Howling Bells returned with their new album, Strange Life, on February 13 via Nude Records. we previously shared pre-release singles “Melbourne”, “Chimera”, “Heavy Lifting” and “Unbroken” and today share “Sweet Relief.”
It’s a no-nonsense scorcher of a rocker that feels like a time capsule to the early days of 2000s rock with a ton of howling guitar work and bite. It’s a track about a friend of theirs who had struggled with addiction issues, and delivers its message with a fierceness that feels like your watching them perform in live in a hot and sweaty beer-soaked ballroom.
Speaking on the track, the band’s Juanita Stein adds:
“Sweet Relief’ is a song about a friend of ours who has suffered with addiction issues. It’s about finding coping mechanisms for whatever struggles and challenges life may throw your way. Also, it’s a note to self, to remain empathic for anyone who might be struggling with this. After all, none of us is immune to life’s extreme shades. Some of us are just more equipped to respond.” On the album, she explains, “In the decade or so between our last album and now we have lived multiple lives. Starting families, working other jobs, forging new communities and experiencing huge loss. All these experiences have gifted us shades and colours to create new musical canvases. Strange Life has been a decade in the making. In this time we’ve sat quietly and watched as the world around us has shifted dramatically. A wild and fast-paced carousel of music, art and politics has taken our breath away. Yet, we have remained curiously ambitious and stalwart in our commitment to our art and our sound. Strange Life is a testament to all of this.”
Enjoy the official “Sweet Relief” music video now below.
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