RADelaide's Rogue Half Returns with Horny Melodic Hit 'Energy'
Long before Bad Omens captivated the alternative scene, Adelaide alt-rockers Rogue Half were drawing attention with a similar soundscape that breached the confides of genre while showcasing an emerging talent well worth a global following.
From initial releases 'Bite My Tongue' and 'Play Pretend', to their first EP, The Middle Distance, the group fronted by Matt Keal tested the boundaries of their sonic exploration while producing some of the country's sexiest and alluring music next to that of premier act Thornhill.
After staying quiet for a few months, Rogue Half re-emerged with the enticing new single 'Energy' which wastes no time reminding you of the alluring delivery Keal offers with thumping synth and an edgy hard rock backing sound complimented by some impressive high notes in the chorus. You'll be hooked from the second the pulsating kicks in, guaranteed.
Not one to let the tune go unnoticed, we reached out to Matt for a catch up and to dive into the new track which was once again produced by Chris Lalic (Windwaker) and Sam Trott.
It's been a long time since we uncovered you with 'Bite My Tongue' and 'Play Pretend'. From there you released The Middle Distance EP and now 'Energy'. How has the band evolved in those years?
It certainly has been a while! Between those early singles and our EP, I like to think we have really explored what we like in terms of sound and influence. After going through the motions of writing and recording our previous material, I think we have all become more confident putting forward ideas that we would never have considered a few years ago - and this is exactly how 'Energy' came about
'Energy' is horny, revitalising and melodic AF - it'll certainly turn heads in the right direction. What inspired this number and how did it come together in studio?
Musically, the main riff was actually a remix of something Sam had roughly tracked as an idea for a completely different song. It was the product of us (and Chris Lalic) all collectively saying “yeah that is cool, but how do we make it hornier?” so I am glad that comes through hahaha
Lyrically, 'Energy' is all about how frustrating it is to compare yourself to others - seeing them get ahead of you or reach goals that you might never attain. The reality is that everyone is on their own journey and it’s not a race that can be measured against other people. You also don’t know what people did to get to the position they are in, and personally I’d rather have fun and enjoy the ride as my authentic self rather than change my principles or step on others to get ahead
I love that ethos mate, keep it up. Chris Lalic once again put his mastering touch on the track; what was it about him that brought you back?
We absolutely love Chris! We started working with him when we began writing for our EP The Middle Distance and he just brings such a great perspective to the whole process. Having someone you can rely on to bounce ideas off and pull things together so well makes breaking new ground much more comfortable and I can’t say enough about Chris in that regard. Best bloke. He also cooked me and Sam one of the best burgers we have ever had so that is mad too!
As a rising band from South Australia, what are the biggest struggles you're facing with having your music heard by the masses?
South Australia and Adelaide have some absolutely amazing artists. Unfortunately, due to a number of reasons that I think are being felt all over the country, we are losing a lot of local venues. Enigma Bar recently had to close its doors and it was only due to protest and eventual successful government lobbying that the Crown and Anchor was saved from a similar fate. In a small city, only a few losses like this are really felt by local bands.
As far as Rogue Half goes, I don’t think our goal has ever been to take over the world - I am really happy to be writing music we love, playing wherever the opportunity presents and having an outlet for creativity that I get to share with my best friends.
What does the future hold? Is this the first taste of more music or a feeler to remind everyone Rogue Half still exists?
I think this single serves as a bit of a reminder that we exist, although we always have more music in the works. What this looks like is hard to say because we are really concentrating on enjoying the writing and recording process so that we make music that we all genuinely love
It's better to release what you love rather than what you have, so keep it up!
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Stream 'Energy' here
