Dream rockers Lucid Safari are leaving a mark on the airwaves with their fusion of unique grooves and psychedelic rock anthems, making them one of the bright lights within the local music scene. Their new single, “When You Go,” is no different.
Formed in 2019 by frontman Daniel Lewis—vocals/guitar—and then solidified in 2022 with guitarist/backing vocalist Braedon Hall, bassist Alex Cremin, and drummer Nic Ross, Lucid Safari crafts inspiration from the likes of Sticky Fingers, Arctic Monkeys, and Ocean Alley into transfixing the spirit.
“When You Go” plunges headfirst into the seductive but tempestuous start of a toxic relationship. It captures pretty wonderfully the whirlwind of emotions, the rush of adrenaline, and the excitement of being entangled with somebody who brings out the best and worst in you. The sound is uniquely and constantly evolving on Lucid Safari’s track, which makes this next act one for the playlist.
As compelling as the single itself, the journey from concept to creation could go hand in hand. Teaming up with celebrated producers Blake Malone (Peach Fur, Amy Shark, Tia Gostelow, Mitch King, Budjerah, Friends of Friends) and Sam Woods, “When You Go” got quite the studio treatment. The song was initially conceived over a disco beat, continuing to maintain its true identity while helping strike a balance for this new direction with Lucid Safari’s dream rock base. The texture and depth are added on by contributions from renowned musicians like Holy Holy, Japanese Wallpaper, Gretta Ray, and Mallrat’s Graham Ritchie.
Live, Lucid Safari is somewhat of a spectacle. Energising vocals, delivered primarily by Daniel Lewis, emerge from the collective band to produce an experience their fans cannot help but go wild for. All of this was brought to the fore for an utterly sold-out headline show at Black Bear Lodge and through a very successful recent national tour, with the band proving their continued popularity.
“When You Go” is beautiful musically but is in the raw and honest portrayal of the uglier side of love that it shines. Lucid Safari converts a very personal experience into some kind of universal anthem with dreamy and lush soundscapes; they pool together heartfelt lyrics, catchy melodies, and an aura that ensures their listeners will remember the music.
So turn the volume way up, close your eyes, and let Lucid Safari take you for the ride of the highs and lows of love with their emotional rollercoaster “When You Go.” You won’t want to miss it.
You can listen to ‘When You Go’ below: