SECOND IDOL Unleash Debut Album ‘Mongrel’

Second Idol, one of the most important acts to be emerging out of Australia’s alternative scene, have released their undeniable debut album ‘Mongrel’. The album will be released independently on 12” vinyl, and digitally through Gloomshift Records – ORDER HERE.

‘Mongrel’ explores identity and belonging in a fragmented, postmodern world marked by isolation and polarisation. The album delves into themes of feminism, gender, postcolonialism, multiculturalism, imposter syndrome, and heartbreak, making it a true album of our times. It challenges the idea of a singular identity,
embracing and celebrating complexity and vulnerability. It defines and consolidates the band’s sound while also reinforcing their values, serving as a conduit to let them say with pride what they stand for. Arguably, what every good rock record should do.

Second Idol is a band shaped by identity, ideology, and sound. Made up of second-generation Australians – Kate Farquharson (Sri Lankan/Scottish), Sunny Josan (Palestinian/Indian), and Afeef Iqbal (Pakistani) – their diversity across gender identities, sexualities and cultural backgrounds drive their art and message. Carrying the torch of bold innovators like Placebo, Sonic Youth, PJ Harvey, and Savages, Second Idol channel that same originality and innovation to create music with purpose.

The band always had a strong desire to release the album on vinyl and so they took to the uncertain world of crowdfunding. As Kate explains; “Running the crowdfunding campaign to help us press the record to vinyl was equally a nerve-wracking and an elating experience. There’s always that sense of self-doubt that arises that people don’t really care for your art, or that you don’t have an audience.” However, any doubts the band had were swiftly put to rest. With overwhelming support from fans at home and abroad, they surpassed their goal.

‘Mongrel’ was produced, mixed and mastered by Clayton Segelov, with engineering by Angie Watson, all at The Brain Studios in Sydney.

Second Idol’s music has received praise from the likes of Post-punk.com, The Music, Backseat Mafia, The AU Review, Music Feeds, AAA Backstage, Wall Of Sound, NME and The Guardian. They have also earned a reputation for their striking live set, playing slots at LOUD WOMEN, King Street Crawl, Vivid Sydney, and TRANSGENRE festivals and supporting The Murder Capital (IRL), Baxter Dury (UK), Jen Cloher, Arse, Battlesnake, Cry Club, and Teenage Joans.