Best Australian Releases Of 2008

1. Ohana – Dead Beat – The Birth Of The Clinic

My favourite Australian band at the moment released a phenomenal album in October 2008. It was called Dead Beat and it was just under half an hour of some of the most intense tunes you are ever likely to hear. Sadly the band is now on hiatus as the members move interstate or overseas. Their live show, personally witnessed a meager 10 times this year, is something that translates superbly on record. An amazing record from an amazing band. Easily the best thing I heard in 2008.

2. Eddy Current Suppression Ring – Primary Colours – Which Way To Go

Old school punk rawk never sounded so good. So simple and so much fun. It’s kinda weird that they have gotten so big, even being nominated for an ARIA, yet there are plenty of other bands doing quite similar stuff who are still unknown. But there is just something about their songs that get stuck in your head for days on end. Brendan’s monotone speak/sing style? Eddy’s clean guitar lines? Whatever it is, it’s good. And they should keep doing it. P.S. If you get the chance to see them live, do it. I challenge you to have more fun than that for $10.

3. Charge Group – Escaping Mankind – Redcoats & Convicts

Formed from members of The Instant and various other Sydney bands, it’s no mean feat just describing what this group sounds like. Dirty Three is an obvious reference point, with violin added to the conventional rock band set up. Though I think what so endears me to this band are Matt Blackmans imperfect vocals. It’s this feature, plus many other indescribable qualities that make the band so appealing. Choosing a favourite track would be near impossible; Lunar Module and Vice’d are both brilliant and here is proof that Lullabies For The Apocalypse is, too. But Redcoats got the nod in the end. Another man down as we drink the keg dry…

4. The Drones – Havilah – Oh My

As I’ve previously stated, The Drones are a damn fine band. And this is another damn fine record. As stated in some interviews, it was a bit of a change to hear Gareth Liddiard sound a little, dare I say, happy? Avid fans of the band had been heard to scream “sellout!” at their newly purchased disc but all very prematurely. This change in direction proves The Drones can do absolutely anything they like, at least in the realms of music, and make it awesome. I dare them to make a disco album next. I double dare them. As well as their recorded output, they continue with their reputation of vicious live shows.

5. Robert Forster – The Evangelist – Let Your Light In, Babe

I’d barely heard The Go-Betweens before the start of the year, let alone the solo works of one of the chief songwriters of the seminal Australian group. The attention surrounding his first solo release in 12 years made me shake off my procrastination and investigate both sides of his works. The discovery of the greatest Brisbane band ever (sorry Custard) made me want to punch myself in the face as I attended their last ever gig (Homebake 2005) before Grant died and barely paid attention. So young, so naive. At least this lead me to this great LP. Negating the long held belief that Robert wrote the sad songs and Grant did the pop, Forster shows his talents at writing some great ditty’s, including the track I’ve included here, which would have to be my favourite single of the year.

6. Like… Alaska – On Against Want – Adorable

If you’re an avid reader of this piece of tripe I call Zero & Position, you’d be well aware of a Newcastle band by the name of Like…Alaska. After falling in love with their 2006 EP Beds, I was quite excited by the imminent release of the quintet’s debut full length. With mixed feelings on bands that re-release tracks from EP’s onto LP’s, it was great to see that standout track Scorn, wasn’t tampered with at all (why bother messing with perfection?). The mix of the three very different voices works superbly and with this release, I truly feel a great Australian band has stepped forward onto the scene.

7. Because Of Ghosts – This Culutre Of Background Noise – The Battle Of Mount Royal

Another brilliant work from Beacause Of Ghosts. Not a huge departure from some of their other releases (The Tomorrow We Were Promised Yesterday and No More Reason, No More Doubt), this collection of clear and concise tracks such as the one I’ve presented to the dreamy, meandering Dreaming Is Essential, they definitely aren’t another crescendo-core, Explosions rip-off. Recorded in Canada with Mr GY!BE himself, Effrim Menuck, I can hardly see BoG topping this any time soon. A rare live show in November was quite an experience in the most beautiful and elegant warehouse venue I’ve ever seen. Pretty space for pretty music.

