Fresh from supporting Ladders On Tables – the new project from Trenton Woodley (formerly of Hands Like Houses) – earlier this month, Sydney alternative metal newcomers nightdive continue their quick ascent with their haunting new single 'Occulent'.
Mixed and mastered by Simon Grove (Plini, Intervals, Protest The Hero) with drum engineering by Mitta Norath, lyrically 'Occulent' is a reflection on mortality and the psychological weight of illness.
"The song moves through the experience from multiple angles: the person living inside a failing body, the friends and family watching from the edges, and the lingering ache of loss that outlives the diagnosis," the band says.
"It's not just about death – it's about the slow erosion of hope, the fragility of connection, and the quiet persistence of love in the face of it all. It's an exploration of what it means to lose control of your body, your world, and the people who make it feel worth saving."
Formed only this year, nightdive's – Sam Thomlinson on vocals and guitar, Mitch Clews on guitar, Jared Philips on guitar and Jack Robert on drums – dense guitars, evocative textures and introspective lyricism has been showcased by previous singles 'Move On' and 'Diviner'.
Next month, they'll release their debut EP 'In Quiet Rooms'. "We appreciate everyone's support over these last few months and we can't wait to share this collection of songs with you!"
Who is nightdive... Is Sam, Mitch, Jack and Jared. We started as a purely online project in late 2024, shooting demos, riffs and bulk memes to each other via WhatsApp.
Eventually we realised some of the riffs actually slapped, so we booked some studio time with our mate Mitta (Housefox Studios) to track drums, then recorded everything else in our bedrooms.
Simmo (Simon Grove) mixed it, and the result is the music you've heard so far. We didn't even plan to be a 'band' at first – but after the response to our debut single 'Diviner', we figured we should probably get our act together and start playing shows.
We sound like... We always hate this question, but people keep saying Underoath, Thrice, and Deftones, which is flattering and probably not too far off. Think big walls of sound and emotional chaos.
Our first gig was... Our two shows with Ladders On Tables, but we also have a big announcement coming in February next year. We're pretty excited about it.
When did you settle on the group's name, and was it a unanimous decision... We landed on nightdive pretty quickly. It just felt right – dark, immersive, a bit mysterious. Unanimous because no one could be bothered arguing. Though there were a few cool alternatives.
In the studio we usually... Froth on how good Jackie is at drums, while laughing at Mitch talk an incredibly large amount of sh.t.
If we could tour with anyone... Thornhill, Northlane or Karnivool. Mostly because they're big Aussie acts we admire.
Social media is... Actually an incredible marketing tool. I know a lot of musicians hate it, but personally I like trying to figure out how to use it to the betterment of the band.
My favourite app at the moment is... I'll say Photoshop or Lightroom. Not a big app user on the iPhone.
To date, our most embarrassing moment was the time... Sorry, we're still babies as a band, but I'm sure there's some to come.
Life on the road can be... Pretty rough honestly. The music part is amazing, and hanging with friends, but touring is emotionally and physically taxing, but it's worth it.
If you'll have us on your bill, all we ask is that our rider contains... Water; none of us are big drinkers.
The most scary scenario we've found ourselves in, was... Getting asked to play some pretty big shows before we'd ever been in a room together.
What celebrity/famous person would you love to be spokesperson of the band? David Attenborough.
If you had to live in a city abroad, where would you choose and why? Tokyo. . . Just because it's on the bucket list.
Three people you'd like to invite around for a dinner party? Simon Neil from Biffy Clyro – I love his early songwriting. I don't like groups of people, so I'll stick with just the one.
If we were coming over to your place, what would you cook us? Nothing. Jarred's the chef, so you and I would listen to some music, or watch YouTube while Jaz cooked.
When it comes to pets are you a lover or hater of our furry friends? My dog Whiskey is my best mate.
No matter the expense, send me a case of... Maybe some good coffee beans.
The last time I saw the inside of a gym was... Three times a weeeeeeeeeeeek. No fail.
What's the one chore you dislike the most? Band admin, but also. . . I'm decent at it. So I do it.
Do you have any phobias... This is a pretty lame one, but spiders. Just not a fan.
Would you ever partake in a reality show? 'The Block', 'cause I genuinely love it.
Best local takeaway joint for a midnight feed that will leave you with a food coma? Jaz's Sandwich shop. Though I think they close at 2pm.
Last show you binge-watched? 'Severance' is probably the only one worth noting.
