BMA Single Review by Vince Leigh

As keen readers of BMA Magazine can attest, Vince Leigh has been an absolute workhorse. The Pseudo Echo sticksman and co-writer is one of the best music writers I – Bossman Allan Sko – have had the pleasure of working with. As such, I charged him the noble task of proving something we already know all too well:

That Canberra fucking rocks. And so here we have but ten shimmering examples of enthralling, beguiling, heart-breaking, uplifting, and toe-tapping brilliance from some of Canberra’s finest. Enjoy – ALLAN SKO

ARCHIE – Out Of The City

The lead track from Archie’s EP revealed a refined indie pop-rock direction with emotionally potent hooks and a strong lead vocal performance. This shift in style, departing from their previous funk influences, positioned them for greater success and resonance with fans, potentially indicating a new musical path. Listen on Spotify, Apple Music and Tidal

Glitoris – Lickity Split

Glitoris returned with Lickety Split, a dynamic first single from their second album, produced by Anna Laverty. Celebrating sex workers and sex positivity, the track mixed humour, quirkiness, and theatricality with operatic vocals and subversive lyrics. Its intricate composition and witty content demanded multiple listens, while the chorus offered a catchy yet thought-provoking twist. Diverging from their punk style, Lickety Split is a call for Glitoris’ bold and eclectic creative direction. Listen on Youtube, Spotify and Soundcloud

Jannah Fahiz – Brokenhearted

Jannah Fahiz’s third single marked a departure from the energetic post-punk pop of her earlier work, embracing a reflective tone and focusing on the nuances of her voice. Brokenhearted showcased Jannah’s rapid evolution as an artist, blending contemporary production with confident vocal and songwriting skills. Listen here.

Big Reef – Only Wanna Rock

Big Reef’s fifth single continued their genre-blending artistry, combining new wave, 80s postpunk, and post-rock elements. The track shines with its Talking Heads-inspired rhythm, a mix of spoken verses, and a memorable chorus, further enriched by a prog rock-infused arrangement with dynamic guitar and keyboard segments. This single not only showcased Big Reef’s evolving talent but also artfully incorporates irony into their compelling musical style. Listen on Spotify, Apple Music and Youtube.

Catholic Guilt – Live For The Rush

Within the span of three minutes, the song masterfully combines brevity and precision with a wild sense of discovery. And all the while, a consistent, powerful current of emotion flows through it, distributing its intensity with elegance. Many would argue that these elements together form the ideal blueprint for a flawless ‘pop’ song. Catholic Guilt comes impressively close to realizing this ideal in its unique genre, which smartly blends a diverse array of sensibilities. Listen here.

MUESLI – Tonight?

Muesli has been rapidly gaining prominence since November 2020, performing alongside notable acts and earning many an accolade along the way, including the 2022 Independent Debut Single of the Year. Their single, Tonight?, was a bold step forward, featuring funk-infused melodies and engaging vocals which further showcased the band’s evolving and adventurous musical style. Listen on Triple J Unearthed, Spotify and Tidal.

Teen Jesus and the Jean Teasers – Lights Out

Taken from the band’s debut album I Love You, Canberra’s punk pop superstars track Lights Out kicks off in post-grunge style but soon transitions into a blend of high-octane rock, carefully laden with hooks that don’t cross the cliché line and compel with a series of stirring performances. Listen on YouTube, Spotify and Apple Music

NORA feat. Viktor Rufus – Pretend

Pretend’s foundational influences might echo the ‘90s post- Britpop emo pioneers such as Radiohead. But NORA branched out here, marking a bold departure towards a thrilling and richly creative landscape, bringing Canberra’s musical everyman, Viktor Rufus, along for the ride. Listen on Triple J Unearthed, Bandcamp and Spotify

Aya Yves – White Flag

Aya’s introspective contemplation is beautifully transformed into a sequence of delicate, reflective melodies that echo the overarching theme of the song. This theme appears to revolve around a soft, healing awakening, marked by moments of tenderness and emotional clarity. Listen on Triple J Unearthed, Spotify and Apple Music

Gia Ransome – Boots

From early in the year, Gia Ransome’s debut track revealed an instantly captivating fusion of introspective folk and pop-rock. Boots showcases a keen musical intuitiveness that is as engaging as it is wise. Listen on Spotify, Youtube and Apple Music.