Fresh From the Cave

WORDS: Glenn Tozer PHOTOGRAPHY Supplied

As the city turns toward Spring, a new wave of Gold Coast music is emerging across every genre — from indie-rock and heavy guitar anthems to soul, country, and the gloriously unserious world of ska-punk-metal

It’s as if the winter months are a cave of creativity because as we head toward Spring we getting the benefit of some great new Gold Coast music, across all genres. This edition’s update intends to keep you in the loop of all that’s fresh in our favourite creative city.

Kicking us off is Blind Corners, fresh off playing the first ever Gold Coast rendition of the Queensland Music Awards in April this year. GC picked up a collection of awards at the QMAs and Blind Corners featured in the entertainment suite, putting on a lovely show. Their new single Down River is an indie-rock cracker and precedes a debut EP expected out later this year, produced and engineered by local legend George Carpenter.

Blind Corners

Another newie to turn up loud and bang the head to is Bones by These Four Walls. Formerly a NZ crew, they relocated to the Goldie about a decade ago and have drip-fed five new singles over recent years since 2020, giving fans the impression a full-length album is just around the corner. Bones is a heavy, melodic, guitar-driven anthem.

A change of pace brings us to emerging alt-pop starling ALBII, whose new track Fumbled is about getting left behind at your lowest point by someone close to you, only for that same person to spin the block once you’ve levelled up. The punchy, attitude-heavy production blends playful sarcasm with a sharp edge; the perfect soundtrack for your morning workout.

ALBII

Alanah Stone has one of those voices you are drawn to, like a delicious liqueur before bed, and her new single Fluidity showcases that talent, under an infectious soul and R&B soundscape. The track explores the comfort, trust and security found in a healthy long-term relationship, which is quite the pivot from themes of lust and disappointment normally found in the genre. Definitely worth a spin on your latest playlist.

Alanah Stone

When you put an album together with award winning professionals like Blakey (mastering), French (mixing) and Collins (producer), and that’s what Amy John Roberts has done with new release Keeping Score, you know you’ve got the right ingredients for a yummy dinner. I loved her collab with City over Sand (Little Town) but this new folk/country collection of tracks; I particularly liked Sobriety and I Am; would fit into your spring Sunday afternoon just nicely.

Amy John Roberts

Sometimes the songs we find aren’t just about a catchy riff or alluring beat, but a lyrical topic that matters to us. Nikk Jacobs hit the nail on the head with that element in his new track We Are One, released on ANZAC Day this year. It’s an anthem of sorts, touching on material that challenges us to think about respect and belonging in our nation.

Jake Whittaker’s newbie, In My Blood, has spent a number of weeks in the ARIA Australian Country Music charts. His songs of “strumming three chords trying to impress a girl” no doubt resonate with the country lads, but I found myself tapping my toes and smiling at my own pursuit of the woman I love.

While we’re on the country train, Chloe Styler new single Orange Soda is a sweet little tune, which you’ll no doubt find yourself singing along to in no time. Chloe impressed crowds earlier this year at BigSound in Brisbane and she’s on the up and up in the country scene all across Australia.

These four walls

Heading from the country back into the beach and city, Parker’s new pop-rock release The End of Everything will catch your attention as he finds his feet working with Good Charlotte’s Madden brothers, maturing into his style and reflecting on the life a musician in his 20’s slowly gaining international notoriety.

From the sublime to the ridiculous, ska-punk-metal outfit S.F.D.U. (Super Fun Down Under) have followed up their self-titled debut album and 4^th tour of Japan in 3 years (almost 50 shows!) with Bugatti Biscotti, a new track celebrating fast cars and tasty biscuits (obviously). Guy and Jake gave the keytar and vocal chords a real workouot at Mo’s in June, but if you like to take your music seriously, but not yourself, this talented might just be apt for you.

Super Fun Down Under

That’ll do it folks. Big thanks to Mr Blakey and Mr Hanlon, and Ms Emery for their tips on this music update. Until next time, keep supporting Gold Coast music!