The cover of Bad Weather's new single, "Lilac," is entirely grayscale. This might initially seem like humorous irony, at odds with the colorful title and celebratory lyrics, but it functions more to set the stage. Callum Robertson, singer/songwriter/guitarist/producer behind the Australian band, opens the alt pop track with a sullen croon. His silky delivery softens the sharpness of the verse's pounding drums and jangly guitars. Once he bursts into the chorus, recalling the memory of a past relationship, "Lilac" takes flight. The instrumental maintains its anthemic pop-rock fervor throughout the three-minute runtime, relying on Robertson's vocal performance to shift the mood and energy. Finding joy in the wake of a breakup, vivid color fills the space like a playful misdirection. Rather than deepening the shadows of its emo-tinged style, the band casts them out with a bright optimism. It's not as simple as every storm leading to a rainbow. "Lilac" bares the downpour, but comes to find that nothing washed away in the rain.
The non-linear storytelling of "Lilac" highlight its themes of holding onto self-discovery in the face of what may feel like utter loss. "You found me at a good time," Robinson recalls, implying an almost whirlwind of a relationship. When someone, as the singer describes, extraordinary comes into his life, it upturns everything he thought he knew. So, what happens after? At first, he writes from a place of fragmentation. "Missing pieces, I've been trying to get them back," the song opens with. But soon comes the realization that lasting change must come from self-discovery and growth. The desire to hold her "under lilac skies" becomes a sort of challenge. First, he has to see the world in those brilliant hues.
Based in Perth, western Australia, Bad Weather returns for their first song since the release of their debut EP in August of 2022. The five-track project, titled Flowers In Your Room, includes lead single "Cherry," showcasing the band's stylistic versatility and immaculate production. Influences, such as The 1975 and Slowly Slowly, can be heard in their alternative pop instrumentation and songwriting. Robinson, as the bands singer, songwriter, producer, and guitarist, possesses a Prince-like multi-talent and musical passion. While no future releases have been announced, Bad Weather is currently playing a string of live shows, including Electric Feelings at the Rosemount hotel.
Written By Andy Mockbee
FOLLOW Bad Weather:
Comments