There is no Doom And Gloom this weekend with as we have the first track from The Rolling Stones in seven years and it’s a cracker too! The Stones aren’t the only great band returning the scene, legendary aussie punk band The Saints have finally given us a new track too ‘King Of The Sun’. Then onto the up and coming Australian act: The PreaturesMC Tuka, Crooked Saint and Kutcha Edwards.

The Rolling Stones – Doom And Gloom

In case you somehow missed it, this year marks the 50th Anniversary for the world’s longest-working rock band, The Rolling Stones. To celebrate, the group headed back into the studio together for the first time in seven years to record two new singles. ‘Doom And Gloom’ is the first of those tracks, recorded in Paris by longtime Rolling Stones producer Don Was, and is a return to form for the British music icons. Opening with the blistering force of Keith Richard’s guitars, the song is beautifully peppered with Mick Jagger’s trademark snarls. The song’s flavour is delightfully bitter, and with a strong pulse is sure to leave many dancefloors in ruins.

The Saints – King Of The Sun

The Saints seem to have been around forever, and, well, they kinda have been, forming way back in 1974. With frontman Chris Bailey the only remaining member from the original lineup, new track ‘King Of The Sun’ is definitely a more laid-back, soothing affair than much of their early work, while still retaining their distinctive sound. Opening with an extended piano intro, a crisp and driven bass line, complement by dueling guitars, kicks the song into motion about 30 seconds in. Featuring an undeniably catchy chorus where Bailey proclaims ‘When I’m with you / I’m the king of the sun’, The Saints latest offering even features a brass section to bring the song to a close, perfectly melding in with the dynamics of the song as a whole. And if that’s not enough, the video also features cats eating watermelons and playing in Crocs.

The Preatures – Take A Card

‘Take a Card’ is the first single from The Preachers EP ‘Shaking Hands’, giving our ears the right blend of old and new blues, pop and soul, making the track completely timeless. The Dynamic between Isabella Manfredi’s controlled and laid back soulful delivery of her lyrics and Gideon Bensen’s muddy rock vocals compliment each other perfectly, over the the top of the 60’s sounding organ and handclaps. It’s really exciting to hear this genre of music coming from an Australian band!

MC Tuka – Die A Happy Man

This track is instantly likeable, with an infectious beat that has an almost ’40s, big band sound to it. The conversational style of MC Tuka soon joins in, with Jane Tyrell’s gorgeously whimsical voice taking over for the choruses. Film noir-style backing samples and well-placed, barely noticeable piano underlay the effortless interchange between them. ‘Die a Happy Man’ is smooth, catchy, and should probably be accompanied with a martini.

Crooked Saint – Hot And Heavy

Melbourne artist Crooked Saint has such a wonderful Australian sound that still translates on an international level. ‘Hot And Heavy’ is the first single for 2012   and well worth the wait. Working for the first time with producer Paul McKercher, songwriter and vocalist Tim Wheatly has really come into his own with this slow bluesy rock song, that immediately draws you in the second your hear his sultry vocals and story telling. The band are currently on the road touring this single and well worth catching live.

Kutcha Edwards – Get Back Up Again

It’s not often you find an uplifting blues song but Kutcha Edwards’ ‘Get Back Up Again’ is one of them. With smooth and soulful vocals layered over a swampy, bluesy beat this song is bound to get everyone revved up for the upcoming Blues & Roots Festivals. A great, bluesy track.

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