Richard In Your Mind return to take #1 on the Amrap Metro Chart

Community radio shows a huge amount of support for Australian music, with almost 40% of music played coming from local artists. Taste-making presenters excel at giving airtime to an incredible spread of what Aussie artists have to offer. The Amrap Metro and Amrap Regional Charts provide insight into what’s getting airplay and attention on community radio each week. Here’s the lowdown on some tunes charting this week.

Richard In Your Mind – #1 Amrap Metro

It’s been a few years since we’ve heard from Richard In Your Mind but in a kaleidoscope of wavy brilliance they have returned with the aptly titled, I Hope You Weren’t Waiting Long. Apparently, the Sydney Psych-pop group have been conferring with the cosmos, riding the astral projections of time and space in order to find their newest sound. While no strangers to the psychedelic, RIYM’s latest offering is certainly closer to the divine. Bursting with beautifully layered vocals, sweeping guitar and the perfect touch of wobbly synth, the track transports the listener into a warm, waking dream. Sink in and fade away by tuning into Sydney’s FBi Radio, Mountain District Radio in Victoria and Perth’s KCR FM.

Allysha Joy – #4 Amrap Metro

There is an unparalleled rawness that emanates from artists like Allysha Joy, an honesty in her lyricism that could be mistaken as vulnerability until it’s delivered atop a soulful, RnB groove. Selfish is her latest offering, a smooth and rich showcase of her dynamic sound, brimming with jangly percussion and electric keys. Her husky vocals and complex songwriting shine through on this one, emanating a powerful energy reminiscent of the bohemian, soul queens of the 90s. Following on from her success as a key member of Melbourne collective 30/70, Allysha Joy is clearly challenging her creativity and honing her craft. Get down with it on Perth’s RTR FM, Bay FM in Byron Bay NSW and Hobart’s Edge Radio.

The Swamp Stompers – #6 Amrap Regional

The Swamp Stompers get moody on their latest offering, Shadows On The Wall – a bluesy, guitar driven tack full of regret, lamentation and catchy hooks. Hailing from the backwaters of Lismore, the roots-rock trio have dropped four releases in six years, carving out a name for themselves on the Australian indie circuit and touring all over the country. Their latest single marks a maturation of their sound with all three members contributing to vocals, echoing the chorus with catchy results. There is a hint of brooding and menace amid a steady beat but the upbeat guitar riffs maintain the band’s signature groove. Stomp along by dialling into Inner FM in Melbourne, Goolwa’s Alex FM in South Australia and Bankstown’s 2BACR in NSW.

Birds Of Tokyo – #10 Amrap Regional

It’s been a quiet couple of years for celebrated alt-rockers, Birds Of Tokyo but if their new single, Unbreakable, is anything to go by then they’re back with a vengeance. Already picked as the theme song for ABC TV’s Invictus Games Sydney coverage, the track is lined up to be an epic summer anthem. Unbreakable is big, bold and triumphant thanks to the soaring vocals of front man Ian Kenny and a series of rhythmic, choral crescendos. Kenny’s lyrics burst with a sense of rebuild and reflection, an obvious celebration of reaching the light at the end of a tunnel, whether it’s literal or allegorical. Sing along by switching to Fraser Coast Community Radio in Hervey Bay NSW, Mount Gambier’s 5GTR FM in South Australia and 2SEAR FM out of Eurobodalla NSW.

Hearts and Rockets – #10 Amrap Metro

Hearts and Rockets (FKA Heat Wave) serve up another slice of post-punk pleasure with their latest tune, Dance Off, a backhanded party track fuelled by hazy bass and buzzing synths. The Melbourne based duo revel in their retro sound, layering reverb and crunchy drum machine beats to emphasise the tongue in cheek lyrics delivered in perfect bratwave fashion from vocalist Kalindy Williams. Dance Off is a misdirect, it’s not about a showcase of groovy moves, but rather an order spat over the microphone and accompanied by a middle finger. They might not want to dance with you, but you can dance with them by tuning into Brisbane’s 4ZZZ, Triple R in Melbourne and Canberra’s 2XX FM.

See the full Amrap Charts at www.airit.org.au.

The Amrap Charts show the top ten tracks ordered for airplay by community broadcasters through the Amrap’s AirIt music distribution service. Amrap is an initiative of the Community Broadcasting Association of Australia which distributes new Australian music to community radio stations nationwide & empowers broadcasters to promote new Australian music on air & online.