Perth's alt-rock scene has a new anthem for the soul-weary. Late 90s, the quartet known for their relentless energy and introspective lyricism, have just dropped ‘Low,’ a single that’s as raw and gritty as it is hopeful. This isn't just another track; it's a deep dive into the messy reality of self-loathing and the quiet struggle to find a way out.
The band perfectly captures this internal tug-of-war, with the track acting as a lyrical mirror to a state of emotional defeat. "‘Low’ is about that internal monologue of self love and self loathing – knowing you’re heading off course and wanting to be better but you just don’t know how to be a better version of yourself and then beating yourself up for it,” the band explains. It’s a feeling many will recognise, a frustrating cycle of wanting to improve but feeling trapped in a familiar slump.
Expanding on the track's origins, guitarist and vocalist Stephen Loreck shared his personal connection to the song's themes. “Last year I struggled a bit with self esteem and valuing myself. Sometimes you don’t know where to start to get better, maybe you’re waiting for someone or something to happen for you to get your shit together.” This vulnerability is what makes ‘Low’ so compelling, transforming a personal battle into a shared experience.
Recorded at Perth’s Emerald Room Studios, the creation of ‘Low’ was a patient labour of love, with the band taking a hands-on approach. Loreck took the reins on production for the first time on a Late 90s track, leading to a highly experimental and rewarding process. "The process of making ‘Low’ was so different to any other song we have done as we took way more of a DIY approach, with me producing the song," the band says. This freedom to obsess over every detail, from multiple vocal takes to spontaneous studio ideas, shines through in the final mix, which was later expertly handled by live sound engineer Emmett Carroll and mastered by Brodie Stewart.
The result is a sound that pays homage to their influences—alt-metal giants Deftones, the genre-bending brilliance of Paramore, and the emotional punch of Basement—while forging a path that's distinctly their own. With over 2.1 million Spotify streams and a stellar track record of touring with the likes of Neck Deep and Taking Back Sunday, Late 90s are no strangers to the big stage. Now, with a spot on the 2025 BIGSOUND line-up, they're set to bring their powerful sound and honest storytelling to Brisbane, promising an electrifying performance that's not to be missed.
You can stream the new single above and connect with Late 90s today on Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok.
