Driveway: Artist of the Week
Introducing Bleak Squad, A Supergroup of Australian Art-Rock Royalty 🎸 for our Driveway Artist of the Week!
Imagine a band that combines the talents of some of Australia’s most influential art-rock musicians. That’s exactly what Bleak Squad, a Melbourne-based supergroup, brings to the table. Comprised of Adalita Srsen from Magic Dirt, Mick Harvey from The Birthday Party, Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds, and PJ Harvey, Mick Turner from Dirty Three and Mess Esque, and Marty Brown from Art of Fighting, this quartet is truly a force to be reckoned with.
The Birth of Bleak Squad 💡
Drummer Marty Brown was inspired to form the band during a summer day at Fitzroy Pool in 2019, envisioning a low-pressure collaboration with fellow musicians. Adalita Srsen coined the band’s name, encapsulating their “loose collection of misfits” and the moody, atmospheric essence of their music.
Capturing Raw Energy in Strange Love ⚡️
Their debut album, Strange Love, was recorded spontaneously at Head Gap and Standalone Studios in Melbourne, often capturing second takes to preserve the raw energy of their performances. The album showcases brooding guitars, organ drones, and lyrical drumming across nine tracks, including popular singles “Lost My Head” and “Strange Love.”
Must-Listen Tracks 🎶
To truly experience Bleak Squad’s unique sound, we recommend checking out “Strange Love” and “Everything Must Change.” “Strange Love” exemplifies their signature dark and atmospheric style, while “Everything Must Change” showcases their versatility with its contemplative and atmospheric vibe.
Psssst. Signing up for the bands newsletter will get you a free high quality version of Everything Must Change – just go to their website.
Experience Bleak Squad Live 🎉
Bleak Squad has been rocking stages across Australia, with performances at the Unconformity festival in Tasmania and headline shows in Sydney and Melbourne. Keep an eye out for future tour dates to catch this supergroup in action!
In summary, Bleak Squad is a testament to the incredible talent that arises when seasoned musicians join forces. Discover their music and experience the magic for yourself.
Links
Driveway airs each weeknight from 5–7pm on ArtSound FM. Tune in for more insights, a mix of classic tracks and deep cuts, and stories behind the music.
Let us know your favourite artist — or track we should spin next.
