This Just In: The Windy City – Games

Indie/Pop

Now I will be quick to point out that this is actually a South African band based in Cape Town, but 2/3rds of the band’s talent belongs to a pair of Australian brothers so I thought I could let the location slip. Plus they have a few Aus shows coming up throughout August! So be sure to check them out if you’re in Perth or Melbourne (details below).

‘Games’ is the First single off The Windy City’s debut EP that has recently been Launched in Cape Town, and next on the list for these guys is the International Launch in Perth on the 6th of August.
In June 2011, ‘Games’ won “Best Rock Song” on Indie International’s song contest. It’s a catchy little tune, though the vocals sometimes sound a little flat when dragged out possibly a little too long but that is just being picky, all together The Windy City has a great sound that you can easily groove along to. Hopefully they will relocate one day and we can officially call them our own, but for now we can only borrow them for a short time – so make sure you show some love and see them if you can!
Share your thoughts via comments and voting!

Get more of The Windy City on:
www.thewindycity.co.za
Facebook
Soundcloud &
Twitter

Touring:
Perth:           06th August: Hundred Acre Wood EP Launch, Rosemount Hotel

Melbourne:   11th August: Beave’s Bar (Geelong)

                    17th August: Northcote Social Club with Miffy Duke and Honey Moon Ghost

                    23rd August: Soft Belly Bar – Acoustic Set

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The Late Update!

Work – the job one must do to provide funds to live with has kept me busy for most of this week, sleeping for just 3-4 hours a night. But no I am here and ready to give you a massive late update and we are going to kick things off with a bit of heavy rock:

Strangers – Red Brick

Strangers a band from Sydney have produced one of my favorite songs. I have been spinning this track a lot lately. If you’re a fan of Grinspoon your bound to be a fan of these lads too. Red Brick is pure bold rock. Pack with more energy than a mouse on redbull yet the track is well arranged and carries a decent melody for a song of this genre. Yes at the start you think the tune is going to be way over bearing, but the front man of this heavy rock act can actually sing, which makes for a good change. As soon as the vocals come in they tame the energy of the song. but there is more to this band than a decent singer. Listen to the sinister bass line in the middle of the tune, raises a few hairs. The drums and guitars are menacing without becoming unpleasant. Top tune from these guys and I for one can not wait for more! Keep an eye out for debut album “Persona Non Grata”.

Check them out:
http://www.myspace.com/strangersau
http://www.facebook.com/strangersau
http://twitter.com/Strangersau

 

The Peep Tempel – Collusion

We are going to keep you going with this energy and bring you down to melbourne to meet a band known as ‘The Peep Temple’. They are loud, distorted and lively. Collusion is the first single from their debut album and rocks a fantastic riff. Garage punk with a splash of disco that certainly isn’t cold in the middle. Don’t know too much more about these guys, If you do feel free to share.

http://www.facebook.com/peeptempel

 

The Vasco Era – Child Bearing Hips

Still rocking out we have The Vasco Era and the brand newie ‘Child Bearing Hips’. I have seen these guys live twice and they never fail to impress. Ted’s thick heavy bass charges straight through the crowed and I don’t think I have seen anyone hit the drums harder than Michael Fitzgerald.With a truly unique voice Sid O’Neil (brother of Ted) sets The Vasco Era apart from other Blues rock bands. Making it past the sophomore stage in their career “Child Bearing Hips’ is a great start to album number 3 due out around October. Its an assault of all that is The Vasco Era – strained vocals, deep catchy bass line with heaps of grunge, smashing cymbals and effortless drumming.

http://www.facebook.com/thevascoera

 

Thorts – Years Ago

Adding some mad beats and a killer grove is Thorts an MC from Perth know locally as Adrian Somerville. Having released several albums already that you can get for free from his Bandcamp page and another is planned for 2013. ‘Years ago’ is fresh, more rejuvenated than other tracks you will find in the hip hop scene. The beats are fun, the groove is playful. Though Thorts also has a serious side you will find in his other tunes at soundcloud. Years ago is a good look into how life was for Adrian growing up and getting into hip hop.

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The Late Update!

