The Tauranga Alt-Rock Duo are back with a compelling new 3 Track EP Better Days.
The title track revisits and expands on evocative lyrics from a 2004 song called ‘Fall Apart’, originally penned by singer Bruce Conlon during his early days alongside drummer Paul Russell in their first band Eight. Although the pair have no shortage of new material, they were particularly drawn to the lyrics of their earlier work, and it’s striking relevance to the seemingly volatile times we find ourselves living in.
Better Days addresses feelings of uncertainty, division, and doubt that permeate both global and personal experiences, encapsulated in the line: “We’ve all seen Better Days.” Yet, as is true across all Midwave Breaks’ creative intentions, the song carries an undercurrent of hope, acknowledging the possibility of moving through tough times toward a better future.
The resulting single showcases an emotive and captivating vocal performance from Conlon, supported by an understated musical palette, purposefully designed to allow space for the vocal melody and lyrical themes to take center-stage.
“We’ve got a backlog of creative ideas, but this track just kept coming back," says Russell. "Given the uncertainty of the times we’re living through, and the challenge that presents to our view of the world and ourselves, the lyrics from Fall Apart seem to have as much, if not more, relevance now than they did 20 years ago.”
The 3 Track EP also features a haunting, stripped-back remix of the single, alongside a keyboard-fuzz-laden warm-hug of a track called ‘If I was’.
The Music Video for Better Days was devised and edited by drummer Paul Russell, using footage from multi-award winning Australian film-maker Spencer Frost, who specialises in Adventure, Ocean, and Underwater cinematography. The concept looks at the nature of relationships in the midst of turbulence, and working towards connection despite being ‘out of our depth’.
Fans can see Midwave Breaks perform at The Great Kiwi Beer Fest in Ōtautahi this January, with more summer shows to be announced