By Empty Handed is the latest track from Melbourne-based indie-pop duo Trace Decay. From commanding vocals to full sounding melodies, the pair have cast a strong net around the quintessential elements of the genre to deliver a hook-laden, catchy number. Despite singing of the unrelenting obstacles and the pursuit of perfection that cripples decision-making, Empty Handed is upbeat, easy listening.
TRACK: Faint – Lontalius
Lontalius (a.k.a 23-year-old New Zealander, Eddie Johnston) has released the second single from his upcoming record Someone Will Be There For You. Faint is a ballad that is driven by a warm acoustic guitar, an understated piano and touch of more modern electronic elements. As the song gradually builds, it never takes away from what feels like an intimate moment from a man and his guitar
TRACK: Tremble – Chores, LÂLKA
The latest dance anthem from New Zealand-born, Melbourne-based duo Chores has pushed our pent up festival energy to the limits. Tremble is a huge track, and the zinging vocals of avant-garde artist LÂLKA kick it forward into another realm.
INTERVIEW: The Buckleys
From Byron Bay to Nashville, The Buckleys are breathing new life into the Australian country music scene. Taking the best of a genre-diverse upbringing, the sibling trio have cultivated their own self-coined brand of ‘Hippie Country’. Their debut album Daydream is a bright collection of country tracks that draws upon elements of roots, pop, indie and Americana. With a refreshing and upbeat outlook, The Buckleys are playing with nostalgia, romance, and irresistible grooves to carve a niche that has even the most unsuspecting of country naysayers and newbies catching on. We had a chat with Sarah (20), Lachlan (19) and Molly (17) about their album, the country music scene, and recording in Nashville under the guidance of Grammy Award-winning producer, Chad Carlson.
TRACK: Man – Quartz Pistol
Quartz Pistol are Melbourne’s latest answer to luscious late night luxury mixed with assertively bold lyricsm in an alt-pop/R&B blend. Their debut track Man is more than just a single, it’s a statement. It harbours bold messaging and melodic temptation in nearly 5 minutes of complete intoxication.
TRACK: Close – Woodes
Continuing to captivate us with her unique ability to combine fantasy, drama, and intricate musical flair, Woodes latest track is yet another display of her incredible versatility. From melodically masking pain to lyrically emphasising finality, Close creates an exquisitely haunting journey through grief and loss.
TRACK: Will She Leave You – Majak Door
Melbourne-based six piece Majak Door are bringing the softest in beachy vibes with their latest track Will She Leave You. Shimmering in golden summer radiance, this song captures pure freedom despite its creation under DIY-lockdown circumstances.
PLAYLIST: Jake Marra’s Daily Dose of Lust
Passion, pop, and personality. Alongside his latest desire-driven release Medicine, Jake Marra has prescribed us with his Daily Dose of Lust playlist. We just can’t get enough of this write up by Jake – read on for his top ten lusty tracks and why he chose them.
TRACK: Twinkle – Hether
Following on from his debut EP Hether Who?, Hether (a.k.a Paul Castelluzzo) has returned with the first glimpse of his upcoming project. A soothing, bluesy serenade that feels like it could have been lifted straight from decades past, Twinkle’s modern giveaway comes from the intricate sparkles and spacey sonic purrs that covertly lace the track.
TRACK: Boy Bye – Lauran Hibberd
Trying to shout out a ‘see ya later’ with a big middle finger, rising UK slacker-pop artist Lauran Hibberd’s latest track Boy Bye is pure glory in resurrected angsty ’90s girl power. Sugar-laced and tongue-in-cheek, this track will tattoo itself on your eardrums and tick away with you for days on end.
