Having emerged in 2021 as one of Australia’s new favourite acts – thanks in large part to their ARIA top 10; triple j Feature album – Gardens – Perth rock outfit Sly Withers today announce that their huge year isn’t even close to being over, with news of a deluxe edition of Gardens set for release November 19 – the first two songs from which can be heard today.
Recorded in the aftermath of the success of Gardens’ release in July this year, Gardens (Deluxe Edition) features two new originals, including the single out today, ‘Selfish’; a collection of acoustic and piano covers of songs from Gardens; their brilliant early 2020 single ‘Explode Into View’; and (FINALLY YES!) a recorded version of their spectacular triple j Like A Version cover of Coldplay’s ‘The Scientist’.
Speaking about the new single ‘Selfish,’ half of Sly Withers duelling lead guitar/vocals duo, Sam Blitvich, says the song was inspired by his teenage years and how the relationships you have with the friends you grew up with change over time.
“‘Selfish’ is one where I found myself reflecting on my high school years. It’s weird to look back on that time of your life in, having now spent time in the ‘real world’ gaining perspective. I think most of us cringe when thinking about how we were at that age, I definitely can see a lot of selfishness in my 16-year-old self, looking back. At the same time, you form this intense bond with the people you were close to in that formative period, then school ends and you naturally drift away from each other over time, but the connections you formed are still very present as an undercurrent through your life. It’s a bit like a ‘bonds formed fighting in the trenches’ vibe and it leads to this profound emotional attachment regardless of proximity.”