Every week, Rolling Stone AU/NZ rounds up our favourite Australian music from the past seven days.
Catch up on previous coverage of Cold Chisel, Thelma Plum, Kobie Dee, Lime Cordiale, and Amy Shark, and check out fresh tracks from grentperez, Vallis Alps, Sarah Saint James, Gut Health, Empire of the Sun, DICE, Salarymen, Ocean Groove, Great Gable, lsy Wameyo, and Hayden James below.
grentperez & Lyn Lapid – “Room for You”
In a long distance relationship? grentperez has you covered with this sweet and summery new release featuring Filipino-American singer-songwriter Lyn Lapid.
“‘Whether it be friendships, relatives, or lovers, this song speaks about holding the dear connection between two people, despite being away from each other,” explains grentperez. “I can relate to this alot when I’m on tour; away from my people. But at the end of the day, no matter how far apart we grow, there’s always room for them in my heart.”
Vallis Alps – Nothing More Than Human
Electronic duo Vallis Alps have dropped their new EP, Nothing More Than Human. Following their debut album Cleave, Parissa Tosif and David Ansari deliver energetic beats with thoughtful themes, like the single “Better Better” about handling life’s tough moments with calm and grace.
“‘Better Better’ is a reflection of proactive people and moments where I’ve felt that discomfort and strength together. How can I learn to sit in the discomfort and be more calm, gracious, and reverent during the challenges of life, while still processing the tough emotions that are tough,” the duo share.
Sarah Saint James – “Ornament”
A song close to her heart, Adelaide songwriter Sarah Saint James took to social media to share more about it: “this next single is SO special to me. I had always wanted to write a song that felt like the journey after my experience with SA to being loved gently.”
Gut Health – “Cool Moderator”
It was a big day for Melbourne’s post-punk trailblazers Gut Health as they announced their eagerly awaited debut album Stiletto, dropping October 11th, along with the new groove-driven single “Cool Moderator”.
Empire of the Sun – Ask That God
The beloved Australian electronic duo of Luke Steele and Nick Littlemore have released Ask That God, the long-awaited follow-up to 2016’s Two Vines, which reached the top 10 of the ARIA Albums Chart. Ask That God blurs the lines between reality and fantasy and features previous single “Music on the Radio” and “Changes”.
“This body of work represents the greatest shift in consciousness our world has ever seen and that’s reflected in the music,” says Littlemore.
DICE – “Sunrise”
With upcoming Australia and New Zealand tour dates, Perth’s beloved DICE have another ferocious new single in their catalogue, ahead of their debut album. The song tackles the tough experience of grief and loss.
“Whilst holding personal meanings, this song was a way of saying that there are ways to get through grief,” the band say of the new track. Emphasising the importance of leaning on friends and family for support, they add: “A sunrise can be symbolic of new life, beginnings or just a new day. We wanted this track to be optimistic, bright and lively with the message that you can reach the sunrise.”
Salarymen – “I Forget About Time”
One for the dog lovers, Salarymen’s new single “I Forget About Time” explores the special role dogs play in our lives, especially during tough times. “This song is for all the people who immediately locate the dog at a house party and spend the whole night with them,” the duo say. “And those who say they’re too busy to come out as they’ve already got plans (with their dog).
Ocean Grove – “My Disaster”
Ocean Grove crank up the intensity with “My Disaster”, pushing their nu-metal sound even further. Vocalist Dale Tanner says, “With a theme that we’re no strangers to, this track delves further into the mental highs, lows and chaos inherent to the human condition. It hits hard, but with an emotional awareness for our listeners to adopt.”
Great Gable – “Fine Wine”
The Australian indie rock band have announced their upcoming album, Small Fry, set to drop in October, with “Fine Wine”, a reflective, sun-soaked single about perspective and optimism.
“It’s about taking a step back and appreciating change – of the people that are there, or aren’t anymore, and the effect that has on you. It’s meant to feel exciting and loose, like it could take off at any point, but still have some sort of storytelling style about it,” says guitarist Matt Preen.
Elsy Wameyo – Saint Sinner
Adelaide-based singer, rapper and producer Elsy Wameyo shares her highly anticipated debut album, Saint Sinner. The album arrives fresh off her tour with Genesis Owusu.
Wameyo explains the album’s theme, saying: “I am not a saint nor a sinner. I am a child yearning to perfect and mimic my father’s glory as I continuously fall short. Still, I courageously and resiliently get back up to fight. I understand that evil is within me. It is my nature, though I sit and walk beside the king. He shields me from the storm and wraps me in His arms. Refined by the fire and set apart for greatness. Lord, it is I, Saint Sinner.”
Hayden James – “Patience” (ft. Karen Harding)
This sultry, late-night heater featuring UK singer-songwriter Karen Harding is the next taste of the Australian producer’s forthcoming album, We Could Be Love.
