Sound Under Weekly Picks: 07 August 2026

From raw punk emotion to deeply personal storytelling, these are the songs we kept coming back to

Every Friday, Sound Under curates the best of Australian alternative music: fresh releases, overlooked gems, rising artists, and songs worth spending real time with.

Whether you’re driving down the coast, walking through the city late at night, or simply tired of playlists chosen by algorithms, these picks are built differently. This isn’t about hype cycles or whatever is trending for 48 hours. It’s about music with replay value, personality, and something real inside it.

No artist is too early. No sound is too left-field, and no scene is too small.

Here’s this week’s Picks:

Tear — Nancy and the Jam Fancys

Nancy and the Jam Fancys have quietly become one of the most distinctive bands coming out of Australia’s alternative scene. Every release feels unpredictable, and “Tear” continues that trend.

At its core, the song captures a feeling most of us know all too well: loving the place you call home while also wanting to escape it. It’s that strange push and pull between comfort and frustration, where you’re constantly questioning whether to stay or leave.

A huge part of why the song works is Lewis Griffin’s vocal performance. He has one of those voices that never feels forced. Every line carries emotion naturally, whether he’s delivering something vulnerable or completely letting loose. Few vocalists can make a song feel this personal without overdoing it.

Musically, “Tear” moves through those same emotional shifts. It’s driven by raw punk energy, but underneath the noise is a sense of longing that lingers long after the song finishes. It’s chaotic, heartfelt and another reminder of why Nancy and the Jam Fancys continue to be one of the most exciting bands to watch.

Lessons (feat. DOBBY) — DOBBY

DOBBY’s latest album Marshmallow feels less like a collection of songs and more like a reflection on the person he’s become. It’s a deeply personal record that explores identity, growth and everything that comes with it.

While there are plenty of standout moments across the album, “Lessons” feels like its emotional centrepiece.

The storytelling is some of the strongest we’ve heard this year. DOBBY moves effortlessly between his past and present, reflecting on the experiences that shaped him without ever sounding self-indulgent. Every verse feels intentional, adding another piece to the bigger picture.

What makes the track even stronger is how naturally it blends personal reflection with wider social commentary. It’s honest, thoughtful and shows an artist completely comfortable examining both his own journey and the world around him.

If you only listen to one song from Marshmallow, make it “Lessons.” But honestly, this is an album that deserves to be heard from start to finish.

Take Me to the Meeting — Mac The Knife

Sydney outfit Mac The Knife are quickly becoming one of the most exciting names in Australia’s punk scene. Their music feels loud, restless and built for packed rooms where nobody stands still.

There’s a rawness to their sound that feels authentic rather than manufactured, balancing chaos with just enough melody to keep you coming back.

What separates Mac The Knife from so many bands in this lane is that they take the foundations of punk and make them feel current, energetic and completely their own.

Gummy Bear — Le Shiv

Le Shiv have become one of those bands that consistently surprise us. Every release seems to explore a slightly different direction while still sounding unmistakably like Le Shiv. That willingness to evolve is what makes following them so rewarding.

“Gummy Bear” continues that run. Built around infectious melodies, layered harmonies and the band’s signature indie-rock energy, it’s another reminder that great songwriting doesn’t need to be overcomplicated.

There’s an effortless quality to the way Le Shiv write hooks. The songs feel loose and fun on the surface, but repeated listens always reveal little moments that keep pulling you back in.

If you’ve been following the band over the last year, “Gummy Bear” feels like another confident step forward. If you’re only discovering them now, it’s a very good place to start.

The Whole Lot — Rhiz & The Sugarplums

Not every great Australian release has to come from the indie or punk world, and Rhiz & The Sugarplums are proof of that.

The Melbourne five-piece bring together country, rockabilly and vintage rock ‘n’ roll influences, but they never sound like they’re simply recreating the past. Instead, they take those classic sounds and inject them with fresh energy, making them feel timeless.

“The Whole Lot” is full of personality. From the band’s tight musicianship to Rhiz’s commanding vocal performance, everything feels playful, confident and impossible not to move along to.

What makes Rhiz & The Sugarplums special is that they fully embrace who they are. In a music landscape where so many artists are chasing trends, they’re carving out a lane that feels entirely their own, and that’s exactly why they deserve your attention.

Every Friday, Sound Under spotlights the best alternative music beneath the surface.

Got a track we should hear?
Tag @soundunderau on Instagram or send us a DM.