You heard it here first (maybe?)! Post-punk four-piece Soft Bait, have released their debut single 'Big' accompanied by and Lynchian video shot by prolific film fella Ezra Simons (who also happens to be the bass player in Soft Bait).
The brand new Tāmaki Makaurau-based band, which includes members of Earth Tongue and Red Sky Blues, have been busy with concocting their full-length album over the past couple of years, working alongside engineer and producer Peter Ruddell (Wax Chattels, Sulfate). Now, they've unleashed their hot-blooded single 'Big', the first off their debut LP set to be released in the second half of 2022; SO WATCH THIS SPACE.
'Big' is an abrasive noise-laden song that delivers the quartet's observations on the thrill of online shopping. Via clever lyrics dripping with sarcasm, vocalist Josh Hunter unpacks ideas about consumerism, power, and control, with a maniacal vocal performance to top it off. Driving guitars make this single an anthem to belt your woes of endless consumerism away.
Soft Bait began as a project by guitarist Patrick Hickley (Red Sky Blues) in 2020 upon returning home to NZ from the UK and soon morphed into a 4 piece band joined by vocalist/guitarist Josh Hunter, bassist Ezra Simons (Earth Tongue, Red Sky Blues) and drummer Cameron Mackintosh.
The challenges of trying to start a band during a pandemic lead Soft Bait to record a full-length album with Peter Ruddell (Wax Chattels, Sulfate) straight off the bat. Recording began in July 2021.
”The drive Soft Bait has is jaw-dropping. After the endlessly rescheduled recording sessions, the finished album only feels more resolute — and to have achieved something of this calibre without having played a show really highlights their focus” - Peter Ruddell.
The nine-track album is a melting pot of gothic post-punk underpinned by powerful and personal vocals. Josh is joined alongside Tāmaki’s Lousia Nicklin for two tracks.
Look out for further announcements in the coming months.
Upcoming Soft Bait Shows:
- Thursday 23rd June – Sweet Treats Punk Night @ Whammy Bar, Auckland
- Friday 1st July – With Lousia Nicklin @ Wine Cellar, Auckland
- All tickets via Undertheradar