"Dirt Road Anthem" by Pop Filter

 

As members of young bands mature, finding time for music can become difficult among work, families, location changes and life events large and small. Those of us who write about music appreciate those challenges even though writing about music is simple compared with writing and recording music. So we are thrilled to learn that Pop Filter -- a band that has been a favorite for years in this and previous incarnations -- still finds time to thrill us with new songs. Their upcoming album is titled Trade Place Tape and will be available on October 17. A taste of the 12-track recording is now available via single "Dirt Road Anthem". Over sprightly, danceable instrumentation, the lead vocalist evinces cynicism while the chorus assures him that he won't get what he wants. The song is more than enough to remind use that Pop Filter will deliver top quality pop music. What's more is that we expect, and will get, innovation, humor, an a few unexpected left turns.

Trade Place Tape will be available as a digital release and in a limited batch of cassettes via Osborne Again (Australia/New Zealand) and Bobo Integral (everywhere else).

Bandcamp for single

Bandcamp for Trade Place Tape pre-orders

"Turning The Knife" by Shrapnel

 

Indie rock goodness arrives at the end of the month via Sedan Crater, the new album by Sydney-based indie rockers Shrapnel. Founded by former Day Ravies' main man Sam Wilkinson, we expect a full voltage display of the rock arts, and we know we will like it. Take it for a test spin with album single "Turning The Knife".

Shrapnel are Sam Wilkinson, Matthew Neville, Ben Schattner, Nick Johnson, and Toby Baldwin. Sedan Crater out January 31 via Tenth Court Records

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Tenth Court Records

Quivers - Oyster Cuts

 

One habit that our fellow indie pop obsessives sometimes fall into is the belief that their new-found and completely wonderful indie pop band should never change, but rather should continue to record similar songs for the duration. And why not? We love those songs and we want to hear more of them -- that's why we are indie pop obsessives. Right? And each of these fans can probably justify their beliefs by citing bands that disappointed them by changing and became worse. But we are here to sing another tune (metaphorically speaking, we don't sing well, we write).

So, friends, today's story is about a band that blows the narrow belief discussed above off the stage. When we first met Melbourne's Quivers they were one of those precious jangle and chime bands that we keep close to our hearts and collect. And in addition to the jangle and chime, their songwriting had a depth and humanity that put them a cut above 99 percent of bands (citation omitted) and they are sincerely good people. If you are an indie pop fan, you should have a copy of their debut Golden Doubt. We still play it regularly three years later. But now comes their second album, Oyster Cuts, and we are confronted with a changed Quivers. Oh, there still is plenty of jangle and chime. But there is plenty of rocking guitar riffs, more shared vocals and a very appealing penchant for enthusiastic all-hands-on-deck choruses. Somewhat improbably, the songwriting is even sharper, fearless and open-hearted than the debut, with a wider range and more nuance to match the increasingly detailed musicianship and production. They can make you laugh and dance, they can bring tears (try the lovely "Grief Has Feathers"), and they can make you laugh through your tears. Oyster Cuts is an album with heart, guts, brains and soul, and you deserve it.

We congratulated the front man Sam Nicholson when we learned that Quivers signed to Merge Records. Now that we have heard Oyster Cuts, we would like to congratulate Merge Records for being able to sign Quivers.

The band is Bella Quinlan (vocal/bass), Sam Nicholson (vocals/guitars/keys/songwriting), Michael Panton (vocals/guitar/tape loops), and Holly Thomas (vocals/drums/percussion). The album is out now in digital, vinyl and CD formats.

Quivers' website

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Bandcamp for Oyster Cuts

Various relevant links

"Pink Smoke" by Quivers // Seattle show tomorrow!

 

Given its location, it is understandable that Seattle is a seafood town. But Monday, July 29 is special because those of us old enough to be out and play in the dark get an early round of Oyster Cuts. Yes, indeed! Even though the new album from Melboure's Quivers won't be released until August 9, the band is playing in Seattle Monday night and you can be sure to get an advance listen to the new tunes. We featured two of them previously, but the rocking third single "Pink Smoke" is out and you can stream it below.

