Three years after the acclaimed ‘HURTSVILLE’ and a move from the inner city of Sydney to the Blue Mountains, Jack Ladder returns with his new album ‘Playmates’. The album is produced by Kim Moyes of The Presets, and mixed by David Wrench (Jungle, FKA Twigs, Caribou, Seekae). The Dreamlanders (Kirin J. Callinan, Laurence Pike, Donny Benet) reunite to play on the record, with Sharon Van Etten contributing vocals to two tracks.

The first taste of the album, “Come On Back This Way” showcases a newfound lightness, weaving a glistening synth melody with a chorus duet and wordless backing from Van Etten. Three years since the AMP Award finalist 'Hurtsville' Jack Ladder premiered the first single from 'Playmates' "Come On Back This Way"( feat Sharon Van Etten) via Stereogum Playmates’ songs are muscular, raw – yet polished to the texture of a skyscraper.

Synthesizers and drum machines rub shoulders with glam guitars and pedal steel, while above all, Ladder’s granite baritone slashes at love and darkness like a heavy blade.