RAINTALKER JUST RELEASED A NEW TRACK BREATHE AND WE'RE PRETTY NOSEY OVER HERE AT WIZARD WATER, WE THOUGHT WE'D DIVE RIGHT IN.
SINGLE NAME IS - BREATHE- LISTEN HERE
Fronted by the powerhouse vocals of Grace and backed by Richard on guitar, Chris on bass, and May on drums, Raintalker brings a fresh energy to the stage with their blend of driving rhythms and thought-provoking lyrics. Drawing inspiration from legends like The Cranberries and Johnny Marr, their sound is a delightful mix of indie garage goodness with a dash of social consciousness thrown in.
Speaking of which, Raintalker isn't afraid to tackle the tough stuff. Their music delves into issues like climate change, environmental struggles, and mental health, all delivered with raw honesty by Grace. It's the kind of music that speaks to the soul and makes you think.
And they've been making some serious moves, too. With two singles already under their belt – "Callala" and "Her World" – and a stint supporting Peter Garrett and the Alter Egos, Raintalker is on the rise. Even industry vets like Todd Hunter of Dragon have taken notice, dubbing them "an up and coming band to watch."
But hey, they're just getting started. With plans to record new singles and hit the road for an East Coast tour later this year, Raintalker is gearing up for an exciting 2024. And with radio play spreading their message far and wide, there's no telling how far they'll go.
Let's dive in!
TRACK REVIEW
"Breathe" by Raintalker opens with a captivating guitar tone that immediately grabs your attention. There's a subtle clean fuzziness to it, complemented perfectly by a beautiful chorus effect that adds a dreamy reverberation to the mix. It's the kind of sound that transports you to another realm, setting the stage for what's to come.
As the track unfolds, it's hard not to draw parallels to the mesmerising vibes of bands like FOALS. There's an undeniable energy coursing through every note, driven by Grace's vocals that are brimming with raw emotion and intensity. You can feel her passion simmering just beneath the surface, ready to burst forth at any moment.
And burst forth it does, especially when the chorus hits. It's like a cathartic release, as if Grace has been holding back all this time and finally lets loose with an explosion of sound and emotion. The instruments swell around her vocals, creating a lush sonic landscape that envelops the listener in its warmth and beauty.
But it's not just about the vocals – the tones and harmonies throughout the track are absolutely stellar. Each instrument plays its part, adding layers of depth and richness to the overall sound. It's a testament to the band's talent and chemistry, and it shines through in every moment of "Breathe."
In conclusion, Raintalker has truly outdone themselves with this track. From the mesmerizing guitar tones to the powerhouse vocals and everything in between, "Breathe" is a masterclass in indie rock excellence. So hats off to the team – you've created something truly special here. Keep up the amazing work!
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"Her World" by Raintalker is a captivating blend of haunting melodies and raw emotion that immediately draws you in. The influence of The Cranberries is unmistakable, with echoes of their signature sound shining through the arrangement and vocal melodies.
One of the standout elements of this track is the subtle fuzzy tin-like quality to the vocals, adding a touch of nostalgia and warmth to the overall sound. It's a unique choice that pays off beautifully, giving the vocals a distinct character.
But perhaps the most memorable moment comes in the bridge, where the vocals soar over a backdrop of swirling guitars and pulsing drums. It's a mesmerising blend of melody and rhythm that builds anticipation for the explosive chorus that follows. And when that chorus hits, it's like a burst of energy that ignites the soul and leaves you craving more.
Raintalker has truly outdone themselves with "Her World." It's a song that's equally at home in intimate settings or on the grand stage of a festival, with a versatility that speaks to its timeless appeal. So whether you're chilling at home or rocking out in the pit, this track is guaranteed to leave you wanting more.
Your debut single, "Callala," released in December 2023, has been well-received by audiences. Can you tell us about the inspiration behind the song and the message you hope listeners take away from it?
Richard: Callala started off as a riff I wrote when I was holidaying down at Callala Bay. We spent a few days there down on the beach, here was a guitar at the house and not much to do at night, so obviously inspired by the beauty of the area the song came into being. It seemed like such a sacred place, though our boat driver noted how more and more people were coming and gentrifying the area and taking that away a bit. It’s nice that half of the bay is a conservation area to preserve that nature. When we came together, that same sentiment definitely came through with Grace's lyrics.
Raintalker's music often confronts pressing issues like climate change and mental health. How do these themes influence your songwriting process, and why is it important for you to address these topics through your music?
