The Votes Aren’t In, But New Music Is Live

LOCAL

Ash Nataanii, E m p t y Nest

The bitter-sweet trials of parenthood. E m p t y Nest talks about lovely resentment that yields the growing pains of autonomy. The decision of what is over not what could have been is highlighted in the song. A series of memories focus on personal and parental growth surrounded in insecurity. Familial care grows into mourning the change of something that’s still alive. Simple guitar and percussion accompany the lyrics: Nataanii’s voice envelops the song in warmth. 

Ash Nataanii (audible wet cloth weeping with hands on wires, strumming the whines of a dark night.) e m p t y nest, released 02 November 2020 Fuckin hell, its happening again. The monolith of broken arms is sneaking old tom gin. Split the lip but only tasted ash.

Soviet 4th Grader, Atlas Sharted

Back in the USSR? Never left. Atlas Sharted highlights class issues through over hyperbolization: using consevative made liberal parodies to bring attention to social injustices. In a Republican’s hellscape, Russia and The United States dance in a Cold War waltz; genre variation, strong guitar, and clever commentary weave together in a cutting protest album.

Atlas Sharted by Soviet Fourth Grader, released 01 November 2020 1. Titan 2. Oklahoma, USSR 3. The Body Politic 4. Endangered Species-Act! 5. Illuminaughty 6. People Think the Earth is Flat 7. Stroganoff 8. Everybody Hates Greg 9. The Talking Dead 10. Arcade Fantasy 11. Math Burger 12.

The ZACC, Rock Camp Songs Vol. 4 (Smells Like Quarantine Spirit)

This is by far the cutest album this Friday. Evil time-travelling weasels to post-nuclear Bikini Bottom, these kids know what they’re doing. The ZACC just released a compilation of all the hard work their young students have been up to: it’s awesome. If anything is going to get us through November, it's the ZACC kids.

Rock Camp Songs Vol. 4 (Smells Like Quarantine Spirit) by The ZACC, released 31 October 2020 1. Just Another Band - Bad Dad Jokes 2. Limited Time Only - Evil Weasel 3. The Moonwalkers - Kick The Ball 4. Bleeding Hearts - Waiting 5. Chocolate Monkey Sharks - Pink Aliens 6.

Singles

Yard Act, Peanuts

In a clash of figurative and literal language, Yard Act writes a stream of consciousness song on peanut allergies and cutting relationships off. In a Talking Heads-esque narrative on problematic friends, a fake husband with a peanut allergy is the final straw. Planter’s dust puts an end to the whole affair.

Peanuts by Yard Act, released 03 November 2020 Here I am again, Here I am sitting in the waiting room Waiting for an appointment That I had booked six months ago I'm feeling very low Yes, I was shitting bricks At the prospect of existence without you And so I

EP

Birdy, Piano Sketches

The bitterness of lingering affection. In her new EP Piano Sketches, Birdy sings about the inevitable end of a relationship despite the love that can still be found within its confines. Using allusions to the natural world to emphasize the barren potential of her relationship, Birdy’s voice leads refrains with confidence, then fades into the upper register of the songs.

Listen to Piano Sketches on Spotify. Birdy · Single · 2020 · 4 songs.

ALBUMS

Emma Donovan and the Putbacks, Crossover

Emma Donovan molds the world around her into art. Sorrow, joy, and family; her life is woven through her art symbiotically. Donovan’s voice is smooth and comforting, giving redundancy of life to her lyrics. Yacht-rock-style music backs Donovan’s voice, matching her tone and tempo. Crossover is the album we need right now; it’s relaxing and it makes you happy while still preserving culture and advocating for Indigenous rights.

Crossover by Emma Donovan & The Putbacks, released 06 November 2020 1. Crossover 2. Don't Give Up On Me 3. Hold On 4. Mob March 5. Pink Skirt 6. Yarian Mitji 7. Leftovers 8. Warrell Creek Song 9.

Marina Kaye, Twisted

You’ll be hearing this one whenever we can go back into theatres. Marina Kaye sings about her duality of character through her significant other’s perspective of her. Her reactions in the middle of the contradictory stability and newness of her relationship are emphasized. Fear of rejection after relaxing completely into love is accompanied by catchy pop tracks and belting vocals: this album belongs in a rom-com.

Listen to Twisted on Spotify. Marina Kaye · Album · 2020 · 11 songs.

Playlist

Both Atlas Sharted and e m p t y nest are available for purchase on Bandcamp!

A playlist featuring Birdy, Yard Act and Emma Donovan

Assembled by Music Director, Elinor Smith.