Album Reviews

EP Review: Unpeople – self-titled (2024 EP)

Unpeople emerges as a brilliant beacon in today’s rock scene with their debut self-titled EP, encapsulating a vibrant fusion of punk, metal, and alternative sounds. This band, comprised of former Press to Meco members Jake Crawford and Luke Caley, alongside bassist Meg Mash and drummer Richard Rayner, showcases an impressive synergy and musical craftsmanship. Each…

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Album Review: SeeYouSpaceCowboy – Coup de Grâce (2024 LP)

Since their formation in 2016, SeeYouSpaceCowboy has been a force to reckon with, led by the enigmatic Connie Sgarbossa, whose life experiences form the heart and soul of their music. Through themes of existential angst, addiction struggles, and the depths of mental anguish, Sgarbossa fearlessly delves into her pain with unflinching honesty. This raw vulnerability,…

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Northlane offer the ultimate taste test with new EP Mirror’s Edge

Australia has been blessed with some legendary heavy bands over the years, but there’s one name that remains a regular on our roads and airwaves after leading the scene for more than a decade. ARIA award-winning Sydney alt-metal powerhouse Northlane have constantly evolved their sound and approach to push the envelope, and have today unveiled…

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Ego_Ride

Album Review: Asha Jefferies – Ego Ride (2024 LP)

Asha Jefferies debut album Ego Ride drops today via Nettwerk Music Group, recorded by Sam Cromack (Ball Park Music) at Prawn Records, Brisbane. It follows two EPs and some significant career achievements for the Brisbane based artist, including appearances at Bigsound and Bluesfest, and making the shortlists for both the Vanda & Young Songwriting Competition and…

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Maggie Rogers

Album Review: Maggie Rogers – Don’t Forget Me (2024 LP)

Is 2024 the year your favourite artist delves into Country? In a time when Country is no longer a dirty word in many musical milieus, it seems 2024 is just as good a time as any for non-traditional Country artists to dip their toes into the scene and see where it takes them Maggie Rogers,…

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Leo bares all with their unflinching debut EP Please Leave Quietly

It’s easy to be overwhelmed by all of the incredibly talented artists who have saturated the independent music market lately, each offering a piece of themselves that is (sadly) oftentimes lost in the echo chamber. But every now and then, you stumble upon a song that just hits differently and stays with you long after…

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Album Review: ERRA – CURE (2024 LP)

Alabamian progressive metalcore maestros ERRA have unveiled their highly anticipated sixth studio album, CURE, today. Showcasing their hallmark fusion of captivating melodic vocals and screams across a spectrum of tracks, the album features guitarist/vocalist Jesse Cash, vocalist J.T. Cavey, drummer Alex Ballew, bassist Conor Hesse, and the new addition, guitarist Clint Tustin. With CURE, ERRA…

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Vampire Weekend

Album Review: Vampire Weekend reach fond heights in Only God Was Above Us (2024 LP)

A lot has happened in the world since Vampire Weekend last released an album (2019’s Father of the Bride). A lot has happened since frontman Ezra Koenig wrote the vast majority of lyrics to this new album (2019-2020). One thing that hasn’t changed is Vampire Weekend’s ability to create lyrics and music so uniquely obtuse…

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Album Review: Ricki-Lee claims pop throne on upbeat, euphoric On My Own

Given the longevity of her prolific career, it’s easy to forget that popstar-cum-media personality Ricki-Lee got her start within the Australian Idol space and that she didn’t win; Casey Donovan would ultimately be crowned the winner of said season. In the 20 years (!!!) since the commanding singer won us all over during her tenure…

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Bloom are set to explode with their anticipated debut album Maybe in Another Life

Sydney melodic hardcore act Bloom have today unveiled their highly-anticipated debut album, Maybe in Another Life, via Greyscale Records and Pure Noise Records. The five-piece made waves with their acclaimed 2020 concept EP In Passing, followed by a live version in 2021 and pit-splitting single “Sink into the Soil” in 2022. Now, the band returns…

