Newcastle Alt-Pop Duo Raave Tapes Debut Album Out Now

As Newcastle’s RAAVE TAPES draw closer to the release of their debut album, the band have decided to drop one last single ahead of the release; the huge, bass-heavy track ‘Braces’.

‘Braces’ is a huge highlight on the album; showing off some massive hooks, a deep, hypnotising bass-line, and some seriously slick production from collaborator Fletcher Matthews (Dear Seattle, Stumps, The Buoys). The track is the opener for the album – laying down the perfect platform for the rest of the debut.

Thematically, the track tells a tale of friendship – and the feeling of being your true self around the people most important to you.

“This song feels like that last scene in Thelma and Louise when they look at each other before they drive off the cliff (sorry for the spoiler) and there’s that moment of solidarity between them. Maybe the title is an allusion to needing to be ‘braced up’ by your mates. Maybe it’s an allusion to crooked teeth and the ugly smiles you share with those close to you when you think no one is looking.”
LINDSAY O’CONNELL, RAAVE TAPES

While writing the track, Joab and Lindsay, along with producer Fletch Matthews looked back in time for their inspiration – drawing on early dance and electronic floor-fillers that focussed more on impact than lyrical content.

“We indulged ourselves with the production of BRACES, tapping into some Ministry of Sound x French Electronica nostalgia. Harking back to a simpler time, when 80% of dance music was simply a few words that barely made sense followed by a dirty drop.”
JOAB EASTLEY, RAAVE TAPES

The debut, self-titled album from RAAVE TAPES dropped on the 24th of May; 12 songs of pure pop-bliss that range from out and out club-ready ragers (‘k hi’, ‘Goodbye’ ‘Braces’) to perfectly-crafted pop songs (‘I Just Wanna Be Alone’, ‘Wake Up Next To You’), and everything in between. Thematically, the album discusses the different relationship situations we find ourselves in, and how drastically these relationships can change over time.

“The most integral themes of the album revolve around the interpersonal relationships we have with the people around us, to the nearest and dearest, as well as those who’ve become distant and not so dear. It’s a pretty broad and universal overarching theme for sure, but its one that heavily impacted our writing process. At it’s core, we were a few good friends locked in a room with no phone reception for long periods of time, and that encouraged plenty of D&Ms, late night soul-searching & a level of introspection that pushed us in a more earnest & personal direction.” JOAB EASTLEY, RAAVE TAPES

The three previously released singles from the album (‘Goodbye’, ‘k hi’ and ‘I Just Wanna Be Alone’) have all enjoyed plenty of attention from radio and DSPs alike, with first plays on triple J for ‘Goodbye’ and ‘k hi’, Unearthed rotation and RAGE rotation for ‘k hi’, countless spins across community radio and a plethora of playlists from Apple Music and Tik Tok in particular.

The band have worked stages across the country relentlessly over the years, playing shows with the likes of The Presets, Northeast Party House, Slumberjack and many more, as well as festivals such as BIGSOUND, SXSW, Laneway Sydney, Groovin The Moo and Festival Of The Sun. The band have already shown they have a strong support base for their live show, and with the release of their self-titled debut, RAAVE TAPES are out to prove they have what it takes to become one of Australia’s most beloved bands.

RAAVE TAPES – RAAVE TAPES (S/T)

Braces
All Night (Regret)
1000 People In The Room
Goodbye
Enemies + Jealousy
I Just Wanna Be Alone
Sin Bin
Patience
Heard It All, Big Man
k hi
Brakes Cut
Wake Up Next To You

PRAISE

“A debut from a Newcastle duo who pay homage to everyone from 3OH!3 to 100 Gecs in these brash, bratty tracks pumped full of nervy adrenaline.”
THE GUARDIAN

“The once-trio may have downsized in physicality but their sound is bigger and bolder than ever, taking a leaf from early 2000s indie pioneers Hot Chip or Bloc Party.”
NME

“Visceral dance-punk that is perfect for fans of Death From Above 1979, the duo have just released a brand new belter titled ‘Red Flag’ that is a 100% certified banger. Sounding like if Melanie C’s ‘I Turn To You’ was created with The Presets when they first started, it’s a frenetic and intense four minutes that puts the “rave” in RAAVE TAPES.”
PURPLE SNEAKERS

“they have all of the sudden become the face of a Australian dance-punk revival, RAAVE TAPES are the definition of a kick-ass good time.”
PILERATS

“Always so much love for Raave Tapes on the triple j text line whenever a song gets dropped in.This one reminded me of Passion Pit or maybe even Nero?!?! at times?!?! Giving me big festival set energy nonetheless. Love it.”
CLAIRE MOONEY, TRIPLE J

Raave Tapes