(left to right)
Cameron Hill (bass)
Simon Bowles (drums)
Gavin Bowles (vocals, guitar)
Michael Crudgington (guitar)
Photo : Peach Mystique
Sydney Power Pop quartet Gavin Bowles & The Distractions hit the ground running in 2023; after releasing
a series of catchy singles and blazing through a stellar run of headline shows across the country,
the band released their debut album “Phoning It In”; a sharp, no-holds-barred album of zippy Pop-Rock songs dealing with heartbreak, boredom, anxiety and nostalgia.
After a brief recharge, Bowles & The Distractions are back with their latest singles “She Hates My Guts” and
“Love Is Dumb” – both tracks boasting classic Pop-Rock guitars and vocal hooks aplenty. Both tracks also have accompanying music videos; celebrating 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.
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 The Distractions that he’s tapped into his unabashed love of 70’s and 80’s Power Pop.
Bowles & The Distractions get down to business with their incredibly tight and nuanced performances;
brandishing catchy melodies, flourishes of bright guitars, hop-along bass lines and watertight drum grooves.
Armed with a setlist of lively and earnest Pop-Rock songs, Bowles & The Distractions have quickly gained a reputation for their energetic and refined live shows. Combining their Power Pop influences with Indie Rock sensibilities, The Distractions strut their talents; giving Bowles a strong foundation for heart-on-your-sleeve lyrics delivered with charm, wit, sincerity and humour.
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
The single reminds me of that eighties Pop Rock sound, sort of Duran Duran with tongue-in-cheek. The guitars are in the groove, the vocals made me smile and it has a nice little dance hook in there that is driven by the understated heart found in the drum sound. It needs an open car and a radio for full appreciation.
- Rock The Joint Magazine
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