The Towks – 240 Volts

The Twoks are an art-pop duo from Melbourne, Australia featuring Xani Kolac on electric violin and vocals and Mark Leahy on drums. Launching their EP 240 volts on the 29th of July  at the Northcote Social Club. Doors 8pm, Twoks are on later  at 11pm Tix $10 or $15 with an EP! The Title track from their EP ’240 Volts’ is a little different but is still a pop haven. Up beat, cheery and  full of life ’240 Volts’ makes you want to get out and enjoy life. Kolac turns her violin into a percussive instrument and builds up a dense and mystical soundscape through the layering of loops plus the excellent backing from the drums through the chorus adds a shock of energy. The Twoks are heading off overseas to play the Edinburgh Festival Fringe after the launch of their EP, best of luck! More Info Here.

 

Elephant Eyes – I Want to Know

Supporting The Twoks at the Northcote Social Club will be Elephant eyes, yet another Melbourne gem. Elephant Eyes combine weird time signatures and synth tones with jazz chords and soul-influenced vocals to create a unique sound. Elephant Eyes combined with The Twoks will produce left-of-centre show – simultaneously dark and uplifting – filled with multi-coloured cat-suits, loop pedals and some damn fine music.

 

Microwave Jenny – Stuck On The Moon

Lastly I want to share Microwave Jenny with you guys that have not heard them yet. A fantastic Duo from the central coast Tessa Nuku and Brendon Boney have been wooing music lovers across the country with their silky harmonies for over three years now. Tessa has a unique voice that will send an unforgettable tingle down the audience’s spine. Her alternative twist on the jazz and pop genres will carve a new spot in listeners’ hearts combined with Brendon’s heart-felt, blues influenced guitar and vocal versatility, the dynamic pairing promises something truly special.
With No music or clips to embed you will have to check them out yourself, it will be worth it – I promise.

Facebook

http://www.microwavejenny.com (Great Website)

 
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Fresh Tracks This Week (Brisbane Special)

Spring Skier – Chelsea

Spring Skier are the long term side project from two members of Hungry Kids of Hungary, Kane Mazlin and Remy Boccalatte. Chelsea is the first taste from this low key, melancholic acoustic duo. An album release is already in the works with no official date set just yet, but we do know it is “coming soon”, so keep your eyes out for Spring Skier “We Were Astronomers”. Chelsea is dreamy, beautiful and haunting.

 

Pear And The Awkward Orchestra – Bigger Than You

Sweet, cute, fun and quirky are four words that easily sum up this Brisbane act. Having released two Eps to date so far in 2007 ad 2009 it is a wonder that more of  us haven’t heard of this whimsical band. But never fear, a full length album that promises to feature the freshest, sweetest pear tracks yet has just been released. Its called Smocks check it out on itunes. The first track from the album is called ‘Bigger Than You’ which you can check out below.  Featuring a creative film clip, some uniquely gorgeous vocals and one killer hair cut that create an wonderful intriguing song, not to mention one of the best names for an artist.

 

Little Scout- We Are Walking Out

Excellent film clip for this track directed by Byron Quandry – ‘We Are Walking Out’ is the first single from Little Scout’s debut album ‘Take Your Light’, that will be out on August 5. There are a lot of things I like about this song, from the ringing church bells ending to the simple quaint female vocals. The song sneaks up from behind and grabs you on the run, you don’t realise how much you were enjoying it until it is almost over and then you go and play it all over again to relive its magic. Keep up to date on Little Scout.

 

Oh Ye Denver Birds – I Believe In Love Kid

This has to be one of my favorite songs going around right now, it never ceases to make me happy, (Not that I’m a sad person). But it is just one of the most infectious tunes, right from the word go it gets inside every part of your body and then they unleash the frogs and they will get even the most grumpy person smiling. It just makes you want to dance to put it simply. You can also download a limited B-sides release for free on OYDB’s Bandcamp page, feautring the tracks Swamp and Neon Rainbow. I hope you enjoy ‘I Believe In Love, Kid’ as much as I do.

 

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100 Hot Australian Albums

Taking top spot and featuring 4 times in Triple J’s 100 hottest Australian albums of all time is Powderfinger with their album Odyssey Number 5. Now featuring a huge five albums (aka The Most) in the countdown and taking second  place is Silverchair and their effort Frogstomp. Rockers AC/DC rounded out the top 3 with Back In Black. Other high performers included: Hilltop Hoods, Grinspoon, and Midnight Oil with 3 albums each making their way onto the chart. What are your thoughts on the results of this Aussie album countdown? Should some albums be further up the chart and is Odyssey Number 5 worthy of top spot? let us know…

1. Odyssey Number 5 – Powderfinger
2. Frogstomp – Silverchair
3. Back In Black – AC/DC
4. The Living End – The Living End
5. Kick – INXS
6. Internationalist – Powderfinger
7. Apocalypso – The Presets
8. Wolfmother – Wolfmother
9. Since I Left You- The Avalanches
10. Unit – Regurgitator
11. Like Drawing Blood – Gotye
12. Guide to Better Living – Grinspoon
13. Crowded House – Crowded House
14. Vulture Street – Powderfinger
15. Slightly Odway – Jebediah
16. The Hard Road – Hilltop Hoods
17. Eternal Nightcap – The Whitlams
18. Woodface – Crowded House
19. Innerspeaker – Tame Impala
20. Conditions – The Temper Trap
21.  10,9,8,7,6,5,4,3,2,1 – Midnight Oil
22. Diorama – Silverchair
23. The Calling – Hilltop Hoods
24. Sunrise Over Sea – The John Butler Trio
25. Get Born – Jet
26.  Hourly, Daily – You Am I
27. Neon Ballroom – Silverchair
28. The Cat Empire – The Cat Empire
29. The Sound of White – Missy Higgins
30. Themata – Karnivool
31.  Down the Way – Angus & Julia Stone
32. Universes – Birds of Tokyo
33. Diesel and Dust – Midnight Oil
34.  Memories & Dust – Josh Pyke
35. Hi Fi Way – You Am I
36. In Ghost Colours – Cut Copy
37. Highly Evolved – The Vines
38. A Book Like This – Angus & Julia Stone
39. Birds of Tokyo – Birds of Tokyo
40. Echolalia – Something for Kate
41. Double Allergic – Powderfinger
42. East – Cold Chisel
43. Freak Show – Silverchair
44. Tu-Plang – Regurgitator
45. Sound Awake – Karnivool
46. Walking On A Dream – Empire Of The Sun
47. Black Fingernails, Red Wine – Eskimo Joe
48. Ivy and the Big Apples – Spiderbait
49. Whispering Jack – John Farnham
50. The New Normal – Cog
51.  I Believe You Liar – Washington
52. Murder Ballads – Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds
53. Three – The John Butler Trio
54. Tea & Sympathy – Bernard Fanning
55. Blue Sky Mining – Midnight Oil
56. Bliss Release – Cloud Control
57. The Honeymoon Is Over – The Cruel Sea
58. New Detention – Grinspoon
59. As Day Follows Night – Sarah Blasko
60. We Are Born – Sia
61. Hold Your Colour – Pendulum
62. Cruel Guards – The Panics
63. Grand National – The John Butler Trio
64. Polyserena – George
65. Cold Chisel – Cold Chisel
66. Running on Air – Bliss N Eso
67.  Flying Colours – Bliss N Eso
68. The Experiment – Art vs. Science
69. Gossip – Paul Kelly and The Coloured Girls
70. Young Modern – Silverchair
71. Beams – The Presets
72. Beautiful Sharks – Something For Kate
73. Highway To Hell – AC/DC
74. The Overture & The Underscore – Sarah Blasko
75. Living In The 70s – Skyhooks
76. Human Frailty – Hunters & Collectors
77. Immersion – Pendulum
78. Lovers – The Sleepy Jackson
79. Gravity Won’t Get You High – The Grates
80. (I’m) Stranded – The Saints
81. Feeler – Pete Murray
82.  Up All Night – The Waifs
83. Wonder – Lisa Mitchell
84. 16 Lovers Lane – The Go-Betweens
85.  State Of The Art – Hilltop Hoods
86.  This Is The Warning – Dead Letter Circus
87. A Song Is A City – Eskimo Joe
88. Imago – The Butterfly Effect
89. Pnau – Pnau
90. The Long Now – Children Collide
91. Gilgamesh – Gypsy & The Cat
92. A Man’s Not A Camel – Frenzal Rhomb
93. Moo, You Bloody Choir – Augie March
94. Everything Is True – Paul Dempsey
95. Stoneage Romeos – Hoodoo Gurus
96. Paging Mr. Strike – Machine Gun Fellatio
97. Begins Here – The Butterfly Effect
98. The Boatman’s Call – Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds
99. Thrills, Kills & Sunday Pills – Grinspoon
100. Two Shoes – The Cat Empire

