Musical Muses #10 // Music sounds better with you.

  With the start of another year, more new music is inevitable. I've therefore deemed it necessary to round up my favourites of the later half of 2015 - for your immediate enjoyment here, all at your fingertips! (Arranged in various streaming mediums; despite the order I love these all equally.) These songs have not only been dear to me, but also to the new people in my life. So chuck a listen, my friends!

SPOTIFY ALBUMS

Neon Indian // VEGA INTL. Night School Neon Indian takes to the stand this year, unveiling the true brainchild of a third album even having lost all initial progress. Amazingly, Vega Intl. Night school smashes any premonitions one might have whenever new music is released, and is no doubt a testament to Palomo's timelessness. This time, the newly adopted glitz and glamour is only befitting. What follows is only arrant longevity, oozing with goodness. Whilst it encroaches on disco territory, the album works in favour of delivering feverish techno tunes. Behind every maverick song title are more playful and chromatic sounds. But what is Neon Indian without plenty of packed substance? Vega Intl. Night school gives critics a run for their money, and grows on you as an original, refreshingly sensual oeuvre.
get ya groove on: Annie + The Glitzy Hive + Slumlord + C'est La Vie (Say The Casualties!) + Street Level + Smut! + Bozo


Moses Gunn Collective // Mercy Mountain Hailing from Brisbane is Moses Gunn Collective, whom infectiously present their brand of psychedelic glitter rock. Mercy Mountain is a surreal frenzy of a record, that encloses such hypnotic melancholy it permeates throughout. Spanning a little over a dozen tracks, each song overlaps in a cohesive buildup and allows oneself to be immersed in a soul-staggering continuum. Whilst many songs stay true to its garage rock roots, a pleasant hint of tropical dream pop is evident amongst denser guitar melodies. The resulting infusion of Mercy Mountain holds no mercy in contention, for it sets a league of its own.
viciously devouring: Shalala + Hot Mess + Mulberry + Back Into The Womb + Desdamona + Mercy Mountain + Neighbourhood

Slum Sociable // TQ There is something so tranquil about Slum Sociable that gets me giddy with delight. You may know my previous obsession with their debut track 'Anyway', and I've come to love some of their other stuff. I've been viciously listening to them on repeat, whatever the mood. pining after: All Night + Not Everything Turns to Gold + Apartment + Luck So Far


Alpine // Yuck! Leisurely-paced, the album remains a tribute to Alpine's unconventional take on indie pop. Yuck is impeccably produced, and this is accredited to its blended instrumentals and gentle vocals. Amidst the dulcet vocals of Lou James and Phoebe Baker are the ambivalent convictions of being “a first world problem waiting to explode”, a modern reality that is brutally honest. There also appears the undertones of romantic dissatisfaction; the elusive promise of “love and safety” – a theme the album so boldly resounds. With every listen and its fair share of melodic fun, Yuck leaves you to savour line after line of candid introspection. heart throbs: Shot Fox + Damn Baby + Crunches + Up For Air + Foolish + Jellyfish

BØRNS // Dopamine There's not a lot to be said about BØRNS (except that he's bold and beautiful, and I love his music.) le crown jewels: Electric Love + 10,000 Emerald Pools + The Emotion + Fools


Beirut // No No No Easy-listening, calming, pleasant. Beirut is deserving of the highest order of these adjectives. They're just plain good. (No bullshit there.) step along to: No No No + At Once + Gibraltar + So Allowed + Perth + August Holland

SOUNDCLOUD

Screaming Peaches // Regina Formerly known as MOVIE, the eccentric British 80's-inspired-pop trio released their Rough Music EP. Yet again I found myself mesmerized by their music - this time, by the stellar track 'Regina'. A must-listen (if you want to get to know me)!

Family Hahas // Hindsight What really got me was the concept of the exceptional track 'Hindsight', along with the band's outreach to their fans. They sent me a lovely message over Soundcloud to show their gratitude for the support. They do remind me of The Vaccines and Arctic Monkeys meshed together, in all their mellow goodness - which I totally vibe with. Safe to say, I love them already!

