News This Week In New Music (2nd February 2013)

We’ve enjoyed another week of endless new offerings from some of our favourite bands this week. All of that helped balance out the slight sense of longing that we experienced when we waved goodbye to the last of our ‘Hello 2013’ shows with the Old Blue Last. Still, we’ve a feeling you’ll be seeing the likes of MT and Superfood in a future new music round-up, such as the following.

TRACK OF THE WEEK
Au.Ra - Morning


We were fortunate enough to premiere this new song from Tom Crandles and Tim Jenkins, who form the emerging band Au.ra. These guys keep their eye on providing soft, lulling soundscapes. They never overdo it, or delve into sorry self-indulgence. New single ‘Morning’ is by far their most ambitious song to date, teetering near the six-minute mark. But every single second is vital. Anyone who can audibly make their guitars sound like extensions of their own body and mind is good in our books.

The ‘Morning’ single is out now as a postcard.

VIDEO OF THE WEEK
Jagwar Ma - The Throw


For a good few cynics, ‘Madchester’ is a dirty word. A reflection that’s not worth staring into. A grubby past that’s best forgotten about. But for it to have clearly had an impact on Sydney band Jagwar Ma (pictured, above), and in turn their new ‘The Throw’ song and video, shows the likes of the Happy Mondays and the Stone Roses fledging good results in those they so clearly influence. We’d probably cast this track as more aligned with Aussie peers Cut Copy than anything else, but this new video, which seems to channel Shaun Ryder and co. (minus the maracas) is evidence of Jagwar Ma’s divisive roots. How anyone can dislike this, however, is beyond us.

DISCOVERY OF THE WEEK
Mt Royal


There’s a big history lesson sitting alongside Mt Royal, waiting to be uncovered. Though you needn’t know it if you’re simply wishing to immerse yourself in big, bold and resplendent pop music. This Baltimore project belongs to Ed Harris and Celebration signer Katrina Ford lends her vocals to debut track ‘Missing Reward’. I think you’d have to carry a fair bit experience to pull off a song like this for your debut track. It sounds steeped in wisdom; flashy production techniques making crystallised guitars sound ever more angular and in-your-face. It’s direct and challenging, but it’s also like every song you’ve ever loved colliding into one four-minute pocket. A big bang of musical goodness.