Single: Greg Gobel – Balcony
Less than a minute long, this charming, lo-fi, alt-folky ditty manages to conjure an awful lot from very little.
Kinda Grizzly
Single: Old Joy – Pocket
Lyrically one of the best things we’ve heard all year, the new tune from veteran Chicago musician Old Joy is striking, unexpected, and beautiful.
Single: Sleepy – The Wrong Guy
This Sydney trio have crafted an instant classic indie pop/rock tune, full of spirit, sunshine and soul, executed with an expertise that only comes with experience.
Single: Camelot – Morning’s Running Late
Whimsical and listless, this LA multi-instrumentalist and singer/songwriter has devised an ode to his bed that is as loving and warm as its inspiration.
Album: Jaewon – Alone At The Movies
Born from a place of isolation and reclusiveness, this cinematic – but also somehow subtle – concept album is very much a job well done.
Single: My Best Unbeaten Brother – Funny Day
Continuing with releasing a new track each month of the year, the Croydon trio have added a few new strings to their bow on this one.
Single: Lone Aires – Alone
With all the makings of an instant nu-gaze classic the new tune from the German-Portuguese multi-instrumentalist and singer/songwriter comes shimmering into focus.
Single: Ancient Channels – Hex Beat
This Brisbane quintet have combined shoegaze textures with post-punk urgency and agitation and undeniable, unequivocal pop sensibilities to craft something compelling and refreshing.
Album: sam hirst – Defenseless, good
Made entirely by himself, the San Francisco-based multi-instrumentalists 8th album is a fine mixture of musical ambition and impressive singular vision.
Singles: Khamsin – Thousand Yard Stare / Abacus
The Nashville emo quartet add a new wrinkle to their arsenal as they unleash this dynamic, energetic tour de force double single.
Single: The Horses – It’s Alright (It’s Summertime)
Driving and forceful, but in a tender and considered way, this is sunny, summery, spritely, and spirited and will be the soundtrack to your summer.
Single: Foster Pettit – Best Part
Dusty, warm, beautiful, and earnest, the new tune from the Texan singer/songwriter is perfectly measured and expertly realised.
Single: Purple Cassette – Waiting on Nothing
Indian quartet Purple Cassette has developed a distinctive fusion of sounds. Raw and ragged, poppy and exciting, they have been garnering fans across their country.
Single: MxDicey – Sinister Vibe
An exciting new voice in Aotearoa indie music, MxDicey’s debut single blends alt-pop, electronica, R&B, soca and house to make something haunting and moving.
Album: NEIS – Doghouse
Rich in individuality and distinctiveness, this Sydney-based uncle and niece duo build worlds from their dark, singular sound. Worlds built of dirt, clay, soot and sludge.
Single: Randle Browning – Little Things
A stunning, indie-flecked folk-pop song from the sensitive Texas-born, Brooklyn-based singer/songwriter, new single Little Things is a huge success.
Single: Velour on Tap – Sand In The Hardest Shell
Understated, considered and finely poised, this is a perfect blend of pop perfection and arty attention to detail and it has produced an uniquely unforgettable rock song.
Single: Lucille Two – What It Means To Me
With a smorgasbord of stylistic influences this Aussie duo have produced something delectable and delicious. Tense, anxious and determined, this is an emotional rollercoaster. Strap in.
Single: Mr Speed – Sweet Sweet Rot
On their debut single, this London-based quartet reinvent themselves to produce a musical combination that feels unique and striking. It’s a banger.
Single: Muo Duo – Somewhere & Nowhere
This New York-based brother-sister duo has crafted a unique, distinctive sound – the stylistic amalgamation on their laid-back new single will absolutely charm you.