Bruises is the latest single from Melbourne indie-pop artist Alex Watts, taken from his forthcoming album, after this i’m going normal, which is out March 4 via Astound Records.
A narrative song about a youthful romance shadowed by terminal illness, Bruises sets its half spoken narrator against plaintive strings and a minimal electronic background. Taking cues from the likes of Nick Cave and Phoebe Bridgers, Bruises is a mournful yet hopeful piece of bedroom chamber pop.
Recorded in lockdown from Watts’ apartment, Bruises features Matthew Hayes (30/70, Close Counters) on electric bass, Moses Carr on synth and production and Moira McKenzie on cello and double bass. It was mixed by Moses Carr and mastered by John Lee at Phaedra Studios.
Bruises is the latest track to be released from Alex Watts’ second album, following the 2021 singles Overnormal, DAMAGE and Moving Borders.