Hmmmm, interesting track.

Okay, Unfurl Your Weeds from We Will Ride Fast is what I subjectively take to be a statement from its creator regarding where the message of the lyrics takes one audio moment by audio moment when one doesn’t put up a fight. In having said this, I’ll drop the EPK comment from the brains behind the song and the band, Kyle Sattler, early:

With a modern day New Order-style groove, the track fuses propulsive rhythms and atmospheric textures with surreal lines about “psycho cosmic swirls” and “sleeping seas.” Beneath the haze, it’s a sharp call out to the quiet fears and inner “weeds” that run the show. Instead of hiding from them, We Will Ride Fast leans in tearing through inhibition, overthinking, and self doubt. Urgent, hypnotic, and unapologetic, “Unfurl Your Weeds” is a liberation anthem for anyone ready to drop the mask and live loud.

I get echoes of Joy Division and Magazine, New Order and even the wonderful Siouxsie and the Banshees. This is a darkwave/new wave/post-punk song in all its glory. Synthy but menacing, with a vocal that’s sneering as it warns. This is a genre that is thriving below the surface in Aotearoa, with bands like Underwire and The Mara taking it on the road and across the world. We Will Ride Fast sits in the same league as these other able teams.

Performed and produced by Kyle, the guest vocalist you can hear carrying a strong BV is Tauranga based singer-songwriter Frances Ellen. She has her own material available, however we’ll stick to the review of what’s in front of us here this time. The BV is present and clear, and adds a haunting touch to the dark but up-tempo vibe of the overall track.

There’s a vid on YouTube. It’s psychedelic and chaotic at first glance, but you discern pattern within as you get drawn in. It’s not a butterflies and unicorns vid in any way, so be warned! What it is though, is appropriate for the song it’s giving visual representation to.

If this genre, or group of genres, is your cup of black tea, then I definitely suggest giving it a listen. It’s on release now, so you can find it. No excuses. I’ll even add that this can cross genres into the caverns of the Goths too, so if you’re a fan of the likes of The Damned, Siouxsie – pretty much the acts that turned their punk into the phenom that was and remains the Gothic Rock movement, you’ll feel comfortable giving this a go.

Great work. I’ll be watching for more.