Escaping This Cold Rotation is the fourth album from Christchurch alt-pop duo The Response; multi instrumentalists Andy and Vic Knopp.
The album begins with Analyse, a stripped back song with a simple vocal melody before percussion kicks in. Faded Paper (also released as a single) leans into a pop sound with driving guitars.
The aptly named Split In Two signals the mid-point of the album. The repetitive guitar part is almost hypnotic, drawing you in to what is the longest song on the album.
At 15-tracks it might seem long at first, but still comes in at under an hour. Forget long intros and outros, these are punchy pop songs.
Throughout the album, Andy’s vocals are prominent. So, it’s a nice treat when Vic’s harmonies sneak in, notably on Built the Same Way.
The album comes to a close with another slower track, Tell Me When You Know It's Right. This track has vocals layered over guitar, as Andy sings “tell me when you know it’s right”. And are those bells adorning the track?
Overall, this is a well-produced album, utilising what technology has to offer. A variety of sounds and effects will have you eagerly listening for what’s next and hearing new bits with each listen.
New Zealand Alternative Pop duo The Response blend electronic minimalism, pop sensibilities and the eclectic influences of vocalist/guitarist Andy Knopp and multi-instrumentalist Victoria Knopp to create what NZ Musician Magazine describes as "indie pop at its carefully crafted best." Their dynamic live show has allowed them to share the stage with such international acts as Baio (of Vampire Weekend fame), Deep Sea Diver (Seattle), Big Scary (Australia) and Kate Boy (Sweden), as well as play local festivals including Electric Avenue.
After two years based in Vancouver, Canada where apartment living and public transit inspired a more minimalistic and increasingly electronic shift in their sound and live set up, The Response made their way back to New Zealand where they have since released singles Holding Out For Something, Only In The Night and Practical, as well as EP's What Are You Waiting For? and Little Worlds. Described as “indie-proper”, the duo write, produce, record, mix and master all their own music, as well as design and artwork.
The Response are set to release their next album late in 2019, with feel-good alt pop gem 'Tallest Walls' out now.