The song is a “is a fusion of two songs that never felt all the way complete,” says frontman Noah Learmonth. The verse and the chorus are from two respective unreleased tracks, and were put together in this new-wave anthem. 

Learmonth explains the song: “At its core, it explores the feeling of being confused by the culture around you, and the isolation that often comes with that confusion.” Radio Free Alice worked with previous collaborators Ewan Pearson and Peter Katis on the track. Katis’ previous collaborations include The National, Interpol and Bloc Party. While Pearson is celebrated for his work with Depeche Mode, Metronomy and more.  

Rolling Stone said of the Melbourne newcomers, “Paying homage to bands of the ’80s like The Smiths and The Cure, their brand of post-punk is energetic and playful, prioritising hooks and fun over dark atmospherics. It’s a nostalgic sound which never comes off as pastiche.” 

‘Kick in the Shins’ is the band’s second single of 2026, the first being last month’s ‘Lunch Money.’ ‘Lunch Money’ was also Radio Free Alice’s first track released since signing with Atlantic Records. The release also coincided with the band’s slot at New York’s Governor Ball and a sold out headline show in the same city. 

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More music is still to come from one of Melbourne’s most exciting new bands. Speaking to WRSU 88.7 FM in February, Learmonth revealed that after releasing an EP each year over the least three years, Radio Free Alice’s debut album is on the way. Learmonth says the record is “overdue” but “that we were forced to wait so long is cool, too, because we feel very ready.” The singer describes the album as “eclectic” saying “on one end, you’ve got indie punk banger vibe, and then you’ve got slow, kind of Lou Reed ‘Coney Island Baby’ vibe. It’s just very broad.” They have been putting together songs for their debut for a long time and because of that, Learmonth “[doesn’t] feel pressure” for its release. “I’m pretty confident that we’ve got it,” he said. 

The band joined breakout hits Geese on their sold-out Australian leg this February. And most recently have continued their UK/Euro Festival tour, appearing at Belguim’s Rock Werchter Festival and France’s Main Square Festival. Still to come are slots at Tramlines and Truck Festivals as well as one at Reading this August. 

Radio Free Alice UK/Euro Festival Tour 2026 Dates: 

24/7 – Tramlines Festival – Sheffield, UK 

25/7 – Truck Festival – Abingdon, UK 

31/7 – Y Not Festival – Derbyshire, UK 

08/8 – Boardmasters Festival – Newquay, UK 

21/8 – Frequency Festival – Saint Pölten, Austria

23/8 – Babylon Soundgarden Festival – Istanbul, Turkey

27/8 – Into the Great Wide Open – Vlieland, Netherlands 

29/8 – Reading Festival – Reading, UK