South Summit – Run It Back (2026)
South Summit, the West Australian five-piece, released their sophomore album, Run It Back. It’s clear to see that South Summit embraces the opportunity to evolve, delivering a record that confidently expands the foundations laid by their acclaimed debut, The Bliss. Bigger in scope, richer in texture and more adventurous in execution, it’s the sound of a band refusing to be boxed in by the genre tags that first brought them attention.
Across 12 tracks and a lean 39 minutes, South Summit sharpen the groove-heavy formula that’s become their calling card while welcoming a host of fresh influences into the fold. Their signature blend of reggae-infused indie-rock and psychedelic warmth remains intact, but this time it’s coloured by flashes of funk, hip-hop and R&B that give Run It Back a broader musical vocabulary. Think the laid-back swagger of Ocean Alley, the rhythmic elasticity of The Cat Empire, the melodic polish of Pacific Avenue and the left-field textures of Glass Animals, yet the end result feels distinctly South Summit.
Album opener ‘HEARTLESS’ immediately raises the stakes. Built around driving rhythms, soaring melodies and an undeniable sense of momentum, it announces a band operating with newfound confidence. That energy ripples throughout the record, from the irresistible chorus of ‘WE ARE’ to the infectious pulse of ‘TOP OF THE HILL’, each track balancing radio-ready hooks with musicianship that never feels overworked.
Where Run It Back truly distinguishes itself, however, is in its willingness to take risks. The hazy, genre-blurring atmosphere of ‘ON THE DASH’ finds South Summit leaning further into psychedelic territory, while tracks like ‘ANDO BOI’ and ‘CALL OF THE EMPIRE’ introduce hip-hop influences that feel like a genuine progression rather than a stylistic detour. Instead of chasing trends, the band folds these elements naturally into their groove-driven songwriting, resulting in songs that feel fresh without sacrificing cohesion.
Much of that evolution can be credited to producer Dave Parkin, whose résumé includes Spacey Jane, Old Mervs, Sly Withers and Great Gable. His production allows every element room to breathe, from the warm basslines and crisp percussion to the shimmering guitars and expansive vocal harmonies. Co-writing contributions from Six60’s Marlon Gerbes also help elevate the songwriting, encouraging the band to stretch creatively without losing sight of what makes them so effortlessly appealing.
Perhaps the album’s greatest achievement is its sense of balance. Even as South Summit stretches beyond familiar territory, they never lose sight of the infectious grooves and mellow rhythms that have become their signature. Every experiment feels purposeful, every stylistic shift earned. The sequencing also works in the album’s favour, flowing naturally towards the reflective closer ‘MORE LIFE’, which provides a fitting sense of resolution while hinting that there’s still plenty of ground left to explore.
Run It Back is an ambitious and rewarding follow-up that sees South Summit operating near its creative peak. Bigger, bolder and more sonically adventurous than its predecessor, it’s the sound of a band refusing to stand still while perfecting the qualities that made them such an exciting prospect in the first place. If The Bliss introduced South Summit, Run It Back firmly establishes them as one of Australia’s most compelling contemporary bands.
Find out more about South Summit on their official website, Facebook, Instagram, YouTube and Spotify.
This artist was sent to us by Mystic Sons.
