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.
Witch Hats – Deliverance
Melbourne post-punks Witch hats are a longstanding favourite around the offices, and their third album – the first since 2011 – is the first that they’ve self-produced and recorded. It’s a wild, noisy mess of punk rock and pop that tackles some heavy and pertinent themes of terrorism and war with a blunt honesty.
Canary – I Am Lion
We premiered this one by Melbourne alt five-piece Canary, and definitely think these guys are onto something good. Described as a breakup album, it’s a thoughtful, textured, and cohesive assortment of tracks. Their sounds translates nicely to the live stage, so if you enjoy the record be sure to catch them on tour throughout August.
Oh Pep! – Stadium Cake
Having recently released their debut LP Stadium Cake, they’re taking their blend of folk-pop on the road for a truly massive international tour. The narrative drive is the greatest strength of this release, and the duo know how to spin an enthralling yarn over intricate layers of strings, horns, percussion, and the kitchen sink. Well worth a listen.
Stonefield – As Above, So Below
We just premiered the sophomore album from sister quartet Stonefield. Rather than being a ‘difficult second album’, this is the release of a refined and confident outfit who have developed considerably from their promising 2013 debut. It’s an impressive step forward, and has allowed the girls to forcefully stamp their mark on the Australian psych rock scene.
The Con & The Liar – Biting
This Brisbane rock outift have been constantly evolving since their 2014 debut, moving from a two-piece, to a four-piece, and finally to a five-piece. It’s this added depth that really stands out on their follow-up EP Biting, as they throw up a variety of sounds from the aggressive grunge of ‘Sick Seedy’ to the swampy, romantic sway of ‘Too Much Rum’. An eclectic, satisfying assortment of tracks.
The Goods – Self Titled
Sydney duo The Goods have just released this two-part gem, a double EP with a split personality. The record is split into halves titled after the group’s amusingly-named members – Rosario D’Awesome and Boris Bangaltar – as they each delve into different sounds, from the hip hop, boogie and house of the first half, to the deep funk and dancehall of the second. Refreshing stuff.
Gabriella Cohen – Self Titled
Sure, this one’s been doing the rounds for a little while now, but with Gabriella having just signed to Dot Dash/Remote Control, her fantastic debut is about to get a whole lot more exposure. Cohen originally released the album via her DIY independent record label Dirty Power Studios, working with her longtime collaborator Kate Dillon of Full Flower Moon Band.
