DMA’S – 21 Year Vacancy

"21 Year Vacancy" by DMA'S

Artist: DMA’S

Song: 21 Year Vacancy

Genres: #indierock #alternativerock

Location: Sydney, Australia

Release date: March, 2023

Influences: Oasis, The Stone Roses

Comment: “21 Year Vacancy” by DMA’S, the third single from their new album “How Many Dreams?”, is a slow-burning indie rock ballad that showcases the DMAs’ knack for crafting powerful and heartfelt tracks. As someone who reviewed their song “Viol” previously, I cannot say I’m surprised by the band’s songwriting talent and ability to create emotionally resonant tunes. The catchy melody, soaring chorus, and simple yet effective instrumentation create a lush soundscape that complements vocalist Tommy O’Dell’s tender and raw vocals.

The lyrics of “21 Year Vacancy” are full of regret and longing, as O’Dell reflects on a relationship that has ended. The honesty and relatability of the lyrics are sure to strike a chord with anyone who has experienced heartbreak.

If you’re looking for a song that will make you feel something, then “21 Year Vacancy” is the song for you. It’s a song that will break your heart, but it’s also a song that will give you hope.

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Fudge Dummy – Take Me

Fudge Dummy - Take Me

Artist: Fudge Dummy

Song: Take Me

Genres: #indiepop

Location: Australia/United Kingdom

Release date: March, 2023

Comment:  Fudge Dummy‘s new single “Take Me” is a catchy and upbeat track that combines elements of indie, disco, and rock/post-punk. The duo, who describe themselves as an “internet band,” have a unique and experimental sound that draws comparisons to legendary acts like Blondie and Kraftwerk. “Take Me” follows a familiar plea for company on the dance floor, with disco beats, a carrying synth, and an 80’s electric solo that oozes nostalgia.

The duo wrote and recorded “Take Me” over a weekend in Northern England, locking themselves away in a sleepy town surrounded by rolling fields and stone walls. The result is a track that’s both infectious and charming, with a lively energy that’s sure to get people moving. Fudge Dummy’s success began with their hit track “Rocky Hill,” which received airplay on BBC Radio 1 and landed them a spot on BBC Introducing’s “Best of the Year” list in 2022. With an upcoming EP on the horizon and a sync deal with Stone Rolla Songs, Fudge Dummy’s “Take Me” is just the latest in a string of impressive singles from this exciting and innovative band.

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Phoebe Go – Birthday

Phoebe Go

Artist: Phoebe Go

Song: Birthday

Genres: #indierock #singersongwriter

Location: Melbourne, Australia

Release date: November, 2022

Comment:  “Birthday” is the last track on Phoebe Go‘s debut EP, “Player,” and even though this is her first solo project, Phoebe has experience as a member of a couple of bands, making her a seasoned performer in the Australian indie scene.

Birthday is my favorite song on the EP, in no small part because of how vulnerable the Australian artist sounds here. The lyrics, paired with the soft instrumentation and sweet melody, create a touching and intimate atmosphere that is both captivating and heartwarming. If you’re a fan of indie music and artists who pour their heart into their work, this track is a must-listen.

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Gabriel Paris – I Cried

Gabriel Paris - I Cried

Artist: Gabriel Paris

Song: I Cried

Genres: #indie

Location: Sydney, Australia

Influences: Coldplay, Vance Joy

Release date: October, 2022

Comment: Australia-based artist Gabriel Paris is no stranger to T.A.M., having been featured here in November 2020. This time, he’s back with a terrific song that is meant to feel “like a warm hug on a rainy day”. Gabriel won a competition whose prize was to work with a fame production company in Australia, who helped him write and record “I Cried”. Highly recommended!

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C.S. Fulp – Burnout

Photo credit: Michael Manos

Artist: C.S. Fulp

Genres: #indiepop #altrock

Song: Burnout

Location: Los Angeles, United States

Release date: July, 2022

Comment One of the downsides to having a blog such as this one is that you end up listening to so many song submissions each day that, after a while, it becomes harder and harder to get impressed by a song. It still happens from time to time though, and that was definitely the case with Burnout, a song from up-and-coming artist Christian Fulp, aka C.S. Fulp, who wrote it in an attempt to explore the sound of early 2000s rock and the transitory nature of life.

