Fools don’t use Farfisa organs. I dig it. That’s code for I approve. Check out “The Fool” above.
This Friday, May 30 Australia’s CIVIC will release their third album, Chrome Dipped, via ATO Records. Known for their raw, adrenaline-fueled sound, CIVIC pushes beyond the boundaries of their ’70s Australian punk roots on the LP, marking a bold shift into new sonic territory while retaining their sharp intensity. Guitarist Lewis Hodgson sums it up best: “We’ve always stuck to the rules, doing Australian punk rock properly. But after touring the world, we realized—you can really do whatever the fuck you want.” The album explores themes of loss and grief following the death of frontman Jim McCullough’s mother, as well as broader existential reflection. Ultimately, Chrome Dipped is about casting off old shells—both musically and emotionally—and finding meaning in the messiness of evolution.
Today they share the final single ahead of the album, “The Fool.” The band say “’The Fool’ is a nihilistic death march about dreamers and idiots. A jangley pagan punk song meant to provoke the senses. It recalls the story of the fool and what’s behind the 1000 yard stare.” The track premiered via Paste Magazine who note, “‘The Fool’ (is) a melodic uppercut of metallic, poppy post-punk that sounds fuller and feistier than CIVIC’s previous LPs.” The band also share a video directed by Conor Mercury.
