Introducing Polographia a collective of two Sydney lads whom started off as DJ’s, spinning tunes just for fun.

After getting a bit more serious about music and branching off into production they have definitely found their niche in the chill-wave department. They master perfectly the glitchy-groove beats accompanied with nostalgic styled synths and ambient samples that make their music so enjoyable. Creating tunes to rival such genre heavyweights as Toro y Moi and Washed Out, Polographia have managed to craft themselves an acclaimed debut EP that has slyly snuck its way into my lazy Sunday afternoons.

Head on over to their Bandcamp page where you can download the Sunsets Ep for free.

Bliss out.

Polographia Bandcamp

Triply J’s Tom and Alex had the duty of releasing ‘Groovin’ The Moo’ 2012 lineup this morning. What better platform to announce the regional music festival’s strongest bill, made up of ten amazing international acts alongside Australia’s most established and talented homegrown artists.

Groovin the Moo acts 2012:

360

Adrian Lux (SWE)

Andrew W.K One-Man-Party Tour (USA)

Beni

Big Scary

Bluejuice

Chiddy Bang (UK)

City and Colour (CAN)

Digitalism (GER)

The Getaway Plan;

Gold Fields

Hermitude

Hilltop Hoods

Kaiser Chiefs (UK)

Kimbra

The Maccabees (UK)

Matt Corby

Muscles

Mutemath (USA)

Naysayer & Gilsun

Parkway Drive

Public Enemy (USA)

Purple Sneakers DJs

San Cisco

Wavves (USA)

Having made the pilgrimage last year and enjoying every second of it, Groovin’ The Moo 2012 is a sure thing for me.. and most likely you.

Tickets go on sale next week.

Groovin The Moo Website

No…Not the country; a lot more chilled than the country.

Like many of the artists we feature, Alex Ritchie AKA Argentina is a modest bedroom producer with bounties of ability and creativeness. Although he shares naming rights with the second largest country in South America, Alex is ok with being hard to find; “Scarcity is rare these days, so there’s something comforting to me about not leaving my footprints everywhere…”

‘Bad Kids’ exposes you to an infectious echo-y key hook early, leaving you completely vulnerable for the driving synth and nostalgic story to follow.  The beautiful nature of the melody perceived differently with each listen, showcasing the amazing assembly of sound by Alex.

Argentina has six tracks in the back catalogue however the debut release will be in the form of an EP (Hopefully to be released in June!) and will be predominately recorded in a fully-equipped studio. I know what you’re thinking; ‘He’s this good at home, imagine in a studio!’ and I agree – The potential is limitless.

If you’re in Sydney on the 24^th catch him live at MUM @ World Bar. I’m going to make sure you don’t forget about this humble cat from Brisbane, so stay tuned.

Argentina Facebook

Argentina Unearthed

I have the upmost respect for solo artists, especially those as modest as Michael Oechsle.

After parting way’s with his previous band Fastest Gun In The West, Michael has thankfully (for us!) pursued his passion for music as Halcyon Drive. Although i’m still determining exactly how to pronounce the new name (Hal-Sye-On?) i’m completely and utterly enthralled within the story he writes, and the sound that proceeds it.

‘Attics’ (the song) is an upbeat exploration of the mind and my favorite from the seven track debut piece. The authenticity and delivery of Michael’s lyrics alongside the composition of acoustic guitar coexist perfectly with the computer generated drums.

Fortunately for you, in the time it’s taken me to produce this piece Michael has released another single titled ‘Two’.

Having recorded every single track individually in his modest home studio, we need to support and follow Halcyon Drive in the hope that this amazing talent is recognised and showcased.

Hurrah!

Halcyon Drive Bandcamp

Halcyon Drive Soundcloud

Introducing two-piece band Viorre. They somewhat sit halfway between alternative and electronica with prominent influences from both genres perfectly crafted to create some really wholesome music. The synth delays and pads give the song a whole ambient feeling, only to be bought back down to earth with the pounding of the drums, these two opposite ends of the spectrum held together by perfect vocal melodies both inspiring and moving.

These guys are definitely going to be on my radar because if Weekends is anything to go by, then their upcoming EP Younglife is set to be an amazing record! Send them some cyber loving via their Facebook, or head over to their Triple J Unearthed page where you can get a free download of Weekends.

Viorre JJJ Unearthed Page

Viorre Facebook

Remember way back in September of last year when we featured Oliver Tank?

