Their new single ‘Belligerence’ is generalisable to all those who are insecure enough to resort immediately to violence and aggression when challenged or confronted.
Renowned for their catchy hooks, thick psych vibes and gritty vocals, Wollongong-based indie-rock band Good Lekker have kicked off 2022 with a fresh new single, flexing their songwriting muscles more than ever while conveying a powerful message about human behaviour.
Brimming with fervent percussion, wistful guitar and lush keyboards, ‘Belligerence’ is a luminously crafted slice of heterogenous musicianship. Scattered with intricacies and guided by its attractive melody, the song’s verses cleverly contrast a bursting chorus, riddled with colourful harmonies and vivid instrumentation. The bridge builds broodingly with inviting gang vocals and swelling synths, before hurling into an effervescent finale.
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“The song is inspired by a real-world run in with a character that no one wants to deal with, says band member Joshua Fahy. “An arms-crossed, explosive ball of masculine narcissism. Because of its inspiration, the song aims to satirise and critique the caricature of a violent male – a person all too prevalent in our world. They’re not worth challenging on their own terms – because as an over quoted author has said: ‘Never wrestle with a pig – you both get dirty, and the pig likes it.’
“The message is generalisable to all those who are insecure enough to resort immediately to violence and aggression when challenged or confronted.”
Aiming to highlight the absurdity of charging at life fists first, ‘Belligerence’ incentivises the band’s strong desire to encourage safe spaces at live gigs, alongside the impending launch of their ‘Don’t Be A Dickhead’ t-shirts, and their impassioned campaign video: ‘5 Ways Not To Be A Dickhead’.
To incentivise the band’s strong desire to encourage safe spaces at live gigs, they came up with Good Lekker Gig-Etiquette: 5 Ways Not To Be A Dickhead’.
Hey! Hands to yourself!
We think this is self-explanatory. But we should explain it anyway, for those not keen on listening the first time. Hands to yourself means a few things, from not punching someone in the head because they bumped into you accidentally, to keeping your hands off someone whose last desire in the entire world is to be touched by you. A notable exception is when someone falls in the crowd. Of course, if they need it, you should help them up.
No friends left behind
We get it, you go out with people and, before you know it, you’re at kick-ons with whoever else you’ve met in the night. But no one likes to be left behind, especially at a gig full of people they might not know. But the saying means more than this – we’d like to think that everyone at a show of ours could be mates with us or with each other. Because of this, if someone looks like they need a hand, check in with them! Make them feel safe and welcome and let them know that you and everyone else is there for them if they need it.
Be inclusive
Inclusion occurs when people of all backgrounds, genders, orientations and persuasions feel respected and safe. A Good Lekker gig is no place for exclusionary bullshit, based on factors that are at best morally arbitrary. We all have more similarities than differences, and the world will be a better place when a richer tapestry of ideas constitutes the mainstream and whole. As such, make friends, not enemies
Forget the fists
Nothing ruins the vibe of a gig more than when you see a person looking to start a fight. It happens more than anyone is proud of. Further, forget acting like a violent wanker in the mosh. There’s nothing wrong with moshing, but there are wrong ways to mosh and, unfortunately, we see those methods practiced all too often. This ties in with the “be inclusive” point above – actions exclude people far too frequently, so let’s change that. Violence is never the answer especially when people are trying to enjoy the music.
See something? Say something!
We think this should be the priority for anyone that attends our gig. We want to encourage a safe space which includes speaking up if something occurs. So, if you see any of the negatives here being exercised by anyone at all, let someone know. Even let us know on the stage. Because the sooner we can stamp out all the shit, the sooner we can all enjoy doing what we love, without fear of a negative interference from someone looking for trouble.
We owe it to our fans that every gig they attend of ours is safe, fun and comfortable. That’s why we felt that it was only right that we used our platform to create a safe space for those that enjoy live music. We hope that this along with others jump on board so that together we cannot be that dickhead.
To support the release, Good Lekker will tour the East Coast of Australia, supporting Australian party starters Bootleg Rascal in Wollongong and Sydney, before headlining their own shows in various capital cities and additional regional towns, along with an upcoming appearance at Yours & Owls Festival 2022.
‘Belligerence’ is available worldwide now.
