The recording of Mild Meltdowns began in Autumn of 2016, when Miles Devine invited his ultimate studio band – Timothy Sneddon, Lachlan Earl and Oscar Henfrey – to his home studio to record a full length album alongside co-producer, SPOD (The Laurels, Richard in Your Mind, Straight Arrows).

We caught up with the band to ask  them their Top Five Debut Albums 

 ‘Top 5 Debut Albums by Raindrop 

No1. Pink Floyd – Piper at the Gates of Dawn.

By far my most stand-out favourite debut album of all time. The perfect amount of raw, unstoppable energy that opened more cosmic doors than any band ever.

No.2 Grandaddy – Under the Western Freeway

A very special album to me. Grandaddy’s sombre but oh so dreamy vibe is a big influence on my songwriting and production.

No. 3 Air – Moon Safari

Ah, what I would give to be watching that album being made from behind the recording console. Some of the best recorded orchestral strings ever blended with crazy synth sounds. My Heaven.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B0rk_15Z5kU

No. 4. The Unicorns – Who Will Cut Our Hair When We’re Gone

The first and only LP of one of the coolest bands I’ve ever heard. Such a sweet amount of darkness, almost too dark at times, yet has one of the most playful vibes of any album I’ve ever heard

No. 5 The Avalanches – Since I Left You

This album changed my life. It taught me the beauty of LOFI sampling and how music doesn’t have to have any rules.

TOUR DATES

Saturday 18th JULY
@ Waywards (The Bank Hotel), Newtown, Sydney, NSW, Australia
w/Egoism + RIYM (DJ SET)
Event Page: http://bit.ly/Raindrop_AlbumLaunch

The Victorian Peninsula is an isolated and off the beaten track for most touring and releasing bands, but Minetta are putting the Peninsula on the map and are today bringing their evocative and passionate filmclip for single ‘&’ to the world.

The new single will see it’s release online into all good online stores on Tuesday August 14. The EP is available now.

Drawing influence from the likes of Touché Amore, Balance and Composure and many others falling around their genres, Separation & Growth progresses further along the line of where their previous release “Backyards” just couldn’t quite reach. Produced by Sam Toebelman at DeBasment studios, the band stayed true to their raw and honest sound, opting to record for the second time in the south eastern suburban garage/retro fitted studio.

Minetta’s most recent EP release “Separation & Growth” was a labour of love for the band and the resulting play on triple j’s Short Fast Loud and the sold-out headline launch show was a dream realised for the band.

The video follows the story of a man living in squalor and regret. Flashbacks to his youth throughout the video help to elaborate on why his life is a dismal mess – and he reflects on his choices and ponders if it’s not too late for amends.

Vocalist for the band Ricky McCandlish, said that the new single is drawn from his personal experiences about growing up in the Peninsula. ““&” is about the people that I once looked up to, whom now look to me for guidance as they have remained idle while I grew into myself. I find it frustrating and tiring seeing some of the most beautiful and dearest wasting their potential and succumbing to the very vices that they portray to despise.”

Minetta’s new single ‘&’ will be available as a single on Tuesday August 14 in all good online stores and streaming outlets.

Following the announcement of his forthcoming tour dates supported by Axle Whitehead, James Van Cooper new album, Coming Home, is now available for pre-order via iTunes and due to drop on 7 September.

Independently released, Coming Home, is a ten tracker of edgy alternative country, played in captivating style with plenty of hooks and twangy guitars. It’s a passionate body of work and displays Van Cooper’s affection for several country music sub genres including Bluegrass, Americana, Traditional Country and Roots.

Pre-order Coming Home via iTunes or pre-save on Spotify here:
http://smarturl.it/Get-JVC-ComingHome

The first single, Passing Through, released in early July has been received well across country radio with the video airing on the Country Music Channel. It’s a fine opener that kicks along in traditional country road trip fashion accompanied by some mighty fine lap steel playing from Matt Pynn. Other stand outs on the album include Van Cooper’s duet with LA’s Alt/Americana darling, Jaime Wyatt on Come Home, a classic country torch song with sublime vocals, and Goodbye My Friends, an up-tempo rollick. An artistic and polished record, Coming Home is an inspiring debut release, featuring Van Cooper’s flamboyant guitar playing and slick songwriting.

