Every week, Rolling Stone AU/NZ rounds up our favourite Australian music releases from the past seven days.
Catch up on previous coverage on 3%, Tora, Royel Otis, Missy Higgins, Ninajirachi, and Dan Sultan, and check out fresh highlights from Party Dozen, Running Touch, The Rubens, Rini, Nice Biscuit, El Tee, Great Gable, Alter Boy, TISM, Keelan Mak, and Young Franco below.
Party Dozen – Crime in Australia
Sydney punks Party Dozen are back with Crime in Australia, a chaotic, thrilling follow-up to 2022’s The Real Work. The final single “Coup De Gronk” is a frantic, neon-noir-inspired track with a wildly creative video by Tanya Babić and Jason Sukadana (VERSUS).
They explain, “The brief for this clip was Party Dozen Debt Collectors – unhinged and unlikely.We’re not violent people, so in lieu of actual violence we had to be a little more creative with the enforcing. Tanya and Jason captured the perfect mix of delinquency and humour, with clear nods to classic Australian gang films and old crime shows with that hazy smear of motion film.”
Running Touch – “Lost”
Running Touch returns with “Lost,” his first release in two years. It’s an upbeat dance-pop track packed with sunny synths and guitar licks, accompanied by a stylish video featuring Running Touch and his friends and bandmates, including Ocean Grove and Adult Art Club.
The Rubens – “Sunday Night”
The Rubens’ latest single “Sunday Night” oozes a slow, moody vibe that nails the familiar dread of the weekend’s end. With its anthemic refrain, “I hate Sunday nights,” the track is relatable and easy to sing along too, setting the stage for their upcoming album Soda.
RINI – Lucky 7
R&B sensation RINI unveils his most soulful project yet with the Lucky 7 EP. The seven-track collection blends R&B, funk, rock, and alternative influences, capturing emotions of longing, reflection, and hope. “These songs are part of a larger project I’ve been developing, chosen as the lucky few that made it onto the EP,” says the Filipino-Australian artist.
Nice Biscuit – “Love That Takes You Up”
Nice Biscuit’s “Love That Takes You Up” is a burst of psych-rock energy, easily their most danceable track yet. An excellent preview of their upcoming album SOS.
El Tee – “Baby”
El Tee’s “Baby” is an introspective track about self-sabotage. The Melbourne artist taps into vulnerability with raw, emotional lyrics, making this a powerful return after her 2020 debut Everything Is Fine.
She explains, “Self-sabotage can be a form of protection – creating predictability can give the illusion of safety. At least that’s what my therapist says.”
Great Gable – “You Shall Not Pass”
It’s another sun-soaked offering from West Australian indie rockers Great Gable. “You Shall Not Pass” serves as the latest teaser from their upcoming third studio album Small Fry, set to drop on Friday, October 11th.
Alter Boy – I Don’t Live Here Anymore
Perth indie electro band Alter Boy deliver a bold message to embrace the unconventional with their debut album I Don’t Live Here Anymore. The concept album explores the complexities of the human experience, with tracks like “You’re a Killer, I’m Alive” about the deep impact of parent-child relationships.
TISM – “70s Football”
If the idea of seeing TISM on their first headline tour in 20 years next month wasn’t tantalising enough, they’re also dropping a new album Death to Art on October 4th. Their latest single, “’70s Football” — a dance track paying tribute to Aussie rules legends like Robbert Klomp and Robbie McGhie — offers a glimpse of what’s to come from the Melbourne outfit.
Young Franco – “Sing It Back”
Young Franco teams up with P-Rallel and Dana Williams to rework Moloko’s “Sing It Back.” It’s a fresh, funky take on the dance classic that breathes new life into the original.
Keelan Mak – “Drift”
Keelan Mak is back with “Drift,” which he describes as “queer smut in disguise.” “Late last year I took an instrumental idea to Vetta Borne and clearly we were both sexually frustrated that day to write this track. We didn’t want it to feel grotesque or too sexually obvious because sex is soft, beautiful, and deserving of a little indie pop drum beat, you know. Kim Petras already has the other vibe covered and I know my lane,” Mak explains.
