Local

Terra Pines: Terra Pines (Independent)

- The power that is inherent in Terra Pines' sludge-pop is one of great torque. The Brisbane trio steadily grind with emphatic textures and sure-footed melodies so that each song on this album is an unstoppable force, conjuring hardened sonic vortexes, similar to Earth or MBV, out of air-pressure alone. (Nicholas J. Rodwell) Strange Motel: Demo Cassette (Independent/Sexy Romance)

- Coming from the Gold Coast's indubitable punk gods SEX DRIVE, Strange Motel is the solo project of vocalist Benaiah. At first glance, this demo may seem to be just another product of the post-punk revival that we find ourselves in the midst of, but after a close listen, the songwriting, dynamics and instrumentation present a thoughtful, mature and deliberately crafted release. The production varies wildly across the 3 tracks, which is understandable given that this is only a demo, yet it lends a DIY charm not oft-found in contemporary interpretations of the style. The songwriting is impeccable, the guitars, keys and ever-chugging basslines capture and convey all motion and emotion in equal measure, an impressive feat. (Clayton Bick-Paterson)

Australian

Dan Sultan: Killer feat. Camp Cope (Single) (Liberation Records)

- The concept behind Sultan’s Killer Under A Blood Moon is sheer joyous community spirit - he’s collaborating with fellow Australian artists to breathe new life into select songs from his former Killer album. There’s something heartwarming about the practice of treating songs as living, breathing entities rather than fixed ones, and this reimagining is stunning. Maq’s vocals are always gut-wrenchingly affecting, and the different quality she allows them to take on here paints a gorgeous larger picture of her immense scope and depth as an artist. (Liz Ansley)

Okenyo: ISO (Single)(Elefant Trax/Inertia)

- Formidable Sydney-based multi-talent Okenyo is releasing her debut EP The Wave this Friday (the rework of her anthemic single Woman’s World featured guest stars/local heroes Miss Blanks & Jesswar) and it’s, like the name suggests, an artful push/pull of vulnerability, strength, and humanity. In ISO, Okenyo strides with confidence up to gut-dropping bass synths, leading us into a joyous, disco-tinged chorus for a new era. (Liz Ansley)

Kimchi Princi: Diaspora Doll (Single)(Independent) 

- Featuring clanging production from CORIN and bright, sorbet-coloured visuals, Kimchi Princi asserts and reclaims her identity with a deft hand and boundless style. “I show up/To show you up” is solid gold. (Liz Ansley)

Liminal Drifter: The Dreams (Hidden Shoal Records)

- Liminal Drifter is the alias of Perth-based musican Dr Simon Order. His soon to be latest release, 'The Dreams', is a lush soundscape of melodic and dream like elements that come together to form an intricate and truely beautiful piece of work. The album has an aquatic feel to it, heavily featuring washed out synth pads, the sounds of waves washing along the shore and a wide open soundscape that sounds as broad and expansive as the ocean itself; perhaps even an ode to Order's home by the sea in Freemantle. The album is set to be released early June. For the time being, take a listen to Order's newly released single from the album 'Beach Fair'. It's always good to hear such inspired and arranged music coming out of Australia. Keep your eye on this one. (Harry Bain)

Overseas

Miss June: Twitch (Single)(Indie)

- A pogo-powered punk banger that is sure to have the crowd bouncing about, Twitch is the new single from NZ's MISS JUNE, released ahead of their upcoming dates in Australia. Channelling Sonic Youth, the Breeders, and the many others that came before them, Miss June play fuzzed out, scuzzed up, shoegaze riddled power-pop rock that is simultaneously dream-soft and razor-sharp, with more hooks than a tackle-box. Having played alongside NZ contemporaries DIE!DIE!DIE! and industry giants Foo Fighters, this single from their upcoming debut album provides a promising glimpse into what is surely going to be a huge affair. (Clayton Bick-Paterson) SSION: O (Dero Arcade)

- The art-pop of New Yorker SSION displays such a great depth of musical history, it's understandable as why this latest release has secured such pop-curio artists such as Ariel Pink, Roisin Murphy and Devendra Banhart as collaborators. It's rich in it's new-wave approach to pop, possibly being the freshest iteration of that same creative dynamic from late 70's-Blondie. (Nicholas J Rodwell)

Wooden Shjips: V. (THRILL JOCKEY / HOLY MOUNTAIN / SICK THIRST)

- Transport youself with this new psychedelic album released by American band Wooden Shjips. The seven minute opening tune, Eclipse, invites you to enter a trance like state where bubbly sound effects will make you feel like you're floating. The following six tracks are full of pumping rhythmic patterns, fuzzy guitar riffs, throbbing synths and echoey vocals that lure you into a vortex swirling trance. (Jade Rodrigo)