Camp Cope – Running With the Hurricane

A lot has changed in the world since Melbourne trio Camp Cope’s last record release. 2018's How To Socialise & Make Friends proved its purpose; propelling the group into the spotlight, galvanising lead single The Opener shook the Aussie music industry for its feigned attempt at gender parity. If they were looking to disrupt things back then though, their return sees the (now well-established) friends fusing together even tighter.

Entrenched in the elements, Running With the Hurricane finds vocalist/guitarist Georgia Maq contemplating open skies and mosquitos on the bass-led lullaby The Mountain and yearning for the sound of pounding rain overhead on reluctant heartbreaker Say the Line, as bassist Kelly-Dawn Hellmrich leads the melody with her signature wandering basslines rising in the mix like smoke from a campfire.

But while Hellmrich’s strings might be a mainstay, there are some enriching new additions. Lilting pianos, soothing horns and bolstered harmonies appear with guest turns from fellow Aussies Courtney Barnett (on guitar for Caroline and Sing Your Heart Out) and Cable Ties' Shauna Boyle (on trumpet for One Wink At a Time). Because, despite a world in constant flux, Running With the Hurricane is the sound of a band who have hunkered down at home and found calm at their core. They might no longer be storming the patriarchy with this contemplative collection but Camp Cope has pitched their spot for a bright future, regardless.

Listen to: Jealous, Running With the Hurricane, Sing Your Heart Out