Secret Sounds is back with their monthly club night, 'Ground Level', taking place on Thursday, March 21st, at The Lansdowne, Downstairs. Ground Level showcases the finest local and emerging talent, along with performances from surprise international artists. The February edition will feature RINSE, Ultracrush, and Dial Tone.
RINSE
RINSE, the solo project of Melbourne based artist Joe Agius, who also produces, co-writes and plays live with Hatchie, marks its beginning by revealing its very first slice with the infectious debut single ‘Tell Me Tell Me Tell Me’. Recorded in late 2019, ‘Tell Me Tell Me Tell Me’ was mixed by Jorge Elbrecht (Japanese Breakfast, Wild Nothing, Sky Ferreira) and mastered by Heba Kadry (Bjork, Slowdive, Beach House, Deerhunter). With Agius squarely at its centre, RINSE features a rotating cast of collaborators and live members. Musically, it gravitates towards post-punk, shoegaze and new-wave sounds, influenced by artists such as New Order, Echo & The Bunnymen, The Cure and Pale Saints.
ULTRACRUSH
Sydney indie five-piece Ultracrush share 'Heat', the latest single from their much-anticipated debut EP On Your Return out April 2024. 'Heat' was be released on Friday 8 March. On 'Heat', Ultracrush invited Sydney’s Ella Mosley (aka Hubcaps) in on guest vocals, marking the band’s first collaboration. Mosley’s harmonies float seamlessly within the band’s slowcore landscapes, which are at times subdued, and at others, explosive and all-encompassing. In the track’s final moments, Mosley assumes lead vocals in what is an unexpected, heartbreaking shift that feels characteristically “Ultracrush”. Mixed by Aria-nominated producer Simon Lam (Cub Sport, Phoebe Go, Juice Webster) and member of projects Armlock and Kllo, 'On Your Return' sees the band achieve a newfound precision and vulnerability, providing the perfect platform for frontman Lewis Demertzi’s image-rich streams of thought. Known for their compelling performances, Ultracrush have supported acts such as Crumb, Girlpool and Hatchie.
DIAL TONE
Dial Tone emerges from the vibrant music scene of Sydney (Warrane) like a sonic force to be reckoned with, melding the raw energy of alternative rock with the hypnotic allure of shoegaze. Loosely influenced by the groundbreaking sounds of My Bloody Valentine, the dreamy vibes of Lush, and the haunting melodies of The Cure, Dial Tone creates a swirling sonic tapestry that envelops listeners in a euphoric haze. With nods to the experimentalism of They Are Gutting a Body of Water and the introspective musings of DIIV, their sound transports listeners to ethereal realms where swirling guitars and dreamy melodies reign supreme.