You probably didn’t expect these kinds of vibes and doses of electronics on IDIOTEQ, but Poltergeist 9000’s “Higher Frequencies” lands with enough grit and focus to justify its place.
The Tasmanian/Newcastle synth-punk duo Poltergeist 9000 returns with Higher Frequencies, the lead single and title track from their upcoming collaborative EP with long-time friend and creative partner Finlay Ross. The EP drops July 25th, and judging by this opening cut, the band continues to move beyond typical genre templates into something both personal and carefully constructed.
“Higher Frequencies is a love letter to music,” the band states plainly. “With every release we strive to improve in every possible way. From the visual elements to the sonics, we have pushed ourselves in all aspects for this EP.” The track pulls together the duo’s synth-punk core with a more spiritual undercurrent. “The themes and aesthetics of this release convey the spiritual experience we have had through music and the catharsis it brings.” That sense of clarity — of purpose, not purity — comes through in the track’s tight balance of chaos and control.
There’s a deliberate push here, both in sound design and concept. Poltergeist 9000 sounds more self-aware, more precise. There’s no leaning on nostalgia, and no sidestepping the limitations of the form. Instead, they press up against the edges — synth lines aren’t ornamental, and the punk element feels less aesthetic than structural.
The EP is also a reflection of the band’s scene — not just their own growth but the people around them. They namecheck five local acts worth a look: Louise (“amazing up and coming band, doing new and exciting things”), Black Dahlia (“incredible songwriters and performers”), Smallways (“awesome 2 piece punk”), Cumquats (“young legends playing sick punk music”), and Ponzi Scheme (“new pop powerhouse”). There’s no hierarchy in how they’re mentioned — just a clear map of the terrain Poltergeist 9000 operates in and values.
Obviously, this isn’t a reinvention record. It’s a step forward in what feels like a long-term build, tethered more to intent than trend.
