Windwaker Announce, “smile, you’re on camera.” + Share “closer” Video

PHOTO CREDIT: Ophelia Symons

Australia’s genre-bending WINDWAKER — vocalist Liam Guinane, guitarist Justin Keurntjes, bassist Indey Salvestro, drummer Chris Lalic, and synths/samples specialist Connor Robins — will release their third album, smile, you’re on camera. on October 23 through Fearless Records. Pre-order it here.

Alongside the album announcement, the band, who wrapped its first-ever headline U.S. tour this past spring, has shared the video for new single “closer,” which was co-written by and with additional production from Dan Braunstein.

The song explores the arrival at a crossroads and deciding whether to give up and pursue normalcy or keep going and fight the good fight; it’s an existential battle that most of us face and Windwaker effectively set it to a post-industrial, alt-metal anthem. The lyrical “Do I or don’t I” is matched by the song’s push and pull intensity. Alternately smooth and glitchy verses are folded into stadium-ready choruses and breakdowns so deep they could cause an oceanic earthquake.

“‘closer’ is an allegory for the struggles of being in a band dealing with rejection, self-doubt, and the resilience in spite of that to keep going with something you’ve given everything to,” the band explains. “It’s a message for all to keep trying and strive further toward their goals. This song is the first on the album to highlight a point in life where you have to make the heavy decision to either jump ship and pivot toward a ‘normal life’ or to keep sacrificing in favor of something you’ve invested so much into.”

As a whole, smile, you’re on camera. ruminates on the weight of time and growth, struggles and sacrifice for the better life and authenticity in spite of a world full of superficial and sinister characters and bad actors. It’s a collection of catchy, energetic and heartfelt songs. The album offers a more guitar-forward and gritty, analog-focused backdrop compared to its predecessor, HYPERVIOLENCE, while encapsulating the eclectic signature sound of Windwaker up to this point. The album is highly introspective and does not follow a linear narrative, instead presenting a series of personal reflections and snapshots that capture the emotional highs and lows of this period. It’s a celebration of how far the band has come and a candid look at the pressure of being seen, leaving listeners with a sense of both resolution and ongoing evolution.

smile, you’re on camera. TRACK LISTING:
“low”
“closer”
“click.” (With RinRin)
“do or die”
“dna”
“burn”
“victory lap”
“lie to me”
“wait for me”
“loser” (With Mikaila Delgado)
“overlord”
“some days”