FEATURE ARTIST: Auxfire

Auxfire are a four-piece Novocastrian indie-rock band, who put out a laid back and comfortingly familiar sound. Joey 'JG' Geyer, Jordan 'Jords' Avellis, Jack 'Clarky' Clark, and Joseph 'CEO' van Lier contribute lead vocals/rhythm guitar, lead guitar/backing vocals, bass/backing vocals, and drums respectively. By their powers combined, they have produced their latest single 'Katie' - a toe-tapping-tastic song that has been masterfully created to exhibit the best of what both rock and pop music has to offer.

Auxfire have drawn on a number of high-profile influences for 'Katie', including Kings of Leon, The Strokes, The Smashing Pumpkins, and Australia's latest musical sensation Courtney Barnett. 'Katie' is undeniably catchy, and I challenge any listener to refrain from tapping their feet to its infectious beat. The powerhouse drum beat and bass line are evidence of Auxfire's prowess at making rock music, and the earworm keyboard melody and upbeat, easy-to-sing-along-to vocals are a throwback to the 1960s and a nod to the very pioneers of pop, The Beatles.

There is no doubt about Auxfire's musical talent, but it is their songwriting skills that have come to the fore in their latest release. 'Katie' is a perfect fit for the popular indie market, as it has genius pop sensibility while still maintaining an endearingly off-beat vibe that stations like Triple J will not be able to resist. 'Katie' is sweet and uplifting without being twee, and that will be the selling point for this song.

Auxfire will be doing a run of shows in the coming weeks to support 'Katie' and in the lead up to the upcoming EP 'Owls'. If you're in the neighbourhood, get down and see a show, so you can appreciate their latest masterpiece 'Katie' and get a sneak peek of their as-yet unheard material. If its anywhere near as good as 'Katie', you're in for a treat.

- Auxfire are launching 'Katie' at the Lass O'Gowrie in Newcastle on Friday 13th May. Check out the event here
- Find Auxfire on Facebook here
- Listen to 'Katie' here

FEATURE ARTIST: Tommy Novak

Tommy Novak is a Sydney-based guitarist and vocalist who performs both solo and as part of a full band. He cites his influences as John Mayer, John Farnham, and Thirsty Merc, but maintains a distinctive sound of his own.

Novak released his solo debut EP 'Live at the Newsagency' in late 2014, with a rendition of Roy Orbison's 'Crying' that was featured on the EP accumulating over half a million plays on Spotify from listeners all around the globe.

His widespread popularity is more than justified, with his latest single living up to the reputation he has so diligently built up for himself over the last several years. His newest track, 'Goin' Outta Style', is a gutsy change from his previous troubadour-esque releases.

'Goin' Outta Style' has an old-timey, bluesy feel, which has seen a resurgence in popularity in recent times. It features bluesy guitar, a backbone rhythm section, and keys that give the whole song a personality of it's own. The Stevie Wonder infused, blues-jam style track is interesting, but not so complex that it can't be understood; and simple, but not so unimaginative that it can't be appreciated.

Novak has a string of shows lined up to support 'Goin Outta Style', so keep your ear to the ground to make sure you don't miss this dynamite performer live.

- Tommy Novak is supporting Alice Terry at the Hibernian House, Surry Hills on Thursday 3rd March, and performing his own show at the Rock Lily - Star Casino on Monday 14th March

- Find Tommy on Facebook here

- Find Tommy's website here

FEATURE ARTIST: Just Breathe

Just Breathe are genre-defying trio hailing from Sydney's Hills District, comprising Nat Korompay on lead vocals, Robbie Macpherson on guitar and Stuart Macpherson on drums. At first you may be struck by Nat's powerhouse voice, but upon further listening you'll find it hard not to notice the rock-solid backline and the genius lead guitar melodies. Despite only having released one EP a year ago, and a further two singles earlier this year, Just Breathe are leading Sydney's 2016 music scene in badass riffery.

'Chocolate' is the latest single released by the band, and any listener could be forgiven for mistaking this track for something by an artist much more experienced than Just Breathe. The song, which was entirely self-recorded, brilliantly exhibits Just Breathe's influences, which drummer Stuart lists as including Red Hot Chili Peppers, Rage Against the Machine, and Led Zeppelin. The aspects so heavily featured in these legendary artists' works feature tastefully and effectively in 'Chocolate'.

Lead singer Nat has a voice that was undeniably made for rock n' roll and she can certainly hold her own, but the backing vocals added into the choruses by Robbie and Stuart only further cements their filled-out, gritty sound.

'Chocolate' goes from explosive, Led Zeppelin-esque rock n' roll to subtle, Red Hot Chili Peppers-style guitar arpeggio, and right back again. You just can't resist headbanging to 'Chocolate's dynamite riff, that is reminiscent of one of Just Breathe's listed influences, Rage Against the Machine, and more recently English duo Royal Blood. The ups and downs of the track are dynamic without being frenetic, and it's a pleasure as a listener to be taken along for the ride.

The honest, raw sound of Just Breathe is a breath of fresh air in today's local music scene. The fact they can produce a sound this impressive in the studio by themselves is a testament to their artistic ability and vision.

I would definitely keep an eye out for this band as I have a feeling they have a lot more to offer.

Rating 9/10

- Find Just Breathe on Facebook here

- Listen to Just Breathe's catalogue, including 'Chocolate', here 

- Just Breathe are playing at Coast Hotel Budgewoi on Friday 26th February, and at Valve Bar on Friday 29th April.

Feature Artist: PLUURAL

Pluural are a Sydney-based electronic duo consisting of Adam Knoflack and Jesse Shewan, who have backgrounds in electronica and indie rock respectively. Shewan and Knoflack combine their previous experience without forgoing their artistic integrity. A tasteful combination of instruments are used; from the classic trio of drums, keys and guitar, to more modern forms of music-making, such as sample/drum pads.

All of these elements combine in Pluural's latest track 'Running Wild', which features Sam Higginson's vocals as the finishing touch to their already filled-out sound. 'Running Wild' is an entrancing track from start to finish. Everything about it is cruisey and effortlessly chill, with the ethereal vocals and pulsing beat in the intro setting up the vibe for the rest of the song. Higginson's vocals are a welcome enhancement to Pluural's sound - they compliment, rather than detract from, the background instrumentation. Faint tastes of electric guitar are noticeable throughout the track, and are a pleasant addition to the otherwise electronic sound.

The last thirty seconds of this track are its pièce de résistance. The outro to some songs ruin an otherwise enjoyable experience, and tend to leave a bad taste in your mouth - the absolute opposite can be said for 'Running Wild'. The laid-back guitar (reminiscent of the signature riff of Kita Alexander's recent single 'Like You Want To') against the low-key ebb and flow of the electronic backdrop epitomises the song perfectly and leaves the listener wanting more.

It is the presence of a genre-spanning combination of instruments that makes 'Running Wild' accessible to fans of most genres of music, and the overall relaxed, ethereal atmosphere will keep listeners waiting with baited breath for Pluural's next release.

Rating: 8/10

- Listen to 'Running Wild ft. Sam Higginson' here

- Find Pluural on Facebook here