Windwaker’s latest album “HYPERVIOLENCE” explodes onto the scene like a sonic grenade, detonating expectations and leaving listeners in a daze of musical euphoria. The Melbourne quintet’s electro-charged aggression collides head-on with sugary pop hooks and hip-hop-infused rhythms, creating a sound as unpredictable as a mosh pit during a sugar rush. As they prepare to unleash their opus on July 12th via Fearless Records, Windwaker stands poised to shatter the boundaries of genre and expectation, leaving listeners in a state of exhilarating musical whiplash.
The genesis of “HYPERVIOLENCE” is rooted in a period of transformation for Windwaker. Liam Guinane, the band’s frontman, explains, “HYPERVIOLENCE serves as a time capsule for where the band was changing lineups and moving forward as a unit. It explores themes of self-doubt, love in the modern age, and socio-political observations in the current day.” This album, it seems, is not just a collection of songs, but a testament to the band’s evolution and a reflection of the tumultuous world around them.
One of the standout tracks on the album, “Fractured State of Mind,” emerged from a place of righteous anger. Guinane reveals, “It came from an angry place fueled by the social injustices I was observing on and offline. It’s all a chaotic mess, but each time I find myself in this train of thought, I ultimately return to the conclusion that we all need each other to progress forward as humanity, which is the core message conveyed in the chorus of that track.” This blend of personal frustration and universal hope exemplifies the depth and complexity of Windwaker’s songwriting.
Windwaker’s partnership with Fearless Records, home to many iconic alternative acts, has been a journey of patience and mutual respect. Chris Lalic, another band member, recounts, “Fearless initially reached out to us back in 2019, but at the time we weren’t quite ready to sign to a label. As we were working on our debut album, we kept in touch and regularly gave them updates on what we were doing.” This ongoing dialogue eventually led to a deal that worked for the band long-term, fostering a relationship that transcends the typical artist-label dynamic.
The band’s recent hit, “SIRENS,” has amassed over 2.5 million Spotify streams, a testament to their growing popularity. When asked about the track’s success, Guinane muses, “I think it’s a really fun and catchy song that hits the right balance of all the things we identify as strong in our music. We could never have foreseen the reaction it was going to get, but it felt like a pivotal moment when we came together to write it.” This unexpected success serves as a validation of Windwaker’s unique musical approach.
Windwaker’s live performances have garnered critical acclaim, with reviewers praising their ability to transition seamlessly from “full-on mosh to sensitive slow dance.” Guinane attributes this to their commitment to authenticity on stage. “We do our best to recreate every element of our songs and perform them live to not rely so heavily on backing tracks,” he explains. “Sometimes it’s not always possible, but it’s important to us to make the show as live as possible and put our everything into the parts we’re performing.”
The band’s distinctive sound, which blends elements of electro, pop, hip-hop, and metal, is a natural result of their diverse musical backgrounds. Guinane elaborates, “This is a very natural thing for us as we all come from very different backgrounds and interests musically. When we collaborate on a song, it just kind of happens without us really realizing it.” This organic fusion of genres has become a hallmark of Windwaker’s music, setting them apart in an increasingly crowded musical landscape.
Touring with major acts like Beartooth, I Prevail, Motionless In White, and Enter Shikari has been both inspiring and humbling for Windwaker. Lalic reflects, “Every time we do these types of tours, we find them to be incredibly inspiring, but often quite humbling as well. We always come back from these runs of shows super motivated to level up our live show even further, so that we can try to hold our own against these mega bands that have five times the experience as us.”
The vibrant music scene of Melbourne has played a significant role in shaping Windwaker’s sound and identity. Guinane acknowledges the city’s influence, stating, “Melbourne is very much a cultural and artistic hub for many creative people, and we’re very lucky to be able to work and be immersed in that space creatively.” However, he also notes the band’s roots in a smaller town, adding, “Indey and Chris, being the founding members of Windwaker, come from a small regional town in NSW called Wagga Wagga, which shaped the foundations of the band’s sound when they moved to Melbourne in 2015.”
ALBUM – Windwaker – HYPERVIOLENCE
The songwriting process for Windwaker is a collaborative effort, with each member bringing their unique perspective to the table. Guinane explains, “Each member has the capacity to write a starting idea, but Chris (Lalic) and Jesse would be primary members in this stage of the writing process. I come in at the start of the process to act as a co-producer of tracks started by Lalic.” This collaborative approach ensures that each song benefits from the diverse talents within the band.
Life on the road has provided Windwaker with a wealth of memorable experiences. Lalic recalls a particularly amusing incident: “I have this distinct memory of sleeping in a house in Canberra with like three other bands, and Jesse ended up sleeping on a coffee table with his head weirdly resting on a chair. Then he woke up to realize there were two mattresses in the room that he could’ve slept on.” These shared experiences, both comical and challenging, have undoubtedly strengthened the band’s bond.
The journey of being in Windwaker has taught the members valuable lessons about resilience and unity. As Lalic puts it, “Windwaker has had so many ups and downs over the years, and through that, we’ve all had to learn to be resilient and stay motivated to keep driving it forward no matter what. And to always have each other’s backs because we’re the only five people in the world that share this same goal, so we need to look after each other.”
Looking to the future, Windwaker plans to continue exploring and expanding on the dynamic elements that define their sound. The band sees the combination of soaring melodies, punishing breakdowns, soulful singing, and ferocious screams as core elements of their musical identity. As they move forward, they aim to challenge themselves musically, constantly seeking new ways to push their sonic boundaries.
The members of Windwaker draw inspiration from a diverse range of musical influences. When asked about the last great album each of them listened to, their answers ranged from Mach-Hommy’s “#RICHAXXHAITIAN” and Childish Gambino’s “Atavista” to Joji’s “SMITHEREENS” and Kim Petras’s “TURN OFF THE RIGHT.” This eclectic mix of influences undoubtedly contributes to the band’s unique sound.
Navigating the pressures and challenges of the music industry requires a strong support system, and Windwaker has found that within their band. Guinane emphasizes the importance of maintaining a tight-knit group dynamic: “It’s important to keep an impenetrable bubble within the band and not let outside forces get in the way, so we always try to be there to support one another and keep the channel of communication open in a trusted space.”
As for what fans can expect after the “HYPERVIOLENCE” album cycle, Windwaker hints at a future filled with more music and global performances. Guinane teases, “There’s definitely a lot more music on the horizon. We’re always writing and coming up with new ideas, so we might have some one-off ideas before we knuckle down on another album.” He adds, “We’re hoping to showcase Windwaker and HYPERVIOLENCE to more of a global audience, so plenty of shows to come as well.”
With “HYPERVIOLENCE” set to drop on July 12th, Windwaker stands at the precipice of a new chapter in their musical journey. Their unique blend of genres, commitment to authenticity, and unwavering bond as a band position them as a formidable force in the alternative music scene. As they continue to push boundaries and challenge expectations, Windwaker invites listeners to join them on a sonic adventure that promises to be as unpredictable as it is exhilarating.
