Words by Kate Johnson

AARON THOMAS – ‘MOUTH OF THE CITY’

Before moving to Adelaide in 2016, Tasmanian-born Aaron Thomas was making music in Spain. It’s been 10 years since his last full-length record, and ‘Mouth of The City’ is the first taste of his new album. It’s out today - a big milestone for the otherwise hush musician, with more to come in this half of the year. Blending indie folk rock, this worldly track explores feeling trapped in a boring, uninspiring and spiritless life. It’s haunting stuff. Vocally, think Ball Park Music jamming at Ancient World in their formative years. Even though ‘Mouth of The City’ is just a voice, drum beat and guitar, Aaron Thomas has returned to the scene with a bang. Welcome back.

Listen here.

MY CHÉRIE – ‘DON’T COMPARE YOURSELF’

‘The grass doesn’t worry about being green/It's just green…’ Adelaide’s My Chérie highlights the uniqueness of everything in our universe, including ourselves. People aren’t genres, so don’t compare yourself with anything else, OK? This track is a journey, with production mirroring our human experience: ever changing, evolving and complex. Full of surprises, it begins as a pop-influenced piano ballad, eventually joined by synths and layers of sfx. A drum and bass beat hits hard halfway through the track which brings bouncy energy. You can hear influences of psytrance and rock and roll riffs -- all complementing My Chérie’s lush, angelic and strong vocals. ‘Don’t Compare Yourself’ is an uplifting track to soundtrack your unique, special and valuable self.

Listen here.

EVERGREEN – ‘HARD RUBBISH’

Pub rock -- meet country. Country -- meet pub rock. ‘Evergreen’ by Hard Rubbish has the type of vocals to get the crowd swaying at any indie festival, but what makes this track stand out is the twangy, wholesome, country instrumentals. There's something beautiful about a thick Aussie accent met with a string section, and Hard Rubbish has made this unique blend ‘another man's treasure’. The outfit shares members with Adelaide bands Horror My Friend, Color Blind and Dead Roo, and they’ve taken a new direction from their 2022 indie-pop/rock single. For those hard-rubbish-divers, it's known that patience is a virtue -- and with this fresh single, Hard Rubbish have found their schtick. We’re hoping it sticks.

Listen here.

THE MUNCH – ‘CATERPILLAR’

The Munch have released their debut album, No Supine, and track three is an ideal post-Valentine Day hate song. It's called ‘Caterpillar’ -- an indie-garage-grunge track that’s boppy and progressively becomes louder, fiercer and more complex. There’s a lot going on, but the four boys keep it tidy, complementing each other instrumentally. It sounds like the vocalist has crashed out on the couch, indulging in a DILLIGAF attitude: like a true broken-hearted rock-star. ‘Caterpillar’ is crawling into our local mosh scene with a live performance next month at Crown and Anchor. The Munch wants you to stream their 8-track debut album now!

Listen here.

SOFIA MENGUITA – ‘EVERYONE I’VE EVER LOVED’

This heartbreak song will stop you in your tracks. Sofia Manguita showcases strong, powerful and sometimes humorous songwriting in her track ‘Everyone I’ve Ever Loved’. It comes with a dusty folk/pop sound and provokes a kaleidoscope of memories of you and your past lovers.. Menguita’s words show up as picture frames – vocals disguised as teardrops – and her experiences are joined with a melody to help us reflect. ‘Everyone I’ve Ever Loved’ showcases Sofia's talent -- she’s one to watch out for.

Listen here.