Five Fresh Tracks To Dip Into This Weekend
Presented by Jim Beam.
Music
Words by Tom Disalvo December 18, 2020

Words by Tom Disalvo //

With Christmas right around the corner, we’ve compiled a list of newly-released tracks to give you five more ways to spread the holiday cheer. Presented by Jim Beam:

L.A.B – ‘My Brother’

On their fourth album in as many years, New Zealand quintet L.A.B have once again proved themselves as trailblazers in modern reggae; this week releasing ‘L.A.B IV’ to . The Kiwi funkmasters return in signature form on the standout track, ‘My Brother;’ an effortless offering of 70s nostalgia with syrupy vocals and classical backing strings. Still firmly rooted in the modern-day, the slow jam expertly blends funk and soul on top of a foot-tapping rhythm and ascendant chorus.

For that extra groovy touch, the accompanying video combines flare-panted reggae dancers with technicoloured shots of the NZ crooners; a match made in nostalgic heaven. In what has been their biggest year to date, L.A.B have nabbed two number singles on the NZ charts and slated a five-date Aussie tour for April.

Peep frontman and vocalist Joel Shadbolt and the gang in their new video for ‘My Brother’ here:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dx8ibo7PNPU

Django Django – ‘Glowing in the Dark (Hot Chip Remix)’

Electro-rock Lononders Django Django have this week released the single and title track for their upcoming fourth album, ‘Glowing In The Dark.’ On the remix, the off-kilter quartet brings a distinct twist to the titular Hot Chip original, injecting their techno flair complete with refracted vocals and computerised backing synths. Warping the vocals of the ear-worm hook, the track crescendos toward an anthemic and club-ready chorus, further cementing the band as a staple dance floor filler.

“We’ve been huge fans of Hot Chip from the beginning and had the pleasure of supporting them live, so we’re really chuffed to have a remix from them,” the band said.

Released alongside a psychedelic animated video and a 2 hour virtual set, these head-rocking Brits have got your Christmas parties sorted. Catch Django Django’s fresh clip here:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JHlEkrsmxS4

Up Late – ‘Fuck You’

Wollongong local Up Late has pleased fans today with the release of his new EP, ‘Stars.’ A collection of previous and reimagined tracks, the lead single ‘Fuck You’ features indie-pop NSW resident Hearteyes, and sees the pair channell an alt-rock flair on what is mainly a genreless EP. Filtered through edgy auto-tune, the tile lyrics soar on top of thunderous electric guitar riffs. The screamo-like vocals on the bridge ascend before a triumphant and choir-backed final chorus.

Lyrically, Up Late says the song is a “chance to literally say fuck it to the rules and parameters placed on artists and creators,” and with a nomination as one of triple j’s 10 most exciting discoveries of 2020, we think it’s time to start listening:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ELQFdFeSip4&feature=youtu.be

HOKO- ‘This Is Gonna Be Our Year’

Formed in early 2020 and propelled by the success of their debut single, New York natives HOKO have weathered a chaotic breakout year with their new single released today. On ‘This is Gonna Be Our Year,’ the genre-bending band welcomes 2021 with airy production and falsetto vocals from frontman Nathaniel Hoho. Lifted by backing vocal harmonies and a catchy chorus, this uplifting track is a feel-good anthem perfect for that Christmas road trip.

DZ Deathrays – F U (Waax Cover)

Brisbanian trio DZ Deathrays have released a belting rendition of F U; a kindred track from fellow Aussie rockers Waxx. Electrifying the original, the Dz Deathrays offer a dance-punk edge through an ear-splitting chorus break and rapturous vocals. Closed-out by impressive finger work by electric guitarist Lachlan Ewbank, this noisy remake is head-bangin’ fun.

Check out the video of Lachlan and the lads at their home studio here:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xo5L6agVafI

Editors Pick