Since the release of their 2010 indie hit ‘Big Jet Plane’, Angus & Julia Stone have released banger after banger. The duo’s trademark dreamy vocals and surfy rhythms have been attempted by many, but never matched. Angus & Julia Stone’s style blissfully transports you the surf coast, where the waves crash and the birds chirp. The brother and sister told The Line Of Best Fit they holed themselves away on Angus’ eight-acre farm in Byron Bay, converted a homey old cottage into a recording studio and whiled away their days with blissfully harmonious recording sessions, walks on the beach, clean living and exercise for their 2017 album, Snow. The pair recently played at Down To Earth, a fire and climate relief concert in Melbourne’s Sidney Myer Music Bowl. While they are both working on their own solo projects now (DOPE LEMON and Julia Stone), their original funk-laden tunes undeniably revolutionised Australian indie music.
So, without further ado here are five emerging acts with a sound similar to the Sydney siblings…
EGOISM
EGOISM’s trademark dual vocals and dreamy guitars are a step above the rest. Their introspective lyrics, pristine pop melodies and shoegaze influence quickly gained attention as Sydney’s inner-west indie-pop duo found their sound. Following two previous singles, EGOISM’s third single, ‘What Are We Doing?’ arrived in August 2019. Band members Scout Eastment (Vocals/Guitar) and Olive Rush (Vocals/Guitar) navigate growing up together, making peace through admitting imperfections and taking things as they come in the track via bittersweet harmonies and an explosive chorus. To top off what was already a phenomenal year for the pair, EGOISM were revealed as Triple J Unearthed’s 11th most played artist of 2019.
Good Starting Tracks: You & You, What Are We Doing?, Enemies
The Flowers
Unlike many bands out there, Sydney’s The Flowers formed thanks to a little website called Triple J Unearthed in 2018. They’ve been jamming, writing and finding their unique ‘sad-happy’ sound ever since. Making their debut with ‘Truly Madly Sleepy’ in May of 2019, The Flowers burst through the gates and began amassing fans instantly. Additionally, their warm brand of indie dream pop has seen them support the likes of Jess Day, Great Gable and Timi Temple. In 2020, The Flowers plan to continue writing and performing their subtle sad-happy songs for the people who enjoy sad-happy things. We love sad-happy things!
Good Starting Tracks: Summer Saviour, Truly Madly Sleepy, Origami
Sleepy
Sleepy… the band trying to seduce you, somewhat sheepishly, into their arms. The Sydney-based indie rock outfit’s blaring guitars and sing-along hooks are invigorating, full of life, and not something to snooze on. 2019 saw the band work with producer/engineer Tim Carr (Mere Women, Julia Stone, Totally Unicorn) on their long-awaited debut album ‘New Shanghai Night’. Sleepy’s tender-hearted harmonies and melodic brand of indie guitar pop saw them included on a tribute album for local heroes Smudge, joining slacker pop idols Evan Dando, Babaganouj, Lou Barlow and Courtney Barnett. Beneath the lush coat of fuzzy guitars are bright, vibrant pop songs that are sure to be stuck in your head for weeks. Give this band a listen right now.
Good Starting Tracks: Apologise, Safe & Sound, Dreams
Eliza & The Delusionals
This band’s sweetly snarling, anthemic brand of indie rock has led to supports with artists such as Grinspoon, Nothing But Thieves, Dear Seattle and Killing Heidi, and appearances at festivals such as BIGSOUND, Falls Festival and Canadian Music Week. Eliza Klatt of Eliza & The Delusionals says their new music is about diving back into bad decisions and feeling stuck in something you can’t get out of. She could feel herself growing out of her relationship but didn’t know how to handle it. This meant that she stayed where she was, repeating the same negative things that weren’t helping her. Signing with renowned US agency APA and announcing a 28-date US tour, the doors are well and truly opening for Eliza & The Delusionals.
Good Starting Tracks: Swimming Pool, Just Exist, Half Empty Girl
The Belafontes [words by Nick Wasiliev]
The husband and wife rock outfit make music similar to old school blues rock and surf rock with a psychedelic edge. The Belafontes’ recent release ‘Steppin Out’ opens with pumping drums, followed by low-key harmonies, whirring guitars and breezy synths which set a grimy, awesome atmosphere. Once the chorus hits, the listener is hit with a twenty-story wall of blistering guitars and drums, with the hook, “it feels like you’re swimming through holy water” echoing into oblivion. The low-fi production gives the track so much crackling personality, filled with reverb and distortion. ‘Steppin Out’ sees the band at their most confident and self-assured yet, bring on more!
Good Starting Tracks: Steppin Out, Gemini, Where The City Meets The Sea
