Words by Kate Johnson

MAYBE HUGO – ‘LIKE B4’

‘Like B4’ is not ‘Like A G6’, nor is it the fourth member of Bananas in Pyjamas — it’s the debut single from Maybe Hugo. ‘Like B4’ blends elements of low-fi indie and jazz. However, what gives it sparkle are Hugo’s tight, falsetto vocals and layered harmonies. We love the trumpet solo on this one — it will shift you into a dream state. The drums are consistent and calming, which work alongside a synthy modernised keyboard. Maybe Hugo says he ‘faces the music’ and ‘keeps it moving’ — which is how we like to enjoy this cruisy track. We’re keen to hear more tunes from Maybe Hugo.

Listen here.

WALL POPPY – ‘DON’T WAIT’

Grimey, wompy and electronic is the vibe that courses through Wall Poppy’s sound, cut with a huge dose of classic UK rap. The high BPM of ‘Don’t Wait’ will get you moving, and it sounds like it should blare through the Funktion One speakers of local nightclub Sugar. The track is almost six minutes of high energy, which eventually sends you into a trance. Wall Poppy provides industrial, trap-like loops and repetitive mantras. One cheeky line goes, ‘I don’t wait for the drop / I just flow from the pot’. He also caters to an adult audience — listen and you’ll soon find out what rhymes with Effy.

Listen here.

STURT AVENUE, BROMHAM – ‘HOW MUCH IT COSTS’

Sturt Avenue and Bromham play to their strengths on ‘How Much It Costs’, which for them is writing a good-old campfire song. This winter warmer is cosy, cute, and calm, thanks to the smooth melodies played by both outfits. It’s a simple song with only three instruments – it’s almost purely acoustic. The piano and guitar join in synchronicity during the chorus, while organic, raw vocals are layered with angelic melodies. Add this to your indie/folk playlist and check out the single cover! It shows the bands playing by a tranquil lake — which is so on brand.

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JESSEMELANCHOLY -‘IF U ASKED ME TO’

If you’re a fan of Lil Peep or MGK, then JesseMelancholy has got that sad-boy vibe. ‘if u asked me to’ is about putting someone on a pedestal and admitting how far you’d go for a crush. He repeats: ‘If you asked me to kill myself then I probably would’. Not quite a helpful teaching for the impressionable youth... this reminds us not to interpret a musician’s words as scripture. Beat wise, it’s got the energy, charisma and modern attributes that get us listening. Jesse’s vocals are autotuned, layered adlib that showcases his stunning vocal range. Lyrically, it truly captures the essence of an Adelaide ‘scene kid’: ‘Playing with my rings keep me occupied,’ he sings, ‘Stumbled on the bus when I got so high’.

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JESS DAY – ‘LILITH’

‘Heaven sent you to kill me / A thousand years I’ve spent alone,’ sings Jess Day. ‘Lilith’ is a snapshot of how musicians can drive themselves to insanity through gruelling isolation. Songwriting involves digging deep into your thoughts and such overthinking can get dark if you let it. This lyric says it all: ‘I hold my demons like they’re my babies’. It’s a 20-something’s mindset stuck in stone, though listeners will dance regardless of the lyrical content. Jess Day’s songs always have the catchiest rock riffs, feel-good instrumentals and controlled, ranged vocals. And as a self-produced artist, she’s got the pop song formula down pact. We’re listening Jess -- you have talent.

Listen here.