Song of the Week: Between Friends by Japanese Wallpaper

January 14, 2015 | vinylgarden

Recently it seems like there’s been a bunch of ridiculously talented under 18s bursting onto the music scene and ready to achieve world domination real soon (to name an extreme example from a couple of years back, Lorde, but also more recently DJ acts like Just a Gent). Like Just a Gent, 17 year old Gab Strum is not legally allowed into a club, yet has played some of Australia’s most sought after events and venues, including Falls Festival and Newtown Social Club.

Anyway enough jabbering – give his track “Between Friends” featuring Jesse Davidson a gander. It’s our Song of the Week:

Pretty incredible right? While Jesse’s vocals do provide a solid foundation for this song, Japanese Wallpaper’s intricate details colour it really beautifully. It’s tender, pained but longing at the same time. Basically just all the feels.

If your ears simply can’t get enough of this song, which mine couldn’t (and I had it on repeat for a good while there), check out this Anatole remix. It’s the best remix I’ve stumbled across so far – pulls back the track a little and integrates a jazzy feel at times, bouncing those silky vocals on the offbeat:

Japanese Wallpaper is heading to Sydney for a show at the Metro Theatre on January 27. Looking forward to many more chilled vibes from him this year.

By Erin Rooney

Song of the Week: Falling Short by Låpsley

October 5, 2014 | vinylgarden

Falling Short by Låpsley has a really lovely fresh sound that I can’t get out of my head, and as a result it is officially my number one track this week! The vocals are cool and dozy and the mixing is an effortlessly beautiful production.

Have a listen and let us know what you think in the comments:

By Sophie Henry

Artists We Love: Yoke

August 27, 2014 | vinylgarden

This week a standout group from the Sydney music scene, with their freshly released single ‘Burden’ and soon to be released EP ‘Jabiluka’ are the Indie Pop trio, Yoke.

Corin Ileto, Julian Boswell, and Kyle Linahan, the three members of the group offer up a cool and rather modern sound that also draws upon some of the best bits of the 80’s and 90’s to create a rather nostalgic yet current pop approach. ‘Burden’ is their only release so far, but it gives an exciting taste of what they have to offer and what to expect from them in the future. Kyle Linahan’s vocal strength really is a stand out, his sound is interesting and has been perfectly mixed with the more subtle yet supportive instrumentals. The music video for ‘Burden’ is really quite beautiful, but also a bit edgy, featuring some of Sydney’s more grungy cityscapes, and perfectly reflecting the urban yet clean image and sound of the group.

This Saturday be sure to check out Yoke at FBi Social, undertaking their first ever public performance featuring tracks off their new record ‘Jabiluka’. Their EP, which was recorded with Nik Kaloper from The Jezabels, is due to be released in September this year.

By Sophie Henry

EP Highlights: Vessel by The Kite String Tangle

August 17, 2014 | Erin

Artist: The Kite String Tangle
Album: Vessel
Hometown: Brisbane
Genre: Electronica

On this lazy and very rainy Sunday, there’s nothing more simple or beautiful than listening to the oscillating notes of Brisbane producer Danny Harley (aka The Kite String Tangle). His debut six-track EP is a collection of pensive exploration into love, human connection and letting go.

Harley has certainly started developing his voice in this EP, presenting trembling rhythms and swells throughout the songs that work like a musical filter to create a consistent, powerful sound. His vocals fill gaps and create a connection that keeps the listener engaged.

Looking past his already-successful singles, a particular highlight in Vessel is the development of beats and use of African drum samples in “What If”. You can detect the growth in his song writing in this track from his earlier singles.

Though developing his own signature sound, there are some interesting influences coming into play. “Words” feels very Oliver Tank, pulling everything back a notch and allowing gentle reflection. “Stone Cold” features a Kimbra-esque vocal appearance from Tiana Khasi which brings nice diversity to the EP.

There’s always been something particularly special about TKST that we’ve held close here at Vinyl Garden, and what this EP really brings home for us is the sheer feeling that goes into his music. The work seems to be an extension of his heart – incredibly emotionally-driven both melodically and lyrically, expressing great depth so early in his career.

By Erin Rooney

Artists we love: Hozier

August 5, 2014 | vinylgarden

With his luscious vocals and attention grabbing lyrics, Hozier has really made our ears tickle this month at Vinyl Garden and we feel his music deserves a bit of a shout out.

Irish born and bred, Hozier has slowly been gaining more and more international attention in recent times, and for good reason. His voice is handsomely rugged, yet soothing and slightly gospel in technique. His standout track, “Take Me To Church” is a perfect example of the strength of his vocals and song writing talents. We want to see more from Hozier, particularly on Australian turf!

Listen here: