With their debut album, Fantastic Playroom, having been shortlisted for the prestigious Mercury Award in 2007, expectations are high for New Young Pony Club’s second release The Optimist.

The latest offering from soulful crooner Micah P. Hinson is by no means easy going. The highs are dizzying, the lows are heart-breaking and despite a few unimpressive moments, this album shows that Hinson has still got it.

Once one half of Lamb, Lou Rhodes has now taken a bold step forward since the group's dissolution in 2004. Her debut album, 2006's "Beloved One", probably surprised many Lamb fans.

In Sydney's overcrowded indie scene, it's a relief to know that there are bands that are working towards establishing their own sound that works its way outside the box. Royal Headache happily fall into this category; the four-piece play raucous post-punk with lashings of soulful vocals in bursts of excitement that come in and out of the picture quick and fast.

R.I.P Society Records are fast becoming my favourite record label, releasing records from Australia’s finest underground (soon to be more famous than Pete Wentz’s penis) bands; Royal Headache, The Bed Wettin’ Bad Boys, Circle Pit and now the new 7” from Brisbane lo fi minimalistic group