Kicking off the new year with a bang, Naarm/Melbourne alt-rock trio Okay Dane today return with existential anthem, Interstellar Nihilist – a commentary on feeling hopelessly disconnected in an age where everyone is seemingly a text away.
Channelling a more indie-pop style of songwriting that perfectly complements the punk drive of previous singles Blush and Goldfish, Interstellar Nihilist is a strong return from the outfit, whose lyrical output has become substantially more personal and symbolic with each release.
“The song uses the imagery of an astronaut abandoned in space as a metaphor to represent loneliness and existential dread in the digital age, where we are more accessible with our communication but far less connected in any in person sense,” explains guitarist and vocalist Jake Kougioumtzis. “I started working on the demo and it had a very science fiction quality to it with some of the sounds I was finding, so that inspired the lyrics.”
Produced and mixed by Sam Swain (RAT!Hammock, Obscura Hail) at Sunset Pig Studios in Melbourne, the band’s latest effort is led by an almost extra-terrestrial guitar line that sucks you in like a tractor beam while wistful synths create an atmospheric starscape that amplify feelings of isolation and detachment.
“I started the song accidentally when I was messing around with a pitch shifting guitar pedal. I was just playing around and the guitar part from the verse just jumped out and I immediately heard something in it,” says Jake. “There is some DNA from influences like Ball Park Music, Pixies and even Elliot Smith”.
Having made a huge impact on the live scene playing alongside the likes of The Belair Lip Bombs, Loser and OK Hotel, Okay Dane will officially launch Interstellar Nihilist on Friday January 19 at Bad Decisions with support from Oh Daisy!, Stepdad Advice and After School Care.
With thanks to Habit Music
