Words by Kate Johnson

PURÉE – I GUESS YOU WERE RIGHT

You could fall asleep to this song – and I mean this in the best way. It’s comforting like a plush toy, hits hard like 2024’s first downpour, and feels familiar like your favourite winter jacket. Purée have been playing this energetic, indie-pop song live, but now, it’s officially out in the world crisp, pro and studio certified. This autumn warmer from the Adelaide Hills four-piece features jangly production, tender lyrics, and gravelly vocals from Matthew Holland that sound a little like The Kid Laroi. ‘I Guess You Were Right’ explores “being on the receiving end of someone who had outgrown a relationship,” and the outfit lean into this pain. On May 18, catch the 864 bus and hop off at The Old Mill – the Hills’ closest bet to a nightclub (and where you can see this dope band live!).

Listen here.

RICKY ALBECK – ‘IT GOEs’

With country vibes, a long intro, and deep vocals, Ricky Albeck’s ‘it goes…’ is a mixture of Americana and outback Aussie. The 5-minute shy song slowly unfolds a story of a man who buys smokes, cigarettes and has “gotta get paid”. It’s a familiar tale of an Australian man living a typical life with Vegemite, butter and friends. All types of guitars show up in the track: finger-plucking, acoustic, electric, bass… yes, there’s a long going on! But even Ricky himself acknowledges these complexities. “It’s hard to play live because there’s heaps of overdubs. I need a really big band. I’ll figure it out,” he says. The countdown for his debut album is on! One month until Nocturnal is released (out May 3).

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NORMAL BEHAVIOUR – ‘HOLD ME’

‘HOLD ME’ is a tune that fills your cup thanks to its sparkling, uplifting and energetic aura. Gig predictions see swaying bodies, raised hands and roars of the manta, “I turn to the people I believe in”. Whether you’re imagining a lover, family, friends or God, the line “hold me to the word” is something everyone can sing in harmony. That’s not just exclusive to Adelaide… L.A. radio station KCRWMusic gave the song a spin, too! If you want to see this one live, they’re playing at Crown and Anchor on April 17.

Listen here.

BOONE, STELLIE – ‘MAYBE I’M TOO LATE’

This one goes off! Boone has provided a packed, flavoursome dance track with epic drops, toe-tapping tempo and loops of vocals. These vocals belong to Stellie, who brings an epic presence on the very first beat. ‘Maybe I’m Too Late’ is sung in lush, babyish vocals – you know, how club bangers go. There’s a captivating fierceness to the track and Stellie has crafted lyrics to tell a tale of urgency: ‘Tell me what's on your mind / I’m falling in love’. The singer/songwriter has been releasing quality music since 2019, so there's no doubt she shines on this track. ‘Maybe I’m Too Late’ is so much fun and needs to be added to your party playlist.

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ST JACQUES – ‘SINGING’S FREE’

'Singing’s Free'! Yes, it is – thank you for the reminder, St Jacques. And what a wonderful tune to sing. It's giving Ball Park Music vibes but delivered through a distinctive genre we're dubbing ‘St Jacques’. We can’t get enough of this feel-good song! The track is lined with an awesome strings section, transitioning synths and a keyboard. It's frankly a cute single -- a description that feels fitting for these soft indie-rock sweeties. The six-piece will sprinkle their magic at The Queens Theatre tonight (April 5). Head along and support your local artists. And once you’re there, the singing’s free!

Listen here.