Jack Biilmann is an artist we’ve long admired at the AU review, so it’s a pleasure to be premiering his new single “Forbidden Fruit” ahead of its official release tomorrow. The Canberra-based songwriter is currently building towards his forthcoming sixth album, and on this latest taste, he leans into groove, swagger and a sense of playful temptation that feels a little left of centre in all the right ways.
“Forbidden Fruit” finds Biilmann stretching beyond easy blues-rock conventions, landing instead on something more fluid and infectious. There’s grit in the guitars, sure, but also a looseness and rhythmic pulse that gives the track its own character — the kind of song that feels made to be turned up loud, shared with mates, and sung back in unison. It really does feel as though you are in the room with the band, giving it all. On “Forbidden Fruit”, Jack Biilmann sidesteps genre fences and delivers a swaggering, groove-heavy single that feels built for a taste of temptation.
Biilmann says of the track: “Forbidden Fruit was inspired by the concept of all the “Forbidden Fruits” we encounter in life that are usually enjoyable, memorable, and exciting things. Despite these things not necessarily being the right thing to do, we all love to walk on the wild side. I feel this concept can apply to many situations across the different lives, jobs and scenarios we all find ourselves in. I feel the theme will be relatable to many people. I wrote the riff some time ago and struggled to find what to do with it; eventually, it found its groove with the boys playing out of their skin & helping me arrange the track. I feel we have created something very cool, avoiding the easy option to go for a very traditional blues/rock feel. I like its energy, groove & the friends singing together having a good time. The hook stays with you, theres some very tasty guitar playing, a big, bad bassline & a well-executed disco beat on show. Things I am proud to have put together despite the fences of “genres.” I hope it tastes as good as the song explains it does.”
That sense of freedom runs through the track itself. Rather than sitting neatly in one lane, “Forbidden Fruit” feels like Biilmann enjoying the thrill of pushing at the edges — drawing from blues, rock and something more visceral underneath, while keeping the songwriting front and centre. It’s a reminder of why he continues to stand out: he knows how to make music that feels both musicianship-driven and immediate.
After more than a decade of touring, five albums, millions of streams and praise from Joe Bonamassa, Biilmann has built a reputation as one of Australia’s most compelling artists working across blues, country and rock. “Forbidden Fruit” follows his 2026 single “Outlaw”, and continues the rollout towards that next full-length release.
We last covered Biilmann back in July 2024, when we premiered his full-blooded take on Johnny Cash’s “Folsom Prison Blues”, and it’s great to have him back on the AU in such strong form. With “Forbidden Fruit”, he sounds energised, adventurous and fully in command of where he wants to head next.
Be sure to keep up with Jack Biilmann via Instagram, Spotify and Facebook
