“The next chapter of Aussie rock has brought us Sweater Curse… if this impressive debut is any indication, they’re bound to break out even more…” – Paste Magazine
“A grand piece from the Brisbane band.” – The Music
“I’m feeling wrapped up tight in the white-knuckle grip of this new Sweater Curse track. I reckon that emphatic chorus is gonna be jammed in my head all weekend.” – Dave Ruby Howe, triple j
Brisbane’s loveable indie outfit sweater curse grace us today with powerful new single ‘Close’, and news of a second EP. Written during a turbulent time with the help of their friend, Alex Lahey, the song premiered via triple j’s Home & Hosed last night, and already receiving multiple five-star reviews on their unearthed page.
Leading with crisp guitar riffs for melodic texture from guitarist Chris Langenberg, the track immediately follows with hazy vocal harmonies of lead singer and bassist, Monica Sottile and driving percussion accompaniment from Rei Bingham.
Taking on similar notes of their previous work, ‘Close’ is a poignant and introspective indie-rock track inspired by the human condition as well as another step towards the band’s ever-evolving sound. “I think our work will continue to explore those kinds of topics, with more precision as our sound matures,” says Monica. Lyrically, the song explores the dynamic of relationships through miscommunication and the apprehension of feeling disconnected as a result. Chris continues: “It talks of the struggles within a relationship (friendship, general or romantic) and at times it explores themes and emotions of self-deprecating.”
Co-written with Alex Lahey in a small studio in Marrickville, the band also recruited the production skills of Ball Park Music’s Sam Cromack to create a piece that has allowed the band to lean into and experiment with a pop sound. The video also arrives today, filmed entirely via Zoom and thematically compliments the track and relevance in the current COVID-19 climate. “My favourite part of making this video was being able to see all of our friends from other cities that we would usually hang out with when we are on tour. The idea of the video ties in with the concept of feeling close to our friends even when we can’t see them or hang out with them physically,” says Rei. The video clip features appearances from a large cast of fellow musicians who all take part in singing ‘Close’; notable cameos include Julia Jacklin, Maz Devita & James Gatling (WAAX), Alex Lahey, Sam Cromack (Ball Park Music), Patience Hodgson (The Grates), Phil Jamieson (Grinspoon), Andrew Dooris (The Jungle Giants), Connor Brooker (Bugs), Kieran Lama & Peppa Lane (Spacey Jane) and more.
The band have had an exciting career to date; previously dubbed as a triple j Unearthed feature artistas well as receiving airplay across triple j and unearthed radio. They’ve been seen gracing stages nationally at music festivals such as St. Jerome’s Laneway, Falls Festival, Farmer & The Owl and playing with bands The Jungle Giants, Grinspoon, Violent Soho, Middle Kids, Ball Park Music, WAAX, Bugs and Polish Club.
‘Close’ marks the beginning of a new chapter for this Brisbane trio with more exciting news, and second EP later this year. Dial-in, bless up and get close (while practising responsible social distancing) with sweater curse.