“Volkshaus”, like the rest of the tracks on Longbows, was recorded in a dusty church in the Melbourne suburb of Parkdale. If you’re intrigued by that, make sure you look out for Longbows when it’s released in September.

The Spin Off Festival serves up a killer line-up of eclectic acts including Of Monsters and Men, Chet Faker, Passion Pit, and Dune Rats. Fans will enjoy their talents in the intimate surrounds of the Thebarton Theatre. Age is no barrier either. While it’s a licensed gig, music lovers of all ages are welcome.

Tickets are a whole lot cheaper than Splendour too at just $99. Get yours from Venuetix now.

Image source: Kennysun @ Wikipedia Commons

The track has a really epic feel that’s reminiscent of The Beatles meets Coldplay. It’s another really solid offering from this exciting new band.

“Falling For You Again,” the follow-up to “Going Away”, is also lifted from the South Australian act’s debut EP, which is available as a digital download.

Eleven Eleven is the kind of album you want to hear live, with ambitious hooks, irresistible melodies, and plenty of energy. It wears its heart on its sleeve, with frontman Jake Griggs delivering some of the most empassioned vocals of his career. Something with Numbers have always prided themselves on their live shows, and seven years after their inception they’re performing better than ever.

See for yourself at the following shows.

14 June 2013 – Mona Vale Hotel, Mona Vale
15 June 2013 – Oxford Arts Factory, Sydney
21 June 2013 – Residence @ Metropolis, Fremantle
22 June 2013 –Rosemount Hotel, Perth
28 June 2013 – Cambridge Hotel, Newcastle
29 June 2013 – Fitzroy Hotel, Fitzroy
5 July 2013 – Fowlers, Adelaide
6 July 2013 – Ding Dong Lounge, Melbourne
12 July 2013 – Waves, Wollongong
13 July 2013 – Entrance Leagues Club, Bateau Bay

Image used with permission from Reckoning Entertainment

And when they make music this good, why wouldn’t you? “Nothing Arrived {a day in the life of Terrence Bliss}” is just one of the stellar tracks from the follow-up to 2010′s Mercury Award nominated debut Becoming a Jackal. It builds on Villagers’ folk sound with frontman Conor O’Brien utilising the talents of other musicians. Without needing to take control of every instrument, Conor’s been able to focus on lyrics influenced by everyone from Kurt Vonnegut to Nick Drake to Curtis Mayfield.

Make sure you turn up early to catch the support slot from the very talented local “avant gardener” Courtney Barnett.

30 July 2013 – The Corner Hotel, Richmond
1 August 2013 – The Factory Theatre, Marrickville
2 August 2013 – Fly By Night, Fremantle

The follow-up to her critically acclaimed debut Design Desire, the follow-up sees Abbe moving from retro, reverb-drenched music to a more stripped back approach. The guitars are turned down and the vocals move to the fore. However happily the attitude that made us sit up and take notice remains.

“Pop is sexy when done well and it’s incredibly difficult to do it well if you try too hard,” says Abbe. “We wanted to get away from music that took itself too seriously. I’m so tired of this whole shoe gaze – it-cost-a-lot-of-money-to get-a-haircut-that-looks-like-I-haven’t-brushed-my-hair-in-months type shitt. “Artists” in denial that they are basically just entertainers. Being an entertainer is more meaningful if you ask me. It’s not such a selfish pursuit.”

Expect plenty of entertainment and sass when Abbe embarks on her Kiss My Apocalypse tour.

1 June 2013 – Prince of Wales, Bunbury
2 June 2013 – State of the Art @ Perth Concert Hall, Perth
13 June 2013 – Eatons Hill Hotel, Brisbane
14 June 2013 – Oxford Arts Factory, Sydney
15 June 2013 – The Gov, Adelaide
21 June 2013 – Ding Dong Lounge, Melbourne
22 June 2013 – Republic Bar, Hobart

Image used with permission from Stephen Green Consulting

There’s just something about George’s voice that’s so alluring. It reminds me a little of Katie Noonan in the upper register. It’s got a richness about it that is so different to the breathiness we hear in so many modern vocalists. George is currently based in London, where she’s recording new materials with buzz bands Bondax, Snakehips, and Shadow Child. Something tells me we can expect big things on the horizon from this soulful local-born songstress.

Image used with permission from Positive Feedback

That album won’t hit stores until July, but we get a taste of what’s in store with the silky smooth single “Heartbreaks + Setbacks”. Its easy groove and those sexy vocals have totally won me over.

If you love what you hear, make sure you catch this stellar artist on his all too brief Aussie tour this June.

7 June 2013 – The Forum, Melbourne
8 June 2013 – The Bakery, Perth
9 June 2013 – Oxford Art Factory, Sydney

Image used with permission from Niche Productions

This is music as it should be, with expert fingerpicking of an acoustic guitar and lyrics that set such a vivid scene. If this single’s any indication, Tom’s album A Spark in the Dark will be a real treat when it hits stores in August.

Fans can get a sneak peek of some of the songs when Tom tours the single around the country. That launch tour kicks off for his hometown fans in Adelaide this Sunday night.

19 May 2013 – Grace Emily Hotel, Adelaide
5 June 2013 – The Front Bar, Canberra
6 June 2013 – Dowse Bar, Brisbane
7 June 2013 – The Newsagency, Sydney
8 June 2013 – The Grace Darling Hotel, Melbourne
4 July 2013 – Ya Ya’s, Perth

Image source: Tom West website