Welcome to The Fresh Squeeze, where every week, BLUNT gets down to the wire with an up-and-coming act we simply can’t get enough of.
In this week’s shiny new edition, we get the juice on Perthian powerhouse Girl From Mars, who are bound to take over the world with their hypnotising brand of bendy and bruised indie-rock, tinted with just the right twinges of dusty country and gut-punching emo. Their latest single is ‘Do What You Like’, which canters on with an equally slick and smoky atmosphere before downright exploding into a visceral guitar solo two minutes in.
Who’s in your band, what do they play, and what would be your non-musical superpowers?
Synaed “Syn” Roche – vocals and guitar. I would choose invisibility so I could sneak on planes.
Michael Slitenbachs – lead guitar. I would choose the ability of flight.
Calum Mclaughlin – bass. I would choose to be telekinetic.
Nick Ireland – drums. I would choose the ability to grow an unlimited amount of additional arms on command.
When you’re not tearing shit up on your instruments, what do you legends like to get up to?
We all have pretty different hobbies outside of music, but we all like petting dogs. Michael surfs and skates. Nick is a gun sound engineer and always working on a new mix for someone. Calum likes to nap and play video games. I (Syn) like to do arts and crafts, really badly.
What would your hometown’s landmark be?
I grew up in the little town of Exmouth, on the Coral Coast. They have a giant prawn, so probably that.
What’s the usual first topic of conversation when you take a break at rehearsal?
Usually something one of us saw on the internet before, or showing each other new music we like. Honestly I’m notorious for going on 20+ minute rants about cults – I promise it’s not weird, I just find them really interesting.
What’s your pre-show warm-up routine?
I like to do vocal warmups and stretches in the nearest car park. Sometimes Nick and Michael wrestle each other too.
Tell us about your most memorable show, what made it so special?
The launch of our last song, ‘Blue Bathtub’. Everyone who came down knew all the words and danced like crazy, and we did the venue up to look like a year eight school disco. It was a really special night.
What band would you most like to share the stage with and why?
Phoebe Bridgers is currently consuming my mind, to be able to support Phoebe would be the dream.
What’s the most exciting album you’ve listened to recently?
Home Video by Lucy Dacus. I’m a huge fan of her lyrical storytelling and this album absolutely smashed it out of the park.
If you could be endorsed by one company, who would it be?
Fender maybe. I really want a custom bedazzled Jazzmaster, so whoever can make that happen for me.
Why are you going to make it to the top over all the other contenders in the musical arena?
We write real, honest music about being a 20-something in such a confusing and turbulent time, and I think a lot of people relate to that. I’ve always wanted to write music that made people feel less alone and lost, and I think that sets us apart.
‘Do What You Like’ is out now via Suburbia Records. Check it out below, or stream it on Apple Music / Spotify
Connect with Girl From Mars on Facebook / Instagram / Twitter / Triple J Unearthed
