BUGS ARE BACK WITH NEW MUSIC SINCE LAST ALBUM IN 2022
Adored Brisbane trio Bugs have shared their first new music since 2022’s Cooties album, releasing the instantly addictive ‘Tough Love’ following its debut on triple j’s Drive program yesterday. The new single kicks off a string of releases leading into the band’s upcoming fourth album, HEAD NOISE, with one song dropping each week up until the record’s release on 28th August.
Frontman Connor Brooker describes ‘Tough Love’ as “a fun, lighthearted critique of emotional manipulation. It’s about realising that you can stand up for yourself when you’re being taken advantage of. It explores the internal monologue that exists when you’re trying to understand the way you’re being treated. We originally recorded it as more of a typical Bugs track, but spent a lot of time reimagining the rhythm to give it a certain ‘bounce’ and energy.”
Last October, Bugs returned to the stage for their Saving A Bug’s Life fundraiser show for bassist Jordan Brunoli, who was diagnosed with stage 4 colorectal cancer last year. With a strong show of support from Brisbane’s tight-knit community of music lovers, fans, family, and friends alike, Bugs headlined a sold out Tivoli joined by mates Dear Seattle, Beddy Rays, Sly Withers, Hope D, The Buoys, TOWNS, RAAVE TAPES, and many more.
Over the past ten years, Bugs have moved into the hearts of music lovers across the country with their bright and tender pop rock songs and joyful, community-driven live shows. Australia rallied behind their debut album Self Help (2019), voting bouncy hit single ‘Seriously’ into triple j’s Hottest 200 list. Their ever-iconic Like A Version cover of Mallrat’s ‘Charlie’ broke into the Hottest 100 the following year at #91, and came in at #25 in 2023’s Hottest 100 Like A Versions of all time. From sold out hometown shows and national tours, to playing Falls Festival and supporting Australian legends Grinspoon on their mammoth Chemical Hearts run in 2019, Bugs have become firmly woven into the fabric of Australia’s beloved music scene.