Flowers – Sounds of Oz

MANE’s new single “Flowers” is so good. So good. It’s a stunning alt-pop anthem that beautifully tackles social anxiety, balancing the weighty subject matter with an uplifting sound that celebrates resilience. I can’t stop listening.

“I struggle with social anxiety, in general and also in the music industry, where I feel like I always have to prove myself in one way or another,” MANE explained. “The pressure can be unrelenting and possessive and it sucks. Sometimes I ask myself, why am I here and why am I putting myself through all this extra stress? I could be at home with my person, dog, family, or my pals.”

“Flowers” comes from MANE’s upcoming sophomore EP Caught in the Undertow, which is scheduled for a September 15 release. While it’ll be on all the major streaming platforms, you can preorder the vinyl here.

Image used with permission from Pretty Good Thanks; credit: Friends on Film

I’ve been a fan of Pacific Avenue ever since they dropped their single “Easy Love” back in 2021. A debut album is long overdue, but fans will be happy to know it’s just a few months away. Until then, get your ears around their latest radio-friendly single “Spin Me Like Your Records.”

“The main theme behind writing ‘Spin Me Like Your Records’ was to get a fun, upbeat track that we could dance around to and have as a really nice moment in our live set for festivals,” the band explained. “We got to a point where we thought we’d finished the album and had a listening party with our label, publisher and management, and while we loved it, we all thought it could use some straight-up-and-down classic rock songs. So, we wrote our last single, ‘Leaving For London’, another album track, ‘Modern Lovers’ and finally this single, and I don’t think the album would be the same without them. It’s just another silly song about being hopelessly into someone.”

Pacific Avenue’s debut album Flowers hits stores on May 5. They’ll play Hamilton Station Hotel in Mulubinba/Newcastle on March 18. Fresh from those recent festival appearances, I’d be surprised if we don’t see more shows announced to coincide with the album’s release really soon.

Image used with permission from Good Intent; credit: Charlie Hardy

Tag: Flowers

MANE Shares Awesome Single, “Flowers”

Pacific Avenue Drop Sweet Love Song, “Spin Me Like Your Records”