Bringing together an expansive pallet of sounds whilst continuing to deliver their rejuvenated take on nostalgic punk rock, The Middle lyrically dives into vulnerable territory, reflecting on grief and connection. “The track was written shortly after the loss of a family member,” says vocalist Cooper Riley. “My family came together to support and love each other, even though we all had a tumultuous relationship in the years prior. Sometimes pride can get in the way of how we really feel sometimes.
Debuting on triple j short.fast.loud, The Middle becomes the fourth track to be released off the long-awaited debut album, ‘Millions’. Each single has showcased rough-around-the-edges punk, embellished with a distinctly emo flair and is a testament to the bands evolution as artists and their ability to craft songs that resonate on a personal level. Weaving through moments of raw unrelenting energy with heartfelt, honest and emotive lyricism, ‘Millions’ wears its heart on its sleeve and showcases a sound well beyond Bad Neighbour’s years. “We’re incredibly excited to share this release with the world, writing this record was very cathartic for us and to have something palpable we can share with people is very special.”
May single And The Fleas was celebrated live at a packed out hometown headliner presented by Destroy All Lines in June, and earlier this month the band wrapped a national tour as main support for Californian rockers Badflower.
Launching in 2019 with their debut single Odd Socks, Bad Neighbour came together off the back of shared musical interests and combined motivation to tread their own sonic ground inspired by the likes of PUP, Modern Baseball and The Menzingers. Lead by Cooper Riley (lead vocals/rhythm guitar) and joined by Zoe Middleton (lead guitar/vocals), Liam Sumner (bass/vocals) and Jack Parkes (drums), Bad Neighbour are well on their way to becoming “frontrunners in Australia’s ever-evolving indie punk crowd”, as coined by Wall Of Sound.
The last 12 months have seen Bad Neighbour find their footing and solidify themselves as ‘ones to watch’ as they joined the Destroy All Lines roster. The quartet landed support shows with Mom Jeans (US) and Microwave (US) last March, toured across the country main supporting Spanish Love Songs (US) last August, just wrapped a tour with Hot Mulligan (US) and Free Throw (US) this March and took to the big stage at New Bloom Festival in Brisbane earlier this year.
Bad Neighbour really are only just getting started. The Middle is available and streaming everywhere now. ‘Millions’ will be out Friday September 20.
