Oh, and Merry Christmas, Happy New Year and all that.

Ross Henry – In Blooms
It’s rare for me to be so instantly drawn to a song halfway through the first listen. In Blooms has a simplicity to it, the soft vocal overdubs coupled with the guitar creates an ambient feel. Plug those headphones in, and for four minutes and thirty nine seconds your mind wanders away. Sydney’s Ross Henry recently released his debut EP In Fields; a collection of four songs and five live recordings. Although the addition of the live recordings provides a contrast, both recordings compliment one another, and when the final track, In Cycles comes to an end, the EP feels complete.

Anton Franc – Letting Go
I’d be lying if I said I didn’t have a soft spot for Perth bands. Hello hometown. So allow me to introduce you to Anton Franc, a folktronica duo comprising of  Joshua Bowyer and Jamie Kuzich. Letting Go features on the band’s self titled debut EP, and it’s a standout track. I could ramble on about the quality of this song, from the delicate vocals, to the background sounds of children’s screams and laughter. But I won’t, much. You just need to trust me, and go listen to the song. Now. Anton Franc launch the EP this Friday in Perth. Go along, you know you should.

Georgia Fair – Where You Been?
Over three years ago, the first post on this blog was about a band called Manyana. (Who went on to change the name to Georgia Fair) It was their music, and an obsession with Australian music that drove me to start this site. Although it’s been two years since I last wrote about the band, they haven’t been forgotten. To say they’ve developed as musicians would be an understatement. The latest single, Where You Been?  is a gorgeous folk/pop tune with great harmonies. Jordan Wilson sings, ”The best is yet to come” and I couldn’t agree more. Georgia Fair are currently on tour with The Panics. The band’s debut album, All Through Winter will be released on October 21st. It’s been a few years wait, but I look forward to finally buying a copy of the album.

Plastic Palace Alice – Heart Weighs A Tonne
It’s been some time between albums for Melbourne six piece Plastic Palace Alice. One may be familiar with Empire Falls from the 2008 debut album The Great Depression. The new, somewhat upbeat single, Heart Weighs A Tonne continues to grow with each listen. The harmonies, the lyrics, all of it makes for a great song. I would say welcome back Plastic Palace Alice, but they weren’t ever really gone, just working quietly in the background. PPA launch the second album, Like A Light on November 5th at the Phoenix Public House in Melbourne. And now that I’ve seen the band live, I recommend you do too! Launch details here.

Matt Corby – Brother
This may be the first time I write about a new song so close to its release. (Don’t get used to it.) Brother, the new single from Matt Corby was released last night, and it’s already found itself into the back of my head, replaying over and over. The build up and intensity of the song show a slight move from his past releases, but a welcome one. Into The Flame is due out on November 11th, and Matt Corby hits the road soon for the Secret Garden Tour.

Farewell – M. Jack Bee
I have my housemate to thank for placing M. Jack Bee’s EP In Loops on my desk. You’re onto something good when you can listen to the whole CD without skipping a song, and I actually struggled to pick just one to feature. Bee’s vocals are raw and his lyrics full of emotion, it’s a working combination. I’m almost tempted to buy a ticket to Pete Murray’s upcoming tour purely to see M. Jack Bee play. Almost.

Bleeders – The Trouble With Templeton
The Trouble with Templeton is the moniker of Brisbane’s Thomas Calder. When I first heard Bleeders I could have mistaken it for Whitley. That’s not a bad thing, especially as the song evolves into something quite different. The build up in the song and Calder’s vocals in the chorus as he sings “Let if off/Run along” won me over. TTWT are touring with the lovely Skipping Girl Vinegar this Oct/Nov. Melbourne, you will be at the Northcote Social Club on Friday October 14th.

