Newcastle favourites Goon Gremlins have today blessed their fans with another ripper single, the hilariously titled ‘Jesus Was A Goon Sack’ – out today.
Emerging in 2022 with their debut single ‘Dumb’, Goon Gremlins have been making a name for themselves up and down the East Coast with their tongue-in-cheek attitude and lively performances. ‘Jesus Was A Goon Sack’, the second single from the band thus far, is overflowing with energy and charm – with a raw, fuzzy garage rock sound that sonically sits snugly between the stylings of Teen Jesus and The Jean Teasers and Amyl And The Sniffers.
On the surface level, the track is an ode to the bands beloved cask wine – and its apparent connection to the divine.
“Jesus Was A Goon Sack is a testament to the holy substance, spawned from God Himself, the mighty goon sack. Coined in 1965 in South Australia, the ultimate vessel to distribute wine to the people, the silver pillow IS the second coming of Christ. For years Jesus has been misrepresented as a white man and subsequently used as a tool of oppression against countless identities. But as we celebrate the goon sack, which brings only joy and humility, the image of Jesus once again aligns with true Divine values.”
GOON GREMLINS
Although it wouldn’t be a stretch to have a song solely dedicated to the humble goon sack from the band – there is a deeper meaning lyrically at play, explains lead singer/songwriter Angelina Burke.
“In the lyrics I wanted to convey a message, especially as a queer person who’s been on the receiving end of some religious condemnation. It’s a critique of the hypocrisy that some (not all) who preach are guilty of. Where they say they will worship and love a man who was a Jew from the Middle-East, but paint his skin white to fit dangerous narratives that have been weaponized against already marginalised people. Written out in this form it’s quite a heavy concept, but I wanted to create something that I could celebrate. Something I could yell, but not have to be angry about. So seeing as goon had such an impact on my formative years it was only fitting it became something worth idolising.”
ANGELINA BURKE, GOON GREMLINS
Mixed and mastered by Gareth Hudson (Amy Vee, Saylor and The Flavour) at Hazy Cosmic Jive Studios in Newcastle, the track was a team effort during the writing process – with each member experimenting with their parts to provide the best performance possible on the track.
“We wanted the song to sound big. Patty improvised some huge guitar sounds in the studio to elevate the energy, especially alongside Harry’s crazy bass lines. Cat basically smashed out the drums in three takes, even though she had it in the first. She also had the idea of using biblical samples such as the heavenly ahh’s as well as enlisting our friend Elias Flamiatos to write and preach a fire and brimstone style verse to introduce the song.”
ANGELINA BURKE, GOON GREMLINS
Along with the single release comes a music video, directed and produced by Nathan Rathsham (who has previously worked with fellow Novocastrians dust). Chaotic in the very best way, the clip features the band sharing their undying love for goon across their hometown of Newcastle.
The band have been putting in the work on the live circuit over the past few years, with notable supports for the likes of Teen Jesus and The Jean Teasers, Pacific Avenue, The Moving Stills, Rum Jungle, Raave Tapes and more. They’ve made appearances at festivals such as Gum Ball, West Best Block Fest and Spring Fest, and have previously seen radio support from triple j, triple J Unearthed, 2SER, Newcastle Live and more.
To celebrate the release of ‘Jesus Was A Goon Sack’, the band will be playing a pair of headline shows in Sydney and Newcastle, fueled by Doom Juice & Paragon.
beehive has been stoked to be part of the band’s team handling music publicity in Australia, radio plugging and servicing the single to all radio outlets.
UPCOMING SHOWS
Saturday, August 31st The Duke Of Enmore Sydney NSW
Friday, September 6th The Lass O’Gowrie Newcastle NSW