Public Displays of Deflection is out now!
Image: Gabrielle Clement.
Sydney-based act 90ivy have dropped their new single, Public Displays of Deflection. To celebrate the release, the four-piece have curated an exclusive playlist for MILKY full of songs that inspire their newfound happy-sad sound.
“[This release] marks an important shift in 90ivy’s musical direction - we’re becoming more comfortable with leveraging experimental sounds and rhythms, going outside the usual checkpoints for our genre and staying true to each of our own musical influences. We’re excited to get the ball rolling on this new EP, because we think our listeners will be pleasantly surprised with the raw authenticity of the new work and the uniqueness of the sound.” the band share of the track, which serves as the first glimpse into their forthcoming EP.
“Public Displays of Deflection is essentially about how hot and cold relationships can be when you’re so afraid to get hurt or be rejected. I’ve learnt the hard way that being guarded doesn’t always protect you in the way you think it does. The song is littered with hypocrisy in its lyrics - “with my whole heart and a little irony”, “I like you no I hate you quite a lot”, “ground breaking, sub par classic” - to capture the tumultuousness of a relationship where one person is constantly trying to protect their heart.”
KISS ME - SIXPENCE NONE THE RICHER
These intro chords are just so wistful, simple and iconic. Everything Sixpence None The Richer gives is 90s, girly, coming-of-age-film-soundtrack-worthy goodness. That's all we're striving for.
SMARTEST MAN - HOMESCHOOL
Have had this song on repeat since they released it two years ago, and i'm still not sick of it. I like to yell the chorus at the top of my lunch while im driving in my car. The lyrics are unique, the chorus is anthemic, I mean, what more can you ask for from a song.
MARRY ME, ARCHIE - ALVVAYS
We love the millions of layers this song has. It feels like a sonic wall or just lush waves washing over you. It was our major reference we used when we went in to record Truly Madly Sleepy.
SUMMERTIME - THE SUNDAYS
Her vocals just make this track. The upper register just shines and creates just a major, happy, almost visually summery song. Crazy how much music can paint a picture.
REAL THING - MIDDLE KIDS
The soaring vocals, the early 2000s angst, the lyrics around doubting everything even when it's going perfectly. Really feel this song close to my heart.
WALTZ #2 - ELLIOTT SMITH
One of the greatest songs of all time. That's all I have to say on this.
YOUR BEST AMERICAN GIRL - MITSKI
The juxtaposition of the delicate verses to the heavy, head banging chorus is just the epitome of happy sad. Also everything Mitski touches turns to gold so there's that.
IN THE AEROPLANE OVER THE SEA - NEUTRAL MILK HOTEL
Got really into this whole album before we went into the studio to record our 3rd EP. The way this song, which is essentially about a man having an existential crisis and realising he is going to die one day, just makes me feel so warm and fuzzy is what happy-sad music is alllllll about.
NOT STRONG ENOUGH - BOY GENIUS
How could we not include a track from this flawless, showstopping supergroup. The chorus is genuine catharsis, and they do it so simply. Who would have thunk 3 amazing songwriters would write an amazing song together.
ME & YOU TOGETHER SONG - THE 1975
This song is permanently on my house party playlist because there's no way you cant listen to those chords and not want to dance. It's so nostalgic and yet so modern with Matt Healy's lyrics and vocals. I guess we like how much it feels new and old at the same time.
Public Displays of Deflection is out now!