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

Matt MacMaster, Journalist

Reviews / Live
Live Review: Dave Mathews Band, Gary Park Jr
The band got a big chance to show off during Ants Marching, and the night wrapped up with an incredible rendition of Rapunzel.
Reviews / Live
Live Review: Devendra Banhart, Yon Yonson
It flipped from Spanish to English whenever he felt like it, and flippant, hilarious songs were half-created on the spot. The laughs were real and earned, and the warmth radiating off the stage was so awesome to be a part of.
Reviews / Live
Live Review: Darkside, Movement
"It was a memorable combination of light and sound that cemented DARKSIDE as end-of-year-list frontrunners."
Reviews / Album
Album Review: Robert Cray Band - In My Soul
"The devil is in the detail, and this has many."
Reviews / Album
Album Review: RAC - Strangers, Part 1
It’s bubblegum dance-pop that has absolutely no weight, but is made extremely well – the best-looking shirt you’ve ever seen, made using the cheapest material possible.
Reviews / Live
Melbourne Ska Orchestra. Pic by Clare Hawley.
Live Review: Melbourne Ska Orchestra, Backy Skank
Technical missteps aside, it was a strong performance from the group and a welcome return to the Sydney stage.
Reviews / Album
Album Review: Various/Move D - Fabric 74
"The zen house Presario offers a mix that nicely balances high pressure house with subtle ambient undertones"
Reviews / Live
Live Review: The Hello Morning, Hot Spoke, Tim Wheatley
Joe Cope’s gurgling organ-grinding made everything feel like gospel in the best way, and the whole event was a real treat.
Reviews / Live
Live Review: Yo La Tengo
A large portion of the crowd left immediately, not keen to endure an encore, but even they couldn’t deny the incredible performance that pushed them to that state.
Reviews / Film & TV
Only Lovers Left Alive
This is a recommended return to form after the disappointing The Limits Of Control, and feels like a nice coda to the current wave of Vampire Cinema.
Reviews / Live
Live Review: Avenged Sevenfold, Five Finger Death Punch
It’s purely a matter of taste, not music quality, and the only thing you need to know about the show’s critical success was this: the fans fucking loved it.
Reviews / Live
Mastodon. Pic by
Live Review: Mastodon, Gojira, Baroness
They’re one of the most powerful bands around, and to experience that awesome energy in person is hard to beat.