Since the release of their debut album, Melbourne-based band Bananagun has faced turbulent times, to say the least. Launched during Australia’s strict COVID-19 lockdowns, 'The True Story of Bananagun' saw the band scattered, barely able to rehearse, with members sneaking past military checkpoints just to meet. This period of enforced isolation coincided with a period of introspection for frontman Nick van Bakel, who focused on personal growth. Amid constant setbacks, the band slowly regained momentum, ultimately channeling these challenges into their new album, 'Why Is the Colour of the Sky?'.
This follow-up album breaks away from the slick, sunshine-filled sound of their debut, embracing jazz and experimental freak-beat influences. The band abandoned their prior structured approach, instead recording songs as they developed, often within days. The album was recorded in a 1960s-style studio, capturing the energy of live performance with minimal edits, amplifying the raw, collective spirit they aimed to preserve. Guided by "pro-human" principles, 'Why Is the Colour of the Sky?' resists the dehumanizing effects of technology, affirming the enduring value of human connection, spirituality, and creative freedom in a fast-changing world.
