Video Premiere: Salarymen - Echoes

Image creidt: Tom Wilkinson

We've been fans of Salarymen for a while here at Pilerats (and we're not talking about stressed out overworked Japanese businessmen!). We first met the duo a few years ago, and caught up with them last year about their latest EP. Now fresh off the back of their recent performance at South by Southwest, the Sydney/Eora-based duo follow-up their October 2022 EP Head in the Sand with the dreamy indie pop sounds of Echoes, premiering on Pilerats alongside its music video today!

Opening with dreamy synth chords before giving way to a catchy guitar line and mellow rhythm section, Echoes gives way to the alluring and entrancing vocals of Renee de la Motte as the track builds in momentum and energy to its epic conclusion.

Meanwhile, the music video channels classic film noir vibes, shot between Los Angeles and Sydney, and sees the use of some clever editing while interspersing up-close portrait shots with notstalgic DIY styles as it "depicts the act of remembering a former time and the wave of emotions this can bring over us."

Songwriter and producer Thom Eagleton expands on the themes of Echoes saying "When you lose someone close to you or someone unexpectedly passes away, it forces you to reassess your values and appreciate those around you. This song was written from the perspective of their partners and families, whose lives are forever changed in a split second. We wanted to pay tribute to them for carrying on despite the toughest of circumstances. The production is supposed to capture that sense of desperation and helplessness."

Vocalist and bassist Renee de la Motte expands on this, explaining "This song was recorded entirely in our home studio and we tried out some things we’ve never done before. We’re used to writing happier-sounding tracks, but I think there’s something very moving about writing a slow ballad every now and again. They just hit a bit different. We’ve honestly had such a wild ride over the last 6 months with many highs and lows, the highs being our debut Japan tour and then America for SXSW. This song definitely reflects this rollercoaster ride!! The Salarymen train’s not slowing down any time soon."

For those in Sydney, you can catch Salarymen launching Echoes at Vic on the Park on June 2, with support from Bridge Dog (see below for more details and live dates). In the meantime, give Echoes a watch and listen before it releases tomorrow!

Salarymen's new single Echoes is out May 25 via Scenic Drive Records

SALARYMEN UPCOMING SHOWS

FRI 2 JUNE | VIC ON THE PARK, SYDNEY
w/ Bridge Dog

SAT 17 JUNE | HOUSE OF MUSIC & BOOZE, SYDNEY
w/ Caitlin Harnett and the Pony Boys

FRI 7 JULY | THE LANSDOWNE, SYDNEY

Follow Salarymen: Instagram / Facebook