Sydney punk rock outfit FANGZ are well known for their high-octane chaos, famous for blistering live sets, their own hot sauce line, and a frontman who holds a world record for eating hard-boiled eggs. Yet, fresh off the massive success of their chart-topping debut record Shui, the quintet have chosen to dial down the volume. Today, they unveil an unexpected acoustic version of 'Something Real' alongside a new music video, demonstrating that their songcraft holds up beautifully even when stripped of its usual wall of distortion.
Produced by Tim Maxwell and mixed by Jonathan Gardner, this new rendition leaves behind the heavy riffs to place the focus entirely on the track's emotional core. Built upon the steady, rhythmic pulse of an acoustic guitar and accented by melancholic strings, the minimalist arrangement creates an intimate space for vocalist Josh Cottreau. His performance here is entirely unfiltered, capturing a striking vulnerability that balances deep sorrow with a flicker of optimism. It proves that beneath the band's usual raucous exterior lies genuine depth.
Ironically, this deeply moving release was born out of pure happenstance. Cottreau admits the track only came together because the band finished their album sessions early, much to the chagrin of their producer.
As Cottreau explains, "'Something Real' is about feeling completely lost in the noise of modern life and trying to find literally anything that still feels genuine. We only recorded it because we finished the album about eight hours early, and our producer, Tim, was trying to escape for his birthday and get to the pub. We reminded him we'd paid for the whole day, so he pitched recording an acoustic version because it meant he barely had to set anything up before leaving. So, naturally, the most emotionally vulnerable song we've ever released exists because a man wanted a schnitzel and a few birthday beers."
While the studio track is a stunning departure, fans can experience this softer side in person at a special show at Dead Set in Darlinghurst on Friday, June 19, featuring both acoustic and full-band sets.
While it might lack the furious tempo of their earlier EPs, this version of 'Something Real' is a compelling testament to how much FANGZ have grown over the last five years. Keep tabs on their next move by following them on Facebook, Instagram, and X.
