Stu Wilson and the Connections – Crawling Back To You (Crankinhaus Records)
The lead single “Crawling Back To You b/w Best of Me” was released in late 2023, but it has received some deserved recognition with the release of all seven tracks in May 2024 . Recorded in Stu Stu Studio (Stu’s garage) in Sydney, the mini-album contains nothing but future classic, little nuggets of rock and powerpop just waiting to be uncovered by aural prospectors. Keep an ear out for more tunes from Stu soon, including his work with Chris “Klondike” Masuak and Tony “The Chief” Bambach in Dog Soldier. Available to stream and download on Bandcamp.

Jupiter 5 – Fifth From The Sun (I-94 Bar Records)
This is an amazing powerhouse of an album, with a tongue-in-cheek comic book style that pulls no punches. Some tracks recorded and mixed by Richard Ball at Sugarplum Studios, the rest by Geoff Zee at Zen. Standout tracks are "H Bomb" and "Supersonic Hero" (released as a vynil single, and a personal fave is "Elephant Finger". The lads are back in the studio getting ready to punish the heathen hordes soon. This toasted sandwich of rock hot enough to take the roof of your mouth off is available from i-94 Bar Records: stream and download from Bandcamp.

Van Ruin – Jail, Death and Institutions (Crankinhaus Records)
Okay, I wasn’t involved with the production or mastering on this one, but sure wish I was!!! Balls-to-the wall Oz rock in a Detroit vs Geetroit style (think DMZ, Dead Boys, Bored! and a touch of Hitmen or Radio Birdman). Available from Crankinhaus or Bandcamp.

Tamas Wells – To Drink Up The Sea / The Plantation (Popoomerang)
Tamas is a consummate singer/songwriter, relatively unknown this side of the Timor Sea, but he certainly deserves the following that he has in SE Asia after an appearance on a The Voice-styled program. This release packages his two latest full player releases along with a track from each of his previous releases. A great way to get to know the man, the myth, the legend! Available from Bandcamp.

Various Artists – Sound as Ever Vol 5, The Flannel Files - Sound As Ever (Australian Indie 90-99)
This Facebook group masterminded by Scott Thurling (Popboomerang) and Jane Gazzo (ex JJJ) and focusing (duh!) on Australian Indie releases from 1990 to 1999 are now up to their 12th release and 5th compilation of “previously unreleased” material. Each of the compilations feature well known and rare bands and tunes that fit the bill, and IMHO each of the compilations is at least as good, if not better, than its predecessor. Get them all from Sound As Ever or Bandcamp.

Kobrakai – As yet untitled
These three songs are still getting a final polish, but for fans of heavier grunge and stoner late 90’s sounds (think Kyuss, Soundgarden, Alice in Chains and the like). These banana benders have been prolific over the last 8 years, check out their back catalogue on Bandcamp.

Urban Fringe Compound
Finally got it all set up just right! After a couple of years, firstly building the room from the ground up, then investing a shitload of money into hardware (new whizzbang PC, new top-of-the range Lynx Aurora interface), software (every audio tool that you’re ever likely to need or imagine, and then some more) and upgrading the old Ward Beck Systems console with patches for direct outs and inserts for the classic mic pres, eq and filters, and 10 stereo line inputs for summing through the magical “glue” of what was known as the Canadian Neve. Send me your recordings as finished tracks or stems to hear it all in action, or check out any of the releases mentioned here. I'm contactable This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. 

Hitmen DTK – Tonight We Ride (Live) (Vicious Kitten Records)
Recorded live in Sydney 0n 13/11/1991, a rare appearance where Deniz Tek joined Zeus, Klondike, Catfish, Sundance and Dutch for a few numbers, and was all recorded live to a ghetto blaster cassette deck by Vicious Kitten’s Gray Brothers. Cobwebs extracted carefully by myself to present an awesome historical statement that perfectly catches the band teetering on the edges of madness and rock’n’roll perfection. A sublime way to wrap up 2024. No downloads available, but can be streamed and CD purchased from Bandcamp and the Vicious Kitten Records website.