Brisbane alternative rock outfit Sunbleached have officially announced their debut album, ‘Stop Destroying The Things You Love’, arriving on Friday 18 September via Community Music. Alongside the news, the five-piece have unleashed their brooding new track, ‘Pain Chamber’, providing a tantalising look into what promises to be an expansive full-length effort.
Produced by Fletcher Matthews, who has previously worked with the likes of Trophy Eyes and Dear Seattle, the new cut highlights the band at the absolute top of their game. The track opens with heavy, chugging guitars paired with intoxicating vocals that steadily pull the listener into a scathing pre-chorus. It quickly expands into a sharp, melodic call-and-response passage before seamlessly merging thick, grunge-soaked riffs with soaring clean melodies and raw, aggressive screams.
This signature blend of alt-rock grit and emo vulnerability marks a natural progression from their previous single, ‘Slow Burn’, as well as earlier releases like ‘Rip’ and ‘Stain’. While the soundscape is densely packed and occasionally feels almost overwhelming in its intensity, the sheer energy keeps the momentum driving forward without losing its emotional weight.
Lyrically, the single digs into the terrifying experience of shedding your own identity for someone else's approval. Speaking on the concept, guitarist Bradley Maddaford explains, "It’s about giving yourself to another person to your own detriment. Being stuck in a vicious cycle of just wanting to be whatever the other person wants you to be, to the point where you relinquish all control to them". That emotional exhaustion translates effortlessly into the music, contrasting claustrophobic instrumentation against cathartic vocal releases.
Since forming in 2020, members Josh Baker, Bradley Maddaford, Kaden Perkinson, Brent Ottley, and Izaac Calrow have carved out a prominent space within Australia's alternative scene. Reimagining nostalgic influences through a modern lens, their steady rise has already earned them slots at BIGSOUND and New Bloom Festival, alongside support duties for international heavyweights like Movements and Touché Amoré.
With ‘Stop Destroying The Things You Love’ on the horizon, Sunbleached have crafted a heavy-hitting preview that bodes incredibly well for their debut record. To stay up to date with future releases and upcoming tour announcements, make sure to follow the band on Facebook, Instagram, X, and check out their official website.
