We’re starting 2022 strong…
Well, it’s been a hot minute since we’ve done one of these. No doubt 2021 was a huge year for Aussie music, local artists putting pedal to the metal to create the most amount of tunes I think we’ve ever seen. But alas, it was well worth it, and we have even higher hopes for 2022. And so, we won’t waste any time. Five fire tracks by local artists, coming right up.
Elle Eliades (Melbourne/Naarm) – ‘Comfort In Lies’
R&B starlet Elle Eliades comes through with plenty of silky goodness in her latest single ‘Comfort In Lies,’ the Naarm muso taking the power back in a broken relationship and finding reprieve in betrayal.
The track makes use of minimal keys and drums, both of which allowing Elle’s immersive vocals to shine fully and utterly. Her tone really flourishes in this number, her transition from chest to her voice on lines like “Tell me what I wanna hear” listening just like butter. The vocals really mesh well together from a layering standpoint as well, compounding with sensual floura that put your soul at ease as she sings about taking the upper hand in a relationship with an unfaithful partner.
Definitely another example of the fire the Naarm R&B scene is burning with. Let Elle put you at ease with her new groove ‘Comfort In Lies.’
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NliEFyZDt3Y
Anieszka & Ange (Sydney/Eora) – ‘Tender Without You’
Inner west starletts Anieszka and Ange link up for another all-female production in their latest collab ‘Tender Without You,’ the two musos putting together their varying spells of R&B for a sensual groove that meets in the middle of their respective sounds.
A more vulnerable cut from the pairing, the track makes use of airy synths and drums, equally matched by the sultriness of the Anieszka and Ange’s vocal tones. It all comes to a thrilling head on the hook, the rolling synths and harmonies colliding with a sense of urgency and gravity as they sing about finding oneself through romance. Naturally, both get a chance to shine on their own throughout the track in their respective verses and choruses, but when they come together for the final hook, it’s total bliss.
In the mood for a bit of slow jam goodness that’ll slow you all the way down? Anieszka and Ange have you more than covered in ‘Tender Without You.’
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l0qzI2ON23Q
Willo (Sydney/Eora) – ‘Past Time’
Eora producer Willo crafts a moving love-letter to nostalgia on her debut single ‘Past Time,’ the veteran deckslinger putting her years of experience in the studio to use for a meditative banger on reminiscence and feeling.
Made up of breakbeat-inspired drums, ethereal vocals and enchanting synths that take you to a place beyond the pines, the track finds a nice midway between the Bicep and Odesza sonic palettes that feels both fluid and precise. It’s a concoction that’s further fuelled by the accompanying visuals, the collage of memories interspersed with hazy effects and quick cuts adding to the immersion of the overall groove. It’s definitely a total journey over the six minute runtime, the sonics following no set path or rules as they propel you into your past.
Whether you’re at kick ons or partying renegade-style in some hidden escape, ‘Past Time’ is suited to it all, much like the rest of the EP (which drops next Friday), it’s utterly enthralling.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hflNTqB43bk
Flimsey Lohan (Melbourne/Naarm) – ‘Freeway Hitter’
Naarm jazz maestros Flimsey Lohan hit you hard and fast with rhythmic precision in ‘Freeway Hitter,’ the Naarm four-piece jamming into your heart with plenty of soul and steeze.
Armed with all a matter of horns, keys and clattery drums that make you feel like you’re sitting in a Sunday night matinee, the collective utterly and fully lose themselves to an Anderson.Paak-inspired groove. Once the hip hop bars enter however, the sonics are elevated to another level, the keys and braggadocios playing off each other in what’s a cool midway between a call and response and harmonisation.
Wanna feel classy as hell while getting your drip on? Look no further than Flimsey Lohan on ‘Freeway Hitter’.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CHLEa3KEPpg
Lazy Eyes (Sydney/Eora) – ‘Hippo’
The Lazy Eyes continue to cement themselves into the cornucopia of the Sydney psych scene with their latest release ‘Hippo,’ the inner west four-piece melting your mind into oblivion with plenty of voodoo magnetism.
The new tune sees the inner west psychonauts opt for a totally instrumental ballad, each member going to town on their various instruments of choice as they plunge themselves into their distinct wormhole of psychedelia. It’s definitely a more laid back tune however, the guitar riffs and ensuring melodies hitting a relaxing chord that makes you feel totally at ease. That is before the crescendo of the song however, the boys going into overdrive as they make their way to the very top and bottom of the chromatic scale, burning with energy and rigour
Long story short, if you’re planning on just sitting in the garden and smoking a doob under the sun any time soon, ‘Hippo’ is the bad boy you’re going to wanna have on repeat. Thank us later:
