In a year fraught with unpredictability, unexpected events, and disappointment, good news happens to be just around the corner, with Lennox Head outfit WHARVES sharing the first taste of their forthcoming EP.
While 2020 was originally set to feature plans of a world tour for the group – including a trip to the UK – the outbreak of a global pandemic saw the four-piece left with time on their hands, and their creativity going untapped. To combat this, the group soon found themselves going through a cathartic process to improve their songwriting and recording, which involved creating a DIY studio deep in the bowels of a huge borrowed industrial shed in Ballina.
Giving rise to fun, hard work, and endless experimentation, WHARVES emerged from their studio armed with new music, including “Think Straight”, which serves as the first taste of these sessions. Recorded and produced entirely by the band, the slick indie pop exterior is underpinned with a sense of darkness, while it gets fused together by way of a driving, danceable beat.
“‘Think Straight’ is about fumbling your way through life making every wrong turn and mistake and hopefully learning in the process,” explains vocalist Matt Collins. “It’s the first time we’ve ever done the whole recording process ourselves. It’s been so good believing in our abilities and vision and seeing it through to the final stage.”
With the track set for official release on Friday, the band have also shared a visual accompaniment to the single, which features Chevy, bassist Scott Finch’s seven-year-old rescue Staffy. Shot and edited by Finch through the use of some immersive filming, the clip helps to add a sense of fun and lightness to the track as it shows a day in the life of Chevy.
“Think Straight” is on track to feature on the group’s forthcoming EP, which is scheduled to arrive in 2021. In the meantime, WHARVES are set to premiere the track with an online stream this Thursday night from Byron Bay’s Howl and Moan Records, while an online dinner party with fans will mark its official release on Friday, November 13th.
This is all set to lead up to the official live return of WHARVES, who will be hitting the stage at BBZ Bazaar Burleigh Heads on November 21st, supported by Local Safari and Chutney. Tickets are on sale now via Eventbrite, and selling fast.
Meanwhile, WHARVES will also perform at the Back in The Sun festival at Port Macquarie on December 11th, which serves as a new event from the teams at Festival of The Sun and Hot Tropics. Featuring a headline appearance by Hockey Dad, the lineup will be rounded out by Jaguar Jonze, WHARVES, and Scuffs, with tickets on sale from 12pm today.
WHARVES’ “Think Straight” is officially released on Friday, November 13th, with pre-saves available now.