The show is at Substation, 645 NW 45th Street, from 7-11pm (link for tickets). The opening band is local representative Who Is She? (links for Who Is She?) comprised of members of Chastity Belt, Tacocat, and Lisa Prank. 

For those of you who don't live in the gentle shadow of WYMA World Headquarters, the remainder of Quivers' scheduled shows for 2024 are at the bottom of this post.

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Bandcamp for Oyster Cuts

Spotify link for "Apparition"

Various relevant links

Remaining Tour Dates

July 29 Seattle, WA - Substation
Jul 31 Brooklyn, NY – Union Pool
Aug 01 Brooklyn, NY – Union Pool
Aug 02 Washington, DC – Comet Ping Pong
Aug 03 Philadelphia, PA – TBA

Aug 04 Richmond, VA – Get Tight Lounge

Oct 14 Columbus, OH – Skully’s Music Diner*
Oct 15 Chicago, IL – Lincoln Hall*

Oct 16 Minneapolis, MN – First Avenue*
Oct 17 Omaha, NE – The Waiting Room*
Oct 18 Sioux Falls, SD – Icon Lounge*
Oct 19 Lawrence, KS – Granada Theater*
Oct 21 Austin, TX – Radio / East*
Oct 22 Houston, TX – White Oak Music Hall* 

Oct 23 New Orleans, LA – Toulouse Theatre*

* w/ Superchunk

Europe / U.K. Tour: (More TBA soon):

Dec 03 Dresden, DE – Ostpol
Dec 05 Hamburg, DE – Hebebühne

Dec 06 Amsterdam, NL – Paradiso
Dec 10 Paris, FR – Supersonic
Dec 11 London, UK – The Lexington
Dec 12 Manchester, UK – Castle Hotel

"About The Girl" and "Everything Is Big" by Emma Russack

 

A folk pop singer songwriter possessed of great range and undeniable talent, Emma Russack has appeared on these pages before for her solo work as well as her collaborations with Lachlan Denton (The Ocean Party/Pop Filter/Partner Look). The Melbourne artist's new album About The Girl will be released August 22 via Dinosaur City Records. The two singles shared so far are "Everything Is Big" and, just this week, the title track. "About The Girl" has a synth pop arrangement that add instrumental depth to Emma's deft songwriting. "Everything Is Big" is a surging, rhythmic track that gathers power as it progresses. Taken together, these songs should give everyone an appreciation for what is coming in August.

Emma Russack · About the Girl

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Soundcloud for "About The Girl"

Various links for "About The Girl"

"Life Downstream" by Pop Filter

 

The beat pounds the listener's chest from the opening note and the song chugs along with a swaggering groove up to the guitar solo finish. That's "Life Downstream" by Melbourne's Pop Filter, a bracing new single that laments the life of the common folk downstream from the capitalism's winners. The song is out on digital platforms via Osborne Again (Aus/NZ) and Bobo Integral (rest of the cosmos).

Various links for "Life Downstream"

Cool Sounds - BUG0BEAT

 

In our opinion, Melbourne's Cool Sounds has their own sub-genre. We call it Discoglamjangle (no, no one has ever hired us to create advertising campaigns). The components are a sturdy, danceable beat, a glammy '70s soft rock sound and dose of jangle, and they never fail to wield it in a way that brings a high level of aural satisfaction. Cool Sounds has made their 2024 appearance with a six-track EP titled BUG0BEAT. The song is the lead and title track of their upcoming EP, which is due March 1 via Chapter Music. Press play and enjoy the Discoglamjangle. We have embedded the entire EP below because, well, it makes us so happy that we firmly believe that everyone needs BUG0BEAT.

The main man of Cool Sounds is Dainis Lacey, who is joined by Dylan Young for the creation of the BUG0BEAT EP. The EP is out now via Chapter Music.

