After a triumphant celebration of their seminal record Hymns For The Non-Believers took them around the country, on a run of shows that reinforced their legacy and enduring live presence, Kisschasy now surge forward into a new creative arc. 

Having teased a fresh chapter of music with the release of ‘Lie To Me’ ahead of their latest Australian tour, the Melbourne favourites are back with a new track, ‘Parasite’. 

As with ‘Lie To Me’, Kisschasy’s latest release is a poignant reminder of the natural chemistry that has existed within the band since their beginnings on Victoria’s Mornington Peninsula; chemistry that has evolved over the years into an energy that feels vibrant and layered with maturity and perspective.

Though the band is based between Los Angeles and Melbourne, Kisschasy’s cohesion remains strong throughout the music we’ve been treated to from the group in 2025. 

‘Parasite’ has the hallmarks of the band’s core sound, yet still feels as relevant as ever – with bands such as Slowly Slowly, Sly Withers and Dear Seattle continuing to take over the airways in Australia, Kisschasy’s influence on modern Australian rock music in unmistakable.

With powerful, modern production and a lean into some crisp ‘90s influences, Kisschasy have been able to let different elements of their artistry shine. Insatiable guitars and rhythms complement softer moments on the track, unafraid to let the strength of Darren Cordeux’s lyricism ruminate.

A song that describes “clinging to something that’s bad for you”, ‘Parasite’ lands in a similar sonic space to Blue Album-era Weezer or early Fountains of Wayne (with some “Fugazi-flavoured riffage”). As Cordeaux explains of ‘Parasite’, “Whether it’s a relationship with a person or a vice, most of us have found ourselves, at some point, unable to let go of something that drains our life force.”

The single was recorded between Woodstock Studios in Melbourne with Richard Stolz (Paul Kelly, Bodyjar), and Cordeaux’s own studio in Los Angeles. Produced by Cordeaux and mixed by John O’Mahony (Coldplay, Metric) in New York City, ‘Parasite’ was created with the idea of keeping everything as organic as possible — true to the overall Kisschasy sound.

“We used old tube amps, old tube microphones, no autotune and very few effects; our aim being to avoid anything being overthought or overwrought. The trouble with modern recording is that you can get caught in this feedback loop of constantly tweaking a song to the point that it loses its spark, its soul.

One advantage we have as a band is that we’ve been the same four members since Day One. We speak a subliminal musical language that means that, even if there are mistakes, they work somehow. Perfection is boring anyway.”DARREN CORDEUX, KISSCHASY

This September, Kisschasy will be taking a brief pause from working on their new material, to perform a special set at BIGSOUND, as part of the Oztix Official BIGSOUND Party. Delegates will be able to see them on Thursday 4 September at The Brightside – more information, head here.

For fans hanging out for more from the band, the release of ‘Parasite’ is your newest hint of a bigger picture still to come. 

UPCOMING SHOWS 

Thursday September 4 The Brightside Fortitude Valley, QLD 
OZTIX Official BiGSOUND PartyINFO