Well I’ve got some good news for those in the locality of Melbourne. His EP Launch parties kick off at The Workers Club this Friday the 20th of January with support from Kikuyu and Wintercoats. For a measly $8 you can experience an hour of blissful brilliance. Head over to moshtix to secure you’re zen space.

Until then, awe out to this fifteen minute mix, Past Present Future.

Past Present Future by Oliver Tank

Oliver Tank Facebook

Press play… Wait 10 seconds… Congratulations; Them Swoops are now stuck in your head for days. This is the first thought I had when first listening to the Melbournian two-piece. Their music is the kind that makes you want to get up in the morning, because you can’t listen to it if you are asleep. They are happy and fun, the perfect combination for some toe-tapping, feel-good music.

Too Fast For Love by them swoops

After even just a single listen the hooks and chords are so catchy that they will stay in your head for days, which is perfect because I can’t see myself getting sick of this song, ever. Have a listen, and I’m sure you will have their catchy lyrics in your head all week long!

Them Swoops Soundcloud

Them Swoops Facebook

I almost wet myself with excitement when I first listened to Sydney band OXBLVD. The reason for this is that I have a secret passion for the blues, and it brings me so much joy to hear that people are still passionate enough to start their own blues band. Sure there are the folk and country influences in there, but nothing beats that downtempo groove and crunchy guitars. Even though they only formed only last year, they have managed to gain their own following which lead them to support the likes of The Brothers Grim and Graveyard Train.

Tease Me by OXBLVD

I already knew I liked ‘Tease Me’ in the first 4 seconds with the syncopated vocal and guitar hook and it only took me until the end of the song to completely love it. It has that crunchy groove and guitar tones that complement the slightly soulful vocals depicting scenes of beautiful girls. No great rock song is ever complete without a guitar solo, and the slight wah added on the guitar fits perfectly into the dimensions of this track and I hope to god they get a gig in Melbourne sometime soon.

OXBLVD Soundcloud

OXBLVD Facebook

Phenakism, or otherwise known as Jarrad Lowe is from the rural town of Bendigo in Victoria. He is a progressive electronic producer with some very good skills. After listening to one track of his, I had to listen to more to find out more about his music and I was surprised at the variation of styles. One of his tracks Polyphobia gives a real ambient chilled groove type of vibe, where as another one of his songs Hierophobia will simply blow your face off with some almost grunge/metal inspired electro synth bass. With a bit of fine-tuning I have no doubt that you will find this guy travelling somewhere far in the underground electronic scene.

 
 Hierophobia [New] by Jarradlowe 
 
Polyphobia by Jarradlowe

Less than a year ago three brothers; Zaac, Elliot, Sam and a child hood friend Scott formed a band and started laying down some tracks in their family home. They called themselves The Rubens. Typically a band may take years before their influences are set aside as mere building blocks to their own sound and create something completely new and exciting.  Hard work paired with a makeshift recording studio in a family bedroom, The Rubens have managed to achieve this in such a short period. January sees them head over to New York to record their debut album.

I had the privilege of getting in contact with the band earlier this month.  There has been a variety of rumours as to who would be producing their debut album, yet I can confirm David Khane will be at the head. Khane has worked with some huge names including Paul McCartney and The Strokes, The Rubens are no doubt in good hands.  A truly inspiring achievement as six months ago they were nothing more than a few lads jamming in their small country town of Menangle, with limited community support and resources.
Yet as they said, “It really comes down to being good, having a ‘sound’ and getting your lucky break.” The Rubens certainly fill that criteria.

They have laid down three tracks in total, my personal favourite being, ‘My Gun.’ It’s a simple and elegant tune with each instrument complementing the next perfectly. The vocals shine, with no need for face melting guitar riffs.
All three songs are fantastic and the public agrees. With ‘Lay It Down’ getting some impressive airtime on Triple J.

Download (Right Click- Save As): The Rubens – My Gun

They’re making their interstate debut next week at Can’t Say @ Miss Libertines in Melbourne so be sure to head down. As these guys will disappear from the Australian live music scene as soon they head to New York to record.

The three brothers all have fond childhood memories of listening to Van Morrison at the family holiday house. It’s safe to say they have hit, ‘The Bright Side of the Road,’ as their future is nothing but.

Peace ☮- From Liam.

The Rubens Facebook