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Other relevant links

Lower Plenty - No Poets

 

No poets, they say? Poetry is a vital cultural institution, so what do we do if we have no more poetry? Our answer is that we listen to No Poets. Lower Plenty may disclaim the status (or their tongues may be firmly in their cheek), but in our not very humble opinion this ten-song set is a fulsome series of poems about life -- good, bad, triumphs, and disappointments. The arrangements are minimalist, with precious vocal and musical details and plenty of space for emphasis. The the four songwriters craft their lyrics concisely, but that concision demands the listener's attention to every word, every nuance. And spare as they are, the lyrics hit the bullseye every time. From "The Great Pretender":

In the corner of my mind there's a little town Like a ghost it follows me around I go away, I lay awake I go so far away I see the face. Stop thinkin' it was all so easy Stop drinkin', well that's not so easy Layin' in bed you talk about behavioural theory I go to sleep underneath you janglin' jailer's keys

No Poets has been out since early October, so we are remiss in not writing about it earlier. We certainly have played it enough that is has become a soundtrack for life. But with the hindsight available as we reach the end of the year, we are confident that this is one of our top five albums of the year. Buy yourself some poetry for the holidays. And buy some for someone you love.

Lower Plenty is Al Montfort, Daniel Twomey, Jensen Tjhung, and Sarah Heyward. The members' various other projects include Terry, Sleeper & Snake, UV Race, Deaf Wish, and Total Control. No Poets is out now via Bedroom Suck Records.

Bandcamp for No Poets

Bedroom Suck Records

Pop Filter - CONO

 

All members are singers-songwriters, most or all are multi-instrumentalists, and all have been members of respected bands, so there is no fear of contradiction in writing that Pop Filter is an Australian super-group. But the special nature of the band's recordings goes beyond those facts. This is a collection brought together by affection for each other and love of making music, not ego and a chase for fame (and since it is an indie pop band, we are confident it is for reasons other than acquiring great wealth). Their cohesion as a playing unit is a testament to their talent, but also is earned over the years playing with each other in various combinations in other bands (The Ocean Party, Cool Sounds, Snowy Band, Partner Look).

The songs on Pop Filter's new album CONO evince comfort and sincerity, but also the ambition to make each member's creation as perfect as possible -- understanding that perfection in this realm doesn't necessarily mean a glossy finish. The guitars, keys and rhythms always sound terrific while the vocals are delivered in that now familiar laconic Aussie style. All of the foregoing combined with the top class and delightfully distinctive songwriting result in an album that sounds special, feels special, and is special. Which songs are our favorites? All of them, but we have a few for you below. By the way, "Racin' Like Hell" is an album closer that shames most other album closers. So we haven't embedded it below because we hope you go to the Bandcamp link and are tempted to buy the album. Sure, the band deserves it. We think you deserve it too.

One of our clear favorites of the year, CONO is out now via Spunk Records, Osborne Again, and Bobo Integral

Bandcamp for CONO

"Undertow" by Pop Filter

 

Each of the three singles from the upcoming new album, CONO, by Australian band Pop Filter has been different from the others, but all have been excellent songs. The recently released "Undertow" is bursting with vitality and purpose, with a punk vibe underpinning the loose-limbed pop arrangement. With keys and horns, there is no shortage of ideas, but it all hangs together in a live-to-tape kind of way. If you are making a year end 'best of' list, we suggest saving a slot for CONO.

CONO will be out December 1 via Bobo Integral, Osborne Again and Spunk Records.

Bandcamp for Cono

Mope City - Population: 4

Does Mope City make music to which you can mope? Well, we suppose you could do that. But we find their art intriguing and entertaining even when we are in a good mood. Their latest effort is Population: 4, ten tracks of  jangling, twanging downcast rock that may call to mind Low, Polvo, or a somewhat deconstructed Jesus and Mary Chain. Perhaps it is the aftermath of Halloween, but more likely it is just us, but we find jangling guitars, thundering bass and gloomy vocals to be right up our alley these days. We began the day with the album as the soundtrack for our morning coffee, and we'll end it with one more spin before bed. Three of our favorites are below, and we think we reflect the range of the songs on the album. Enjoy!

Mope City are Amaya Lang, Matt Neville Shaun Donovan, and Nick Johnson. Population: 4 is out now via Tenth Court Records.

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Bandcamp for Population 4

"Ouroboros" by Joe Ziffer

Well, well, well -- this pleasant and super jangling dose of psychedelic pop called "Ouroboros" may have just introduced us to a new favorite artist. Adelaide's Joe Ziffer is pushing all the right buttons on our musical appreciation control board. The song almost seems to be two songs, starting as a jangling pop tune and eventually transforming into a slice of psychedelia. It will be on regular rotation here while we eagerly await the album Long Shadows, which will be released in digital and cassette formats on November 24 via Tenth Court Records.