Some words from Family Hahas: "Well we're from Colorado originally but we moved to LA last year. We grew up together and have been writing music together in various bands since we were 12 years old. Our songs kind of embody us as people. We're part of the Denver-based label GROUPHUG and are huge fans of all the other bands on their roster. We've released our second EP on GROUPHUG and it includes a cassette release which we're super excited about! Outside of our music, our hobbies include eating unhealthy amounts of pad thai, watching anime and horror movies, and saving money for gas and coffee."

The Jensens // Ever since seeing them open at the Last Dinos' gig (recurring mentions, I know) I've been wildly into The Jensens. They pack a punch that is only unique and vivacious, thanks to their own sound. Every time one of their songs come on I'm taken back to a happy place where headbanging and loud murmuring are completely necessary. swimmingly: Fears + Shark Thunder + A New Hope

(Now! Time for some ambient electronic.)

Cosmo's Midnight // Having found them through Soundcloud, they've been an instant go-to for my electronic cravings. Waves of chill electronica are hard to find, but Cosmo's Midnight makes it all worth the ride. You'll see just why if you dare to listen. softcore faves: remix of Destroyer + Snare + Phantasm

YOUTUBE

Last Dinosaurs // Wellness DEMOS - a trip down memory lane, for sure. I remember hearing snippets of their Wellness demos beforehand, pre-tour. Listening to them now definitely encourages greater appreciation for the many good times they've brought me.

Panda People // The Usual Place is a deadly combination of everything I love. Killer instrumental, layered electronic, surreal sampling and vocals... And some good ole sax to top it all off. I'd have to declare this my theme song for 2015!

For more musical favourites, visit Isolated Nation for a comprehensive list of 2015's top albums!

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Musical Muses #9 // 2015 CONTINUED...

  Because the sheer amount of releases from my favourite artists has been overwhelming, I decided it'd only be fitting to compile a Part 2 to my previous post! Can you believe it? It's incredulity at its finest.

  It's taken me more than a while to post this, which I accredit to the fact that they're all being released in increments. (They've been such teases. There's more still on the way, so I might have to make another post. As per usual I'll just be hanging around and leeching off any sign of new music.) Anywho, let me be that conduit to the handful of great tunes!

Tame Impala // Currents There's no doubt I've had my heart set on Let It Happen, Eventually and 'Cause I'm A Man ever since they came out - but from the string of songs that came new to me upon release date, I've been really digging: The Moment + Nangs + The Less I Know The Better + Love/Paranoia + Gossip  + New Person, Same Old Mistakes

Day Wave // Headcase I've already showcased Drag beforehand, and no joke, I really do adore that song. There's just something about the nostalgic lo-fi vibes of Day Wave I never tire of. No questions, just pure love and hype. The following I've been humming: We Try but We Don't Fit In + Nothing At All + Total Zombie

Last Dinosaurs // Wellness I am super excited to say that I'll be seeing them live in October! Having bands come to town and go, whilst being denied the access to relish them (18+ sucks) has been livid torture. However, Last Dinosaurs finally listened to our call and now they're back for an album tour, with underage gigs. I can't wait! Some exciting stuff coming soon. Brand new picks: Karma + Wellness + Always + Purist + Stream + Wurl + Take Your Time + Zero (basically all?!)

GOVS // 6teenDRE'am [night xo] Possibly one of the most gorgeous voices in all of my music history, I was thrilled to see GOVS back with more. His previous works have accompanied me on the most alienated of nights. My appetite has yearned for more, and bam, yearn and you shall receive.

Beach House // Depression Cherry Need I say more? Beach House has been a dreamy go-to for me, for some time now. I'm just glad I can continue relishing in those feelings of washed out, sublime gold. Getaway: Sparks + PPP + 1899-12-31 + Space Song + Wildflower

Atlas Genius // Inanimate Objects Never thought I'd like their new sound as much as I thought I do now; I'm quite fond of Stockholm + The Stone Mill + Molecules + The Perfect End, to be quite frank!

SWINGING SINGLES:

Good grief I have just been listening to these two tracks on repeat, as soon as they emerged. Look out for Slum Sociable; it seems that even their first 2 debut tracks have taken the world by storm.

ELECTRONIC:

Another excellent electronica recommendation from Beni. (It seems I'll have to feature her on this space some time soon. A real Musical Muse, anyone?)