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Album Review: Middle Kids – Faith Crisis Pt. 1 (2024 LP)

Returning for their third album, Middle Kids enter 2024 at the top of their game. A band always capable of creating songs that are just as deep as they are sing-a-longs, the Sydney band are back with Faith Crisis Pt.1, a thirteen track dive into a frontwoman Hannah Joy questioning her faith. For a band…

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Album Review: Jennifer Lopez finds love again on lush, cohesive This Is Me…Now

An album twenty years in the making, This Is Me…Now is the sequel to Jennifer Lopez‘s 2002 romantic opus This Is Me…Then, a largely mid-tempo, old-school R&B-inspired record that musically defined her relationship with Ben Affleck. This Is Me…Now is similarly a record reflecting on her relationship with the actor, only this time she’s Mrs….

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Review: Neck Deep’s self-titled LP isn’t just an album – it’s a milestone

Welsh pop-punk brilliance Neck Deep are about to drop their fifth studio album- and it is just magic. Self-titled and self-produced, the record truly captures the essence of Neck Deep in all its glory. A 10-track masterpiece of fun, brilliantly written and masterfully produced tracks- it’s Neck Deep in their purest form. Frontman Ben Barlow…

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Album Review: Green Day’s 14th LP Saviors propels their sound into the future

Green Day‘s 14th studio album, Saviors, marks a triumphant return to their roots, reclaiming the essence of their signature sound. Following the less-than-stellar reception of Father of All Motherfuckers, this latest release emerges as a refreshing revival. As the band gears up to celebrate the 30th anniversary of Dookie and the 20th anniversary of American…

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Revealing The 40 Best Albums of 2023

We’re back for the 15th annual list of the 40 best albums of the year, as compiled by the team at the AU review, bringing in music from Australia and around the world. It’s a packed list, with many artists making their debut on our countdown. Read on, and click on the album covers to…

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Old-school Atreyu fan Alex Hill of Mélancolia reviews their new album, The Beautiful Dark of Life

California metalcore legends Atreyu have been influential to many heavy bands that followed in their footsteps during the 2000s particularly. Their latest record, The Beautiful Dark of Life, was released today via Spinefarm Records to conclude the trilogy of EPs they have shared throughout the year. A whopping 15-track journey, the band’s ninth studio album…

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Review: Future Static’s Liminality is a stunning debut album (2023 LP)

Naarm/Melbourne alt-metal five-piece Future Static have today shared their highly-anticipated debut album Liminality via Wild Thing Records. The 12-track project two years in the making is a blend of deft guitarwork over intricate rhythms as vocalist Amariah Cook brings a passionate and powerful performance. Produced, mixed and mastered by Christopher Vernon (Windwaker, The Beautiful Monument),…

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Review: Melbourne’s Colourburn sets a high bar with Compromise in Colour (2023 EP)

Melbourne alt-rock trio Colourburn have today released their debut EP Compromise in Colour, a bold entry to the scene with clear talent and intent. The five-track project was produced by Christopher Vernon (Bloom, Belle Haven, Tapestry) and draws influence from the likes of Movements, Citizen and Eat Your Heart Out. Comprised of Jordyn Briggs (vocals),…

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Album Review: Taking Back Sunday’s 152 is a tremendous return to form

Taking Back Sunday‘s triumphant return to the music scene is marked by their eighth studio album, 152 This long-awaited release, their first full-length endeavour since 2016, is a nostalgic ode to their roots and the memories of their formative years in North Carolina. The album’s title, a reference to the road connecting Highpoint, Chapel Hill,…

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Angie McMahon

Album Review: Angie McMahon – Light, Dark, Light Again (2023 LP)

I vividly remember the first time I saw Angie McMahon live. The Jezabels had announced a week-long residency at The Lansdowne in Sydney, and with each of these shows, a different act opened as support. Out walks Angie and her guitar. As humble and nervous as you’d expect someone to be supporting such an influential…

