“From the Great Dividing Ranges; River Murray to the sea.

You’re the background of the nation, lying face down on the beach.”

Shining Bird are back with ‘Helluva Lot’, a glorious piece of sun-drenched Australiana. Premiered today on Mornings with Greta Balog, the new single is a taste of the Leisure Coast band’s second album, Black Opal, due out on Spunk Records this spring.

‘Helluva Lot’ is the first new music we’ve heard from the Bird since ‘Rivermouth’, voted Best Song in the 2015 FBi SMAC Awards. A few days before that victory was announced, they played at the inaugural FBi SMACS Festival – on a stage decorated with sprigs of wattle and a Dreaming-inspired dancer weaving through them. Native Australia has always been a clear driving force behind Shining Bird, who define themselves as “Eucalyptus dream pop” and have spent recent months seeking inspiration in remote regions of the Blue Mountains.

‘Helluva Lot’ is certainly a continuation of this theme. Mixed by Tim Whitten (The Go-Betweens, Hoodoo Gurus), the track is coloured with imagery of iconic Australian landmarks, layered with swirling synths, woodwind birdcalls and shimmering percussion.

It’s bright, rich and uplifting. But be sure to listen close. ‘Helluva Lot’ is not just a homage to the bush and the beach. It’s a warning about what we take for granted; a reminder of what is at stake if present attitudes to the environment do not change dramatically. A call to arms at a time when the natural beauty of our country and our planet is under dire threat.

“My head it keeps on spinning while the ozone disappears. For the end is getting closer…

We’ve got a helluva lot to lose.”

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WHAT: FBi Presents: Shining Bird – ‘Helluva Lot’ single launch
WHEN: Wednesday June 8
WHERE: Newtown Social Club
HOW MUCH: $10 + BF here

Keep up with Shining Bird and find more tour dates (and really good merch) here.