Turning heads earlier this year at SXSW, Manchester quartet Pale Waves‘ ’80s-infused goth pop is packed full of unshakable grooves and charming lyricism that’ll have you feeling both nostalgic and dancefloor-ready. Released earlier this year, the BBC Sound of 2018 finalists’ debut EP ‘All The Things I Never Said’ peaked at number one on both the UK Physical Singles Chart and the UK Vinyl Singles Chart, while their haunting single “Heavenly” premiered on BBC Radio 1’s Annie Mac show as the Hottest Record in the World.
Ahead of their first visit Down Under, where they’re set to play headline shows in Melbourne and Sydney, vocalist Heather Baron-Gracie took time out to fill us in on her top albums.
Keaton Henson — ‘Birthdays’
“I used to listen to the album non-stop, and it was always the last album I would fall asleep to. The album is so honest and raw; it almost breaks my heart every time I hear it. “Sweetheart, What Have You Done to Us” is one of my favourite songs of all time.”
Lucy Rose — ‘Like I Used To’
“This album is so nostalgic for me. Myself and Ciara (drummer) would stay up till the early hours in the morning listening to this song on repeat. When I think of this album, it just reminds Ciara and I playing ‘Night Bus’ on my acoustic guitar, singing her heart out.”
Paramore — ‘Riot’
“Paramore are just an amazing rock band. Hayley Williams has such an incredible voice, and her performance on this album is out of this world. When I was seventeen I wanted to start a pop punk band because of Hayley Williams. I will always look up to her as a frontperson and will always adore this album.”
Bon Iver — ’22, A Million’
“I loved this record the second it came out. I find myself just listening to it on repeat when we have long journeys on tour. There’s something so beautiful about each track on this record. Melodically, it’s unbelievable and so inspiring to me.”
Charli XCX — ‘Number 1 Angel’
Charli XCX – Number 1 Angel Charli XCX is just the ultimate pop queen. I love this album in particular because I’m so impressed by the production and the songwriting.
PALE WAVES | AU & NZ TOUR DATES
Wednesday 11 July – The Lair – Sydney, NSW
Thursday 12 July – Evelyn Hotel – Melbourne, VIC
Friday 20 July – Tuning Fork, Spark Arena – Auckland, NZ
Listen to ‘All The Things I Never Said’ here:
And check out the video for “Heavenly” here: