Local

Holiday Party: Dream State (Single) (Indie)

- Just at first glance upon the words Holiday Party Dream State, you should be able to anticipate how uninhibited, frivolous and  whimsical this single is from Brisbane’s Holiday Party. Whether you dance with the electronic drums or fly off upon the strings, know that you’re not alone in your fantasy, you’re connected to your kindred spirits, Luke McDonald and Mel Tickle via their escapist pop. (Nicholas J. Rodwell)

Rebel Yell: Pressure Drop (Single) (Rice Is Nice)

- 'Pressure Drop' is the new single from Brisbane's Grace Stevenson, aka 'Rebel Yell', and the first taste of their forthcoming album 'Hired Muscle' to be released sometime this year, through Sydney label Rice is Nice. This track grabbed me through the sludgy, industrial, and techno inspired beat, peppered with just the right amount of glitchy vocoder noise that brings me back to that sticky club floor, and that stain I still can't quite get out of my shirt. (Fraser Coker)

Poor People: 2018(Demo)(Independent)

- The unlabelled USB stick was placed in my hand, and upon investigation, contained a surpringly moving mixture of songs, filled with electronic textures,lush pads and reverb-drenched synths, but also guitars, some songs exuding lo-fi hip hop influences, yet the songwriting and vocals more akin to a sense of minimalism, post-rock, post-punk and even  neo-folk (especially the Chelsea Wolfe cover). Poor People have crafted a worthwhile listen With perfectly adequate production considering this release is a demo, minimal enough to convey the ideas presented, yet polished enough that few things are lost amongst the swell of sounds. Some amazing sonic achievements on display here. (Clayton Bick-Paterson)

Australian:

BILBY: WALKIN 2 THE LAKE EP (Yes Rave)

- It's BILBY aka @blinkytrill, Sydney's 'emo rap prince' back on the scene with his new 'WALKIN 2 THE LAKE EP' featuring production from Atlanta producer Meltycanon (Lil Yatchy, Father) released through Sydney Label/Blog 'Yes Rave'. My ears pricked up immeditately to this EP due to it's colourful self-aware verses and trappy 808 mumble-rap beats. BILBY understands how to take elements from the culture he's influenced by, without blatant plagarism, even criticising Sydney rappers for putting gun sounds in their music, and wearing their hair in braids. A breath of fresh (and current) air to Australian hip-hop. Also the track "BARNABY JOINTS" is song title of the year for me. (Fraser Coker)  

Bloods: Feelings (Single) (Share It Music)

- Every part of this song is a hook and, definitively, I wouldn’t have my power-pop any other way. Sydney’s Bloods have dropped what is essentially 3 parts hook, 1 heaped portion of fuzz and all made with that mysteriously potent element, self-love. It’s juicy and robust, a celebration of momentum. (Nicholas J. Rodwell)

Em Burrows: Boy (Single)(Group Therapy Music)

-Em Burrows writes a great psych tune, that's for sure. The Perth musician's new single BOY  is layered with analogue synths, dreamy electronica and minimal beats, with a driving bass groove at its foundation. This is the first offering from her forthcoming album and if this track is anything to go by, it should be a rather lush affair. (Clayton Bick-Paterson)

Lee Hannah: Infinitely(Healthy Tapes)

-Infinitely is a visual album from Melbourne's Lee Hannah (ex-The Townhouses), a comfortingly slow 20-minute short film / album depicting Australian land. Visuals aside, each track conveys a different emotion, with swelling drones rising and receding in the background, overlaid by various instruments, each with a focus on repetition, minimalism and improvisation. Sonic and visual gorgeousness, familiar sounds, unfamiliar sounds, familiar imagery, unimagineable stillness. (Clayton Bick-Paterson)

Holiday Sidewinder: Trash Can Luv (Single)(Personal Best Records)

- A glittering example of bubblegum-pop pulled off perfectly, Trash Can Luv is the new single from Holiday Sidewinder (EX BRIDEZILLA frontwoman), her sugary sweet vocals over the unforgiving inorganic beats are at once both anthemic and desperate. Definitely one for those with a flair for the dramatic, a taste for the 80's, and other such qualities one should definitely wear on their sleeves. - Clayton Bick-Paterson

Totally Mild: Her (Chapter Music)

- 'Her' is the second album from Melbourne 'lush pop' group Totally Mild, following their last release in 2015 'Down Time'. 'Her' puts Elizabeth Mitchell's voice front and centre, curating a much more sombre and introspective collection of songs, addressing the barriers wrestled with in intimacy and outside of it. I really enjoyed this album purely for the range of songwriting exhibited in the release. Everything from crooner piano ballads to Tennis-esque soft rock is on display, making the whole record a great listen from start to finish. (Fraser Coker)