The Phosphenes document the turbulent shift to adulthood on double alt rock single, 'Hourglass'/'Better That Way'
Brisbane alt-rock three-piece The Phosphenes return with a double serve in ‘Hourglass’ / ‘Better That Way’ — two different snapshots of a band shifting from the hazy teenage years into adulthood.
Across the two tracks, The Phosphenes tap into that strange in-between stage where everything feels like it’s moving too fast, but letting go can also feel like the right thing to do. ‘Hourglass’ leans into the chaos and pressure of time slipping away, while ‘Better That Way’ lands in a more reflective space, embracing change and what comes after it.
The Phosphenes have been honing in on that nostalgic ’90s Australian alt-rock/alt-punk sound, and playing alongside the likes of Bodyjar and Jebediah may have just rubbed off on them. Both ‘Hourglass’ and ‘Better That Way’ ease back on the heavier, thickened tones of their earlier work, embracing a looser, fuzz-driven punk approach that feels lighter on its feet, yet considerably tighter in execution. Perhaps it’s that shift into adulthood that’s given the trio a fresh perspective, both musically and thematically.
Navigating the space between high school and the ‘real’ world is always a challenge, and ‘Hourglass’ captures that period of uncertainty through the band’s own experiences. There’s a strong theme of growing up and changing while trying to maintain something that may no longer fit, whether that be friendships, relationships or the familiar comforts of a life that’s quickly moving on.
As the band explains, ‘Hourglass’ explores the way relationships change during this time:
“Deep down it’s a sense of ‘We used to be close. We’ve both changed. I still care about you, but we’re driving each other crazy, and I don’t know whether we’re trying to save this relationship or deliberately wreck it.’”
It’s that push and pull between holding on and moving forward that gives the track its emotional weight, capturing the frustration of trying to make sense of relationships that no longer feel quite the same.
On the other hand, ‘Better That Way’ serves as a sharp, nostalgic snapshot of teenage life — the awkwardness of school, messy relationships, jealousy, social pressure and the constant need to fit in.
Moving between humour and darker moments, it describes a generation caught up in appearances, parties, photos and short-lived romances, while questioning what any of it means in the long run. At its heart, the song is about growing up and realising that the dramas that feel enormous when you’re young eventually fade away.
There’s a bittersweet edge to ‘Better That Way’, with the sentiment that, despite all the trials and tribulations of teenage life, no one gets to stay young forever. The idea that “one day we’ll all be the same” offers a reassuring sense of perspective, while also serving as a reminder that the things we spend so much time worrying about may not matter quite as much as we think.
After a huge year of shows — including their first run of interstate gigs in New South Wales and support slots with Bodyjar and Jebediah — The Phosphenes are keeping the momentum going with a double single that reflects both where they’ve been and where they’re heading.
‘Hourglass’ / ‘Better That Way’ are out now on all streaming platforms.
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