Link to our Facebook
Link to our Instagram
Link to our TikTok

Lowtide's guide to the best of the best in Melbourne

5 February 2018 | 10:47 am | Max Lewis

On the eve of their sophomore LP Southern Mind due Feb 16th, Melbourne shoegazers Lowtide take us on a tour of Melbourne's best spots.

Melbourne trio LOWTIDE create the perfect soundtrack for staring out a window. Blending elements of shoegaze with the bite of post-punk since 2009, they've made a name for themselves as one of Australia's best dream-pop acts, for good reason.

In the lead up to their sophomore LP Southern Mind, they dropped 'Elizabeth Tower'. From the vocals to the slightly harsher, chorus rich lead guitar, the song leans closer to the post-punk side yet still has that familiar wall of sound. It's the trio at their absolute best - noisy, reflective and, of course, dreamy as heck.

With a national tour kicking off this month and Southern Mind set to be premiered by none other than Henry Rollins on his KCRW show, LowTide is sure to make it big this year. To fit with the retrospective sound of their tunes, we thought we'd dial it back and ask member Lucy Buckeridge about the best spots in her hometown of Melbourne.

Plug into the latest music with our FREE weekly newsletter

Neighbourhood Wine (Image by Neighbourhood Wine)

This place makes me feel like I’m living my best life. Incredible food & wine, stunning wooden features with a club house vibe. Nothing beats Sunday roast by the fire during the Melbourne winter.

Olinda (Image by Jamieson Moore)

My grandparents had a house in Olinda until I was about 6, where my parents were married in the backyard. We would go up most weekends when I was a kid and I’ve loved the hills ever since. My favourite spot is the RJ Arboretum – it’s so beautiful, vast and peaceful, you can easily get lost in there.

The Tote (Image by Gary Medlicott via The Age)

There are so many great venues in Melbourne, but The Tote has the perfect blend of being both current and nostalgic. I’ve spent many long nights there over the years and it’s full of treasured memories, mostly involving dinky smoke machines.

LongPlay (Image by Broadsheet)

The perfect local that always delivers with great food, drinks and it’s cosy atmosphere. Seen some great shows in the small cinema out the back too, it’s a hidden gem.

The Paperback Bookshop (Image by Whatson Melbourne)

I love it for it’s nooks and corners and shelves that are out of reach. Feels like you’re digging through someone’s collection. Find a gem, then head to the counter at Pellegrinis.

Southern Mind is out February 16th via Rice is Nice and Opposite Number. Catch Lowtide on tour at the dates below:

INTRODUCTION BY MAX LEWIS

MAIN IMAGE BY TAJETTE O'HALLORAN

SEE ALSO