Bellwether Reveal New Single ‘Halfway Happy’ and Announce Debut EP
Sydney pop-punk newcomers Bellwether are ready to make 2022 their own after a promising emergence last year. The band released their new single ‘Halfway Happy’ on 18 March, along with the announcement of their debut EP Impermanence – due 8 April. Few artists have come straight out of the gate with such compelling material in just a handful of hits as these guys, and they’re only getting started.
‘Halfway Happy’ is the third single from the anticipated five-track project, preceded by 2021’s successful ‘Shortsighted’ and ‘Charade’. Produced by Stevie Knight (Stand Atlantic, Yours Truly, The Dead Love) and mixed by James Paul Wisner (Paramore, Underoath), the track is their most evocative yet and an exciting taste of what’s to come. It’s an emotional anthem with airtight production and infectious melodies guaranteed to stick in your head for hours after the first listen. The effervescent music decorates the darker lyrics with an upbeat groove that will have you moving from the moment it kicks in.
Reminiscent of Riot-era Paramore and mature Simple Plan, the song opens with ringing strums and frontman James Graham’s glossy vocals before launching into a rocking passage with bright riffs and thudding drums. Guitarist and co-vocalist Zac Wallace’s colourful lashings flavour the mix alongside clever arrangements and fervent chemistry. A dynamic bridge with isolated guitars and syncopated drums keeps things interesting until the huge final chorus of soaring harmonies and poignant lyrics – everything a pop-punk banger needs.
“‘Halfway Happy’ comes from a place of being trapped in the company of someone that makes you feel like you’re always falling short,” explains the band. “The song focuses a lot on this pattern of constantly questioning every part of ourselves and feeling like we’re simply not good enough – for ourselves or those around us. When we’re with someone that is always making us doubt ourselves, it’s easy to fall into that mindset and second guess every aspect of ourselves. Reflecting on these kinds of experiences, we see our past mistakes and regrets take shape in the form of insecurities that impact us every day, even years on.”
In conjunction with the release, Bellwether will be supporting local punk hooligans FANGZ for their Falling is Pretty Normal vinyl launch at Crowbar Sydney on 25 March. This follows on from their debut show at heavy hangout event AM//PM last December, supporting hardcore favourites Bloom. Garnering praise from the likes of triple j, NME and Hysteria Mag, Bellwether bring a refreshing energy to alternative rock with a hopeful transition from self-doubt to self-acceptance in their debut effort.
