Melbourne’s outfit has unveiled the first taste of their highly anticipated second album.

Aussie City Calm Down have released an energetic and punchy new single Blood. The song is accompanied by an eccentric performance clip directed by McLean Stephenson.

The music video is the perfect partner to the single. Stephenson accentuates the crescendo and build of the song by creating a rapidly changing background and visual effects. It also focuses on frontman Jack Bourke throughout, highlighting his attachment to the lyrics as well as his frenzied delivery.

Vocalist explains:

I ended up quitting my job. My boss was being inflexible but I was also being self absorbed, and the lyrics reflect that. They touch on the grind of work and how easy it is to isolate yourself from the people who matter to you by being too caught up in your own ambition and what you’re doing.

The single itself teases the release of sophomore album. After selling out a national tour and opening for the likes of alt-J and CHVRCHES, City Calm Down seem ready for the big release. Bourke comments on the band’s growth since their 2015’s debut:

The new record feels like a natural progression from ‘In A Restless House’. There are songs that expand on the themes and songwriting present on that record, and there are songs that mark a clear departure. It also feels much more cohesive… which is probably due to us having a clearer idea of how we wanted the songs to sound before we went into the studio.

Blood is available now via I OH YOU.