This Week's Releases

Big Scary - Not Art (Pieater/Inertia)

The Melbourne duo are back with their second LP and again, they throw all of our musical expectations out the window with this one. It's emotional and soulful - perfect for those late nights and comedown mornings. And we thought 2011's Vacation was good.

Smith Westerns - Soft Will (Pod/Inertia)

We've been streaming this inquisitive little record for you guys, so chances are, you may have already heard this new effort from the Smith Westerns. There's less superfuzz on this than on their previous album Dye It Blonde, but there are a few interesting musical references, including The Charlatans and Pink Floyd.

Transplants - In A Warzone (Epitaph/Warner)

It's great to hear from these rock/rappers again - can you believe it's been eight years since their last record? In A Warzone works best when the band stays within its comfort walls. Sadly, while we're pumped that we have some new material from these guys, it doesn't look like they'll be touring our shores anytime soon - or possibly ever.

Mavis Staples - One True Vine (Anti-/Warner)

Mavis Staples is a true gem of blues and soul music and she proves on One True Vine that she can still mix it with the best of them. The ten track album is streaming on theMusic at the moment - do yourself - and your soul a big favour and have a listen.

Wale - The Gifted (Atlantic/Warner)

The Washington rapper drops his second full-length record this week. He continues to dance around the line between underground and mainstream on this one. Though those who give it an entire listen will be more than satisfied even if it's difficult to pinpoint the direction of the LP as a whole. Tip - skip the Tears For Fears cover!

Kirin J Callinan - Embracism (Siberia/Terrible/XL)

We've finally got the debut solo album from the provocative Kirin J and it doesn't disappoint. There's literally a bit of everything on this one - ballads, cyberpunk, galm rock and austere art pop. Phew! That's a lot to deliver and fortunately guys, Callinan does.

Bliss N Eso - Circus In The Sky (Illusive/Liberator)

Growth is the theme of this newy from the Aussie hip hop dudes. There's plenty of collabs with Daniel Merriweather the standout, even against international rapper Nas. Aside from a couple of road bumps, Bliss N Eso have made a compelling release with Circus In The Sky.

Dream On Dreamer - Loveless (UNFD)

It's DIY metalcore on album number two from Melbourne combo.

Fat Freddy's Drop - Blackbird (Remote Control)

A dark, cohesive and rewarding record from the New Zealand outfit. While it's only their third album in 14 years, it proves that patience is the key and a little waiting isn't going to lose these guys any fans. A defining example of rhythm-based musical cross-pollination.

Deap Vally - Sistrionix (Island/Universal)

The upcoming Splendour guests deliver this fuzzy rock set all the way from Cali.

And here's the rest of this week's releases:

About Group - Between The Walls (Domino/EMI)
Ash Grunwald with Scott Owen & Andy Strachan - Gargantua (Shock)
Attila - About That Life (Razor & Tie/Shock)
Tom Odell - Long Way Down (Sony)
Train - California 37 Mermaids Of Alcatraz Edition (Sony)
Big Time Rush - 24/Seven (Sony)
Various - Not Myself (Sony)
Harrison Craig - More Than A Dream (Universal)
Buffalo Tales - Roadtrip Confessions (Foyle/Universal)
Various - The Lone Ranger: Wanted Soundtrack (Universal)
Natalie Cole - Natalie Cole en Español (Verve/Universal)
Forever The Sickest Kids - J.A.C.K (Fearless/Shock)
August Burns Red - Rescue & Restore (Solid State/Shock)
Mixtapes - Ordinary Silence (No Sleep/Shock)
Bobby Womack - Everything's Gonna Be Alright: The American Singles 1967 – 76 (Charly/Shock)
Alela Diane - About Farewell (Spunk/Caroline)
Co La - Melody Coup (Software Recording Co./Cooking Vinyl)
Isaac Graham - Glorious Momentum (Independent)
Amon Amarth - Deceiver Of The Gods (Metal Blade/Rocket)
Maya Jane Coles - Comfort (I/AM/ME/Kobalt)
Various/Ed Colman & The Twins - 24 Hour Party People (Central Station/Universal)
Palms - Palms (Ipecac/Fuse)
Adam Katz - Adam Katz (Newmarket Music)
Tusk Tusk - Ease Up A Little (Illegitimate Children)