Kisschasy are back, and they've never sounded more vital. After a national tour celebrating their landmark album, 'Hymns For The Non-Believer', the band has shifted focus from looking back to forging a new path forward. Their recent single, 'Lie To Me', was a tantalising glimpse of a fresh creative era, and now they've returned with 'Parasite', another punchy track that reinforces the enduring chemistry that has defined the band since their origins on Victoria's Mornington Peninsula.
Despite living between Los Angeles and Melbourne, the band's cohesion is as strong as ever, and it shines through in their new music. ‘Parasite’ is a testament to their signature sound, yet it feels completely current. As Australian rock bands like Slowly Slowly and Dear Seattle gain momentum, the influence of Kisschasy on the modern scene is undeniable. With ‘Parasite’, they have expertly blended their classic style with modern production and a clean ‘90s edge, showcasing a new maturity and perspective. The result is a song where powerful guitar riffs and rhythms beautifully complement frontman Darren Cordeux's introspective lyricism.
The track, which Cordeux describes as being about "clinging to something that's bad for you," lands in a similar sonic space to 'Blue Album'-era Weezer or early Fountains of Wayne, with a hint of “Fugazi-flavoured riffage.” It’s a relatable theme, as Cordeux explains, “Whether it’s a relationship with a person or a vice, most of us have found ourselves, at some point, unable to let go of something that drains our life force.”
The band’s creative process for 'Parasite' was all about keeping things organic. Recorded at Woodstock Studios in Melbourne and Cordeux's studio in Los Angeles, and mixed by John O’Mahony (Coldplay, Metric) in New York, the song was intentionally left raw and authentic. Cordeux emphasises this approach, noting, “We used old tube amps, old tube microphones, no autotune and very few effects; our aim being to avoid anything being overthought or overwrought. The trouble with modern recording is that you can get caught in this feedback loop of constantly tweaking a song to the point that it loses its spark, its soul.”
For Kisschasy, their enduring bond is a key part of this success. "One advantage we have as a band is that we’ve been the same four members since Day One. We speak a subliminal musical language that means that, even if there are mistakes, they work somehow. Perfection is boring anyway," Cordeux adds.
Fans will have the opportunity to see Kisschasy in action this September, as they make a special appearance at BIGSOUND. The band will be performing a special set at The Brightside on Thursday 4 September as part of the Oztix Official BIGSOUND Party, offering a further hint of what's to come from this exciting new chapter.
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