“music for people who can look at themselves in the mirror”
From symphonic darkness to post-punk apocalypse, indie's edges are burning bright: The Darts conjure "symphonic darkness" on The Fabrics of Yarns, while Chris of Wilderness cruises through the apocalypse with paranoid electronics and burning poetics on War Horny. SMIC leaves the noise behind for something quieter and heavier on The Upside (Of Losing Everything), and The Lazy I performs haunting alt-folk with rare gentleness on Leave No Trace (restrung 2025). Padded Waltz gives shame and insecurity their own voice on Hand Me Down.
“Auckland-based Stars and the Underground return with a new single blending post-punk, indie rock, and shoegaze influences. RIYL: The Mission UK, The Chameleons, The Church”