STUMPS Release Career Best Single, “Life’s Moving Past You”

A few years ago I felt STUMPS were finding their feet and their own unique sound. I knew they had something, but it still felt a little derivative. What a difference a few years makes. Their latest single “Life’s Moving Past You” is a triumph, with an epic feel and a lyrical hook that promises to stay with you.

“This song somewhat started as a longer-form ballad in its infancy,” explained STUMPS’ bassist, Merrick Powell. “But when we brought it to the studio we wanted to give it more drive and some dance-y flavour. By changing the beat in the chorus, the song felt like it came to life in that moment. Now it feels, to us, like it brings together almost all of our sonic elements in a way we really love, which was a big goal of ours.”

STUMPS will kick off a national tour tonight to celebrate the release of “Life’s Moving Past You.” If the single’s lyrics don’t inspire you to get off the couch and see these guys live, I’m not sure what will!

15 July 2023 – The Station, Ngarigo/Jindabyne
27 July 2023 – Bucketty’s, Dharug/Brookvale
28 July 2023 – New Cambo, Awabakal/Newcastle
3 August 2023 – Finnian’s Irish Tavern, Birpai/Port Macquarie
4 August 2023 – Black Bear Lodge, Meanjin/Brisbane
5 August 2023 – Vinnie’s Dive, Yugambeh/Gold Coast
11 August 2023 – La La La’s, Dharawal/Wollongong
18 August 2023 – The Retreat, Naarm/Melbourne
19 August 2023 – Barwon Club, Wathaurong/Geelong
25 August 2023 – Crown & Anchor, Kaurna/Adelaide
26 August 2023 – Four5Nine Bar, Boorloo/Perth
1 September 2023 – The Shaking Hand, Ngambri/Canberra
2 September 2023 – Marrickville Bowling Club, Eora/Sydney

Image used with permission fron cult logic; credit: Josh Carr-Hummerston

Aurateque Release Cathartic New Single “Renegade”

I probably don’t review enough metal acts on my blog. And I definitely don’t shine the spotlight on enough female-fronted metal acts. But after hearing “Renegade,” the new single from Eora/Sydney act Aurateque, I knew I couldn’t let it slip through the cracks. Frontwoman Lauren Coleman drew me in with her incredible vocals, but her bandmates definitely hold their own on this one.

“‘Renegade’ is about violence, anger and the pain behind the violent masque,” the band said in a shared statement. “Lauren grew up in a very hostile environment as a child and although she left quite young, she didn’t leave completely unscathed. As she grew older, it was a harder pill to swallow to see a human being behind the abuser and to understand that the violence only came from a deep sadness that her family could never escape. The only way to escape these cycles of pain is to truly face yourself. ‘Renegade’, much like every Aurateque song, has helped heal these scars.”

The song comes with a striking video directed, filmed, and edited by Dunelabs’ Jack Fontes. Shot at Sydney Props Studios and Marrickville Graffiti Wall, the clip is rich in symbolism.

“The constant theme of fire in the video is representative of anger,” Aurateque added. “Lauren experienced a lot of violence as a child and this song is about the constant raging fire that burns inside of her because of it. The two themes of light and dark also represent that rage and violence are not a part of who we are, it’s just that sometimes it is all we know.”

“Renegade” comes from Aurateque’s debut EP The Dragonfly Pursuit, which drops on July 28.

Image used with permission from Good Intent

Forever Ends Here On the Comeback Trail With “Cherry Chapstick”

After a five-year hiatus, Eora/Sydney act Forever Ends Here are making a return to the music scene. Their comeback single “Cherry Chapstick” is an infectious pop-punk track that you’ll find yourself singing long after its last notes fade out.

“The reunion has been in the works for quite some time now,” explained the band’s songwriter and vocalist, Luke McChesney. “We always thought we’d do some kind of one-off club show to celebrate 10 years of our second EP, but we got talking last year about all the things we miss about the band and all the possibilities if we reopened the door. We’ve done a lot of growing since the band split, not only as people but as songwriters too and it seems a shame not to share that growth with the people who stuck by us.”

Talking about “Cherry Chapstick,” he explained that “lyrically the song is about being involved with someone who you know is playing you, and playing them right back – ‘I can be your cherry chapstick, pressed against your lips ’til you lose me. You can keep me in your pocket, you always look your best when you use me’”.

If you like what you hear, make sure you check out Forever Ends Here wrapping up their comeback tour at The Brightside in Meeanjin/Brisbane tonight, with support from Those Who Dream and bellehaven.

Image used with permission from Bigmouth PR

Rock Out With Sunset Avenue’s Crowd-Pleasing New Single, “Change It Up”

Fridays call for feel-good music like “Change It Up,” the latest single from Dharawal Country/Sutherland Shire band Sunset Avenue. It’s such a catchy indie-rock tune with relatable lyrics calling for freedom from the grind. If that sentiment’s not appropriate for the end of your working week, I don’t know what is!

Sunset Avenue filmed the video when they recently headlined a sold-out show at the Caringbah Hotel. The night was so much fun that it inspired the band to take on music full-time. So it sounds like we’ll be hearing a lot more from them!

Image used with permission from Sunset Avenue

The Elsewheres Surprise With “Run Away With Me” Single

With whisky-soaked vocals reminiscent of Tom Waits coupled with the folky energy of acts like Mumford & Sons and Of Monsters and Men, there’s a lot to like about The Elsewheres’ new single “Run Away With Me.” I was firmly on board from the first finger-picking notes, but the unexpected blast of horns and female vocals tipped me over the edge. This track has more twists and turns than the average, but you’ll want to hang on for the ride.

