Bollard releases new single “No Desire”

Since forming in Melbourne back in 2018, Bollard have built their reputation the old-fashioned way, through the live music scene. Featuring the talents of Tom Walsh, Ju Shung, Benton Ching, Marni Walsh, Declan Moran and Wes Faulkner, the six-piece have become a staple of Melbourne’s musical sphere while developing a studio sound that’s struck a chord with listeners around the world. Post punk, shoegaze and art rock collide throughout their work, creating music that can feel chaotic and reflective in equal measure.

Their shared sonic vision was first mapped out on debut album Trawlers, which was released to local acclaim in 2018. Their momentum continued with 2019’s Beware the Atto Fox EP, which took the band’s rougher garage stylings towards a more contemplative sound. By not simply repeating the energy of their debut, Bollard used the release as another opportunity to shift their musical output, beginning a pattern of development that’s remained a central pillar of the project ever since.

By 2023, they were making an impact both at home and internationally; “Interview with a Doll” appeared on cult German label Public Possession’s Chill Pill compilation, while the band released their second full-length album, Lo. Two years in the making, the record distilled the sprawling influences of Bollard’s earlier work into something more concise and measured. They continued moving forward in 2024 with I Was Wide Open, their second EP and fourth release which showcased another side of the group, revealing a flexibility now feels less a defining characteristic.

Now Bollard are preparing to enter another chapter with their third full-length album, Heat, a forthcoming record that further confirms their position as one of Melbourne’s most exciting sonic exports, with melodic guitar riffs and intricate songwriting at the centre of its sound. The second single from the upcoming album, “No Desire,” offers another window into that direction and by blending multiple influences, the track draws primarily from modern post rock alongside experimental rock from the 80s and 90s. It is another superb display of Bollard’s ability to take contrasting musical styles and fold them into their own sound.

Brought in by the flicker of soft guitar notes, the steady patter of drums brings a smooth groove as laid back vocals glide in to roll alongside twanging guitar tones. Flowing with breezy melodic leads and mellow rhythmic sway, the track casts a stellar slice of upbeat garage rock music that’s catchy and highly original throughout. Pulsing bass notes add to the grooving energy while intricate lead guitar flourishes and gentle vocalisations all swirl into the finale to form a memorable musical experience that’s sure to win over new and existing listeners around the world.

With Heat on the horizon, Bollard continue to remain difficult to pin down and that’s very much part of their wide appeal. “No Desire” continues a journey built around melodic guitars, engaging songwriting and an appetite for sonic experimentation, keeping one of Melbourne’s most elusive bands moving into musical areas of their own making. As they continue to go from strength to strength with each move, we can’t wait to see what else they’ve got in store for the rest of 2026 and beyond.

Listen to No Desire below

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