Welcome to the new music review where we connect you with some of the best new music spinning on Breakfast, The Daily and Drive programs.

ALBUMS:

Curtis Harding – If Words Were Flowers (FEATURE ALBUM)
e4444e – Autumnal Eve
Low Life – From Squats to Lots: The Agony and XTC of Low Life
Mo’Ju – Ok
Ovlov – Buds
Riflebirds – Keep it together
Traffik Island – A shrug of the Shoulders

SINGLES:

Alex Cameron – Sara Jo
Bitumen – Paint and Draw
Chitra – Give up
DC Gore – California
Lance Ferguson – Far Beyond
The Lazy Eyes – Fuzz Jam
Loose Fit – Exhale
Spring Hill Walkers Club – Anxiety
Yibby – Amount (Feat Chanel Loren)

Urban decay and day to day survival on the fringes is a recurring theme in this rich and textured 3rd album from Sydney punk expressionists Low Life. Swirling walls of rapid guitars and drums and experimental production carry this angst-driven sound to often cathartic heights. Drawing reference in spirit from the 80s  ethos and adventures of Iggy and the Stooges, Low Life are keenly self-aware of a philosophical standpoint to their music. Let it wash over you slowly. Out now via Goner Records.

MO JU’

Run by the City of Melbourne,  Heavy Machinery Records has been rapidly turning out a wide array of quality recordings this year from artists such as Bitumen, Nina Buchanan and Kalaji (and initiative that would be more than welcome if Sydney chose to replicate).

One of the most acclaimed of the many artists involved is singer/songwriter Mo’Ju. Described as a mini album, O.K is a collision of styles. Filled with introspective and sweet vocals and hazy guitar arrangements, interspersed by rugged drum programming. Fans of her 2018 full-length ‘Native Tongue’ will find much in this vital and soulful new offering.

Free flowing and exploratory arrangements characterise this charming local indie rock album from Newcastle-based solo artist Romy Church.

Unfolding like a landscape portrait, the paced lower tempo and grounded folk-like pauses frequently swirl into heady melodies and songs. Playful sonic and effect tweaks tease in and out of the ether as gentle reminders of not to take it all so seriously. e4444e (pronounced ‘E4’) has put together something here that feels simultaneously secluded and outdoors, considered but open. Standout tracks such as Wear No Flag and Lightning Bolt drive things along, but the whole record has a completeness and infectiousness that should be heard. It’s an A Grade holiday album and Out Now.