Your summer soundtrack sorted…

Two up-and-coming Australian indie bands, two pretty awesome debut albums to listen to = the perfect way to up your indie music hipster quota this summer. Plus, both bands are playing on Australia Day at The Rocks! You know you want to check them out…

CLOUD CONTROL – Bliss Release



Released: 14th May, 2010

If only every band would release an impressive debut album that states quite clearly from the start who they are and why they got signed. Bands can spend at least two albums trying to figure out their sound, but Blue Mountains indie-pop/folk band Cloud Control have already got that sorted…and got it right! From the haunting indie tune of “Gold Canary”, to the playfully innocent but edgy “This Is What I Said”, to the heavier rock beats and electric guitar of “The Rolling Stone”, Cloud Control show off an impressive versatility. Their talent for perfect harmonies and quirky pop arrangements, elegant guitar playing and melodic bass lines gently induce a toe-tapping mood and a smile. A definite winner of an album that has earned Cloud Control well-deserved recognition from the critics.

If you like: Belle & Sebastian, Laura Marling

Listen to: Gold Canary, This Is What I Said

HUNGRY KIDS OF HUNGARY – Escapade



Released: 1st October, 2010

There isn’t a dull moment on this peppy-paced, feel-good album from Brisbane four-piece indie-pop band Hungry Kids Of Hungary – even the resentful songs sound cheerful with their cheeky keyboard riffs, lively bass and 60s pop-inspired guitar playing. Just to balance it all out though, there is the occasional indie ballad such as “No Returns” or chilled “Closer Apart” that has all the sweetness of a Westlife ballad but the cool factor of the indie mood and quirky guitar. The perfect driving-with-the-windows-down-wind-blowing-in-my-hair-sunshine-everywhere soundtrack for summer…and hopefully a good indicator of what’s to come from this talented foursome!

If you like: Johnny Flynn, Cloud Control

Listen to: Set It Right, Let You Down