As far as Alex Lahey is concerned, Europe is lagging behind Australia. In her homeland, the singer broke through in the spring of 2016 with her single You Don’t Think You Like People Like Me, a year before it was picked up by European radio stations. Over here, Lotto In Reverse is her new single; down under she already released the follow-up I Haven’t Been Taking Care Of Myself. Two equally great tracks, both of which I’d like to introduce to you (as I do below).

6 October her debut album I Love You Like A Brother comes out, also featuring first single Every Day’s A Weekend.

Lotto In Reverse:

I Haven’t Been Taking Care Of Myself:

Alex Lahey is a 24-year old singer from Melbourne. Her debut EP B-Grade University contains the singles Wes Anderson and You Don’t Think You Like People Like Me. The latter, a very likable song about being disliked, was a hit in Australia exactly one year ago, but it’s only now starting to cross-over to the rest of the world.

Alex Lahey could be for 2017 what Courtney Barnett was for 2015: the female rocker we were waiting for.

First things first. ‘Sweater curse’ is a term used by knitters. It describes the superstition that if a knitter gives a hand-knit sweater to a significant other, it will lead to the recipient breaking up with the knitter. But, more in line with this blog, Sweater Curse is also a band from Brisbane, Australia. It consists of guitarist Chris Langenberg, lead singer/bassist Monica Sottile and drummer Rei Bingham.

Last year, after a string of singles, the trio released their debut EP See You. Close is Sweater Curse’s first release since that EP. A great tune with a pounding bass and grungy guitar parts. A bit like certain Smashing Pumpkins songs. The vocal melodies on the other hand have a bubble-gum pop sensibility, culminating in anthemic choruses. These parts work together very well, creating a cool, bouncy rock song.

Langenberg says of the lyrical themes of song: “It talks of the struggles within a relationship (friendship, general or romantic) and at times it explores themes and emotions of self-deprecating.”

Close is taken from an as-of-yet untitled EP, due out later this year. The track was produced by Ball Park Music’s Sam Cromack, and co-written by Carte Blanche Music favourite Alex Lahey. Lahey herself released the surprise EP Between The Kitchen And The Living Room this week. It contains stripped down versions of five of her songs, each recorded in different rooms of her house.

For more great new music, follow the constantly updated Carte Blanche Music playlist.