Words by Kate Johnson

CHOOSING SIDES - 'PENELOPE’

This is Choosing Sides’ first release since their 2021 EP All I Need. ‘Penelope’ is high-energy, catchy and, quite frankly, life feels boring without it. The hook goes ‘You are so sweet, Penelope/Then you let me down, let me down again’. Four-syllable words (such as Penelope) work wonders and the emo echoes, hyper-guitars and drums make for a summery, flourishing, addictive pop song. Choosing Sides are back on the scene, which begs the question, what side do you choose? This side of the barrier, of course – because new music means new gigs.

Listen here.

WEEKEND RAGE – ‘BITTERSWEET’

‘Sigh/Whine/You drop your face tonight…’ ‘Bittersweet’ is a tune poking fun at the complainers, serving as a cautionary to take your happiness into your own hands. Weekend Rage have packaged this prevalent, topical angle into a witty, catchy and fun pop-punk anthem. The four-piece from the Western Suburbs are representing the dad-bods, the dad-age and bring an exciting edge to our scene by exploring underrepresented topics. During the bridge, take a chance to reflect on our bittersweet attitudes; the lowered volume also stands as a cue to get down in the mosh. Catch Weekend Rage supporting Sick Day at The Gov this Saturday.

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CHINA ROSES, KIRBY – ‘PUMP UP THE VIBES’

Party track 101! Jessica of China Roses layers smooth bubblegum pop vocals over the bassy, electronic production of Pietro. They’re a duo who’ve been making music since 2017 and ‘Pump Up The Vibes’ does just that – it’s perfect for pres and the club. The catchy, playful mantra goes ‘We don’t have long/Put your bucket hat on/Quick lets run/It’s your favourite song’. The vocals are joined by a deep, enticing echo to create that dubby, clubby, doomy effect. This tune will fit right in at Sugar Nightclub – especially when hip-hop up-and-comer Kirby spits a slick Aussie verse to round off this playful, banging track.

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ELECTRIC SLUMBER – ‘SHAME’

To begin, ‘Shame’ plays only through the right headphone, sending you to high discomfort levels. Then, after exploring the possibilities of stereo sound, Electric Slumber pull us into their gritty slumber party. They call it stoner rock, a vibe similar, you’d think, to Memphis Slim’s on a weeknight. They affect deep, classic guitar riffs, matched with experimental vocals and seem to have a lot of fun playing with auto tune. Electric Slumber have released a new EP this year with six experimental songs; by song six it sounds like they found their groove. Meanwhile, here’s some stoner-rock to thrash out to today.

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THE TRAFALGARS – ‘SHE’S MY GIRL’

An EP in 2004, an EP in 2005 and an album in 2024... what is this?! The Trafalgars are surely trailblazers, having transitioned from a CD-exclusive realm into the digital age. I guess you could say its ‘About Time’, which is the name of this year’s record. In 2005, The Trafalgars joined The Dandy Warhols, Wolfmother and Hoodoo Gurus on the Falls Festival lineup; now the Barossa Valley three-piece have a record, merchandise and a live show at The Grace Emily on the April 6.

Listen here.