinyl, dope soul and porno guitar light up this ep that you can just wind back and feel the bliss beats wash over you.

Download the EP for freezies here – http://whothehell.net/dF7

Click here to view the embedded video.

Lowlakes – ‘Buffalo’ – with animation by Lacey Whelan

Click here to view the embedded video.

Ainslie Wills – ‘Fighting Kind’ – Video

You may recall Ainslie Wills’ earlier song ‘Wide Load’ a very nice track that earned her triple J’s love. Her new single is ‘Fighting Kind’ and I really like the progression of this track. Ainslie builds the tension through her exceptional vocal control and tells the story by drawing you in, layering up the sparse drumming and then pulling back with subtle guitar work by Lawrence Folvig. I get good tingles hearing Australian talent like Ainslie Wills. I’m not going to make obvious comparisons because Ainslie has her own sound that is big, dramatic and dripping with soul. Ainslie will be launching ‘Fighting Kind’ on Sat 12th May at The Worker’s Club in Melbourne if you are lucky enough to be local – get to it friends. This track is the first single from her debut LP, to be titled ‘You go your way, I’ll go mine’ due out later this year.

Check out her site here – www.ainsliewills.com

Click here to view the embedded video.

Allday x C1 – ‘So Good’ Video. Smooth flow but maybe less mutant face and more loose skateboarding would’ve been better but whatever, it’s a rap video and these guys aren’t taking things too seriously which makes this work.

Check out his Facebook here – http://whothehell.net/Jlz

Click here to view the embedded video.

Hugo & Treats (feat Verb Visuals) – FIAT LUX video. Check out more from Melbourne MC Hugo here – http://whothehell.net/C5k

Underlights – ‘Remnants’ mp3

I would’ve posted the video for ‘Remnants’ but there is way too much smoking of cigarettes. Which is bad and you will die a painfully early death if you smoke. So don’t, OK. Anyho, this is some sweet alt country, 90’s British inspired lazy rock and roll. The stuff that young and old can band together and enjoy on the main stage at the BDO whilst you dance about singing the easy lyrics.

Check out the great photo coverage of current shows over here – http://whothehell.net/HEm

Terrible Truths – ‘Lift Weights’ mp3

So I’ve just picked up this ep from Terrible Truths and found it instantly appealing. The ep has Mikey Young’s marks all over it but it’s different to other bands that might be wedged into the punk garage lot. This is more Grass Window and what probably really got me hooked was the similar feel to Japandroids. This was released last year so I think there might just be a new ep out soon.

Follow their Facebook page here – http://whothehell.net/OXa

http://whothehell.net/saS – mp3

Kate has been touring her latest single up and down the Aussie East Coast with her final show this Thursday at the Thornbury Theatre in Melbourne. ‘Not The One’ is a sweet track featuring gorgeous vocals that are full of soul and sugar. The track is an incredibly uplifting number despite the fact that she is turning down someone in the lyrics. Well maybe that’s empowering. Gurl, you are so much better than that! Hmm, either way it’s a lovely track and follows a 60’s style that Kate has shown great competence with. Nominated for an International song writers competition with her last single ‘Wanna Run’, Kate continues to generate great interest. Showtimes for this Thursday 26TH APRIL at the Thornbury Theatre -

9pm Kate Vigo
10pm Emmy Bryce

Tickets can be picked up here and check out her Facebook page here – http://whothehell.net/bNW

Polographia – ‘Righteous Hit’ mp3

Polographia is producer Moktar Youngblood and Daniel Finn. I caught these guys supporting RÜFÜS at the Phoenix Public bar and they were pretty rad. Their ep ‘Sunsets’ has been out for a little while but if you don’t have it, drop into their bandcamp page for a free download – it’s very good. The production is smart and on stage it’s producer Moktar Youngblood, that really shines. I’m not sure their live show has been fully realised yet. These boys are probably more comfortable in a club scene but they are close to crossing over. With more tracks under their belt and perhaps some live drumming, Polographia would be very dope. I find this sound real infectious and the edgy darkness is very appealing.

Band page here – http://whothehell.net/eeX

Jane Harris – ‘Misery Cares’ mp3

Recorded back in 2010 but finally released last month are the sweet sounds of Jane Harris’ – ‘Misery Cares’. Focused on lovely soft vocals, Harris plays simple guitar and instrumental sounds with a buzzing vinyl sound, that fills the otherwise empty space remaining. This is the perfect winter soundtrack, as it has already dropped below 10 degrees in Melbourne, I welcome the warm hugs of Harris’ gentle story telling. Download the free album here – http://whothehell.net/R2H

Jane Harris Facebook page here – http://whothehell.net/tY5

Argentina – ‘Chalk Outlines’ mp3

Argentina is producer Alex Ritchie, from the rainy city of Brisbane. Whilst I think he overdid the production slightly on this single, its a hooky sound. He has gathered a band together for some dates and I will def get along to see how this plays out live. There is a happy dance feel mixed with sulky vocals but that seems to appeal to the kids so you’ll love the heartfelt plea to “be happy all the time”.

Tour Dates:

20th April – FBi Social, Kings Cross Hotel, Sydney.

21st April – Workers Club, Fitzroy, Melbourne.

Argentina page on Facebook here – http://whothehell.net/aYn

Jonathan Michell – ‘Mojave Night’ mp3

Another great release from Special Award Records. This one came out earlier this year and features ten instrumental tracks by Jonathan Michell of ‘The Ancients, Mum Smokes and Breaking The Law’. This one is a gorgeous listen and reminds me of the noodling guitar work of early ‘Explosions in the Sky’. There is not quite the vastness I would expect given the press shot but it’s a pretty sweet title track. Could be a good choice for your purchase this weekend on Intl. Record Store Day. Label details here – http://whothehell.net/Nx3artists/

Leaks – ‘Paper Train’ mp3

Leaks is Tom Guida, a guy from Geelong in Victoria, who has just put out a 3 track ep called ‘Twelve : Thirty Four’ which you can buy for a buck on his bandcamp here – http://whothehell.net/sTn. There is plenty of bad Dubstep kicking about but Leaks manages to keep his style understated and somehow his lyrics really seem heartfelt and restrained despite his youth. I picked this up through a tip on our Facebook page and I’m pretty impressed but I’m curious to see how Leaks expands on this sound in coming releases and if he can develop a deeper more nuanced sound.

Hit up his band page here – http://whothehell.net/Z3P