July 10 - Noteworthy New Releases
Our favourite releases of the week.
LILLI – ‘O Philosopher’
Introspection in pop music can give a clear insight into the artist. With LILLI’s track ‘O Philosopher’ from her brand-new album Anthropology, we can sense the struggle she has speaking up for her convictions. The track’s intro instantly grabs you into LILLI’s world so she can share her experiences with you. It is reminiscent of late ‘90s pop ballads that soared to the top of the charts. The lyric “truth is a scalpel / but I can’t make the cut,” really hits home the idea of awkward conversations we can have with those we hold dear. ‘O Philosopher’ gleams of folksy, catchy pop that will have you singing the chorus to yourself for a while to come.
Sounds like: A montage moment in a classic teen drama.
By Brad Pine
Street Legal – ‘The Barassi Line’
If you’re all freaking out about the state of the world as much as we are, then never fear, Street Legal have crafted a track that’ll make you feel a little less alone. With billionaire freaks lining their wallets with blood-soaked dollar bills and scummy politicians watching eagerly, counting their pocket money “donated” by the former, the world feels truly on fire. But through distinct, buzzy, grounded guitar strokes and clever lyrics, Street Legal call it out in a satisfying, bitey tone. Aided by an urgent beat, the Australiana vocals faintly resemble if BAD//DREEMS developed a taste for polished pop-rock. And the track’s slow-tempo riffy breakdown? Chef’s kiss. We pray this stellar anthem will be one we fondly rediscover 40 years from now while sipping tea in a peaceful, equitable society.
Sounds like: Shaking the blues away while holding up a pitchfork.
By Millah Hansberry
TUSHAR – ‘Spell’
While trying to put a spell on “her”, TUSHAR has managed to put a spell on us, with his beautiful haze of swirly tones and reverb layered vocals. Continuing on with his stand-out brand of feel-good music, TUSHAR has started the year strong, first releasing ‘Lighthouse’ in March and now following up with his newest single ‘Spell’. This track seems to dive into the want of something better for someone, wishing you could cast that spell to make everything better. Layered with groovy bass lines, tambourines and production additions, this track breathes effortlessly; it’s exactly what it needs to be and nothing more. Giving hints of acts like Tame Impala, it has this introspective approach, that is known and loved around the globe.
Sounds like: Being spun on a roundabout.
By Asher Hammat
Dropsink – ‘bite the bullet’
As their first release of 2026, DROPSINK have started the year with a bang with ‘bite the bullet’, delivering a grungy and emotionally-charged anthem about swallowing your pride. DROPSINK taps into feelings of anxiety, indecision and self-doubt through lyrics that feel both deeply personal and universally relatable. Driven by gritty electric guitar riffs, the track’s raw and explosive sound charges the emotional intensity behind frontman Lachlan Searles’ vocals. ‘bite the bullet’ perfectly balances the band’s aggressively energetic movement with moments of genuine vulnerability and openness. I’m keen to see where this track takes them for the rest of 2026 as I can already picture a packed venue of gig-goers chanting the catchy chorus line.
Sounds like: Wondering “now what?” after being left stranded on Currie Street.
By Eliza Scott
Joe and the Mad Cuppas – ‘Taxman’
Dust off your work boots and raise your beer to damn that cruel taxman coming to take half of your paycheck. ‘TaxMan’, the opening number on Australiana folk-rock band Joe and The Mad Cuppas debut EP YAKKA, is a working-class anthem. The shrill of a wistful harmonica pulls you right in before the stompy drum beat and pluck of a country banjo gets you grooving. The frontman Joe hails “the harder I work…?”, and his posse bandmates respond with “the less I get!”, a call and response that begs for an audience to join in. ‘TaxMan’ is a tune to be listened to beneath gum trees and kookaburras after a hard day’s work; before July’s cold taxman comes to rip you off.
Sounds like: The first days of a long winter.
By Ella Bruce
Aaliyah – ‘Not A Good Friend’
Aaliyah’s sophomore single, ‘Not a Good Friend’, is the kind of pop track that will have you dancing around your room without a care in the world. With a storyline similar to ‘Best Friend’s Brother’ from 2010’s Nickelodeon TV show Victorious, the song captures the excitement and frustration of wanting someone you probably shouldn’t. Aaliyah’s infectious energy shines throughout, proving she has all the ingredients to become the next big thing. A standout moment is her phone call near the end of the track, adding personality and helping drive the story forward. Backed by catchy guitar riffs and punchy drum patterns, the production feels fresh while still drawing on classic pop influences. Fun, relatable, and packed with heaps of energy, ‘Not a Good Friend’ is another strong step forward for Aaliyah.
Sounds like: Drunk confessions in the bathroom.
By Tiana Gibbins
