Music / Premieres
Premiere:
HYG - Be Here
HYG - Be Here
Coming to us just over a year since the jazz infused ‘Colour Box’, Canberra’s HYG return today with ‘Be Here’ - a strong willed and charging post-punk track manifested during one of Australia’s worst bushfire seasons on record.
Inspired to take a break from life’s relentless digital sphere, 'Be Here’ was recorded in Western Sydney’s serene Blue Mountains, during a trip the band took in November of last year just as the Gosper's mountain fire began to ravage greater New South Wales. At the mercy of their surroundings, ‘Be Here’ finds HYG leaving their comfort zone - exploring a new sound and finding deeper meaning within their lyrics
Although ‘Be Here’ was intended to tackle “trying to switch off in the digital age”, the track’s themes ultimately evolved. “With the atmosphere while recording, and the constant threat of the fires, ‘Be Here’ took on a new meaning about keeping calm in the face of chaos.” Capturing something between beauty and terror, the track resonates complexly, considering the uncertainty of their experience in the Blue Mountains. “The whole trip had the shadow of the fires hanging over it, not just what was happening but what was still in store for summer.” However, amidst the turmoil, the track breathes hopefulness, revealing HYG to be in tune with their sound and mental spirit.
Straying from their psychedelic roots, ‘Be Here’ favours an off-kilter 7/4 rhythm, uncanny to the groups more jam-centric offerings. There is a potent tension in the track - an unnerving feeling that the band reflects in their performance. Given 'Be Here' was road tested in HYG's live set throughout 2019, it makes sense that it feels most comfortable at its loudest. However, the track still manages to feel considered beyond its lyrical double entendres, with each member finding moments to shine throughout.
Although released in a time as uncertain as its beginnings, ‘Be Here’ serves as a formidable reminder of resilience. Uncompromising and energetic, HYG feel grounded in their crumbling state - a group unafraid of exploring complex themes through their music. Although unideal, the group can see the dramatic irony in the timing behind this release - “it only seems fitting that the world’s going further into madness.”
Although ‘Be Here’ was intended to tackle “trying to switch off in the digital age”, the track’s themes ultimately evolved. “With the atmosphere while recording, and the constant threat of the fires, ‘Be Here’ took on a new meaning about keeping calm in the face of chaos.” Capturing something between beauty and terror, the track resonates complexly, considering the uncertainty of their experience in the Blue Mountains. “The whole trip had the shadow of the fires hanging over it, not just what was happening but what was still in store for summer.” However, amidst the turmoil, the track breathes hopefulness, revealing HYG to be in tune with their sound and mental spirit.
Straying from their psychedelic roots, ‘Be Here’ favours an off-kilter 7/4 rhythm, uncanny to the groups more jam-centric offerings. There is a potent tension in the track - an unnerving feeling that the band reflects in their performance. Given 'Be Here' was road tested in HYG's live set throughout 2019, it makes sense that it feels most comfortable at its loudest. However, the track still manages to feel considered beyond its lyrical double entendres, with each member finding moments to shine throughout.
Although released in a time as uncertain as its beginnings, ‘Be Here’ serves as a formidable reminder of resilience. Uncompromising and energetic, HYG feel grounded in their crumbling state - a group unafraid of exploring complex themes through their music. Although unideal, the group can see the dramatic irony in the timing behind this release - “it only seems fitting that the world’s going further into madness.”
'Be Here' is available at hygband.bandcamp.com now, with all payments being donated to the NSW Rural Fire Service.
