Stubai – “A Fresh new vibe of melodic lyrics and great arrangements ”
NMR – This track has a great vibe and groove, from the jangled guitar and wide acoustics to the dreamy vocal delivery, some really nice melodies, good chord structures , all in all a nice listen !
Stubai: We Were Here — An Indie Rock Odyssey
(Pronounced stew-bye)
Stubai is the solo indie rock project of Matt T., recorded at home in Sydney-Eora, Australia. Drawing inspiration from acts like Ovlov, Nick Drake, Sebadoh, the Beatles, and early Tame Impala, Stubai’s debut album, We Were Here, released in October 2024, is a sonic journey that seamlessly blends a wide range of textures and emotions.
At its core, Stubai’s sound is driven by guitars and heartfelt vocals, enriched with a kaleidoscope of instruments, including erhu, mellotron, vibraphone, strings, clarinet, harp, celesta, and even field-recorded birdsong.
The album was expertly mixed by Tim Kevin, whose past work includes collaborations with Holly Throsby, Youth Group, and The Apartments, ensuring a polished yet intimate soundscape.
Track-by-Track Breakdown
1. Another Way
A jangly power-pop anthem featuring layered vocal harmonies and Taoist-inspired lyrics. The outro surprises with a poignant erhu melody.
2. Broken Teeth
Angular post-punk energy meets the mellotron’s wistful tones in this story of a lovelorn protagonist.
3. Voyager
A cosmic space-rock epic exploring what might happen if aliens discover NASA’s Golden Records.
4. Hold Fast
A sparse acoustic folk piece offering a beacon of hope in dark times.
5. Little Laika
This playful garage-punk track is a heartfelt love song to a furry companion.
6. Where the Fishes Sleep
Lush bedroom pop adorned with swelling strings and wistful clarinet melodies.
7. Don’t Go Away
Starting with an acoustic grunge plea, the song evolves into shimmering harp and celesta brilliance.
8. Do You Miss Me
Tension builds in the verses, releasing into a powerful chorus, with a melancholic outro.
9. The Golden Hour
A dreamgaze meditation on the divinity and beauty of nature.
10. (wombeyan)
A field-recording experiment inspired by John Cage’s 4’33”, capturing the essence of ambient stillness.
Why We Were Here Stands Out
Stubai’s debut album invites listeners to an immersive world where classic indie rock meets experimental creativity. The eclectic instrumentation and thoughtful production make this album a standout in the indie music scene.
Listen to We Were Here and experience the heartfelt artistry of Stubai.
Want to see a full article? Read it on the New Music Review website