New Music: July 2023

Gimmy’s One-Of-A-Kind Flare

Much loved local artist Gimmy has followed up her Gold Coast Music Award-winning track ‘Don’t Be Afraid’ with an equally impressive and wonderfully bizarre offering, ‘SWEAT (An Australian Summer)’. Upping the tempo to match the infectious rhythmic tones of artists like Babe Rainbow and King Gizz, the track maintains Gimmy’s unique stamp, with distinctive vocals and a tongue-in-cheek flare that makes you sit up and pay attention. Again accompanied by a one-of-a-kind video, ‘Don’t Be Afraid’ exceeds expectations and was well worth the wait.

Stjep’s Fast-Paced Firecracker

Stjep (aka Stephen Molan) has introduced himself to us this month with ‘Get Ready To Move’, a pure injection of raw, sporadic energy. Clocking in at well over 200 beats per minute, the fast-paced firecracker is a satirical take on the housing crisis, pointing a punk rock middle finger at all politicians who’ve allowed it to get this bad. The tight, riff based instrumental is led by a commanding, scuzzy vocal delivery that would not sound out of place on a The Chats album. Solid stuff from this local rocker.

Atticus Chimps Expand Their Sound

Horns to the sky as Atticus Chimps deliver their chunky new rock-driven single ‘Eyes Speak’. Said to be inspired by disco, the track hits hard, with huge distorted guitar riffs and tough drum rhythms, completed with clever songwriting, reminiscent of modern rock heroes Basement. Released amidst some strong social media content that seems to be gaining them fans from all over the world, ‘Eyes Speak’ is Atticus Chimps’ strongest single to date and solidifies the band as real a force in the Australian rock music scene.

Buttered’s Honey-soaked Disco

Buttered have consolidated their solid stream of excellent singles this year with the beautiful new EP ‘Blue Jeans’. World class songwriting and musicianship come together with lush production across the four tracks that range from disco inspired groovers (‘Lucid’ and ‘Perfect’) to honey-soaked slow jams (‘Blue Jeans’). However, even with all that technical brilliance, it’s still the duo’s vocals that steal the show with their leads and harmonies alike shining brightly across all four tracks. More impressive stuff here from one of the Gold Coast’s hardest working bands.

Head 1st’s Full Throttle EP

After forming in 2021, local metal band Head 1st have come in strong releasing their first four singles simultaneously across streaming platforms, which they plan on compiling into a vinyl EP later this year. Inspired by a wide range of influences from Linkin Park to Opeth and Frenzal Rhomb, the four-piece offer a full throttle metalcore sound while managing to interweave moments of delicacy and dynamics. Highlight moments include the epic change of pace at the one-minute mark in ‘Believer’, the melodic interplay on ‘Despise You’ and the grungy overtones of ‘Mistakes’. For the full experience hit play on the band’s video for ‘Believer’.

Vultura’s Hard Hitting Swagger

Vultura are flying the flag for hard hitting rock music this month, with their beauty of a single ‘Got A Heart’. Driven by a heavy beat and brought to life with riffing distorted guitars, the track carries a kind of swagger that makes you want to get up and move. With their notorious energetic live shows spanning genres from punk rock anthems to spacey jazz jams, this local two-piece have come in hot with back-to-back bangers to kick off their account.

Selve’s Genre Defying Journey

Another local favourite back with new music this month is Selve, with their ambitious genre-defying sonic journey ‘Red Desert Dream’. Acting as a preview of what to expect on the band’s forthcoming debut record, the title track is bursting with punchy vocal melodies, driving baselines, celestial synths and fiery guitar riffs. Released alongside an intriguing and exceptionally well-made video which sees Selve’s brainchild Loki Liddle play all the main characters, ‘Red Desert Dream’ has us on the edge of our seats and eagerly awaiting what’s to come.

Peach Fur’s Diverse Mind Melter

After first performing together back in high school in 2015, much loved Gold Coast band Peach Fur are finally gifting us with their debut album, and the 17-track epic does not fail to impress. ‘Earth Radio’ offers a diverse mix of glistening disco-pop, rowdy indie rock and hip-hop all through the progressive, psychedelic lens that the sundrenched four-piece are known for. Highlights include the charming positivity of ‘Dragonfly’, the heavy hitting mind-melter ‘Cherub’ and the wonderfully out of place vaudeville vibes of the album closer ‘How Many Beers?’. Hit play and settle in for almost an hour’s worth of peachy goodness.

Eleea’s Perfect Breakup Anthem

After 18 months between releases, local songstress Eleea is back with the thematic groover ‘Just Friends’. Rounding out the relationship arc explored in previous singles ‘I’d Beg’ and ‘Stings’, the track sees Eleea explore new musical territory, with bass heavy production and a more percussive approach to her vocal delivery. While still maintaining the dramatic effect that sets her sound apart ‘Just Friends’ could very well be the perfect breakup anthem.

Lastlings Take Flight

Lastlings have taken flight this month with their electronic masterpiece ‘Perfect World’. The heavily anticipated, label backed, sophomore record from the Tallebudgera Valley brother sister duo has exceeded expectations and is already gaining the attention of the international market. Offering equal parts dancefloor hit and slow-burning reprieve, the 14 track LP reflects on the tender journey through a breakup, exploring the mental and emotional hurdles that come with heartache and loss.

Eimhin’s Emotive Heart Wrencher

Eimhin has knocked us off our feet once again with his touching new heart wrencher ‘The Lough’. Building on a foundation of honesty, this third single from the Irish born artist delicately weaves a tale of love, loss, and secrets kept. Led by an acoustic guitar, the track builds into an emotive crescendo with the help of dreamy production and a beautiful strings section. Stunning stuff from one of the Gold Coast’s most unique new artists.

Jake Murdoch Develops His Sound

Local child prodigy Jake Murdoch is continuing to develop his sound, showing maturity in his songwriting on the driving, acoustic pop ballad ‘Brunette Country Girl’. Offering a charming glimpse into the feeling of young love, the track is about finding the confidence to make the first move and start a conversation. With Jake performing all the live instruments ‘Country Girl’ is another step in the right direction for Jake.

Casey Barnes’ Country Cup Raiser

Fresh off the back of winning almost every possible award in the Australian music industry, Casey Barnes is showing no signs of slowing down with the release of his catchy, heartfelt single ‘Boys Like These’. Written about mateship in the Australian outback, the beautifully shot video follows the storyline of several locals in the town of Longreach QLD while showcasing some stunning local scenery. Another certified pop-country cup raiser from one of Gold Coast’s finest artists.

Sunny Luwe’s Positive Foot Tapper

Sunny Luwe has struck gold once again with her chilled, romantic pop earworm ‘Summer Kisses’. Co-written with long-time collaborator Matt Collins from WHARVES, the track follows a steady foot tapping acoustic rhythm reminiscent of the summary vibes of Jack Johnson but is stamped as Sunny Luwe’s own, with the help of intimate vocals and subtle production quirks. Working with North Qld Conservation project Rainforest 4, ‘Summer Kisses’ was created as a completely carbon neutral project, completing the feelgood package that the track brings.

Mel Lukin’s Feel Good Country Bop

Mel Lukin shares an important message to all of us with our heads buried in screens, with her feel good pop-country crossover ‘Look Up’. Emotive lap steel guitars intertwine with soaring vocal melodies and polished production, to create a familiar sound reminiscent of Natalie Imbruglia’s ‘Torn’. Living up to her mantra of creating music that makes you feel good, this modern country bop is sure to put a smile on your face and snap you out of that social media rut.

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