To celebrate the release of the album, Van Cooper will hit the road supported by Axle Whitehead for a run of shows, with more dates to be announced shortly.

James is proudly a musical ambassador for RUOK? Organisation.

COMING HOME TOUR DATES
Friday, 14 September | SLYFOX, Enmore, NSW (Album Launch)
Saturday, 15 September | Heritage Hotel, Bulli, NSW
Thursday, 4 October | The Fyrefly, St Kilda, Vic
Friday, 5 October | Spotted Mallard, Brunswick, Vic
Friday, 19 October | The Brass Monkey, Cronulla, NSW
View Passing Through on YouTube

Fresh from her epic performance at Splendour in the Grass, today Woodes has shared the support performers on her upcoming ‘Change My Mind’ national tour. Joining Woodes next month, indie darling Greta Stanley heads along the east coast as her main support – joined by RO in Melbourne, Keelan Mak in Brisbane and Sayah in Sydney. Priscilla and Kopano will be supporting Woodes in Perth with RO and Wolfjay supporting in Adelaide. Woodes new single ‘Change My Mind’ received acclaimed reviews since it’s release and was added to full rotation on triple j and triple j unearthed.

ollowing on from her standout 2017 which made her one of the most exciting names in Australian indie music, ‘Change My Mind’ is an angelic cut from the acclaimed artist. The track was written at the New Zealand APRA AMCOS Songhubs recently in Auckland, alongside NZ song writers Marley Sola, Jamie McDell and Alexander Wildwood – who also co-produced the song. Hayden Jeffery, member of Woodes live band worked on additional production and Simon Lam from Kllo worked across the mixing. Woodes also worked with photographer Alexandra Sophie while she was in New Zealand on the artwork, capturing the countries unique and breathtaking landscapes.

Woodes released her sophomore EP Golden Hour in early 2018 and was asked to perform for the coveted triple j Like A Version in March 2018, putting a Woodes spin on Vance Joy’s ‘Lay It On Me’.

After touring with City Calm Down, BØRNS and Asgeir – catch Woodes returning to a stage of her own on her ‘Change My Mind’ National Tour.

Don’t miss the mesmerising sights and sounds of Woodes!

Woodes – Change My Mind
OUT NOW
Listen: http://smarturl.it/woodeschangemymind
WOODES ‘CHANGE MY MIND’ TOUR
DATES:

FRI 07 SEPT
LEADBELLY, SYDNEY
w/ Greta Stanley & Sayah
TICKETS

SAT 08 SEPT
THE MILK FACTORY, BRISBANE
w/ Greta Stanley & Keelan Mak
TICKETS

FRI 14 SEPT
NORTHCOTE SOCIAL CLUB, MELBOURNE
w/ Greta Stanley & RO
TICKETS

SAT 15 SEPT
AMPLIFIER, PERTH
w/ Priscilla & Kopano
TICKETS

FRI 21 SEPT
CATS @ ROCKET BAR, ADELAIDE
w/ RO & Wolfjay
TICKETS

woodesmusic.com

The picturesque landscapes and isolation of Australia’s Northern Territory have produced Metalcore outfit SUMMIT. Today they are releasing their brand new single “Grief”. It’s the second cut from their debut EP “Echoes of Aberration”, out Friday August 31. 

The “Echoes of Aberration” EP will be available for pre-order now in all good digital outlets at https://ffm.to/summitechoesep. 

Since gracing the stage, SUMMIT has been booked alongside several national acts including Dream On Dreamer, Tapestry, Polaris and High Tension and more. The band’s first live show was Terrorfest 2017 in Darwin (headlined by Polaris), and then were booked to play Blacken Open Air in Alice Springs (headlined by High Tension). 

“Echoes of Aberration” will see its release on Friday August 31 and can be pre-ordered at https://ffm.to/summitechoesep. The Single “Patient Zero” will be available for streaming from Friday August 17.

