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 image: Jack Riddle Cover art: Masato Taksaka and Lisa Radford
As we enter a new month we inch closer to the release of Melbourne-based post-punk outfit No Sister’s new EP Influence. ‘Burning News’ – the second track to be released singularly before the EP’s official drop– is an ominous and unsettling churner inspired by childhood memories. Although its origins are firmly rooted in past remembrances, the mental images that spawned ‘Burning News’ have found new meaning when considered in the context of the modern media landscape.
Three years on from the release of her acclaimed SMACKWAVE EP, Spike Fuck returns to the limelight with a delicate off-cut from the SMACKWAVE sessions. ‘Body By Crystal’ is a sorrowful insight back to Spike’s times of addiction – an unflinching tale coloured in blueish hues, boasting love-bruised guitar peals and sighs tinged with palpable sadness.
After a strong series of creature-feature singles, Dr. Sure’s Unusual Practice brings the same atmosphere of comic dread to its debut album. But while there are moments of political ire, the band is more notable for hanging back and snidely deconstructing the world at a self-imposed remove.
Words: James Frostick
Artist image: Dannika Horvat
Prolific Melbourne songwriter Emma Russack has announced the July arrival of her fifth record, Winter Blues. Ahead of the album’s release, Emma gifted listeners a small taste in the form of the record’s title track. The gorgeous piano-led tune see’s Emma copping to her own bullshit, taking ownership of bad behaviour instead of simply passing it off as a byproduct of miserable weather. We’ve got a look at the track’s brand-new visuals!
Relocated from Perth to Melbourne, Hideous Sun Demon frontman Vincent Buchanan-Simpson doubles down on his surprising power-pop prowess with the new single from his solo outlet turned side band.
Tuscan Ruins is the moniker of Melbourne-based ambient producer Tom Murchie, whose late-2018 release Miel was one of the hidden gems that flew under most radars last year. Featuring serene soundscapes and a crumbling natural grandeur, Miel is an engrossing listen and an incredibly strong showing from a creative entity still in its infancy.
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