Brisbane/Meanjin-based group Das Druid release new single “Incense”
Hailing from Brisbane/Meanjin, Australia, is Das Druid – “Madchester from the opposite side of the globe” – and their new EP, Das EP, has just been released. When one thinks of Manchester’s impressive cementation into music’s hall of fame, classic tunes from The Stone Roses, The Smiths, Joy Division, The Verve and, yes, Oasis, spring to mind. Then there’s New Order and The Chemical Brothers, who each in their own respective rights laid down new foundations for electronic music. And if that isn’t enough, The Bee Gees made their live debut, then known as The Rattlesnakes, in Chorlton, Manchester.
The city is teeming with musical Laurels, but ‘Madchester’ refers to the cultural scene that emerged in the late 1980s and ended in the early 1990s, which is a period defined by the evolution of the ‘indie rave’, in which indie rock was blended with acid house, psychedelia and 60s pop. During this, The Stone Roses, The Charlatans, 808 State and others steeped in this vibe came to dominate the waves.
Listening to Das EP, their earlier quote rings true and I easily identify the parallels between their songs and the inspirations mentioned above; acid synths that thoughtfully slide in and out of the forefront, base-guitar riffs that strut along, heart-racing drum loops and vocals that effortlessly exude blasé-cool. I was instantly taken by the statement.
Speaking to the band, I was especially curious about what drew them into adopting the sound, considering that they grew up in Australia, which already boasts a bold and influential noise. “When we first started making music, we just wanted to combine genres we loved: House, Techno, Psych Rock and Hip Hop” they say.
“We weren’t trying to be Madchester. But once we started releasing music and playing live, people would say that we were like this band or that band from that scene. So, we started digging around, doing more research, and we fell in love. Every time we make new stuff, it leans heavier into the genre. It’s also now a big part of our listening rotation”. It would be remiss if I didn’t compliment just how organic it sounds.
“Freedom”, released in late-2025, is their first tune on the EP, one that sails exuberantly, full of energy and swagger. “Less Than 3” made me think of summer park hangs and road trips. For now, I’m going to focus on Incense, a calmer single that has been on repeat. The first minute opens with an echoey cosmos of synths, which is then gradually pierced by light drums and a self-assured base that would get the blood pumping if played over some heist scene in Oceans 11. Then, in comes the vocals; spacey, relaxed… Followed by a groovy riff that feels curious and full of wonder. The sound is exploring an intimate dynamic, seductive and open to new experiences.
“Lay your hands on me. Two hands are better than one. Two eyes are better than one. Two minds are better than one.” — Das Druid.
Heist scene be-gone, the vibe has confidently shifted by the halfway point, defined by a new riff and a set of synths that transcends the earlier swagger and reaches euphoric shores where the sun slowly sets; “We wanted to make a track that was more of a modern throwback to the 60s”, they say. “For Incense, we were happy to step away from cutting up breaks and adding 909’s to make something a little softer and showcase pure psychedelia”. What distils is an ode to reaching serenity, a cloud nine that you’d like to rest in a little while.
In short, I loved Das Druid’s new EP. The band are constantly looking for new ways to experiment and hit their stride. “We would love to incorporate some heavier sounds in parts, some Shoegaze elements and FX”, they comment upon future ambitions. “One genre we are only just starting to reference is Motown – there’s so many sounds you can hear incorporated into the Madchester sound when going through the catalogue. But don’t worry, we will always have a 303 in there somewhere”. We can hope, but even if that isn’t the case, I’ll still watch out for whatever direction they take.
Stream “Incense” below:
