(left to right)
Cameron Hill (bass)
Simon Bowles (drums)
Gavin Bowles (vocals, guitar)
Michael Crudgington (guitar)
Photo : Peach Mystique
Sydney Indie Rockers Gavin Bowles & The Distractions are only asking the hard questions with their new album
“Are We Having Fun Yet?”. Their second album (following 2023’s “Phoning It In”) is a snapshot of living in
troubled times; touching on internal struggles, relationships, work/life balance and burnout.
“Are We Having Fun Yet?” may be partially heavy in subject matter,
but musically still flaunts the bands renowned Power Pop & Pub Rock flavours, albiet with a few new treats.
Ultimately “Are We Having Fun Yet?” offers The Distractions territory to strut their talents and Bowles a strong foundation for his heart-on-your-sleeve lyrics and the occasional diatribe of modern day life.
The lead singles “She Hates My Guts” and “Love Is Dumb” offer up luscious Pop-Rock guitars and
vocal hooks aplenty, while mid-tempo groover “Sober” shows a more self-reflective side.
The singles accompanying music videos celebrate the band's unique sense of humour - the "Love Is Dumb"
music video made it's television debut on ABC's Rage in March 2025.
To celebrate the release of their new album, Bowles & The Distractions will be hitting the road in October and November; bringing “Are We Having Fun Yet?” to life on stage. Since bursting onto the live scene in 2022
armed with a setlist of lively and earnest Pop-Rock songs, Bowles & The Distractions quickly gained
a reputation for their energetic and refined live shows; catchy melodies adorning bright guitars, hop-along bass lines, watertight drum grooves and wild eyes.
Overall, 'Are We Having Fun Yet?' does exactly what a good Indie Rock record should do: it entertains, it connects, and it occasionally lands a quiet emotional punch when you’re not expecting it. There’s craft here, there’s heart, and there’s enough energy to remind you why this band’s reputation as a live act keeps growing.
- Rock The Joint Magazine
Gavin Bowles & The Distraction’s power pop comes with an urgent, insistent edge and has *just* enough snarl mixed into the sugar to make it bite your face while it dances with you. Driving and punchy at all points, it’s a leash to drag you along by the neck, right to the end of the night, happy and sweaty.
- The Underground Stage
Zesty power-pop that bursts with a fun, rambunctious energy
that takes hold of your senses from the first note.
-Scenstr
In essence, Gavin Bowles & The Distractions apply
90’s pop-rock to more refined,
60’s-flavoured lyricism, building a compelling sonic picture
that feels fresh and engaging,
while drenched in tradition. Through introspective and wholesome lyricism, the Aussie talents offer solace
and comfort to whoever might need it.
- Mesmerized
The Distractions wreak of: Bop, brews, and big nights out fun. Adding dashes of The Cars & Wall of Voodoo framing
to their backing of Gavin - the natural frontman - Bowles.
- The Music Producer
Bowles and his gang clearly know their way around sizeable hooks, and this record is absolutely packed with great choruses and pleasingly familiar riffs.
The album's title might well show a self-deprecating humour,
but 'Phoning It In' is anything but lazy.
- Real Gone
Live shots by Mullet Stainz
