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
Sonic Reducer SKEWBALL
Sonic Reducer, the plucky Canberra quartet of talented 20-year-olds, delivered an electrifying debut EP in SKEWBALL, blending post-punk revival intensity with raw, unfiltered energy. Tackling themes like toxic masculinity, dating, and class systems, the EP exuded chaos and control. With sold-out shows, accolades, and relentless drive, Sonic Reducer’s sharp lyricism and fierce sound signal their place as a compelling new voice.
Gia Ransome Buttercup
Buttercup showcased Gia Ransome’s evolving artistry, blending smoky blues and jagged alt-rock with raw emotional depth. A whispered count-in set an intimate tone while her seductive vocals navigated lust and regret over fluid arrangements. The track preserved Gia’s signature style while introducing fresh, idiosyncratic elements, affirming her as a dynamic force ahead of her debut LP.
Sophie Edwards Transience
Sophie Edwards blended bold artistry with confessional intimacy. From triple j Unearthed airplay to her Transience EP, Sophie’s accomplishments— including winning the Spilt Milk artist competition and championing non-male creatives—highlighted her ongoing impact, while tracks like 4kInMyBrain showcased her vocal finesse and meticulous production.
Moaning Lisa fainter
Moaning Lisa’s fainter was a bold step forward, weaving emotional candour, refined instrumentation, and compelling storytelling. The title track sets a melancholic yet hopeful tone, leading into highlights like the anthemic 4am (where have you been?) and the raw, acoustic agoraphobia.
Balancing post-grunge nostalgia with introspective folk, fainter showcased a band confidently exploring vulnerability, resilience, and growth, cementing their place in the indie rock landscape.
Peach Lane You Love Me, I Hate Me
Canberra indie pop trio Peach Lane—Madeleine, Pierre, and Hannah—craft ethereal, atmospheric tracks blending live and electronic elements inspired by The xx and Bon Iver. Their release, You Love, Me I Hate Me, is built on lush vocal layers, undulating keys, and intricate production. With a bittersweet narrative and captivating sonic textures, the self produced track bolstered Peach Lane’s reputation for intimate, introspective indie-pop richness.
smartcasual Disgusting
smartcasual’s single Disgusting perfectly balanced straightforward indie rock with nuanced storytelling, highlighting their knack for dynamic songwriting. Clean guitar tones and a standout single-note riff intertwine with a memorable melodic hook that evolved rather than repeated. The track’s structure showcased the band’s mastery of tension and release, seamlessly blending restraint with exuberance. With precise vocals and deliberate instrumentation, Disgusting was a polished testament to smartcasual’s ability to craft an engaging and impactful alt-rock experience.
Big Reef Hasta Luego
Big Reef kicked off 2024 with Hasta Luego, a 7-minute indie pop journey that showcased their unpredictable artistry within an ’80s-infused framework. The track weaved together four dynamic sections, moving from hypnotic verses and a repetitive hook to bursts of prog-rock energy and a chorus layered with cascading synths and melodic payoffs. Bold, whimsical, and adventurous, Hasta Luego perfectly captured the siblings’ knack for blending humour, experimentation, and irresistible melodies.
Nina Leo Blind Spot
Nina Leo captivated all with her track Blind Spot. Blending femme rock and raw storytelling, the track channelled resilience and self-discovery. Produced by Louis Montgomery, its muted guitar intro, soaring melodies, and shoegaze-inspired choruses reflected Nina’s journey from hurt to empowerment.
ARCHIE Tell the people you love that you love them
ARCHIE’s terrifically-titled EP showed further artistic growth via a refined, genre-blending sound. Tracks like Beat Won’t Fail Me Now, and Lowtide balanced chilled grooves with uplifting hooks, while Flow and Out of the City showcased their knack for dynamic, soulful melodies. And with closer Purpose, the EP solidified ARCHIE’s confident evolution and exciting potential.
Leila Stranded In Cairns
Leila’s Stranded In Cairns, inspired by her cyclone experiences, built on the soulful folk-pop foundation of her 2023 debut, Missing Piece. With evocative vocals, intricate acoustic textures, and a standout violin solo, the track blended emotional depth with dynamic song structure. Its alluring chorus and nuanced arrangements illuminated Leila’s evolving artistry and positioned her as a rising talent in contemporary Australian folk-pop.
Go on, play these top tracks on repeat >>