We’re welcoming in May with ten new tracks added to our Discovery playlist on Spotify and Apple Music. Our Track of the Week goes to, in the words of The Darkness’ Justin Hawkins “a proper f***ing rock band”, The Southern River Band and their new single “Vice City III (We Got Another Man Down)”.
The single accompanies the news that the Thornlie rockers have inked a deal with Cooking Vinyl Australia. Now it’s not quite the six minute epic of their previous single “Stan Qualen”, but even at just shy of four minutes “Vice City III” is a welcome reminder of SRB’s rock pedigree. With more than a nod to some classic Australian rockers, “Vice City III” has all the hallmarks of a classic SRB song – monster riffs, sharp drumming and unadulterated swagger. Crank it up!!
A neat segue, descriptively at least, is from “a proper f***ing rock band” to “Think Again, Motherf*cker”, the new track from fellow Western Australians, Great Gable. This one is anthemic indie-rock goodness, full of guitar hooks that will get you dancing. It should come as no surprise that it was produced by Perth’s Dave Parkin (Spacey Jane, Jebediah). It’s going to be massive year for Great Gable, who are about to head out to a massive tour in the UK and Europe. Expect to hear plenty more from these guys.
“Too Much Of A Good Thing” is the new single from LA-based Indonesian singer NIKI. The single was written and produced by NIKI and Ethan Gruska and is about “that initial spark of desire letting your imagination go wild, where you get a little extra “pep in your step”” and that really translates across into the music, with the song exuding a soulful and funky confidence.
Hailing from Australia and now settled down in London, Ivey have released “Life Goes On”, a moving and gorgeous song which addresses head on the challenge of facing up to grief. The track was written in response to the devastating loss of band members Lachlan (vocals/guitar) and Matt McGuffie (production/drums) father, Adam, who played such an important role in the band, initially as guardian when they were teenagers, and then as tour manager and so much more. It’s one to scream and sing along to, with those that are dearest to you.
Sydney’s Abbey Lane has released “State of Mind”, another gem from her upcoming debut EP, Afterthoughts (out Wednesday, June 12). It is an emotive and upbeat track which encompasses all the feels of a relationship that didn’t quite pan out as desired. As Abbey describes: “State of Mind is a letter of all the things you never got to say to someone. It’s the story of falling in love with someone, and the pain of falling out of touch with them.”. She has a killer turn of phrase, with vocals that embed you into the narrative of her story, whisked along with upbeat melodies. It’s beautifully put together.
Richard Hawley continues to tease his upcoming album – In This City They Call You Love (Out May 31st) – this week with the release of new single “Prism In Jeans”. The single finds Hawley in an upbeat yet tender mood, with a relaxed and effortless charm and croon to his vocal. All three singles released so far really show off Hawley’s range as an artist, so we’re keen to see what else the album will have in store.
“Electric Rush” is the striking debut single from the Melbourne indie-pop songstress Amalia. The song reflects the emotional breakthroughs that change us forever. Like a country-tinged Florence & the Machine, Amalia’s controlled, sultry vocals are bolstered by a solid riff and booming keys.
Also added to the playlist this week are new tracks from WA singer-songwriter Peter Bibby (“Terracotta Brick”)..
Finally we have two exclusive premieres from TYDE (“Latte Partay”) and Zachary Leo (“On My Mind”).
Catch all the new music updated every Friday on Apple Music:
and on Spotify:
Here’s the complete list of new additions this week:
The Southern River Band “Vice City III”
Great Gable “Think Again, Motherf*cker”
NIKI “Too Much Of A Good Thing”
Ivey “Life Goes On”
Peter Bibby “Terracotta Brick”
Abbey Lane “State of Mind”
Richard Hawley “Prism in Jeans”
Amalia “Electric Rush”
TYDE “Latte Partay” [Exclusive Video Premiere]
Zachary Leo “On My Mind” [Exclusive Single Premiere]
Header Photo Credit: The Southern River Band by Greg Lewis
