We are honoured to premiere the new single ‘Divide and Conquer from troubadour Simon Robert Gibson, a regular visitor to our pages. There’s a raw antipodean blush to the vocals of Simon Robert Gibson that is incredible warm and inviting, like snuggling in a doona on a cold winter’s night: brightened and enhanced by his everyday observations on life. The familiarity of his themes and the Australian twang lends itself to this warmth, and his new single ‘Divide and Conquer’ perfectly captures the uplifting spirit.
‘Divide and Conquer’ has thrilling pace and an uplifting aura, framed by a wild harmonica and a Hammond Organ trill: it’s as buoyant as an albatross floating on stormy seas. There are undeniably elements of The Apartments, Paul Kelly and The Aerial Maps in the genetic code but I also detect elements of pure incandescent indie pop from legends like The Lightning Seeds.
Despite the jaunty clothing, the song explores the complexities of interpersonal relationships within a group of friends. Gibson says:
It’s loosely about the idea of when an attractive/interesting newcomer joins an established group of friends and then proceeds to create havoc (whether consciously or unconsciously) with old friends becoming rivals for his/her attention. Jealousies arise….old friends fall-out…loyalties are tested. It’s only after the novelty wears off and you cut your emotional ties that you see what’s happening. Hopefully you learn something…get wiser..change your direction…or just circle the emotional wagons around your heart and move on.
Astute and endearing observations, indeed:
‘Divide and Conquer’ is out tomorrow on Tuesday, 29 October 2024 and will be available through all the usual downloading and streaming sites and through the link below.
Gibson is a perfect example of the Marrickville Sound. A well-known figure in the Sydney indie music scene, he is best known as a drummer who has spent countless hours holding the beat for Australian bands (Disneyfist, Modern Giant, The Aerial Maps, Lazy Susan) stretching back to the heyday of indie rock in the ‘90s.
In 2020 Simon embarked on his solo career with his well-received debut album The Great Ongoing. 2021 saw the release of Shined Bright The Day, followed by Same Ocean Different Sea in 2023.
