Parquet Courts.

There is something about the punk rock formula that allows guitarists to push through the impending arthritis and slam down a crunchy chord on high rotation without it becoming simply boring. What ends up happening is that it creates a platform for the repetitious guitar riff and direct rhythm section to sit back and cruise while the subtle vocal inflections and performative flare shine through and grab the limelight with each passing verse. With Brooklyn post-punk band Parquet Courts,  the limelight is on everything; the hooks are catchy, the lyrics are personable, the instrumentation is creative (keep and ear out for the recorder solo in this song), and the vibe is no bullshit. 'You've Got Me Wondering Now' is the latest single from the guys and it is an honest stab at how shitty your significant other can make you feel. And the lyrics are a good fun read, check them out on their Soundcloud.

Darkside.

With Nicholas Jaar's 2010 record - Space Is Only Noise, we were smacked across the lips with what ambient electronic music could be; a minimalist yet groove-laden deep and spacious sound with an unrivalled crisp-ness. Two years on Jaar teams up with guitarist Dave Harrington for the project they labelled 'Darkside'. It could be speculation, but we like to think that they chose the name as a direct homage to the album that invented space rock. But don't expect to hear rock on their debut LP Psychic, the album is about as definable as the concept - but it's damn good. Who would of thought Harrington's blues guitar licks would sound like a ear full of warm caramel up against Jaar's deep echoey drawl. The two are perfectly mingled - a concept that on paper shouldn't sounds as sonically pleasing but it is a credit to the precise production and complex arrangement of these songs that makes Psychic an incredible piece of music. 'Paper Trails' is the most easily digestible upon first listen of the whole album but if you want more of that spacious ambient funk but don't want to dive into the whole dark abyss of this album head first (although we'd suggest that you're seriously depriving yourself) give 'The Only Shrine Iv'e Seen' a listen next.

Shining Bird.

Leisure Coast is not only the title of Shining Bird's debut album, but an overriding sentiment; a reflection of their unrivalled patriotism to the the stretch of coastline they call home in the New South Wales South coast of Australia. Their music seems to pay homage to the land and culture that brought them up with many nods given to the 1980's Australian music scene and even its television culture. The film clip for "Distant Dreaming" is an absolute throwback which induces an overload of nostalgia - but a very comforting reference to those who fit within its demographic. It is also the single off the recently released album which inundates you with these vibrant floating atmospheres that take you elsewhere -where you'd rather be - the Leisure Coast.