Popstrangers Premiere Second Single

Popstrangers premiere their second single, “What Else Could They Do” off their debut full-length, Antipodes. They said of the track, “The initial cacophony that announces the presence of Popstrangers’ ‘What Else Could They Do’ is a bit misleading. While we begin with the grit and heft of a grunge-gaze basher, the New Zealand trio quickly lead us toward lilting melody… It’s no wonder then that they’re labelmates with Cloud Nothings — both bands understand the strange magic that arises from the right mix of bitter and sweet.”

Carpark Records will release Antipodes on February 26^th. Comprised of New Zealanders Joel Flyger, Adam Page and David Larson, make “pop” music that’s hard-driving, punk-influenced and sonically inimitable.

The band’s first single, “Heaven“, Every so often, the sweaty, grinding guitar halts for a split second, giving the song a bit of a jolt before returning to the verse melody. Then, there’s that chorus, letting Joel Flyger’s previously clenched vocals flap and twist like a kite in a breeze. ‘Heaven’ suggests that Popstrangers have to be studiously familiar with the structures and expectations of pop music since the buildup sounds like the work of guys who can act like they’ve been there before. ‘Heaven’ suggests that Popstrangers have to be studiously familiar with the structures and expectations of pop music, since the buildup sounds like the work of guys who can act like they’ve been there before.”

Popstrangers formed in 2009 after the three members connected over their shared histories of bad day jobs, stints in other bands and, most importantly, their desire to create music with like-minded people. With a name conceived last-minute before their first official show, their ambitions have grown since the days of playing local gigs around Auckland. After releasing several singles on the legendary Flying Nun label, they have developed a strong following in their native New Zealand for their heavy but accessible sound and are set to export their noisy melodies to the rest of the world.

Recorded in the basement of a 1930’s dancehall, Antipodes features dissonant, claustrophobic melodies, anchored by the languid affectations of Flyger’s vocals, that bring a vintage feel to their decidedly contemporary garage rock. Channeling early Radiohead and kiwi indie bands of yore like Gordons, The 3Ds and The Chills, Antipodes further develops the band’s nuanced, distorted “pop,” created and cultivated from years spent honing their craft live.

Popstrangers performed at the CMJ Music Marathon this past October. They will be touring the U.S. more extensively around the release of their debut in the new year. Stay tuned!

Antipodes Track Listing:

https://soundcloud.com/carparkrecords/what-else-could-they-do

1. Jane

2. In Some Ways

3. Witches Hand

4. What Else Could They Do

5. Cat’s Eyes

6. Full Fat

7. Heaven

8. Roy Brown

9. 404

10. Occasion