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.

Horror My Friend – Stay In, Do Nothing (Poison City)

The newest kids to come aboard and joint the illustrious Poison City family is Adelaide punks Horror My Friend who are tomorrow unleashing their new LP titled Stay In, Do Nothing. Far from doing nothing the crew have already decided to team up the impressive record with a string of tour dates throughout February.

The band’s lead single ‘Stay In’ is a perfect into to the trio, with it driving guitars, classic but youthful punk vocals and an undeniably hooky alt-pop sensibility. Exploring the grey areas between between post-punk, shoegaze and 90s style indie rock, these guys are onto something special.

Ross Manning – Interlacing (Room40)

Officially released last year, but potentially missed by many amidst the outpouring of ‘best of 2015’ lists, ambient electronic artists and one of Australia’s best kept secrets/ criminally underrated talents Ross Manning released his stunning record Interlacing via Room40.

Interlacing is the first LP from Manning  on the Room40 label and it sees him continue his increasingly profound explorations into light and movement. As much a piece of sound art as a recording of music, Manning has been an active experimentalist pushing boundaries for the past decade of  what it means to be an artist working with sound in Australia. It’s a fascinating release as expected, and one many interested in what music can be should become acquainted with.

Golden Girls – Golden Hour (Independent)

In their own words, Melbourne three-piece Golden Girls started out in the winter of 2014, writing “slow songs about sex, love and literature”.

Though they may sound like dog-eared subjects as far as indie music’s concerned, Golden Girls aren’t shabby or tired.Everything on the menu is fresh.

The trio’s Golden Hour EP is brimming with sharply concocted percussion; glittering guitar licks; slick, gliding synths that beckon you inside every track; and subtle production that begs repeated listens.

RÜFÜS – Bloom (Sony)

Though they may be known as RÜFÜS DU SOL to our friends across the pond in North America, they’ll always be just plain old RÜFÜS to us. That said, there’s nothing plain or old about the Australian electronic trio’s new record.

The band’s follow-up to 2013’s Atlas glistens like a bead of sweat on a hot summer’s day. Retaining all the tunefulness and groove of their debut, Bloom marks a progression in the band’s infectious song craft.

Yes, there’s plenty of bangers, but it’s the quieter moments that leave their hooks in you. Keep an eye out for our full review of RÜFÜS’s second album.

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