Perth/Boorloo post-shoegaze outfit Gloam offer up dreamy new single Diving Heavy, taking an introspective look at disconnection and distraction.
Written as a journal entry of sorts, Diving Heavy explores social withdrawal and a disconnection from self. “Facing mental and emotional struggle, it can be easy to lose ourselves in escapism and avoidance, sinking into the numbness of distraction,” explains the band.
“Often it’s only when we are on the other side of the trough that we are able to look back and take stock, move on and work on ourselves. Diving Heavy investigates what it’s like to look back on these periods of emotional dissonance, only to find a fog and shadow of feeling, requiring you to sift through and try make sense of where you’ve ended up, and how best to move forward.”
Mixed and mastered by long time collaborator Cameron Murphy at Opaque Studios, the single follows on from their May release Hinder, showcasing the band’s unique blend of ethereal soundscapes and relatable lyrical theming. Hinder delved into the intricate dynamics of clinging onto discomfort out of fear, reflecting a struggle with self assurance that ultimately, and aptly, hinders the ability to voice ones truth openly and move towards personal growth and empowerment.
Hinder made waves across the globe, collecting plays on triple j programs, rotation on community radio stations and a spin BBC Radio 1 Rock Show. The track received editorial love online and on Spotify editorial playlisting on All New Rock.
Forming in early 2022, Gloam are a four-piece that have already carved a name for themselves in their corner of the world. Rowan Hardy takes on vocal duties and guitar while Oli Booth joins as lead guitarist, George Blacklock on drums and Oakie Diggins on bass. Drawing inspiration from iconic shoegaze acts to the likes of Deftones, Diiv, Deafheaven, Nothing, Slowdive, and Whirr, Gloam take listeners on an immersive, genre-defying journey. Their swirling shoegaze style has proven to appeal to a diverse range of fans, resonating with followers of alternative, indie, hardcore, and metal music.
The quartet’s debut single Merchant released in July of 2022 and saw quick success with an add to Spotify editorial playlist Adrenalin, tens of thousands of digital streams and counting. The single was pulled from their warmly received self-titled EP released later that year, offering a tantalising introduction to the foundations of Gloam’s dreamy creativity.
Despite their brief tenure on the live circuit, Gloam has already made a significant impact, sharing the stage with international acts Deafheaven (USA), Movements (USA), Boston Manor (UK), Touché Amoré (USA) and Hubris (CH) as well as a collection of Perth alternative favourites including Daybreak, Idle Eyes, No Brainer, Pinwheel, Shangrila and Vacant Home.
Diving Heavy is available and streaming everywhere now.