For the first time ever in Australia

THERION was founded in 1987 by Christofer Johnsson their debut album Of Darkness… “was released in 1991 and was a huge success for the band within the underground Metal scene. THERION began as a very creative Death Metal band, pushing limits of the contemporary sound and grew beyond themselves. In the course of the years, the bands style developed in a quite unique way and between 1991 and 1996 THERION released groundbreaking records, one being more special than the other.

In 1996 THERION released Theli which would be the ultimate breakthrough for the band. At this time THERION turned towards a more opera-like, progressive and even orchestral sound. Vovin and Deggial are dominated by the new style of catchy symphonic opera metal Christofer invented. Then came Secrets of the Rune, their first concept album, dealing with Nordic myths and influenced by Scandinavian Folk music. The double record Lemuria / Sirius B was a huge success then THERIONengaged themselves with the recording of Gotihc Kabbalah and The Miskolc Experience. After that Christofer decided it was time for a change: Sitra Ahra was done with a completely new lineup.

THERION have evolved from a mere death metal act into one of the first projects to take a trip towards the world of classical music, setting the initial standards to a style later known as symphonic metal. When 15 year old prodigy Christofer Johnssonfounded THERION as a death metal band in 1987, little did he know that exactly 30 years later he would put the final touches to a project that will go down in history as symphonic metal’s most ambitious release. While ‘rock operas’ are no longer an unusual concept, this term will now receive a new meaning when the curtain opens for Johnsson’s lifelong creation: Beloved Antichrist is the title of his spectacular brainchild, consisting of 3 full-length CDs. It is more than just a concept album; it’s a complete rock opera unveiling a sweeping story inspired by Vladímir Soloviov “A Short Tale Of The Antichrist“.

Joining THERION are THE DEVIL who are a mysterious and highly original Cinematic Metal act that has innovated by creating an entirely new genre within metal music. The band features an international line up of masked musicians that deliver a unique live show, complete with cinematic movie projection in sync to the entire live performance.

urther experimental elements of THE DEVIL music is the selective use of historical and political conspiracy laden samples in place of traditional vocals which reveals a powerful message encoded within the music. THE DEVIL exposes a great secret. A grand conspiracy…

THE DEVIL self-titled debut album was released worldwide through Candlelight Records / EMI and released three official music videos from that album, ‘Universe’, ‘Extinction Level Event’ and ‘Alternative Dimensions’.

TOUR DATES:
Wednesday 12th September – MELBOURNE – Max Watt’s
Thursday 13th September – BRISBANE – The Triffid
Friday 14th September – SYDNEY – Manning Bar

An exclusive event. A unique experience. Limited VIP meet and greet tickets will be available.

TICKETS ON SALE FRIDAY 20 JULY  9 AM

From: http://www.hardlinemedia.net/

JOE STRUMMER 001′
FEATURING RARE AND UNRELEASED SONGS FROM HIS ENTIRE CAREER
ALBUM OUT SEPT 28 VIA IGNITION / CAROLINE AUSTRALIA

Caroline Australia is proud to announce the release of ‘Joe Strummer 001,’ the first compilation to span Joe Strummer’s career outside of his recordings with The Clash. ‘Joe Strummer 001’ features 32 tracks and includes favourites from his recordings with the 101ers, The Mescaleros, his solo albums, soundtrack work plus 12 previously unreleased songs.

‘Joe Strummer 001′ will be released on 28th September on the following formats:

Limited edition Deluxe Box set: Quadruple heavyweight Vinyl, 7” vinyl single, cassette, 64 page hard backed A4 Note Book, enamel badge, art print, screen print, lyrics, sticker sheet and includes 3 more unreleased tracks (IGN53BOX).
Limited edition Deluxe Double CD in 64 page hard backed A4 Note Book with writings, lyrics, photos and sketches taken from Joe’s extensive personal archive (IGNCD53X).
Double CD in slipcase (IGNCD53).
Quadruple heavyweight Vinyl in slipcase (IGNLP53X).
Digital download.
‘London Is Burning’ – an alternative/early version of ‘Burnin’ Street’ from Joe Strummer & The Mescaleros final album ‘Streetcore’ – is available now.

