Sydney alt-rock trio Second Idol muster up a bubbling brew of warmth and angst on their debut single White Noise. Boasting prowling vocals and licks of Sonic Youth and Placebo around the edges, White Noise is anything but its forgettable namesake, and a booming entry into the musical world for this alt rock trio (plus earlier this week they dropped the accompanying clip for you to suss out below!)
Outside of the band, the Second Idol trio are proud members of Sydney’s LGBTQIA community and work with organisations such as Queer As Fvck, as well as queer and mental health charity Baylin’s Gift, located in lead singer Kate Olivia’s hometown of Kempsey on the Mid North Coast of NSW. And today the band share their Fave 5 Local Acts, as well as a bonus playlist with all their fave locals to spice up your listening this week. Read on below!
(Chosen by Maxine - Second Idol guitars)
Enclave are one of the projects to spawn out of the end of the exceptional Sydney post-punk band City Rose. With a deep hypnotic rhythm section and shards of fiery treble sparking around your periphery, Enclave have a growling menace and power about them that is compelling and transfixing.
TUNE TO CHECK OUT: Gesture of Fear
(Chosen by Maxine - Second Idol guitars)
In typical Sydney queer scene fashion, I am socially entangled with most members of this band; one is in a relationship with my ex, one played on my last solo ep, another ex-read at one’s poetry book launch, same periphery friendship groups etc. Nevertheless, they write earnest, fizzling & sprawling pop-rock that sounds somewhat akin to… pop rocks.
TUNE TO CHECK OUT: Survival
(Chosen by Kate - Second Idol vocals + guitars)
I saw Eternal Dust supporting Sydney underground legends Circle Pit for their somewhat ‘reunion’ gig in early 2020. They have a real 80s gothic sensibility about them, with brooding swirling textures, and dream-pop guitar hooks. What they’re doing is quite different to a lot that’s currently happening in the Sydney scene, which is refreshing. Check them out if you’re a fan of Cocteau Twins.
TUNE TO CHECK OUT: Garden Of Ecstasy
(Chosen by Maxine - Second Idol guitars)
Mere Women are a band we all really admire. They are a great example of a band referencing or drawing inspiration from sounds or genres of the past whilst portraying something urgent, poetic and fresh. To witness them live is like wading into a deep dark river as phosphorus glitzes and glows from ripples on the water’s surface.
TUNE TO CHECK OUT: Romantic Notions
(Chosen by Kate - Second Idol vocals + guitars)
Flyying Colours are probably my favourite Australian band kicking around and are a joy to see live, I try to see them each time they tour Sydney. They’re absolutely tight and there’s something wonderful about witnessing a band that is clearly immersed in their music and having fun on stage. They’re a fine example of a modern shoegaze band and have a significant following overseas in the UK and US but have flown a bit under the radar at home (no pun intended). I think they’re deeply unappreciated on home turf. If you love guitar bands, big soaring riffs and Fender offset guitars you really need to see this band live.
TUNE TO CHECK OUT: Big Mess
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BY TIANA SPETER