This week we’ve got a brand new track from one of our local Australian songwriters, Ben Leece (out on Monday). This single is a beautiful tribute to a friend who died in tragic and unsolved circumstances and is yet another example of the way Ben so effortlessly imbues his alt-country melodies and music with pathos and heartfelt honesty.

On the morning of October 5th 1995 17-year-old Stephen ‘Whiff’ Smith’s body was found dead under suspicious circumstances along the railway tracks between the small rural communities of Quirindi and Werris Creek in North West NSW. Despite alarming evidence, bungled police procedure and pleas from a broken family, the coroner’s report returned ‘opened findings’ and the case was quickly closed and remained cold for 23 years. In 2018, following a parliamentary address from Greens MP David Shoebridge the death of Stephen Smith was again opened for investigation. Head to Ben’s Bandcamp page below for Ben’s fine words on the song…

Melbourne’s honky tonk prince, James Ellis, with his band of Jealous Guys are back with an excellent second new single, ‘A Thousand Tears’, taken from their forthcoming new album, Country Lion, out on 16 October 2020. They teamed up with Nashville-based producers, Micah Hulscher and Alex Munoz, to release a track which combines classic country songwriting with a style reminiscent of the Cuban sound of son Cubano. A different feel for Ellis and one that works brilliantly.

We premiered this new single from Michael Carpenter and The Banks Brothers yesterday. Filmed in Sydney’s finest clothing and accessories establishment, Route 66, the trio cut some immaculate shapes on their instruments as they showcase another tune from what should be a fine full length album.

There’s a new dream team on the block – ladies and gentlemen I give you The Unrighteous Brothers. The new collaboration between Orville Peck and Paul Cauthen. They’ve released two covers of, naturally, The Righteous Brothers – ‘You’ve Lost That Lovin’ Feeling’ and ‘Unchained Melody’. Sublime and unrestrained stuff. Love it. Proceeds from The Unrighteous Brothers project will be donated to MusiCares, helping musicians with critical assistance in times of need.

New York purveyors of “pastoral psychedelicism”, SUSS, have announced a new album coming out Dec 4th and today they’ve released the second song from it, ‘Home’. Beautiful, atmospheric, widescreen instrumental sounds. Blissful and totally immersive. Dive in.