8. Pivot – O Soundtrack My Heart – Sweet Memory

This Sydney band has been around a long time but it was only in this past year that I discovered Pivot properly. Finally catching them live (supporting Sigur Ros and headline show of their own with My Disco and Qua), I also got a hold of both of their long players and fell deeply and madly in love. The debut, Make Me Love You, was more immediate but it is this record, O Soundtrack My Heart, that has been the stayer. Despite my hatred of comparisons, the love child of Four Tet and Battles (both of which they have played with) wouldn’t be too far off the mark. Good enough for iconic label Warp, good enough for you.

9. Die!Die!Die! – Promises, Promises – Sideways Here We Come

I have a confession. I still haven’t heard the debut album from NZ band Die!Die!Die!. For some reason, I completely ignored it, despite loving their self-titled EP. So when I discovered a leak for their second album, Promises Promises, I decided I would make amends. Expecting something similar to that early EP, I was pleasantly surprised by the change in direction the trio had taken. While still retaining their more abrasive sounds, the blend with post punk approach created one of the most underrated albums of 2008.

10. My Disco – Paradise – A Christ Pendant Comfort Her Neck

I still have mixed feelings about this album. When it came out, I listened to it 10 times in row and I still didn’t know how I felt about it. 8 months later and I’m still not sure. Straying even further from their earlier work, I’m still not 100% sure I like the minimal My Disco as opposed to the more groove-based songs. But looking at it from a more objective standpoint, it’s hard to say this isn’t a fantastic album. Depending on your mood, An Even Sun can be a hypnotic, groove or 9 minutes of pure boredom. Precision, restraint, volume, maybe I really do like it…

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HONOURABLE MENTIONS

Holly Throsby – A Loud Call – A Heart Divided

Why have I waited so long to check out this captivating singer/songwriter? The Sydney based musician released her third album in 5 years to critical acclaim and righly so.

Firekites – The Bowery – Autumn Story

Somewhat of a Sydney supergroup, this album full of lush tunes is a stunning debut, one that would surely have been higher on the list bar laziness on my part of checking it out.

Witch Hats – Cellulite Soul - Before I Weigh

Dirty rock and roll that rumbles in the pit of your stomach. Not an easy listen but that’s all part of the charm in this debut LP from the Melbourne band.

Grey Daturas – Return To Disruption – Beyond And Into The Ultimate

Not being the biggest fan of not quite melodic music, I can still appreciate good work in the noise/doom/metal genre. This collection of songs is the perfect soundtrack to kicking skulls.

Baseball – Animal Kingdom – I Have Come To Ravish My Betrothed

This Melbourne supergroup finally put out their long-awaited debut LP early in the year. Thick Passage is insane and this collection of violin driven tracks commits to tape what they do so well live.

QUA – Q&A – Lapsang Souchong

Most definitely would have made my top 10 had I heard it a little earlier. Glitchy electro that’s much more fun that The Presets without the shitty singles and even worse fans. Supporting Four Tet in January.

Robotosaurus – Manhater – Party Sick

Less spazz, more concise hardcore from these Adeladians. Absolutely killed it when they supported Graf Orlock in July.

Arrows – Modern Art & Politics – Someone You Knew But You’ve Hardly Met

Another I only just got a chance to listen to before 2008. Sometimes I love them, sometimes I don’t, I’m still deciding on this one.

Beaches – Beaches – The Rip

Shoegaze from Melbourne all girl supergroup. All the right ingredients for some tasty triple guitar treats. Apparently not so great live but 2009 will be the judge of that.

Augie March – Watch Me Disappear – The Slant

An average Augie March album is still pretty decent. Had some great tracks and not so great tracks. Still got it live and played some rare classics at their Metro gig in Ocotober.

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