The Veronicas open a magic multiverse on 'Gothic Summer'
On their sixth album, Jess and Lisa Origliasso are exploring the metaphorical, with a little help from a homegrown hip-hop icon.
At a glance
The Veronicas sixth album Gothic Summer is out now
Celebrated NSW rapper Kerser appears on standout track Savage
The sisters explore a range of sonic terrain across the record (and even offer spoken word in their own Aussie accents)
The dichotomy of the title of The Veronicas' first international release in a decade is a very deliberate concept, which the Origliasso sisters mused over during a conscious "disconnect" from the spotlight.
“Gothic Summer is about alternative realities," Jess and Lisa explain. "It's more subconsciously motivated and metaphorical than our previous records. It’s a dark comedy, a lot like life - we laugh, so we don’t cry.”
Gothic Summer is a triumphant return for the duo, which showcases their signature sound while exploring exciting new territory, delivering a pop masterpiece with a stormy vein twisted through its tracklist. The album delves into themes of self-discovery, emotional obsession, societal pressures, and the complexities of human relationships, all with a healthy dose of self-awareness.
Production from John Feldman is polished, but serrated enough to lend the record authenticity, as The Veronicas traverse varied landscapes of genre from their pop rock roots to some unexpected sonic treats which orbit '60s surf rock and dancefloor electronica.
Standout track Savage is a collab between the sisters and Oz hip-hop icon Kerser.
"We've been big fans of Kerser; he speaks to a different part of Australian culture than we do," Jess explains. "To collaborate with someone who’s been at the forefront of Australian hip-hop for 20 years is a huge honour for us. He also had our backs in a personal situation. While most people are all talk, he's a real one. People like that are rare, especially in this industry. We have a huge amount of love and respect for him."
Meanwhile, Jess and Lisa's striking blood harmonies brim with a newfound confidence and maturity; they effortlessly navigate the emotional range of the album, from playful defiance to introspective vulnerability. And check out the Aussie twang on the spoken word parts of single Detox, below!
Gothic Summer proves The Veronicas are still a force to be reckoned with. It's a testament to their artistic growth and their enduring ability to craft relatable and infectious music.
Gothic Summer by The Veronicas is out now via Big Noise.
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