What's so good?
By hmcclure | December 12th, 2012
I never thought it would be easy, but selecting my favorite ten tracks from Australia’s amazing pool artists this year proved to be a ridiculously epic mission. I’ve reviewed well over 100 of my favorite Australian songs during 2012, and to highlight such a small percentage of them seems a travesty.
Australian music has gone from strength to strength. For the first time in twelve years, we had a U.S. #1, and Gotye’s “Somebody That I Used To Know” wasn’t just a flash in the pan, spending 8 weeks in the top spot. Others like Tame Impala, The Presets and The Temper Trap have continued their recent success, while young bands like San Cisco and Last Dinosaurs have started to gain huge popularity overseas.
What I love the most, though, is covering some of the lesser known bands. Bands with so much talent and potential who are just waiting for people to find out about them. My top ten covers a variety of genres, tracks from the overflowing indie pop talent pool, the emerging beats community, and others in the rock, dance, and psychedelic categories.
Australia is very privileged to have so much great local music, and it’s been amazing sharing some of it with you this year. I hope you’ve enjoyed it as much as I have.
Honorary mentions go to tracks from Made in Japan, Hayden Calnin, Van She, Alpine, Flume and Dappled Cities. Sorry guys.
"Last Dinosaurs - Andy"
I'm very confident that this band's local success will soon carry over onto the global market. Their debut album
In a Million Years was chock full of indie pop gems, with "
Andy" being a standout.
Download from:
Soundcloud
Note: In many cases we can't share a track for free. So, we either link to sites that can, or provide purchase links (e.g., iTunes).
"Olympic Ayres - The View"
Here's one to watch for 2013, with a third EP due for release early next year.
Olympic Ayres have seen their notoriety grow with a run of energetic live shows.
Download from:
Soundcloud
Note: In many cases we can't share a track for free. So, we either link to sites that can, or provide purchase links (e.g., iTunes).
"Tame Impala - Elephant"
What can I say about this group that hasn't already been said? "
Elephant" was my favorite track on their lauded
Lonerism album.
Download from:
Soundcloud
Note: In many cases we can't share a track for free. So, we either link to sites that can, or provide purchase links (e.g., iTunes).
"The Laurels - Changing the Timeline"
Sydney band
The Laurels are one of the reasons grunge music is going through a renaissance in Australia. A truly talented act who complete their sound with elements of psych, shoegaze and blues.
Download from:
Soundcloud
Note: In many cases we can't share a track for free. So, we either link to sites that can, or provide purchase links (e.g., iTunes).
"Thrupence - Voyages"
Thrupence's delicate, layered chillwave is an absolute delight, and his seen the Melbourne-based 21 year old develop a strong following during his short career.
Download from:
Soundcloud
Note: In many cases we can't share a track for free. So, we either link to sites that can, or provide purchase links (e.g., iTunes).
"Deep Sea Arcade - Outlands"
Released earlier this year, Deep Sea Arcade's
Outlands album is still on regular rotation at my place. Their psychadelic indie pop sound is finally gaining them the recognition they deserve.
Download from:
Soundcloud
Note: In many cases we can't share a track for free. So, we either link to sites that can, or provide purchase links (e.g., iTunes).
"Collarbones - Missing"
Collarbones'
Die Young LP was an intriguing mix of electro, R&B and beats, resulting in one of the sexiest albums of the year.
Download from:
Soundcloud
Note: In many cases we can't share a track for free. So, we either link to sites that can, or provide purchase links (e.g., iTunes).
"The Townhouses - Diaspora (Ft. Guerre)"
One of the most talented ambient/downtempo producers in Australia, The Townhouses'
Diaspora has been my favorite electronic release of this year.
Download from:
Soundcloud
Note: In many cases we can't share a track for free. So, we either link to sites that can, or provide purchase links (e.g., iTunes).
"Pond - Fantastic Explosion of Time"
It's been a big year for this Tame Impala "spin off" band, who I actually prefer. Incredible live, their album
Beards, Wives, Denim placed #7 on NME's
top albums of the year (with
Lonerism receiving top honors).
Download from:
Soundcloud
Note: In many cases we can't share a track for free. So, we either link to sites that can, or provide purchase links (e.g., iTunes).
"DCUP - I'm Corrupt"
Music is supposed to be fun, and this
track from Melbourne producer DCUP is just that.
Download from:
IndieShuffle (right click save as)
Note: In many cases we can't share a track for free. So, we either link to sites that can, or provide purchase links (e.g., iTunes).
Hugh is based in Sydney, Australia, and lives in a world where music helps him function. He attends up to four gigs a week, and ...learn more →
