Resonance, Riffs, and Razor Wit: ‘Scene’ Is the Satirical Rock Hit We Needed
If you’ve somehow missed them until now, do yourself a favor and familiarize yourself with this Brisbane-based rock powerhouse. Led by vocalist Kate ‘Babyshakes’ Dillon, Caleb Widener, Christian Discoll, Marli Smales and Luke Hanson make up the Full Flower Moon Band. Next year marks a decade for the band’s music journey together, a perfect milestone to drop a rocking single. Gustaf, the perfect New York-based addition to this track, is composed of Lydia Gammill, Tine Hill, Vram Kherlopian, Melissa Lucciola and Tarra Thiessen. Jamming since 2018, Gustaf waited until 2021 to release their debut album, “Audio Drag for Ego Slobs”. Seven years in and they have worked to build a name for themselves in the Big Apple.
Graphic by Paige Waller (Crave Music Magazine)
“Scene” stomps in with the sensation of Full Flower Moon Band’s live-wired roots, it’s complexly multiplied through the collaborative lens of New York’s Gustaf. A taut guitar riff opens up the track and begins settling into a mid-tempo groove that carries a poised, yet potent, sound. A confident foundation is built with a dependable drum pocket and a rumbling bass, allowing for both vocalists to move smoothly across the soundscape.
As the track continues, the lyrics provide a tongue-in-cheek commentary on fame, with the band dubbing the song as an “ego anthem”. Lines like, “I’m not smiling, I’m showing you my teeth” and “Backstage everything is for free,” are a clear nod to fame’s excess, and their own experience of it. As Full Flower Moon Bands’ Dillon describes, the song is both a flaunt and a satire — “completely about ego” — yet laced with a glaring self-awareness.
The dual vocal dynamics of the piece are precise, intertwining on key hooks, they merge the rough with the raw. The artists’ switch-off between Babyshakes’ gravely drawl and Gustaf’s Lydia’s smooth poise, the combination is as confrontational as it is observational. Two personas sharing the same booming rock confession and collaborating to create auditory art from their perspectives.
Mastered by Steve Smart and mixed by Tony Buchen, the track is crisp yet passionate. Guitars howl and chime in calculated resonance, paired with punchy percussion, the mix’s spatial separation gives each element space to breathe. This results in a powerful grunge-rock structure that's stylistically polished with an indie sheen.
“Scene” clocks in at just over 3 minutes, compact but purposeful. Part rock anthem, part satire, it celebrates fame’s sheen while deflating it. With memorable vocals, distinct groove and sardonic lyricism, the track puts the listener in the middle of a post-show duet in a smoke-filled & neon-lit room. Full Flower Moon Band and Gustaf deliver an edgy, upbeat and confident snapshot of modern touring life.
A stroke of rock bravado that is less serious the more self-aware it is, “Scene” is both an invitation and a double-take. It’s a powerful release for Full Flower Moon Band’s rising alt-rock story, with Gustaf’s cameo adding compelling contrast and texture. A must-listen for rock lovers craving a witty message wrapped in dynamic vocals and crunchy riffs.
