Setting us ablaze…

Another week, another lockdown. It’s definitely taking its toll on us all, which reaffirms the importance of checking in on your friends and loved ones more than ever. It’s a tough time for everyone, and hence we’re doing all we can to stay sane in these ridiculous times. One of which being bumping a bunch of fire tracks by local artists. And today’s collection is no different, all burning at the seams with homegrown fire.

But we’ll waste no time. Five fire tracks by local artists, coming right up. Check it below.

BOY SODA – ‘LOVEU2BITS’

Sydney/Eora singer-songwriter BOY SODA unleashes his signature overflow of steeze in ‘LOVEU2BITS,’ the rising star helping to breathe life into the plethora of R&B whilst carving out his own unique place in the soundscape. The new single sees the swank-wizard recount pain of watching a former flame fall in love with another through his magnetic blend of melody, rhythm and lyricism; showcasing the ease with which he can alternate between a R&B heartthrob and hip hop weapon that gives no fucks. Naturally, the beat surrounding him is peppered with the various intricacies inherent to both genres, mellow guitar chords and high pitch synths injected with soulful blues as the percussive elements throw it back the minimalist hip hop beats of the early 2000s.

The hook however really sees him shine , emotive star-power radiating off his every utterance as he alternates between chest and head voice; ultimately finding his sweet spot in that gorgeous falsetto that helps him transcend the track from a feel-good bop to a heartbreak ballad; one that pulls and caresses all the right strings.

It’s a tune so addictive you’ll quite definitely overdose on it and be plunged into a journey into your past loves, except, with ‘LOVEU2BITS’ playing, you just might have the strength to get some closure out of it all, all while replacing any residual heartbreak with that of pure gratefulness.

Syrup, Go On – ‘Lavender Sky’

Gold Coast/Yugambeh dream chasers Syrup, Go On hopscotch their way into your soul in ‘Lavender Sky’, the five-piece a breath of purity as they explore the freedom that results from the end of a relationship.

The musical backdrop for the mid-tempo breeze is filled with vivid guitars and hazy synths, all of which are amplified in the hook as the band craft an auditory embodiment of a literal ‘Lavender Sky.’ Singer Liz Dick’s vocals fit wonderfully over the creation as well, her tone drenched in an unmistakable innocence as she emanates existential offerings like ‘Loose grips on ideas/Floating away/Smells fill your nose/Leads your mind astray.’

It’s a thrilling rush of feeling that’ll serve as a total reset amidst the craziness going on in the nation right now, hence we’re bumping it on repeat.

Tornado Club – ‘Intuition’

Tornado club are a medicinal treasure chest of feeling in ‘Intuition,’ the state-spanning duo slowing things all the way for a tender ballad that’s totally resonant and cathartic.

Inspired by the dissolution of a long-term relationship, the musical offering sees the duo (made up of Woodes and The Kite String Tangle) engage in a raw as hell therapy session over a gentle piano, their complimentary harmonies and vocal inflections each spurring each other on in self-confessional webs of realisation. But it doesn’t at all limit itself in the musical realm, incorporating a euphoria-inducing build up around 2:05 that revs your heart in a race against itself as the two artists indulge in their unified vision.

It shows you the power of the notion of balladry, able to transcend EDM, pop, and soul while still retaining just as much emotion, perhaps even more so, in this case.

Strange Talk – ‘Love Elevation’

Melbourne/Naarm synth pop duo Strange Talk traverse the expanse in ‘Love Elevation,’ scaling mountains of mood for a sonic spell that hits hard and melts the mind.

The verses see singer Stephen Docker engage in some wicked self-confessional vocalisations, drawing from a Weeknd-like palette as leaps and bounds across his tenor range. It’s all perfectly complimented by soul-clutching retro production that listens like a cyberpunk love story; neon purples and reds shimmering with hypnotic feeling and allure.

A journey into the cosmos that feels both familiar yet foreign, it’s the perfect vessel to help you escape the craziness of the world around you.

Neav – ‘Silence Song’

Central Coast/Darkinjung pop starlet NEAV rivets you with streams of haunting emotion in ‘Silence Song,’ speaking to the suffocation of suppression and her attempts to transcend the limitations placed upon her.

The multi-textured ballad sees her backed by an assortment of instrumental layers that shouldn’t work together on paper, but totally pop off once executed. From folk-like guitar strums to momentous drums and twisted 808s & synths, the offering keeps you guessing as to its sonic fingerprint throughout its three minute run time. It’s a rollercoaster of musicality, one which her vocals do justice to all the way through; powerhouse melodies and piercing harmonies stirring the soul with equal measures of dread and hope.

It’s definitely the most striking offering in today’s batch, one that you’ll glean something new from with each and every listen.