Bouncing out of the gate with a swaggering bassline, 90s flair and a fearless falsetto, Sydney multi-instrumentalist CHUCK SICS returns with M.A.D, the high-octane follow-up to his debut track REDO. Written, performed, produced and mixed entirely by CHUCK SICS in his bedroom studio, M.A.D finds the artist flirting with a Britpop influence while continuing to carve his own path as one of the most exciting DIY acts in Australia’s indie scene.
If REDO wavered between dreamy psych and introspective alt-rock, M.A.D punches straight into the fast lane – a driving, upbeat anthem that feels like Blur if Damon Albarn had grown up making demos in Western Sydney. Synths shimmer, bass grooves bounce with authority, and a solo midway through the track showcases CHUCK SICS’ mastery of his first love – the bass guitar. “Bass was always my main instrument,” he says, “so I always try to give it its own voice in the song. I love when it’s not just holding the rhythm, but actually talking.”
Alongside its gritty charm and undeniable groove, M.A.D also gives room for CHUCK SICS’ striking falsetto to soar, further highlighting his evolution as a vocalist and producer. “I wanted this one to feel a bit manic – like you’re spiralling but having fun while you do it,” he shares. “Everything’s a bit messy and over-the-top, but that’s kind of the point.”
As with REDO, every inch of M.A.D was tracked and built in CHUCK SICS’ home studio, continuing his lo-fi, high-impact approach to music-making. The synths pulse with attitude, the hooks are instant, and even the instrumental breakdowns carry the mark of a musician who grew up steeped in music.
From trumpet in primary school, to piano, guitar, bass, drums and finally singing, CHUCK SICS has been a student of music his whole life. Now, with M.A.D, he’s embracing the chaos and confidence of a new chapter – one where he’s not just crafting great songs but kicking down the door with them.
M.A.D is out today Tuesday July 1.
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