ANNOYING NEIGHBOURS return with psychedelic new single ‘THE PLEA’

by the partae November 20, 2023

written by the partae November 20, 2023

Photo by Flynn Hemsley

Brisbane six-piece Annoying Neighbours are ready to turn heads in 2023, returning with their psychedelic new single ‘The Plea’. With gliding guitars and signature psych-rock fuzz, Annoying Neighbours evoke the nostalgia of the genre in their completely unique style.

‘The Plea’ sees the band take their sound into a new direction, exploring the wide and colourful universe of psychedelia in a breezy new style. Lyrically, the track speaks to feelings of desperation and escape – “I’m begging on my knees” – drawing listeners into the all-consuming sonic landscape, before building into a killer guitar breakdown.

“This song came about out of desire to try and create something a little ‘left field’ compared to our previous work. We also wanted to challenge ourselves to see if we could write a song that was more ‘relaxed’ compared to the energy of the last two EPs, while still being highly engaging and true to ourselves. To do this we decided to delve deeper into the sound and style of psychedelia, which we had begun to explore lighty on our second EP ‘The Void’.” – ANNOYING NEIGHBOURS

“Everyone in Annoying Neighbours loves psych rock so much and in many ways it ties us together. What I find interesting though is that you have so many different styles that all fit into this one genre. For example, King Gizzard and the Lizard WIzard, Tame Impala, Pond, Psychedelic Porn Crumpets, etc. are all psych rock bands unquestionably, but none of them feel sonically and stylistically the same. They have their own psychedelic sound and style. I am really proud of this song specifically because I feel like the style we have captured is very unique to us, and while inspired by these incredible bands, does not directly sound like any of them” – JACK PICKERING, ANNOYING NEIGHBOURS

The track’s evolution was a hugely collaborative process between the band members. They made the most of jam sessions together by really leaning into the confidence they had in one another – each adding their individual magic along the way. Recorded in Newcastle, NSW at New Brain Communications, the track was mixed by Dhare Labbe of New Brain Communications, before receiving finishing touches from Joe Carra of Crystal Mastering.

“I wrote the original demo of ‘The Plea’ and the final track drew heavily on this in terms of the vocals and guitar parts. But it was through jamming and hours of back and forth conversations and ideas, we were able to develop it. New melody ideas, vocal harmonies – and some ‘special sauce’ as we like to call it – are all a direct result of this and gave the track the extra spice it needed. This song is easily one of the tracks that we’re most proud of and a great example to show our fans that we’re more than just a punk band from Brisbane. We can explore, we can expand, we can be ourselves.” – JAIDYN HARRISON, ANNOYING NEIGHBOURS

Annoying Neighbours found their beginnings playing in backyards and house parties, but have quickly grown into ones to watch with their high energy psychedelic rock/garage punk fusion.

In this time, they’ve released two EPs – ‘Waterhole’ in 2020, and ‘The Void’ in 2022 – garnering support from tastemakers and fans alike. The group have also taken the stage at festivals including Best Night Ever, Spaced Out Fest and Summer Fest, and supported some of the leading names in Australian music, from the likes of DZ Deathrays, Wolfmother, Luca Brasi, The Terrys and heaps more.

PRAISE FOR ANNOYING NEIGHBOURS

“This is psych rock of the highest order. Come and pray at the altar of Annoying Neighbours.”

THE AU REVIEW

“Annoying Neighbours were first up at the shindig, for a time of friendly community bonding. Frontman Jaidyn Harrison carries an ‘Angus Young of Gen Z’ vibe.”

SCENESTR