Wollongong’s Satin Cali continue to blaze their own trail through 2023, punching back in to deliver another surefire favourite, ‘Nirvana and Cheap Groceries’.
The new single from the group, following on from strong releases in ‘Hit The Wall’ and ‘Lights Out’ earlier this year, is another step forward for Satin Cali in establishing themselves as one of the East Coast’s most formidable fresh names in indie-rock.
Powered by Zac Goluch’s impactful vocals that match up excellently against primo indie instrumentation courtesy of Isaac Flaherty (guitar), Elijah Fresco (bass), Daniel Devlin (drums) and Jordon Costello (guitar), ‘Nirvana and Cheap Groceries’ delights in sinking into memories of better, easier times gone by.
There’s a fine line bands can walk when leaning into nostalgia: go too far one way, and it becomes cheesy, go too far into another, it becomes disingenuous.
What Satin Cali does here, is walk the line with confidence, keeping their message and vision clear: ‘Nirvana and Cheap Groceries’ chases the feeling we had when life was less dominated by likes and clout; a feeling of comfort and carefree abandon that only really existed before the pressures of adult life came knocking.
It’s not to say that growing up is terrible, but it does offer perspective on the times we’ve already lived through – Satin Cali’s perspective with this track is one that fans will no doubt be able to relate to.
“The song ‘Nirvana and Cheap Groceries’ serves as both a nostalgic ode to the ‘90s and a resounding critique of the 21st century. It encapsulates the struggles we face today while evoking a sense of longing for the simpler pleasures we once took for granted during that remarkable decade. I
n a world that was meant to foster global connectivity, we find ourselves paradoxically more isolated and socially divided. The very institutions and governments that preach trust and togetherness have left us feeling betrayed and misguided.
Despite having a wealth of information at our fingertips, we often find ourselves questioning the authenticity of the answers we encounter. It’s as if the sheer volume of knowledge available leaves us yearning for genuine and trustworthy insights.
The poignant lyric, “Where did it all go wrong?” effectively captures the essence of these sentiments. It encompasses our collective nostalgia for the good old days and our shared bewilderment at how we managed to tarnish them so profoundly.”
SATIN CALI
‘Nirvana and Cheap Groceries’ stand as an anthem for those who believe that society has regressed significantly, with the world seemingly engineered to benefit only the privileged few.
It resonates with anyone who pines for the blissful ignorance of the past and perceives the contemporary world as a disingenuous mechanism designed to corrupt our everyday lives.
As the lyrics lament, “Fake trees, polluting the very air I breathe, bury me in the holes they dig,” they emphasise the longing for authenticity and an escape from the artifice that permeates our existence.
Recorded at Sydney’s Def Wolf Studios, with producer and engineer Daniel Antix (The Dead Love, Pist Idiots) and Andrew Edgson (Matt Corby, Tia Gostelow) at Studios 301 on mastering.
Capturing the group’s natural and fun dynamic on screen, director Cameron Howes helmed the official video for ‘Nirvana and Cheap Groceries’. Filming the band’s recent performance at the Winter Wine Festival at Crooked River Winery, the music video represents the at-ease energy of Satin Cali, and the relationship between artist and audience.
It has been a busy time for Satin Cali, as the band has been pounding the pavement in recent months, getting their music in front of crowds around the country.
Cutting their teeth as headliners on their own East Coast tour in support of ‘Lights Out’, as well as supporting the likes of The Terrys and Coterie, has fuelled Satin Cali’s resolve, when it comes to the development of a strong show that is all their own.
Their music, instantly attention grabbing and recognisable for its boldness, breadth of sonic influence, and representation of indie dynamism, has been great for fans of bands like Hockey Dad, DMA’S and The VANNS to get behind.
And now, as their body of work continues to grow, Satin Cali are anticipating the most fruitful times of their year, still to come.
SATIN CALI ‘NIRVANA AND CHEAP GROCERIES’ TOUR DATES
*FREE ENTRY
All tickets for other shows at www.satincali.com/tour
Friday 18 August The Catfish Melbourne
Sunday 20 August Icebreaker Festival Sydney
Friday 25 August Tilly’s Wagga Wagga
Saturday 26 August Avalon RSL Avalon *
Friday 1 September Mo’s Desert Clubhouse Gold Coast
Saturday 2 September Pacific Hotel Yamba *
Friday 8 September The Illawong Evans Head *
Saturday 9 September Lennox Hotel Lennox Head *