“Party Boy” – Eaglemont

Proving the adage that good things come to those who wait, Naarm/Melbourne based singer-songwriter Eaglemont recently released her debut album Party Boy. It’s a really special collection of introspective indie pop-rock-folk songs that eloquently explore themes of heartache, self-acceptance, and connection.

I knew I’d love this album before I hit play. I’d already raved about the singles “You Don’t Live Here,” “Vodka Pineapple,” and the title track “Party Boy,” marvelling at their confessional lyrics and Eaglemont’s heartfelt delivery. Sometimes when an album comes on the back of such strong singles, the remaining tracks struggle to hit the same bar. As I listened to this album though, and I’ve done that a lot over the past week or so, I was struck by new favourites. I fell in love with the wistful nostalgia and rock angst of opening track “Two Dumb Kids.” I wiped away tears as “Ikea” immersed me in a painful breakup recreated so vividly with Eaglemont’s detailed lyrics. I felt such empathy for the complicated relationship she recounts in “Girls, Darts, Panic Attacks.” The quiet, emotional power of “Spiral” really resonated with me.

Party Boy’s songs are so incredible on their own, but when you put them all together, they’re even stronger. They create such a powerful portrait of Eaglemont and her journey towards love, both for herself and others. She shares her queerness, her insecurities, and her heart so authentically that most listeners should find themselves relating to this impressive album, even if they haven’t gone through some of Eaglemont’s struggles.

Party Boy is one of the best Australian debut albums I’ve heard in some time, and it’s out now.

Main photo credit: Wildrose Pictures

Eaglemont Offers Fantastic Taste of Debut Album, “Party Boy”

When Phoebe Bridgers compares you to the one-and-only Lucy Dacus, you’ve probably got something special. Naarm/Melbourne-based singer-songwriter Eaglemont might not be a household name yet, but with support like that and incredible songs like new single “Party Boy” in her repertoire, it’s only a matter of time.

“Party Boy is a homage to the kind of relationships you have in your early 20s. The kind that’s full of love and lust, excitement and huge feelings,” Eaglemont explained. “While you attempt to navigate the concept of truly being loved and accepted for the first time in your life, you also face the challenges of working in dead-end burger shops and the desires and needs of another person.”

“Party Boy” is the title track from Eaglemont’s debut album, which will drop later this year. She’ll launch the single for hometown fans at The Fitzroy Pinnacle on May 3.

Image used with permission from Wildrose Pictures

Eaglemont Impresses With “You Don’t Live Here”

Eaglemont has dropped what the press release calls “another epic ‘sad and gay’ love song”, “You Don’t Live Here.” I feel that description sells the song a little short though. That comment almost suggests this track is interchangeable with any others, but it’s far from formulaic. And while it might draw from Eaglemont’s experiences as a gay woman, I think the themes are so universal and delivered so powerfully it’s bound to hit everyone in the feels.

“‘You Don’t Live Here’ is a yearning for the past, the uncertainty of the future and the kind of anxiety that makes your throat close up and your stomach drop to your socks. At the beginning of 2020, I fell in love with the love of my life who lived interstate at the time. When we finally got to see each other I remember being in my kitchen, with the chaos of the world swirling around us, and the simplicity of watching her do the dishes was the best moment of my recent life. Naturally the moment was fleeting and she had to leave again,” recalled Bridgitte Jessop, the woman behind Eaglemont. “This song is about frustration and longing, the big gay yearn and desire for simpler times, the cracking of your own reality and a good old fashioned half-drunk driveway cry, hoping someone would pull in and run you over.”

Eaglemont has just wrapped up a string of shows with Cry Club, but don’t stress if you missed them. She’ll play the Suzi’s Going Away (To Record an Album) Party at The Gasometer Hotel in Naarm/Melbourne on November 3.