Gambler – Taxidermy Hall
I stumbled across this song on YouTube, and instantly hit repeat when it finished. Rob Dickens is Taxidermy Hall. Taxidermy Hall is something special. With its delicate vocals and soft synths, for five minutes and eleven seconds Gambler steals your undivided attention. (it’s an alternative version to the White Birds & Lemons song – one of Dickens’ other bands) If Taxidermy Hall is “the sound of 4am in your headphones” then I never want to take mine off. I highly recommend taking a listen to Pan. Hopefully we’ll be hearing more of Taxidermy Hall, it’s too good to go unnoticed.

Tash Sultana – Treading Water
An open mic night is to thank for this discovery. While my best friend and I were forced to endure some off key and eardrum piercing vocals earlier in the evening, the night redeemed itself when 16 year old Tash Sultana hit the stage. Treading Water opens with an impressive guitar instrumental with Sultana’s strong yet soulful vocals kicking in just after the two minute mark. Highly recommend her EP. Damn talented youngsters.

Charlie Mayfair – Tell Her
Earlier last year yours truly wrote about this Brisbane band. Looking back on what I wrote, I fully support my claim that this is one hard working band. Tell Her is the latest release, and I was hooked from the first few seconds with the whispering and building drum beat. Charlie Mayfair live is even more impressive, the professionalism and pure talent the band posses should be envied by musicians, and adored by audiences. Charlie Mayfair are currently on tour. Dates here. Melbourne, see you at The Empress on Friday September 2nd.

Arbori: – Biology of Memories
I know very little about this band, except these three points. 1) They’re Sydney based. 2) They play good music, think folk/jazz. 3) They use Twitter. The last point was included because that’s how I came to hear of them. The fragile vocals and arrangements in Biology of Memories might not instantly grab you, but the song deserves a few good listens and you’ll come to appreciate it later. I look forward to hearing more from Arbori:.

Here’s a few others that I’ve been enjoying..

Jacob Wylde – My Soul
Triple J Unearthed is a great source of Australian music, and I have it to thank for a lot of my music discoveries. Roots singer/songwriter, Jacob Wylde is one of them. There’s something raw and emotional about My Soul, with its arrangement and the emphasis of the guitar, Wylde’s vocals tie it all together. I’d also recommend having a look at this video which features violin. Oh, and did I mention he’s 14? What were you doing at that age?

John Lingard – Electric Strike
Although we’re both currently in the same program (FreeZA Central Mentoring Program) it was only recently that I heard John Lingard’s music. I’m annoyed it took this long. Electric Strike is such a strong track that compliments Lingard’s unique voice. My favourite line is “In your love I feel at home, electric strike let it be known” The song is on the Mixtape CD which features songs from the performance mentees and mentors. Lingard will be performing at the graduation/Mixtape CD launch. August 4^th at the East Brunswick Club. Details here.

The Twoks – 240 volts
Now for something a little different. Melbourne art-pop duo The Twoks are a breath of fresh air. The new single, 240 volts is an upbeat, toe tapping track which features some fantastic looping with an electric violin. The Twoks sound great recorded but let me assure you, the live show is something completely different. Something amazing. You should make an effort to get to a show even if it’s just to see Xani in a onesie. The Twoks EP launch is at Northcote Social Club this Friday July 29th with support from Elephant Eyes.

Here’s something a little different for the blog, a tour you should know about.

Next week, Sydney’s The Rescue Ships, Brisbane’s Scott Spark and Melbourne’s Tash Parker will hit the road for the Three’s Company tour. Three acts, three nights in a row.

Any regulars to the blog (wishful thinking huh?) may remember previous posts about Tash Parker and Scott Spark. Well Tash Parker has since released her album Waking Up and supported the likes of Missy Higgins, Gotye and Passenger.

After a string of supports last year including Washington and Tim Rogers, and his own headline tour, Scott Spark is writing new songs and also co-writing the anti-musical OMFG, set for stage in 2012.

While the The Rescue Ships are relatively new, Elana Stone and Brian Campeau the two behind the band are no strangers to the Australian music scene.

