Jack Ladder – Astronaut

On his latest single Astronaut, this vision is fully realised, with the help of bandmates Laurence Pike, Donny Benét and Kirin J Callinan. A melancholic ballad about disconnect with one’s surroundings, Astronaut utilises chilly strings and skittering drums to create something that forces tears to the eye – in the most beautiful way imaginable.

9.5

JACK LADDER

ASTRONAUT

Big Red Machine + Taylor Swift – Renegade (feat. Taylor Swift)

The indie-folk duo join forces with none other Taylor Swift for something that sounds all-too-familiar, and totally skewed. As much a fast-paced folk-blitz, as it is a ballad about the chaotic, destructive forces that end up destroying a relationship – when some people explode, they take others as collateral. An idea that Renegade has no fear of unearthing.

7.9

BIG RED MACHINE + TAYLOR SWIFT

RENEGADE

Jack Grace – Turn To Something You Know

Aussie artist, Jack Grace returns with a synthy, ambient and intimate LP that could be the score for any Oscar-winning coming-of-age film. Simple, sleek and beautifully delicate, as downtempo beats and plucked guitars match Jack’s endearing voice, the world seems to get warmer, and distant at the same time.

8.4

JACK GRACE

TURN TO SOMETHING YOU KNOW

Nerve Damage – Society Made Me Sick

This latest incarnation of Nerve Damage features tracks that, and I quote, “will make you want to run through the nearest wall.” Angry, gritty, and downright captivating. While the boys in the Queensland band have done well to keep a low profile for so long, Society Made Me Sick is set to blow those doors off their hinges.

7.2

NERVE DAMAGE

SOCIETY MADE ME SICK

Metallica + St Vincent – Sad But True

Metallica announced a reissuing of their beloved Black Album in celebration of its 30 year anniversary — as well as a slew of stacked covers. The result? St Vincent enters the chat with none other than her rendition of Sad But True. While we all knew of her prowess behind the guitar, nothing can prepare you for the transcendent solo ahead!

7.6

METALLICA + ST VINCENT

SAD BUT TRUE