Canberra-based neo-synth-pop artist Gus McGrath aka California Girls is releasing the second track from his forthcoming record Beat Boy. ‘Small Birds’ is an irresistibly danceable track that places the listener in the bowels of a pulsing subterranean rave as Gus moves through a heaving mass of bodies, searching for true intimacy amid an uncaring world hooked on physical immediacy.
In between period of activity with Hierophants and Parsnip, Melbourne musician Paris Rebel Richens has been slowly chipping away at a collection of solo recordings. Operating under the name P.P. Rebel, Paris has assembled these songs (all self-written, performed and recorded) into P.P Is… Peeping Piebald Past The Night! a solo tape set for release in November. ‘Where The Quiet Go’ is the album’s springy lead single, a track born from the contemplation-inducing solitude of silence, but is not beholden to it.
Words: James Frostick Band image: Jake Quentin Lewis-Hurn (@cockneytravels)
Boasting a hearty dose of sonic savagery and ruinous punk chug, Future Suck gives ears a taste of a forthcoming cassette release with ‘Brat’. This demo track is short, sweet and to the point, which is the best way to introduce yourself when ears are being pulled in every direction.
It’s been 15-odd months since Melbourne hard-rockin’ trio Power took us on a high-octane joyride with their Turned On LP, and now someone’s gone and given them the damn keys again. This outing, Power is only zipping a quick circuit with a two-track 7-inch single, but they’re pressing the accelerator even harder than before. Power peels out and away with a blistering intensity that leaves nothing behind but a scent of petrol fumes and burnt rubber.
Draped in black leather and black denim, Melbourne’s full-moon rock’n’rollers ROT T.V. are on the cusp of dropping their very first 7-inch single. The single’s A-side track F.D.A. is a suitably full-throttle introduction. Here – fuelled by a hungry intensity and boasting a carnivorous edge – ROT T.V. circles like a pack of predatory animals, gradually wearing down your defences until they’re close enough to bite.
Words: James Frostick Band photo: Chloe Mullowney Album art: Jonno Ross-Brewin and James Kane
Melbourne five-piece Program (featuring members of The Stroppies, The Blinds, The Faculty, Meter Men and DARTS) is today announcing the mid-October release of Show Me – the band’s debut LP – through Anti Fade Records. Spearheading the announcement is the album lead single ‘Motorbike’ – a track of classic rock-radio-tinged melody mixed with a charming dollop of Australian twang. Although easy on the ears, the song’s breezy sound carries a feeling of earnest yearning – like you’re stuck inside while the outside world basks in the glory of a beautiful day.
High-octane Melbourne hardcore outfit 2 Stroke dropped a new track in late July, one where the aggro four-piece grapples with the thought of a meaningless existence. ‘Crisis, Crisis’ is a forceful rebuking of modern living and the dissatisfying ache it produces.
Weirdo Wasteland is an Australian-based music blog that examines musical endeavour from the cultural fringe. The site regularly features reviews and interviews from the underground scenes from Australia and New Zealand. Weirdo Wasteland acknowledges the original custodians of the land upon which it operates. Sovereignty has never been ceded. To get in touch, contact: weirdowasteland (at) gmail.com