This week’s edition of Tune. is a super, bumper edition of the less-fun, short posts. Why? Because there has been so much good stuff coming through, and I wanted to get it to you ASAFP (dig?).
This weekend is a precursor to the Hottest 100, where we get to reflect on 2015 with a sigh, and scream at the universe for leaving out honest-to-goodness ROCK talents (excl. Tame Impala) in favour of breathy 90s synth-pop, which is like forgettable, flirtatious fun, really.
Let us keep looking forward, because that’s what we do best.
One artist who I’ve become particularly enamoured with is Charlie Hilton, whose album Palana came out today – I would go as far as saying that she’s my new Cat Power. Controversial, I know, but Charlie’s lyrics are there for me. My favourite video this week is Ratboy‘s Move – street hi-jinx blended with cheeky hand drawn animation. So you know, I put together these lists based on a very simple criteria – I get sent heaps of releases, but hand pick the ones that I genuinely obsess over, to share with you. There is much to get through.
Breakbot: Get Lost
Breakbot and Irfane are Breakbot. On first listen, I compared them to early Wham. However…I’m told… Get Lost is an ode to the present moment, driving you to do something useful, but to dance while you’re doing it. Breakbot’s new album Still Waters is due for release on February 5.
Charlie Hilton: Funny Anyway
Charlie Hilton released her Palana album today. I love it. As I wrote above, she is my new Cat Power. No, I won’t take it back (and yes, I still love CP).
Hilton has described Funny Anyway as a song that accurately communicates what it feels like to be her. Her lyrics are everything, and the music itself is blissfully easy to hang out with.
Stream the whole album here.
Clairy Browne: Still Goodbye
The modern version of Clairy Browne embarked on her solo career a short time ago. Last year we talked to her about the Vanity Fair video, and this is the next, exciting step – ‘Still Goodbye’ is the second single from her solo album, and Clairy remains as soulful and emotive as ever. Clairy Browne’s debut album ‘Pool’ is set for release in April.
Koi Child: 1-5-9
1-5-9 is the latest single from Fremantle seven piece hip hop/jazz outfit Koi Child. After the success of their Black Panda single, their collective sights are now set on releasing their debut self-titled album which was mixed by Kevin Parker of Tame Impala. It’s out on 18 March.
HÆLOS: Oracle
London-based trio HÆLOS will release their debut album Full Circle on 18 March.
Oracle is a moody track in its own right, but it’s described in the band’s bio as being lighter than previously heard material. On hearing this track I was teleported back to my last Mona experience, which was not, by any means ‘light’.
The album Full Circle was born out of a mutual fascination with the lost hours of a night out. And those, we’ve had a few.
Courtney Barnett: Three Packs a Day
Courtney Barnett’s Three Packs A Day single will appear on the forthcoming ‘Good For You’ compilation album, released on 14 February (for lovers) via Milk! Records. According to Barnett, the song focusses on ‘white knuckling through modern day addictions’. And who doesn’t white knuckle daily, hmmm?
Artists included on Good For You are Courtney Barnett, Jen Cloher (Official), Fraser A. Gorman., the Finks, East Brunswick All Girls Choir and Ouch My Face. Pre-order is available now for your digital copy or on limited edition signed 12″ vinyl direct from Milk Records.
Paces: 1993 (No Chill) feat. Jess Kent
Rat Boy: Move
Ratbag Records has recently signed 19 year old Rat Boy, adding to its very tidy stable of artists including our favourite Byron Bay surf rockers SKEGSS.
Move is very Beastie Boy-esque and it’s been a while since we heard something like this.
“We’re super stoked to announce Essex nutter Rat Boy has joined the Ratbag family!” – Dune Rats vocalist/guitarist Danny Beusa.
Grimes: Kill V. Maim
Kill V. Maim is the second track from Grimes’ fourth album, Art Angels.
The live-action video was shot in Toronto and was directed by Claire and Mac Boucher.
Grimes has a busy year of touring – Laneway Festival in both Asia and Australia, then she heads to Europe for a run of headline shows before returning to North America to perform at Coachella and open for Florence & The Machine.
Birdy: Keeping Your Head Up
In 2016 Birdy will release her third studio album Beautiful Lies. The album will be released on March 25 and is available for pre-order now.
The last few years have seen Birdy work on an incredible array of projects, including highly prestigious film scores. Most recently her song Let It All Go was released as a duet with Rhodes whilst her classic song Wings was covered by Nothing but Thieves. Birdy’s music was used in The Hunger Games and Brave. She was also commissioned to write especially for the smash hit film The Fault In Our Stars.
The Garb Wire 