SEAN BLACKWELL - RETURN TO EARTH (SINGLE)

A fixture of Adelaide’s music scene as both a solo artist and with numerous bands over the decades, Sean Blackwell has returned with his first new single in close to two years with the fittingly-titled ‘Return To Earth’. Maintaining the folky roots which have permeated his solo work in recent years, the new cut is bolstered by a slick rock edge as he ruminates on love and the naivety of youth. With support slots for iconic names like 10cc and Russell Morris in the rearview of 2023, a song such as ‘Return To Earth’ is a fitting addition to the discography of an accomplished performer like Blackwell.

PINK DUKE - DANDELION CROWN (EP)

Since their formation only a few short years ago, psychedelic quartet Pink Duke have been making a name for themselves on the local stage for their dreamy sound and eclectic compositions. After a handful of singles, the group’s Dandelion Crown EP was released this week, with its title track being a perfect encapsulation of what they’re all about. Dripping with fuzzy guitars and blissful synth, it’s a mesmerising piece of work from the rising group. Pink Duke officially celebrate the launch of the EP with a performance at Queen's Theatre on December 1st. Tickets are available now.

ELLA & SIENNA - NEW YEARS KISS (SINGLE)

To say that sisterly duo Ella & Sienna have been busy over the last two years would be something of an understatement. Having received mainstream recognition following an appearance on The Voice, the duo have been hard at work releasing a number of original singles since. Now their latest, ‘New Year’s Kiss’, has been released just in time to soundtrack its namesake. Written and recorded with Phil Barton in Nashville, Tennessee, the track leans into pop-country territory thanks to its polished sheen and lyrics that flirt with heartbreak and euphoria. A sound that has massive crossover appeal, it wouldn’t be surprising if Ella & Sienna found themselves a staple of US radio in no time.

THE TULLAMARINES - HEAD ROLL BACK (SINGLE)

Purveyors of self-described “cosy-pop”, to listen to The Tullamarines is to enjoy the sound of four musicians raised on smart indie-rock sharing their own unique take on the genre. Unveiling their Ugly Cry EP last month, cuts like ‘Head Roll Back’ underline their impressive command of their craft, simultaneously feeling as though they’re built for both small, intimate stages and larger stadiums. Their penchant for unifying, singalong choruses is not only admirable and impressive, but welcomed with open arms in a time when we could all use a pick-me-up.

DIVEBAR YOUTH - CLUELESS (SINGLE)

The ever-prolific Divebar Youth is truly an unstoppable force on the local scene, with ‘Clueless’ arriving as the second single since his debut EP, Sonder, was released in September. You might wonder how he has the time or energy to keep dropping new gear, but we just need to trust the process, especially when it results in tracks like this. Pairing killer choruses with warm production and masterfully intricate instrumentation, ‘Clueless’ is a testament to his genre-shifting, category-defying style, with elements of pop, disco, and indie-rock all making itself present within this kaleidoscopic celebration of creativity.