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.
Nick Cave – Skeleton Tree
Out now
One of the most harrowing records of the year, from an Australian music icon who has plunged through unimaginable heartache, Skeleton Tree was never going to be anything less than bleak, confronting, and brilliant. Read our full review here.
Northeast Party House – Dare
Out now
This crew have been steadily making a name for themselves over the last few years, with Dare being their highly-anticipated follow-up to their impressive 2014 debut Any Given Weekend. The band managed to put this one together themselves from various corners of the world while on tour overseas, but have now settled back in Australia to tour the record around the country as we speak – they always put on a cracker of a live show. Dare is out now on iTunes.
Harts – Smoke Fire Hope Desire
Out Friday Sep 16
Melbourne guitar maestro Harts has proven time and time again that he can tear it up onstage, delivering an enthralling performance recently at BIGSOUND, but he’s also shown a meticulous work ethic that’s allowed that live energy to sink into his recordings. He’s on tour now promoting the record, and we’d strongly suggest any fans of the axe get down to one of his shows.
Ceres – Drag It Down On You
Out now
Another band that have been impressing us on the live stage recently, Ceres have followed up on that immense early promise with their second record, and Tom Bromley of Los Campesinos! has definitely helped to bring the best out of the band on this one as producer.
Osaka Punch – Death Monster Super Squad
Out Friday Sep 16
Just a bonkers fun record from a band that almost refuse categorisation, beyond a satisfying blend of prog rock, metal and funk. The video for single ‘Make The Call’, featuring an acid-fuelled carnival trip, pretty much tells you everything you need to know about this one.
Jarrow – 2003 Dream
Out Friday Sep 16
Melbourne garage-pop talent Jarrow impressed immediately with his recent single ‘$$ Spoilers $$’, and 2003 Dream is set to continue on with the winning formula. He’s launching the album tomorrow at Polyester records, and this one will be well-worth getting down for.
Columbus – Spring Forever
Out now
The latest impressive act out of UNFD, Columbus tore the stage down at BIGSOUND last week with an immense sound. They’ve hit the nail on the head in bringing emo back to its post-hardcore/punk roots, with shades of early Greenday. A very exciting band, and a great record.
The Pretty Littles – Soft Rock For The Anxious
Out now
One of our favourite indie rock acts in the country, The Pretty Littles have just released their third album, and it delivers rock-solid indie choons with an effortless charm – an example of which you’ll find here, with the band letting us in on their personal brand of humour.
Dallas Frasca – Dirt Buzz
Out Friday Sep 16
Aussie rock champs Dallas Frasca’s first independent release was born of a severe injury that lead to some soul-searching and reevaluation for the band, but which ultimately led to what they describe as their “proudest work to date”. About to head off on a 40-date international tour, you’ll be able to catch the new record being toured around Australia before they jet off.
Sans Parents – Dead End
Out now
Featuring former members of Hungry Kids of Hungary, these guys impressed us recently with the EP’s title track, and we’re loving the record too. If you’re digging the Brissy outfit’s indie-infused sound, they’re midway through touring this one, with Melbourne and Sydney dates still to come later this month.
Darren Cross – _Xantastic
Out now
The frontman of Sydney legends Gerling, Darren Cross has been keeping busy in other outfits for years, but has finally dropped his immersive solo debut. Darren has gone in-depth on this one for us, taking us through each track, with influences ranging from ’60s protest songs to Lena Dunham’s Girls.
