TALENT ON TAP // NEW MUSIC SEPTEMBER
BROUGHT TO YOU BY BURLEIGH BREWING CO.
Words by Samantha Morris
This month’s Talent On Tap new music column and playlist delivers all the goods! With brand new albums from Goatzilla and Chiffon Magnifique, alongside new singles galore, September’s new music roundup features a little bit of everything – from punk-metal and gothic rock to dream folk, ballad pop and blues-rock. Let’s get into it!
Blind Corners make a stunning debut
*Release of the Month*
Blind Corners are an exceptional live act, evidenced by the fact they beat more than 15 other local bands in the recent Garage Deluxe youth battle of the bands hosted by Expressive Ground and Mo’s Desert Clubhouse. With a new EP ‘Mud’ out 21 September, these young lads are quickly finding their feet in the local scene. Having already opened for Paul Kelly and Glass Beams and immersing themselves in industry training opportunities, they’re polished and tight and show great chemistry both on-stage and off. Lead single off the EP ‘My Mountain’ is an indie rock number starting with sparse drums and guitar which build to showcase Toby’s unique vocals – which are a standout – alongside the guitarwork. Title track ‘Mud’ is the next single to be released this month, which has keys front and centre: a more soulful ballad. The other two tracks on the EP, ‘Against the Wall’ and ‘Blackout’ show the band’s ability to blur genres, with the former introducing us to their clever lyricism and surf guitar roots, and the latter a more stripped-back number with understated percussion, leaving little room for error.
All-in-all, the EP ‘Mud’ gives us an early taste of Blind Corners’ versatility. We already know they kick arse live and this studio recording is an opportunity to take a slower listen at how their songs are crafted and to ponder where they might go next. Which is definitely places.
Alien Nation a triumph for Goatzilla
With biting observations of society and killer riffs to boot, Goatzilla have released an outstanding album on the back of their recent signing to XMusic. 9 tracks of straight-up punk-metal fusion, ‘Alien Nation’ is not their first, but is certainly their most anticipated release. From the clever lyrics and gravelly vocals in ‘Wall Street Generals’ to the epic solo in title track ‘Alien Nation’, this four-piece might have been gigging the Gold Coast for more than 10 years, but have managed to deliver an album full of youthful exuberance. With some hilarious reviews: one label exec calling it “just noise” and another nobody saying they “butchered a good Devo song” with ‘Secret Agent Man’ – which is not in fact a cover – these men seem to have hit their stride when it comes to song-making. Currently touring the album, which is available on splattered green vinyl, Goatzilla might be making noise, but it’s the best kinda noise imaginable.
Chiffon Magnifique unleashes Anxietika
Chiffon Magnifique is the latest project of darkwave genius Jed A. Wølters, with new album ‘Anxietika’ showcasing a collection of gothic rock, post-punk, minimal wave and dream-pop: a raw and deeply personal exploration of Jed’s battle with generalised anxiety disorder. The album is full of hauntingly beautiful tracks – which offer pop elements with a dark twist, recorded in a six-year window in various home studios. The video for the single ‘Anxietika’ recently featured on Rage, with Jed referred to as “your new favourite Gold Coast goth.” Jed is the consummate creative, blending clever lyricism with exceptional musicality and visuals which add depth and intrigue. The rest of the album is as strong as its lead single. ‘Anxietika’ the album is out now.
Flame Tree
Captivating musician and composer Majelen is back with ‘Flame Tree’, which showcases her distinctive guitar skills and stunning voice. Recently named a finalist for Musician of the Year and Breakout Artist of the Year at the 2024 Gold Coast Music Awards, ‘Flame Tree’ is a rockin’ folk number with Majelen using the guitar as much for percussion as for strings. The song is one of 11 recorded at Abbey Road Studios as part of a documentary-style album due for release this month. Keep your ears peeled.
Kate Leopold Turns to Healing
Kate has delivered a captivating new track focussed on inner healing and the unburdening of things no longer serving you. With beautiful backing vocals provided by a choir of 20 voices, and gentle but powerful guitar, the song delivers its simple message without fuss, instead offering a lingering feeling of contentment; and of coming together to find solace in each other and in song. Kate says ‘Turn Myself to Healing’ serves to remind us of those moments where we recognise the need to slow down, reset and turn within. It’s uplifting and positive and sets Kate up as an empowering local musical presence.
Eyesite want you to Sweat It Out
Explosive four-piece Eyesite have blended a fresher, crisper sound with grungy undertones in new single ‘Sweat It Out’. The song is about leaving things to the last minute and then realising once it’s gone… it’s gone. They’re about to hit the road for a string of shows (Cooly Hotel on 14 December) and no doubt ‘Sweat It Out’ will get crowds moving, with driving, thunderous drums, wailing guitars, thick bass and catchy lyrics, the track is familiar, following a winning rock formular, yet unique enough to make you want more.