Bandcamp for "Ouroboros"

Various links for "Ouroboros"

 Bandcamp for pre-orders of Long Shadows

"Laminating The Classics" by Mope City

 

Earlier this month we shared the lead track from Population 4, the upcoming fourth LP by Australian band Mope City (link here). We now have the second single, "Laminating The Classics". It is a track that commands our attention with a thundering bass, wiry and jangling guitar and gloomy vocals. We think this album is going to have some weight, and we mean that in a good way.

Mope City is Amaya Lang, Matt Neville, Shaun Donovan, and Nick Johnson. Population 4 will be out October 13 via Tenth Court Records.

Mope City · Laminating The Classics

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Various links for "Laminating the Classics"

Bandcamp for Population 4

"Stop Pretending" by Small Intestines

 

The pop music world has many bands named after body parts. We have Elbow, Talking Heads, The Head and the Heart, The Shins, Bad Brains, and Stiff Little Fingers, just to name a few. But to our memory, the digestive track has been ignored -- except for Butthole Surfers --until now. Australia has gifted the indie music world with The Small Intestines. A three-piece consisting of Tristan Peach, Matt Liveriadis and Rob Remedios from Melbourne, they churn out some of the most addictive jangling guitar pop in recent memory. Their LP Hide In Time will be released on September 29 via Lost and Lonesome and Meritorio Records. For now, thrill to the third single, "Stop Pretending".

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Bandcamp for singles and album pre-orders

"Back To The Foldout" by Lower Plenty

 

A few weeks ago we were thinking about some favorite bands from years past and whether they were still recording. One of those bands was Melbourne's Lower Plenty. Coincidently, this week we learned that their fifth studio album, No Poets, will be released this Autumn. While the title of the album suggests that there is no poetry, a review of Lower Plenty's previous work suggests there will, indeed, be poetry. There will be honest sentiments, evocative imagery, and hard truths delivered in a low key over a minimalist acoustic soundscape. The first single is "Back To The Foldout", which we think is an excellent representation of this band's art.

The members of Lower Plenty are Al Montfort, Daniel Twomey, Jensen Tjhung, and Sarah Heyward. No Poets will be out October 6 via Bedroom Suck Records.

Bandcamp for single

Bandcamp for pre-order of No Poets

Three singles by Dippers, plus new album in August

 

Over the years we have written several posts about Australian band Thigh Masters, but we won't cover them any more. Our position has nothing to do with the band's quality or political positions. The reason is that the band is now named Dippers. Is that because, after years of hard training, the duo has achieved 'peak thighs'? Or is it because they decided to focus on spiritual rather than physical development? Perhaps their thigh master device just broke, we don't know.

But what we do know is that Dippers are still the feisty, inventive, off-kilter guitar pop band that we enjoyed before. And we are happy to share the news that they will release a new album titled Clastic Rock on August 4. They have released three single to date, and our office is buzzing with anticipation. Check them out below and experience rock music that doesn't follow an predictable formula other than tasteful genius.

Dippers are Matthew Ford and Innez Tulloch. On "Recurrent Sight" they called on the additional talents of Dusty Anastassiou and Nicky Minus, and on "Encouragement In Brackets" Nicole Thibault played trombone. Clastic Rock will be released via Tenth Court Records and Goner Records.

At the end of the post we have listed the dates for upcoming shows including a North American tour.

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Bandcamp for "Recurrent Sight"

Various links for "Recurrent Sight"

Link for pre-order of Clastic Rock

Tix for select shows on-sale Friday, July 14 at dippersband.com
July 24 - Merri Creek Tavern - Naarm / Melbourne, VIC
August 4 - The Curtin (front bar) - Album Release Date Party - Naarm / Melbourne, VIC

