Sydney's beloved psych-rock purveyors, Deep Sea Arcade, continue their highly anticipated return with 'Alone in America', a dreamlike and emotionally charged new single. This latest offering provides the second captivating taste of their forthcoming third album, 'Colourised', slated for release in early 2026.
Following the impressive reception of their previous track, 'No Direction', which garnered over 300,000 streams in its debut month, Deep Sea Arcade once again demonstrates their knack for crafting a shimmering, nostalgia-tinged soundscape. 'Alone in America' delves deeper, serving as a poignant reflection on the band's last tour before the tragic passing of their cherished member, Nick Weaver. The song beautifully encapsulates feelings of emotional displacement and longing, filtered through a rich, cinematic lens.
Frontman Nic McKenzie offers insight into the track's genesis, stating, “There was a moment of stillness while we were touring South America — everything felt so far away, but also so alive. The song is about the fragility of freedom.” His velvety vocals effortlessly glide over ethereal guitars and celestial harmonies, instantly evoking a sense of melancholic warmth. McKenzie also reveals a quiet homage to one of his earliest musical inspirations: “My second love after The Beatles is the band America — who were also produced by George Martin. So many of their songs just make me want to sing harmonies, and ‘Alone in America’ is definitely a bit of a homage to that.”
The collaborative spirit shines through in 'Alone in America', co-produced with and featuring the multi-talented Jay Watson (Tame Impala, Pond). What began as humble lo-fi demos blossomed into a rich, cross-country collaboration, spanning the distance between Sydney and Perth. Watson's distinctive touch undoubtedly adds to the track's contemporary psychedelic allure, while still allowing Deep Sea Arcade's unique, wistful charm to prevail.
Further enhancing the song's introspective mood, the single's artwork features a solitary roadside pool, a striking image captured by McKenzie himself during that same South American tour. This visual perfectly mirrors the emotional landscape explored within the music. As Deep Sea Arcade gears up for the release of 'Colourised', 'Alone in America' proudly showcases their growth, both emotionally and sonically, promising an album that is set to resonate deeply with listeners.
For more from Deep Sea Arcade on the run up to the new album, join them on Instagram.