Every week, Rolling Stone AU/NZ rounds up our favourite Australian music releases from the past seven days.
Catch up on previous coverage on Peach PRC, Miss Kaninna, Angie McMahon, BARKAA, and Skegss, and check out fresh highlights from Bec Sykes, Telenova, Bench Press, Gold Fang, Tom Nethersole, Worm Girlz, Chasing Ghost, KIAN, Blue Vedder, Hayden James, RedHook, and Yours Truly below.
Bec Sykes – “I Know What You Like”
One to catch at this year’s BIGSOUND, Melbourne alt-folk artist Bec Sykes unravels her emotions in the hauntingly lilting new single “I Know What You Like.” With its ominous undertones and Sykes’ introspective exploration of confusion in a new relationship, it’s an earthly and intriguing entry point to her upcoming debut album, Pepperpot Magic, set to drop in November.
“’I Know What You Like’ is about feeling unsettled when someone you’re in a new relationship with shows their true colours, but giving them the benefit of the doubt because you’re in love with them,” explains Sykes. “It’s about the confusion of feeling like you know someone but not having a point of reference about their character because you met on a dating app.”
Telenova – Time Is a Flower
Telenova have a knack for balancing warmth and darkness in their sleek alt-pop sound. The Melbourne band’s self-produced debut album, Time Is a Flower, is a bold and confident showcase of that, pushing forward introspective lyrics filled with multilayered metaphors and cathartic energy.
New single “Margot” is the kind of slow-burning live anthem that you’d remember long after the show, with some dates still left on the Australian leg of their world tour to hear it for yourself.
Bench Press – “Computer Hands”
Melbourne’s beloved Bench Press have cranked out a third and final single before their first album in five years, Personal Best, arrives this Friday. “Computer Hands” might be their snappiest yet – an off-kilter guitar track about escaping into video games, complete with a fittingly DIY video.
Gold Fang – “D Road”
Gold Fang is known for his smooth, playful flows, but on “D Road”, the Trinidadian-born, Sydney-based artist turns up the heat. This track shows off a fiercer edge to his signature sound, no doubt the result of collaborating with ONEFOUR producer Chandler Jewels.
Tom Nethersole – Hindsight
Keeping it short and sweet, emerging pop artist Tom Nethersole has released his debut EP, Hindsight—a 3-track collection packed with coming-of-age themes. He describes them as “ chill, acoustic songs that centre around the concept of ‘hindsight bias’.”
Worm Girlz – “Go Fishing”
People pleasers be damned! Brisbane quintet Worm Girlz urge listeners to avoid one-sided relationships with their cathartic new single, “Go Fishing.”
“We hope this song inspires people to stop letting other people run their lives! Go fishing, get away from me, you need a nap!” says guitarist Jade.
Chasing Ghosts – “Amnesia Everybody”
Melbourne’s Chasing Ghosts are back with their first new music since their standout 2021 EP Homelands. “Amnesia Everybody” blasts onto the scene with its upbeat indie-meets-punk sound and impassioned lyrics, putting them right back on the map.
KIAN – “ULTRAVIOLET”
Melbourne’s KIAN is set to release his debut album, Wake Up, You’re Falling, with the single “ULTRAVIOLET” leading the way. This punchy pop-punk track is all about seeing past appearances and facing reality.
KIAN explains, “When I think about ultraviolet light, when you shine it on something you see things you can’t see with your eyes. And I think that’s a cool thing to use as a metaphor – trying to see things for more than what they appear to be, or even seeing things for what they are.”
Blue Vedder – “Freaking Out”
Melbourne outfit Blue Vedder are back with their first new track of 2024. A fan favourite from their live shows, it’s packed with shoegaze-y guitars, heavier rock elements, and a big chorus for good measure.
Hayden James – “All In”
Is it too early for a summer dance anthem? Hayden James doesn’t think so. He’s going “All In” with this preview of his upcoming album We Could Be Love, set for a September release.
RedHook – “Pyromaniac”
RedHook have been on a roll this year, dropping their fourth single of 2024. Described as a “spooky, wacky metalcore anthem,” “Pyromaniac” feels stadium-ready.
Yours Truly – TOXIC
Wrapping up the week’s releases with a relentless blast of sound, Sydney pop-punk outfit Yours Truly’s second album, TOXIC, is darker and grittier, showcasing their growth and versatility with raw emotion throughout.
