After a breakout 2025 that saw the release of their acclaimed sophomore EP No Love Lost, Right?, Sydney indie rock outfit LAHGO are wasting no time stepping into their next era. Returning with their fiery new single ‘Puppet’, the band deliver a bold and emotionally charged track that signals even bigger things ahead for one of the most exciting rising acts in Australian music.

From its opening moments, ‘Puppet’ commands attention. Driven by a hypnotic guitar hook and pulsing energy, the track blends raw indie-rock grit with polished, anthemic songwriting. Frontwoman Mel Bailey delivers one of her strongest vocal performances to date, balancing sharp attitude with soaring harmonies that give the chorus undeniable staying power.

Drawing influence from bands like Paramore, Wolf Alice, and The Preatures, LAHGO continue refining a sound that feels both nostalgic and fresh—fusing driving guitars with emotionally resonant melodies in a way that feels tailor-made for festival stages and packed live rooms alike.

Lyrically, ‘Puppet’ explores the emotional exhaustion that comes from constantly prioritising someone else’s comfort over your own voice. For Bailey, the song emerged from a period of frustration and self-realisation, capturing the moment she recognised the need to break free from an unhealthy dynamic.

That emotional honesty gives the track its edge. While ‘Puppet’ hits hard sonically, there’s a vulnerability beneath the surface that makes the song deeply relatable. It’s a theme that resonates strongly within contemporary Australian music, where audiences continue gravitating toward artists willing to pair catharsis with authenticity.

Behind the scenes, the creative chemistry within LAHGO appears stronger than ever. Bass player Lee Deman explained that the foundations of ‘Puppet’ came together quickly, with the band immediately recognising the song’s potential once guitarist Pistol introduced its now instantly memorable riff.

The track was then elevated further by drummer Hugo Rumor (Boy Soda / Tasman Keith), whose energetic performance injected what the band describes as a “Dave Grohl kind of feel” into the final recording. Combined with Bailey’s commanding chorus, the result is a track that feels urgent, confident, and purpose-built to leave a mark.

Mixed and mastered by Matt Fioravanti at A Sharp Recording Studios—whose previous credits include Kwame, Tasman Keith, and Phil Fresh—‘Puppet’ also represents a noticeable leap forward in the band’s songwriting and production quality. It’s the sound of a band sharpening their identity while embracing bigger ambitions.

That growth has already been reflected in LAHGO’s rising profile across the Australian indie scene. In recent years, the band have earned strong support from triple j, Unearthed, and community radio, while also sharing stages with artists including The Terrys, DZ Deathrays, Don West, and Le Shiv.

A powerful live reputation

Their reputation as a live act has continued to expand through standout festival appearances at Party In The Paddock and Bonzai Festival, alongside a rapidly growing audience online. With more than 456,000 streams across DSPs last year and a social following exceeding 13,000 fans, LAHGO’s momentum is becoming increasingly difficult to ignore.

The release of ‘Puppet’ will also be accompanied by a new music video directed by Jeffim Sheroky at Lobster Studios in Marrickville, adding another visual layer to the band’s evolving creative world.

As Australian music continues to thrive through a new generation of fearless indie artists, LAHGO are proving themselves to be firmly part of that conversation. With support from teams working across Australian music PR, including Beehive PR, the band are entering 2026 with confidence, clarity, and serious momentum.

If ‘Puppet’ is the first taste of what LAHGO have planned next, then the year ahead looks set to be their biggest yet.

UPCOMING SHOWS 

Saturday May 16 Botany View Hotel Newtown NSW TICKETS
Supported by Kitty of The Valley, Hatchling