Emu War Casualties Release New Single ‘Wanna See You’ Before Debut Album
Melbourne’s indie group, The Great Emu War Casualties, are building excitement for their debut album, Public Sweetheart No.1, with the release of their latest single, ‘Wanna See You.’ Scheduled for release on March 27th, the album marks a significant progression for the band. Known for their poignant art-rock that has been steadily gaining popularity in both Australia and internationally, their sound is a blend of emotional depth and catchy melodies.
Their music has been likened to the crisp pop sensibilities of Bloc Party and Two Door Cinema Club, with hints of the rhythmic daring of Talking Heads and the detailed art-pop of Everything Everything. ‘Wanna See You’ highlights a different side of the band’s emotional range. While much of their work strikes a balance between beauty and uncertainty, this new track delves into the pure yearning of wanting to be near someone who is absent.
The song features dreamy, melodic guitars weaving together with Joe Jackson’s heartfelt lead vocals and delicate female harmonies, creating an indie-rock ambiance that is warm yet slightly unsettling. Jackson shares, “Wanna See You is proof that I can write a happier song and just choose not to 95% of the time. It’s actually not that happy, is it? It’s a simple song about the fact that I wanna see you every time you call and sometimes that’s all you need.”
Co-written by Jackson and bassist/vocalist Saskia Clapton, the track was co-produced by the pair and ARIA Award-winning producer Wayne Connolly, known for his work with artists such as The Teskey Brothers and Julia Jacklin. The upcoming album has been teased with previous single ‘Donut’ and tracks from their 2025 EP ‘Permanent Resident,’ hinting at a debut that embraces emotional complexity: sincere yet edgy, introspective yet designed for live stages.
Jackson’s personal journey adds depth to the band’s narrative. Growing up in Liverpool, he initially played in a Tenacious D tribute band before exploring screamo music. A move to the Netherlands and later Melbourne led him to form The Great Emu War Casualties with Clapton, joined by drummer Bibek Tamang and synth player Cat Sanzaro. The band’s name pays homage to one of Australia’s infamous military missteps, reflecting their underdog ethos as they aim to elevate their underground following into something more significant.
In conclusion, ‘Wanna See You’ is a testament to The Great Emu War Casualties’ versatility and emotional depth. As they gear up for the release of their debut album, the band’s blend of meaningful lyrics, compelling melodies, and indie-rock energy is sure to captivate listeners, further solidifying their place in the music scene.