Jump into a time machine with Neon Tetra, as they cruise you through their 80’s inspired jaunt ‘Used To Be’

 Adelaide-based five-piece Neon Tetra have returned with their bright, riff-heavy new single ‘Used To Be’. After the release of their debut EP ‘Pollen’ last year, they’ve taken a step up providing a unique array of soul, disco and rock 'n' roll. 

‘Used To Be’ melds nostalgia and groove-laden hooks, taking the best of Kansas’ epic distorted guitar riffs and smooth saxophone runs that would have fit perfectly in a Dire Straits classic, this all topped off with 80’s punchy synths. While taking much from era’s gone by, Neon Tetra provide a combination that still feels very-much their own. More-over, ‘Used To Be’ provides the best saxophone solo I’ve heard in a rock song in a long time!

Seemingly untamed by genre specifics and never inclined to limit experimentation, Neon Tetra have swum beyond the calm waters of Motown into the rapids of '80s-inspired, synthesiser-influenced, distortion-filled rock.  

The band explain the feel behind the track:

".. it reminded us of glam metal bands like Van Halen and Poison; big drum fills, catchy vocal melodies, saxophone and classic synth tones from the Prophet 6. The ruckus energy and groove resonating through gets people moving—it's super danceable.”

Having honed their craft supporting such mega-stars as Robbie Williams, Cheap Trick and Foreigner, Neon Tetra will be taking off on their own ‘Used To Be’ tour across the country this March and April. If you’re keen to see this cascading groove-machine, be sure to check them out at one of their shows below.

NEON TETRA 'USED TO BE' TOUR DATES
SATURDAY 30 MARCH | Rocket Bar & Rooftop | Adelaide, SA
FRIDAY 12 APRIL | Botany View Hotel | Sydney, NSW
SATURDAY 13 APRIL | Rad Bar | Wollongong, NSW
FRIDAY 19 APRIL | uneARTh Festival | Whyalla, SA
THURSDAY 25 APRIL | Bar Open | Melbourne, VIC

YT Dingo – Presents Stunning Visual Feast In ‘Thrill Of The Chase’

YT DiNGO (pron. White Dingo) has returned with the second part of his ambitious and magnificently detailed short-film trilogy, ‘Thrill Of The Chase’. From the mind of Travers Ross, YT DiNGO explores a flurry of sounds, movement and themes through both the expansive visual and audio layers. ‘Thrill of the Chase' is directed and edited by ARIA Award-winning videographer Claudia Sangiorgi Dalimore (Her Sound, Her Story).

The track begins with a wide array of bells and warm percussion which provides the perfect platform for the dusty visuals and enticing dance moves. This is built upon by the introduction of driving drums, hardcore-esque screams and a building narrative created beautifully by Claudia. Wolfmother producer, Dave Atkins has used a deft-touch to mix all these elements together in a wash of truly Australian art.

YT DiNGO explains the meaning behind the work:

"This trilogy is a raw expression of my little story on this planet in outer space at this moment in the only way I can communicate at my fullest form from experiencing all of you (people, animals, nature and what surrounds us),”

Both musically and visually, the piece shows a deep love for Aboriginal cultural with three stunning Indigenous actors / dancers set in the Gumbaynggirr outback. The cast for 'Thrill of the Chase' features Blk Cockatoo of the Yidnji people from far North Queensland, Shae Duncan from Gamilaraay (Moree) and Carmel Vale from Dunghutti (Kempsey).

Since releasing his debut music video and single, 'Shipwrecked', last year—which garnered more than 50k views on Faceboook —YT DiNGO has performed across the east-coast of Australia including premiering his live show at Splendour in the Grass.

The Belafontes – Share Latest Head-Banging Fuzz Anthem ‘Roll On’

If, like me, you’re in need of a power drill to get all those Christmas carols out of your head, no need to fret and do something you’ll regret later; The Belafontes are here to help.

The Melbourne-based, married-couple duo have delivered their new single and EP of the same name, ‘Roll On’, which effortlessly blends surf-punk bravado, infectious harmonies and the frenetic abandon of the early White Stripes catalogue.

As it kicks off, there is no screwing around with ‘Roll On’, feeling as if The Belafontes have burst into your lounge room and started jumping up and down on your favourite sofa. Lead vocalist Jess Belafonte produces delicious earworms that will bring out your inner rebellious teenager. These are complemented by stark harmonies and large shouting crowd vocals that give ‘Roll On’ a massive dollop of passion and heart.

Jess explains the lyrics behind ‘Roll On’ as follows:
“It’s something in the vicinity of never giving up on your youthful pursuits and wanting to quit your job and live in a tour van.”

This all races to a thumping bridge and spine-tingling snare-build that caps off a nostalgic non-stop fuzz singalong. A light synth line is used brilliantly in the last chorus to provide an ethereal glaze that only invites you to play it again. 

