The Nagging Doubts are ready to expand beyond Australia, with the new EP Autocalm

Australian-based band, The Nagging Doubts, have returned with their new EP, Autocalm. After the release of their first EP, Deug Lane in 2019, the band went from recording in their bedrooms straight to the studio, eventually playing live shows across Sydney and beyond. 

With strong basslines and heavy acoustics, Autocalm features the band's popular singles, ‘Berlin’ and ‘A Shot in the Dark’. Both singles give listeners an insight into what's to come from the new EP – an all-encompassing, almost psychedelic punk hit.

The EP totals to just under 10 minutes and is built around a two-part single: ‘Through a Glass Darkly’. It began as a key part of the band's live shows and has been developed over time. 

Part one of ‘Through a Glass Darkly’ is very much acoustic-led and quite fast-paced, depicting the anxieties that come along with high school and the 'self-doubt' felt as you enter the 'reality' of the world. It takes inspiration from Go-Betweens, The Smiths, and The Cure, also sounding somewhat indie, in-between the punk melodies. Part two feels more electronic, with hints of a Bowie influence and a heavier emphasis on the drums. The range of vocals lifts the song and works well together amongst different harmonies. It is a powerful single, especially considering its length, and is likely to push The Nagging Doubts into Spotify playlists worldwide.

 

‘Marine’ adds a slightly lighter tone to the EP, with an exploration of self-discovery. It works up to an explosive ending, including an incredible guitar solo which will be highly anticipated when the band can play the song live. Whilst they have described it as a representation of "shedding the physical and mental constraints of High School", the meanings within the song go beyond this, feeling widely relatable to anyone moving on to a new stage in their life.

 

‘The Storm’ follows smoothly from ‘When the Weather Changes’, with a softer instrumental section, building up gradually into the EP's last song. No vocals are heard until just under halfway through, and even then, it remains heavily instrumental. This gives the band an opportunity to show off their talents and end Autocalm with a bang.

 

If you have not yet heard of The Nagging Doubts, they are well worth a listen; especially if you are a fan of the likes of New Order and The Smiths. 

 

Jade Matthews

@jadeorlaphotography

Image: Provided by PR