New Music
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Julia Jacklin, Middle Kids, Architects, and more : Ticketmaster Fresh Scoop
Hey October, you did good.
Playlists need an update? October might go down as the best month of new music we’ve enjoyed this year. We’ve handpicked some of our favourite tracks of the month to enjoy all over again. Let’s dig in.
Alexander Biggs – Low
There is something consistently comforting and heartbreaking about everything Alexander Biggs has ever released – and the ease with which his music can wrap its arms around you and break your heart is something we still can’t get a grasp on. His latest single ‘Low’, the first taste of his forthcoming debut album, is another gorgeous addition to his ever-growing collection.
Architects – Animals
It certainly doesn’t feel like it, but it’s been almost two years since Architects gifted us their monster of an eighth album Holy Hell, and now they’re back to crack open their next chapter with ‘Animals’. Packed to the brim with huge riffs and stomping drums, the lyrics turn their attention to the current state of the world – this is a hard-to-ignore wakeup call. Expect more of this on album number 9.
Arlo Parks – Green Eyes
One of 2020’s biggest breakout artists Arlo Parks has announced the release of her debut album with gorgeous new single ‘Green Eyes’. Showcasing her unique, poetic storytelling and signature mixture of dreamy pop and soulful hip hop, the single is an anthemic ray of self-acceptance and self-discovery.
Bring Me The Horizon – Post Human: Survival Horror
There aren’t many bands from the early 2000s who are still here pushing the envelope the way that Bring Me The Horizon continue to, and their latest record Post Human: Survival Horror is another trophy to add to their mantle. Following the genre-exploring triumph that was Amo – their first number one – you probably wouldn’t expect this. From huge heavy hitters to flairs of pop punk, nu-metal, and even J-Pop, by now Bring Me The Horizon are absolutely thriving in a world of their own.
Bruce Springsteen – Letter To You
The boss is back, baby. Honest and raw, Letter To You is Bruce Springsteen at his absolute best. Recorded live in just four days, and with only one listen back, this is Springsteen and the E-Street Band at their most masterful. Laden with his signature vivid imagery and readymade for stadium-touring, Letter To You is everything fans have been asking for. Springsteen also just became the only artist in chart history to notch a Billboard Top 5 album in six consecutive decades. So that’s pretty cool.
Fan Girl – Backwards (Everything Is)
Melbourne rockers Fan Girl are delivering another dose of their punchy charm with new single ‘Backwards (Everything Is). The band have said the track was the result of a challenge, “to write what some people might see as a ‘happy’ sounding Fan Girl song, while still being a little wonky, broken and unhinged,” and whether they’re diving into their darker sound or writing sunshine-filled melodies, we’re huge fans of Fan Girl.
Julia Jacklin – To Perth, Before The Border Closes
Back in March, right as COVID-19 hit, Julia Jacklin was preparing to wrap up her huge world tour, but the closure of state borders in Australia forced her to return home quickly. ‘To Perth, Before The Border Closes,’ explains what happened. The indie-pop meets alt-country warmth we love from Jacklin is on full show, tender, delicate, sweeping melodies carrying her sublime, wistful vocal along. Soothing and beautiful as always.
Julien Baker – Faith Healer
Sad girl summer is on its way, because Julien Baker has announced her third album Little Oblivions will land in February. ‘Faith Healer’ is the first devastatingly cathartic taste. About unhealthy vices and our willingness to believe those that offer us healing, this is Baker at her most heartbreakingly honest.
Laurel – Best I Ever Had
Earlier this year we told you about Laurel’s ‘80s-tinged synth-pop deep dive with ‘Scream Drive Faster’, and now she’s back, continuing the nostalgic dance party. Another exciting glimpse at where she is going next is ‘Best I Ever Had’ – our leg warmers are on and we are ready.
Loiter – In This Town
Bringing together members from Brisbane, Newcastle, and the UK, rockers Loiter are a band worth getting to know. They’re ready to introduce themselves to the world, and their latest single ‘In This Town’ is sure to do that in a big way. With a tinge of alt-rock nostalgia and huge energy, they’re on to a winner.
Lupa J – This Suburb
The latest taste of Lupa J’s forthcoming mini-album is the emotionally charged pop ballad ‘This Suburb’. While it might be a little different from what we’ve previously heard – they’ve described it as “one of the most raw and vulnerable songs [they’ve] ever made” – it is another absolute masterclass in cathartic songwriting and stunning production, adding another layer to the ever-evolving beauty that is Lupa J’s catalogue.
Middle Kids – R U 4 Me?
Yes, Middle Kids, we are for you. It is as simple as that. The follow up to last year’s New Songs for Old Problems EP, it packs the same indie-rock punch but with an added bittersweet, wistful sadness wrapped around its upbeat groove.
Odette – Dwell
Another beautiful, lush moment from Odette, ‘Dwell’ is the second bite of what we already know is going to be a brilliant album from the singer-songwriter. Honest and vulnerable, Odette’s distinctive, powerful vocal soars as she reflects on grief and the way we can let it manifest in negative ways. But also the way that we can grow through it.
Sloan Peterson – Nightmare
Sloan Peterson has had us hooked for quite a while now, her insightful storytelling, incredible voice, and knack for writing a top-notch indie-rock tune scoring big ticks for us with every release. But on her first single for 2020, ‘Nightmare’ she has taken a turn we didn’t expect, but are 100 percent signing up for. Taking a confident stride into the pop world, it’s boppy, synth-edge and self-assured attitude sets Peterson up to take the Aus pop scene by storm.
Tyne-James Organ – Not Ready For Love
If you’ve seen Tyne-James Organ live (we recommend it, if you get the chance) then you might already be familiar with ‘Not Ready For Love’. A track that feels like long drives in the summertime – it’s a punchy, powerful indie-rock moment, backed by huge, driving guitars and lyrics readymade to be screamed at the top of your lungs.
You Me At Six – Beautiful Way
This is a You Me At Six we haven’t heard in a little while, they’re diving back into their heavier sound, but now featuring a new industrial, electronic edge that is entirely new. With every album they keep changing things up, and so far what we’ve heard of number seven, Suckapunch, points to something very very big brewing.
Ziggy Ramo X Miiesha – Tjitji
Two of the most powerful rising storytellers in Australia right now, Ziggy Ramo and Miiesha have teamed up for compilation album Deadly Hearts – Walking Together, which features a slew of Indigenous artists delivering their own renditions of iconic Australian songs. The original featured on Miiesha’s debut record Nyaaringu, and now with Ramo’s added verses the track takes on a whole new power.
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