Sex Mask have launched their new EP, Body Broker. It’s the second EP to come from the Australian band this year. Following No Love in June. In some cases, it could be too much but in this situation, it couldn’t have come at a better time.
Hailed as “Australia’s next big export” by NME, thanks in part to their captivating performances supporting the likes of Fcukers and Fat White Family, there’s a lot of buzz surrounding the trio this year, and it’s growing. Newest single ‘Cold’ opens Body Broker with hook-laden Indie guitars encased in a new-wave aesthetic that maintains its moody tone as it sinks into our ears.
Speaking on the single, vocalist Wry Gray said, “Cold was written several years ago somewhere near the base of Mt Fuji. I was very unwell, bedridden and all the doctors were under the belief my state was induced by the influence of a rare neurotoxin I had picked up from eating fresh frogs and crabs in stormwater drains all over Japan’s suburban tunnel systems. I was filling glass jars with may beetles, aging them until they became like preserves.”
Its mind melting context adds to the intrigue, and its shimmering cymbals and noodling melodies deepens it further into ours. ‘Blisters’ follows with an equally shrouded sound. Featuring Radio Free Alice’s Noah Learmonth, the shared vocals switch between coming together and remaining individual, adding a real note of confusion that stick to the wailing guitars.
‘Curse’ follows with another frantic performance that feels breathless at times. As if desperate to get its words out. The vocals really drive things forward. Sounding off into an unhinged mind that’s bolstered by vibing bass notes. It’s oddly catchy, and sets things up for ‘Dirt’, the closing tune that’s also quite infectious.
Body Broker is a superb EP that builds upon the solid foundation laid by its predecessor. It’s weird and spooky in parts, but has a real Indie groove to it that makes it rather accessible. I can see why everyone’s raving about Sex Mask – this is great.
Follow Sex Mask: Instagram