Muules offer up slab of post-grunge angst in new single, ‘Against Your Own Kind’

South-East Queensland’s alt-rock geeks, Muules return with a heaving slab of post-grunge angst in their latest single, ‘Against Your Own Kind’.

Carving an intense soundscape utilising effects-heavy bass, big drums, and Nathan Vasey’s powerful vocal delivery, ‘Against Your Own Kind’ takes the approach of a Neurodivergent’s introspective look at self-worth in a relationship, and those they chose to surround themselves with.

Muules have always walked the fine line between punk, grunge, and bordering in to heavier alternative rock, and have never been shy about their influences. Where previously released single, ‘Drain’ was horn-laden alt-punk, the three-piece utilise an arpeggiated riff to bounce off, with vocalist Nathan Vasey balancing out the doubled-up bass/crunchy faux guitar with a drawn-out melody. It’s a weird hybrid of early Muse-ish stylings with a ‘Make Yourself’-era Incubus sound mixed. The middle section’s thumping freakout with panned synth percussion and textures coming at all angles is a fun build, before bringing back to pace.

The track digs deep into the band’s main influences of Royal Blood, Soundgarden, and early Incubus, bringing together a riff-heavy, melodic journey, with one of the biggest build-ups in a bridge Muules have put together.

Muules bassist/producer Rhys Fox expands on the theme explored in ‘Against Your Own Kind’.

“The song looks at the difficulties faced in relationships, particularly with those that are more sensitive to their surroundings, which can have them second-guessing every move, all the ups and downs of ‘am I doing the right thing’ in the eyes of their peers and partner. We’re our own worst critic,” he said.

‘Against Your Own Kind’ was produced by Rhys (working as thefoxiam), during the time of COVID restrictions, with the majority of the tracks recorded at his home studio, with the exception of the drum tracking. The song saw the band once again work with Ty Bain on mixing, and Paul Blakey at 12th and Vine on mastering duties.

‘Against Your Own Kind’ is the sixth single to come from the band’s long overdue debut full-length album.

‘Against Your Own Kind’ is available on all streaming platforms now.