UPS AND DOWNS Return With New EP ‘Radio Is Dead’ and 40th Anniversary Tour

Ups and Downs Return With New EP Radio Is Dead and 40th Anniversary Tour

Brisbane’s own ups and downs are back with a bang. The beloved 80s/90s jangle pop indie legends have released their first new original music in 10 years, ahead of Sleepless’ 40-year anniversary tour. Read on for the details, including the new EP, tour dates, and critical context.

Ups and Downs: New EP and 40-Year Tour

Australian jangle pop legends and 80s/90s indie faves Ups and Downs are back with a new EP and a run of shows to mark the 40th anniversary of a beloved release.

NEW EP RADIO IS DEAD OUT TODAY

Ups and Downs have released their first new original music in 10 years. The EP, Radio Is Dead, is available physically and digitally on Basketcase Records, distributed locally by MGM and internationally by Redeye Worldwide.

Following last year’s sold-out tour to celebrate 40 years as a band (and the release of the vinyl-only anthology, Stained Glass Memories), Ups and Downs will head out again in October to commemorate the 40th birthday of their acclaimed mini-album Sleepless, as well as the new EP. At these four special shows, Ups and Downs will play Sleepless in its entirety for the very first time, along with a second set of their other hits and crowd favourites.

Critics widely consider the 1986 Sleepless mini-album (featuring the indie hit single The Living Kind and their cover of Neil Diamond’s Solitary Man) to be a masterpiece of the 1980s Australian paisley and jangle pop eras. Tracks like In the Shadows and Lit by the Fuse demonstrate the band’s knack for crafting memorable songs that resonate with fans of thoughtful, melodic rock—a distinctive blend of indie and post-punk.

Tour Dates and Venues

Sleepless 40 Years On Tour 2026

QLD
Fri 2^nd Oct: Crowbar Brisbane, Fortitude Valley: https://crowbarbrisbane.com/

Sat 3^rd Oct: Wallaby Hotel, Mudgeeraba (Gold Coast): NSW
Fri 9^th Oct: Crowbar Sydney, Leichhardt: https://crowbarsyd.com/

Sat 10^th Oct: Hamilton Station Hotel, Newcastle: https://www.thehamiltonstationhotel.com/

Flyingsaucerpresents.com.au

Media and Artwork

Ups and Downs’ new EP Radio Is Dead is out now. The band’s press materials include social and media links and a gallery of photos and artwork related to the release and the tour.

Two video previews are available, including:

• Ups and Downs – Out of Thin Air (Official Audio)
• Ups and Downs – Solitary Man

Ups and Downs: The Living Kind video thumbnails accompany artwork for visual media associated with the release.

Past and Present: A Look Back

Formed in Brisbane in the early 1980s, Ups and Downs quickly became known for their jangly guitars, melodic hooks, soaring harmonies, and introspective lyrics. The Living Kind helped them gain recognition on the independent charts, and Sleepless alongside Underneath the Watchful Eye showcased their blend of heartfelt songwriting with guitar-driven sounds, drawing comparisons to R.E.M. and The Church. The band’s impact extended beyond Australia, with early releases on the UK/US indie What Goes On, which was also the first international home of Died Pretty and the Celibate Rifles. Critics and fans alike regard Sleepless as a standout from the era.

“It is incredible to think we started on this journey 40 years ago – and it’s not over yet. The band is sounding better than ever” – Greg Atkinson, Ups and Downs.

Stay Connected

For official updates, visit the Ups and Downs’ social channels and Bandcamp page:

• Facebook: www.facebook.com/upsanddownsband
• Bandcamp: https://upsanddowns1.bandcamp.com/

Ups and Downs’ Radio Is Dead EP is available now, with a four-show tour to celebrate Sleepless and the band’s 40-year milestone.