🔗 Share this article Matthew Xue's Charmingly Moody Experimental Compilations along with This Week's Top Fresh Releases From Melbourne Recommended if you like the C86 compilation, AU/NZ jangle-pop, atmospheric pop Latest release The compilation 'Going Back to Sleep' is currently released The artist known as DJ Moopie, real name Matthew Xue, from Melbourne, has built a reputation for engrossing, wide-ranging sets that often traverse from gelid ambient music to churning drum'n'bass and much more. He is also the founder of A Colourful Storm – a remarkable DIY imprint that massively punches above its weight when it comes to releasing endearingly atmospheric avant-pop, featuring a diverse roster including London-based percussionist Valentina Magaletti, Troth, a bass-heavy duo from Hobart, and renowned underground polymath Simon Fisher Turner. In 2017, the label released I Won’t Have to Think About You, a collection of delightful, C86-inspired indie pop. Earlier this year, it put out Going Back to Sleep, a record that acts as a companion piece which simultaneously serves as a succinct overview to a selection of top-notch twee-pop acts active today. Sydney band Daily Toll, their 2025 first record A Profound Non-Event being a hidden jewel from this year, offer Time, a sprawling, seven-minute meditation featuring melodica and guitar. The duo Chateau, the duo of Al Montfort (Terry, Total Control) and Alex Macfarlane (the Stevens, Twerps), explore percussive, psychedelic lounge pop on How Long on the Platform, whereas Who Cares?, one of Melbourne's best new bands, channel equal parts the styles of Hope Sandoval and Eartheater on Wax and Wane. Elsewhere, Going Back to Sleep features tracks from Bay Area indie fixtures the Reds, Pinks and Purples; Sydney's minimalist outfit the Lewers; and sun-dappled folk-pop from Dutch duo the Hobknobs. It stands as a humble compilation that’s destined to be a beloved and regularly mentioned resource among connoisseurs of music that is subtle and emotionally resonant. Fresh Tracks of the Week Flea – A Plea A seldom-seen individual effort by the Red Hot Chili Peppers' bassist, and a magnificently realised one: driving yet inquisitive soul-infused jazz with Flea calling for harmony and affection. “I’m not being corny – this shit is real!” Daniel Blumberg and Amanda Seyfried – Clothed By the Sun Following his Oscar win for Best Original Score this year, it's easy to picture Blumberg taking home the Best Original Song award in 2026 thanks to this remarkable collaboration with Amanda Seyfried included in his soundtrack to The Testament of Ann Lee. Jana Horn – All in Bet This songwriter from Texas depicts all the nuances of melancholy on this deeply gloomy comeback, in which minimal hints of piano and woodwind shade her exhausted letdown. Umor Rex – Lo Animal One might readily envision this Madrid-based cellist’s industrial-tinged gothic opus featured in a Dune soundtrack, due to its seismic drum work, screeching metallic sounds, eerie chorals and end-times grandeur. Zora Jones x DJ Polo – Hoes Link Up Imaginative Austrian producer-vocalist joins forces with UK bass producer DJ Polo from Bristol for some slamming ghettotech: the percussion is overpowering but the melody is almost dream-pop. Jawnino and Surf Gang – Hit Again Featured on the fresh mixtape Amnesia, British MC Jawnino rolls over varied cloud-rap beats courtesy of Surf Gang, and this track is a highlight, Jawnino sharp and fully engaged as he surveys the landscape of drug dealing. Annabelle Chairlegs – Heavy Sleeper Helmed by Ty Segall, this song with a garage vibe propels itself forward at a self-determined tempo, transitioning from a freight-train momentum to the Austin musician’s dazed reverie about how “my spirit is restored by the moon”.