Ripship (AKA Callum Lincoln & Eva-Rae McLean) are a sci-fi psych-rock duo hailing from the big smoke, Tāmaki Makaurau. The prolific performers shake venues with heavy riffs, off-kilter beats and deep synth loops. Both the timbre and subject matter of Ripship's songs are, in large part, informed by science fiction and technological anxiety; with vocoded lyrics addressing AI revolt, interstellar travel, and the universe's heat death.
'Fearsome Engine' is the title track from Ripship’s upcoming full length LP (out on vinal via 1:12 Records on December 16th), and the band’s third and final single release for the year. The track is available on streaming services NOW!
'Fearsome Engine' is a story of escapism through a psychedelic digital hivemind, inspired by Iaan Banks’ 1994 sci-fi novel Feersum Endjinn. The essence of Ripship is embodied in this title track, which features unusual rhythms, powerful riffs, digital madness, and, of course, a chorus to end all choruses.
The video, shot with a dreamy 80’s sheen is an optimistic snapshot of boy-meets girl in a digital world. Director Ellen Jones-Poole, who also directed Ripship’s music video for Lube the Cube, pulled together a run-and-gun one-day shoot in her garage with a measly crew of five. The result is simultaneously low-budget in content and highly polished in delivery, leaning on the band’s sci-fi camp aesthetic.