LOCAL TALENT:

These Triple J Unearthed High finalists are really something. Local, yes - but talented? Absolutely. I can't wait to they make more headlines and even have a couple live shows of their own. Good on them for getting so far ahead at our age. And I can say with pride: hey look, our local musical scene is outstanding, too!

BONUS/OTHER DISCOVERIES:

Cub Sport // just gives me all the unexplainable feels. I can't thank Beni enough for introducing to me amazing bands, time and time again. Feast your ears on: Hands + Paradise + Told You So





The Mowgli's // I'm Good Another immensely feel-good track - as you've guessed it, thanks to Beni. Exceptional for faking it till you make it.


Oceanics // (self-titled album) Broken Record by these fellas has held a special place in my heart, ever since I found it. I knew I had to find more of their work. So. I went digging (and I found the gold!): Gimme The Rush + Electric Heart + Outer Side + Broken Record + Know Your Story

Superhumanoids // Exhibitionists Now here's one I never thought I'd enjoy. But I do. Perhaps you will too. Appreciation on rotation: So Strange + Bad Weather + Geri + Free State + Black Widow

(As you may have noticed, I restarted my Soundcloud account @hiraethist. If you've got one, I'd love to know what it is!)

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Musical Muses #8 // 2015 IS THE YEAR.

Before I launch into anything music-related: The US Supreme Court has ruled in favour of same-sex marriage. This is huge. This is revolutionary - a time to celebrate! Now it's time for Australia and other countries to take steps in this rightful outlook.

The first half of 2015 is yet to be over, but the music scene has been infinitely lively. With plenty of new releases from my favourite bands (albums and singles, making my love for them further intensified) and some uncovered artists I've warmed up to, there's no doubt a flood of hardcore love for these miscellaneous tracks.

+ PEACE // Happy People (deluxe) + The Wombats // Glitterbug + Neon Indian // coming soon! + Bag Raiders // coming soon! + Screaming Peaches // Tusk Vegas + COIN // (debut album out now)

+ Tame Impala // Currents (soon!) + Last Dinosaurs // coming soon! + The Jungle Giants // coming soon! + Atlas Genius // coming soon! + Alpine // Yuck + Strange Talk // coming soon!

Peace // Happy People Was in town for Groovin' The Moo and played a gig for the Rosemount Hotel. Unfortunately, being under 18 robs me of many opportunities to see my favourite musicians in live action. How to feel instantly kick-ass: Gen Strange, Happy People, O You, Imaginary,  Lost On Me // To fall soundly asleep to: The Music Was To Blame, Under The Moon, Blue, Saturday Girl

The Wombats // Glitterbug Ah, yet again a victim to the under 18 rule! I was too excited for words when they announced a gig for July, but to my dismay (in very fine print, may I add) the venue is Metro City. Nothing like a vicious reminder that I'm not entitled to watching my favourite bands perform live. Worship-worthy: Greek Tragedy, Emoticons, Headspace // Catharsis much: Give Me A Try, This is Not a Party

Tame Impala // Currents Hands down one of my favourite artists of all time. There isn't anything quite like psychedelic rock that's as soothing and stimulating. In some Youtube comments, it was mentioned that some Phoenix vibes were sensed throughout. And I couldn't be more happier to agree.








Blackbear // Deadroses This album has basically had a lineup of songs I deem fit enough to contend as my daily theme songs. Got me getting my groove on: 4u, Deadroses, 90210, Waste Away, Needed You, Dirty Laundry, Idfc

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Musical Muses #6-#7 // calm, hidden affliction.

   I've been absent here for more days than I count on both hands. I've just been out of my head. The first half of my term holidays had been a hell of a week - more often than not, it was comprised of inescapable tumult and pandemonium. Every day had me waking up to some sort of ruckus, and by the time I'd tuck myself in I'd be too mentally exhausted to create nothing but negative thoughts. It's vague recount but all in good reason. (I promise plenty of photos will be up of my travels! Perhaps not for the present time being.) I'm just glad to be home now, back in this quiet sleepy town. Calmness is such a precious commodity. On days where my mind had failed to take me to a better place, music had helped me. Immensely.