All the formats include tracks that have never appeared anywhere before as well as new remasters. Exclusive to all formats is an album of unreleased material including an early demo of ‘This Is England’ entitled ‘Czechoslovak Song/Where Is England,’ a solo demo of ‘Letsagetabitarockin’ recorded in Elgin Avenue in 1975, outtakes from ‘Sid & Nancy’ featuring Mick Jones and unreleased songs ‘Rose Of Erin’, the biographical and mythical recording ‘The Cool Impossible’ and ‘London Is Burning’ one of the last songs Joe recorded.

Punk pioneer, singer, songwriter, recording artist, activist, musical and political inspiration for a generation and mighty diamond Joe Strummer was the most charismatic and passionate front man to emerge from the punk explosion of the late seventies.

After Joe’s untimely death in December 2002 it was discovered that he had been quite an archivist of his own work, having barns full of writings and tapes stored in his back garden. There are now over 20,000 items in the Joe Strummer Archive.

The archiving of this material and compiling of ‘Joe Strummer 001’ was overseen by Joe’s widow Lucinda Tait and compilation producer Robert Gordon McHarg III.

All tracks were restored and mastered by Grammy Award winner Peter J. Moore at the E. Room in Toronto Canada. On going through cassettes and recording tapes it was discovered that Joe was rather frugal and keen on hiding tracks. On cassettes he would leave 20 minutes between songs. On the 1” 8 track recordings it was discovered there were hidden tracks superimposed onto each other. For example tracks 1-4 were taken by one song and tracks 5-8 by two other songs which were thought when played back to be caused by tape denigration until the tapes went to Peter J Moore who was able to separate one song from another.

The box set has the same content as the CD set and is pressed on audiophile quality 180g vinyl. The box set’s accompanying hard backed book also included in the Deluxe CD features rarely seen and previously unpublished memorabilia from Joe’s personal collection as well as historical press reviews and technical notes about the albums. The slipcase cover of all formats is taken from Joe’s 1990 Californian driving license.

Art directed and designed by Robert Gordon McHarg III who previously worked on the Clash ‘Sound System’ box set with Paul Simonon, the John Cooper Clarke compilation ‘Anthologia’ and curated the Black Market Clash Exhibition. Gordon says, “The idea behind the 64 page A4 notebook is that it’s done as if Joe had designed it himself, telling his story, an insight into his workings including hand written lyrics with personal notes and scribbles.”

If you’re a big fan of Andrew W.K., well you’re in luck because he just brought out another album that may literally help you get through all of those troubles that built up while waiting six whole years for more music from him. If you’re not a fan, well, join the bandwagon my friend, because you’re in for one hell of an emotional rollercoaster ride. 

His new album, “You’re Not Alone”, released on March 2nd is a compilation of intense musical and theatrical productions with feel-good titles and self-help lyrics that make you feel annoyed and patronised at the same time. The first song of the album, “The Power of Partying” sounds like you’ve just entered a 90s video game that you may never be allowed to leave. It’s completely instrumental, filled to the brim with dramatic trills and crescendos against a brass band and then of course, an epic electric guitar solo accompanied by tom-tom crashes. If the album’s cover art doesn’t spell out for you, this album is a little over the top. 

Andrew W.K was well known back in the day for his immense amount of talent, being a multi-instrumentalist, and just being a seriously cool musician. “You’re Not Alone” is his first album release since 2012, and although he may be talented, it just reeks of too much time and too much money.

“Music is Worth Living For” is the second track on the album. The lyrics are triumphant and poetic, and the electric guitar is wild as he shreds alongside gospel harmonies and chanted choruses that scream “music is worth living for” many times. Although, that comment should maybe be a little more subjective next time. Not to be fooled as the most over the top track of the album, fifth track of the album, “The Feeling of Being Alive” is a spoken monologue to help guide you through your fears in life. The track is baffling and just adds to the severely thematically disjointed essence of the album. 

