Denver, Colorado based indie-rock outfit Mainland Break have returned with bittersweet jangle pop anthem ‘Promises’ – and have announced an 8-date tour of Australia in support of the track
Hot off the back of their debut LP, One Way Ticket To Midnight released back in July of this year, the band have produced another slice of jangly, indie goodness on their latest cut ‘Promises’.
Driven by a pulsing, Joy Division-esque bass line that lays the perfect groundwork for the bright, shimmering guitar leads scattered across the track, ‘Promises’ builds continuously throughout its runtime, with Vocalist Evan Oliver’s contemplative performance soaring across and pushing the band as they build to a cathartic crescendo.
Thematically, the track looks at the fallout of a relationship, and the drive to remain positive in its wake.
“‘Promises’ is a breakup song that searches for hope in separation. The song tells the story of the difficult decision to end a relationship, from the moment of realisation that a breakup is needed to the conversation itself” MAINLAND BREAK
The track is certainly not short of impressive personnel – recorded by Mark Anderson at Cowboy Cowabunga Recordings in Colorado (John Oates, Nathaniel Rateliff), mixed by Joey Oaxaca (White Reaper, Starchild, twen, Mamalarky) and mastered by Dave Cooley for Elysian Masters (DIIV, M83), the track was initially recorded during the One Way Ticket To Midnight sessions, however the band felt it worked better as a solo piece.
“We recorded Promises during our One Way Ticket to Midnight sessions. It shares some thematic elements with the album, but has a unique tone that sets it apart. We felt it deserved its own release, separate from the album.” MAINLAND BREAK
As bands such as Floodlights, Rolling Blackouts Coastal Fever and RVG continue to dominate in the Australian indie scene, it’s no wonder Mainland Break are making their way down under – the blend of post-punk and pub-rock sounds found on ‘Promises’ make it feel like something straight out of the Melbourne indie scene. This is no coincidence – the band have been long time followers of the scene in Australia, and as they hit cities across the country in February 2024, they hope to immerse themselves in the scene they have admired from afar.
“A lot of our musical influences and idols come from Australia and we’re excited to perform in the same communities of which those bands are a part. We are a band from the middle of the US, trying to capture a sunny, surfy, coastal sound so we wanted to celebrate our new release in a place that has all of those qualities. We’re looking forward to performing, meeting people, and getting a taste of Australian culture.” MAINLAND BREAK
MAINLAND BREAK AUSTRALIAN TOUR 2024
Thursday, 8th of February – The Barwon Club– Geelong, VIC w/ Paraguay, Winksy
Friday, 9th of February – The Gasometer Hotel – Melbourne, VIC w/ Hot Glue, Jacqui Lumsden
Saturday, 10th of February – Tanswell’s Hotel – Melbourne, VIC w/ Hot Glue
Sunday 11th of February – The Servo – Port Kembla, NSW w/ Scared Of Sharks, Misso
Thursday, 15th of February – OAF Gallery – Sydney, NSW w/ Civic Video, Camino Gold, The Causeway
Friday, 16th of February – Lass O’Gowrie – Newcastle, NSW w/ Camino Gold, Lucky Day
Saturday, 17th of February – tba, Port Macquarie NSW supporting Sesame Girl w/ Archie
Sunday, 18th of February – The Bearded Lady – Brisbane , QLD w/ Terra Pines, Sectionals