The well of talent that is Australian music seems to just keep on giving. There is a plethora of talent brewing all over the place. So, once again we’ve assembled a list of some of the coolest new music kicking around at the moment, to get you through the long week ahead.
Treats – 499
Treats have only recently revealed themselves to the world, having dropped two singles since the start of the year. The three man outfit’s new track ‘499’ is a testament to their skill, and a sure sign of great things to come. It is a slow-burning, sparse affair that is untainted by studio trickery or digital manipulation. ‘499’ has a distinctly live atmosphere to it, as if the performers are present as you listen – the musical dynamics and home recording style compliment the number perfectly. Vocalist Kurtis Horvath boasts an incredibly powerful voice that carries the song, along with nicely formulated instrumentation. ‘499’ embraces elements of post-rock and jazz, tying these inspirations with a songwriting sensibility that serves to create an enormously engaging listen.
HTMLFlowers – Diamontees On Ur Coffin
This new single from HTMLFlowers, one half of the astonishing Melbourne duo Lossless, is likely the first cut from his soon to be released solo record. Released on Wondercore, the song deals with losing someone close to you, and has a very somber feeling to it lyrically that is emotionally wrenching and immensely powerful. The production of ‘Diamontees On Ur Coffin’ is equally interesting, and the driving core of the music sounds like a melodica, which is simultaneously unsettling and beautiful. HTMLFlowers lyrical prowess is undeniable, and this single is a testament to that well refined skill. There is an intensely haunting, goose-bump inducing nature to this track which is hard to shake.
Songs For The Living – Bonnie Love
This debut release from Melbourne songstress Bonnie Love was produced by Gabriella Cohen “in a collection of lovely lounge rooms dotted around the country.” The songs which make up the release are defined by their sparseness, anchored wholly by Bonnie Love‘s incredibly versatile voice, and gently strummed guitar. This minimal instrumentation means that when another element is introduced to the fray, like the brief saxophone intermission on ‘Concubine’ or the percussion and horns at the end of ‘under my bed’ they are all the more powerful. She has the voice of a sixties soul singer with the vocal inflections of Tom Waits and the delivery of Bob Dylan when he first picked up an electric guitar. This patchwork of inspiration and influence complimented by a vintage sounding recording style all come together to make Songs For The Living an impeccable debut. This release is carried by its minimalistic nature. In Italy, a bowl of pasta or a slice of pizza uses very little ingredients – but it is the best in the world simply for the quality of those few ingredients used. By the same token, you don’t need a whole band to make a song good. Sometimes all you need is a voice and a guitar – if you have the perfect ingredients used in the right way, you don’t need much else.
Hills Hoist – I Don’t Dance
Hills Hoist, taking their name from the iconic clothesline, are one of our favourite local acts here at Speaker TV. Their recent single ‘Whats The Big Idea’ was a jangly pop masterpiece, and their latest number ‘I Don’t Dance’ takes the same catchiness of ‘Whats The Big Idea’ but puts it into a new light. Intricately arranged and played with restraint, the song hums along beautifully, with the slightly distorted vocals bearing a slight resemblance to Lou Reed, and the early work of the The Strokes. The song takes dips and dives into different territory as it progresses, and the sudden change to a fast paced jazz jam at the end of the number is a unique and welcome shift in tone. The harmonies throughout ‘I Don’t Dance’ are fantastic, and this is a great song for a lazy day on the front porch.
Amalagamation – Emerald & Kayboku
This new release by Melbourne based artists Emerald & Kayboku. Emerald, who hails from New Zealand, praises the variation and strength of the music scene in Melbourne on the EP opener, ‘Big City Hippy.’ Kayboku‘s production clearly draws it’s inspiration from the lo-fi, sample heavy hip hop of the late 80’s and early 90’s, with a modern twist that is complimentary, and well executed. Elements of trip hop rear their head throughout, particularly on ‘Zen.’ Emerald has a vicious and versatile flow that serves each song fantastically. The EP is a strong addition to a thriving local hip-hop scene, and we for one look forward to hearing more from the duo.
