From mere seconds into its introduction of bouncing guitar, listeners are happily hooked into Windwaker‘s fresh new track “The Sitch”. The single released last week and is the first we’ve heard from the Melbourne quintet since “New Infinite”. Somehow finding a really pleasurable sweet spot between the polish of pop and the grit of metalcore, the easy sonic immersion into “The Sitch” means that our attention is free to go toward the mini-series-esque music video.
One by one we’re introduced to caricature-like members of the band, recognising their distinct aesthetics in a way that is both endearing as well as amusing. The Windwaker collective join forces in a convertible, running from pressures and soaking up good times fostered by their bond together, brilliantly enhanced by slow-mo action scenes and a feisty confrontation with.. themselves.
“I can’t live up to this
I’m so tired, I feel I’m crumbling
Is this what it feels like
To live under your way?”
With the release of the single, Windwaker have announced that their sophomore EP Empire is on the way (releasing March 22nd). Describing it as ‘surreal’, Windwaker were open with their passionate determination to do it their own way, and on their own. For example, with “The Sitch” alone, Windwaker members were directly involved with the engineering/mixing/mastering (drummer Chris Lalic, with further engineering from vocalist/guitarist Liam Guinane), as well as the music video concept (vocalist Will King), and its production (bassist Indey Salvestro). Full credits for the music video are in the YouTube description.
Having listened to the track over the last few days, I can affirm that “The Sitch” does indeed ‘spark joy’ within me, Marie Kondo style. It’s at key points of “The Sitch” where it blossoms though, including the section where heralded by Will King’s fierce “TAKE A PART OF ME”, Liam’s vocal slide into defeated oppression is incredibly satisfying. There’s also a ridiculously impressive multicoloured guitar feature courtesy of Jesse Crofts as the track comes to an end.
Though I wasn’t confident as to the lyrical meaning aside from the weight of conflict and losing yourself to that, I appreciated how Windwaker have made an internal struggle of identity into something visible with the video. The combination of hearing and seeing someone ‘still breathing’ despite heaviness and winning against impostors feel pretty darn good. Check it out, if you haven’t!
Pre-order: windwaker.lnk.to/empire
