When Melbourne-based Aussie rockers Civic, who had been putting out records since 2018, released their debut, Future Forecast, fans and press outlets alike went bat shit bonkers over the bands noisy and unruly sound. Whipping up a ferocious concoction that blends punk and garage rock, the 12 songs were unrelenting and, frankly, knocked people on their asses.
A mere two years later, the band—Jim McCullough (vocals), Lewis Hodgson (guitar), Roland Hlavka (bass), Jackson Harry (guitar). Matt Blach (drums)—shows no signs of relenting or dialing back their approach as they unveil Taken By Force, which was released February 10 via ATO Records. Produced by Rob Younger from seminal Australian punk band Radio Birdman, and mastered by Mikey Young (Total Control, Sonny & the Sunsets) Civic continues to obliterate expectations and deliver unbridled earworms and anthems.
The band will make their U.S. live debut at South by Southwest in Austin, Texas, this month, and head to the U.K./EU for a run of dates in May and June. All confirmed dates are available here.
Before they step foot on the continent of North America, bassist Rolan Hlavka answered some questions about curb stomping the sophomore slump curse and riding the wave of chaos towards a dystopian future.
Your debut was celebrated and lauded by critics. Were you anxious are nervous with regards to meeting high expectations with the follow-up?
I don’t think we get anxious or nervous in regards to writing music. It was a natural progression from what we had already written. We wanted to make something better. So, we set out to do that.
Critics seem to unanimously sight the high-energy of your sound. Where does that energy come from?
We have a lot of pent-up energy. We all work frustrating, labor-intensive jobs, so when it comes to getting to play our music live, that energy naturally comes out.
Also, who wants to see a bunch of people stand still and do nothing while playing?
Was there an underlying theme you were hoping to explore while writing Taken By Force?
At the time of writing it, we’d just gotten through the tail end of the pandemic and lockdown. Things were looking pretty grim for the future. We wanted to capture that melancholy and anger on record. 1984 meets Endless Summer was the overall theme. Riding the wave of chaos towards a dystopian future.
What was the experience of working with Rob from Radio Birdman like? What production notes or tips did he bring to the table that you found really valuable?
He was great. Rob kind of brought an overall tension to the actual recording of the music. We were all on our toes, trying to get the best takes we could. He would then direct us in tightening up aspects of the tracks. Cutting unnecessary parts and repeating necessary parts.
What moments from the record are you most proud of?
Just the way it all came together in the end from start to finish. The highs and lows we set out to make, I think, come across quite clear.
“Blood Rushes” is sort of a love song. Are you a romantic? Does real romance exist in 2023?
Extremely romantic. Of course romance exists. It’s like the first time you go into a beautiful body of water. Or the first time you hold your current lover. Romance is stronger than ever.
What is the source of your most palpable existential dread? What are you most afraid of?
Dying alone from old age in a room. With no one around. With no achievements. In a chair, staring at a wall. Thinking about what I should have done.
What are you most looking forward to about your trip to SXSW?
Getting to showcase our power. And eating BBQ.
What are your future goals for CIVIC, and what strengths do you believe you have towards achieving those?
Just keep doing what we’re doing. Writing more music. Playing more shows. Travelling overseas. We are constantly thinking five moves down the track. If you’re content with what you’ve done you will never progress.
Catch up with Civic at their Official Web Site, or on Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube.
Photo by Julia Forgie