“Run Away With Me captures a fantasy I’ve always had of an unexpected meeting between two unlikely lovers who, although uncertain, long to abandon their mundane lives,” explained the band’s frontman and songwriter, Oliver Northam. “For me, it is a story of freedom and the beauty of a recklessly romantic love. Although fictional, Run Away With Me does draw from real moments and memories. The inspiration for the ‘topless bar’ in which our characters meet in the opening verse comes from my first job out of high school as a pianist at a burlesque bar. It’s within that smoky, sordid world that I see these characters breathing.”

“Run Away With Me” comes with a beautiful film clip that showcases the Victorian countryside. What more could you want? Maybe a single launch? Don’t worry, that’s happening too. Catch The Elsewheres at The Curtin Hotel in Naarm/Melbourne on August 10.

Image used with permission from On the Map PR; credit: WILK

Tyne-James Organ Drops Vulnerable New Single, “Blue”

The always stellar Tyne-James Organ is back with a fantastic new single “Blue,” the first new music we’ve heard from him since he dropped his critically acclaimed album Necessary Evil in 2021. It’s a powerful track with intimate lyrics that explore his close bond with his mother and the way she helped him navigate his grief after the loss of his father.

“Throughout that challenging time, my mum was my unwavering support, and the song captures our conversations,” he said. “There was something extraordinary about the origin of the song—the day we wrote it, the atmosphere in the room.”

Tyne-James will no doubt introduce fans to more new music when he plays headlining shows in some of the capitals this August. Catch him if you can!

4 August 2023 – Adelaide UniBar, Tartanya, Adelaide
5 August 2023 – The Corner Hotel, Naarm/Melbourne
12 August 2023 – The Zoo, Meeanjin/Brisbane
20 August 2023 – Icebreaker Festival @ Factory Theatre, Eora/Sydney
11 November 2023 – Clearly Festival @ Kiama Showground, Wodi Wodi Country/Kiama

Image used with permission from Dew Process; credit: Marcus Milostic

Outloved and Ocean Sleeper Team Up For “Tourniquet”

Alternative rockers Outloved have teamed up with metalcore act Ocean Sleeper on their latest single “Tourniquet,” and it’s a doozy. I usually prefer my music a lot more mellow, but I can’t deny that this is fantastic.

I love the way this song plays with genre. There’s definitely some pop punk, heavy rock, and metalcore in there. The vocalists from both bands also have their moments in the spotlight, creating a track that’s totally unforgettable.

Outloved have more new music on the way, with their new EP DROWNER dropping this month. Expect to hear more songs from that recording when the band supports Windwaker at Max Watts in Naarm/Melbourne on July 22.

Image used with permission from Big Mouth

Paulina’s New Single “Maybe We’re Running” Will Give You Goosebumps

Meeanjin/Brisbane artist Paulina casts a spell with her stunning new single “Maybe We’re Running.” It’s a bit of a slow burner, but give it time. I know this song, inspired by the recent decision to overturn Roe vs Wade in the United States, will get under your skin.

“It was a real punch in the gut when Roe v. Wade was overturned in the US last year, stripping women of their reproductive rights,” Paulina recalled. “I remember sitting in the studio when this had happened, feeling so angry and overwhelmed by the fact that it was possible for us to yet again take such a huge step backwards, in 2022. Even though I live in Australia, far away from those restrictive laws, it makes you question your power as a woman, anywhere.”

If you’re as captivated by Paulina as I am, it’s exciting to learn she’s got more new music on the way. Her debut EP Just Know, It’ll Be Okay will be released on August 11.

Image used with permission from Good Intent

Teen Jesus and the Jean Teasers Get Raw With “Never Saw It Coming”

We’re used to hearing Teen Jesus and the Jean Teasers rocking out, but the new single shows us a different side. “Never Saw It Coming” is heartbreakingly raw and vulnerable, with a stripped-back sound that ensures you don’t miss a lyric.

“Never Saw It Coming took me over a year to finish writing,” said Neve van Boxsel, the band’s drummer who also sang on this track and directed and editing the video. “It’s about a very difficult topic that unfortunately is not just my story but many others. It’s one of the first songs I brought to the band and the first song I’ve ever sung lead on so having Anna, Jaida and Scarlett support me so much with such a personal song made something that was really difficult, a lot easier. I hope this song helps anyone feel less alone in what they’re going through because having this support from my three best friends helped me endlessly.”

“Never Saw It Coming” comes from Teen Jesus and the Jean Teasers’ debut album I Love You, which drops on September 8. They’ll be back in full rock mode a few months later when they support the Foo Fighters at AAMI Park in Naarm/Melbourne on December 4. Some general admission tickets are still available, but they won’t last long!

Image used with permission from Super Duper; credit: @sheisaphrodite

Kwasi Releases Fire New Single, “Ready to Go”

Naarm/Melbourne artist Kwasi is bringing the hype with his latest single “Ready to Go.” If you need some pumping up to get through your workday, hit that volume button. You’re welcome!

I love the way this track combines hip-hop sounds with the energy of punk-rock. It pushes the boundaries of genre, but just far enough. After playing in the Philippines recently, it looks like Kwasi is going global. Hopefully it won’t be too long before he announces some headlining dates back home.

Image used with permission from Kick Push PR