The Model School: Alarm Clock Radiation

Not to be confused with hip-hop parodists Handsome Boy Modelling School, this faculty is thoughtful Aussie singer-songwriter Brendon Wixted. The poncy name is a shame because Wixted is a talented fella. He has a silky, understated voice, and a knack for penning insightful, mid-tempo pop songs just made for lonely stretches of road.

If the name is significant, it's probably because Wixted acts as his own orchestra, playing melodica, sampler, synthesizer, mandolin, stylophone, guitar and bass. At times, that makes him sound like a forlorn cowboy playing with a beatbox. At others, he wears his influences proudly. You'd swear it was E of the Eels singing on Dreamin' or Beck getting cynical about the state of commercial radio on Sweet Tooth.

And while he doesn't quite reach the intensity of either singer he's on his way to matching their inventiveness with catchy songs like Heart Shaped Song and the haunting Fireworks & Flags, with its outcast lyrics and cinematic effects.

The title track will ensure fans take a synth rather than a guitar to the campfire. Best of all, you could strip away the bells and whistles and the haunting beauty of the songs would still shine through. This is a one-man-band with a big future.

Verdict: Sydney has soul after all

Label: Shiny/Rhythmethod