The Australian duo Gopher has officially arrived with their debut, Tunnel Buddies, and it’s a chaotic mix of Grind Metal, and electronics that doesn’t take itself too seriously. Built by Ernie Bingo on vocals and Ned Smelly on guitars, the project leans hard into exaggerated storytelling and high-energy shifts, pivoting from blast beats and death/slam textures to playful, synth-driven sections that almost feel like they belong in a club.

To celebrate the launch, they’ve dropped a video for their new single, Party In The Sky. The track is inspired by Ned Smelly’s personal strategy for surviving long-haul flights: drinking the plane dry and passing out. It starts with a catchy synth hook before diving into a heavy groove-riff, eventually turning into a full-blown party anthem. As Ned puts it, when the in-flight entertainment is trash, the best move is to charm the crew and kill the time with a few drinks.​

The rest of the album follows that same irreverent blueprint. Tracks like Kupu Kupu Malam show off the band’s love for contrast, starting in one direction before suddenly pivoting into something much heavier and more direct. It’s a record that values speed and variety, keeping a sense of humor front and center without sacrificing the musical weight.

Tunnel Buddies is out now via Prime Cuts on CD and digital formats.

Tracklist:

• 1. Op Shop Reject
• 2. Chilli Man
• 3. Keno King
• 4. Hot Mess Express
• 5. Five Bucks A Day
• 6. Party In the Sky
• 7. Does The Queen Queef
• 8. Seoul Hole
• 9. Shopping Trollied
• 10. Kupu Kupu Malam
• 11. Rock And Chiko Roll