Hermitude - Mirror Mountain (Album) + 10 Questions

Acclaimed Australian electronic duo Hermitude have unveiled their hotly-anticipated new album Mirror Mountain, out now.

An eight-track release, Mirror Mountain was recorded at Angus’ home on the outskirts of the Blue Mountain town of Blackheath, just as the rest of the world went into lockdown. The pair opted for a pared-back setup of one synth, one laptop and a Moog Matriarch, attempting “not to over-clutter the music," they explained. “Recording Pollyanarchy was a fun experience, but it was also tiring,” said Angus.

“We wanted to strip everything back and return to the essence of why we started Hermitude in the first place,” Luke added. “Which was just us two locked in a studio in the mountains having a bit of fun and seeing what came out.”

The LP kicks off with ‘St Claire’, one of three singles on the album. Characterised by lush, atmospheric dance vibes, it very much sets the tone. ‘Lift Me Up’ carries a similar energy, before the breakbeat euphoria of ‘Promises’ - the LP’s second single - features newcomer vocalist Andie. Third and final single ‘When You Feel Like This’, a collaboration with indie-rock outfit The Jungle Giants, offers a nimble, high-energy dose of feel-good electronica, the aptly-titled ‘Golden Hour’ evokes the kind of wistful beauty attached to witnessing a breathtaking sunrise, and ‘Flush With Love’ pairs poignant piano chords with warped vocals. Closing things out, ‘Tides Of Time’ delivers some meditative respite, before ‘Sixth Sense’ ensures Mirror Mountain finishes on a suitably glistening note.

Consisting of Luke Dubber (a.k.a. Luke Dubs) and Angus Stuart (a.k.a. El Gusto), Billboard-chart topping outfit Hermitude have been releasing music since the turn of the century, drawing widespread critical acclaim and sold out headline shows around the world. They have since released six albums, most recently last year’s Pollyanarchy.

Hermitude sat down with Wordplay Magazine to answer our infamous 10 Questions:

1. So tell me, how did it all begin? What sparked your love for music?

For us it began in a studio atop a valley in the wee hours of the morning. Crisp air, moonlight, weed smoke, samplers and synths. We both produced music separately and then one day thought, fuck it. Let’s hang out and write beats. And so Hermitude was born.

2. Who are some artists that influence you and that you want to work with in the future?

Gravitating towards more uptempo vibes lately. Really loving Floating Points, Fourtet, TSHA, Duskus, Ross From Friends and DJ Seinfeld right now.

3.  What projects do you have coming up and can you give us any info on them?

We got a new album called Mirror Mountain dropping worldwide on May 6. We wrote it upon returning to our hometown in the Blue Mountains National Park in Australia so it’s a bit of a love letter about where we’re from, where we’ve been and where we’re going.

4. How would you describe your sound?

We’ve been exploring more progressive uptempo music lately as opposed to big drops from previous records. The sound is organic, energetic and will happily gel with whatever mood you’re in. You wanna hit the dance floor? We got you. You wanna chill on the couch and blaze? We got you too.

5. What's your proudest moment to date so far as an artist?

The fact we can still link, work and hang out as friends after this long is a huge achievement. We write dope music together, we still see eye to eye creatively and really enjoy what we do after almost 20 years.

6. Do you have any advice for our readers who may be trying to play the mad game of music?

This game is indeed mad but if you stick with it you’ll be you’ll be happy and fulfilled. Imagine just writing music and playing shows as your full time job? It’s a dream and if you believe in what you do, you can live this dream as well.

7. Are there any artists on your radar right now that we should check out?

Logic 1000, Deekapz, Hataah, Dameeela, Juno mumba.

8. What albums are on heavy rotation on your Spotify playlist currently?

Tread - Ross From Friends, Mirrors - DJ Seinfeld, Promises - Floating points, Motomami - Rosalia.

9. What do you like to do when you're not making music?

Low and slow BBQ, skateboarding, basketball, golf and some video games.

10. Name Three things you can't live without when in the studio?

Tea, a heater and some trail mix.