Hailing from Melbourne, Coolabah Kings first formed in 2019, the band emerged from casual jam sessions into local pub heroes with a heavy sound. Debuting with the single ‘Spineless’, the band was featured on a Blow Blood Records compilation, since then, their discography has grown, reflecting moments in time, from lockdowns to modern disconnection to toxic masculinity.
The three-piece’s latest raw rock anthem is entitled ‘Bitter Pill’, the single produces a roaring soundscape through infectious guitar riffs, a powerful backbeat and a gritty vocal performance. The guitar tones are rough but bright, the members enjoy the performance as they rip from section to section. The vocals are almost poetic, delivered with a half-spoken word brutality that is the fiery spark for the rest of the arrangement.
Harry Anderson, guitarist and the band member who wrote ‘Bitter Pill’, shares his thoughts, “Lyrically, ‘Bitter Pill’ delves into the brutal aftermath of trauma dumping emotional baggage on an unsuspecting loved one, only to realize that you may have fractured that relationship permanently and now you’ve got to dig yourself out of it if you want any hope of repairing it. Musically, we wanted to counteract that overwhelming negativity with a sludgy, QOTSA-inspired groove paired with uniquely sassy and cynical Australian vocals. It’s a crooked little ghoul that tries to be a lot happier than it actually is. Just like us.”
Listen to ‘Bitter Pill’ below…