The Maggie Pills’ new video “Swords and Knives” captures love’s raw edge and inevitable loss, setting the tone for their second album.

Naarm/Melbourne punk outfit The Maggie Pills have returned with their first new single of the year, unleashing the slick Velobell today. Having released their debut album Hope Is A Risk back in 2023, The Maggie Pills have been easing into things in the time since, performing plenty of ferocious shows alongside the release of tracks such as last year’s Gold. Now, they’re back with their latest effort, Velobell, an arresting piece of work that showcases their grunge and punk influences and their command of their immense sound. Ferocious and unrelenting, it's hard to look past the visceral energy at play on a track such as this. "At its heart, the song is a message of resilience,” the band explain of their new single. “It's about the moments when we lose sight of ourselves, when life feels heavy and out of sync - yet something within us refuses to let go. “Whether you're wrestling grief, burnout, addiction, or just the quiet emptiness of everyday life, Velobell is a howl from the void that says: 'You're still in there, and you're not alone.’” The single also comes accompanied by a music video which helps to encapsulate the energy and vibe of the song. Directed by Mario Perez, filmed by Ryan Cara and edited by Sam Mapplebeck, the clip sees the band in a dark forest as they traverse a dreamy sort of chaos while performing the track. "The video doesn't just accompany the music – it embodies it," explains vocalist Delfi Sorondo. "Every frame is drenched in a sense of suffocation, desperation, and emotional intensity, inviting the viewer into a world where escape feels impossible." To celebrate the release of Velobell, The Maggie Pills will also be throwing a special launch show at the John Curtin Hotel on Friday, June 13th, with tickets on sale now. Embedded Content The Maggie Pills – Velobell Launch Show Friday, June 13th – The John Curtin Hotel, Melbourne, VIC

'Always Kinda Late' from Meanjin/Brisbane-based indie-rock act Left Cassette is a thoroughly satisfying blast of Brit-pop influenced indie rock that shimmers with its anthemic delivery. There are traces of fellow compatriots DMAs and, internationally, Kings of Leon in the sparkling guitar riffs and scaling choruses, a passionate and euphoric track resulting in an indelible pop song touched with a little melancholy.