‘Roll On’ will position you perfectly between the skate park and the beach, delivering the first taste of Summer ‘19 to your eagerly awaiting ears. Catch The Belafontes ripping through shows across Melbourne throughout January and February.

The Belafontes

Live Dates

FRI 11 JAN | The Gasometer Hotel | Collingwood

SAT 12 JAN | The Retreat Hotel | Brunswick

SAT FEB 9 | The Last Chance Rock & Roll Bar (EP Launch) | Melbourne

Grace Turner – Delivers the gut-punch final blow to 2018 with ‘Easy I Fall’

With the curtains closing on 2018, and as Australian music fanatics looked to the festival season, I was lost in the horizon of the new year, setting myself up for an earth-shattering blindside that has left me rolling on the ground in a daze. Not to worry though, I have a big smile on my face, as that cheap shot comes in the form of indie-rock-fuzz gem, ‘Easy I Fall’, from Newcastle-based singer-songwriter, Grace Turner.  

Over the last year, Grace has slowly been wowing Australian audiences with her brash, poignant lyrics and slow-burn, driving indie rock. With ‘Easy I Fall’, Turner presents her most fascinating work to date, with the sunset-filled cascade of her songwriting washing over you, listen after listen.  

‘Easy I Fall’ kicks off with the most face-slapping, memorable lyrics of 2018, Grace begins; “If you want to fuck me then just tell me that you love me, don’t know how easy I fall”. The apathetic style of Turner’s vocals, mixed with the raw-emotion of foreboding loss, make for a heartbreaking gut-punch of an introduction. From here, Grace has you clasped by the throat, gulping, as she croons; “There is no room for you, there is no room for two”.

Turner explains “This song is about being tirelessly perused. I used to play it first in my set to shock people into listening to me. I often joke in my live show that it’s about trying to break up with someone but sleeping with them instead. In a deeper sense it’s about power imbalances in relationships, not being listened to and putting someone’s wants and needs above your own.”

‘Easy I Fall’ holds your hand tight and walks with you into the eclipse of 2018, equal parts heart-wrenching and warmly embracing. As the festivals roll in and the feet-stomping dance hits commence, I will quite happily lie back on my couch, with a beer in hand and this beauty on repeat.

Turner has so far supported the likes of Alex the Astronaut, Gabriella Cohen, Jess Locke, Kingswood and Phil Jamieson (Grinspoon) in 2018. Grace and her band head to Festival of the Sun and Mountain Sounds Festival this festival season, with more shows to be announced in 2019.  Stay tuned.

GRACE TURNER 
LIVE DATES

THU 13 DEC | Magic Castle (Headspace Fundraiser) | PORT MACQUARIE
FRI 14 DEC | Festival of the Sun | PORT MACQUARIE
FRI 15 FEB | Mountain Sounds Festival | CENTRAL COAST

Price Park – ‘Fire’ is the warm doona you need a good snuggle with.

“Hey ma! The rains are ‘ere!”

With torrential rain bucketing down in ol’ Sydney town (flooding will probably start soon), I bring you the warm, comforting anti-venom: Melbourne-based producer Price Park’s new single, ‘Fire’.

After garnering praise from all-comers for his debut single ‘Skin’ earlier this year, Price Park delivers an uplifting and glowing follow-up. ‘Fire’ begins with striking vocals and soft, padding percussion that gently builds, with every delicate element meticulously executed. The piano and guitar intertwine to create a balanced and epic finish. As the chorus hits, the guitar flickers, reminiscent of the same melancholy that Death Cab For Cutie have hit at their high points.

Singer-songwriter Joe Kosky’s vocals are beautifully whispered across ‘Fire’, adding some cream to this layer cake of a ballad. These whispers fold over each other, in waves of emotion. What could have come across as something soul-destroying and hopeless, is lifted to something more reflective and accepting.

Price Park says of ‘Fire’:

“Fire is all about getting stuck in routines, usually destructive ones, whether that’s with someone or some ‘things’. It’s that ‘rock bottom’ that we all hit at some point in our lives, and the resolve for things to change that eventuates. The production reflects that. It’s triumphant and passionate. It’s driving and hopeful.”

‘Fire’ once again solidifies Price Park as an emerging producer to keep tabs on in the Australian electronic scene.

DONNARUMMA - WILL KICK YOU IN THE TEETH AND YOU'LL LOVE IT

As this year rockets towards its inevitable end, with everybody spinning around in a daze & wondering where the heck it escaped to, outstanding new Australian music continues to drop out of the sky and give you a good kick in the ears.

Today I have the pleasure of introducing the teeth-knocking goodness of Adelaide-based quartet Donnarumma & their new brash, frenetic but charming indie rock track, ‘Rollercoaster’.

