We have the pleasure to premiere the debut single from Brisbane newcomers Grave Places. The six-strong band originally formed in 2016, and includes Chris McCulloch, Jesson Bout, Dylan Gibbs, Josh Forsdike, Matt Duncalfe, and Bryn Arnfield.
Since their inception, Grave Places have been touring locally with the likes of Rare Words, Outlive, Kings and more, under the alias of The Atticus Exposure. They’re now honing their sound as well as their identity as a band, and have spent time with Troy Brady (formerly of The Amity Affliction), recording new music for release later in the year.
To kick off 2018 for Grave Places, they are today releasing their debut single: ‘XXXX Bummer’. The curious title is a direct reference to the Australian beer XXXX Gold, which played its role in what is being shared in the track.
In this cathartic and introspective track, Grave Places share their experience of self-medicating anxiety with alcohol. The fallout of doing so was then being drawn down into a year long depressive episode, with continued self-medication.
“I am lost
In this city beneath the waves
Of anxiety that comes and leaves”
This experience of metaphorically seeing yourself slowly drowning, while friends around you are oblivious and not helping (and perhaps even making it worse), is shown in the music video created by Nick Hargans. Clean vocalist Jesson lies paralysed and unable to help himself in a filling bath tub. Around him in the bathroom, his friends and band members are casually hanging out and don’t seem to notice the look of panic on his face as the water around him gets ever higher. It’s only when the bath overflows that they notice what is going on right in front of them and leap into action.
Dive into the powerful and melodic ‘XXXX Bummer’, with at times eerie clean vocals and a unifying breakdown section before a strong final chorus. The track is also available via all major streaming services.
