May 8 - Noteworthy New Releases
Our favourite releases of the week.
Toob Scoots – ‘DEVASTATION’
Three-piece indie pop-punkers Toob Scoots return with their first single of 2026 ‘DEVASTATION’, marking the band’s first release since their debut EP Smiling With Sad Intentions. ‘DEVASTATION’ packs a whole heap of emo pop-punk goodness, featuring deliciously hooky guitar riffs, sensationally sadboi lyrics weaved into classic pop/emo vocal melodies, and a thick and driven rhythm section. The opening riff is contagiously ear wormy, setting the scene for the rest of the song instantly. Mixed by Lachy at Depict Studios – who services many of the local punk/rock bands in the Adelaide scene – the song has an iconically local sound to it that captures the emotional qualities of the track in a package that’s just the right amount of polish and grit.
Sounds like: Staying up until 2am playing PS2 on a school night.
By Callum Turner
Motorcycle Jones – ‘Vanilla’
An open letter of a song, ‘Vanilla’ by Motorcycle Jones has strutted its way into high rotation. A pinch of pent-up frustration, a powdering of seductive overtones and a heavy dusting of confidence is all this song needs to both corner the listener and make them feel grateful that there’s no escape from its expanding shadow. Its lyrics are confessional, unfiltered, and make no reservations about pinpointing the somewhat grotesque cross-section of love and toxicity. It’s messy in content but bold and glitzy in form, which is what rock ‘n’ roll is for. ‘Vanilla’ is about standing your ground, even if it means digging a cowboy boot heel into it.
Sounds like: A romantic entanglement, or a shot of bourbon (both on the rocks).
By Jack Paech
Epworth – ‘Wasteland’
Adelaide three-piece Epworth have blended the catchiness of electronic pop choruses with the attitude and DIY aesthetic of punk on debut single, ‘Wasteland’. The two vocalists flow between fast-paced hip hop-inspired vocals before entering the rousing chorus that becomes an impossible to remove earworm. It’s grounded by this bottom-lip-biting industrial bassline that acts as the lead constant throughout. The doomsday lyrics “world burning live for us on channel one,” juxtapose the boppy dance anthem. It’s a song made to herald the end of the night, or the world, at sweaty, sold-out clubs.
Sounds like: Dancing through the apocalypse.
By Thomas Jackson
Grouse – ‘Easy Living’
Remember The Skegss? I believe we’ve just found the new wave of that sound. Introducing Grouse, Adelaide’s newest and freshest surf rock act all the way from Moonta Bay! ‘Easy Living’, the lead single off of their debut EP Surf Shop Pop, brings a nostalgic sound to the table, reminding you of the early 2000s/2010s indie surf sensation. With a sense of carelessness and the only goal to sit down, relax and have fun, this track gives you exactly what you need. Grouse has been able to take their personality and show it through music, bringing their lifestyle into what they’re writing and playing. With fun guitar lines and a constant upbeat, this track screams summer. If you like it, check out the rest of the EP!
Sounds like: Waking up to see the first good surf break of a hot summer.
By Asher Hammat
Grace Vandals – ‘Knuckles’
Luring in listeners with soft grunge riffs and melodic verses, Grace Vandals’ newest release ‘Knuckles’ has an alternative rock edge and oozes vulnerability. Vandals’ layered vocals are like an instrument in their own right, echoing a sense of rawness and evoking an emotional reaction from her listeners with the ascending sound of her howl. Her folk influence reveals itself with the introduction of strings thrown into the mix, contributing to the looming, moody atmosphere. The climax erupts with Vandals bellowing powerful lyrics beckoning the question, “Now my lover’s knuckles are worn / who’s going to stop this war?”, paired with a low weeping guitar. Though you can hear Vandals’ Jeff Buckley and Patti Smith influences ringing through, ‘Knuckles’ is fresh, original, and from the heart.
Sounds like: Watching rain fall on your windshield.
By Ella Bruce
Admella – ‘Bug Jenky’ Ft. Emily Aukland
Ever listen to something that transports you back to a different time? ‘BUG JENKY’will do that to you. This new track from Admella hits you straight away with nostalgic and manic electronic beats. It is highly reminiscent of ‘90s EBM and industrial dance, such as Clock DVA or Front Line Assembly. But the difference comes down to slick production and female-led vocals from Emily Ackland. Tom Wilson’s screaming vocals that emerge from the background in the chorus add a wonderful depth to the driving beat. The third act breakdown comes just at the right time, leaving some space in the mix for subtle ethereal vocals from Ackland. That last-minute build to the overwhelming chorus again, which will easily go insane live.
Sounds like: Apost-apocalyptic battle between man and machine
By Brad Pine
