Taking cues from the likes of Paramore and Wisp, Eora-based trio GRXCE deliver a haunting blow with their new single sabbatical. Building on momentum from tour slots with Thelma Plum, The Rubens, WAAX and merci, mercy, plus a semi-viral TikTok (13.5K views) that packed out Newtown’s Bootleggers, GRXCE lean into shoegaze textures first teased in shirt song and second guessing. The band who once charmed as indie-pop sweethearts have shed their cocoon — emerging with guts, conviction, and a sound that refuses to play safe.
Written in the aftermath of a breakup, sabbatical was the first track penned for GRXCE’s forthcoming EP, but the last to find its final form. “Because this song was so personal and also the first track we ever tried producing ourselves, it took a while to articulate what I really wanted to say. It was always special, and I wanted to make sure it was articulated in the best way possible,” says lead singer Jamila Grace.
The track is rich with washy, droning guitars and layered vocals that sway back and forth like a lullaby, only to fracture in a chorus that centres on one devastating lyric: “wait.” Led by drummer Alex Berger’s glitchy production, the song blurs dreamlike textures with emotional urgency. Narrative-wise, the lyrics merge two songs — an early version of sabbatical and an unreleased track still want it. Jamila reflects: “This song represents being stuck in limbo. After my breakup, my ex stayed in contact — still saying he loved and missed me, buying me gifts. At the time it felt like hope, but in hindsight the kindest thing he could have done was leave me alone. Sometimes what looks like kindness isn’t kind at all. That’s what this track is about.”
Fresh off the back of support slots for Pacific Avenue and Mac The Knife, GRXCE are booked and busy, with an upcoming appearance at Marrickville Music Festival, and showcases at SXSW Sydney.
Alongside sabbatical, GRXCE reveal details of their sophomore EP ‘things i should probably keep to myself’ (out Thursday, November 13). Following the success of their debut ‘Sorry For Being Sad’, which was paired with a short film that sold out Sydney’s Ritz Cinema, the new record is an ode to oversharing, messy feelings, and the thoughts usually hidden away in your journal.
A patchwork quilt of GRXCE’s influences, the EP threads together the raw emotion of Phoebe Bridgers, the intensity of Paramore, and the sharp alt-rock edge of Blondshell and Momma. It features previous singles spit it out, shirt song and second guessing, plus one final track without me.
To celebrate, GRXCE will hit the road for an East Coast tour, with headline shows in Brisbane, Melbourne, Sydney, Canberra and Wollongong, plus free performances in Newcastle and Coffs Harbour.
Don’t miss your chance to catch GRXCE live. Blunt, unafraid and goddamn good; their sophomore EP ‘things i should probably keep to myself’ cements them as one of Australia’s most exciting rising acts.
sabbatical IS OUT NOW
‘things i should probably keep to myself’ EP will be released on November 13 – PRE-SAVE / PRE-ORDER HERE
UPCOMING SHOWS
SUNDAY 12TH OCTOBER – MARRICKVILLE MUSIC FESTIVAL, SYDNEY NSW
WEDNESDAY 15TH OCTOBER – THE LOFT (SXSW SYDNEY), SYDNEY NSW
FRIDAY 17TH OCTOBER – SNEAKY POSSUM (SXSW SYDNEY), SYDNEY NSW
‘THINGS I SHOULD PROBABLY KEEP TO MYSELF’ EP TOUR
FRIDAY NOVEMBER 14TH – DISSENT, CANBERRA ACT
SUNDAY NOVEMBER 23RD – NIGHTHAWKS, MELBOURNE VIC
FRIDAY 28TH NOVEMBER – JUNK BAR, BRISBANE QLD
SATURDAY 29TH NOVEMBER – HOEY MOEY, COFFS HARBOUR NSW
SUNDAY 30TH NOVEMBER – LA LA LAS, WOLLONGONG NSW
THURSDAY 4TH DECEMBER – KING ST WAREHOUSE, NEWCASTLE NSW
THURSDAY 11TH DECEMBER – THE VANGUARD, SYDNEY NSW
With thanks to No Time To Impress
Discover more from Good Call Live
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
