Now pretty much legends on the local punk scene, Fear Like Us have spent the past 12 years evolved their ‘folk punk’ sound into a powerful genre-crossing melodic punk act that constantly inspires and informs the sound of many of the Australia’s local up-and-comers.
One of the original signees to to the landmark Poison City label, the crew are today unveiling their latest record Succour, out for official release this Friday May 6th.
Continuing to explore political injustice, the peaks and pitfalls of the modern Australian pysche, love, loss and longing, Succour is at once uniquely Australian and undeniably world-class.
To celebrate the release of this incredible LP, the band have given us a track by track run down of Succour penned by frontman Jamie Hay, check it out below along with an advance stream of the album. To pre-order a copy of the record visit poisoncityrecords.com.
The Gaslighting Anthem
This song is about Gaslighting, which is a form of mental abuse in which a victim is manipulated into doubting his or her own memory, perception and sanity. It’s nothing against The Gaslight Anthem by the way, I just thought it was a cheeky title.
Revolution Bummer
Revolution Bummer is about how our own egos can get in the way of making change or admitting when we’re wrong. This song is more of a confession of sorts rather than a criticism on anyone else. I think it’s a good thing to remember as a songwriter to be ready for criticism and be able to take it on because all of this time is worth nothing if we don’t listen and learn.
Red Ochre
This is about the stolen generation. Red Ochre wrote itself basically, it kind of just happened. It’s about a child who was taken from their family and whenever they see the red earth, it reminds them of that time. We talked at length as a band as to whether or not we should we should write about such a topic. We didn’t want to be another bunch of white folks telling such a story but I think we’ve done it tastefully. I hope so anyway.
Dire
I wrote this song after the coalitions budget announcement last year. The Liberals attack on the poor & underprivileged is relentless and all the while looking after big business and their mates in the coal industry.
The Lowest Form Of Love
This song is about how the “Reclaim Australia” group are nothing more than ill-informed racists standing behind a banner of “Proud Australians” whilst ignoring the monumental irony that the way of life we enjoy is built upon a history of theft, suffering and ongoing dispossession of indigenous people.
Who Killed Reza Berati?
Reza Barati was an Iranian asylum seeker who was killed in a detention centre on Manus Island. This song however, asks more of a moral question on who killed Reza. Could this event have been prevented? Is there something more that we can do to help people in need? Yes, I believe so.
Raze It To The Ground
Raze it to the ground is kind of a part 2 to Reza and has a very simple message. Shut down Manus Island & Nauru now! We’re half way there with the news of Manus Island detention centre being closed but we need a huge policy overhaul and shift as well. I’d like to see more of what we claim to be as a nation. Being that helping hand for those people in hard times.
Over The Falls
We’ve seen it time and time again where Anti Terror laws encroach on our fundamental freedoms. These changes to legislation are usually seen immediately after a terrorist attack where it’s a perfect time to capture everyone’s fear and unease. I see it as a slow burner and if we don’t stand up and speak out we may one day realise it all a little too late.
Dry Riverbed
This one about those who would tell us to “man up” or just “get over it” when it comes to anxiety & depression rather than offering support and understanding. I’ve experienced this many times in my life and sure a lot of people have too.
THe Face Of War, Washed Upon The Shore
This song is about the 3 year old boy Alan Kurdi was found washed ashore in the Mediterranean Sea. Seeing his body laying on the shore and having a son of roughly the same age broke my heart. I know this song is pretty heavy but I feel like these stories need to be told so we don’t soon forget them.
