Almost one year to the day since the release of their fourth album, SHYGA! The Sunlight Mound, WA’s Psychedelic Porn Crumpets have returned with a brand new single, “Bubblegum Infinity”.
Their first taste of new material since November’s “Lava Lamp Pisco”, the fresh single follows on from its predecessor, continuing to build upon its more riff-laden sound, as first teased by frontman Jack McEwan in an interview with Rolling Stone Australia in 2021.
“[The new album will] be its heavy brother, which will be like the metal version I’ve wanted to create for ages,” McEwan explained. “It’s almost going back to my prepubescent Tool, Mars Volta, Karnivool-era of just being like, ‘Oh God, give me riffs!’ with that heavy Deftones kind of sound.”
However, given what fans have heard today, it’s hard to say whether or not the group’s fifth album will indeed be a masterclass in heavy tunes, or if it might showcase a vastly different side of the band. Despite its fuzzed-out sound though, “Bubblegum Infinity” is still a melodic masterpiece, with vocals reminiscent of DMA’S appearing throughout the track, adding a bit of sweetness into the mix. An official video for the track is also set to premiere on YouTube at midnight tonight.
“Our cute little playful member of the Night Gnomes club. I think there’s mixed opinions of this song in the group but I’m sticking by it,” McEwan explained. “I like its pop sensibility and melancholy notions. It’s cheerful and good natured, it’s not trying to be something profound, more a statement of life at this time and by calling it ‘Bubblegum Infinity’, we’re showcasing that lighthearted vulnerability. So go easy on us, metal fans.”
The track is set to appear on – as McEwan alluded to – the band’s forthcoming fifth album, Night Gnomes, which is set to arrive on April 22nd. Of course, “Bubblegum Infinity” isn’t the only taster of the record that the band have shared today, also providing an extra insight of what’s to come by way of “Dread & Butter” – a decidedly folkier number that showcase’s the band’s exceptional versatility.
“A lot of the album is about trying to work out what the F#@! is going on, in general life and obviously the period of time we’ve all found ourselves dormant in for the past two years,” McEwan explains.
“I started reading a few quotes from philosophers because, hey! They might know what’s going on, but mostly it was a bunch of cleverly worded gibberish that was drenched in self turmoil that thankfully, serendipitously, unbeknownst to me was the thing I found comfort in. That nobody has a clue what life is and we’re all winging it as we go! Cheers, William of Ockham.”
Judging by McEwan’s thoughts on the group’s creative trajectory, it appears as though the band look set to encompass almost every facet of the musical spectrum as they push forward into the future and continue to evolve.
“The process for this album was a continuation from Shyga!,” he explains. “I stepped up a few recording techniques and tried to hone in on the production side of things a little more, gave my mental train a fresh lick of paint and tried to make the album step up in quality from the previous four releases while still holding onto that ‘crumpet’ approach to songwriting.
“In my mind it feels like a summary of everything we’ve previously released, a nice package for new fans to enjoy but also a nod to the High Visceral days for the older fans.”
Psychedelic Porn Crumpets’ “Bubblegum Infinity” (and “Dread & Butter”) are available now, with new album Night Gnomes set for release on April 22nd, and available for pre-order now.
Ocean Alley Australian Tour 2022
With special guests Psychedelic Porn Crumpets and Dulcie
Wednesday, February 9th
Riverstage, Brisbane, QLD
Thursday, February 10th
Riverstage, Brisbane, QLD
Friday, February 11th
NightQuarter, Sunshine Coast, QLD
Saturday, February 12th
HOTA, Gold Coast, QLD
Friday, February 18th
Hordern Pavilion, Sydney, NSW
Saturday, February 19th
Hordern Pavilion, Sydney, NSW
Sunday, February 20th (Sold Out)
Hordern Pavilion, Sydney, NSW
Wednesday, February 23rd
John Cain Arena, Melbourne, VIC
Friday, February 25th
Thebarton Theatre, Adelaide, SA
Saturday, February 26th
Thebarton Theatre, Adelaide, SA
Tickets available through Ocean Alley’s website
