“It’s Comforting in a Way”: How Eliza & The Delusionals Are Embracing Noughties Nostalgia
If you have been anywhere near TikTok lately, you will have noticed a massive resurgence in late ‘90s and early 2000s trends. Not only are halter necks, low rise jeans and pleated skirts making a comeback, but pop-punk music is undeniably having a moment again.
In fact, if you once spent your days rocking out to Paramore or Sum 41, Brisbane-based band Eliza & The Delusionals’ latest single "YOU" will likely be right up your alley.
As the group’s frontwoman Eliza Klatt tells Student Edge over the phone, there’s just something about the familiarity of noughties music that makes her feel safe.
"I guess a lot of people around my age—I’m 25 this year—are having a coming-of-age moment," she says.
"Finding those things that you used to have as a kid or when you were growing up and going through those angsty teen years… it’s comforting in a way. It’s what we grew up listening to.
"That’s what we were getting excited about with the song. We were like, ‘It is offensive how early 2000s 'YOU' is.'"
The catchy pop-rock tune follows the release of their remarkable 2020 sophomore EP A State of Living in an Objective Reality, which contained five highly personal and emotive songs including singles "Just Exist", "Pull Apart Heart" and "Swimming Pool".
While the group’s pop-rock style has previously drawn comparisons to British indie rockers Catfish & The Bottlemen and Aussie alternative rock singer-songwriter Alex Lahey, "YOU" sees the band—who formed in 2015—experiment with a spunkier sound, which is only reinforced by the bop’s '90s-inspired music video.
"When the song was done, we heard it and thought it had to have something really bold for the music video," Eliza says.
"We didn’t know if people would think it’s lame or cool, but we really like it, and that’s the most important thing."
Of course, it seems only natural for the band to dabble in early 2000s vibes when their name was inspired by a blink-182 lyric.
"The name ‘Delusionals’ came from a line from blink-182’s song 'Asthenia', because I was a massive fan and thought it was a cool word," she laughs.
"It’s hard to say and it’s hard to fit on merch. The most embarrassing thing is when you’re in a loud bar and someone’s like, 'What’s your band called again?'
"We can’t change it now, so we just have to embrace it."
Despite loving blink-182, Eliza admits that British rock group Coldplay is her biggest musical inspiration. The singer fell in love with the band after seeing them in concert when she was only 12.
"It was my first concert, and I was right up the back. My mum got me tickets for my birthday, and I had binoculars and the whole thing," she says.
"It was one of those moments where you’re watching, and you’re like, ‘This is literally the best thing I’ve ever seen in my life.'
"I just thought it was so cool that that’s what they get to do for a living, and they get to do it all around the world. From that point, I just knew I wanted to be Coldplay one day."
Well, it’s safe to say Eliza & The Delusionals are certainly living that dream. They’re scheduled to support The VANNS on their upcoming national ‘Red Light’ tour, while also playing a string of single launch shows throughout July and August.
When I ask Eliza if she’s feeling pressure to keep writing and performing, she points out how the overwhelmingly positive response to “YOU” has kept her in a good headspace.
"We were a little bit nervous, but we’ve always said we follow our gut instinct, and if we love it, then we think other people will," she says.
As Eliza highlights, she would encourage other young musicians to follow their instincts too.
"Always follow your gut and remember that they’re your songs at the end of the day. No one is going to care about it more than you do.
"Make sure everything you put out—even if it’s not music—you’ve got to be 100 per cent on it.”
Header Image: Supplied
