In his seminal novel 1984, George Orwell wrote that “always there will be the intoxication of power, constantly increasing and constantly growing subtler.” In his book, Room 101 is the metaphorical space of absolute subjectivisation, a prison for the mind and soul where every aspect of personhood is ordered by the workings of power.
July 42nd, the latest single from Wollongong independent metalcore band Hails From Infinity, invites listeners to take part in this process, meditate in Room 101, and search out different realities by tearing down the veil, as frontman and vocalist Matthew Ozolins puts it. The concept of the veil describes that which divides the world that humans perceive and live in from what is real or possible – “Your senses are bound by what you believe.” Of the song, Ozolins says it the clearest he has been able to express himself lyrically, and praises the performances of his bandmates (Matthew Payne – Guitar and vocals, Matt Brkic – Drums, and Bjorn Brathetland – guitar) on the single.
These performances were coaxed out and moulded fist by Mark Williamson, who worked with the young group on their debut EP – Paradigm, released last year – and then by Chris Blancato. Blancato has previously leant his expertise to heavy acts such as Northlane, Stories, and Diamond Construct, and his presence is clear in the powerful vocal deliveries from Payne and Ozolins.
The single was released via killyourstereo.com in an exclusive premiere on 28/03 and received airtime on Triple J’s short.fast.loud the following day. Available on iTunes, Spotify, and YouTube, the track is accompanied by a video illustrated by emerging multi-media experimental artist Alex Pike. Pike’s work touches on many of the same themes as July 42nd and the band has said he was a natural choice for the video, which is currently the featured video on Cool Try (bro). “Alex’s work is all about bending perception, which is what we need to do to get out of this slump that we’re in politically and culturally, so we had such good feelings about working with him on this project” the band said.
Upcoming Hails From Infinity Dates:
Mix’n’Mosh – Towradgi Surf Club, Towradgi, April 2nd
Liberties ‘Day To Day’ Australian Tour – The Basement, Canberra April 14th
Wrangler Studios, Melbourne April 29th
