Tides

DZ / MGM

When it comes to the Aussie rock bucket list, Powderfinger axeman Darren Middleton certainly boasts a fair resume, cofounding one of Australia’s most iconic ‘90s acts and raking in more Hottest 100 votes than Kendrick Lamar ever could. If his new solo LP Tides is anything to go by, though, he’s not done pushing his creative limits. On one hand a fusion of Something For Kate and Eskimo Joe, and on the other a sleek, humble little cousin to Jamiroquai, there is a palate as diverse as his entire discography to be found across these ten tracks. With Vika and Linda Bull (The Black Sorrows) lending some beautiful backing vocals to Middleton’s tasteful guitar layering, Tides achieves sonic breadth without feeling overstretched.