This feature is part of a new Scene Report on Dunedin. Check out the series here.
Smokefreerockquest, Aotearoa’s premier youth music competition, has found some of the best bands in the country over the years, and SEEK HELP! could be the next off the production line.
The feminist punk band from Ōtepoti made history this year by being one of two bands representing Otago — a first for the nationals — at Smokefreerockquest 2025
SEEK HELP! didn’t win in the end, losing out to Canterbury band Equilibrium at ASB Waterfront Theatre, but they left a lasting impression with their visceral and authentic punk.
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“Apex Predator”, their first-ever single, comes with a clarifying message on Bandcamp:
“This song is for the people out there who have experienced the feeling of fear, discomfort, hate, and anger because of a man. Fuck those pricks who think it’s funny or okay to catcall. Fuck those losers who like to follow women home. Fuck those creepy men who like to make comments on your clothes and body.
“Fuck groomers and pedophiles. And fuck you to the misogynistic pricks who are still teaching their about ‘traditional gender roles’ and enforcing the patriarchal system we have suffered under for so long.
“I hope these people rot in hell. You know who you are,” it pointedly concludes.
There’s no respite for their targets in the searing lyrics.
“You are scaring me right now, I don’t wanna hang out with you / I’m just your sacrificial lamb, suck my blood you apex predator / You are an apex predator, you’re just a woman dominator,” they sing.
They pack plenty of Riot grrrl ferocity into “Apex Predator”, throwing in a very good black-metal vocal howl at several junctures for additional impact.
In both their politics and style, there’s something of Dick Move about the band — “Apex Predator” could be the B-side to the Auckland punks’ vicious “Scared Old Men”.
SEEK HELP! are undoubtedly raw, particularly lyrically, which is to be expected at this early stage, but they’re making music in the right city and community. They’re backed by the nurturing Amped Music Project, and they’re surrounded by other young bands who care just as deeply about politics and identity as they do, including Motheaten and Vagina Dry — all three played the well-received Femme Fest 2 at Yours earlier this month.
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And the future’s already looking bright for SEEK HELP!, with Die! Die! Die! member Andrew Wilson handpicking them for his all-ages solo show at Pioneer Hall next March.
SEEK HELP!’s “Apex Predator” is out now.
