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.
Ta-Ku and Wafia – (m)edian
The unique downtempo production of Ta-ku and the haunting vocals of Wafia fuse together into an EP that is equal parts delicate and dynamic, as two of our favourite artists blend their exceptional crafts together to make an absorbing collaborative release.
King Of The North – Get Out Of Your World
A raucous, riff-driven exercise in blues-rock. King Of The North’s Led Zeppelin influences are in full swing as they knock out an explosive series of tracks. Members of Cog and The Mark Of Cain guest-star to round out this set of heavy vibes, resulting in one of the best rock releases of the year so far.
Dustin Tebbutt – First Light
Following on from some well-received EPs, Dustin Tebbutt’s debut album fully develops the Bon Iver-esque vibe that made him so popular to begin with. Featuring a somewhat more rock-based sound in some areas, Dustin deftly explores all sorts of emotional ground with absolute ease.
The Lulu Raes – All Our Parents Are Divorced
Cheeky guitar-pop outifit The Lulu Raes have dropped their new EP, and it’s just brimming with good times, upbeat jams and playful energy, run through an unashamedly polished, Britpop-infused filter.
The Superjesus – Love And Violence
This is the first record we’ve heard from the ARIA-winning Aussie rock outfit since their reformation in 2013 after a decade-long break, and the band haven’t lost any of the melodic punch since then. We premiered this one this morning, and it’s great to have these guys back in the scrum that is the local rock scene.
Montaigne – Glorious Heights
One of Australia’s most exciting emerging acts, Montaigne has finally put her wonderfully unique voice into a full-length record – one that pretty much hits the heights she was shooting for. Not a bad start at all from the 20-year-old, who first came to light in triple j’s Unearthed High comp at only 16 years of age.
Jarryd James – High
An excellent new record from the Brisbane singer-songwriter and ARIA winner. Jarryd enlisted the help of Joel Little, Mikky Ekko (Rihanna) and Tobias Jesso Jr (Sia, Adele) to put this one together, as well as NZ duo Broods on opener 1000x.
Hockey Dad – Boronia
Named after the street where the Wollongong duo grew up together, Boronia is the brilliant debut LP from surf rock champions Hockey Dad. Recorded with Tom Iansek of Big Scary and #1 Dads, it’s a sharp collection of “short little fuzz nuggets” and other assorted beachside treasures.
Kodiak Empire
Kodiak Empire are a talented Brisbane five-piece who just dropped their debut EP, Silent Bodies, which we premiered last week. There’s an impressive variety of musicality on display, from heavy prog-rock to jazz-infused keys and horns, and powerful vocals to tie it all together. A vicious but nuanced opening volley.
Gypsy & The Cat – Virtual Islands
Virtual Islands sounds like it was an album that was a lot of fun to make, and certainly is a lot of fun to listen too, but there’s an undercurrent of sadness when you realise it’s going to be the last album they release together, as they head off on one last farewell tour. With their flair for melody fully intact, it’s certainly not a bad way to cap off their legacy.
