Words by Kate Johnson

DEM MOB – DIP

The outfit from the APY Lands have something to say! DEM MOB are back with their third single, ‘DIP’. What begins as soft, calm strings builds to an explosion of passionate, grimy and tight hip-hop, rapped with speed, precision and annunciation. The name title itself, DIP, says it all – that they’re done playing by whitefella rules so they ‘just dip’. It’s an uplifting song for change, with a music video featuring the whole fam. The guys are the first to rap in their language, Pitjantjatjara and their love for hip-hop began in high school. Now, they help kids find their voice and learn literacy through music. We get a chance to see them next month supporting Seth Sentury at both Jive and Lion Arts Factory.

Listen here.

MAGAJIE - ALRIGHT

‘Alright’ sounds like an instant groover with smooth, jazzy production that just hits. The tune is a blend of hip-hop and jazz, laced with lyrical storytelling. Unfortunately, the relaxing low-fi underlay is spoiled by edgy, teeth-clenching and mostly unbearable auto tune. It’s a lot – even with good speakers. The song has lyrical strengths, magic production and a good voice under all the sfx, in fact Magaije’s other stuff is actually fire: his voice is husky, deep and powerful, while his West African influence is blended with electronica in production. So don’t write off Magajie, nor judge an EP by its fifth song. I’d buy his record, then leave the room when this track comes on.

Listen here.

KEITH KUGO, STEFAN ROSSI – ‘LUCID’

If 2024 is Year of the Dragon, then this week must be the Week of Auto Tune. But Keith Kugo and Stefan Rossi pull it off with such swagger! ‘Lucid’ brings that LA-club vibe with their hip, grind-able and sensual track which basically tells of two men serenading a woman. It’s as captivating as it is raunchy. They got bars, too – you’ve gotta love how they rhyme ‘savage’ with ‘planet’. During the bridge, the pace picks up with scattered production, giving breathing room, and yes, more auto tune. But it’s a prime example of how to use this tool to lend diversity to your song. Add this to your club-pres playlist now.

Listen here.

VIOLET HARLOT – DOGGIN’ THE BOYS

This song can single-handedly prepare you for how to behave with the boys. It sounds quiet through your speakers – like any homemade-average-local-indie-band’s-song should -- but it’s epic. Violet Harlot passes the vibe check, with an explosive, fist-pumping, happy tune offering an insight into a boy’s ‘sesh’. But it also serves as a pre-cursor on how to be a good mate; the single was a surprise, stand-alone drop, which leads us to think it’s an urgent shoutout to a fallen mate. ‘Doggin The Boys’ sends a simple message, and it’s totally cheeky; throw in solid shredding, passionate scenes, and high energy, and Violet Harlot become a local must-see.

Listen here.

PEST CONTROL – MISOGYNISTIC PRICK

If you like Amyl and The Sniffers, then you might enjoy the epic scream of Pest Control. ‘Misogynistic Prick’ is a product of angsty anti-patriarchy rage, venting frustrations through punk rock. The lyrics sound like they’re ripped straight from a diary, painting a picture of a man and woman who don’t see eye to eye. You get an inside scoop on their dynamic so accurately articulated that you can envision their faces! ‘Don’t want to be a victim of this violence’ is the mantra sung throughout, until the bloody thing gets stuck in your head. Pest Control are a five-piece girl group who’ve got down the bones of a classic punk tracks: drums, bass, guitar and roars. Their screamy harmonies will surely warn you that these chicks don’t want to be told what to do.

Listen here.