  Here's a two-part playlist compilation, of songs that channel more than relatable emotion. The first playlist, hidden affliction, was created in early March and includes my favourite picks at the time. The second playlist, c a l m, is an evolved repercussion of that. You may notice difference between the two, but they were both harmonious during my time away. Therefore, I thought it'd be only fitting to not share one without the other. It is beyond me how music manages to lessen discord and simultaneously fill the void. I earnestly hope you can let these tracks deliver serenity, just as they have for me.

Want to keep listening? You can find the playlists c a l m and hidden affliction over on my Spotify.

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Musical Muses #5 // Test my patience.

  Oh my. It has been two weeks since I last blogged, how rare of me. I can explain! This gap of time has consisted predominantly of gearing myself up for Year 11, which you may know I've started. So many of my hours have been dedicated to school; I feel suffocated, almost. (Hmm, I shan't kill the mood now. That's another story, for the bottom of this post.) Just being able to have this Friday to myself, typing near the comfort of a cool breeze, is bliss. 

OH, AND THANK YOU FOR 200 BLOGLOVIN READERS!!! I LOVE YOU ALL ♡

  A post collaboration is in the works, as well as some Valentine's Day plans I deem to be amazing. (Hint: galentines.) Gosh I'm so excited. In the meantime, here are my go-to tracks that have been keeping me sane. Or perhaps promoting the opposite. Whatever works for me, and I hope these are sweet sounds to the ears. Enjoy all this pre-Valentine's Day music!




  Amongst the new content I've been tackling in school, there comes an invincible one: Greek tragedy. That's right, you heard me. I'd been looking up explanation videos on Youtube and the first result had me bewildered, then jumping for joy. New music from The Wombats to correlate with my school curriculum? I'll take that any day, thank you. I adore it to death. It really does make studying  the genre of Greek tragedy that much more tolerable. Listen to it above! (Note, not for the faint-hearted.)



  Entering rant city! The school year thus far... It's looking like a self-concerned year - not to intend negative connotations upon first sight, as I'm more rather referring to keeping myself in check. Taking care of myself, managing my emotions, time, workload and health well. I am quite happy with myself for keeping up with the pace, though. It's been two whole weeks into Year 11 and I'm allocating my time to work and organisational endeavours. I'm mostly getting sleep (apart from disturbing dreams), awaking on time and paying adequate attention. I'm eating better and am back to the cleaner daily diet - consisting of fresh, whole foods will plenty of tea, cereal and fruits.

  Sadly, there are still sour things along the way to shake me up. Like feeling personally victimized by disrespectful men in public, or plainly reminiscing on the past. It's incredulous how everything and nothing is happening, all at the same time. I'm listless again. I knew this would happen. I'd hate for the entire year to go by in this manner. Yet at the end of the day I have pastel sunsets, brother-catchups, room decorating and triple j to get me smiling. Just thank goodness it's Friday.

  Here’s hoping I don’t implode.

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Musical Muses #4 // Friday fever.

  It's Friday and I can finally unwind. It's one of the things I look forward to most throughout the week. Self-diagnosed or not, it's indisputable that I have Friday fever - and it calls for downright groovy tunes. I won't settle for less. These couple of tracks are ones I've loyally had on replay. They coincidentally seem to match the irrepressible nature of my swift, adolescent emotions. Anywho, I have just the fix for all you electronic disco enthusiasts out there. So search no more, my friends.

  Congratulations! Your feverish disco dream has just been fulfilled - or just mine, at least. And now I have a confession: Another reason I've been compelled to share music is because it's my wild card. By channelling all my emotions into a playlist, I bear the fruits of my labour and somehow feel more steadfast. How cynical of me, as you may think. But really, you should try it; it's therapeutic in my book. In the past 24 hours, I've been on the threshold of tears to utmost glee, and experiencing manic bouts of uncontrollable vigour. (I'll blame hormones for getting the better of me. Darn it hormones.)

  'Think for yourself. You have to be willing to cut against the grain and get the distance from your peer groups. And not only that, but you have to have a habitual vision of greatness.' - Olympic Ayres

  Coming right back to these songs, however, have steered me right on track for the weekend. So my advice is to keep good music close at all times.

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Musical Muses #3 // h o l y d a z e.

