Ceres are set to have a big year. Part of a new wave of Aussie bands proving that emo isn’t a dirty word, the band have built up a solid rep for their steadfast work ethic, and ability to craft one hell of a song. And as you’d expect, they pair brilliantly with The Smith Street Band’s frontman Wil Wagner as a result on new number ‘Stretch Ur Skin’.
As they gear up to support the Smithies on their tour for new album More Scared Of You Than You Are Of Me, Ceres have grabbed the singer for their own new single, and he fits like a glove. Wagner’s signature blunt introspection makes perfect sense melded to Ceres’ dark guitar pop, Tom Lanyon yelling to himself “that’s the point you prick,” only to be met with the equally-downcast reproach of “Yes, I’m a piece of shit,” from Wagner moments later.
“Getting the chance to work with Wil, a good friend (and not-so-small inspiration) on the song, was also quite the trip,” Tom told triple j following the track’s premiere. “We wanted the work to be truly collaborative, not just a guest vocal—so we wrote and re-wrote the song, together and separately to craft something we were both proud to be a part of.”
“It all fell into place very naturally and organically and I couldn’t happier with the end result!” Wil also told the station, adding “The entire band kills it on this song, the drum and bass groove at the start is a cool departure from classic Ceres stuff and Sean’s guitar solo absolutely rips. I’m very flattered to be involved and stoked on how this song turned out!”
You can grab this one on a special “7 vinyl at the upcoming shows, which kick off on Thursday May 25, and the record will also include a couple of other tracks recorded during Ceres’ sessions for 2016’s Drag It Down On You LP.
The Smith Street Band album tour
Featuring Ceres
Thursday 25 May – The Odeon Theatre, Hobart
Friday 26 May – Enmore Theater, SydneySaturday 27 May – The Tivoli, Brisbane (sold out)
Sunday 28 May – The Tivoli, Brisbane
Friday 2 June – Forum Theatre, MelbourneSaturday 3 June – Forum Theatre, Melbourne (sold out)
Friday 9 June – Metro City, Perth
Saturday 10 June – Thebarton Theatre, Adelaide
