Gap Year return with second album 'In Light'
Photo Credit: Howie Ng
Atmospheric indie rock five-piece Gap Year return with their anticipated sophomore album In Light, a rich, atmospheric collection of songs that mark a new creative chapter for the band - out 28 November.
Formed in 2019 out of Perth’s tight-knit music community, Gap Year brings together Daniel Harrison, Maddy Blue, Rhien Tan, Lee Napper, and Ben Santostefano, a group whose musical chemistry was built through years of shared stages and projects. Their sound sits somewhere between The War On Drugs, Real Estate, Gang Of Youths, and The National, blending driving guitars and lush textures with reflective, cinematic songwriting.
In the lead-up to the album, Gap Year have already shared singles Where I Came From, In Light, and Slow Here, each offering a glimpse into the band’s evolving sonic world. Together, and with the LP’s lead single Ride Home, these tracks reveal the band’s knack for balancing introspection with momentum. Weaving rich textures, layered guitars, and grounded storytelling into something that feels intimate and cinematic.
In Light is the culmination of three years of focused writing and recording, produced and engineered by band member Rhien Tan, mastered by Dan O’Connor (Encoder Sound), and accompanied by artwork from Madeline Blue. The band shares:
“This album is the culmination of three years of writing and recording following the release of our debut album [Flat Out] in 2021. It represents the band’s focus on prioritising extended song form with the hope that it will reward repeat listeners. We didn’t set any particular deadline for this record, which allowed us to explore sounds within an open and creative environment.”
Building on a steady list of achievements, including performances at In The Pines, WAM Showcase 2025, and a main support slot for Phantastic Ferniture, Gap Year continue to carve their place within WA’s indie landscape.
Ahead of the official release, In Light will be available for airplay and for purchase on Bandcamp from 24 November, rewarding early supporters through the band’s preferred platform. The album will then arrive on all streaming platforms 28 November (alongside limited vinyl pressings available through Bandcamp), celebrated that evening with a launch show at The Buffalo Club, joined by Airline Food and Bribes. More launch info here.
With In Light, Gap Year reaffirm their status as one of Perth’s most quietly confident and accomplished indie acts. A band unafraid to take their time and let the songs speak for themselves.
Gap Year’s new single In Light is out 28 November via Blue Grey Pink