  The third installment of my Musical Muses series! A fortnight's break from school has conjured up a spectrum. Here are around a dozen songs to accompany the holiday mood, and its happenings. I'll let this beautiful playlist speak for itself. (Inspiration: I've been contemplating the values/dilemmas of love, conflict, selflessness, family and teenage decisions.)

T R A C K   L I S T I N G :
1. Childish Gambino // 3005
2. Coldplay // A Sky Full of Stars
3. Peace // Bloodshake
4. RAC // Hollywood (ft. Penguin Prison)
5. Best Coast // I Want To
6. Mesita // Jet Trails
7. Peace // Lovesick
8. Fitz and The Tantrums // Out Of My League
9. Thundamentals // Something I Said (ft. Thom Crawford)
10. Adrian Lux // Teenage Crime
11. Mesita // William Cannon
12. Sheppard // Geronimo
13. Screaming Peaches // Ads

(Click here to listen to the h o l y d a z e playlist on Spotify.)

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Musical Muses #2 // Tame Impala, GOVS, Hibou and more.

  Hey everyone! I'm back, bringing you another in-depth music post packed with new recommendations. I haven't done one of these in a while; in fact, I forgot how much fun I have typing these babies up. (Click here to check out my last one!) 

  As such, I'm naming this post series 'Musical Muses' to adhere to all the tunes I've been listening to religiously. The following have been my favourite tracks for the past month or two, all of which I felt the urgent need to share with you all.

  Enjoy, as each and every one of them are jubilant treats.

TAME IMPALA

GOVS

HIBOU

GLASS ANIMALS

BIBIO

MR. LITTLE JEANS

  That concludes this music post! Let me know if you're a fan any of these wonderful, awe-inspiring artists - or even this post series itself. Otherwise, what tunes have you been loving lately?

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Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind.

  A melancholic Monday mixtape inspired by Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind. Here's to the memories. (photo credit)

T   R   A   C   K     L   I   S   T   I   N   G :
1. Lavender Diamond // I Don't Recall
2. The Lighthouse And The Whaler // Venice
3. Govs // Merseybeat
4. Spazzkid // Kokeshi Doll
5. Milano Sun // Scandinavia
6. Govs // I've Never Seen a Ghost
7. Angus & Julia Stone // Big Jet Plane
8. Youth Lagoon // Cannons
9. Arctic Monkeys // Secret Door
10. Crozet // We'll Be Gone By Then

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Musical Muses #1 // AM covers, new music and My Mad Fat Diary.

  I am avidly anticipating new music - especially since it's from a few of my favourite bands. (Looks like the symptoms of Phoenix's post-concert depression of are still present.) The idea of fresh tunes compiled by humans I deem as lyrical/musical geniuses is thrilling, I'll tell you that. Without further ado, here's what I've been deliriously obsessed with:


  Arctic Monkeys put their own spin on Drake's single, Hold On We're Going Home. I think both the original and cover can't be compared, but I'm more inclined to the uniqueness of Alex Turner's soulful voice (as always). Plus, it's quite fitting for the current circumstances I'm in. (Side note: A fortnight to go before I head home, back to Australia. The excitement is actually surreal; I've been madly missing everyone back there.)



  Bombay Bicycle Club releases their new album So Long, See You Tomorrow in early February! I've already heard Carry Me and Luna, and boy I'm excited. Just when you thought Bombay Bicycle Club couldn't get any better, they come right out and utterly smash that theory. Argh, the wait is unreal. However, I am willing to practise patience for the sake of this hefty reward.


   Foster The People has been announcing updates regarding their upcoming album, Supermodel! It's set to be released on 18th March, if I'm not wrong. In the meantime, there's a sneak peek out titled Coming of Age. (Do check out the mural time-lapse video that accompanies the track.) I'm super pumped for this, as well.


  But wait, there's even more good news. One of my favourite TV series, My Mad Fat Diary, is returning with Season 2 next month. Ever since Louise featured it in a post, I've deemed it to be one of the dreamiest TV shows I've ever watched, coupled by very real characters. Not to mention, the era it's set in proves to be an intangible fantasy. I don't think I'll be able to function regularly after getting back into the series. (Take my word for it.)

  Seriously though, how great are things going for 2014? At least the presence of new music/TV episodes will keep me occupied, when I go back to the monotonous routine of school. On the other hand, what are you excited for?

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