New music from Australia - Lowlakes

There aren't that many bands either here or abroad that can blissfully blend ambience with melody. It's a difficult marriage, but one that's been carried off beautifully by bands like Sigur Ros, Bliss and Antony and the Johnsons. Presenting Lowlakes. The band is geographically agnostic, creating music that delves into a rich inner world rather than reflecting their surrounds. They set out to dictate the new standard for contemplative songwriting, producing work that is an achingly beautiful amalgamation of shimmering ambiance with alternative pop. Lowlakes' new self-titled EP was recorded live and mixed to tape. The first feature track from the March 2012 EP, "Song for Motion" (see below) showcases a band that is dynamic, unique and evocative all at once. Frontman Tom Snowdon's gripping vocals straddle the line between being earthly and present, but heavenly and dreamlike, and have been likened to those of Antony Hegarty (Antony and the Johnsons), Matt Berninger (The National), and Jeff Buckley. Snowdon's lingering melodies effortlessly skip from a haunting baritone to a husky falsetto, sitting atop delicate guitars, warm piano and subtle yet commanding rhythm sections. This is darker-side-of-midnight stuff, but with all the intensity and presence of full consciousness and feeling. The EP contains 4 Songs - 'Song for Motion', 'Arctic House', 'Catch the Breeze', and 'Buffalo', and is supported by clips that capture the live studio recordings. Check out a track called "Song for Motion" right here. Or the same track in video form right here.