It has been a colossal week for new releases, and this week we’ve had a hard time whittling our choices down to ten new tracks to add to our Discovery Playlist, available on Spotify and Apple Music. Our Track of the Week goes to Gang of Youths, who make a magnificent return with “Things Take Time”, their first new music in four years. Australian fans were given an early taste of the track at the band’s recent, triumphant Sydney Opera House show, and the studio version more than lives up to that introduction.
“Things Take Time” has a wonderful richness, with David Le’aupepe’s unmistakable vocals and piano at the centre of an arrangement that feels warm, expansive, and beautifully considered. The strings add to its cinematic grandeur, while Nick Etwell’s trumpet and Dave Williamson’s trombone shine brightly, giving the track an extra burst of colour and warmth. The band is heading to Europe in November and December so that you can catch them in Paris, Amsterdam, Manchester and London.
Fontaines D.C. have carried on from their brilliant 2024 album Romance, with “Marianne”, the first single from their upcoming fifth album, Dopamine Chamber, set for release on the 16th of October. The track is a tantalising introduction, with Grian Chatten’s distinctive vocals flexing as always, keeping you on the edge and wanting more. Inspired in part by the 2024 series Ripley, the track explores escapism and hedonism, tempting the listener towards oblivion while questioning what we are willing to ignore in pursuit of pleasure.
Keeping the dopamine theme running, we’ve also added “No Words” from Australian indie outfit Dopamine. It has a jagged indie-guitar feel, with melodies cutting through the grinding guitars. Speaking of grind, it was inspired by just what you don’t want to see when recovering from a big night, as lead singer Finley explains: “Then a run club speeds past me, and I was like, is this where we are now? Everyone’s become so boring, and homogenised, reading the same things, thinking the same things. They’re so self-obsessed thinking about themselves and the thoughts of their insular group that they can’t see that right in front of them, the rich are stepping in their back garden and taking over. The hypocrisy is hilarious, that’s why I think run clubs are inherently conservative. Anyway, I was pissed off and wrote that song.”
Also on the playlist this week is “Everyone Knew”, the latest single from Bristol-based Welsh art-punk trio Lacross Club. The single, an earbashing barrage of guitar, bass, drums, is their first in over a year and brings with it an evolution in sound; whilst losing none of the substance that’s been garnering them praise and critical attention. According to guitarist and vocalist Cal, the track is “just me being terrified and confused by the concept of office jobs and money-hungry CEOs profiting”. A sentient we can definitely get behind.
We love giving a big shoutout to a band with their debut single, and Sydney’s Facelift have nailed it with “Ceiling Fan”. It’s pop-punk goodness filled with catchy melodies, infused with a sweet balance between vulnerability and driving confidence. We can’t wait to hear more.
“High Priestess” is the latest (& last) single to be released from Brennan Wedl’s self-titled debut album – out today. The single is told from the point of view of behind the wheel during an aimless after hours drive around town. There’s also a tarot connection, which is a little bit lost on us. Musically, Wedl and her cast of collaborators have settled in this gorgeous sweet spot between punk, grunge and Americana – so you’ve got that warm, emotive pedal steel, beautiful vocals, and a little bit of edge too. Be sure to check out the whole album when it drops today.
The feature track on Sydney indie rock trio Marlophone’s long-awaited debut album Remembered Adventures in Widescale is “I Promise It All To You”, featuring the unmistakable vocals of Sarah Blasko. It’s beautifully evocative, sensually textured and blessed with Blasko’s distinctive voice. It’s a wonderful entry point to a tremendous album.
“routine avoidance” is the beautiful new single from Boorloo-based band navy June. The track is this gorgeous slice of intimate, acoustic led indie folk. It’s another one of those tracks that’s just quietly devastating, even as it builds to more from rather unassuming beginnings. Expect the heartstrings to be tugged. You’ll be able to catch navy june launch the single at Lunar Fest in Fremantle on September 4th (Tickets), and then at an intimate acoustic performance at Fremantle’s Sullivan Hall on September 6th (Tickets).
Finally also added to the playlist this week we have new singles from Naarm flautist and composer Erica Tucceri (“Grazie Ragazzi”) and Minang Noongar artist Ricky Neil Jr. (“HEARTBREAKER”). “Grazie Ragazzi” is from Tucceri’s freshly announced new album Route 96, and features Tucceri’s distinctive, fiery flute tones alongside a cast of Naarm’s best and brightest. Meanwhile, “HEARTBREAKER” sees Neil Jr. embrace disco-pop grooves to tell the story of the emotional tug-of-war that comes from loving someone who never fully stays. BIGSOUND attendees will be able to catch Neil Jr at the festival. For more information and other tour dates head HERE.
Catch all the new music updated every Friday on Apple Music:
and on Spotify:
Here’s the complete list of new additions this week:
Gang of Youths “Things Take Time”
Fontaines D.C. “Marianne”
Dopamine “No Words”
Lacross Club “Everyone Knew”
Facelift “Ceiling Fan”
Brennan Wedl “High Priestess”
Marlophone “I Promise It All To You (ft. Sarah Blasko)”
navy june “routine avoidance”
Erica Tucceri “Grazie Ragazzi”
Ricky Neil Jr. “HEARTBREAKER”
Header Image: cal mcintyre
