Adelaide alt-rock quartet Rogue Half have today returned with the latest single “The Sound of You” and it’s a bloody banger.
Produced, mixed and mastered by Chris Lalic of Windwaker, “The Sound of You” is a fervent track with a dark energy that only Rogue Half can deliver. The relatable lyrics discuss being trapped in a negative headspace and reminiscing about the person you used to be. A similar theme to previous single “Death Throes”, the latest offering had a lighter creative process despite the message.
“This song was a fun one to write,” the band explains. “It’s a song that was created right in the middle of the endless lockdowns during 2021. Every time we planned to get to Melbourne to work with Chris on the EP, either one of our states would enter a lockdown, so this song was basically created entirely over Zoom.”
We got the band to answer some questions about them so you can be more acquainted.
Where do you draw the most influence for your music and videos?
Matt (vocals): Lyrically and vocally, I take a lot of inspiration and influence from melodic hardcore/post-hardcore bands like Counterparts and La Dispute. More recently I have been really into Holding Absence and Bad Omens.
Sam (guitar): I think for me, from a songwriting perspective, I’m super influenced by songs and artists with super strong structures that keep you engaged, so I’m big into artists like Don Broco, Jon Bellion, Rain City Drive and Twenty One Pilots. At the same time though, I’m also into just fun music, so I’ve been spinning the new I Prevail record for just how ridiculous (in a good way) it is.
Lenny (drums): Personally, I’m into a bit more chill type of music but always had a love for heavier music because of how much fun it is to play. Some bands that have influenced me personally would be BMTH, Architects, Counterparts and Rise Against.
Billy (bass): Anything from The Weekend to obscure a24 films. All about the vibes, baby.
What do you love about living in Adelaide?
Matt: Traffic is never too bad, so that’s pretty good. Also, my whole extended family is in the UK still, so having my friends and immediate family close is important to me.
Sam: Definitely how quiet it is in comparison to the craziness of some of the other capital cities.
Lenny: I love how relaxed Adelaide is, no one is ever in too much of a rush. Especially in the hills where we’ve all pretty well always lived. Also love how much scenery there is in the hills.
Billy: Love being avoided by any major tour that comes to Australia! Nah, love the laid back nature of Adelaide and how close everything is.
What do you do outside of Rogue Half?
Matt: If I am not at my 9-5, or doing something to do with Rogue Half, I am normally getting absolutely decimated on some video game (currently Escape From Tarkov) because I am absolute dog shit but I keep on playing for some reason.
Sam: For me, outside of working full time and band stuff, I’ll usually find time to go play some golf. Was something I picked up during COVID with all the lockdowns and it’s just kinda stuck.
Lenny: Aside from music, I’m a bit of a foodie and enjoy travelling as often as I can. I’m also a huge movie/TV series buff. Love delving into the lore of different franchises.
Billy: Photography, running a café and being a fishing expert (follow my adventures over at bigbazzsfishingadventures).
Favourite cuisine?
Matt: In general, I love Italian food. A good pasta will win me over almost every time. Also partial to kinda shitty Chinese food places, those ones where they play no music in the dining area and you can feel the MSG coursing through your veins.
Sam: Big fan of sushi and Japanese food in general. I spend way too much money on it weekly.
Lenny: Favourite food would have to be Mexican.
Billy: Fish.
Favourite AUS alternative bands to keep an eye on?
Matt: Heartline from Adelaide are great and are worth a watch. Windwaker, I have heard of them??
Sam: We were lucky enough to play a show earlier in the year with the guys in Outloved. Definitely worth keeping an eye on.
Lenny: Gonna have to go with Heartline and Windwaker for the boys.
Billy: Conform go so goddamn hard!
Having supported the likes of Thornhill, Casey and Pridelands, it won’t be long before Rogue Half are on a level of their own with this killer content the boys are putting out. Follow them on Facebook and Instagram for regular updates.
