How about a little context for this peculiar little release then? How was it that a 6-piece psychedelic rock n roll band ended up releasing a largely acoustic debut album?

It all began in lockdown a few months back when the band couldn't meet for practice and all our gigs were canceled. Ben and Jarra couldn't stand the musical stangnancy, and since they’re never more than 4 meters apart they decided it was time to brew a pot of Yorkshire, dust off their once forgotten acoustic guitars, and keep the dream alive.

I Feel Alright

Candy Says

Harmless

Jane The Girl

Mother Big River

Indian Ostrich

Tryna Be Free

I'm Sorry Babe

Oldest Man In Space

Rain And Snow

Shoot Up Love

His Head

Her Head

‘Somewhere’ is the first single to be released from the forthcoming album ‘Nowhere’ by the Berlin-based, Australian psychedelic rock band The Dharma Chain. This song was recorded in an abandoned church in the rolling, haunting hillsides of the Gold Coast, Australia, shortly before the band relocated to Berlin in late-2022. This song stands out as a step in a new direction for The Dharma Chain; from the darker fuzzy-psych of their previous releases towards a warmer, more delirious place. It’s a serene nod to shoegaze and fever dreams, and draws sonic inspiration from the masters, such as Ride and Slowdive. Succumb to the wall of sound and drown in the fluttering harmonic delays. 

“A reminiscence, a reflection on that familiar, deeply human feeling of transient and hazy nostalgia. The half-remembered dream of a sun-drenched day on the beach as a small child, the liminal state between consciousness and dreams, coming back in flashes and bursts, all together unclear, but warm and close nonetheless. A story of longing, obsession, and distant love.” - Jarra Grigg (lead guitar)

Somewhere

It’s the latest single ‘2.56’ from the Australian-born Berin-based psychedelic rock band The Dharma Chain. This is the second single the band is releasing from their upcoming full-length album ‘Nowhere’ which is coming in May 2024. This single takes the band into new sonic territory, incorporating slasher film themes and creating a mood of anxious uncertainty. The song was originally titled ‘576’, a reference to the approximate resolution of the human eye, 576 megapixels, but through time and various set lists and file name confusions, we have mysteriously ended up with ‘2.56’, and have grown to love it. 

Bronte sings the lead on this track, with lyrical themes of stalking, fear, and obsession. The harsh guitars and ominous strings collide with the smooth repetitive groove of the bass and drums to create a tense yet soft air of intrigue.

“It’s the inevitable Alfred Hitchcock/Dharma Chain collaboration. A dark blurry night in a tiny bar with black velvet walls and no windows.” - Jarra Grigg (guitar)

2.56

A 5-piece psychedelic force from Byron Bay, Australia, offers a hypnotic blend of reverb-soaked rhythm guitars, driving melodic leads, hip hop influenced percussive elements and industrial synthesizers complemented by harmonious male and female vocals. Their live performance delivers a distinctive, unconventional approach with no singular ‘Lead Vocalist’. Members are seamlessly switching positions, creating a dynamic and ever-evolving stage presence. This collaborative ethos infuses their vocals with harmonious balance and an enchanting auditory tapestry. Founded in 2020, the band have shared their unique blend of Shoegaze and 90’s garage sound with audiences around the globe. In 2022 the ensemble made the bold relocation to Berlin when they signed to Berlin's Anomic Records. This partnership propels a new trajectory and eagerly anticipated debut album ‘NOWHERE’ set to be released in May 2024 showcasing their sonic evolution, expanding musical boundaries and redefining the psychedelic rock experience.

The Dharma Chain

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