We’ve got quite a doozy for a mixtape for you this week. Kicking things off is one of our favourite Melbourne bands I, a Man, whose latest single is wowing us again and again. Following on we’ve got the new track from Kieran Ryan, a polished tune from Unearthed favourites Kite Club, a new ditty from Ghostpoet ahead of his Aussie tour, and heaps more! Check it out!
I, a Man – ‘Less Travelled’
The latest single from the Melbourne-based alt-rockers delivers everything fans of the four-piece could possible ask for: catchy guitars, heartfelt and honest lyrics and lead singer Daniel Moss’ crooning, charming-as-hell vocals. After the amazing tunes on the Melbourne band’s 2012 EP You’re Boring Us All. ‘Less Travelled’ shows an abundance of musical growth that comes with taking time and space to record music, which is clearly what the foursome did when they wrote the record in rural Victoria. If this single is a marker for the rest of the new material on their upcoming album, we’ve got a lot to look forward to.
Kieran Ryan – ‘Are You A Conspirator?’
Former member of the now defunct Kid Sam this singer-songwriter with two first names has now released his self-titled debut album and this track sticks comfortably to its folk influences. With the rolling drum beats providing some pace, the violin some texture and diversity Ryan brings the emotion by declaring somewhat calmly “you’re the conspirator like me”.
Okenyo – ‘Broken Chest’
This actress turned songstress begins in a sultry fashion but it isn’t long until Okenyo reveals the strength and potential fury of her vocals. While an undercurrent synth operates alongside the all-important percussive backbone the singer’s voice is front and centre of this neo-soul show. The “da da da” at the track’s ending is reminiscent of another strong vocalist in Kimbra. While their styles are ultimately different, Okenyo has a voice capable of captivating an audience just as her Kiwi counterpart has already proven she can.
Kite Club – ‘Jupiter Smiling’
It’s surprising to learn that the makers behind this summery slice of romantic guitar pop are so under the radar. The Melbourne quintet have a barren Triple J Unearthed profile and their Facebook page has a modest 650 or so ‘likes’. When they do decide to go for a big push, ‘Jupiter Smiling’ will lead the charge. Pretty and polished (with thanks to Jean-Paul Fung) its an easy-going but deceptively effective ear-worm.
Nick Van Breda – ‘The World And The Everyday’
Having played around in bands in Sydney during his teens, Nick Van Breda decided to ditch playing drums and other bands mates to do the solo thing. ‘The World And The Everyday” is Nick’s latest single that draws you in instantly with his acoustic guitar layered with drum beats made up of what sounds like the drum sticks on the rim of a snare, hand claps, driving keys, some subtle female backing vocals and his honest and gentle lyrics. Doesn’t sound like Van Breda is too lonely doing the solo thing, keep an eye for upcoming live shows.
Morcheeba – ‘Gimme Your Love’
With a career spanning over 18 years, Morcheeba returned their eighth studio album – Head Up High due for release later this year. “Gimme Your Love” is the first single from the album making it clear why Morcheeba are still around and relevant in this day and age of music. Still boasting their trademark sound of chilled beats, old school scratching and the soulful sounds of Skye Edwards soothing vocals.
Louis London – ‘This Night Time’
With an 80s guitar tone that’d cleverly juxtaposed with some very of the moment vocal lines, Sydney five-piece Louis London are cleverly combining their proclaimed musical influences. The first single of their upcoming sophomore release, ‘This Night Time’ was inspired by a road trip the band recently embarked on to Jindabyne. With the repeated lyric “We’re making a statement to all the ones we love“, it’s clear the band are true to their word.
Ghostpoet- ‘Cold Win’
Ahead of his Australian tour due to kick off in a few months comes ‘Cold Win’, Ghostpoet’s first single from upcoming album Some Say I So I SayLight due for release at the end of August. The release will mark the British producer’s second LP and after the success of 2011’s Peanut Butter Blues & Melancholy Jam we can’t wait to hear what his sophomore effort has to offer.
