We’re seeing in May with yet another ten tracks added to our Discovery Playlist on Apple Music and Spotify, including two we exclusively premiered in earlier in the week. Lutruwita raised, Naarm based singer-songwriter (and dare we say icon) Queenie takes home our Track of the Week with her tongue-in-cheek take down of toxic masculinity “Pearl Necklaces”.
“Pearl Necklaces” sees Queenie step away from the confines of country music in an altogether more alt pop/soft rock direction. It’s being billed as the start of a new era for the Naarm-based artist; and if that’s the case, it’s an era that can perhaps be described as camp, quirky, and undeniably charming. Sharp, witty lyricism combine with hazy alt pop instrumentals in a subversive, skewering of modern dating culture and mens often piss poor behaviour.
As Queenie describes it: ‘I wanted to write something a bit silly – it’s a dig at the men who think they’re Gods… I reckon if God was mortal like them, he probably would be another finance bro, coffee snob, boat shoes no socks kinda operator who likes to think he’s king dingaling.’
Alongside the single, is a music video shot entirely on Super 8 film, which you can check out HERE.
Also added to the playlist this week is “Blu Tac Piano”, the debut single from London alt rock group Cusk. The track, which has become a live favourite during the group’s early live performances, is an expressive, moody and frankly kind of haunting introduction to the Londoners. “Blu Tac Piano” manages to find this balance between looseness and taut control. The group’s songs often start life as fragments caught in passing; and you do get some sense of that ephermalness in “Blu Tac Piano”. But, what also comes through strongly is real intensity and power that’s just so compelling.
KNEECAP return this week with the powerful “Irish Goodbye”, a deeply personal centrepiece from their new album FENIAN, which has been released today. Featuring a moving contribution from Kae Tempest, the track sees Móglaí Bap reflecting on the loss of his mother with raw honesty, balancing grief, memory and compassion in a way that feels both intimate and universal. Backed by restrained, emotive production and paired with a striking short film directed by Thomas James, “Irish Goodbye” shows a different side to the trio — still fearless, but devastatingly human.
Divers make a striking statement with “The Mouse”, the focus track from their debut album Odd Dog in the Capital, out today. Driven by urgent, strident guitar lines and bursts of electronic chaos, the song is a thrilling journey that captures the band’s fearless approach to sound. Beneath the wild ride, we have the entertaining and surreal lyrics that turn a household mouse into an unlikely companion. Restless, inventive and impossible to pin down, “The Mouse” confirms Divers as one of the most exciting new forces emerging from Naarm.
This week Boorloo indie alt-rock trio Polly release their new single, “Doubt”. The single is the first taste of the band’s forthcoming EP, Maybe which is set for release on July 17th; and comes ahead of a support slot for Teen Jesus and the Jean Teasers. “Doubt” is raw, guitar-driven, and delivered with what is becoming the band’s apparently signature intensity. Inspired by feelings of being stuck in something you know isn’t right, the track is a band favourite from their live energetic live shows.
Editors return with the brooding and atmospheric “Call It In”, their first new music since 2022’s EBM. Built around driving rhythms, sweeping synth textures and the unmistakable voice of Tom Smith, the track explores reaching out for help amid modern anxieties, while still delivering the widescreen intensity the band have long made their own. We believe we haven’t seen them in Australia since 2010, so a return visit is well overdue.
Also added to the playlist this week are new singles from Naarm four piece Kitschen Boy and the dark jangle pop of “Mind Melt”. It’s the first taste of their debut album era and got this fantastic raw, first take energy and a cracking chorus. The band will be launching the single at the Tote on May 16th (Tickets HERE).
Alongside them we also have “Ngany Kaartdijin (On My Mind)” from Noongar artist Boox Kid. Sung in both English and Noongar, the track a bright and charming slice of indie pop, delivered with a fast-paced freshness that almost belies its weightier message. Accompanying the track is some gorgeous visuals showcasing the lands of the Nanda, Bardi, Gooniyandi, and Goreng people.
We also have two exclusive premieres from earlier in the week: “TINY TSHIRTS” from Rosalie Chilvers and “The One You Need” from Florence Dore.
Catch all the new music updated every Friday on Apple Music:
and on Spotify:
Here’s the complete list of new additions this week:
Queenie “Pearl Necklaces”
Cusk “Blu Tac Piano”
KNEECAP “Irish Goodbye (Ft. Kae Tempest)”
Divers “The Mouse”
Polly “Doubt”
Editors “Call It In”
Kitschen Boy “Mind Melt”
Boox Kid “Ngany Kaartdijin (On My Mind)”
Rosalie Chilvers “TINY TSHIRTS” [Exclusive Single Premiere]
Florence Dore “The One You Need” [Exclusive Single Premiere]
Header Image: Macami
