Skeggs' Pacific Highway Music: A Sonic Journey Through Australia's Coastal Landscapes

In the aftermath of a sold-out show at London's Signature Brew, Skeggs' frontman Benny Reed and bassist Jonny Lani sat down with Nick to discuss the band's forthcoming album, "Pacific Highway Music." The conversation delved into the album's inspiration, drawn from the band's countless road trips along Australia's coastal highways, and the evolution of their sound, which has matured from their earlier surf-rock roots to a more polished, introspective, and expansive sonic palette.

Embracing the Open Road: Skeggs' Sonic Odyssey

The Lure of the Highway

Benny Reed's connection to the coastal highways of Australia runs deep, forged through countless journeys from Foster to Byron or Sydney. What began as a practical, cost-effective alternative to flying has evolved into a profound creative wellspring, shaping the band's new album with a sense of floaty, sun-drenched pop-rock punctuated by subtle experimentation. As Benny explains, the act of driving these familiar routes has become a meditative experience, allowing him to immerse himself in the world of the songs and find solace in the open road.

Reflections on the Road

The band's musical evolution is evident in "Pacific Highway Music," which offers a more polished and introspective sound compared to their earlier works. Skeggs has embraced a broader stylistic and thematic range, showcasing a renewed openness to a diverse sonic palette, including the subtle use of synthesizers. This maturation is a testament to the band's journey over the past decade, with Benny reflecting on how their experiences on the road have fueled their creative output.

Gratitude and Serendipity

Gratitude is a recurring theme in Benny's conversation, as he reflects on how Skeggs has allowed him to meet people and see parts of the world he had only imagined. From touring Asia to reminiscing about early gigs in Byron Bay, the band's journey has been a source of inspiration for "Pacific Highway Music." The album also reflects the serendipitous nature of the band's evolution, with the departure of bassist Toby and the subsequent addition of Kelton Lee, who has brought a fresh dynamic to their live shows.

Embracing Broader Horizons

The album's sonic diversity is evident in tracks like "Tradewinds," which evokes a lush, atmospheric sound reminiscent of Slowdive and The Cure, and "I Think I Can Fly," which showcases a playful, rolling melody. Meanwhile, "Aeroplane Heart" features Benny's poppiest lyrics to date, hinting at the band's potential to reach a new audience. The album's energy and experimentation are further exemplified in tracks like "Out of My Head," which channels the spirit of mid-2000s northern English indie, and "Spaceman," with its grungy undertones and muted vocals.

Navigating Challenges and Embracing Optimism

At the heart of "Pacific Highway Music" lies a collection of stories, none more poignant than "Stuck in Cheyenne," which recounts the band's experience of being stranded in North America during a tour. Despite the challenging inspiration, the song's tone remains upbeat and optimistic, reflecting the album's overall approach to navigating moments of sadness, introspection, and doubt. This sense of positivity and warmth is further exemplified in tracks like "High Beaming" and the album closer, "Kelly Heroes," which draws on 90s alt-rock influences.

A Cohesive Narrative

The album's narrative cohesion is a notable evolution from Skeggs' previous works, a development that Benny attributes to the time he spent during the COVID-19 pandemic, performing intimate sit-down gigs at local venues. This newfound storytelling approach has imbued "Pacific Highway Music" with a sense of depth and purpose, guiding the listener through the band's journey and the experiences that have shaped their artistic vision.As Benny and the band look ahead to the release of "Pacific Highway Music" and their upcoming tour, their optimism and gratitude are palpable. The album represents a significant step forward for Skeggs, embracing a broader sonic palette while remaining true to the core elements that have defined their sound. With "Pacific Highway Music," the band invites listeners to join them on a sonic odyssey, exploring the open roads and coastal landscapes that have inspired their most refined and expansive work to date.