Eight underrated acts to check out at Brunswick Music Festival
Subscribe
X

Get the latest from Beat

26.02.2020

Eight underrated acts to check out at Brunswick Music Festival

Elsy Wameyo - photo by Dave Court
Words by Amber De Luca-Tao

Brunswick Music Festival is one of Melbourne music’s biggest highlights.

Every year, the program attracts a stellar lineup of performers we know and love, which is why we’re drawing your attention to some acts you might not know of… yet. So without further ado, here are eight underrated bands we can’t wait to get around at Brunswick Music Festival.

The Merindas

The Merindas are paving the way when it comes to bringing a fresh sound to the Australian music scene. They’re bringing Indigenous, electro-tribal pop to the front, embellished with dancehall vibes alongside afro beats, hip hop and R&B influences. 2019 was a big year for the duo, seeing them take on Groovin the Moo and Strawberry Fields. While you wait for them to take the stage at BMF, give their track ‘Before Daylight’ a spin. You can catch them at Mechanica at Brunswick Mechanics Institute on Thursday March 19.

Elsy Wameyo

Elsy Wameyo has already claimed title of Best Hip Hop Artist at the South Australian Music Awards in 2019 and it won’t be long until Wameyo surpasses underrated status. Wameyo’s soulful, gospel rhythms influenced by her Christian experiences creates a balanced sound that’s somewhere between smooth and energetic. Wameyo exemplifies diversity in her music and don’t be surprised when she leaves you nothing short of mesmerised. See her perform at Mechanica at Brunswick Mechanics Institute on Tuesday March 17.

On Diamond

Among many things, On Diamond are ultimately a genre-defying band. Lead by Lisa Salvo, the group explores the realm in which improvisatory freedom meets unapologetic pop. On Diamond released their eponymous album via Eastmint Records in 2019, exemplifying the band’s experimental sound – which at times dances between rock and folk. Upon its release, it scored triple acclaim, landing Album of the Week on Triple R, PBS and 4ZZZ. You catch them at Mechanica at Brunswick Mechanics Institute on Monday March 16.

Hearts and Rockets

There’s a chance you’ve caught feminist brat-wave duo Hearts and Rockets play a gig at The Tote Front Bar, or heard them play a live set on Triple R. And if you haven’t, now’s your chance, with the outfit taking to the stage alongside Zig Zag for the bands’ split 7” launch at Brunswick Mechanics Institute. You can thank Psychic Hysteria and Roolette Records for bringing this record into the world. Catch all the action on Friday March 20.

Cry Club

Post-punk pop duo Cry Club formed in 2018. Ever since, they’ve been wearing their hearts on their eclectic sleeves and growing the club’s memberships by the day. The band name might trigger some sort of inner vulnerability, but their music is all about empowerment and assurance. In 2020, the Cry Club hype is in full swing, with this year’s plans including a slot at Splendour In The Grass on top of their first major tour. Lucky for us, Melburnians can catch them at Mechanica at Brunswick Mechanics Institute on Saturday March 14.

Ajak Kwai

Both powerful and gentle, Ajak Kwai will take you on a journey with her afro-soul melodies. Singing in Arabic, Sudanese and English, Kwai uses her music as her means for storytelling, drawing on her extraordinary life experiences as a refugee. Her music reflects the symbols of exile, hope, freedom, love and cows – which are beloved animals of the Dinka people. The opportunity to witness Kwai performing is not only inspiring, it’s a true honour. You’ll be able to catch her soulful songs, infused with funky afro-beats at Mechanica at Brunswick Mechanics Institute on Tuesday March 10.

Cold Hands Warm Heart

If you’ve ever listened to a Cold Hands Warm Heart track, you’ll agree that it sent you straight into a state of serenity. The four-piece band utilitise a lever harp, soft synth, recorder, contextual guitar, bass and a drum kit, as well incorporating found objects to create music which reflects themes of nature, presence, life and death. So far they’ve dropped one titular LP and at this point all we want is more. You can catch them at Mechanica at Brunswick Mechanics Institute on Monday March 16.

Eggy

Gear up for the Brunswick Music Feastival and prepare your palate for a sprightly melange of wonky pop and rock with Eggy. These guys are straight out of the frypan in only the best way. Releasing their well-received debut EP Billy, last year, there are rumours that a full record is on the way and keen listeners are hungry for more of the honest pop treatment this Melbourne band have become known for. They play at Mechanica at Brunswick Mechanics Institute as part of Brunswick Music Feastival on Wednesday March 11.

Check out Brunswick Music Festival from Monday March 9 to Sunday March 22. Find the full program online at brunswickmusicfestival.com.au.