Ōtautahi based three-piece Trouble With Normal brings us rollicking new single I’m Not Sure. Recently I’ve been seeing another resurgence in 21st century New New Wave bands, bringing us today’s interpretation of those chaotic days when Messrs Lydon, Jones, Matlock, Cook and Beverley (can you guess which one’s real surname was Beverley?) had burned bright and faded away into folklore. The post-punk era gives us a huge lexicon for interpretation and with it we can open our pandora’s box of tools to occasionally lead us down paths we are happy to follow as musos – despite having no idea where we’re being led!

Trouble With Normal are Barry Neale on guitars and lead vocals, Antony Dunn on the bass and BVs, and Sven Textor on the drums and BVs. The band was originally formed a million years ago, but took a lengthy hiatus known as “life got in the way”. I can relate fellas. I’m sure many others too. They’re back again now, and as uncompromising as they undoubtedly were back in the day.

With an intro that took me right back to my favourite track by British punk legends Sham 69, If The Kids Are United, we’re hit with a power chord led jump right into the swing of things. It’s deliberately muddy but devoid of fuzz effects, which is fabulously authentic, I find. Let the guitar do its own work. The bottom end, the rhythm section: toight like a toiger, and nicely beefy. Great capture in the mix, as it fills and enlarges the undertone of the song.

Barry Neale has a vocal timbre that, for this song, sits in the tenor range. He’s got guts behind it, and a raucous tinge that translates across a number of potential avenues the band can take for their forthcoming stuff. He easily carries the anthemic melody, joined for the chorus by the other guys to create a bit of New Wave gold.

I have a vid to talk about! Filmed in studio setting, we’ve got what I always like to see – uncomplicated, fun being had, and to the point. I’ll not go further into the realms of spoilers, but you can find it on YouTube right now. The guys have posted the meaning behind the lyrics, but as I like to let the bands explain this stuff themselves, I will copy and paste for you here:

“I’m Not Sure” is a restless snapshot of standing in the doorway of your own life, caught mid-step between the life you’re living and the ones you keep imagining. Built around a looping refrain, the song hums with uncertainty. Late nights, half-made decisions, texts sent without thinking, and the creeping suspicion that the grass only looks greener from a distance. It’s about standing still while your mind dances elsewhere, circling the same questions. Have you stayed too long, left too late, or is this uneasy moment exactly where you’re meant to be?

Great work done by engineer Tom Kepple and mix/mastering guru Simon Claridge at Christchurch’s SALTbox Studios for piloting the desks for this one. It’s retained its organic feel, and we’re in no doubt as to what the band intends for us to receive. Kudos chaps.

This will be well received live – which I believe the band is planning to make happen this year. It’s a song that will translate well to the car for a roadie. It’s for the times when you feel like pushing back against the establishment a bit. When these crazy times of today need a big, fat middle finger. It’s on the streaming platforms no, so if you’re a New Wave of New Wave fan, Trouble With Normal has just dished up something that’s going to be complimentary to your palate.

You have been advised.