Sydney’s FVNERAL are rapidly solidifying their status as one of the country's most compelling indie outfits. Fresh off the back of a busy touring schedule alongside international acts like Real Estate, the self-described "queer supergroup" has just unveiled details of their highly anticipated EP, 'chosen family', slated for arrival on 26 June. To celebrate the announcement, the band has delivered a devastatingly beautiful new single titled ‘landline’, featuring Melbourne emo-rock staples Bukowski.
The trio—composed of acclaimed trans non-binary producer Tay Blunt alongside revered solo artists Madeleine Powers (RAGEFLOWER) and Ben Siva (jnr.)—pours immense emotional weight into the new track. Built around rich indie melodies that swell into a cathartic explosion of sound, 'landline' addresses the profound anxiety of self-discovery.
"Our forthcoming EP, ‘chosen family’, is a collection of songs that explore what it means to navigate the world as a trans and queer person today," Blunt explains. "‘landline’ chronicles the inner turmoil that I experienced in wrestling with the idea of coming out as a trans non-binary person and what the consequences of doing so might be; it also describes the brief moments of optimism where I imagined what life could be like if I ever found the courage to come out."
The collaboration with Bukowski elevates the song's climactic finale, blending FVNERAL’s intricate indie textures with raw, nostalgic energy. "'landline' is a song I've been trying to write for a long time, and when it all eventually started coming together, I knew that the bridge needed to be the point where all the angst and tension could finally release itself," Blunt shares.
"As soon as I sent it to Bukowski, and explained to James (their vocalist) what the song was about, they jumped at the opportunity to be part of it. After throwing some ideas back and forth, it came together really fast, and as someone who grew up on emo music, having Bukowski - one of the best emo bands in the country - bring the song to life with us definitely does something sweet, if not healing, to my inner child. I know it's a heavy one lyrically, but I really hope this song can help trans and queer folks - actually, anyone who finds themself feeling like they’re on the outside in some kind of way - to know that it gets so much better, especially through granting yourself permission to be your truest self, through finding your chosen family and then being vulnerable enough to truly lean on them when you need to most."
The track joins previous singles ‘rosie’ and the Ben Lee-assisted ‘friendly fire’ on the upcoming record, building a cohesive narrative of resilience and community.
You can stream ‘landline’ now on all major digital music platforms. Make sure to pre-save 'chosen family' ahead of its June release, and follow FVNERAL on Instagram and Facebook to catch updates on their upcoming headline tour dates.
