As the much-anticipated fifth studio album, ‘Under The Light’, from the Australian indie powerhouse San Cisco approaches, the band has just unveiled their latest single, ‘Summer Days‘. This vibrant track, featuring Nicholas Allbrook from POND, skillfully navigates between euphoria and melancholy, providing a sneak peek into the band’s upcoming era.
Exploring the theme of loss, the band emphasises that the experience is not merely a reflection on the past but also a mourning of what the future could have been. According to the band, this envisioned future can be as expansive or as intimate as one’s heart desires, filling the void left inside.
Complementing the single release is a visually striking official music video directed by Levi Cranston. The video, as thrilling and colourful as the single itself, serves as a continuation of the storyline introduced in their previous single ‘High‘, released in October last year. Cranston sheds light on the sequel, describing it as offering a glimpse into the technicolour cosmic imagery of an explosive telekinetic patient.
Set to be released on March 1, 2024, ‘Under The Light’ marks a significant evolution for San Cisco. The album, a result of intensive studio sessions split between Los Angeles and Fremantle, is a collaborative effort with producer James Ireland (known for his work with Pond and Cuco). Grammy award-winning engineer Neal H. Pogue (recognised for his contributions to artists like Steve Lacy, Tyler The Creator, and Outkast) and Anthony Dolhai (who has worked with Mø, Carly Rae Jepsen, and Kesha) handled the mixing.
The album also features notable collaborations with Tame Impala & POND members Jay Watson and Nicholas Allbrook. Noteworthy singles such as ‘Lost Without You’, ‘Horoscope’, ‘Honeycomb’, ‘High’, and the title track ‘Under The Light’ are integral parts of the album, showcasing a diverse range of influences, from string sections to electronic, garage, and house music.
San Cisco expresses excitement, stating, “Collaborating with our close friend and producer, James Ireland, was an exciting and fresh journey that allowed us to fully actualise our musical aspirations. The album was predominantly written and recorded in our studio, kitchens, and living rooms at home in Fremantle” the band explain. “This unique experience was unlike anything we’ve undertaken before, and we couldn’t be prouder of this body of work.”
Over their ten-year career, San Cisco has solidified their position as one of Australia’s most successful independent artists. With multiple accolades and millions of streams, they have garnered critical acclaim through four studio albums and gained global recognition at festivals such as Splendour In The Grass, Lollapalooza, and Reading & Leeds. Their fourth studio album, ‘Between You and Me‘, released in 2020, secured a top-three position in the ARIA Album Charts. Recently, San Cisco has graced stages at various events, including Bass In The Grass, Dream Machine, and FIFA Fan Festival.
Looking ahead, San Cisco is gearing up to launch their highly anticipated album, ‘Under The Light’, on a global scale. The band is set to kick off a headline tour across the UK and Europe, following an exciting North American leg starting in May.
Image credit: Olivia Senior
