RVG’s Midnight Sun: Shoegaze Punk from Down Under

RVG is a band from Melbourne, here in sunny Australia, that is difficult to pin down. At times they seem indie punk, while at other times they sound like the opening act for The Smiths. However, where they excel is when they jump into that cozy and familiar shoegaze 90s vibe…think Smashing Pumpkins with more glitter.

First of all, you might be asking…what is this “shoegaze” you speak of? Well young one, shoegaze is a loose term referring to somewhat dreamy, meandering, shimmery alt / indie music from the 80s and 90s. The term itself stems from the UK where bands had so many effect pedals they would stare down at their shoes the entire set…hence shoegaze. I do love a good shoegaze vibe with that etherial guitar and music washing over you. RVG is not straight shoegaze in the classic sense, but does employ elements of that genre to great effect.

The track kicks off with classic shoegaze punk elements of snapping drums accompanied with lush syth and shimmering rhythm guitar dipping in and out of the mix. You get this wall of sound that just washes over you with bits of UK indie Smiths influence along with classic shoegaze sheen. The music has this raw vibe to it and it feels as if it is all recorded in one take. Kurt Vile has a similar vibe where his tracks are clean enough to deliver an emotional hook, but not so clean that you think it has been gone over 1,000 times in post-production. This rawness definitely has a late 80s / early 90s indie vibe to it and feels like putting on your favourite comfy sweatshirt.

The vocal by Vager has a John Darnielle / Mountain Goats vibe as it cuts through all the instrumentation to hit you square in the face. Vager’s vocal acts as a great foil to the music surrounding it, which gives the track a great hook. Midnight Sun is about a love gone wrong where the subject of the song is reserved to the fact that it is probably over and there is nothing they can do about it, but they are still holding out hope. One cutting lyric exemplifies this: “I know that talking to you doesn’t work anymore / but if you change your mind I will be waiting for you to come home.” Midnight Sun is a very well written song that rewards multiple listens.

It’s great to see such excellent music coming out of Australia. RVG has this indie post – punk DIY vibe that is both endearing and genuine. The track has a raw honesty to it that I find very compelling. So, sit back, stare at your shoes and let the song transport you.

Listen to Midnight Sun