It’s autumn in the southern outpost of Backseat Mafia and the unseasonal warmth has been deliciously cast aside by the icy tendrils of the new single ‘Us’ by the dark pop maestros Dvrkworld. With their signature sound that calls up an Antarctic chill with filtered beams of guitar chiming sunshine and a dark ominous presence, Dvrkworld have summoned up from the depths another glittering prize that creates a shoegaze blast and scaling pop melodies.
Indeed, within the musical threads of ‘Us’ can be detected an engaging mix of Siouxsie Sioux locked in a danse macabre with Lene Lovich, P.J. Harvey and Bjork to a soundtrack created by members of The Cure, Ride and an out of control merry-go round. A carnival of utter delight.
Lyrically born from the seeds of today’s chaotic environment, the band says of the track:
‘Us’ was one of those songs driven more by feeling than concept, though they’re deeply intertwined. Personally, I’ve been grappling with the seemingly endless barrage of global atrocities and the constant sense of guilt—whether it’s within my own life, my family, my community, or the broader issues we face as a society. There’s this underlying mantra of “maybe the world would be better off without humans.” So, the song is about exploring that feeling and finding ways to manage it day-to-day. The ‘Think Global, Act Local’ ideology has really helped me navigate this. If I can’t fix the world, I can at least live in a way that reflects my values within my own circles, using whatever privilege I have to make positive change, support others, and somehow keep the dream of a better world alive. The line ‘I choose us’ is meant to be a sort-of call to action, or a call to ourselves—to show up for each other, be kind, fucking vote, and do everything you can to support those around you in this beautiful, yet entirely cooked world. It’s a reminder that, even when it feels completely dire, there are still ways to help, to contribute, and to stand up for a more inclusive and less violent society.
The fatalistic lyrics filters through the anthemic delivery:
Bliss
Leveraging my mind
Fear and truth always designed
Just how much did you pay for it this time?
Apathy on high
I can’t get a grip on what
Is real or really overstated
The track is accompanied by a video shot and cut by Mary Shannon – shaky, warm and fuzzy captures of the band at play that contrasts with the darker messages – a symbol perhaps of optimism and refuge in the personal when storm clouds gather.
This is epic steely dark brilliance from a band that continues to deliver. ‘Us’ is out now and is a further taster for the new self-titled EP out through the úber cool Psychedelic Salad label on 28 March – you can pre-order through the link below:
Dvrkworld will be launching the EP across Australia – see below for details and tickets available here.
Friday, April 4th – Altar, Hobart – with Funeral Jeans + RVNKNG + Slag Queens + Crab
Friday, April 11th – The Royal Oak, Launceston – with Ben Lawless + Spooky Eyes + Tai Harlii
Friday, June 20th – La La La’s, Wollongong – supporting Dropping Honey + more TBA
Saturday, June 21st – Bootleggers, Sydney – with Forest Hall + more TBA
Dvrkworld are: Mary Shannon – bass/vox, Drew Farrant-Jayet – guitar/vox, Shawn Arnold – drums, and Ryan Unger – guitar)
Feature Photograph: Alex Pugh-Harris
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