Sydney's 90ivy pulse and shimmer in melancholic new indie-rock single, 'Public Displays of Deflection'

Sydney’s 90ivy have carved a niche in creating ‘happy-sad songs for happy-sad people’, and they continue that spell with their latest offering, ‘Public Displays of Deflection’.

The four-piece indie-rock outfit share this new track as a first taste of their forthcoming third EP, marking a pivotal and exciting moment in their artistry as they share a glimpse into their evolving musical direction.

“[This release] marks an important shift in 90ivy’s musical direction - we’re becoming more comfortable with leveraging experimental sounds and rhythms, going outside the usual checkpoints for our genre and staying true to each of our own musical influences. We’re excited to get the ball rolling on this new EP, because we think our listeners will be pleasantly surprised with the raw authenticity of the new work and the uniqueness of the sound.” - 90ivy

The latest single showcases 90ivy's exploration of experimental sounds and rhythms, breaking free from genre conventions while staying true to their individual musical influences. This shift in their artistic approach reveals a raw authenticity and uniqueness that they have honed over the 3+ years they have been together.

‘Public Displays of Deflection’, despite an overall melancholic tone, exudes in warmth thanks to the fuzzy layers of guitar, and the softening of the dance-rock beats that become a pulse and shimmer, instead of pounding. There’s definite 90s nostalgia seeping through in how 90ivy have pieced this track together, particularly with that absolute gem of a key change in that middle eight section. It plays out like The Dandy Warhols taking on The Cardigans - it’s barbed saccharine goodness.

The song delves into the complexities of relationships, portraying the tumultuous nature of guarding one's heart through witty and introspective lyrics. It seamlessly blends a hint of irony with heartfelt emotions, creating a sonic experience that resonates deeply.

“Public Displays of Deflection is essentially about how hot and cold relationships can be when you’re so afraid to get hurt or be rejected. I’ve learnt the hard way that being guarded doesn’t always protect you in the way you think it does. The song is littered with hypocrisy in its lyrics - “with my whole heart and a little irony”, “I like you no I hate you quite a lot”, “ground breaking, sub par classic” - to capture the tumultuousness of a relationship where one person is constantly trying to protect their heart.” - 90ivy

Lead guitarist Liam, a devoted Radiohead fan, weaves his influence throughout the song, infusing it with an unforgettable guitar theme. The result is a melodic tapestry that encapsulates the band's inspired mindset that continually strives for growth and creative maturity. For this single, the band once again partnered with producer/engineer Pete Holz (Gang Of Youths, Peking Duk, Vance Joy) to bring the track to life.

With their upcoming EP on the horizon, 90ivy continues to solidify their position as a force to be reckoned with in the indie-rock realm. The band infuses lush guitars, '90s vocal qualities, and buoyant melodies into their enchanting compositions.

Having delivered a sold-out headline show at the prestigious Oxford Art Gallery, 90ivy has also established a strong presence in the live music scene, sharing stages with notable up-and-coming artists such as Daily J (NZ), Dulcie, Micra, Great Gable, CLEWS, Yorke, Jess Day, and Teenage Dads. Their festival debut at Mountain Goat Valley Crawl in 2023 and their inclusion in the lineup of the inaugural IceBreaker Festival in Sydney further cement their reputation as an unmissable live act.

‘Public Displays of Deflection’ is out now on all streaming platforms.