The Lions Children – She Knows
The debut single from this Brisbane five piece is damn catchy. ‘She Knows’ is sure to have you bouncing around the house and singing along. It’s an upbeat track that launches into a vocal interplay between the two vocalists. I’m sure it won’t be long until this band follows in the footsteps of fellow Brisbane bands like The Jungle Giants and Cub Scouts.

Tully on Tully – Stay (feat. Hayden Calnin) 
Melbourne’s Tully on Tully have returned with a new single and it’s a fantastic follow up to ‘Naked’. Natalie Foster’s soaring vocals are highlighted by the instrumentation and arrangement of the track. Before you know it Hayden Calnin‘s gorgeous vocals are introduced and it all just works so well. More please.

Grand Pavilion – Footsteps
A Brisbane band that features members of Cold and Need, The Belligerents and Aperfectcleft. Beginning as an electronic/instrumental track with female vocals mixed in, ‘Footsteps’ starts to take shape when Tom Hunt’s vocals kick in. A well produced track, with a great chorus ”Expectations/I swear I’ve got the best intentions/and you won’t be holding me down” ’Footsteps’ is taken from the band’s debut self titled album out now.

Anton Franc - The Boat Song
Perth folktronic duo, Anton Franc have returned with a new single from a soon to be released second EP. ‘The Boat Song’ highlights a mix of subtle electronics and delicate vocals which evident in the band’s debut EP but also hints at a more developed sound. Anton Franc aren’t recreating their first release. Anton Franc are currently on a national tour. Catch them in Melbourne on Sunday December 9th at the Grace Darling with Warning Birds and Sean Pollard (Split Seconds) Details here.

Christopher Coleman Collective - Sweet, Sweet Melody (Parts 1&2)
Some really stunning music has emerged from Hobart recently, including The Mornings and Jed Appleton. A new discovery is Triple J favourite ’Sweet, Sweet Melody (Parts 1&2)’ from the Christopher Coleman Collective. Taken from the band’s debut album (due for release in March 2013) the track is captivating from the beginning, and builds into a catchy melodic folk tune.

Mammals (Ft. Flash Forest) – Move Slower
A collaboration between Sydney’s Mammals and Melbourne producer Flash Forest has resulted in a dreamy, lulling track ‘Move Slower’. Just take a listen already.

Carl Fox – King
Earlier this month, Perth indie-pop-tronic artist Carl Fox released an EP titled King. The title track is something special but I can’t quite work out why. Perhaps it’s the layered vocals, or the arrangement of electronic instruments, or the lyrics? Either way I’m sold. King is out now through bandcamp. Take a listen to my other favourite track, ‘Pencil Warrior’.

Jack Carty – A Master Of All Things
Sydney singer-songwriter Jack Carty is a folk storyteller, a charming one at that. ‘A Master Of All Things’ is taken from Jack Carty’s second album Break Your Own Heart. The finger picked guitar chords compliments Carty’s honest lyrics.  I highly recommend seeing Carty live. He will be playing his own headline show at The Workers Club in Melbourne on Sunday October 28th.

The Townhouses – Talk (written for Mismatch.tv)
The Townhouses is the solo project of Melbourne musician Leigh Hannah, and after close to two years he’s returned with a hypnotic new single. ‘Talk’ features guest vocals from Giorgio Tuma, and highlights Hannah’s skill in creating ambient soundscapes.

Myself and two fellow Melbourne music bloggers are in the midst of setting up a new site devoted to Melbourne music. Like Mismatch.tv on Facebook to find out more.

And without further a due, this month’s current favourite tunes.

Jed Appleton – Life Full of Lies
Comparisons to the likes of Stu Larsen and Passenger spring to mind on first listen of young singer-songwriter Jed Appleton. Life Full Of Lies is a delicate folk song, featuring female backing vocals that compliment Appleton’s voice beautifully. There are moments in the song that really highlight Appletons various vocal tones, and it makes me think it’s worth keeping an eye on this young musician.

Chance Waters – Maybe Tomorrow (ft. Lilian Blue)
Now for something a little different. Maybe Tomorrow by Sydney’s Chance Waters is a delightful mix of hip hop and pop featuring the vocals of Lilian Blue in the chorus. The upbeat tempo and lyrics keep drawing me back for another listen.

Bek Sarkoezy – Things To Do In Winter
Gently strummed chords are repeated as Bek Sarkoezy‘s voice (similar to that of Laura Marling, Sarah Blasko) floats above. The song eventually builds up to a chorus of layered vocals. The recording is a bit rough, but the potential is there. I recommend having a listen to Siren Song.

Until next time,

-sabi

Kurt Sines – Cloud Song
At 17, this Brisbane singer-songwriter’s combination of electronic synths, catchy beats and hazy vocals had him sitting comfortably on the top of Triple J Unearthed’s charts. And for good reason, both Wander and Cloud Song are stunning tracks. The latter being my current favourite, with these lyrics: “I lost my patience with the sea, the water tried to kidnap me” I look forward to seeing how he develops his sound over the coming years. Sines is set to release his debut EP later this year.

Mt Warning – Midnight Dawn
Instrumentally, Midnight Dawn has a rich sound that continually builds throughout the duration of the song, with the well paired male and female vocals complimenting one another. I know very little about this music project, except that it features M Jack Bee, and now I want to hear more.

Little Casino – Parks
The five piece band from Byron Bay/Brisbane have won me over with Parks; a catchy ambient rock tune that highlights Ben’s vocals. Bows and Arrows is another superb track, and it’s the first single from the forthcoming second EP (due out late 2012)

Until next time,

-sabi

Husband – Ordinary
Michael Paolino, front man of Luna Parade (previously known as Myles Vincent – I still have that EP lying around here somewhere) and lead guitarist of Carl Fox. Now, let me introduce you to his moniker, Husband. The track Ordinary had me hooked from the beginning with its build up and powerful vocals. Fans of The National, take the time to listen to this one. Self titled EP available here.

Rockets – McBird
Back in 2010, I wrote about this Sydney four piece here, the band went on to release their debut EP last year. Now Rockets are set to release a second EP Nothing To Say on May 4th. Happy days. I’ve been streaming the new EP here, and McBird is my current favourite. Rockets sure know how to write a catchy tune.

Broni – You Are My Friend (ft. Bushwalla)
At The Empress last week I caught half of Broni’s set, and I’m glad I did. This folk/pop singer-songwriter and his guitar were joined by his friend, Easy on drums. The set was laid-back, funny, and more importantly showcased Broni’s songwriting. You Are My Friend is taken from his album To Get Her Together. Highly recommend listening to his music here, here or here. Oh, and go see him live.

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:.