With the seasons beginning to turn, there’s plenty of fresh music to soundtrack the change. This week we’ve added another ten new tracks to our Discovery Playlist on Spotify and Apple Music, including two premieres we were lucky enough to share earlier in the week. Taking out Track of the Week is Naarm/Melbourne folk quintet Norwood with the beautifully lived-in “Lonesome”, a gently rambling reflection on connection, isolation and the peculiar comforts of home.
“Lonesome” is gorgeous indie-folk with acoustic guitars, banjo and harmonica giving it warmth and comfort. Beneath this feeling however, there is a poignant sense of disconnection, as Norwood capture the strange loneliness that can exist even when you’re surrounded by people who love you. The house itself almost becomes another character, from the creaking timber and shifting ceiling to the fruit flies at the window that is tender and evocative.
Fremantle five-piece GRUB continue to tease their forthcoming self-titled debut album this week with the release of two new singles: “Stability Please” and “The Floor”. It’s the latter that’s made it onto our playlist this week, but we strongly recommend giving both a listen, if you know what’s good for you. “The Floor” was written by the band’s frontwoman and lyricist Matilda Beales back in 2021 as a motivational speech to herself whilst going through chemotherapy. It’s a bit of a change up from “Shake It”, their debut, which we shared last month, but it’s no less powerful, or impactful, and Beales’ songwriting really shines through in all its unfiltered, authentic, glory. And, that chorus? Can’t say it’s not motivational! Don’t forget you can catch GRUB at their album launch show on October 10th at Mojos Fremantle. Tickets are available HERE.
Sydney post-punk outfit Bennetts Grove continue to make waves with “Foresight”, a brooding track that wrestles with uncertainty around what comes after death. There’s a bitter edge to the questioning, but also something strangely hopeful in the way the song searches for comfort amid denial and doubt. Sonically, this one immediately gave us Radio Free Alice and Fontaines D.C. vibes, which is a pretty handy yardstick given they’re two of our favourite bands right now. Bennetts Grove feel like a genuinely exciting new addition to Sydney’s post-punk scene.
Also added to the playlist this week is “Needles in Strawberries” from Adelaide psychedelic rock band Druid Fluids. Recently signed to Third Eye Stimuli, the single is the first from their forthcoming sophomore album Pareidolia – out November 13th. Built around motorik rhythms, buzzing guitars, and no shortage of psych rock energy, the single, as you can probably guess, was inspired by Australia’s strawberry tampering epidemic in 2018. It’s a really great listen – offering up nods to their predecessors and inspirations, but delivering something entirely their own. And, if anything, it serves as a good reminder of the rude health of the Australian psych scene right now.
Victoria songwriter Jess Parker brings a beautiful sense of yearning to “Lady From Doreen”, the second taste of their forthcoming new album. There is some beautiful finger-picking guitars in this one, which gives it an old-world country-folk feel. It’s intimate and moving. Parker describes it as “.. a nod to all the sapphic folk predecessors and storytellers before me, and my attempt to keep the poetic fire burning – it’s for her.”.
“King of Rock and Roll” is the latest single from singer-songwriter Luke Elliot, and the title track from his forthcoming new album. The song takes inspiration from Elvis, as the title alludes to, but really it’s more an exploration of the myth-making and transformations that can happen in art and music. It’s an exploration of authenticity and artifice and the motivations and inspirations behind some of these transformations. The track also comes with plenty of talented guest stars, including acclaimed songwriter Tom Russell. There’s really clever and thoughtful songwriting on here, but importantly it sounds great too with this gorgeous full Americana and southern gothic sound.
Also added to the playlist this week is “Ramona Again” from Fremantle’s Ra Ra Viper. The deceptively emotive release is the latest single from the indie rockers, and follows recent festival appearances, a tour support slot with The Wombats, and a 20+ date North American tour supporting Old Mervs. Joining the Fremantle group, is Melbourne jazz artist Yabby, with “Sun Basking” a track from their self-titled debut EP. It’s this really lovely injection of good vibes and positivity, which sits in the sweet spot between jazz and electronica/dance. It’s full of subtlety and nuance, and leaves you wanting more. Finally, we also have “Old Protest Records” from Kaz Murphy and “Follow Me” from Neo Stereo. Both of these are tracks that we premiered earlier in the week.
Catch all the new music updated every Friday on Apple Music:
and on Spotify:
Here’s the complete list of new additions this week:
Norwood “Lonesome”
GRUB “The Floor”
Bennetts Grove “Foresight”
Druid Fluids “Needles in Strawberries”
Ra Ra Viper “Ramona Again”
Jess Parker “Lady From Doreen”
Luke Elliot “King of Rock and Roll”
Yabby “Sun Basking”
Kaz Murphy “Old Protest Records” [Exclusive Single Premiere]
Neo Stereo “Follow Me” [Exclusive Single Premiere]
Header Image Credit: Ella Bolmat