US Tour Dates:
Sept 7 - Permanent Records Roadhouse - Los Angeles, CA
Sept 8 - Thee Stork Club - Oakland, CA
Sept 9 - Naked Lounge - Chico, CA
Sept 10 - Shanghai Tunnel - Portland, OR
Sept 11 - Sunset Tavern - Seattle, WA
Sept 13 - TV Eye - Brooklyn, NY
Sept 16 - Redscroll Records - New Haven, CT
Sept 17 - Avalon Lounge - Catskill, NY
Sept 18 - TBA - Philadelphia, PA ^
Sept 19 - Abilene Bar & Lounge - Rochester, NY
Sept 21 - Cafe Bourbon St - Columbus, OH
Sept 23 - Cole's Bar - Chicago, IL
Sept 24 - Healer - Indianapolis, IN
Sept 26 - The Earl - Atlanta, GA *
Sept 27 - Drkmttr - Nashville, TN *
Sept 30 - Gonerfest - Memphis, TN
^ w/ Alien Nosejob
* w/ Lewsberg

Australian dates:
Monday July 24 - Merri Creek Tavern - Naarm / Melbourne, VIC

"Horse Riding" by Small Intestines

 

We thought of starting out this post with 'time to get to know small intestines', but were worried that the "ick" factor might cause people to stop reading. But since we effectively did start the post that way, if you are still reading you might as well stay on for the full ride. So, down to business.

Small Intestines are a trio based in Melbourne. While they hadn't previously been known to us, we note that band member Rob Remedios (bass/vocals) has been in other bands we have covered (Chook Race, Sprouts, and Permits). Member Matt Liveriadis (drums/vocals) also was in Chook Race. The third member is Tristan Peach (guitar/vocals) who headed his own band. Small Intestines has just released a single title "Horse Riding" and announced an upcoming debut album Hide In Time. The single is a delicious nugget of jangling guitar pop with a simple but infectious melody and all three members on the vocals (we like group singing) with a few appealingly shaggy edges. The song may remind you of The Bats, The Clean, and Dick Diver. And any band that makes those connections for us is a band we will follow.

Hide In Time will be released September 29 via Meritorio Records in Europe and the United States and by Lost and Lonesome Records in Australia and the rest of the solar system.

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Bandcamp for "Horse Riding"

Soundcloud (a few older songs)

"Whip Around" by Life Strike

 

One of our favorite Australian post-punk bands -- Life Strike -- was featured here last month (link) with the first two singles from their upcoming Peak Dystopia LP. We now have number 3, the twangy rocker "Whip Around". We commend it to your ears.

Life Strike are Nick Pratt, Patrick McCabe and Scotty Brique. Peak Dystopia will be released on July 14 via Stable Label (Aus) and Bobo Integral.

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Bandcamp for Peak Dystopia

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Wireheads - Potentially Venus

As spring flows into summer, we are in love. Actually, we love a number of people and things, but our latest love is Potentially Venus. No, not a woman who might be Venus (although we wouldn't complain ...), but the new album by Wireheads. It is the Australian band's sixth album in a decade, and it provides further confirmation to what we already had concluded -- for our tastes, this band is one of the best around. What makes them wonderful? Consider their catholic approach to styles and genres, applying their skills in country, jangle, space rock, pun, post-punk, psychedelic, and alt folk. Then overlay the inspired and, at times, mind-bending stories and the dynamic arrangements. The result is a collage of inventive and engaging songs that come at the listener from multiple angles. The only constant is a high satisfaction rating. 

We have embedded a few of our favorites below. We almost included "The Cascadia Fault Line" -- a great track! But a song about a likely future major earthquake in the Seattle area is literally a bit to close to home for us.

Wireheads are leader Dom Trimboli and a collective of worthy collaborators. Long may they run.

And while it is too early for year end lists, our crystal ball says Potentially Venus will be in our top ten. It is out now via Tenth Court Records.

Bandcamp for Potentially Venus

Various links for Potentially Venus

"Bright Gold Cross" by Suburban Spell

 

Suburban Spell is synthwave artist Peter Endall, formerly of '80s Melbourne band Schizo Sherzo. He has returned to recording his own brand of electronica, and will release an EP titled Falling Down on June 23. Take it for a test drive with track "Bright Gold Cross", which brings to our minds Kraftwerk, OMD and New Order, as well as a wave of other '80s memories (yes, we are that old). This definitely is an EP we are looking forward to hearing.

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Bandcamp for pre-orders of Falling Down