Having previously seen both Tash Parker and Scott Spark, I can ensure you this will be a great tour. You should just trust me and go along. Dates below and if you preorder tickets you could win a CD pack from Other Tongues. Sweet.

Thursday 5th May – The Evelyn Hotel, Melbourne – $10 presales / $12 door
Friday 6th May- The Globe, Brisbane – $10 presales / $12 door
Saturday 7th May – Spectrum, Sydney – $10 presales / $12 door

Milk – The Hazelman Brothers

Eyesight Like an Owl is the debut album from three brothers, The Hazelman Brothers. A stunning debut. With 3-part harmonies and twelve well written tracks, I’m annoyed it took me this long to listen to them. Milk, a song that tells of ‘the heartbreaking firsthand experience of poverty in Cambodia’ is my personal favourite. I’m unsure whether it’s the vocals, the harmonies or the story behind it that continually draws me back to the song, but it’s definitely left a lasting impression.

Walking in Circles – Nikki Thorburn

Nikki Thorburn is a young Sydney singer/songwriter who you are more than likely going to hear a lot of in the future. With such distinctive vocals and an upbeat tune, Walking in Circles is a step in the right direction. With a little help from Ollie McGill (The Cat Empire) in late 2009 her debut EP To The Place was recorded in Melbourne. A video for Walking in Circles has recently been released, check it out on YouTube.

We Are Walking Out – Little Scout

We Are Walking Out is a refreshing reminder of how great Brisbane’s Little Scout are. This (relatively) new song highlights the gorgeous vocals of Melissa Tickle complimented by beautiful harmonies and an emphasis on drums. Having previously released two EPs, the new single is taken from the forthcoming album, which I eagerly await the release of. Little Scout are currently on tour with Parades. See them in Melbourne this Friday April 15th at the Northcote Social Club.

Before I begin, I’d like to encourage all you Melbourne folk to get along to Bar 303 this Friday the 18^th for Owls of the Swamp’s single launch. Details here.

Now, get some Queensland music into you.

                                                           Stu Larsen – Paper Sails

Stu Larsen has the songs, the stories and the live shows to make a good musician; in fact he’s a great musician. The only downside is that he seems to have continued along unnoticed. (Pay attention Australia.) Paper Sails is the newest release, and what I believe to be a step forward for him, musically. An organic arrangement with beautiful vocals and harmonies. Nice one, Stu.

                                                            Emma Louise – Jungle

Emma Louise’s music surpasses my expectations from a nineteen year old. Take for example, Jungle, vocals that are powerful yet delicate at times, a good arrangement and a killer chorus. Emma Louise encompasses a sense of maturity well beyond her years which is reflected in her song writing. If this single is anything to go by, I’m keen to hear her debut EP (which she recorded with Mark Myers from the Middle East) It’s out in April. You can catch Emma Louise supporting the always amazing, Boy & Bear this May.

         
                                                The Belligerents – These Hands

Admittedly, I was a bit hesitant to listen to this track when the words dance and punk were mentioned. Any readers of this blog may have noticed a favouring to the folk and acoustic genres. I don’t regret the time I took to listen to The Belligerents, I’m glad I did. These Hands is an infectious track; it’s well constructed with an interesting selection of samples. However it was the percussion and use of cowbell that got me hooked. These Hands features on The Belligerents debut EP, Less Arty, More Party which is out now. The band head out on tour at the end of this month.

Israel Cannan – Walk

The name may sound familiar as I’ve previously mentioned Israel Cannan‘s side project, The Young Lions. On the outside you could easily label him as just another typical solo acoustic singer-songwriter, but knowing your style isn’t always a bad thing. Cannan’s vocals perfectly suit the roots and folk genre with somewhat of a natural approach while his lyrics only compliment the songs further. Cannan’s currently on tour, full details here. Special mention to the Perth show on March 1^st and Melbourne on March 19^th. Go see him.

