Bugs are three mates making infectiously happy noise pop.
The last couple of years have seen the Brisbane trio's reach ballon, particularly after the release of their 2019 album 'Self Help' that saw a number of their tunes on high rotation on triple j.A support slot alongside Grinspoon and The Gooch Palms soon after (you know, back when tours were the norm) saw the band witness their biggest crowds. This was quickly followed by their own run of sold-out headline shows.
Then COVID happened and the lads were forced into hibernation; though they still managed to play four sold-out, socially-distanced local shows as well as supporting Mallrat on her sold-out tour (six shows) in late 2020.
In 2021, Bugs have released two singles – the gorgeous yet intense 'Decisions, Commitments & Plans' and the pure punk fun of 'Diamond'.
Ahead of a trio of SE QLD shows as well as two cheeky gigs in Melbourne in December (not to mention their appearance at UNFIY Gathering in 2022), band member Connor reveals his green thumb with his five favourite plants. . . 'cause, why not!
1: Hoya Vine
These subtropical rainforest dwellers native to Australia are fantastically hardy in the volatile environmental conditions we're used to.They'll work their way up and around trellises and need little maintenance as most are epiphytic and take nutrients from the air. They also produce beautiful, small bunches of white/ pink flowers in spring and have a beautiful waxy leaf texture that looks glossy in direct sunlight.
2: Monstera Obliqua
The 'Swiss Cheese' variant of the ever popular Monstera is (from my experience) much easier to care for than its traditionally larger cousin.This boutique variety is so interesting to look at as each new leaf takes on its own characteristics in terms of shape. Truly unique. Easy to propagate from cuttings in water too.
3: Boston Fern
These resilient ferns are phenomenal; the cascading nature of their long-reaching arms provide a mesmerising canopy when placed on a high shelf.They absolutely LOVE the humidity in Queensland coming in to summer that allows them to explode in growth – can look dormant in colder months, but I love how much they spring into life at the best time of year.
Almost like a visual reminder of the prosperity of spring due to the speed and size of growth. When they catch a breeze the leaves brush together to make a relaxing, rain-like sound.
4: Strelitzia Reginae
The Bird of Paradise plant is one of my favourites for its grand stature and ability to cope with high winds. They always bunch/ clump in an eye-catching formation that gives them this prominence and bravado.The way the deep roots allow for an incomprehensible amount of movement in the stem constantly baffles me. They look like they are too water-rich to withstand gusts, but the only damage they generally take is split leaves and even then it just adds to the charm of the plant.
5: Philodendron Silver Sword
I'd been looking for one in Queensland for about six years before I eventually stumbled upon a wholesale supplier. As they've become more popular due to the virality of social media plant-sharing, they're much more readily available up here now.These look almost extra-terrestrial with this translucent sheen and pale colour. Such a beautiful and surprisingly hardy house plant.
Bugs 2021-2022 Tour Dates
Thu 4 Nov - Miama Marketta (Gold Coast)Fri 5 Nov - Eleven Dive Bar (Sunshine Coast)
Sat 6 Nov - Princess Theatre (Brisbane)
Wed 15 Dec - The Corner Hotel (Melbourne)* early show
Wed 15 Dec - The Corner Hotel (Melbourne)* late show - sold out
21-23 Jan - UNIFY Gathering 2022 (VIC)