Chloe Behrens’ stunning release
‘I Don’t Need You Anymore’, a collaboration with CAINAN, is a stunning pop song with the pair showcasing their own versatile vocal style in a cohesive way, while intricate harmonies bring incredible depth. The song was commissioned in 2020 for a short film ‘Breakdown’ and sees the pair come together after supporting each other’s solo artistic journeys for more than 6 years.
Heavy Wax Don’t Wanna Fuss
The boys are back, with their brassy, high-energy, fun attitude to music-making. New track ‘Don’t Wanna Fuss’ is a story about finding love in a sharehouse, only delivered with James Brown, 1970s nightclub vibes. Full of pure funk magic with syncopated rhythms, punchy horn hits and the requisite sax solo, when you hear ‘Don’t Wanna Fuss’, you will want to fuss… yo ass all the way to the dancefloor. Pure dance-worthy jams 100% guaranteed to put a smile on your dial and a serious tap in your toes.
Withered Wildheart
Our favourite metalcore heroes are back! Previous Gold Coast Music Awards Release of the Year winners, Wildheart sees Yugambeh man Axel Best move to guitar, with vocal duties passed on to new member Dane Evans. This powerful, hard-hitting track delves into introspective themes of everyday struggles and mental health, touching your heart lyrically as well as through its driving sonic force.
Ghosts haunt Lola Wallace
Enigmatic frontwoman of Tamborine band, Goatmilk, Lola Wallace has delivered an expressive indie-rock number in ‘Ghosts’. A passionate 18 year old singer/songwriter, Lola lives with synaesthesia and aphantasia, meaning that while she can hear colours, she can’t see simple images in her head. Despite this, she wrote ‘Ghosts’ about embracing the things that are investable for those who don’t have the resources to stop them. With three more songs in the works, ‘Ghosts’ is a stellar release for such a young artist still finding her feet when it comes to making songs and navigating their release. It’s lyrically clever and musically diverse, showcasing a range of vocal styles and Lola’s passion and drive for creating music.
Lunar Syrup return with the Art of Sleeping
Four-piece Lunar Syrup are known for their dream folk, blues and psych-infused indie rock jams, and new single ‘The Art of Sleeping’ – the first off a soon to be released album – fits the mold perfectly. The song is syrupy itself, with lyrics that lull you into a dreamstate, killer riffs and solos, and silky vocals all coming together to keep you listening to the very end, and then wanting more.
A Little Less for Tegan Clark
Tegan Clark’s second single sees her stray away from the pop-ballad styles of her debut, venturing into pop-rock territory. With soaring vocals that showcase Tegan’s versatility, the track is full of catchy melodies, heartfelt lyrics and bopp-able grooves. She says she’s still discovering her style but the way this song builds from sweet pop to something a little heavier, shows Tegan has the ability to deliver a perfectly-crafted number on which to build that process of discovery.
Charly Bliss are here Forever
Charly Bliss is based in Brooklyn, but lead singer Eva Hendricks is set for a permanent move to the Gold Coast, having fallen in love with a Hinterland man. About to tour the UK, the outfit’s latest album ‘Forever’ has just dropped and lead single ‘Nineteen’ has been receiving rave reviews – in Australia and internationally. With a simple piano opening, and impassioned vocals, this power-pop track sees synths build throughout the song, until it reaches a vigorous sonic triumph. It’s dramatic and melodic, with Eva’s vocals front and centre, and it’s no wonder the band have more than 120k monthly listeners. We’re excited about welcoming Eva to the Gold Coast.
Kent Dustin is here to Impress You
Opening with blues riffs and dusky vocals, ‘Impress You’ is an upbeat and energetic new release from local singer songwriter Kent Dustin. The single explores the playful dynamics of trying to impress a new love, blending heartfelt storytelling with blues-rock soundscapes, highlighting life’s profound, yet often overlooked, moments.
Little Red for Super Fun Down Under
Electro-punks Super Fun Down Under are back with a bang, unveiling latest single, ‘Little Red’, which reimagines the classic tale of Little Red Riding Hood with a dystopian twist, blending their signature punk attitude with pulsating electronic beats. Fresh from touring Japan (again), this track – which opens with the howls of a wolf (or yowie perhaps), is all energy, colourful in name and tone with a clever take on a fairy tale we all know and love. “Don’t bring teeth to the gunfight.”
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ARE YOU A GOLD COAST ARTIST WITH NEW MUSIC ON THE HORIZON?
We want to hear it! If you’ve released new music or have something due for release next month, shoot us the details for the chance to be considered for the next ‘Talent On Tap’ column. Email our new music guru Sam Morris on newmusic@gcmusicnetwork.com.au with a link to the song (Spotify preferred), an artist press shot and a few words/media release about the track or album being released.