New Releases - 10/04/2018

Melody’s Echo Chamber’s back and she’s recorded an album with Dungen and Nick Allbrook! Sounds too good to be true but it’s happening. ‘Breathe In, Breathe Out' is the first taste. But as far as listing things we’re excited for we’re not even close. Brisbane’s Hatchie and Nice Biscuit, two the city’s best and brightest new outfits, both have tracks to share. Rounding it all out are fresh tunes from Mezko, Unknown Mortal Orchestra, West Thebarton, Gamjee and Forth Wanderers. 

MELODY’S ECHO CHAMBER – BREATHE IN BREATHE OUT - (POD/INERTIA)

Where has Melody Prochet been these last few years? A failed album, broken vertebrae and brain aneurysm have kept her music from the world. But things change. ‘Breathe In, Breathe Out’ chronicles Melody’s struggle in a simple and straightforward manner. The dreamier sonic exterior belays the stark and lyrical real.  It’s about the struggle to breathe.  

​HATCHIE – SUGAR & SPICE (IVY LEAGUE)

Harriet Pilbeam’s update of the Cocteau Twins sound arrives so ingeniously simple it gives cause to wonder why it hasn’t been hazarded before. No discredit to the artist, Hatchie verges on brilliant. We’re clearing the desk for this debut EP. 
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​NICE BISCUIT - FAIRFIELD OF DREAMS (BREAK EVEN)

This Brisbane outfit cut close to the true essence of psychedelica without falling into genre exercise. Their latest ‘Fairfield of Dreams’ is the companion single to ‘Captain’ which dropped earlier last month. It builds upon a similar dynamic, lock grooves, spacey vocals and exploratory guitar lines. The two tracks are being released as a record store Day “7 but here's to hoping for a full LP. 

WEST THEBARTON – STUCK ON YOU (DOMESTIC LA LA)

To where does the contemporary Oz Rock sound trace its origins? Eddy Current Suppression Ring? Or does it reach back further to pub rock and AC/DC? Perhaps it simply happens whenever a bunch of Aussie musicians get together with a case of cheap beer and jam. Suffice to say, every now and again you need a little bit of it in your life
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FORTH WANDERERS – AGES AGO (SUB POP)

Vocals that drip with emotion and guitars that talk. This New Jersey’s outfit’s take on love is one as damaged as it is beautiful. Their debut record drops April 27th.    
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​MEZKO - COME & GO (INERTIA)

Mezko might find their strength in thumping electronic anthems but they sell it with rock composure. ‘Come and Go’ is their latest following quickly on the tail end of debut Polychronic. Throw in an ominously lurking bassline and watch them go.  

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UNKNOWN MORTAL ORCHESTRA – A GOD CALLED HUBRIS (JAGJAGUWAR)

Replacing Julian Casablancas in this week’s ‘Have They Lost It or Not?’ category comes Unknown Mortal Orchestra. Their latest LP Sex & Food might not have that big ‘Multi-Love’ moment but there’s plenty of interesting turns. With the record eating expectation like it does, we can’t tell you where this band is heading. Maybe it is psychedelic rock in the sense that something truly psych should sound nothing like that which has come before. Regardless, Unknown’s fourth leaves the impression that’s exactly what they’ve set out to achieve.  

GAMJEE – WILLIAM H. VANDERBILT’S VAMPIRE (INDEPENDENT)

Psychobilly’s back baby!
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Words by Riley Fitzgerald   
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