Wattmore’s ‘Romantic Side’ skewers dating culture with twang, teeth, and unfiltered charm

There’s nothing polite about Wattmore’s new single ‘Romantic Side’, and that’s exactly what makes it shine. The Brisbane-based duo, made up of brothers Aiden and Kai Boak, continue their genre-mashing streak with a track that lands somewhere between spitfire satire and back-porch rebellion. If their debut ‘Circus Life’ introduced them as cowpunk contenders with a flair for chaos and commentary, ‘Romantic Side’ plants them firmly in the realm of modern-day outlaws.

Built on a locomotive rhythm and bristling with wit, ‘Romantic Side’ takes aim at the polished facade of dating culture with tongue firmly in cheek and boots planted in the dirt. It’s the kind of song that grins while throwing punches. Delivered with their signature snarl-meets-sincerity swagger, the track feels like a square dance staged in a dive bar full of punks.

Musically, it leans more into the twang than their previous work, but don’t be fooled, this isn’t your dad’s country. There’s an electric tension in the delivery, a gleeful refusal to play it straight. That signature Wattmore defiance bleeds through every line and chord progression, backed by an elite lineup of Aussie country players whose precision somehow makes the chaos even more potent.

The production (courtesy of Lindsay Waddington) is slick but never sanitised. There’s warmth in the mix, but enough grit left under the nails to keep it grounded. You can feel the studio fun bleeding through the speakers; tight, alive, and never overthinking itself. In a genre often bloated by overproduction, Wattmore’s clarity of vision feels refreshing: say what you mean, have a blast doing it, and don’t apologise for stepping on toes.

Lyrically, the track is a masterclass in punchy storytelling. Written alongside songwriting veteran Allan Caswell, ‘Romantic Side’ uses clever phrasing and razor-edged humour to peel back the artifice of modern romance. It’s both a protest song and a party anthem; a rare hybrid that lets you two-step while flipping the bird.

What’s remarkable is how the brothers manage to fuse punk attitude with country authenticity without either feeling diluted, steeped in influences ranging from 2000s Britrock to outlaw Americana. And at the centre of it all is a beating heart.

With a full-length album on the way, ‘Romantic Side’ serves as a promising snapshot of what Wattmore’s future might hold: bold sonic experiments, fearless social commentary, and a steadfast commitment to fun, even when the subject matter cuts deep.

If you like your country rowdy, your punk rootsy, and your truth dressed in glitter and grime, Wattmore’s latest is your new favourite anthem.