Noteworthy New Releases August 2026

The Noteworthy new releases are a collection of songs, EPs and albums reviewed by the crew that appear in our monthly print mag. To make sure you digital fiends don't miss out, we've published our favs here, with awesome tracks from Marina Anthea, MACËY, LOLA, Full Cream, Cherry Dasies and George Alice.

Marina Anthea – ‘violet’

Upbeat and confident, ‘violet’, the fourth track on Marina Anthea's debut EP FLORA, is a gorgeous change in tone from her usual elegant indie sound. Its steady bass and guitar rhythm make your heart feel like you’re running, with her soft, angsty vocals keeping the pace. Anthea delivers lyrics that encompass a seductive, brooding storm: "You said that I’m not worth it, would you say that to violet?" suggesting to the listener that there are questions left unanswered and ties left uncut in a past relationship or friendship. This track builds with overlapping vocals, and unwavering drums – but finishes on a bittersweet, acoustic note.

Sounds like: Thunder waiting for its cue once the lights have come up.

By Ella Cortazzo

MACËY – 'Make Believe'

Four-piece hyperpunk band MACËY have gone full throttle with 'Make Believe', striking a balance between emotional weight and anarchic experimentation. With deeply introspective storytelling and impassioned turbulence, the track highlights the internal struggle involved in letting go of the haunting memories of a past relationship. The cathartic release of pent-up frustration demonstrates MACËY’s genre-bending blend of hyperpop and nu-metal sounds. Lead vocalist Patrick O'Leary's anguished introspection is heightened by drummer Cooper Foskett’s forceful rhythmic foundation, utilising tightly controlled hits and dynamic fluctuations in intensity. MACËY’s refusal to settle into one sound becomes their greatest strength with 'Make Believe', as each shift in intensity drives the track’s compelling portrait of heartbreak, frustration and release.

Sounds like: Headphones turned up past the safety point.

By Eliza Scott

LOLA – 'Make Things Right'

LOLA have yet again pumped out another punk anthem with the bratty garage rock track 'Make Things Right'. I can already see the crowd losing their minds when they hear the intro; the fuzzy bass riff leading into a bouncy guitar strum, slathered with overdrive distortion. The lyrics rewrite characters that might seem scary, mean, or unhinged, to show them as "sweethearts", trying to "make things right", even if they mess up along the way. The bridge is home to rolling drums kickin’ faster than you can thrash your head to, and a face-melting guitar solo, before heading straight back into that anthemic chorus "he tries to make things right", begging the audience to sing along. The song is complete with layered Easter eggs and hidden messages; you discover a new little detail on every listen.

Sounds like: A euphoric crowd surfing moment.

By Ella Bruce

Full Cream – 'If I Ever'

It's FULL and it's CREAMY. Returning after their debut EP Butterscotch, Full Cream re-enter the scene with their newest track 'If Ever'. In classic Full Cream style, the five-piece smooth rockers demonstrate a high level of instrumentation and some of the best vocals going around in Adelaide. Nicholas Wearing displays a soulful tone to his voice, embracing influences such as Matt Corby, The Bros. Landreth and Theo Katzman, whilst Jack Wearing performs yet another impressive solo. It's obvious there is a brotherly bond that speaks so strongly through their music. Jacob Altmann debuting his first track with the band on drums and doing it in style, constantly in the pocket, drives the song from the backbeat, cementing each hit perfectly in place. It’s been on repeat in my household and it should be in yours too!

Sounds like: Your favourite comfort food.

By Asher Hammat

Cherry Daisies – 'easy'

A giddy feeling warmly washes over me upon my first listen of 'easy' by five-piece Cherry Daisies. Maybe it’s from the lush, atmospheric and restrained piano chords ringing out on its opening, or maybe it’s from the satisfaction of finding a new Adelaide act that I know I’m about to fall in love with. 'easy' is a paradox. The track unpacks a sense of restlessness and sadness, wondering repeatedly in the chorus "When’s it going to get easy?", yet draws listeners in with an impressive ease. It’s easy listening to the max; the longing string section floating on air, stunning emotionally charged vocals pulling on heartstrings and subtle guitar riffs adding an exciting flavour. 'easy' is a wonderful example of Cherry Daisies knowing exactly who they are and what they’re doing.

Sounds like: Drawing a warm bath of roses.

By Millah Hansberry

George Alice – 'Stupid Question'

Coming off the success of having a track featured in the hit series Off Campus, George Alice continues to establish herself as one of Australia's most promising emerging artists. Her single, 'Stupid Question', combines heartfelt lyricism with polished indie-pop production, creating a track that feels both intimate and effortlessly catchy. Through lyrics like, "I know it’s a stupid question, but can you answer it please?" George Alice captures a feeling that is instantly relatable, exploring the conflict between wanting answers and trying to let go. Her delicate yet expressive vocals glide effortlessly over dreamy instrumentals, building into a chorus that feels both powerful and memorable. 'Stupid Question' highlights Alice's ability to transform everyday moments of uncertainty into beautifully crafted pop music filled with emotion and authenticity.

Sounds like: A voicemail full of "I shouldn't ask this, but…" thoughts finally finding their way out.

By Tiana Gibbins