A Swift Farewell Get Emotional with New Single ‘Sunburn’

Sydney pop-punk quartet A Swift Farewell have returned with their collective heart on their sleeve for latest single Sunburn, released 9 September. The perceptive new track is oozing with emotion despite an upbeat groove with feel-good melodies and shows a delicate side to the up-and-comers while keeping heads nodding and feet tapping.

Sunburn is the band’s fourth single since the release of their solid debut EP Shattered Glass in 2020 and the second offering this year. Catchy and evocative, it takes you on a colourful journey in under three minutes with vibes of fellow Syd-city frontrunners Yours Truly and With Confidence. The song was produced and mixed by Mark Williamson (Inertia, Far Away Stables, Closure) and ticks all the boxes of a sophisticated breakup hit that will stand as a staple in A Swift Farewell’s catalogue.

Reversed guitar and soothing synths open the track while gentle strums and unusual drum patterns caress frontwoman Emma Mather’s resilient vocals. Chunky riffs surge through an emphatic chorus where the resolute lyrics convey a vicarious message about delusions, second chances and false hope. Lustrous licks dance about the second verse and the song mellows in the bridge to allow delicate vocals to float over a soft piano part with piercing clarity before being thrown back into that infectious chorus.

A vivacious video – edited by Robbie Walcott (Down For Tomorrow, Jofi, KYRK) – accompanies the track to point fun at the harsh reality of lockdown in NSW. The clip combines shots of whimsical performances from the members’ homes with guest appearances from their pets in an inventive montage.

“We initially wanted to film a live music video of us playing the song at our headline show,” says drummer Dwayne Morris. “However, with the ever-changing situation, we had to find an alternative. Sarah, our bassist, messaged us one day and showed us a homemade green screen idea. From there, we hit up our good friend Robbie and the rest is history. It was a fun experience, especially since I got to hit my drums for the first time in god knows how long,” he continues.

The emotional single was praised by Blunt Magazine, saying “Sunburn is heady, heartfelt and hypnotising, with frontwoman Emma Mather pouring every ounce of her heart and soul into a downright captivating vocal performance.” Backseat Mafia also gave props to the band, saying “A Swift Farewell showcase their ability to switch moods and tones, providing quiet reflective interludes with an anthemic chorus.” Sunburn was also added to Spotify’s All New Rock and Apple Music’s The New Rock playlists, as well as premiering on triple j Unearthed’s TOPS.

There are no signs of slowing for A Swift Farewell, having sold out headline shows and shared the stage with big names FANGZ, Headstrong and Cambridge. The COVID pandemic is only fuelling their fire and the emerging pop-punk rockers are only going up from here.