Auckland alt-rockers Tablefox are back with a belter of an anthem in Seven Years. The guys have taken me on a journey through the years here, giving me flashes of a number of my favourite mind’s eye flashpoints of inspiration. Let me delve…

I was immediately hit with the depth of beef in the guitar. Production can on occasion thin this out somewhat and lighten the overall effect. Not on this one. The sound is punky yet 80s metal all at once. For term of reference think a cross between the Pistols and Priest’s iconic power chord anthem Livin’ After Midnight. That’s what we have with the rhythm gat, if you can put it together in your head.

I loved the bass line when it came in. It felt like Steve Severin was there, complete with attitude and absurd amounts of talent, hitting that four string to add that bottomless well of deep resonance at a point where you didn’t realise an atmos-laden bass intro was going to shake you free of your dust. It does. Absolutely an early Siouxsie & The Banshees vibe to the bass coming in. Soooo cool! Added to a thundering, consistent drum piece and this track hits both late 70s post-punk New Wave rock, that 80s metal vibe and still keeps it in 2026.

Vocally, again we get hit with a New Wave memory. This time Magazine’s legendary Howard Devoto, and his snarling tenor, half spoken, half sung. It carries along an indie melody that is both a rattlesnake and a precursor to an outrageously catchy chorus. Fabulously composed chord progression that lifts an already energetic track to another level. I’m giving these comparisons with other acts, incidentally, only as term of reference for you to imagine the sound based on something you can tangibly mentally listen to.

I like to give the band the word when it comes to explaining messages behind a song, so, from Soundcloud: ‘Seven Years is about carrying something for far too long, guilt, regret, damage, whatever you want to call it. It’s that point where the past has become part of you, but you know you can’t keep dragging it around forever. There’s denial in it, self-preservation, a bit of self-destruction, and the sense that maybe the only way forward is to finally let something die.’

I don’t have a vid to review for this one, which is a shame because this is definitely a single that’ll get airplay. The Rock should pick it up, as should Hauraki, and the regional, student and community stations too. The production has not blunted the thing in any way, while managing to give it the polish of a pro mix and master. This is really well packaged.

A 2026 alt-rock belter from Tablefox. You need to check this one out if they’re playing near you any time soon. This one will be a live favourite. It’ll also work as we come into the summer at the barbie on your speakers, or if you’re on the road out to the beach. Great driving song.

Oo-rah.