Every week, Rolling Stone AU/NZ rounds up our favourite releases in Australian music from the past seven days.
Catch up on previous coverage on Keli Holiday, Oliver Cronin, Royel Otis, Haiku Hands, and check out fresh highlights from Nick Ward, Skeggs The Cruel Sea, Belle Haven, Chasing Ghosts, Annie Hamilton, and more below.
Nick Ward – House With The Blue Door
Nick Ward’s debut album House With The Blue Door has arrived, and it’s a thoughtful blend of childhood nostalgia and personal growth. Inspired by his dad’s music and shaped by his own experiences through therapy, Ward weaves a mix of indie, pub-rock, and classic influences. The album features collaborations with Gab Strum, Golden Vessel, and more. The rising Sydney artist is set to headline his own tour in October and will also support Troye Sivan in Australia and New Zealand in November.
Skegss – “High Beaming”
Skegss drop their new single “High Beaming,” a bouncy, tender tribute to those who lift us up when things get tough. “This ones for someone who’s always positive in the worst of times– a strong survival trait,” explain Ben Reed and Jonny Lani.
The Cruel Sea – “Straight Into The Sun”
After a ten-year hiatus, The Cruel Sea are back with Straight Into the Sun, their first album in over two decades. The title track marks a return to their guitar-driven roots and balladeering style. Frontman Tex Perkins says the album draws from their early work and ideas sparked during their 30th anniversary tour of The Honeymoon Is Over. Expect a collection of ten tracks, full of surf-instrumental sounds that will take you back to the band’s classic sound.
Belle Haven – something new
Belle Haven’s something new is a four-track EP packed with emo rock, energy, and themes of love, heartbreak, and self-discovery. Produced by Jack Newlyn and mixed by James Paul Wisner, it’s a fresh direction for the band.
Chasing Ghosts – “Ten Feet Tall”
Naarm-based punk band Chasing Ghosts release “Ten Feet Tall,” where frontman Jimmy Kyle shares his journey through therapy after a breakup. The song tackles mental health with raw, introspective lyrics. Their ‘Amnesia Everybody’ tour kicks off this week.
Annie Hamilton – “seven storeys up”
Annie Hamilton previews her second album Stop and Smell the Lightning (out November 1st) with “seven storeys up.” Produced by Jake Webb (Methyl Ethyl), the track’s dreamy, layered sound hints at what’s to come.
Hooper Cresent – “Staring at the Post (Andras remix)”
Hooper Crescent’s remix collection from their 2024 album Essential Tremors kicks off with a smooth dub-techno remix of “Staring at the Post” by Andras. Expect more remixes from this collection, spanning styles from dub-techno to disco.
Pete Murray – “Wouldn’t It Be Good”
Pete Murray’s new track “Wouldn’t It Be Good” is everything you love about him: upbeat, acoustic, and perfectly timed for his summer tour kicking off in late December.
Bec Skyes – “Joshua”
Melbourne’s Bec Sykes shares “Joshua,” the third single from her debut album Pepperpot Magic (out November 6th). A minimalist piano track, it showcases her rich, emotive vocals.
Hellcat Speedracer, The Buoys – “Our Friends”
Hellcat Speedracer’s new single “Our Friends,” featuring Zoe from The Buoys, teases their debut EP No Chaos, No Future (out November 15th). It’s a throwback to 2010’s indie dance, full of fuzzy synths and house party energy.
Anna Lunoe – “Polite”
Anna Lunoe drops “Polite,” featuring Shanique Marie, from her debut album Pearl (out October 25th via NLV Records). Lunoe calls it a sonic experiment, blending different influences.
Kasey Chambers – Backbone
Kasey Chambers returns with Backbone, her first album in six years. The track “A Love Like Springsteen” is an ode to Bruce Springsteen, written with her partner.
Nice Biscuit – SOS
Brisbane’s Nice Biscuit release their second album SOS, a blend of psych-rock, disco, jazz fusion, and world music. They’re celebrating with their biggest headline tour yet.
Hard-Ons – I Like You a Lot Getting Older
Hard-Ons release I Like You A Lot Getting Older ahead of their 40th anniversary tour. It follows their 2021 ARIA top 5 debut I’m Sorry Sir, That Riff’s Been Taken. Their feature-length documentary also premieres at SXSW Sydney.
Hazlett – Goodbye to the Valley Low (Side B)
Hazlett’s Goodbye to the Valley Low is out as a full 12-track album, combining Side A (released in 2023) and the newly released Side B. Recorded in Sweden, it’s introspective indie-folk with a richer sound.
