“This is an incredibly good sounding album… Energetic, therapeutic, entrancing, this album feels like summer.”
- bandcamp.comwas just one of many favourable reviews of the 2017 debut self-titled EP by Gold Coast power pop outfit EchoWave. The sole studio project of multi-instrumentalist Sam Croaker, the collective have been enchanting audiences from the Sunshine Coast all the way to Byron Bay with their nostalgic and technicoloured pop rock soundscapes since 2018 and show no signs of stopping anytime soon.
L-R: Seb Garfield (Synth & Guitar), Aaron Hamilton (Bass), Nic Pilbeam (Drums) and Sam Croaker (Lead Vocal and Guitar).
“EchoWave purports a vastly nostalgic and inspired style that maintains and extends the generation-defining psychedelic rock sound with flawless contemporary execution.”
- Russell Thompson, musicismymuse.comEchoWave’s second EP, 2019’s ‘Fantasyland’ was met with great acclaim, selling out the EP’s release show at Tym’s Guitars in Fortitude Valley (which saw patrons flooding in and spilling out onto Winn Street to see the band) and propelled EchoWave into supporting bands such as Melbourne’s ORB (Flightless).
2020 saw the release of EchoWave’s second single ‘I Don’t Mind’ which immediately became a crowd favourite and their biggest release yet. With the song spreading like wildfire, EchoWave had been asked back by venues such as Burleigh Bazaar and saw them reach even bigger shows, supporting San Mei at Miami Marketta, performing at Tiny Mind’s Sunday Harvest Festival featuring Brisbane’s Sycco as well as the forthcoming Bluesfest Busking Competition.
“…the classic epic power pop studio wizardry vibe. Harmonic solo = yes thanks. Into a soaring chorus - love it. Cheers EchoWave!”
- Steph hughes, Triple J Unearthed (on i don’t mind)
2021 is full of new and exciting plans for EchoWave, who are releasing their third single ‘I’ll Be Your Friend’ on the 9th of April. The song marks a change in sonic and thematic directions for the band featuring less glistening guitars in favour for more shimmering synths, the track flirts with traces of late 70s New Wave and Yacht Rock while managing to keep a strong pop sensibility.
Written by Sam as an uplifting support song, it is one of his most meaningful songs yet as it presents the idea that although you may feel like you are alone in the world, you aren’t the only one and there will always be someone who will support you no matter what.
In support of the songs, EchoWave will be celebrating with two big shows in April, Elsewhere in Surfers Paradise on the 9th featuring Smell’s Like Nanna’s House and Carrier’s Creek making their live debut, and Brisbane’s Black Bear Lodge on the 18th featuring Big Blue Eyes and Monet’s Pond also making their live debut.