PREMIERE: Harry James Angus - 'New Bright Century'

New Bright Century is Harry James Angus’ first offering since his departure from The Cat Empire and vividly recounts being on the precipice of something life-changing.

New Bright Century instantly draws us in, featuring driving drums from Freya Hooper and Angus’ instantly recognisable voice and signature trumpet solos.

As the track title suggests, Angus draws from his memory of New Year’s Eve, 1999, aged 18. On the edge of adulthood and seemingly at the edge of the century, the swirl of uncertainly inspired this song, which is a departure from what The Cat Empire fans might be expecting from Angus.

“Some people thought that planes were going to crash out of the sky and that all the credit card debt would be cancelled and that all the nuclear bombs were going to go off, but I wasn’t worried about any of that,” he said. “I was about to turn eighteen. I had this whole adult life opening up in front of me.”

Singing, “I think we’re gonna be ok now,” it’s hard not to believe him. The track is optimistic, uplifting, and full of youthful energy whilst also casting a deep shadow on our immediate worldwide context.

Opening with a whimsical piano line, Angus sets the scene: “Time is ten seconds to midnight,” and we’re thrown into the story. Acoustic piano and flickerings of hand claps intermingle with Freya’s restrained but propulsive drum rhythm.

The pre-chorus glitters with subtle string pads, and the piano riff before the bass joins. The chorus takes off like a firework, followed by a glorious trumpet flourish.

The release of New Bright Century will come at the end of a string of tour dates around Australia and will be officially released tomorrow, December 1.

There is still a chance to see Angus perform the track live at the final shows of his New Bright Century Tour 2023.

Harry James Angus - Australian Tour Dates

Friday 1st December - Smith’s Alternative - Canberra, ACT - Tickets
Saturday 2nd December - Shotkickers - Thornbury, VIC - RSVP