Release Roundup: Japes, Mystery Waitress, Reb Fountain, Christoph El Truento, Neil MacLeod

A snappy roundup section this week as the clock ticks inevitably towards the weekend, but keep it locked for a bumper NZ Music Month / Te Marama Puoro o Aotearoa finale edition next Rāmere. Revisit our coverage of Troy Kingi, D.C. Maxwell, Voom, Joe Ghatt, Ringlets, PARK RD, Matt Joe Gow & Kerryn Fields and MOLS, then scroll downwards for more new local release highlights from Japes, Mystery Waitress, Reb Fountain, Christoph El Truento, and Neil MacLeod.

Sonically beguiling and lyrically fortifying, 'Process' heralds the forthcoming second EP release from Japes, the project of Te Whanganui-a-Tara musician / producer / DJ / broadcaster Mia Kelly. Co-produced by Bevan Smith (Signer), look forward to Omen out on 1st August via Sunreturn. "Process was a song I wrote for a dear friend of mine who was going through a hard time. The lyrics are very literal! The verse identifies the things that the person is feeling and facing, and they’re trying so hard to fight it. The chorus is a little prayer or wish for them... ‘You’ll never undo your progress’ is really the point of it. It’s shit sometimes, it’s gonna keep being shit, but you’ll never undo the work you’ve done and the experiences you’ve gained, even when it feels hopeless”.

New recruit to the ranks of Aotearoa's history-making Flying Nun Records, Mystery Waitress reemerge with their first new release in three years 'Nightbug' — a gritty and hook-laden lead cut from singer / guitarist Tessa Dillon, Olivia Campion, Xanthe Rook and James Morgan's upcoming long player Bright Black Night. Preorder the vinyl LP edition via the Bandcamp link.

Sparking enthusiastic and divisive chatter in / around the UTR office this week, Taite Music Prize winner Reb Fountain's admirably bold reinvention of OMC's classic pop hit 'How Bizarre' as a tender Lou Reed-like (one wag alternatively suggested "William Shatner-like") ballad stood out from the NZ Music Month pack. It's sure to be a singalong favourite when Fountain joins fellow songwriting stars Vera Ellen and Voom touring nationwide from Thursday next week.

On a prolific streak is Aotearoa producer figurehead Christoph El Truento (Avantdale Bowling Club), whose beautiful artwork emblazoned (by Asher McShane) upcoming dubwise long player Dubs From The Neighbourhood is out in full on 1st June. A proven magician in the studio, El Truento's new record features an all-killer cast of musical friends including Julien Dyne, Cory Champion, Jeremy Toy, Mara TK, The Hongi Slicker and more. Tuck in to the tasty four lead cuts revealed so far and order the limited vinyl LP quick smart via the Bandcamp link.

Electronic songwriting visionary Neil MacLeod shared the immaculate RnB textures of new single 'Tunnel Vision', out today with contemplative digital visuals animated by Dylan Pritchard, directed by Oscar Keys and Neil MacLeod. "It’s a song about the impact of that mindset — tunnel vision — specifically in a relationship. The chorus talks about not being able to see the forest for the trees. That’s something I’ve dealt with more than I’d like to admit, getting hyper fixated on things to a fault. The song resolves that a ‘little closer to the middle’s where we wanna be.' I think that’s true — somewhere between focused and curious is where I want to exist".