Team Love’s Evolving Sound: A Deep Dive into “Tomorrow is a New Day”
By Christian Lamitschka for Country Music News International Magazine
Team Love has always carved out a unique space in the Australian music scene. Their 2020 self-titled debut, crowned an ABC Country Feature Album, was a testament to their dedication to crafting a sound that felt inherently Australian while drawing from the rich tapestry of international folk and country. It was an album that bravely tackled themes of love, loss, chronic illness, identity, and feminism, weaving together dusty roots, gothic ballads, and dazzling four-part harmonies. Now, after a period of intense songwriting, recording, and live performances, the sextet—Ruby McGrath-Lester, Ruby Cattell, Monique Bricknell, Shaun Stolk, Paddy McGrath-Lester, and the more recently added Tom Thomas—is poised to release their highly anticipated second album.
The first glimpse into this new era came with the single “Winter,” a track that showcased an exciting and decidedly more country-rock sound. This addition to their already wide sonic palette immediately brought to mind the raw authenticity of Americana’s current darling, Waxahatchee, and the compelling narratives of local contemporaries like Caitlin Harnett and Fanny Lumsden. “Winter” hinted at an evolution, a stretching of their musical boundaries while retaining the lyrical depth that defines them.
Now, Team Love delivers “Tomorrow is a New Day,” a track that firmly plants itself in the loose, emotive, and poetic sweet spot perfected by bands like Big Thief. Recorded and mixed by Jake Holmes and mastered by Joe Carra of Crystal Mastering, the song is a masterclass in atmospheric Australian Americana. Ruby McGrath-Lester’s vocals, a signature element of Team Love’s sound, dance and roll effortlessly across the expansive backdrop, carrying the weight of the song’s core theme: the persistent battle to effectively utilize one’s time.
Ruby herself reveals the song’s origins, tracing its beginnings back to late 2021. “So it’s unsurprising it has a real ‘pondering your life during lockdown’ vibe,” she explains. This sentiment resonates deeply, tapping into a collective experience of introspection and the often-frustrating desire for productivity in a world that felt, at times, at a standstill. “It’s a song about wanting to use your time productively and valuably but feeling unsuccessful at doing so despite how hard you try; the time just keeps slipping away.” It’s a relatable struggle, beautifully articulated through Team Love’s melancholic yet hopeful lens.
The recording process for “Tomorrow is a New Day” took them to familiar ground, with sessions in Melbourne and near the Victorian town of Hepburn Springs, a place significant to Monique, Tom, Paddy, and Ruby’s upbringing. This connection to their roots undoubtedly infuses the music with an authentic sense of place.
Perhaps the most poignant aspect of “Tomorrow is a New Day” lies in its juxtaposition with earlier work, as Ruby herself notes: “It’s funny to reflect on the lyrics about wanting to have a child but being unsure if you are ready versus ‘Winter’, which is about losing a pregnancy, and now having a happy 4.5-month-old!” This honest reflection highlights the band’s willingness to explore deeply personal and often challenging experiences through their music. It speaks to a band that not only evolves sonically but also matures in its lyrical bravery, offering a raw and intimate glimpse into the ebb and flow of life.
“Tomorrow is a New Day” is more than just a single; it’s a testament to Team Love’s continued growth and their unwavering commitment to crafting meaningful, resonant music. It’s a song that invites listeners to reflect on their own relationship with time, wrapped in a sound that feels both expansive and intimately familiar. With this new offering, Team Love solidifies their position as one of Australia’s most compelling and authentic voices in contemporary folk and country.