Charge Group – Lullaby for the Apocalypse

Charge Group’s debut album, Escaping Mankind made it into my top 10 albums of 2008 and for good reason. Put simply, it’s an amazing record which over the years I’ve found myself growing increasingly fond of. ‘Lullaby..’ is chaotic, with vocals and instrumentation to match the build up. In a recent interview with FBi radio, Charge Group announced a second album is to be released sometime this year, hence wanting to introduce you to them now. After getting a snippet of what the new songs sound like (such as Broken Sunlight) I eagerly await the new record, and hope a tour follows.

Inland Sea – All Fall Down

Ten band members, you heard me right, ten! That in itself is an accomplishment but Brisbane’s Inland Sea’s debut EP Traitor proves it’s worth the hassle to fit on stage. You may have heard single All Fall Down on Triple J with its strong vocals and lush harmonies. The band utilise the ten members talents to create not only a memorable song, like All Fall Down but a strong debut EP. Well worth the praise it has received so far.

So I present you with sabi’s list of best Australian blogs of 2010. It features ten of my favourite blogs, that this year I found myself continually reading rather than updating my own. (Sorry readers!)

In no particular order:

1. Electric Skeleton

Lauren, Lauren, Lauren. In all honesty it was the blog name that first grabbed my attention (Darren Hanlon song!) but then her posts secured said attention. And I thought I was obsessed with music..

2. Me, and All My Friends
Miks (and all his friends) blog regularly AND with great tracks, from international to Australian with a variety of genres thrown in between. Though I’ve noticed a theme (perhaps an interest) of remixes and electro tunes – not always my cup of tea but I’m enjoying the selections!

3. And Pluck Your Strings
Another blog name that got me, (lyrics from Blood by The Middle East) and the third Melbourne blog on my list. You can tell Lachy (like others) is a passionate music fan, what I like most about his blog is that the posts are detailed, and his gig reviews are always a great read!

4. On The Tune
Jeremy lives in the middle of nowhere and likes music, a lot. Young Jeremy took part in the Optus Sound Scribe this year (a great achievement) but it’s nice to see him continuing his album reviews and mixtapes on On The Tune.

5. Buried By The Buzz
Now for a Sydney blog – Buried By The Buzz. Giselle’s blog is slowly encouraging me to listen to music other than just Australian music, with her interviews, live reviews and other posts. Job well done.

6. Music For The Laundromat
Interviews, gig reviews and more reviews! Bianca has just about everything covered over at Music For The Laundromat. The focus on local Brisbane music is just one of the many reasons I find myself catching up on the latest posts.
7. Purple Prose
I have musician/radio host and blogger, Walter to thank for introducing me to some amazing Adelaide bands, in addition to a few Australian bands I had yet to hear of. His blog posts make me wish I was a better writer. Thanks Walter.

8. Timber and Steel
A relatively new blog, Timber and Steel is bringing readers the best of folk (and more) both international and Australian. The focus on upcoming bands and artists is what keeps me happy.

9. Who The Hell Are They?

Who The Hell don’t need an introduction. If you’re a fan of Australian music surely you’ve heard of (and visit) this site. With a great team of writers, Who The Hell are all over new Australian music.  Thanks for featuring some of my friends, and for introducing me to great Australian music!

10. The AU Review
Larry Heath and his team bring you music coverage from all around Australia. TheAUreview is a great source for interviews, album/EP reviews, gig reviews, photos and more.  I personally think we’re lucky to have theAUreview around supporting the Australian music scene and I hope there’s many more years to come.

To those featured, thank you for making me question why I even have a blog. In all seriousness though, keep up the great work and for those of you who I’ve spoken to or even had the pleasure of meeting this year, thanks!

To my readers, thanks for er…reading my blog? Don’t forget to check out more great Australian blogs in my links section! Here’s hoping 2011 will see me post a bit more often..