July 18 - Noteworthy New Releases
Our favourite releases of the week.
JesseMelancholy – ‘sanctuary’
Like shifting sands in the hourglass, JesseMelancholy continues to surprise with every release. The genre-bending creative’s latest single, ‘sanctuary’, is his second release of 2025 and follows April’s pop-punk meets electronic whirlwind ‘kiss the sky’.
‘sanctuary’ begins with the strumming of a violin before a cauldron of noise bubbles over on this alt-pop anthem about a relationship in flux. JesseMelancholy has a unique talent for crafting emotive pop songs that aren’t the norm, with manipulated vocals, electronic flourishes and soaring choruses found throughout.
Sounds like: The effervescent crack of a cold can of soda.
Late Night Lies – ‘Intervention’
Here’s one for those who like to mosh. ‘Intervention’ is a powerful dose of punk rock from quintet Late Night Lies. A high-energy break-up anthem about being caught in a toxic, on-again, off-again relationship, there’s an old-school Offspring vibe running through this track.
‘Intervention’ is Late Night Lies’ first release of 2025, and the band are celebrating with a launch show at The Exeter Hotel on Saturday 19 July 2025 alongside Halftime Oranges and St Judes.
Sounds like: An Ixnay on the Hombre B-side.
RUSTY ft. Krysta Youngs – ‘Other Side’
Producer and DJ RUSTY has teamed with vocalist Krysta Youngs on the upbeat future bass track ‘Other Side’. The track aims to inspire and is a reminder that no matter how tough times can be, there’s always a light at the end of the tunnel, with Young’s euphoric vocals merging well with RUSTY’s shiny production. Top stuff.
Sounds like: Coming home to a warm embrace.
Primary Evidence – ‘Part of Me’
‘Part of Me’ is the debut single from emerging rockers Primary Evidence. Channelling late ‘90s grunge acts such as Fugazi and Sonic Youth, ‘Part of Me’ is made for throwing shapes in a dark, dingy basement bar.
The trio of Luke Green, Callum Bettison and Tyson Ercolino offer up some thrilling riffs and a mid-song breakdown that builds to the song’s supersonic climax.
Sounds like: The ‘90s.
Bella Brinkworth – ‘Perfume’
Just named as one of the artists performing at this year’s Scouted showcase, emerging singer-songwriter Bella Brinkworth shared her debut EP, Little Girl, last month.
Featuring five tracks of emotive alt-folk, the EP arrives after Brinkworth has performed more than 50 shows and garnered over 12 million views on TikTok. Highlight ‘Fingertips’ is a guitar ballad that finds Brinkworth backed by the piano as her rich vocals flow effortlessly.
Sounds like: A lullaby.
Nathan Hui-Yi – ‘STAND AT THE EDGE OF THE WORLD’
Few local artists are releasing music at the rate of Nathan Hui-Yi. The rapper and producer has already dropped four EPs this year, with his most recent being STAND AT THE EDGE OF THE WORLD.
The five-track release features Hui-Yi’s trademark flow over his inventive bedroom beats that range from classic boom-bap to modern lo-fi production. EP opener ‘STAND AT THE EDGE OF THE WORLD’ features Hui-Yi dropping lyrical bombs over a piano line with a subtle drum beat that showcases his experimental take on tired hip hop tropes.
Sounds like: The beginning of the end.
