CLEWS prove 'Everything Is Heavy' with lush, pop-tinged grunge single

New South Wales sister duo, CLEWS have released a dark, reflective new single in ‘Everything Is Heavy’, which follows the success of previous single, the bittersweet ‘Lean Across’.

CLEWS (aka Lily and Grace Richardson) are fast becoming known for delighting audiences with their candied grunge sound, their songs sparkling with lush harmonies and lyrics that speak to their fans from the heart.

The new single is reminiscent of their earlier material (such as their 2021 EP, ‘Loveluck Omens’), but with an elevated aesthetic that speaks to their growth as artists and songwriters.

‘Everything Is Heavy’ is stunning, beautifully-lush pop-tinged grunge, utilising the Richardson sisters’ haunting, yet confident vocals that entwine and drive the track. Backed by reverb-drenched guitars in the verses, and a wall of grunge in the oversized choruses, it’s the subtle layers that add a small kick to this track, without over-cooking it. Teaming up with Holy Holy’s Oscar Dawson on production duties, CLEWS have put together a heavy chunk of 90s alt nostalgia while still sounding exciting and fresh.

Of the single, Lily explains that it is about the stakes in everyone’s lives getting higher as life goes on.

“The people I love and the people around me have now been through more in life and those experiences are shaping us all. There's been a big shift in my life and Grace's where we're starting to go through our first serious relationships, which has brought us closer together as sisters. ‘Everything Is Heavy’ is kind of about taking all that seriously and to heart instead of brushing it all off. The verses are about working hard for love and accepting that you’ve done all you can to make it work out, even when it doesn’t,” she said.

CLEWS’ development as a live act has influenced their song writing, Lily reflects, “The more we connect with audiences at shows, the more open and honest I want to be in my songwriting and storytelling. Becoming more open to love and more in touch with my relationships over the past few years has made me realise how powerful it is when a song speaks to you, cutting like a laser right through the headnoise to articulate a feeling so specific, yet so universal.”

For Lily and Grace, leaning into the catharsis of songwriting has been a big part of them navigating life, love and relationships. Their universe has revolved around music for as long as they can remember, with CLEWS carving out a distinct sonic identity of strong, melodic vocals, such production, and the organic sound of a high energy band that echoes elements of the rock artists they love, such as PJ Harvey, Warpaint, Cherry Glazerr, and Fontaines D.C.

Fresh from touring with Holy Holy, Hockey Dad, and Boy & Bear, CLEWS are heading back out on the road again in support of ‘Everything Is Heavy’ from October. For full ticketing information, head here.

‘Everything Is Heavy’ is out now on all streaming platforms.