New Music Review #6: ‘The Sun’ by Aborted Tortoise

The twisting, needling guitars that open this track are insanely good – it feels like you’re being set up for some epic, King Gizzard-style journey through the cosmos, rather than a two minute straight shot into the sun.

But after 20 seconds, you realise what you’re dealing with – tight, boppy, garage punk. It’s scruffy, and choppy, but the rough edges are a feature not a bug.

This is a song written to be enjoyed outside, in a beer-drenched pub courtyard, with the sun shining down on your bucket-hatted head.

If you’re into Skegss, The Chats, or Beddy Rays, there’s definitely something here for you.

It vacillates with a crazy energy, a velocity that seems to match the adrenalin of being launched into that big golden globe at the heart of the galaxy.

Lead singer Connor’s voice slaps and waxes all over the propulsive riffs gushing underneath, the vocal equivalent of a white water raft smashing down the world’s shortest, most exhilarating river.

Yes, their name is ‘Aborted Tortoise’ – get used to hearing that, because these guys aren’t going anywhere.

And a few others:

‘COME OVER’ by Triple One: Very few Aussie rap acts have had a weapon like the voice of Lil Dijon at their disposal, and ‘COME OVER’ finally gives him a soaring hook worthy of his immense talents. Introspective, emotional and still packed full of explosive bars – this is their best song ever.

‘Decay’ by Lorelei:  Sensational dream pop from this Sydney duo. Lyrically stunning, vocally exquisite, and a subtle driving drum beat that keeps it moving forward. Darkness and light, balanced perfectly.

‘Fashionably Late (Every New Year’s Day)’ by Shannen James and Paul Dempsey:  One of Melbourne’s most exciting songwriters joins forces with one of Australia’s most distinctive voices – how could it be anything other than incredible? As their vocals collide and twirl from the mid-way point of the track, get ready to be utterly enchanted.