Child of Yesterday - smartcasual
From the moment the infectious guitar riff kicks in, Smart Casual's latest track, "Child of Yesterday," grabs your attention and doesn’t let go. With Toby Morwitch’s vocals leading the charge, the song offers a melody steeped in nostalgia—an element that is becoming a hallmark of Smart Casuals sound. The track captures the disorientation of a rapidly shifting world and the yearning for connection. This emotional landscape is vividly painted not only through the poignant lyrics but also by the blend of jangling indie rock guitars, rich vocal harmonies, and shimmering production. Together, these elements provide a wistful backdrop to the youthful, more innocent time this song is calling us to.
For fans of: The VANNS, DICE, The Grogans
Station Rat - Playlunch
A song made to be heard live; Playlunch’s ‘Station Rat’ is playful, energetic and gritty. The groovy bass line underpinning driving and occasionally layered ‘call-back’ vocals, combined with funky guitar, samples from Victorian trains (I’m not joking!) and infectious drum grooves deliver an unforgettable sonic experience. The accompanying music video, shot in a witty, satirical handy-cam style, makes this track a must-share with friends. After seeing Playlunch live at Bigsound 2024, I found myself digesting the entire discography of what they label ‘bogan funk’. Let me just say, if you’ve ever been afraid of 12 year old eshays at the train station, then this song is for you.
For fans of: Flight of the Concords, Kurilpa Reach, Almost Monday
Old or Young - Bean Magazine
Bean Magazine’s latest single off their forthcoming EP, ‘Old or Young’ will have you singing along from the beginning with its catchy phrase ‘Am I old or young or sprung?’. With its captivating guitar and the distinctive vocal style of lead guitarist and singer Henry Creamer, the track beautifully sets the stage for a coming-of-age journey through the trials of early adulthood, ultimately landing on a note of hope. The song strikes a perfect balance between thoughtfulness and catchiness, building to an energetic crescendo in the bridge that is characteristic of Bean Magazine’s sound. Recorded at Prawn Studios by Sam Cromack, the influence of Ball Park Music is unmistakable and makes this track both familiar and something completely new. I don’t know if I’m old or young, but my ears are definitely sprung into loving this song.
For fans of: Ball Park Music, Royal Otis, The Velvet Club
Bleach - JUNO
A song to blast during your healing era. ‘Bleach’ by Juno brings together everything we love about bedroom pop. From the moment those glittering guitars and synths combine with Sam Woods’ driving bass line and Kahlia Ferguson’s electric vocal, you know this is going to be an earworm. Crafted initially on acoustic instruments before being refined in the studio, the Brisbane-based duo took a fresh approach to their regular format for songwriting on this track and you can definitely feel the completeness of this song as a whole entity of pop power. Having witnessed this track live at Bigsound, I can tell you first-hand the chorus is anthemic and meant to be shouted in a stadium. So raise your bleach bottles to the sky (if you don’t know what I’m talking about, check out their instagram) and turn up the volume on ‘Bleach’.
For fans of: Benee, Remi Wolf, Chappell Roan
Can’t Stop! - Dizzy Days
The title track of Dizzy Days' newly released EP ‘Can’t Stop!’ is drenched in glitter. Brimming with energy and passion, this is the kind of music that would keep you at the club until 3am. Transporting us back to Sophie Ellis Baxter era discos, Ashling O'Byrne’s vocals meld perfectly with disco-infused guitar stylings from EJ Carey. The rhythm section, featuring Mikaela Swan on drums and Bridgette Dabinett on bass, anchors the track with a compelling groove, accented by stabbing disco strings and floating synths. The big question is… what is Dizzy Days’ putting in their music that makes it so damn catchy and can I have more please??
For fans of: Sophie Ellis Baxtor, Dua Lipa, Jungle Giants
Crumble - Asha Jeffries
Graceful and tender, Asha Jefferies’ “Crumble” invites you into a space of reflection and growth. Written during the final months of releasing her latest album, Ego Ride, the track serves as both a beautiful nod to her recent work and a departure with its crackling, music-box-inspired electronic samples and rolling melody. In “Crumble,” Asha reflects on times she has become entangled in desire, the male gaze, and the quest for approval. The song captures the process of untangling, breaking away and crumbling out of these influences. It’s her gentle “fuck-you” to the patriarchy—a soft, feminine anthem of empowerment.
For fans of: Phoebe Bridgers, Maggie Rogers, Julia Jacklin
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