Words by Kate Johnson

NOAH MARCELLO – ‘IN THE SHADE’

Noah Marcello’s work reflects his environment. His home is nestled in the Adelaide Hills – a comfortable, low-key place to make music – but when he left his cruisy life and moved to Berlin, his sound changed. Enter ‘In The Shade’. The song starts with calm psychedelia, which gradually unravels and becomes a chaotic blend of mismatched instruments. Noah self-produced the track in Berlin, featuring drums, bass and a kazoo. His subtle, soft, reverb vocals sing a stream of consciousness -- ‘White lies and white tears’, and ‘What type of gradients are in the shade?’ are two poetic examples. ‘In The Shade’ is about coming to terms with a new environment and letting go of a past life. And while this experimental track doesn’t dominate, its meaningful ruminations would suit a candle-lit dinner party or some solo time in the shade quite well.

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STATE LIBRARY – ‘WILDFIRE’

‘I’m such a shitty person and it feels so good to say,’ is the opening line of State Library’s latest track, ‘Wildfire’. We think it’s quite honourable that the five-piece are admitting their faults. Though, listen longer and you’ll sense the sarcasm – these indie-rockers are clapping back at a disgruntled ‘wokie’. Vocalist Nik Caruso delivers his lyrics in a spiteful, exhausted monotone, sounding like he’s heard it all before. ‘Set your trap / ‘Cause you’re a wildfire,’ he sings. It’s a hook that stands out and booms through your speakers. Jangly, upbeat drums and tight electric guitar play side-by-side, keeping an urgent pace. During the bridge, the completely speeds up and out comes the high notes! Ultimately, State Library had us fooled that ‘Wildfire’ is a repentance or confession – so they might trick the song’s recipient too.

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ELIZABETH PROPHET – ‘MIND SNARE IN THE SIMULACRUM’

‘Mind Snare In The Simulacrum’ is what happens when metal, rock and indie gather in outer space. This purely instrumental track takes its time, letting each instrument shine. It’s got that King Gizz guitar riff, a heavy bassline and marching-band drums. The song has intergalactic energy. That’s because the synths sound like falling stars and the distorted strums feel like an explosion. ‘Mind Snare In The Simulacrum’ is the first of four tracks on Elizabeth Prophet’s debut EP Resist Your Soul’s Urge For Freedom. You can buy their record on recycled vinyl at Wolfie’s, Clarity Records, Streetlight, Len-ny’s Records and Bandcamp.

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MAISIE – ‘SUGAR FOR DINNER’

Sugar for dinner is not a nutritional option, though you can work it off by passionately swaying those hips. Maisie are not shy to describe their lover: ‘You give me sugar for dinner and it’s alright’. It’s sensual and smooth, with Emmett’s slick vocals reminding us of Hockey Dad or The Vanns. ‘Sugar For Dinner’ is bluesy rock ‘n’ roll, brought together with a strong bassline, electric guitar and drums. The track has an epic high energy, transcending well into a live space – they’re so in demand a second Melbourne show was added to their single launch! ‘Sugar For Dinner’ is Maisie’s first single for 2024. Expect more fresh tunes soon.

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THE HAZYS – ‘TRAMPOLINE’

Trampoline songs could fall under two categories: bouncy or daydreamy cloudwatching. Both vibes are covered in The Hazys' new track ‘Trampoline’. What begins as a soft, dreamy, peaceful track with minimalist finger-picking and heightened keyboard slowly evolves. At one minute-thirty, we hear Asher’s raspy, cool, smooth vocals, backed by Olivia’s harmonies. Soon enough, the tempo rises while the instruments boom, blending influences of rock, country and indie. Lyrically, it’s a vulnerable introspection of your place in a relationship, asking, ‘Should I be the same as any other guy?’. Laced with groans, cries and the mantra of ‘I tried / I tried / I tried’, it’s defeated but in a life-affirming way. ‘Trampoline’ is The Hazys' second single, ever! Give it some love.

Listen here.