Every week, Rolling Stone AU/NZ brings you the best new sounds from Australian artists.
Catch up on our past coverage of Vassy, Sam Fischer, Chasing Ghosts, King Gizzard & The Lizard Wizard, and Ninajirachi.
Here’s what else dropped last week:
Elle Shimada – “ANSWERED PRAYER”
On “ANSWERED PRAYERS”, Elle Shimada trades the storm for stillness, calling it “a soft exhale… a lullaby for the river in my body.” Known for weaving drum and bass through jazz and memory, she lets the atmospheric track shimmer like surrender—choosing love, she says, “because it feels the fuck good.”
It’s the latest single from the Tokyo-born, Melbourne-based multi-hyphenate’s upcoming album LULLABY FOR THE RIVER IN MY DREAMS, due July 18, following previous releases like “RED RIVER” and “FREEDOM”, and arrives with a stylish music video.
Surprise Chef – Superb
With Superb, Surprise Chef stretch out and get loose. The Naarm jazz-funk crew sound freer than ever across 11 tracks that bounce from laid-back grooves to cinematic chaos, all captured live-to-tape in one take. Funk heads with a soft spot for Timbaland? This one’s for you.
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Immy Owusu & Sensible J – Spiritual War EP
On Spiritual War, Immy Owusu and Sensible J channel ’70s Zamrock’s fire and today’s chaos, delivering a noisy, unfiltered blast that demands attention. They trade polish for punch, crafting a psychedelic protest soundtrack forged deep in the furnace.
Flynn Gurry – “Don’t Stop Dreaming”
On his new single, Flynn Gurry turns the comedown of tour life into something golden – melancholy with a pulse. There’s a flicker of Vance Joy in the melody, a wind of Mumford in the strum, but it’s Gurry’s warmth that sticks. A big month: first single on ABC Music, first headline tour.
effie isobel – “Moon Made”
On “Moon Made”, effie isobel swaps the soft shimmer of “Peach Heart” for something punchier. Dreamy vocals meet a driving melody, with a flicker of grunge beneath the surface.
Sarah Saint James – “Seven Years”
“Seven Years” is an acoustic-pop track that reflects on the idea that your body renews itself every seven years. It’s a reflective piece, delivered with emotional weight.
Clare Perrott – “Philadelphia”
Perth-based Clare Perrott shares a delicate debut with “Philadelphia”. The track pairs soft nylon guitar with melancholic melodies and a touch of alt-country.
Milly McPherson – Avoca
Milly McPherson’s debut album Avoca introduces her thoughtful songwriting and distinct voice with quiet confidence. It’s an intimate, polished release that leans into warm indie-pop and acoustic textures, backed by her tight-knit band. One for fans of Missy Higgins and early Courtney Barnett.
