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

Matt MacMaster, Journalist

Reviews / Live
Live Review: Wild Nothing, Popstrangers & Melodie Nelson
It was a charming performance that hit all the right buttons and covered a great range from both albums. Come back any time guys.
Reviews / Album
Album Review: Endless Boogie - Long Island
The remaining songs offer little in the way of variety and can’t stand up against such an epic opener, but it’s a great listen. Just wash your ears out when you’re done.
Reviews / Live
Live Review: The Tallest Man On Earth
The bleeding edge between performer and audience is where he lives, and he thrived on the thrill of trying to catch up with himself. We were right there with him.
Reviews / Album
Album Review: Gold Fields - Black Sun
It’s a really strong album full of detail and clean production flourishes.
Reviews / Live
Live Review: How To Dress Well & Collarbones
His brave vulnerability is the key to his appeal on record but confident, generous performances like this one are a joy to behold.
Reviews / Album
Album Review: Bonnie Prince Billy & Dawn McKenzie - What The Brothers
This rich, sepia-toned effort is worth a listen, especially if you’re not familiar with the genius of The Everly Brothers style of country.
Reviews / Live
Live Review: Kings Of Convenience
The Opera House, a sometimes conservative institution of high art, was a suddenly a place for you and me again. It was fun!
Reviews / Album
Album Review: Local Natives - Hummingbird
There’s resonance and pathos in their songwriting that fills up the crevices in your head and heart, and weighs you down with a sweet sort of lead in your belly that feels both rare and important somehow.
Reviews / Live
Live Review: Darshan Jesrani & Daniel Wang
To have a fun night stomping around to house music in such a beautiful old building is a testament to the progressive and encouraging way Sydney is engaging with music.
Reviews / Live
Live Review: Sharon Van Etten
"Her work’s complexity has grown over three albums, along with her instrumentation, and she brought it all to bear with her band to great effect."
Reviews / Live
Live Review: Hawksley Workman, Andy Brown & Maples
It was a novel piece and for those that skipped Festival First Night they were treated to something incredibly unique.
Reviews / Album
Album Review: Tim Hecker & Daniel Lopatin - Instrumental Tourist
Beautiful, edgy and haunting, it’s a bold statement in music’s capability as an abstract artistic entity.