Spring into September with these cranking tunes by some of Gold Coast's hottest new and established musical talent.
Jocuzzi’s Intimate Stunner
Setting the bar high with her debut release, local artist Jocuzzi has delivered a stunning single that will stop you in your tracks. ‘You Got Me’ is a true love song, casually delivered with the sort of intimacy that transports the listener into the songwriters emotional state. Opening with just a guitar and vocal the track slowly introduces harmonies and ambient electronic elements that swell into a natural crescendo before dropping back to bare for the final few bars. Great stuff here from Jocuzzi.
Girl and Girl Expand Their Sound
Local stars-on-the-rise Girl and Girl seem to be everywhere at the moment; announced as showcasing BIGSOUND, nominated for multiple Gold Coast Music Awards all while continuing to deliver raucus live shows and deliver impressive new music. Their latest offering ‘Divorce 2’ is a slower, introspective take on Girl and Girl’s contemporary ‘new wave’ sound that will finally give fans a chance to catch a breath at their live shows. Accompanied by yet another bizarre but strongly compelling video clip ‘Divorce 2’ is another step in the right direction for Girl and Girl.
Buttered Funk Things Up
Stepping up the tempo significantly from their early soulful ballads and moving more towards 80’s funk/disco territory Buttered’s newbie ‘Perfect’ is another slice of brilliance from the talented duo. Wonderfully cheesy synth sounds, popping bass and pocket drums lay the foundation for this infectious track that is really brought to life by front men Scott Dalton and Jackson James Smith’s unmistakable harmonies and insanely hooky vocal melodies. If you’re a fan of early Parcels, Jungle or 70’s car chase music you’ll love ‘Perfect’.
Mad Snax's Local Collab
Prolific electronic duo Mad Snax are back again this month with another Gold Coast collab banger that will have you running to the nearest dancefloor. ‘Panic Room’ enlists the help of local artists DVNA and THENEAR as well as Italian producer DJSM to create a slinky, marching band back beat reminiscent of the bands 2021 streaming hit ‘Wind Me Up’. Getting the job done in just over two minutes the song is a short sharp dose of energy, like a double shot espresso first thing in the morning.
Gesticulations' Poetic Brilliance
Gesticulations have delivered yet another piece of poetic brilliance this month with their fourth collaborative album in just over two years titled ‘All That Rings True’. Set as a companion piece to March’s ‘The Existence Of My Bain’ the record delves even deeper into the brooding darkness set by its predecessor with Benny D Williams' sparse instrumentation leaving even more space for Graham Ashton's raw baritone vocal and vivid story telling. Highlight moments include the opening line on ‘The Outsiders’, the delicate contrast on ‘Fast Friends’ and the effortless groove of ‘Anything Can Happen’. With a rapid change of direction expected for album number five, we can’t wait to hear what Gesticulations are brewing up next.
Radolescent Toughen Things Up
Radolecent have certainly made up for lost time in the first half of 2022, warming up stages all around the country for bands like Dune Rats, Beddy Rays and Bad Dreems. Their latest single ‘Tough’ is another scuzzy garage rock belter full of distorted guitar, thrashy drums and gang vocals that demand to be sung along too. With the release announced alongside a bunch of headline shows along the East Coast through October Radolescent are well and truly gig fit and ready to bring the party. You can watch them tare the roof off Vinnies Dive on Sunday 23 October.
Peach Fur Revisit Their Roots
After almost two years between rereleases Peach Fur are back better than ever with their second single in as many months. ‘Sun Rays’ sees the band revisit their roots, mixing smooth dub/reggae elements with modern psychedelia that is sure to impress fans both old and new. First penned back in 2015 the track carries a strong message about breaking free from the mainstream to focus on the ones you love. Peach Fur are another band hitting the road in the coming months with a decent run of shows booked up until November including SPRINGTIME and Spaced Out Festival on the Gold Coast. Check out the band’s socials for all the tour details.