‘Rollercoaster’ starts with light, plucky guitars, giving the veneer of being a cruising ballad, before the driving riffs and drums send your eyebrows northward and the track lifts off. Lead singer Louis’ crooning vocals, bouncing in between falsetto and low growls, are the perfect addition to the driving rhythms that power the song with overflowing energy.

When the chorus hits, it feels like the perfect storm as twirling guitar riffs, vibrant drum hits and the repeated phrase “My head is a rollercoaster ride”, form into a beautifully infectious hurricane.

 Louis explains:

 “I based the narrative around the idea of being self-critical, almost like a person arguing with themselves in a mirror”.

And the storm surge doesn’t abate as the final chorus gets faster and faster (and faster again) and the track spins out of control with almighty force. Louis’ yells are of pure want and desperation, bringing the perfect end to a track blazing with pure elation and vibrancy. '

‘Rollercoaster’ proves that Donnarumma have well and truly landed, and just like Big Kev, I’m excited. Now go and get kicked in the ears by ‘Rollercoaster’ at their live shows coming early next year, so you can jump on that rollercoaster as well (apologies, needed to sneak that in somewhere).

 DONNARUMMA 'ROLLERCOASTER' TOUR DATES
FRIDAY 11 JANUARY | Crown & Anchor Hotel | Adelaide, SA
THURSDAY 17 JANUARY | Grace Darling Hotel | Melbourne, VIC
SATURDAY 19 JANUARY | Frankie's Pizza | Sydney, NSW
SUNDAY 20 JANUARY | Hamilton Station | Newcastle, NSW
FRIDAY 22 FEBRUARY | Heya Bar | Brisbane, QLD
SATURDAY 23 FEBRUARY | Miami Shark Bar | Gold Coast, QLD

LISHI – Get wrapped up in the tragic embrace of ‘Token’

Sydney-based singer-songwriter LISHI has triumphantly returned with a soothing, heart-wrenching ballad dubbed ‘Token’.

A true veteran of the Sydney music scene, LISHI provides us with a swaying, moving song that expresses love, loss and finding the strength to accept and move on. Over the last 10 years, LISHI has released a vast collection of material, both as a solo artist and with former band, Cameras.

‘Token’ starts with lush piano and LISHI’s soft vocals flowing over the top of each other, like a tree swaying in the wind. Her talents as a classical pianist are on full show here, as the keys reverb out like a warning bell. This leads into the chorus, which opens up an overwhelming wave of hurt, with the strings perfectly lifting the feels to the next level.  

Here’s LISHI on the of writing ‘Token’:

“I’m never sure when I sit down to write a song what it’s going to be about but this one ended up being inspired by the memory of my father.”

Having already played with such artists as Meg Mac, E^ST, Holy Holy & Kira Puru, LISHI is an artist that we can expect big things from in the future. I, for one am bursting with excitement to see ‘Token’ live ASAP.

Feather Touch – Returns with glorious dancefloor-destroyer ‘Need You’

Sydney-based producer Feather Touch is back in all of his feet-thumping glory, with dancefloor-destroyer ‘Need You’. Showcasing him at his best, it’s no surprise his sound is often explained as “Tropi-Calypso Disco”.

If there was ever a justification to be that annoying dickwad requesting songs of the DJ at 3am, this song is it! ‘Need You’ touches you in a myriad of ways, however it ain’t nothing like a feather (slow clap.. please?).

The track starts out with what I can only describe as being sucked into a demented, strobe light seizure-inducing game of Donkey Kong. The verses provide some respite to catch your breath as Feather Touch’s own vocals slide smoothly across light percussion. Even at its lightest points, ‘Need You’ is designed to make your body move, and in my case, I have to try and sit on my leg to make it stop moving to this track.

Feather Touch has summed up what was different about his process for ‘Need You’ as follows:

"For this song, I really put aside my insecurities about singing and avoided being self-conscious on the structure as much as possible. I was really surprised by how much of a pop song it turned out to be."

Joining Feather Touch on production duties for this track is Melbourne producer extraordinaire Haxx (Kult Kyss, Yeo, King IV). This is a finger-licking combination and I hope we see more outings from this tag team in the future. I’ll definitely take as many tracks like ‘Need You’ as I can!

After performing his launch show last Friday at House Hibernian, keep your eyes out for Feather Touch’s new shows, because they’ll be anything but chill.

Who the fuck is Codeine Messiah? We don’t know, but we still ain’t mad about it

Take my hand and let’s slip into the world of the unknown. My latest find, courtesy of triple j Unearthed, is a whole bouquet of wild, carnivorous flowers from an artist called ‘Codeine Messiah’.

Codeine Messiah is an absolute unknown at the moment, with the only piece of information I can find being that he or she supposedly lives in the Western Plains of NSW. One thing is for sure though, they have an amazing ear for spine-tingling, leg-shaking production.  

