Forget the romanticised notion of burning your office ID and fleeing to the hills. The Runaway Strings, a trio hailing from Ararat, have arrived with a debut single that offers a far more grounded perspective on the 9-to-5 slog. ‘Big Gold Watch’ isn’t a revolutionary anthem for the unemployed; instead, it’s a clever, slightly exhausted nod to the reality of the daily grind.
Born from guitarist Peter Harrison’s time spent on a factory floor, the track manages to find the soul within the machinery. It’s a song about the quiet acceptance of labour, punctuated by the small joys found between shifts. Rather than aiming for polished perfection, the band opted for a refreshingly honest recording process at Greenhills Sound in Blackwood. Captured live in just three takes with producer Bobby Bravington, the single features zero overdubs or digital corrections. It’s just three musicians, their acoustic instruments, and a raw, intimate energy.
The band’s DNA is a patchwork of folk, bluegrass, and blues, but their influences lean into heavier territory. You’ll hear echoes of Woody Guthrie and Paul Kelly, yet the trio also draws spirit from the likes of The Clash and Rage Against the Machine. As Peter explains, “I think primarily I’m drawn to musicians that are unashamedly attempting to do things their own way, where you can hear that coming through your speakers.”
The group’s origin story is as serendipitous as their sound. Formed on Halloween 2023, the line-up solidified when Peter and Jiah—who had been playing together for years—encountered Lionel during a spontaneous front-porch banjo session. That chance meeting turned a holiday evening into a permanent musical partnership.
Despite ‘Big Gold Watch’ being their first official studio outing, the members are no strangers to the stage. Their collective CV includes appearances at the National Folk Festival and Port Fairy Folk Festival, as well as support slots for Tim Scanlan. This experience shines through in the track's confident delivery and rhythmic cohesion. Mixed by Bravington and mastered by Nao Anzai, the single serves as a compelling introduction to a band that values authenticity over artifice.
