SINGLE SPOTLIGHT: The Harlots Drop Super Catchy New Single “Umma Gumma”

Melbourne-based rock-pop band The Harlots are back with a new single, Umma Gumma, the first single from their upcoming debut album.

Spending the last half of the decade filling dancefloors across Australia, The Harlots have established themselves as a unique act within the local music scene. With chunky over driven guitars, a super tight rhythm section and dreamy keyboards layered throughout their tracks, their unique sound draws parallels too a range of acts including the Rolling Stones and Queens of the Stone Age. The band’s first two E.P.’s ‘The Harlots’ (2011) and ‘Course tunes; Parts 1 and 2’ (2013) were met with critical acclaim, and led to a string of sold out shows in Melbourne, international support slots, and festival appearances.

Now the band are back with their new single, Umma Gumma. The track is tape recorded, which lends a more honest and raw sound. An effect was born out of the bands frustration with writing their newer, more complex material. Written over two rehearsal sessions, the aggressively upbeat track is an earworm that will have you singing along in no time. With groovy bass lines, lo-fi vocal production, tasty guitar licks and a ridiculously catchy chorus section, this track is change from the bands earlier soul rock releases. However, it still has their signature groove.

Originally named Heartbreaker, the track was renamed Umma Gumma due to the “complete lack of direction in the songs chorus” with lyrics of “I’m gonna leave ya.” According to the band, the track “is about when you know a relationship isn’t working and you’ve got to get out of it but you haven’t done it yet, like you’re preparing for it. The fast, frenetic nature of the song, when put with the lyrics gives it a kind of desperate feel.”

The Harlots are touring nationally in October and November promoting their yet to be announced debut album. If Umma Gumma is anything to go by, the album is sure to make waves!