RAAVE Tapes' transformation from dance-punk darlings to electro-pop innovators appears complete on the Newcastle duo's new single Habitual.
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Bassist Lindsay O'Connell has shared vocal duties with original frontman Joab Eastley on their recent singles Red Flag and Dancing Because I'm Sad, but on Habitual she stands out alone for the first time.
Habitual features atmospheric electro instrumentation before O'Connell explodes into the bass-heavy and distorted chorus of "you put the dick in predictable." There's not a guitar or regular drum kit in sight.
The track is a result of Raave Tapes' continued evolution working with producer Fletcher Matthews.
"We've blended our new production style with the original Raave Tapes ethos; not taking ourselves too seriously whilst discussing serious themes," O'Connell said.
Raave Tapes play their first shows since COVID on Thursday at Sydney's Crowbar.
MEER'S STINGING RAP
NEWCASTLE has long been a mecca for intriguing musical talent, and the city has lured another emerging voice in Reem Sefain, aka Meer. The Auckland-bred rapper comes from a Palestinian-Iraqi background and linked with Newcastle producer Kaden Green, aka Sparra, and avant-garde songwriter Morgana Osaki.
The trio teamed up on Meer's new single Paper, which was released on Wednesday and will feature on her debut album Bad Habits, No Friends next year.
Meer and Osaki wrote the slow and bass-heavy track about their frustrations with men.
"The track has a music video in the making behind it, very dramatic, exaggerated," Meer said. "Two fems meet at an NA meeting, they realise they have the same problem, they both hate f--k boys, so they plan to f--k shit up and steal their money.
"That's pretty much how it looks like in my head, which is funny because I would never do that in real life."
NO FLIGHT FAILURE
SYDNEY-based Newcastle band Flight To Dubai have received a positive response since the release of their second EP Strife last month.
The post-punk act's shows in Wollongong and Sydney were both sold out and on Friday they return home to perform at the Small Ballroom with Milky Thred. That show is also sold out.
While sneaking into the show mightn't be possible, you'll be able to watch Flight To Dubai's behind-the-scenes music video for new single Failure from Thursday. The clip was directed by Newcastle photographer Charlie Hardy.
MUSIC PEOPLE SIX
NEWCASTLE rockers dave the band and indie-jazz collective The Hamilton Alpine Club will make their Civic Theatre debuts next Tuesday on episode six of Music People. Joining the local acts at the live-stream show will be Sydney Indigenous rapper Barkaa and North Coast folk artist Aine Tyrrell.
Tickets for the show at the Civic Theatre are $10 or you can watch through the Newcastle Herald Facebook page from 8pm Tuesday.
NAUGHTY & NICE
BOTH sides of the festive season will be explored on the forthcoming split seven-inch release from ragtime act Huckleberry & The Conadilly Street Band and Newcastle punks Bitchcraft.
Bitchcraft's song A Very Bitchcraft Xmas will serve as the "naughty" half followed by Huckleberry's "nice" The Silly Season.
The record was printed by Hamilton North presser, Phonolab, with a run of 30 copies to be released on December 4 at Hiss & Crackle Records. A film clip will also be released on December 1.