51st AvenueICU

Sydney pop rockers 51st Avenue will make you see the light on their impassioned new single ICU.

MORE: PARKWAY DRIVE: “It’s About Encapsulating The Beauty In It, Through The Darkness” //  DUNE RATS: Dance Lessons and Thinking Outside The Box REVIEWS: DUNE RATS: Real Rare Whale // THE INTERRUPTERS: In The Wild // WAAX: At Least I’m Free // I PREVAIL: True Power // PARKWAY DRIVE: Darker Still // STARCRAWLER: She Said // STRAY FROM THE PATH: Euthanasia

An emotive anthem that clasps at cascading drumwork, ambient soundscapes, and soaring vocals courtesy of Alynnis Zizza, ICU is 51st Avenue at their most vulnerable and engaging to date, with a fresh take on traditional pop rock fare on offer throughout the quartet’s latest single.

Initially stemming from an instrumental track, the final version of ICU, bookended by electronic tinges and laden with anthemic rock, grew out of an actual intensive care unit experience faced by 51st Avenue vocalist Zizza. Channelling Zizza’s rollercoaster of emotions at the time, ICU baulks at the typically disposable pop punk angst of breakups and misunderstandings, instead authentically getting under your skin without sacrificing bold helpings of sonic ear candy. 

ICU may have evolved from less-than-rosy circumstances, the end result is a sharp and modern breath of chest-bumping fresh air. 

Having spent 2021 solidly growing their online presence amidst lockdowns, 51st Avenue have increasingly showcased their organic knack for crafting tunes with a difference, with their previous 2022 single Release embracing electronic whimsy and superheroes while also snagging national coverage and airplay. And while ICU may have evolved from less-than-rosy circumstances, the end result is a sharp and modern breath of chest-bumping fresh air. 

Catch 51st Avenue live in action with their latest tune on Saturday 15 October launching ICU, performing at The Newcastle Hotel alongside Aurateque, Live Like Animals and Russian Novel. 

STICK THIS NEXT TO: Windwaker, Terra