“Party Mindset” provides us with Pac-Man beeps, pop-drenched piano chords as W.K continues to wow us with his electric guitar riffs. It’s a turnaround, emotionally and ends in another tremendous guitar solo. The album is lengthy, continuing on with more uplifting titles such as “The Devil’s on Your Side” and “Total Freedom”, and it ends with title track, “You’re Not Alone”.  It’s huge, to say the least. It’s empowering and makes you feel like you’ve finally come to an end, until W.K. screams to you that “your journey’s not over, it’s just begun”, which again, is accompanied by a wild electric guitar solo. Although an incredibly nice gesture, it’s unfortunately not Andrew W.K.’s best work, and you probably won’t see “You’re Not Alone” on the shelves as the best-selling self-help album of the year.

With less than a month to go until his return for the huge Australian leg of the Nation of Two World Tour, Frontier Touring look forward to welcoming Vance Joy to home soil. The Australian leg will see one of country’s most exciting exports play to tens of thousands of fans over multiple shows across capital cities throughout the month of September. He’ll be joined by Cub Sport, Didirri and Jack River (Melbourne, 8 September show only).

With two shows per city kicking off at Melbourne’s Rod Laver Arena, the tour will see Vance Joy traverse the country to Sydney’s Hordern Pavilion, Adelaide’s Thebarton Theatre, and Brisbane’s Riverstage, finishing up at Fremantle Arts Centre. With all shows sold out except Melbourne on Saturday 8 September and Brisbane on Thursday 20 September where limited tickets remain. Fans are urged to move quickly to avoid disappointment.

Since the release of his #1 ARIA debuting Nation of Two featuring hits ‘We’re Going Home’, ‘Lay It On Me’ and ‘Saturday Sun’, Vance Joy has hardly had a chance to catch his breath. The Melbourne musician has been non-stop touring headline shows and festivals across the globe including a sold out Red Rocks Amphitheatre and a huge show at Toronto’s Budweiser Stage to 17,000 adoring fans. Vance Joy has played to close to 200,000 people this year alone! Last month, Vance Joy performed on Jimmy Kimmel’s Live Concert Series.

RELEASE BRAND NEW TRACK, BURY ME

NEW STUDIO ALBUM, PARALLEL UNIVERSE OUT AUGUST 24

BAND TO DEVELOP “HEY THERE DELILAH” TV SERIES – COMING SOON!

GRAMMY-nominated, multi-platinum alt-pop band, Plain White T’s have released a brand new track, Bury Me, from their highly anticipated eighth studio album, Parallel Universe (produced by Matt Squire [Ariana Grande, Panic! At The Disco)]. Bury Me, a mid-tempo love song and is the fifth song released following lead single “Your Body,” “Bonnie I Want You,” “Light Up The Room” and “Low.”

The full album will be released on August 24 via Fearless Records / Caroline Australia and is available for pre-order now at all DSPs.

PARALLEL UNIVERSE IS AVAILABLE FOR PRE-ORDER HERE

Earlier this week, the band announced that they will be developing a TV series centered around their hit single, Hey There Delilah. Read all about it here.

ABOUT PLAIN WHITE T’s:
Since emerging in 1997, the GRAMMY® Award-nominated multiplatinum Chicago quintet—Tom Higgenson [vocals], Tim Lopez [lead guitar, vocals], Dave Tirio [rhythm guitar], Mike Retondo [bass], and De’Mar Hamilton [drums]—has amassed an enduring, engaging, and enigmatic catalog, spanning two gold-certified offerings All That We Needed (2005) and Every Second Counts (2006) and unshakable anthems such as the double-platinum “1,2,3,4” and platinum “Rhythm of Love.” Among the discography, “Hey There Delilah” went quadruple-platinum, topped the Billboard Hot 100, and earned a pair of 2008 GRAMMY® Award nominations in the categories of “Song of the Year” and “Best Pop Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocal.” Along the way, the five-piece logged countless miles on the road in front of sold out crowds in nearly every corner of the globe. After a whirlwind tour cycle supporting2015’s American Nights, the guys hunkered down and began writing the ideas that would eventually comprise Parallel Universe. The band’s endlessly hummable signature melodies still shine at the center of this galaxy, but their Universe morphed into an otherworldly atmosphere of ethereal electronic pop strengthened by lush guitar tones and synth transmissions.