This week we’ve added ten new tracks to our Discovery Playlist, including two premieres we were thrilled to bring you earlier in the week. Taking out our Track of the Week is Zach Stephenson with his debut solo single, “In N Out”.
Best known as one half of the much-loved duo Hockey Dad, Stephenson is taking the opportunity to veer off the surf-rock highway and explore more nuanced territory on his forthcoming debut solo album, I Needed To Hear Me Say It, due October 30. “In N Out” began life as something of a meditation guide, built around a cyclical bass line to help Stephenson work through moments of anxiety and panic. From there, airy mellotron and saxophone from Crocodylus’ Nick Meadows helped transform it into something warm, summery and quietly optimistic. It’s an intriguing first glimpse of a record that promises to give Stephenson room to stretch out beyond expectations, while retaining the melodic instincts and distinctive vocals we know so well. He’ll also be taking the solo material to the stage, with appearances at Yours and Owls and Milton Theatre in October, before joining The Belair Lip Bombs for shows in Melbourne, Brisbane and Sydney. Head HERE for all the dates.
We’ve been lucky enough to catch Dublin five-piece Gurriers a couple of times in the UK over the past few months, and they’ve very quickly turned us into massive fans. Their new single “Pins” only adds to that enthusiasm, showing another side to a band who keep exploring new sonic channels. This is taken from their forthcoming album Nobody’s Coming To Save You, out September 25. “Pins” brings a ’90s boom-bap swagger into the band’s alt-rock roots. Beneath that rhythmic shift is one of their most vulnerable songs yet, exploring the tension of loving someone completely while struggling to find that same affection for yourself. It’s tender entwined with the urgency that runs through their veins.
Another band we simply can’t get enough of is Party Dozen. The Sydney duo remain a genuine one-off, somehow turning drums, saxophone and distorted vocals into an endless supply of riffs and transcendental experiences that are a joy to move your body to. “Euro Stomper” is the latest taste of their fifth album, 21 Bum Salute, out November 6. They’ve announced a bunch of shows across the country in November. Head to their website and grab yourself a ticket.
London-based Norwegian-Scottish duo amilost turn frustration into a full-throated alt-rock anthem on “I Know Better”. Explosive guitars, live drums and electronic textures drive an enormous chorus about rejecting expectations, trusting your instincts and taking back control.
“Snow” is the latest single from Norwegian singer-songwriter Mialuna. It’s a gorgeous meditative reflection on grief and remembrance. Atmospheric, and emotive, “snow” leans into Mialuna’s trademark Nordicana sound, offering up some beautiful musical textures, including lap steel, trumpet along with her intimate, vulnerable vocals.
We’ve been championing Gypsy Lee for a while now, and “I Hope You Like Crazy Girls” sees the Australian pop up-and-comer teaming with her pal Evie Irie for a gloriously unapologetic power-pop anthem. Hooky, biting and vulnerable in equal measure, it celebrates friendship, chaos and refusing to make yourself smaller for anyone. The track also arrives with news of Gypsy Lee’s new EP, On a Mission from God and Gucci, out September 30.
Brisbane alt-rockers Pilot Crisis deliver a punchy dose of fuzzy, punk-fuelled alt-rock on “Dreams In Disguise”. Beneath its infectious melodies is a darker tale of temptation and ambition, and the things we willingly allow to keep us trapped even when we know better.
Keeping the aeronautical theme going, Tickets to Space are shooting skywards with their new single “True”. The Meanjin/Brisbane indie surf-rock outfit are still very much in their infancy, but already look to be on a steep ascent. Their third single pairs wiry, carefree energy with a punk-leaning chorus, while looking to the future with youthful optimism and finding fulfilment in the simple things: love, friendship and the people you hope will still be there for the journey ahead. You can catch them at Lefty’s Music Hall in Brisbane this Sunday arvo – it’s free – 1-7pm- get along and support live music.
Finally we have premieres from Creature Fear (“Mission To Love You”) and Pony Face (“Expire”).
Pony Face’s “Expire” is not up on the streaming services yet, but you can grab a copy on Bandcamp.
Catch all the new music updated every Friday on Apple Music:
and on Spotify:
Here’s the complete list of new additions this week:
Zach Stephenson “In N Out”
Gurriers “Pins”
Party Dozen “Euro Stomper”
amilost “I Know Better”
Mialuna “Snow”
Gypsy Lee “I Hope You Like Crazy Girls ” ft. Evie Irie
Pilot Crisis “Dreams In Disguise”
Tickets To Space “True”
Creature Fear “Mission To Love You” [Exclusive Single Premiere]
Pony Face “Expire” [Exclusive Single Premiere]
Header image credit: Nikola Jokanovic
