Gap Year shine bright with new single 'In Light'

Photo Credit: Howie Ng

Emerging from Perth’s vibrant indie music scene, Gap Year are back with their latest single, In Light, a stirring and expansive track that cements their reputation for lush instrumentation and evocative storytelling. Set for release 20 March ahead of their highly anticipated sophomore album, In Light follows in the band’s signature style—combining intricate harmonic arrangements with a deep sense of nostalgia and warmth.

Inspired by the sweeping sounds of Real Estate, Alvvays, The National, and City Calm Down, In Light is a tribute to the unspoken magic of empty dance floors. Reflecting on the song’s inspiration, songwriter Daniel Harrison shares, “In Light is a love song dedicated to empty dance floors, which seem to have been the stage for many formative moments in my life. I wanted to try and put into words the impact that lots of space and loud music can have on a close group of people. Reflecting on it now, I think an empty dance floor is one of those situations where you feel closest to friends and loved ones.”

Featuring Daniel Harrison on guitar, vocals and bass, Maddy Blue on vocals, Rhien Tan on synth and Ben Santostefano on drums, the recording process for In Light took on a spontaneous and intimate approach. “The recording process was similar to what we've done in the past except that I ended up tracking most of the instrumentation (apart from drums and synth). This was purely because it was a late edition and we had very little time between me finishing the demo and recording in the studio,” Harrison explains. The result is a track that captures a sense of cohesiveness and emotional depth, brimming with reverb-soaked guitars and driving rhythms.

Formed in early 2019, Gap Year has built a reputation for their eclectic and transportive live performances, with an emphasis on immersive sonic landscapes. Their 2021 debut album Flat Out introduced their unique blend of mid-80s Australiana influences—drawing comparisons to The Church and The Go-Betweens—while embracing modern production styles akin to The War on Drugs and Gang of Youths. The band has since gone on to play RTRFM’s In The Pines and WAMFest, and most recently supported Phantastic Ferniture on tour in 2025, further solidifying their place as one of Perth’s most exciting indie acts.

With In Light, Gap Year continues to refine their sound, offering listeners a poignant reflection on connection, space, and the transformative power of music. Stay tuned for more releases as the band gears up for their sophomore album in 2025.

Gap Year’s new single In Light is out now via Blue Grey Pink

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