Welcome To The Jungle

Little Emma Louise burst onto the Aus music scene with her beautifully sung pop jem ‘Jungle’. Now only after a short while this catchy tune has been remixed twice! One featured on Aus New Music blog just over a week ago from Melbourne producer Muscles which I can guarantee you have most likely heard. There is now one more from Brisbane based Arundel that you may not be aware of… have a listen

Arundel – Jungle (By Emma Louise)

Sounds a little different yeah, may I say more embedded with the Jungle feel. The Arundel Remix features electronic sampling, soundscapes, and atmospheric beats to create an intoxicating sound. It feels a little tribal thanks to those percussive beats . From minutes 3 – 4 is the magic minute when the song changes up and breaks down all at once before dropping right back into its groove. There is also a steady build up to when this grove first drops just before 2 min.

Muscles – Jungle (By Emma Lousie)

The Muscles track is not as rhythmic as Arundel’s remix and is much more structured, not changing up as much. Sure it has a beat, but it is a rigorous 4/4 thump that would be suited to the club scene. A very synth pop feel surrounds the track. I prefer the original song to this remix, but Arundel’s offers something a little different that is not like the others.

What are you thoughts? Do you like either of the tunes more than the original from Emma Louise?

 

The Late Update!

Nantes – Fly

Indie Rock form Sydney NSW, Nantes formed late 2010 and they are off to a flying start with their song ‘Fly’ the first taste from the band. It’s very British, it’s quite rocking & it’s highly infectious. Anyone say killers? What do you think?

Give them your support – www.facebook.com/pages/Nantes/145588892139778

 

Kate Vigo – You’re Haunting Me

This Saturday, the 9th of July Kate Vigo will release the first single “You’re Haunting Me” from her upcoming full length record due out in September this year. ‘You’re Haunting Me’ will have girls dancing around the bedroom to the driving tempos and peppy beats. Equal parts sensuousness and danger, ‘You’re Haunting Me’ details the battle to overcome the clutches of obsession from the depths of dreams between its lively beats.

 

Bonus Track – Wanna Run     ///   and Hear more at Soudcloud

 

Oliver Tank – Last Night I heard Everything In Slow Motion

If James Blake and Imogen Heap had a musical Love child this would be it. It’s calm, it’s intricate and almost poetic. Oliver Tank sings and plays guitar, ablelton he uses for the rest. Call it Chill wave, ambient/electronic flow, ambient Hip-hop or chill step (Great genre name) -  I love it What do you think? You can find more info on Facebook.

 

Bonus Snoop Dog Cover – Beautiful

 

Arundel – Flourish

Now to tone it way down, relax and swim away with the whales and dolphins, whales and dolphins that have a sophisticated taste in music that is. This ambient electronic piece is soothing, calm and yet soars as far as the eye can see. Unlike ‘Deep freeze’ another song from Brisbane based Lucus Arundell  ‘Flourish’ isn’t overly creative and jumping from one element to the next, with too many ideas or too many styles for one track. I find ‘Flourish’ thrives on its creative simplicity. Catch the rest of Arundel’s music here.

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LEAK! Somebody That I Used To Know (feat. Kimbra) by Gotye

This Tune was not supposed to hit your ears until next week… However the internet has brought it to us early, how nice of it. Uploaded late yesterday the official film clip for ‘Somebody That I Used To Know’ made it’s way onto youtube, and since then, everywhere else.

Passion is etched into every corner of this song and it also shows through the wonderfully amazing art inspired film clip. Passion for the music itself and the passion within the story of the song flood over you as you watch and hear the emotion in their vocals poor out through your speakers. The Fact that this one song contains both a male and female view point is quite special, but what makes it really unique (cue film clip) is how Gotye and Kimbra play off one another. The only thing in my own opinion that could possibly make this song any better, is a little more back and forth lyrical play between the pair considering how magical it is. As all good songs do it rises from start to finish – intensity, emotion & passion, they all hit peak just before the song closes out. ‘Somebody That I Used To Know’ is sure be up there with the best songs of 2011, not just because of the talent and fine skill on show but because I’m certain a lot of people can and will relate to this song and its tale of two lovers.

