“We’re glad that the issue of mental health is becoming a more serious topic that is recognised by society,” D’Costa says. “We actually had a discussion with our parents after showing them the music video. [They] thought it was quite dark and were wondering if it was inappropriate. It’s not our intention to try and glamourise depression, but to actually raise awareness and bring to people’s attention that your loved one may be suffering silently and for us to try our best to help them overcome this.”
The song is the title track from the band’s forthcoming debut EP, which they’re launching at Northcote’s 24 Moons Bar this weekend. D’Costa tells us it’s been a while since the band played live, and they’ve got some slightly left of centre things planned for the show.
“We are all really excited about getting out and playing a sick show,” he says. “The lineup that we are playing with has never been done before by us, so hopefully we can nail it. It’s just me on drums, Ash [D’Costa] on vocals and Sheldon [D’Silva] on bass, but we’ve managed to fill in the gaps using some musical magic.
“But seriously, we haven’t played a show in a little under a year, so we can’t wait to get back out there playing for people.”
On top of that, they have put together a dynamic lineup of support acts that is sure to get punters in the mood. “I think people should definitely come down and support the show because it’s an absolute jam packed night with a huge variety of acts playing. We have an acoustic solo act, two rap artists and three bands.”
Animus’ own show promises to be a very pumped-up affair. “I guess people should come and check us out in particular because we have strong amount of energy on stage, which we always get told about by strangers after shows. And also, we are always try our best to make sure entertaining people is our number one priority and try to incorporate cool arrangements.”
Not a band to rest on their laurels, Animus are already planning their next recording, which is likely to herald a change in the group’s musical focus. “We have already begun to write our new EP. So that’s going to be our main priority for the next few months, I think. Hopefully we can have that recorded and ready for release by the end of this year. From the sound of it, we are wavering in a new direction in terms of our sound. We have been trying to refine our sound and make ourselves, as a band, distinct as possible.”
Looking further ahead, the band plan to keep it real and spontaneous. “It’s always good to have a long term plans, but we like to take things as they come in the moment. If we could muster some buzz, a national tour or east coast tour would be absolutely awesome. After releasing the EP we would hope and love for people to have a listen. We have a lot of faith in its quality.”
BY ROD WHITFIELD
