#boomgates

4/11/26.

Oh, Steph Hughes, you have no idea how much I've missed your music. I've missed those you made music with in both Boomgates and Dick Diver, but there has always been something about your voice.

About 2 months ago I heard Hedge Burners "Fall Out Of The Future" and loved it, but noticed it had no physical release. Just recently, I was perusing the "best-selling" vinyl and lo and behold, there was Hedge Burners. Australian label, Legless Records, has released this (total quantity of 500).

Hedge Burners (Melbourne, Australia) does have that classic Aussie indie pop sound reminiscent of the bands named above. Also don't forget about other bands that Steph graced - Blank Statements, and the early years of The Stroppies. It should also be noted that other members of Hedge Burners have been in bands such as Stiff Richards, Split System and The Green Child - all fantastic in their own right.

9/14/23.

The Australian music scene has been strong for the past 15 years. From "dolewave" to driving post-punk to punk, many of my favorite bands have come from down under.

Soft Covers (Melbourne, Australia) is one of the best new Australian bands I've heard in a while. Listen, and you might not think they sound much different from Go Get Mum, The Stroppies or Boomgates. And you know what, you might be partly right. But those vocals, melodies and hooks are just astounding. "The Real Housewives of Porpoise Spit" is one of my favorite songs of 2023, and "Every Week" sounds like it could be an early Chills song (or The Bats/Minisnap: Kaye Woodward!!).

5/16/18.

Lo and behold, Mr. Mikey Young is producing for Scottish bands too.  Fuzzkill Records is a Glasgow, Scotland label (Spinning Coin released a cassette for the label). 

12/29/23.

Jungle Breed are a Melbourne, Australia band that definitely have a sound that is a bit less dolewavy and a bit more upbeat Aussie pop in the vein of Go Get Mum, Boomgates, Pinch Points or one of my recent favorites, Soft Covers. And I'd like to throw in a reminder-comparison - don't forget Rush to Relax (Slovenia). They mine a sound similar to Jungle Breed, but with a bit more Flying Nun.

3/31/22.

Several years ago Bedroom Suck was one of my go-to labels: Boomgates, Bitch Prefect, Blank Realm and Scott & Charlene's Wedding all came out with LPs within a few years of one another.

Full Ugly (Melbourne, Australia) were also releasing music during that time period. Made up of members from Milk Teddy and Totally Mild, Full Ugly sound like the "could" be from Australia. Yes, they sound a bit like Milk Teddy crossed with Scott & Charlene's Wedding, but there is also something completely unique here.

Bedroom Suck was instrumental in supporting the mid 2010s bloom of Australian music. Of course they continue to put out great music (listen to Dag).

2/7/22.

Pinch Points (Melbourne, Australia) definitely sound like an Aussie band - but mostly because of the vocals. The vocal delivery really recalls Go Get Mum or Boomgates. Instrumentally, this is jangly, but not so much in the "dolewave" sound.

Listening Post – June 2021

Words: Andy Hughes Sorry, where did the last 5 months go? As we steamroll through the year at breakneck speed, your ever faithful friends at Birthday Cake For Breakfast are here to bang on about music – some new, some old – all worth your attention. Giddy up! https://open.spotify.com/playlist/4YVCOaEVI9rOIdnY3PhJEf?si=8b2730f61d444a42 The B-52’s – Private Idaho(Wild Planet) A brief two minute…