Sunday Sesh’s No-Frills Party Music
Punk rock larrikins Sunday Sesh are quickly making a mark on the local scene with their own brand of no-frills party music inspired by the likes of Ruby Fields, Drunk Mums and Radolescent. Their latest offering ‘Tinder’ sees the four piece take a slight step away from the tongue in cheek attitude of their previous releases, delving a little deeper both musically and lyrically to produce an impressive start to finish listen. With gritty production from Gold Coasters Jared Adlam and Blake Malone Sunday Sesh are continuing to refine their sound and are certainly heading in the right direction to rise to the same level of their local idols.
Lindsay Waddington Dreams Of Kakadu
Prolific songwriter, producer and collaborator Lindsay Waddinton is keeping things nice and musically diverse this month with his country-infused, outback instrumental jam ‘Kakadu’. Featuring the unlikely combo of lap steel guitar, didgeridoo and banjo the track was inspired by years of touring through remote aboriginal communities and is said to channel the raw energy and earthy tones of the most mesmerising place waddinton has ever experienced - Kakadu. A beautiful piece of work that will have you dreaming of red dirt and horizons.
Peter’s Shadow’s Best Kept Secret
Rising from the ashes of former Gold Coast band Paper Round, Peter’s Shadow have released an excellent take on the tried and tested low/fi indie rock sound. ‘Jack’ features bright twangy guitars, a classic clap along rhythm and an effortlessly cool vocal delivery taken directly from the golden age of 90s/00s indie rock. With a whole back catalogue of insanely catchy rock songs to choose from Peter’s Shadow seems to be Gold Coast’s music’s best kept secret.
Ollie Twohill’s Anthem For The Outcasts
Local guitar hero Ollie Twohill is serving up a punchy dose of pop/punk with his polished new single ‘Neverland’. Described as “a song for all the outcasts out there” the track was inspired by the classic book ‘Where The Wild Things Are’ and takes the listener into Ollie’s imaginary place of escape with the help of fast paced drums, soaring guitars and full throttle vocal delivery. Vastly different to any of Ollie’s previous work ‘Neverland’ is certainly a step in the right direction for this local talent.
Ladia’s Dark Pop Evolution
After a few years between releases Ladia is back with a glistening new single ‘Lost’, a heartfelt track about a longing to be liberated from a tumultuous love. Channelling the dark pop / RnB vibes of artists like Labrinth and Jarryd James Ladia’s powerful vocal stands tall over a wall of beautiful layered production concluding with epic crescendo of harmonies. ‘Lost’ is yet another impressive single that marks an evolution and an added depth to Ladia’s sound.
Belinda Griffin’s Show Starting Debut
After spending time all over Australia Belinda Griffin has recently settled on the Gold Coast to release her debut single ‘Shine’. Taken from an EP of songs Belinda released to accompany her contemporary stage show the track marks a fundamental part of the show’s storyline expressing a point in life when person uncovers their inner light. The theatrical composition sees the music twist and turn with the narrative creating a dramatic piece of music that would come to life in a live setting. Interesting stuff here from Belinda Griffin.
Eyesite Top The Class
Local four-piece Eyesite seem to be juggling year 12 studies with heavy riff making quiet successfully, giving us another excellent taste of their forthcoming album. ‘Cold Shoulder’ channels the 90’s post grunge rock vibes of another Aussie school age band that ended up taking over the world (Silverchair) creating emotional dynamics with their down tempo verses and big distorted choruses. Bursting with potential ‘Cold Shoulder’ is an exciting taste of what’s to come from these overachieving 18-year-olds.
Pittsburgh’s Stunning Debut
Local producer turned songwriter Pittsburgh (AKA Brendan Anthony) has gifted us with his fascinating debut EP titled ‘The Secret Skies’ this month. Influenced by the dynamic soundscapes of artists like Sigur Ros the seven tracks are woven together by Anthony’s diverse vocal and intimate acoustic guitar playing. Used as a portal for emotional expression the EP touches on key moments in Brendan’s life, with highlight tracks including the delicate love ballad ‘April Turned To May’, the heart wrenching ‘Never Be the Same’ and the uplifting title track. A stunning first effort here from Pittsburgh, best consumed on headphones.