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Album review: Caitlin Harnett and The Pony Boys- All Night Long (2023 LP)

Country-soul powerhouse Caitlin Harnett and The Pony Boys released their second album All Night Long through Spunk Records today, the follow-up to successful debut Late Night Essentials (2020) which scored the title Album of the Week on FBi Radio and 2SER. Originally formed  in 2015, Caitlin Harnett and The Pony Boys have spent the last…

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Teen Jesus and the Jean Teasers

Album Review: Teen Jesus and the Jean Teasers – I Love You (2023 LP)

It’s fun watching bands grow and become absolute stars. Whether they’re an international act you’ve stumbled across online or a local band you first saw opening a festival/ headline tour a million or five years ago, the fun of it all remains the same. Seeing and hearing Teen Jesus and the Jean Teasers crush it…

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Album Review: Boy & Bear – Lost Dreams (2023 EP)

With the tenth anniversary of their smash hit sophomore album Harlequin Dream having just passed, Aussie indie icons Boy & Bear are celebrating their milestone by releasing an EP consisting of three previously unreleased tracks written in their Harlequin Dream era. Lost Dreams is out today, and I’m here to take you through it track…

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MAY-A

Album Review: MAY-A – Analysis Paralysis (2023 EP)

If you think you haven’t heard of MAY-A, think again. After touring with Aussie legends 5 Seconds of Summer earlier this year, the 22 year old Sydney artist went on to be crowned #1 in Triple J’s Hottest 100 with her feature in Flume’s “Say Nothing”, as well as recently performing at the Logies. And…

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Album Review: Georgia Mooney delivers a lovely, luxurious soundtrack in Full of Moon

Georgia Mooney, vocalist and mandolinist of All Our Exes Live in Texas, has taken a bold and beautiful step towards a solo career with her debut album. Following EP Another Year On, released back in 2012, new release Full of Moon is light years ahead and a treat to listen to. Full of Moon is…

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Genesis Owusu

Album Review: Genesis Owusu – Struggler (2023 LP)

Genesis Owusu has returned with a sense of urgency and darkness on his second album Struggler. Where his last release felt like a culmination of years’ slowly chipping away at what eventually would become his groundbreaking debut Smiling With No Teeth, here on Struggler it feels like a body of work from an artist who…

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Album Review: Bad Juju – Blue Heaven (2023 LP)

Melbourne alt-rock outfit Bad Juju have today dropped their awaited debut full-length, Blue Heaven. Produced by Callan Orr (Dream on Dreamer, Hands Like Houses) and Sam Bassal (Ocean Grove, Trophy Eyes), the 12-track album explores life’s subtle complexities through moving lyrics and affecting music. The title track opener sets the tone of the record with…

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The Regime

Album Review: The Regime – Love Funky Revolution (2023 LP)

When was the last time you heard a band make their debut album a double album? I can only think of one and I’m fairly confident that unless you’re also thinking of The Regime and their Love Funky Revolution release then you’re going to struggle. After a few years of lighting up hometown stages with…

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Album Review: The Slingers – Sentimentalism (2023 LP )

The highly anticipated debut album, Sentimentalism, by Melbourne band The Slingers is finally here, and it’s truly beautiful. Produced by Errol Green (Big Yawn), the 10-track LP features the singles “No Harm Done”, “Living In The Age Of Loneliness”, “Streets Of Tokyo”, “Our Last Day In The Sun”, and their latest release, “Down To The…

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Nothing But Thieves

Album Review: Nothing But Thieves welcome you to Dead Club City

UK rock band Nothing But Thieves are marking their 10-year anniversary by entering a new era. Dead Club City is their fourth LP, an 11-track concept album that was born during the end of the pandemic. ‘Dead Club City’ is a members-only club. It’s a mindset and a universe that explores concepts around personal relationships/experiences, the…

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