Australia’s alternative scene gets a fresh jolt today, as post punk act COLDWAVE drops their first release of 2024: ‘The Ants,’ backed by the B-side ‘Italia ’06.’ Both tracks were crafted by Bonnie Knight, the 2024 AIR Independent Producer of the Year (AMYL & THE SNIFFERS, ANGIE MCMAHON, ENOLA), and mixed by James Trevascus (NICK CAVE & WARREN ELLIS, BILLY NOMATES, RVG).
‘The Ants’ is a sharp, frenetic ride, all jagged guitars and driving horns. There’s an intensity that mirrors their 2021 track ‘Plagiarise,’ but with a tension that unravels in layers. Vocally, it hits hard—abstract moments pulled from the mundane, woven into something surprisingly emotional. If you’re after that feeling of life uncoiling before your eyes, this one delivers.
Since the release of their debut EP Same Window, Different House in 2023, COLDWAVE have picked up serious momentum. Named triple j Unearthed Feature Artist and sharing stages with TURNSTILE, FONTAINES D.C., and more at Laneway Festival, they’ve become a band people talk about, especially after their Bigsound 2023 debut. Now, the six-piece is heading for a showcase at SWSW Sydney.
Formed in 2020, COLDWAVE’s lineup—Harrison Evans (vocals), Kiran Memisoglou (guitar), Anthony Griffin (guitar/vocals), Sean McGowan (trumpet/synth/vocals), Lara Patzel (bass), and Jordan Maywald (drums)—has evolved rapidly. Their experimental, genre-hopping sound keeps them fresh, while they remain fiercely loyal to their roots. Alongside their two 2023 EPs, No Conflict and Same Window, Different House, they’ve shared stages with CITIZEN, POND, and RVG.
‘Italia ‘06’ takes a more narrative-driven approach, playing with negative space and spoken word before erupting in the second half.
It’s an ode to the Aussie battler spirit, channeled through the controversial penalty that knocked Australia out of the 2006 World Cup. A nod to the collective heartbreak of a nation.
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