Go on – share your own opinion of this song below.

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Fresh Tracks This Week

Fatty Gets A Stylist – Are You Ready?

First and formost I am going to open with ‘Fatty Gets a Stylist’ since the new album came out on Friday. Brought to you by  Kate Miller-Heidke, bass player Justin Meladl-Johnsen (Air, Beck, Nine Inch Nails) and drummer Pete McNeal (Cake). Sounding a little different from Kate’s original music (even her own voice). You could compare it closer to the sounds of Tegan and Sara, Gwen Stefani, the B52s and Goldfrapp. Fatty Gets a stylist just sounds ridiculously fun!

Listen to another Fatty Gets A Stylist track – ‘The Tiger Inside Will Eat The Child’ here

Make you own remix of ‘Are You Ready?’ http://www.fattygetsastylist.com/

 

Brous – Streamers

I can finally give you a post on this amazing talent know as Brous (pronounced bruce) as I have now found her track in a form that I can embed. Living in Melbourne with Polish ancestry Sophia Brous has given us a taste of what her self tiltled EP will contain (due for release in September). ‘Streamers’ is a song about the dizzying delirium of current-day social interaction. The song is a sugarsweet psychpop anthem replete with fuzz guitar and a unique – soulful – catchy chorus that will continue ringing in listener’s ears well beyond the first play. With vintage 60′s sounds and that great jazz vocal, Streamers is seductive and teasing.

Streamers will be available on iTunes July 8th.

 

 Nikki Thorburn – Walking In Circles

Moving up the east coast now to Sydney we meet Nikki Thorburn. Resembling the likes of Joni Mitchell and Norah Jones, ‘Walking In Circles’ has a bright energy and Nikki’s distinctive vocals combine to create a brilliant introduction to this incredibly talented Sydney singer/songwriter.’ Tell us what you think of this talented girl making a mark on the Sydney music scene.

 

Russian Winters – Pacific

Jumping across the country now to Perth we find Russian Winters. Debut album is expected in September and the first single ‘Pacific’ (released June 13th) is a pumping piece of pure indie pop – “Russian Winters are one of those pop bands that don’t make you feel like a total cock for saying you like pop music.” – Xpress Mag. That line is definitely true, these guys do pop with with a respectable flavor. Similar in sound at times to Presets, Sugar Army and Caribou. ‘Pacific’ features Awesome vocal delays, harmonies, horns, clashing cymbals and much more.

Get the song for free here.

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This Just In – Vasy Mollo ‘Somewhere Better’

Indie/Rock/Pop
The First post for July goes to Brisbane lads Vasy Mollo. Forming in early 2008 at high school, and now with an average age of eighteen this young band has supported and gained valuable experiance from some amazing talent including: Breakbot (France), Shout Out Louds (Sweden), Miami Horror, Muscles, Yves Klein Blue, Bag Raiders, Cabins, Last Dinosaurs and Howl, as well as winning the chance to open for Evermore at Nova’s Live and Loud concert at the Ekka in 2009. ‘Somewhere Better’ is the title track from their EP that you can get your hands on in August (Recored and Mixed at Studios 301 Byron Bay by Paul Pilsneniks)

Here is a little video of the recording the full track will be below:

Vasy Mollo are an energetic, fresh and original band. They have summer festivals written all over their songs – that’s all I can think about when I hear the chorus of ‘Somewhere Better’ – The sun, the heat and the fun times that summer brings. A delightfully catchy song with simplistic but effective opening. Daniel Klug lends his quality vocals that are supported by some lovely guitar work in the form of Matt Henderson & Chris Bristow, a dash of groove and the infectious rhythm is suplied by Tahj Rosmarin (Bass) & Mack Vann (Drums). I Can’t wait for August to come so I can get my hands on the rest of the EP that is sure to be sensational. I Imagine a lot more is to come from these guys, potential is something that Vasy Mollo have in Abundance for a band whos name translates roughly to ‘easy tiger’ from french.

Visit them at:
http://www.vasymollo.com/

Bonus Song: Not What We Used To Be

If you could go ‘Somewhere Better’ for a moment where would go?
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