Firing on all cylinders…
Okay, before we ask how you’re going, can we just take a moment and acknowledge how bloody cooked this weather is? If you’re in NSW and have in any way been affected by the rain or floods, our hearts go out to you. This shit is seriously ridiculous, and we all gotta band together during periods like this. But even the endless downpour can’t drown out the quality releases being dropped by local artists, countless bops being churned out that soothe the spirit and please the ears. And don’t worry, there’s plenty to go around, so do yourself a favour and indulge in some tasty local offerings for your Monday arvo.
Check it below.
Syrup – ‘Catch Your Flow’
Brisbane duo Syrup jumpstart your soul and toss you into the throws of uncertainty in ‘Catch Your Flow,’ transporting you to a glitzy 2000s club where synths reigned supreme and double time was the vibe. Aided by some subtle distortion, vocalist Harry and his tenor vocals outline the precariousness of the psyche and how one can be led down spiralling thought patterns, all atop flashy guitars and revolving key lines. The track itself mirrors the inner journey portrayed by the lyrics, going from subtle and refined to just bombastic and totally exuberant in the chorus as it loses itself to the fast paced drums and soulful harmonies.
If you’re wanting to soundtrack your Monday arvo existential crisis in catchiest way possible, we’ve got you covered. Check it below.
Thandi Phoenix – ‘Count Me Out’
Sydney enchantress Thandi Phoenix revels in rosy galore for her first solo release of 2021, crafting an invigorating sonic spell in ‘Count Me Out’ that launches you into inter-dimensional bliss. Set atop a delicious two step pulse that makes your heart skip a beat, the Sydney powerhouse curates a vivid world overflowing with vibrance, imbuing the sonic realm with magenta piano lines and those lightening vocals that have electrified stages all across the country.
The accompanying video sees her capture the overall fantasy of the tune in spades, drawing from a rich colour palette as we follow Thandi and her crew of queens as they paint the town pink, purple and everything lush. If you’r struggling through your Monday slump, they’ve got your back, Get your midday revival below.
Birdz – ‘Fly’ ft. Ngaiire
Melbourne-based hip hop extraodinaire Birdz uplifts and inspires with gorgeous fashion in ‘Birdz,’ transcending the spirit with intricate bars that make use of every breath and utterance. Linking up with once-in-a-generation talent Ngaiire, the tune sees the pair speak to the beauty of inner strength and resilience, with intimate lyrics and emotionally charged production telling a vivid story that speaks to the soul.
Ngaiire is absolutely beautiful on that hook as well, reinforcing the overall sentiment of the tune as she spreads her wings and consequently rises above adversity. The pair work so well together and use their varying skillsets to help achieve this wicked balance between hip hop banger and R&B rose. Do yourself a favour and get your floral fix below.
Taj Ralph – ‘Driftin’
Sydney melodic wonder Taj Ralph continues to carve out a totally unique and singular legacy with each and every release, and ‘Driftin’ is proof he’s playing the long game, that he’s really about the art. Carrying on the dreamy, head in the clouds quality his last drop ‘Walls 2 Break’ was overflowing with, the tune sees him totally surround himself with indie guitar licks and melancholic vocals, crafting this meditative sonic gem that feels like its retreating from the world while drawing you further into his orbit.
The chorus sees him totally expand on all of the above, taking inspiration from GOATS like Anderson. Paak and Steve Lacy as he merges R&B and indie rock pastels for a sublime collage of heart. And by the end of that chorus and start of the next verse, you’re totally nestled in his aura, held beneath his wing as he communicates that you’re safe, heard and understood. Check it below.
Aston – ‘Killer Queen’
Central Coast duchess of the supreme Aston emanates waves of velocity and magnetism in ‘Killer Queen,’ roaring with attitude as she charges out the gates for her first release of 2021. Taking inspiration from the boss women that came before while doing away with all tradition and convention, she curates a primal banger that’s a total firestarter in every sense of the word.
From her defiant vocals to those addictive instrumental layers and her overall diva presence, the seasoned performer proves she’s taking no prisoners with the latest release, that she’s got an endless trove of smoky rawness just waiting to be unleashed onto the world. Let yourself witness the magic below.
