Yes, people are excited about the 2018 World Cup in Russia, but the goal of 1/2/3/4 is to hook you up with fantastic music! Luckily, one of those songs is the excellent ode to the Socceroos from Melbourne band Last Leaves. This jangly pop gem comes from a group that rose from the ashes of the marvellous Lucksmiths. As well, the gorgeous haunting debut release from Juliana Daugherty, an unlikely duo of two highly regarded Americana rockers in Dave Alvin and Jimmie Dale Glenmore , plus a double bouncy dose of Post-Punk from Lithics and Nylex.

If ever a record label was aptly named, it’s WonderfulSound from London. I’ve been really impressed with their releases over the last couple of years, with excellent offerings from Nev Cottee, John Stammers, Colorama and Angelina – just to name a few. The new album from RW Hedges is on par and an absolute cracker. As well, the hypnotic Etran De LÁir, one of the best known and longest playing groups in Niger and Melbourne singer-songwriter Clio’s unleashes her stunning debut EP.

The John Flanagan Trio have released a great collection of tunes with their latest release, Honest Man. This program was to have featured a live session and a big long chat, but sadly a spanner in the works out a stop to it. It doesn’t detract from the fact that it’s a great release, you’ll hear a track and I’ll share a story of our encounter. As well, a fantastic young group from Tasmania with lush pop leanings in Little Island and the return of country songwriting great Jim Lauderdale. Plus a dash of folk, blues and psych!