Bugs’ Jordan Brunoli turns a final album chapter into an act of togetherness

For Brisbane band Bugs, the release of Head Noise carries a weight far beyond the usual album-cycle excitement. Bassist Jordan Brunoli, 30, is receiving palliative care for stage-four colorectal cancer, after treatment failed to stop the disease spreading. He was reportedly given a prognosis of three to four months in June.

Speaking to The Guardian, Brunoli said he was considering a potential medical trial involving an extreme dose of chemotherapy, but had not decided whether to proceed. He was diagnosed at 29 after experiencing blood in his stool and severe stomach pain, and subsequently underwent major surgery, intensive chemotherapy and the formation of a permanent stoma.

Despite pain and fatigue, Brunoli is rehearsing with guitarist and vocalist Connor Brooker and drummer Brock Weston ahead of two sold-out shows at Crowbar Brisbane on 10 and 12 September. The band, whose friendship stretches back more than a decade, is meeting twice a week as it prepares to bring its fourth album to the stage.

Head Noise was developed over three years before Brunoli’s diagnosis accelerated its release. Its earnest indie-pop sound reflects a band that has moved beyond the “loud guitars and drums” of its earlier work, while retaining the intimacy of musicians who enjoy making music together in a room.

The shows follow a fundraiser for Brunoli last October and a GoFundMe campaign that reportedly raised more than $100,000 towards medical costs. Brunoli and his partner have also recently celebrated their wedding with close family and friends.

With the album now released, Brunoli says he is taking each day as it comes. The upcoming performances offer a major event to anticipate, even as the band confronts the possibility that this may be its final album cycle together.