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.
Terrible Truths – Terrible Truths (Bedroom Suck)
Featuring members that hail from all over this huge land the now Melbourne based trio Terrible Truths have recently released their anticipated self titled LP, a follow on from a string of 7″ and EP releases (including a release via iconic NYC label Mexican Summer).
For local live music fans, this record is a very welcome release as the three piece have been teasing us with late-70s and early 80s post-punk influenced garage gems for a while now.
For longer time fans it’s a buzz to hear live set staples like ‘Don Juan’ and ‘See Straight’ feel at home alongside newer efforts and for new fans, this self-titled LP is a perfect rapid-fire introduction to one of the country’s most exciting acts.
Wave Racer – Flash Drive (Future Classic)
The Sydney native Wave Racer recently shared his very sweet EP Flash Drive and has requited some very talented mates along for the ride. Featuring Lido, Cosmo’s Midnight, and B▲by, Flash Drive is futuristic, manic and undeniably fun.
The release of Flash Drive comes after an impressive few months. So far this year has seen Tom Purcell AKA Wave Racer on his first ever headlining US tour, selling out shows and playing to giant crowds on the festival circuit including Tomorrowworld, North Coast Music Festival, Electric Zoo, and Life is Beautiful.
The four track release sees the producer flesh out and explore the unique sick sweet disco house sound he’s crafted for himself.
Loon Lake – Low Res (Independent)
Loon Lake were here for a good time, not a long time. Having announced their break up and farewell ‘Final Wave’ tour the guys recently also dropped Low Res a collection of the band’s final recordings, put together over a year a fun, passionate and back-to-basics sessions that encapsulates sic-years of recording and touring.
Offering it to their fans as a pay what you like parting gift, Low Res is 10 tracks scuzzy, singalong garage pop. It’s a bit of a throwback, but it arguably features the band at their very best and will remind fans of why they fell in love with these guys just a handful of years ago.
See ya Loon Lake and thanks for all the good times.
Jesse Davidson – Lizard Boy (Create Control)
This five-track release presents Davidson as one of the most intriguing young songwriting talents to pace into the Australian music scene in a while.
On tunes like lead single ‘Lagoon’, with its hypnotically drain-circling synth riff, Davidson bears himself fully as a songwriter of considerable depth and maturity.
There’s plenty of experimentation and the whole EP is marked by a nostalgic aural aesthetic akin to Boards of Canada and Tobias Jesso Jr, but at its core is a beating heart of great songsmithing.
Whisperer – Whisperer
The debut self-titled EP from Australian singer, songwriter, producer, and obvious polymath Whisperer certainly isn’t the first dream-pop release to have an Australian name attached to it this year, but it’s poised to be one of the best.
Setting it apart from the glut of shimmering guitars, reverb-drenched drums, ethereal vocals, and heavenly keys is Whisperer’s auteur approach to recording and the surprisingly playful way in which he’s able to transmute these stock elements into fresh songwriters ideas, shifting seamlessly through moods and emotions.
