Fresh off the back of international radio spins across KEXP and shows alongside the likes of The Buoys, Sesame Girl and Press Club, NSW indie-pop quartet GRXCE have wasted no time sinking their teeth into 2024 – returning strongly with emphatic new single, Gravel Rash.
Inspired by real life events, Gravel Rash depicts the demise of a destructive relationship with vocalist Jamila recounting a situation where her ex-partner’s decision to erratically speed away from an argument consequently resulted in a car crash. Despite her not even being in the car, the blame for the damage was shouldered on Jamila, solidifying that the relationship had run its course.
“Gravel Rash is about the breakdown of an imbalanced relationship,” explains Jamila. “It’s the toxic nature of never having a balance between two partners, which ultimately ends in one person being torn apart and the other making it out with barely any affect on their life.”
Recorded, produced and mixed with Fletcher Matthews (The Buoys, Dear Seattle, STUMPS), Gravel Rash is unwavering in its approach, using gritty and determined instrumentation to boldly face the trauma that eventually unlocked Jamila’s anxiety diagnosis. It combines all the polish of a classic GRXCE track with fearless maturity that adds yet another layer of depth to the band’s creative output.
“The track deals with a lot of dark imagery from toxic relationships and emotional manipulation, to dealing with suicidal ideation, gaslighting and abuse in relationships which is something I really wanted to be blunt about,” opens up Jamila. “A part of writing and releasing this music was about being honest to myself and embracing and moving past some of the harder parts of my past.”
Gravel Rash is set to feature on the band’s upcoming concept EP that’s due for release mid-year, along with a short film that they’re developing with a local writer and director. With an unparalleled work ethic and boundless artistic direction, this new era of GRXCE is quickly proving to be their most intriguing.
With thanks to Habit Music
