Totally Unicorn unpack their sonic evolution.
With their new record High Spirits//Low Life having dropped a few weeks back, we’ve had a chance really absorb the nine tracks of unadulterated Totally Unicorn on LP three. A pumelling ride, anthemic, and perfectly crafted for sweaty band rooms, it’s further evidence of the quartet’s ability to slap you in the face with sludgy riffs, while giving your mind something to chew on via the lyrics.
Frontman Drew Gardiner’s vocals are cleaner than we’ve heard on previous work from the band, with more weight thrown behind his at times tongue-in-cheek critique of modern life. While the current political climate and waning friendships are touched on, the album largely deals with themes of getting older and finding your place in the world as a 30-something. And, by the sound of High Spirits//Low Life, Totally Unicorn are in no way slowing down. Thank fuck.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3z4IGZNaL4w
The High Spirits//Low Life tour kicks off this week. Don’t be a goose and miss out (dates below, tickets here), and check out our interview with guitarist Aaron Streatfield below:
You worked with Aussie punk legend Jay Whalley on ‘Fri(ends)’. How did that come about?
We did a tour with Frenzal a few years back and became buddies. Drew had the idea of Jay singing on the song from the get go. So, when it came time to record the album, we asked him and he obliged. He even abandoned his son’s soccer game to film the music video with us (which he made sure to mention many times throughout filming). His only prerequisite to the cameo appearance was to not have to wear pink tracksuit pants. He’s the best bloke in the biz.
It feels like that tune was written from the perspective of the last person standing at the party, or maybe the party that is our 20s… Is it better to be the person still partying or the person who’s settled down with kids etc? Do you think, deep down, that these two people are jealous of each other?
Different strokes; different folks I guess. And that’s coming from someone who ’til a year and a half ago was always the last one standing. A year on, I don’t have any kids and I don’t party. Now I’m jealous of everyone. That’s not completely true. I have more money than both parents and the rogue agent party-goers. That’s a positive.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mAhIgO_4n7s
You sing about conspiracy theories/theorists in ‘Tip Your Tin Foil Hat’. If you could start a conspiracy theory about TU, what would it be?
There are theories that the band The Armed are all actors, or it’s all a ruse and it’s really just Kurt Bullou (Converge) behind the curtain. It all couldn’t be further from the truth. It’s really us. We write all the music and if you really really like The Armed, you should just cut out the middle-person and give your money straight to us.
What about ‘High Spirits//Low Life’ sums up the album? Why was it chosen for the title?
It just encapsulates the themes that run through the album, and a lot of our music, really. We’re people with high hopes and aspirations but little to show for it on paper.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aJ71-2sgGHw
There’s a greater clarity to the vocals on this record than earlier TU releases. Why so? Do you think there’s more to be said (or that needs to be heard) now? What freedoms did this give you?
That’s true. I think Drew kind of found himself at a crossroads with his vocal approach with this record and wanted to try other ways of getting his point across, rather than just barking lyrics day and night. Which he did on this new album. He pushed himself and I think the songs are better for it. It also gave him the freedom to fit in with the rest of the band, given that it focuses a lot more on dynamics and traditional songwriting structures (in parts) than previous songs.
‘Trust Fund Glee’ features one of my favourite uses of ‘CUNTS’ in a song ever. What’s your favourite?
Ooohh tough one, but one that comes to mind instantly has to be The Peep Tempel’s ‘Untitled’ off the album Tales. Lots of subtle uses of ‘cunts’. Well, at least that’s what I think he’s saying. Either way, it sounds like ‘cunt’ to me and I love it. A little more subtle than our line in ‘Trust Fund Glee’ but that’s what I like about it.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BJyYeo-MrY0
The guitars on this record sound better than anything I’ve heard from TU so far. Was that some of producer Lachlan Mitchell’s magic? Please spill the beans on any studio hacks…
Thank you! Definitely had a lot to do with Lachlan Mitchell’s magic. We mucked around with a lot of different dirt pedals in combination with my Marshall JCM 800 and Fender Deville. But mostly it was a combination of those two amps, a Pro Co rat and a Montreal Assembly Your and You’re pedal. I love nerding out with pedals and gear, and Lachlan was kind enough to humour me and try a bunch of different variations.
You guys are no fans of Scott Morrison and his politics. Your recent song about him got a lot of love on IG. Do you think young Australians are more politically active than they were (say) a decade or so ago?
I would like to think they are, but who knows. I would like to think they are at least savvy to his gaslighting, marketing spiel and empty promises. For our future’s sake, I hope that’s the case.
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What song should be played at ScoMo’s farewell party in (hopefully) April?
‘April Sun In Cuba’… ahhh… who cares. I’d rather talk about the party we all throw for Grace Tame and Britany Higgins for having to deal with the cunt on a regular basis.
You’re touring in March and April. What’s it going to be like to get back on stage? What have you missed most about touring?
We are and we’re very much looking forward to it. I mean, who wouldn’t be? We’ve all kind of been stuck in groundhog day for the last three years, so to get out and see our friends from all around the country for the first time in years has to be the biggest thing we all miss. Plus, playing shows and getting to flaunt the new songs to people starved of live music.