Image used with permission from Habit Music; credit: Tim Lambert

Eaglemont Releases “Vodka Pineapple” Ahead of Cry Club Support

Eaglemont has offered up a tasty sample of her upcoming debut album with the release of her latest single “Vodka Pineapple.” It’s got an uplifting indie pop-rock vibe, but make sure you clock those confessional lyrics. They’re really something special.

“Vodka Pineapple’ is inspired by a painful realisation I had where I was the protagonist in the downfall of my relationships and it was all my fault… and then somehow we turned it into a pop song,” explained Bridg Jessop, the talent behind Eaglemont. “In line with the thread that runs through the entire record it’s a glorified diary entry that recounts events, often with haunting hindsight. Not that you should use creating art as therapy singularly (you should probably just go to therapy).”

Expect to hear a little bit more from her debut album and your old favourites when Eaglemont launches the single and supports Cry Club next month.

5 August 2023 – The Last Chance Rock & Roll Bar, Naarm/Melbourne
25 August 2023 – The Vanguard, Eora/Sydney
26 August 2023 – Tomcat, Meeanjin/Brisbane
2 September 2023 – Northcote Social Club, Naarm/Melbourne
9 September 2023 – Crown & Anchor, Kaurna/Adelaide

Image used with permission from Habit Music Co; credit: Tim Lambert

Luca Brasi Announce Tour, Play Goo Goo Dolls For “Like a Version”

Tassie punk-rock act Luca Brasi announced their upcoming tour in style recently, appearing in the triple j studios for Like a Version. As a Goo Goo Dolls fan, I get a little protective over the band’s material, but Luca Brasi’s take on “Iris” is utter perfection.

Luca Brasi were joined in the studio by Naarm/Melbourne indie-folk act Eaglemont, who’ll not so coincidentally play support on all these upcoming shows. OK Hotel are also on the stacked bill. Luca Brasi should be in fine form, as they’ve just wrapped up shows with Canada’s Alexisonfire. Tickets are on sale now.

6 May 2023 – Du Cane Brewery, Launceston
12 May 2023 – Cambridge Hotel, Mulubinba/Newcastle
13 May 2023 – Crowbar, Eora/Sydney
19 May 2023 – Max Watt’s, Naarm/Melbourne
20 May 2023 – The Zoo, Meeanjin/Brisbane
2 June 2023 – Jive Bar, Tartanya/Adelaide
3 June 2023 – Rosemount Hotel, Boorloo/Perth

Image used with permission from Deathproof PR; credit: Tom Wilkinson

Eaglemont Touring All Over With “Heteronormative Nightmare” Single

Melbourne music maker Eaglemont unpacks queerness in her latest track, “Heteronormative Nightmare.” I love its insightful, witty lyrics and those fuzzy rock guitars.

Eaglemont sets the scene for the single. “Picture this. You’re in the back of a limousine, your mum’s taken you to Myer to get your makeup done, you have a corsage on your wrist and you’re seated next a handsome formal date surrounded by your peers, a more perfect picture could not be painted. Alas a stark realisation dawns upon you. You’re stuck in a Heteronormative Nightmare and you’re gay.”

Eaglemont is currently travelling all over the country supporting Bec Sandridge. Never one for sitting still, she’s also got her own single launch shows and a few other gigs besides ahead. Catch her in all the following places over the coming months.

18 October 2019 – Rocket Bar, Adelaide (supporting Bec Sandridge)
19 October 2019 – Howler, Melbourne (supporting Bec Sandridge)
25 October 2019 – The Lansdowne, Sydney (supporting Bec Sandridge)
26 October 2019 – UC Hub, Canberra (supporting Bec Sandridge)
8 – 10 November 2019 – Not Fest @ The Tote, Collingwood
8 November 2019 – UOW Unibar, Wollongong (supporting Bec Sandridge)
15 November 2019 – Major Toms, Kyneton (single launch)
16 November 2019 – The Eastern, Ballarat (single launch)
22 November 2019 – Howler, Brunswick (supporting Bugs)
30 November 2019 – The Grace Darling Basement, Collingwood (single launch)

Image used with permission from This Much Talent