‘Physical Symptoms’ starts with an endearing, whistle-like sample and beautiful melodies from vocalist Harvie, before dropping into that light snare dance-build. From this point, you know exactly where the song is traversing to: “DROP THAT SHIT”. However, it’s done breathtakingly well. All through ‘Physical Symptoms’, Codeine Messiah makes sure to continuously twist the arrangement and music slightly, to give you that satisfied eyebrow-raise.  

The chorus makes you feel like you’re in that crazy sweat/sex party from The Matrix. Then, second time around, Codeine Messiah pushes the eject button, leaving you feeling like you’re glued to ground as trees collapse in on you. Sounds pretty freaky, aye?

Yep, give this track a listen NOW.

Lupa J - Unveils enigmatic new single 'Drift'

Sydney-based electronic artist Lupa J has unveiled her latest offering ‘Drift’, from her forthcoming debut album ‘SWALLOW ME WHOLE’ (due early 2019).

‘Drift’ once again demonstrates that Lupa is an ever-evolving, experimental artist and tbh I couldn’t be more excited about what the future - and this debut album - holds in store.

‘Drift’ starts with a yearning eeriness from Lupa’s swaying vocals, as she heartbreakingly exclaims “I’ve gone too far now, In someone else’s clothes now”. The drums rise like a heartbeat, pulsing in the back of your throat. Before you know it, you’ve been dropped 50 feet into the eye of a hurricane as the sweet vocal riffs, rolling industrial percussion and staccato raindrop synths surge into a full rave of emotion.

“Drift is about feeling a nagging unhappiness with the way things are but having no idea how to make any kind of change” Lupa J explains.

‘Drift’ also has an intriguing duality, feeling like it would be appropriate for a dress-up party in a forest, or else your pitch-black room with speakers blaring (while crying of course).

Having already toured with Grimes, Sarah Blasko, Alice Glass and Tegan and Sara in her career so far, Lupa J is most definitely one of 2019’s “must watch” acts. I will most definitely be seeing you at one of her shows in the near future.

Xanza – Western Sydney has a new Bedroom Pop Princess

Photo credit – Brandon Tam

Watch out Western Sydney, you’ve got a new voice in bedroom pop! I present Xanza and her soothing debut ‘Stars Like Us’.

As the track starts, you’re hit with massive 90’s vibes, which remind me of that Leonardo DiCaprio movie ‘The Beach’ (the book is better, but I digress). However, the 90’s rave vibe soon melts into feelgood smooth tones, with Xanza’s angelic voice floating like whisps of cloud across the top. That is, until the tropical rains arrive and you’re dancing naked in a forest (doesn’t sound too bad, huh?).

The samples and xylophone sounds bounce together like they’re on a trampoline at 3am on a Sunday morning. The layers here are like linked puzzle pieces and highlight the producing chops of Elina Godwin. NB: Elina’s is a name that you should keep your ear to the ground for - as this is only her second foray into producing. I’ll definitely be keeping a keen eye on what comes next!

With a debut EP around the corner in November, along with some live shows, be sure to keep your ears propped up like a curious puppy if you’re an Aussie music fiend!

KAYEX – Perth-based Funk/Dance duo drop tasty treat ‘5:29’

“Dance like everyone is listening to KAYEX”
- Old Chinese Proverb

Perth-based duo KAYEX have just dropped their latest dance banger, ‘5:29’, a track packed to the brim with tight percussive grooves and the kinds of Justice-esque style bass lines that make your legs fuzzy. I’ve been a massive fan of KAYEX since they released ‘My Friends’ last March and I think these boys are on a trajectory leading somewhere very special - don’t know where that is just yet, but with a debut EP around the corner (early next year), I believe the term “the sky is the limit” fits well.

‘5:29’ starts off with some ominous gongs that sound like a mix between a Medieval town invasion bell and a computer error sample. All the sampling in ‘5:29’ has such a deft touch, making it the smooth chocolate icing on top of this layer cake of song. Around the 50-second mark, KAYEX’s trademark bass drops in, powered by enough funk to turn you into a twerking teenager yelling “shake your ass! watch yourself!” at the mirror. This is all topped off with lead singer Tom Derickx’s smooth and silky vocals, which give this track the feeling that it would work on a dance floor, or after a toke or two.

So if you’re ready to throw your hands up in the air and lose those inhibitions, KAYEX will be hitting a slew of festivals this season including Snowtunes, No Worries Festival and Your Paradise 2018. This is all off the back of an SG Lewis Australian tour and playing Listen Out last year. Don’t expect KAYEX to slow down at all though, as fresh signings with Audiopaxx for management and Select Music for bookings hint that they’re going to have anything BUT a quiet next 12 months.

What did a I tell you? Keep those spidey senses on KAYEX, you won’t want to miss this gravy train.

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