Bugs

Bugs sounds like the best possible version of a humid Australian summer afternoon. Their music is built on a foundation of shimmering, slightly overdriven guitars and a rhythm section that pushes forward with infectious, puppy-like energy. While the surface is bright and melodic, there is a distinct warmth to the production that keeps it from feeling sterile, favoring a live-band grit that feels immediate and honest.

What truly sets them apart is the vocal delivery of Connor Brooker. He possesses a rare ability to sound both vulnerable and triumphant in the same breath, often layering his own vocals into soaring, beach-ready harmonies. The lyrics avoid the typical cliches of pop-punk, opting instead for hyper-specific, conversational observations about mental health, social anxiety, and the awkwardness of growing up in your twenties.

Start with the album 'Self Help' or their high-energy cover of Mallrat's 'Charlie'. These tracks perfectly encapsulate their ability to take a pop sensibility and run it through a gauntlet of fuzzy guitars and heart-on-sleeve emotion, making them an essential listen for anyone who likes their rock music with a side of genuine sincerity.