May: It all comes out quite freely in the process, we don’t aim to write a song with a certain meaning, but often it’s just how Grace expresses what’s on her mind or our collective consciousness. Just reading the news or going on social media, there’s a lot to be angry about, and putting that into a song is one of the ways we know how to express that frustration and indignation. We hope it resonates with other people out there feeling the same way.
"Her World," your follow-up single released in January 2024, also received positive feedback. How does this song differ thematically or musically from "Callala," and what progression do you see in your sound between these two releases?
Richard: Her World is definitely a bit quicker and heavier, leaning towards a grungy sound almost. We love playing this one live as it’s got a good groove and plenty of light vs shade moments. It’s actually the first song we all played together after Chris joined us on bass, but has tightened sonically a lot since then once I dialled in that guitar tone and we all found space for each part.
Grace: This one is a really special one for me, as it marks the first instance where I openly share my struggles with ADHD. I originally wrote it as a reflective piece but it’s evolved into something that feels more like an anthem, hopefully resonating with anyone out there who has gone through a similar battle. I get you!!
Your band draws inspiration from artists like The Cranberries and Johnny Marr. How do these influences shape your sound, and are there any other musicians or bands that have impacted your musical style?
Richard: For me these two musicians/bands were foundational in the development of the band. I was inspired by reading Johnny Marrs biography to get back into guitar playing in a big way, then when we started practising, Zombie was one of the first covers we learnt as a band.
Chris: I feel there’s a lot going on in our sound that comes from late 90s and early 00’s also; a cover we play fairly regularly is Hole’s Malibu and there’s influences that creep in there - definitely The Cure and The Cardigans as well.
You recently had the opportunity to support Peter Garrett and the Alter Egos on their True North tour. Can you share some memorable moments from that experience and how it has influenced your approach to live performances?
Chris: This was an incredible opportunity that we are so grateful to have had the chance to take part in. The venues were way bigger than anything we’d played before, up to 1,000 people in Newcastle, we were so appreciative of the crowds that came early to check us out and the feedback was great! The Newcastle show in particular, they love getting behind the band scene up there and gave us much love.
As a band, how do you navigate the balance between delivering a powerful live performance while also conveying the introspective and thought-provoking nature of your lyrics?
May: I think Grace as our front-woman has a great way of conveying this - she has a really formidable presence that captures the crowd, and a really steady delivery. It’s a powerful mix, and kind of brings the audience in and gives the room space for people to really contemplate what she’s singing about.
Grace: Aw shucks Maysie! Look it’s bloody hard! No matter how much you might try to refine a set, I think it’s safe to say we often end up surprising ourselves. The fact that we all have a close connection to the songs of course contributes to this dynamic, meaning what you see is a genuine reflection of what we’re vibing that night.
With plans to record new singles and embark on an East Coast tour later this year, what can fans expect from Raintalker in terms of new music and live shows?
Grace: We’re still a baby band in many ways, and while we love playing and refining our existing songs we’re often seesawing between that and writing new stuff. Be it heartache or the injustice of social issues, we hope that through delving into a range of themes that feel important enough to shout out, our listeners can find a sense of comfort and meaning in what we’re sharing.
How has the reception been to your music on radio stations across Australia, and what role do you think radio play has played in amplifying your message and reaching new audiences?
Chris: We’re really grateful for the support of community radio around the country who have had the chance to discover and give us some spins! Starting with SKID ROW and 2SER in Sydney, big up to those folks, but we’ve got a couple plays in Adelaide and Hobart as well. Growing from scratch it’s so hard to get your song noticed anywhere so any time there is a bit of support we are super stoked. We’re trying to get some notice in that Unearthed world - please check us out and leave a review!
Do you have a favourite moment from your live dates so far?
May: We had a really special gig at Bootleggers a few months ago, headlining with some great local bands, lots of friends and family in the room, and just excellent vibes. All of our gigs so far have been fun, but some nights you play and there’s just really great energy and everything’s going right. Really special.
Looking ahead, what are your long-term goals and aspirations as a band, both musically and in terms of the impact you hope to have on your audience and the broader music scene?
Richard: We’re really taking each moment as it comes and are grateful for it before any long term planning. Playing together, writing music and doing shows all together are a joy, so at the least expect more of that!
It would be great to be able to go out on a proper Australian tour, so being able to find and engage with fans around the country through our releases as they keep coming is really important, and build some momentum.
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