Fresh Finds: Class Of 2025 – Aussie Acts To Add To Your Playlist

Chris Familton, Journalist

Chris Familton

I'm a music journalist, publicist and musician. I’ve been writing professionally about music for the last 15 years, with my music blogs Doubtful Sounds and Post To Wire (alt-country/folk) and as a freelancer with The Music (Drum Media) since 2009, Rhythms magazine, FasterLouder and more.

I've been playing bass guitar in bands since the early ‘90s in New Zealand (Thorazine Shuffle) and Australia (The Finalists, Charlie Horse). I currently also work as a music publicist, with artists including Bluebottle Kiss, Halfway, Restless Leg, Alannah Russack. 

Features / Music
Fanny Lumsden Wanted To Create Something Beautiful She Could Find Solace In
Fanny Lumsden’s third album 'Fallow' sees her dealing with the loss of loved ones and the joy of bringing new life into the world. As she explains to Chris Familton, it’s an album that represents possibility and new beginnings.
Reviews / Album
Album Review: New War - Trouble In The Air
"[C]onjures up images of gothic churches, demented carousels, horror soundtracks and shadowy circuses."
Reviews / Album
Album Review: Tracy McNeil & The GoodLife - You Be The Lightning
"[H]er most realised and well-executed release to date."
Features / Music
Purple Mountains. Pic by Brent Stewart.
The Music 2019 Writers' Poll: Chris Familton
Here's what The Music's writers rated in 2019…
Reviews / Live
Live Review: U2, Noel Gallagher's High Flying Birds
"[A]n epic night of jaw-dropping sound and visuals."
Reviews / Album
Album Review: Leonard Cohen - Thanks For The Dance
"[A] reminder that Cohen’s art lives on."
Reviews / Album
Album Review: Refused – War Music
"[I]t rips and roars across ten songs in 35 minutes."
Reviews / Live
Live Review: Joan As Police Woman
"Sparse piano chords settled in unusual places, augmented by sweet, melodic runs of notes."
Reviews / Album
Album Review: Underground Lovers – A Left Turn
"[A]nother sonic gem from one of Australia’s psychedelic finest."
Reviews / Live
Live Review: Dashville Skyline
"A top-shelf festival with a real sense of community and impeccable curation."
Reviews / Album
Album Review: Chastity Belt – Chastity Belt
"[A] dream-pop version of Sonic Youth."
Reviews / Album
Album Review: Purple Mountains – Purple Mountains
"It’s both universal and nakedly personal. It’s funny and entertaining too."
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