Happy Easter from all of us at the AU. We’re bringing the good vibes into the long weekend with ten more freshly released tracks added to our Discovery playlist on Spotify and Apple Music. This week returning New Zealand alt-pop band Yumi Zouma take home our Track of the Week with their new single “Bashville on the Sugar” – their first on new label Nettwerk.
“Bashville on the Sugar” is the first new music from the band in close to a year and a half; and very much heralds a new chapter for the group and an evolution of their signature sound. According to the band, the single is “an ode to the subway and public transport, New York’s in particular.” And, that sense of perpetual motion and the unpredictability of mass public transport is captured beautifully here – with relentless percussion and swirling guitars offering up an urgency that’s only slightly tempered by the melodic ethereal vocals of Christie Simpson.
“Nashville on the Sugar” is kick starting the band’s next chapter and new era in great style. We’ll be hearing plenty more from them through the rest of 2025 we’re sure.
“Don’t Speak” is the latest single from Loaded Honey, the new project from Jungle’s Lydia Kitto and J Lloyd. The project was born out of the duo’s creative partnership that blossomed during the making of the last two Jungle records. The project offers up a slightly different vibe or experience to that of Jungle, with Loaded Honey leaning into the sounds of classic soul. “Don’t Speak” absolutely sparkles, with a bright, cinematic and unabashedly romantic sound. The track maintains a delicate balance between modern sensibilities and a classic soul style. It all makes for a stunning introduction to the new project.
Naarm / Melbourne based group Folk Bitch Trio are on a steep trajectory. Their beautiful harmonies, fearless and often humorous take on life is utterly irresistible. “The Actor” is another gem from the group, and they describe it as “falling hard and fast and breaking down quick too,” through lyrics that “flow down from affectionate details you notice about someone when falling in love, fighting and fucking, and ultimately the demise of a relationship at your partner’s solo theatre play.”.
The video is an absolute hoot as well. They have just signed with the independent record label Jagjaguwar, and are about to head back overseas, playing at The Great Escape in Brighton, as well as as in London, Amsterdam, Paris and beyond. Head to their website for all the details
This week find yourself transported back into the sounds of the 60s folk revival with Melbourne-based duo Beefheart & McQuinn and their debut single “Hand In Hand”. The single is billed as a Joni Mitchell-esque song about the effects of a busy working life in a new place juxtaposed against feelings of isolation and anxiety that the modern world only exacerbates. The duo’s shared love of folk and rock sounds of yesteryear comes through strong on the single, with some beautiful guitar work, tasteful percussion, and subtle harmonies throughout. With the promise of many more tracks on the way now is the perfect time to get around the duo, especially as they have an East Coast tour coming up in May and June.
Wisp is another artist who is generating much excitement. It’s only been twelve months since her live debut in Los Angeles. If you love shoegaze, then you are going to vibe hard on “Get back to me” from Natalie Lu, the artist known as Wisp. It’s dreamy, mesmerising and atmospheric, with a sweet melody running throughout. Of the single, Wisp says: “‘Get back to me’ represents the greed for chaos, even at the cost of yourself. It’s about staying in a place you know isn’t good for you, yet you’re in a seemingly unbreakable cycle of going back- which portrays desperation, recklessness and limerence.”
“Wandering Attention” is the new single from London-based duo MRCY, and the latest taste of their forthcoming new project Volume 2 – out May 30th via Dead Oceans. According to the duo, the song “reflects on the hometowns we grew up in, touching on some of the more difficult aspects—both environmental and emotional. It explores the idea that, while those experiences are a part of who we are, they don’t wholly define us. We’ve grown and changed as individuals since then.” Ultimately, “Wandering Attention” is a sophisticated and powerful track, one that’s full of swagger, soul with a big, vibrant sound that captivates.
Also added to the playlist this week is “Bones”, the latest single from Sydney alt-folk band Dusken Lights.
Finally, we have added three premieres from the past week: “Heaven’s Not Ready For You” from Taylor Piggott, “Will Not Let You Down” from Melody Pool and “Lose My Soul” from Harley Luscombe.
Catch all the new music updated every Friday on Apple Music:
and on Spotify:
Here’s the complete list of new additions this week:
Yumi Zouma “Bashville on the Sugar”
Loaded Honey “Don’t Speak”
Folk Bitch Trio “The Actor”
Beefheart & McQuinn “Hand In Hand”
Wisp “Get back to me”
MRCY “Wandering Attention”
Dusken Lights “Bones”
Taylor Piggott “Heaven’s Not Ready For You” [Exclusive Single Premiere]
Melody Pool “Will Not Let You Down” [Exclusive Video Premiere]
Harley Luscombe “Lose My Soul” [Exclusive Single Premiere]
Header Image: Mikayla Hubert
