Dive into Rolling Stone AU/NZ‘s weekly roundup of our favourite New Zealand music from the past week. Explore the freshest tracks from local artists in Aotearoa between February 26th-March 3rd below.
Earth Tongue – “Bodies Dissolve Tonight!”
Electrifying guitar riffs and dynamic drum beats propel the high-energy in “Bodies Dissolve Tonight!”, the scorching debut single from Earth Tongue’s upcoming album, Great Haunting. Accompanied by a fittingly cinematic video, the band cruise along a west coast beach in a possessed black ute. Earth Tongue, the brainchild of guitarist Gussie Larkin (Mermaidens) and drummer Ezra Simons, also announced their signing to the Los Angeles indie rock label In the Red Records, following their support for Ty Segall’s tour across New Zealand last year.
Georgia Lines – “Grow Old Without You”
Here’s a tender ballad sure to tug on heartstrings: the utterly enchanting second single from Georgia Line’s forthcoming album, The Rose of Jericho. If you heard “Grow Old Without You” out of context, you would be forgiven for thinking it could belong in any Disney movie, with soaring vocals and twinkling orchestral string arrangements that make the song come alive.
Janine – “Meet Me”
Janine’s sultry vocals take on the woes of long-distance romance, enhanced by pitched-up tones for depth. Produced in London by Monro (Maesago, NewJeans) and mastered by Grammy nominee Chris Gehringer in New York (Dua Lipa, Harry Styles), the song adds another notch to the Aotearoa talent’s growing international sound.
Kora – “Fallin for You”
Here’s another one for the romantics – Kora unleashes an energetic, love-infused track titled “Fallin for You”, a tune that demands a spot on any dance floor with its infectious rhythmic grooves, funky basslines, and heartfelt lyrics about love’s power to set us free.
Double Parked – “Leopard Print Coat”
West Auckland lads Double Parked serve up a simple slice of nostalgia with the smouldering “Leopard Print Coat”. The song’s title was inspired by songwriter Ben’s cat (hence the leopard reference) and arrives with a sun-kissed video shot at Piha Beach.
Carb on Carb – “2009”
Aotearoa duo Carb on Carb have lifted the lid on their third full-length album, Take Time, due out in May. It was recorded at the Palmerston North all-ages venue The Stomach and mixed by Chris Teti. They’ve also shared the opening track “2009″, a nostalgic homage to their younger selves with fuzzy guitars and an explosive chorus line: “Walking home in groups at night/ Arms raised to the street lights/ Done it before, every weekend/ It felt nostalgic even then.”
Thomas Powers – “Best for You”
Naked and Famous member Thomas Powers keeps the solo momentum going with a double drop. “Best for You” offers a sparse indie electronic vibe with glitchy, textured details, while “An Opening” delivers a lush, slow-pulsed ballad with ethereal strings by frequent collaborator Rob Moose. Both tracks will be featured on his upcoming album, A Tyrant Crying in Private, slated for release in the first half of this year, and will include collaborations from Julien Baker, Chelsea Jade, Rob Moose, and Now Now.
DARTZ – Dangerous Day to Be a Cold One
At last, punk rockers DARTZ have released their excellent second album, Dangerous Day to Be a Cold One. Behind their furious and fun anthems lies a depth of wit, genuine storytelling, and effortless teamwork. Closer “Golden Hour”, celebrates the band’s friendship and the many hours they’ve spent together in Wellington and on the road, carving out their place in the New Zealand music scene.
Hans. – “Grandmother Is Waiting for Me” ft Meaningful Stone
Hans. and Korean indie sensation Meaningful Stone have dropped their first release of the year, “Grandmother Is Waiting for Me.” This track combines soft vocal melodies, dreamy synths, and subtle drum beats to capture Hans.’ emotional journey of reuniting with his grandma in Korea after a long separation.
