Underground Playlists: New Music From Emerging Talent Talk Heavy, Moktar & More

Green Pools (WA)

Praying Mantis

Small WA band Green Pools have caught our attention this week with their newest song, Praying Mantis, which lulls you into its sweet embrace before sinking its teeth in. Influenced by a number of artists, including Phoebe Bridgers, Big Thief and Ball Park Music, the band’s new track feels like it walks through every decade simultaneously, with slow-burn beats, indie-rock-inspired guitars and Tess’ unique and dynamic voice sealing the deal. Praying Mantis carries on from where the band left off with Blue, but with more feeling and oomph that builds up to a climax that doesn't just sell you on the track but the whole band as well. 

Elena Dakota (NT)

Plasticine, As I Do The Sky

Elena Dakota has been a mainstay in the NT art scene ever since she released her 2020 debut single, In Your Garden. Now she’s back with an entire album filled with beautiful and introspective songs that warm the heart and soul. One song, in particular, stood out from the rest in the form of Plasticine, As I So The Sky, which is simple as it is complex. Filled with Dakota’s classic indie folk voice, slow-plucked electric guitar and whingy strings, Plasticine, As I Do The Sky is a lesson in making imperfection as close to perfect as possible. Where there are small hiccups and natural inflections, it brings you closer to the lyrics that Dakota sings, fully immersing the listener in its beauty. 

moktar (NSW)

All Like That

Iconic Aussie DJ and producer moktar has delivered the perfect new dance anthem with new track, All Like That. Combining club and techno with traditional Arabic instrumentation, moktar ushers in a new era of dance music, taking it to a completely different level. A really impressive part of All Like That is moktar’s obvious ability to create dynamics and drive, pushing the song along and always keeping it interesting. It truly is a journey, and it’s impossible to get bored as you listen to the track eb-and-flow into new beats, synths and sweeps. 

Talk Heavy (QLD)

The Song That Plays (When Marissa Shoots Trey)

Talk Heavy are back with another banger, and are we surprised? The band burst onto the scene in early 2022, dominating the heavy airwaves with hits like I Wanna Skate Again and Hoping The Middle. Now, their back with the energy-filled track The Song That Plays (When Marissa Shoots Trey). Every time they slap down another track, we think they can’t beat their last, but every time they exceed our expectations. With fast-paced drums, loud vocals and killer guitar riffs, this song is addictively catchy, and you’ll definitely be hyper-fixated for a long while.

Jerome Blazé (NSW)

Waking Up

Beloved producer Jerome Blazé has come out with his new track Waking Up, foreshadowing his upcoming Double A-side release DAWN. With elements of electronic, folk, neoclassical and soul, Waking Up is soft, introspective and joyful. Produced and mixed by Blazé with Grammy-nominated producer Andrei Eremin, the track really conveys the collaboration and community that was involved in this song. Despite its simplicity, Waking Up is filled with buckets of emotion, and even from a small pick of a guitar string to a soft harmony, Blazé has been able to fill it with a sense of tranquillity.

You can listen to all of our Underground Playlists here.