Relationships rarely end as neatly as people would like. Sometimes the warning signs are obvious, the feelings are complicated and both people know something isn’t working long before either is prepared to admit it. It’s the kind of uncomfortable territory Melbourne indie rock band Chasing Luena aren’t afraid to explore, particularly on their single “Never Call Me.”
The four-piece have been steadily building a catalogue of songs that explore human connections without pretending they’re always straightforward. Their music combines indie rock and folk influences with thoughtful lyrics, drawing inspiration from the Australian alternative scene while bringing their own experiences into the songwriting.
“Never Call Me” offers one of the clearest examples of that approach.
Rather than telling the familiar story of someone being hurt by an inconsiderate partner, the track examines a relationship in which both people contribute to the problems. Neither is entirely innocent, and neither seems particularly interested in admitting how much their behaviour is affecting the other.
There’s dishonesty, jealousy and a constant struggle to maintain control. The narrator acknowledges their own shortcomings, including withholding parts of themselves and approaching the relationship as something that can be managed without becoming too emotionally involved.
The title adds another layer to the story.
Never being called someone’s partner, or even receiving the familiar affection of being called baby, becomes a reflection of the relationship’s lack of definition. Both people avoid giving it a name, allowing them to escape some of the responsibility that comes with genuinely committing to one another.
It’s a particularly relatable observation about modern relationships, where keeping things casual can sometimes become an excuse for avoiding difficult conversations.
That willingness to examine uncomfortable emotions runs throughout Chasing Luena’s recent music.
“Home” approaches human connection from a different perspective, taking inspiration from everyday life in Melbourne. Bikes, tram tracks and shared houses provide the setting for a song about friendship, personal responsibility and the limits of what people can reasonably ask of those closest to them.
As the story develops, the meaning of home becomes less about a particular building and more about the relationships and communities people create around themselves.
Where “Never Call Me” examines the consequences of avoiding commitment, “Home” considers what happens when existing relationships begin carrying more weight than they can comfortably support.
Another important release is “Duck Diving,” which has helped introduce listeners to the band’s music. The track also received an acoustic live interpretation, reflecting Chasing Luena’s interest in presenting their material through different arrangements.
Behind these releases is a group of musicians with varied backgrounds.
Drummer Bill Foster brings extensive experience across classical percussion, jazz and rock, while vocalist Charlotte Glover draws from neo-soul influences. Guitarist Patrick Quinlan and bassist Glenn Davidson complete the lineup, contributing their own musical perspectives to the band’s developing identity.
Since beginning live performances in 2022, Chasing Luena have appeared at festivals including St Kilda Festival, Queenscliff Music Festival and Warrandyte Festival. They’ve also supported artists such as Budjerah, Jade Gibson and Wilma Sights.
Those experiences have helped establish the band beyond the recording studio, giving them opportunities to connect with audiences throughout Australia.
With songs such as “Never Call Me,” “Home” and “Duck Diving,” Chasing Luena are demonstrating that their greatest strength lies in recognising the complications of ordinary life.
Their songwriting doesn’t always offer an obvious hero, villain or resolution. Instead, it gives listeners the opportunity to recognise something familiar within the stories, even when those stories aren’t particularly comfortable.
And that ability to find meaning in imperfect relationships is becoming an increasingly important part of what makes Chasing Luena worth following.
https://open.spotify.com/track/2Ftintq3UGu66F5Pp2C1kM?si=d7d075479ab64274
