Bugs – Sounds of Oz

Brisbane trio Bugs are back with their new single “Decisions, Commitments & Plans.” A live favourite (remember when we could see bands live?!), this song starts fairly mellow for a Bugs track before erupting with raw emotion around the two-minute mark. It’s a trip!

“I wanted to write a song that talks about the chaotic emotional pressure of making choices, one that represents the full spectrum of confusion that comes to mind when faced with evolving responsibility and change-forced growth,” explained frontman Connor Brooker. “It can be daunting (or empowering) when you realise you’re the one writing your own script; but with more gained wisdom you learn to realise you’re not alone in that journey. It’s okay to be afraid, we all get scared sometimes.”

The band intends to wrap up their sold-out “Diamond” single tour in Melbourne later this month. Whether it happens or not, it’s all sold out so if you missed out on tickets, it’s time to look at the next thing. If you’re craving some live Bugs, you can (hopefully) catch them at the following shows:

16 October 2021 – STONEFEST, Canberra
6 November 2021 – Open Season @ The Princess Theatre, Brisbane

Image used with permission from Habit Music Co; credit: Nikita Oliver

If you’re stuck in the Greater Brisbane lockdown, or you’re just enjoying a quiet weekend in, hometown heroes Bugs has just the tune you need. “Old Youth Feeling” is an upbeat slice of indie rock, perfect for those impromptu at-home dance breaks. Just try to sit still, or keep it at a reasonable volume, once you hit play.

“I think at some point in time everyone wants to find a more energetic, charismatic, hopeful version of themselves from a time gone by – so we reminisce on our youth quite idealistically. We generally gloss over the cracks and exaggerate the highs,” explained the band’s vocalist and guitarist Connor Brooker. “As the pressure and reality of adulthood constrict our imagination, we socially regress by watching Disney films, crying to our parents, buying dumb ‘immature’ outfits, meeting up with an old friend from school – the list of behaviour goes on. We generally try to recapture that spark for life when things were more comfortable and simple. It can be a healthy coping mechanism, it can be a midlife crisis, it can be a mental breakdown, it can be a bad habit. Truth is we all experience it to varying degrees, nostalgia is a visceral & powerful emotion. Seeing an old family photo, driving past your childhood school, finding a box of toys and outdated pop culture artefacts. Our memories are so intrinsically tied to who we are, it’s not often you have those moments but when you do they are quite profound.”

Bugs were one of the first bands to get back out there when venues opened up, playing four sold out shows at The Zoo in July along with Airwaves Festival and In Bloom. Connor is scheduled to play Rock Salt at Phoenix Launceston on January 29, but with the current COVID flare and its border closures, who knows whether that show will go ahead. Don’t get too despondent though. At the very least the band will drop their third studio album this year, giving us all something to look forward to.

Image used with permission from Habit Music Co.; credit: Jaden Marc

Tag: Bugs

Bugs Releases Dynamic New Single, “Decisions, Commitments & Plans”

Crank Up Bugs’ Newest Banger, “Old Youth Feeling”