Burnout is the third single released by C.S. Fulp this year ahead of his debut EP. If the other songs are half as catchy as this single, that debut record will be quite a treat.

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The Faim – Me Because of You

Artist: The Faim

Song: Me Because of You

Genres: #indiepop

Location: Perth, Australia

Release date: May, 2022

Comment To say that Me Because of You is catchy does not make this jam justice. With an incredibly infectious rhythm and lead singerJosh Raven’s flawless falsetto vocals, this synthpop tune will hook you up from the moment it starts playing. It is part of Talk Talk, the Australian four-piece band’s brand new album, but it is also the first song the band has ever self-produced. It’s safe to say that they did a remarkable job at it.

The Faim achieved international recognition with their debut album State of Mind. Talk Talk will probably make them stars.

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MOONWOOD – Slow Down

Artist: MOONWOOD

Song: Slow Down

Genres: #indierock #alternativerock

Location: Sydney, Australia

Influences: U2, The 1975, Kings of Leon

Release date: April, 2022

CommentMOONWOOD is a Sydney-based alternative rock band that released their debut EP, Everything We Once Knew, less than three months ago. If the band’s name sounds familiar to you, that’s because I featured one of the EP’s lead singles , Sydney Lights, back in December. When I did that, even though I hadn’t listened to the full EP yet, I was convinced that Sydney Lights was going to be hands down my favorite song off that record. I might have been wrong though because now I think that Slow Down might be even better. I lost track of how many times I’ve listened to this song the past couple of months. I just love how it goes in crescendo twice: at the beginning and then after the song switches gears at the 03:10 mark. This represents the increasing tension between two lovers trying to resolve their unspoken issues and differences.

All in all, this is an outstanding alternative rock track. By all means, check it out.

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The Namesakes – Leopard Skin

The Namesakes - Leopard Skin

Artist: The Namesakes

Song: Leopard Skin

Genres: #collegerock #alternativerock

Location: South Launceston, Australia

Release date: December, 2021

Comment: Tasmanian four-piece act The Namesakes are a rock ‘n’ roll band flirting with college rock, 60s pop, British and Australian indie music and classic punk. Case in point, their latest EP, Super Computer, got a little bit of everything across its six tracks. Leopard Skin, which is the second track, sounds like what would have happened if Oasis, Nada Surf, and Said The Whale had made a song together. It’s the quintessential indie rock song with an outstanding chorus that leaves you thirsty for more.

Listening to The Namesakes, you realize that this is not a band trying to become the next world-famous mega band, but a group of friends making music that they enjoy. If you’re here, chances are that you will enjoy it too. Check them out!

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MOONWOOD – Sydney Lights

Artist: MOONWOOD

Song: Sydney Lights

Genres: #indierock #alternativerock

Location: Sydney, Australia

Influences: U2, The 1975, Kings of Leon

Release date: November, 2021

CommentSydney Lights is a beautiful love song to MOONWOOD‘s hometown, as the lockdown made the band members, even those not originally from there, fall in love with Sydney all over again. The five-piece band started in 2016 and as you can notice here, they clearly know what they’re doing. Sydney Lights got a clean delivery with dreamy guitars that set the right vibe and great vocals from lead singer, Jake. If you are looking for quality alternative rock, you can stop looking right now. Their previous tracks are really outstanding as well.

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Ruby Fields – Song About A Boy

Artist: Ruby Fields

Song: Song About A Boy

Genres: #indierock #alternativerock

Location: Sydney, Australia

Release date: July, 2021

Comment: If you like distorted guitars, then you’re going to love this vulnerable track from Australian #singersongwriter Ruby Fields, who has emerged as one of the most talented artists in the alt-rock scene from the Land Down Under. Song About A Boy tells the story of a love relationship gone awry and it comes accompanied by a great music video inspired by the movie Midsommar. Both track and video are well worth your time.

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