Brisbane's SPACE&AGES balance out jubilance and melancholia on indie double release, 'Puzzle Piece' and 'Bittersweet'

Brisbane’s SPACE&AGES have been taking the city by storm with their indie-rock/alt jams, and they’re back at it with an undiluted perfect indie package in the double single, ‘Puzzle Piece’ and ‘Bittersweet’, which are both out now.

SPACE&AGES are becoming adored for their reflection of Australia’s restless youth and have the rabid fans to prove it. With first plays supported by Triple J Unearthed, single launch concerts sold out, wins in lineup comps like Passport to Airlie, Indieopia and Frothy Fest, and an East Coast tour under their belts, they have an impressive list of accomplishments following their debut in October 2023.

In SPACE&AGES’ new double single, 'Puzzle Piece’ and ‘Bittersweet’, the Brisbane outfit proves that contrast is its own kind of harmony. With ‘Puzzle Piece’, they bring a burst of alt-rock energy dressed in thrift-store charm—thrifted sweaters and old man pants, played with the intensity of Australian alt rock from the 90s. The track pulses with life: rolling drums and bass lock in a tight groove, over which soaring guitars shimmer and sparkle. Phin Spence’s vocals are raw and unapologetic, adding that heart-on-sleeve charm that digs in deep. This is the track that injects you with feel-good energy—pure buoyancy on a wave of youthful optimism.

But just as you're riding high, SPACE&AGES pull you back to earth with ‘Bittersweet’, the beautifully melancholy counterpart to Puzzle Piece. Here, the tempo slows, and the giddy joy of ‘Puzzle Piece’ melts into a darker, folk-inspired sound, full of vulnerability. It’s a haunting, heartfelt track, wrapped in gentle tragedy, as Spence's voice turns soft and introspective. ‘Bittersweet’ feels like the other side of the coin—a story of balance and realism in true Australian indie fashion, making this double single a testament to SPACE&AGES’ knack for emotional depth and sonic variety.

This song is a young love at sunset, pushing past the feeling of hopelessness and falling into love. Lead singer Phin Spence’s vocals are a showstopper, packed to the brim with emotions and bursting with the energy of vivid daydream. The lyrics are real and raw and hopeful, focusing on staying with a partner even when things get tough.

Its B-side ‘Bittersweet’ is the other side to the coin. This indie-folk song is true to its name, countering ‘Puzzle Piece’ in a softer and sadder song that’s stripped down to acoustic guitar and breathtakingly earnest vocals, a tragic song with thumping drums and melancholic piano when the song builds. It’s a delicate, heartfelt song that echoes the struggle of moving on.

Let the pieces fall in place with SPACE&AGES and their newest release ‘Puzzle Piece’ and its B-side ‘Bittersweet’ which are both now streaming on all digital platforms.