Sydney Power Pop quartet Gavin Bowles & The Distractions hit the ground running in 2023;

after releasing a series of catchy singles (“On The Telephone (I Used to Call You)”, “Break My Heart”

and “Here Comes The Heartache”) and blazing through a stellar run of headline shows,

the band has now released their debut album “Phoning It In”.

 

Bowles has made a name for himself recording and touring Aus in various outfits over the years,

before dabbling in solo territory and eventually enlisting The Distractions. Stylistically Bowles’ influences

range from Rockabilly to Indie Rock and Punk Rock, but it’s with this set of new songs that he’s tapped into his unabashed love of 70’s and 80’s Power Pop.

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“Phoning It In” is a sharp, no-holds-barred album of zippy pop-rock songs dealing with heartbreak, boredom, anxiety and nostalgia. The album is sonically driven by The Distractions incredibly tight and nuanced performances; flourishes of bright guitars, hop-along bass lines and watertight drum grooves paint an adoring landscape for Bowles heart-on-your-sleeve lyrics. Lead single “On The Telephone (I Used to Call You)” is a nostalgia-dipped fever dream of teenage infatuation over the landline. Whereas the second and third singles “Break My Heart” and

“Here Comes The Heartache”; reveal a more candid and vulnerable side, dealing with lost love

and the anxieties of leaving a life behind.

 

Bowles & The Distractions have quickly gained a reputation for their energetic and refined live shows in the lead up to their debut album. “Phoning It In” is a blistering troupe of catchy and earnest pop-rock songs that

combine their Power Pop influences with Indie Rock sensibilities and showcase The Distractions talents

along with Bowles charm, wit, sincerity and humour.

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Gavin Bowles & The Distractions make a noise as bristling and as impeccably sharp

as their facial hair, impressive and wild as hell. As keen as a blade to the throat,

it’s madly danceable too, a pair of dancing shoes with razor blades in the toecap.

- 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