The Goon Sax rise to #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.
Kurushimi – #8 Amrap Metro
The enigmatic Kurushimi return with, Yuruyaka na shi no ma no kanbi naru mezame, their latest experiment in deconstructionist noise. The Sydney based collective run wild with their transgressive and often nightmarish blend of prog-rock and jazz to obliterate any semblance of melody or form, resulting in something otherworldly. There is a fascinating darkness here, a vision of some dystopic abyss that builds with ethereal saxophone and disjointed guitar only to shatter and dissipate before it can be seized. Those familiar with Kurushimi’s past releases know to expect the unexpected but this tar-laced taste from their forthcoming What is Chaos? is something remarkable in terms of complete rhythmic destruction. Delve deeper into the dark by tuning in to Perth’s RTR FM, FBi Radio in Sydney and BBB FM in the Barossa Valley, South Australia.
Ella Thompson – #9 Amrap Metro
Ella Thompson has had a busy few years, honing her multi-disciplinary craft, launching her own label, POOL and focusing on collaborative projects including celebrated funk-soul collective The Bamboos. Snow marks Thompson’s first piece of solo material since 2015 and she has returned with both the energy she is renowned for and a strong sense of maturity and self-awareness. Thompson’s impressive voice rules the track, complimented by layered, electronic production and wooded percussion. The fluidity of her lyrics and guiding, orchestral strings signal empowerment, sensuality and the importance of growth. There is no denying Thompson’s mastery of her art and dedication to her discipline as the visuals for Snow only expand upon the beauty of the music. Do yourself a favour and check them out or imagine your own by tuning in to Brisbane’s 4ZZZ, Hobart’s Edge Radio or Triple R in Melbourne.
Shaun Kirk – #7 Amrap Regional
Shaun Kirk shows off his knack for foot-stomping blues on his new single, Save My Soul, an instant classic that captures his tour-laden lifestyle. Hailing from Melbourne and a crowd favourite at Blues Fest in Byron Bay, Kirk is no stranger to the open road with sold out shows across the country. His troubadour existence bleeds into the twang of this track with steely guitar and bouncing, blues piano heightened by Kirk’s signature grizzled, yet soulful proclamations. While his vintage style pays homage to the blues legends of the past, he owns the old sound and spins modern folklore into his lyrics. Hitch a ride with Kirk by switching the dial to Melbourne’s Inner FM and Plenty Valley FM or Bay FM in Byron Bay, NSW.
Spiral Perm – #2 Amrap Regional
Spiral Perm may not be a hair band but they do harken back to another decade with surf-rock guitar riffs and jangling percussion on their latest single, A Santa at NASA. The Melbourne based trio are experts in their eclectic sound, sitting comfortably in the psychedelic, garage-rock realm marrying tight drums and cruisy vocals from frontwoman Ali E for an authentic vibe worthy of the Californian coastline. Spiral Perm are one of those rare bands that exemplify the DIY attitude having only formed in 2017 but already three EPs deep thanks to hand printed T-shirts and rehearsals above a doctors surgery in Brunswick. Get in the groove by switching the station to Perth’s KCR Radio, Yass FM in NSW or Mountain District Radio in Emerald, Victoria.
RAT!hammock – #3 Amrap Regional
RAT!hammock have truly nailed their sound with June, the latest offering from the indie-rock trio out of Melbourne. It’s a hazey tune, full of nostalgia and crunchy guitar breaks with just the right amount of vocal modulation served up with a smirk. Merpire makes a guest appearance and truly enhances the nineties feel with her gorgeous, dreamy backing vocals reminiscent of Pavement or the softer side of The Smashing Pumpkins. There is plenty to admire about RAT!hammock’s song writing growth since their inception in early 2017 and with the release of June, we’re likely to be hearing plenty more. Join in on the jangle pop being broadcast by Nambucca Valley Radio in NSW, Radio Adelaide in South Australia and Sydney’s FBi Radio.
See the full Amrap Charts at www.airit.org.au.
The Amrap Charts show the Top 10 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.