Community radio music directors often have an encyclopedic knowledge of local music and an insatiable thirst to keep their ears ahead of the curve. So in this Tone Deaf series, the Australian Music Radio Airplay Project (Amrap) invites music directors to highlight new Aussie tunes that you might have missed.
In this special International Women’s Day edition, Zara Kravchenko from SYN in Melbourne contributes with a selection of tracks currently making their way to community radio through Amrap’s music distribution service ‘AirIt’. Zara’s special International Women’s Day edition features a mix of talented female front women, bands and solo acts.
Check them out below and if you’re a musician you can apply here to have your music distributed for free to community radio on Amrap’s AirIt.
Wet Lips – ‘Can’t Take It Anymore’
Grace K’s primitive vocals and gritty chords make comparisons to Bikini Kill and other riot grrrls inevitable. Wet Lips start with an infectious intro but it’s the lyrics that really make this song a stand out. ‘Can’t Take It Anymore’ is calling out the injustices the women have to endure as a female lineup. Their frustrations are validated when all it takes for a hetero male band to make it in the punk scene is to drink some “Melbourne Bitter” and wear a “band tee”.
Wet Lips aren’t just delivering punchy lyrics; they’re also writing great punk songs. A dense texture is created through dirty rhythm guitar, anarchic drumming and a defiant two-note guitar solo. Here the women go far beyond their fight to ‘legitimize’ females in rock.
Palais ft. Your Girl Pho – ‘Instant Crush’
Instant Crush shows off glistening synths and some smooth vocals from Your Girl Pho, who sings a picture of innocence and untainted pureness. The infectious chorus pokes us with enchanting synths inducing what can only be likened to an overpowering sugar high. Palais expertly procures a solid array of instrumentation which mimics the sweet naivety of the early days of a relationship.
https://soundcloud.com/palaismusic/instant-crush-feat-your-girl-pho
Sugar Fed Leopards – ‘Shut Up’
Sugar Fed Leopards is a prowling six piece whose gratifying grooves compel me to grab a pair of flares. Sugar Breath’s alluring lead, combine with the backing vocals radiate 70s disco funk vibes, while a sexy sax solo cements the groove. The enthused energy of the Leopards will definitely leave you purring for more.
Saatsuma – ‘Isolate’
‘Isolate’ features a contrasting mix of dreamy, dazed instrumentation paired with the acknowledgement of one’s self-destructive actions. Here, a story of isolation is felt through juxtaposition of soft, sweet vocals and poignant, firm beats. The contrast in texture exacerbates the feeling of isolation and the disparity between witnessing and living life.
The track’s quirky samples and shimmering synths are only a sneak peek of what’s in store when Saatsuma release their debut album later this month.
Amyl and the Sniffers – ‘I’m Not A Loser’
Frontwoman, Amy Taylor’s nasal vocals are something of an unconventional beauty. Her antagonistic persona and barebone snarls prove that frontwomen of punk are a force to be reckoned with. The call and response vocals provide an element of storytelling- akin to Eddy Current Suppression Ring.
This soul-baring punk is enforced by heavy yet precise instrumentation. The Sniffers’ talents have already been recognised, having played with international acts such as Cherie Currie from The Runaways. Reminiscent of proto-punk, the tongue and cheek lyrics re-affirm that punk is as much of an attitude as it is a genre.
Huntly – ‘Templehof’
‘Templehof’ effectively captures both the vulnerable and euphoric sides of a relationship. The track kicks off with a smooth, dreamy RnB jam. Then, Huntly execute a very satisfying tempo change; propelling the track in a new direction with a drum and bass break. Huntly is a refreshing addition to the local electronic scene. The band differentiates themselves through sincere production skills and raw vocals instilling feelings of human fragility in their work.
Boat Show – ‘Cis White Boy’
Boat Show is a band on the rise. Having played sold out shows in WA it’s time for the rest of the country to take notice. ‘Cis White Boy’ is the latest single off their upcoming debut LP. Its whammy of fuzzy guitar and drums create a sludgy grunge texture. Boat Show touch on themes of male privilege but do it with wry humour.
Beloved Elk – ‘Distractions’
A touching sorrow can be felt through Wright’s strained earnest vocals. The tense tone is heightened with samples that act to replicate the overwhelming pressures from society. Layers of reverb drenched guitar lines evoke emotional tones that contribute to Distractions raw, authentic sound. The stable drumming moves the track forward akin to one’s inner voice urging perseverance.
