BARNEY COLLINS NEWS.

Fresh off a national tour supporting Bodyjar and Gyroscope, legendary Melbourne indie rock outfit Klinger have returned with their first new music in over two decades.

Forming in the late 90s in Melbourne’s northern suburbs, Klinger achieved national success with songs like Hello Cruel World and Ben Lee dominating the airwaves and landing in JJJ’s Hottest 100 (twice!). They supported the likes of Green Day, Unwritten Law and Everclear before disbanding in 2002.

But now they’re back. Older and wiser, but still Klinger. 

The double A side single – 4000 Weeks/The Wrong Way was recorded with Neil Gray at Big Sky Audio and features their trademark wry lyrics, spiky guitars, thumping drums and layered harmonies. But there’s a hard-fought sophistication to the playing now, and there’s a depth to the lyrics. 

Lyrically, 4000 Weeks was inspired by Oliver Burkeman’s book of the same name, which is based on the stark reality that we all have about 4000 weeks on this planet (if we’re lucky). The concept rattled around in Ben’s head for months before becoming a rousing chorus about lost time and things left unsaid and undone.

The Wrong Way is a rumination on the paths we take – right and wrong, and how they get us to where we are. Written primarily by Dave Rogers, there are universal themes, as well as some very specific Klinger moments explored. We did have a manager who checked into the airport with his life in a plastic bag. That’s not fiction.

2024 will see Klinger return to the studio to round out a new collection of songs, along with more national touring with some old mates. Watch this space.

“4000 Weeks is the product of slightly wizened, nearly middle aged men/puppets, with the hands of their 20 year old selves rammed up their fundaments. Set the fuzz box to stun.” – Peter Farnan, Boom Crash Opera