Another band from the fabulous Taranaki region, and another delightfully unique one at that. TheSlacks are not newcomers, and have had some ticks with previous hits, as well as some serious shows on their CV. Consisting of Scott Armstrong on vocals and rhythm guitar, Mark Armstrong on vocals and lead guitar, Blake Gibson on vocals and bass, and Zane Greig on vocals and drums, we have a four-piece combo that’s got cohesion, direction, and masses of wit and sass.

New single Love To Go, from up-coming album Information Ape (release date 3rd May 2024 as I type this), is a saucy little number with the subject being the “fast food” nature of the sex industry, with everything for sale “to go”. Engineered by Sam Johnson at Rhythm Ace studios in Oakura, the band has delivered a whimsical little number which is essentially based around a Waltz beat, with an impish little lead phrase popping up at the end of each line of the verses, complimenting the mellow rhythm section – itself sleek and functional, well balanced by the engineering job of Mr. Johnson. Kia Kaha to that man.

The tune is lilting, and there’s a commercially subtle, winning chorus. The vocal is rich and uncluttered by the nonsense that a modern studio could be tempted to layer over it. Good, because it doesn’t need it. The natural vocal gives this song an organic, warm vibe that an effects session would have ruined. Another good choice made. It’s a very, very Kiwiana kind of indie, that’s made all the more saucy by the great promo video, available of the You Tubes when the track comes out on general release on one of the greatest days in the world. 1st March, Saint David’s Day, Dydd Gwyl Dewi Sant as we say in Cymraeg, the language of Wales. The day Draig Goch (the Red Dragon) visits my kids to drop off a prezzie (if they’ve been good, of course) is the day this one comes out. Yay for happy things!

Anyway, the vid. Weta Digital animation supervisor Simeon Duncombe directed this piece, and he managed to light it and find the vibe of small-town New Zealand with unerring accuracy. Based around the classic Kiwi fish and chip shop (or Fush & Chup shop, from the band’s EPK!) it’s got a humorous little plot with a lovelorn lad seemingly pining for the lady behind the counter. I won’t go into further spoiler territory, but it’s fun and easy, and it should get some time on Juice.

It’s not something that lets itself be pigeon-holed into any genre. That’s part of its charm, because it can fit into contemporary pop-rock, as well as indie, folk, and any combination in between. I envision this being appreciated by a lot of folk, frankly, because it’s been created with honesty as to what they wanted it to be. It’s truly, truly an organic song, devoid of droids and performed by accomplished, professional musicians who obviously love what they do.

I would listen to this on my morning train commute, or similar. It could work well during a workout with it’s specific beat. It’s a singalong number for the more laid back festival, or any outdoor kind of show, I think. The band has, as mentioned, a CV for this, so you could expect this track to turn up at the next one. It’s a cheeky little piece of work, as in charming and a wee bit naughty. If you’re not familiar with TheSlacks already, time to get into them.

Looking forward to more!