We listen to a lot of music here at Tone Deaf HQ, and we’re the first to admit we’re perhaps a little biased towards sounds of the Australian variety. We do make the best music in the world, after all.
In honouring our favourite Aussies, we’ve once again compiled a list of the most outstanding local releases you should be listening to right now – whether they’re smaller indies acts or big-name essentials, these are the newest Australian records you should be adding to your ‘must-listen’ list.
Let’s get started.
Woodlock – Sirens EP
Melbourne-bred folk rock trio Woodlock are one of the most prominent acts to come out of a wave of great new Australian bands who built their following by busking on the streets, which also includes the likes of BONJAH and Pierce Brothers. The band’s new, eagerly anticipated EP was recorded at The Grove Studios alongside acclaimed producer Andy Mak, best known for his work with Boy & Bear, and features all the hallmarks of a sound that has drawn massive crowds on Bourke St mall, and more recently, into venues around the country.
Jarryd James – Thirty One
Brisbane singer-songwriter Jarryd James has spent the last six months marking himself as one of the most promising new pop talents to come out of Australia. Having unveiled two mammoth singles in the hits ‘Do You Remember’ and ‘Give Me Something’, Jarryd has experienced what one might call runaway success, with double platinum sales, heavy radio play, and sold-out national tours. However, once you cut all the hype, Thirty One is a slickly produced and deftly written collection of inescapably engrossing and ambient R&B.
Noire – Baby Blue EP
Independent releases can be risky and hard to pull off so honors to Noire for whipping up, after two years of hard work, a solid EP on their own. Even the cover was very cleverly snapped on an iPhone during their US tour while on the road. The overall feel of each track is very dark, mysterious and full of room. The EP is consistent with conveying a feeling of fog and mystery and with a name like Noire we’re not wondering why. Tracks like Minds and Just Like Honey sound like some of Bloc Party’s more toned down tracks.
The Stiffys – Art Rock One EP
The Stiffys have developed a reputation as one of Australia’s most irreverent and tongue-in-cheek bands, consistently drawing acclaim for the novel ways in which they inject their every single, tour, and appearance with their twisted brand of humour. All the while, they’ve also cemented a reputation as one of Australia’s must-see live acts, delivering powerhouse performances to sold-out crowds. The power garage duo have now returned with a brand new EP that will remind you why you fell in love with them in the first place.
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Hobby Farm – Braeside
Ocean Party fans will know that the band have a habit of unleashing side-project after side-project, but Hobby Farm, a new vehicle for Zac Denton, best known for his associations with Ocean Party, Ciggie Witch, Cool Sounds, and countless other bands, might be our most favourite yet. This new side-gig charms with slide guitar and loungey saxophone and plenty of witty punchlines about life and regret. It’s the perfect soundtrack for a Saturday afternoon spent lying on your roof contemplating the meaning of the universe.
Crayon Fields – No One Deserves You
It’s been one hell of a journey for “Melbourne’s own euphoric pop icons” Crayon Fields. They’ve now returned to follow-up the success of 2009’s All the Pleasures Of the World with their third album, No One Deserves You. The previous album led to tours of the US and Europe, releases in Japan and the UK, shows with Spoon, Best Coast, and Stereolab, as well as appearances at Laneway, Golden Plains and the Big Day Out. No doubt, this brand new and vibrant pop dispatch from the Melburnian crew will see them ascend to even greater heights.
Gypsy and the Cat – Hearts A Gun EP
Gypsy and the Cat (Xavier Bacash and Lionel Towers) took us all by surprise with the release of Hearts A Gun, but it was certainly a pleasant one. This short-but-sweet (it’s a mere six tracks long) piece of electronic black candy features an unmistakably Gypsy and the Cat blend of electronic and psychedelic pop sounds. Bacash and Towers keep the emphasis on the groove and the melody and you’ll find yourself wandering up and down the tracklist in search of another spin on the merry-go-round of catchy choruses and dance floor-ready arrangements.
