It’s always a good thing to hear of new music coming from the nation's capital, having been the hub of such huge and varying artists. However, in recent years there seems to have been a steady increase in bands and artists calling it a day. Thankfully with the rise of the Valhalla empire (thanks to Ben Mulchin) bringing in a plethora of international bands to Wellington and NZ, there is now even more chance for local bands to get a chance to support international talent and getting their name seen and heard. Wellington’s own Secrets of the Sun debuted in 2019 with a run of shows and a debut single entitled Suffer With The Moon and hit off 2020 with an international support slot for ex-Dinosaur Jr indie rock legends Sebadoh. A solid introduction and an opportunity for Secrets to be able to promote their genre fusing mix of doom rock/shoe gaze /Lo fi hybrid.
Soon to be released next single Wretched Tracks elevates the bands musical leanings with a 5 and half minute slow building and brooding, fuzz distorted with induced waves of sludgey, doomish rock. The opening riff is familiar, a slightly bluesy Alice in Chains-esque vibe, setting the tone before lead vocalist Mina Perniskie's chilling vocals spill into the mix, creating a wall of atmosphere and accompanied by perfect backing vocal harmonies, building the slow burning track up. Soon the solid rhythm section of drummer Joseph James and bassist Sarah Lynne has the song booming and rumbling, the snare tone in particular stands out, a crisp punch. It’s at this point the guitars really elevate and take over, the melodic leads of guitarists Aimee Eastwood with vocalist Mina really make the song pop, while still maintaining the doomish pace, the guitars are so atmospheric and flowing, fitting within the space.
The fade out of the drums was unexpected but a nice touch, rather than a straight drop out, leading the song back to its beginnings and the haunting line “Get me off these wretched tracks” which has gone throughout the song, fading out in a sea of fuzz. I enjoyed the slow ride, particularly the guitars and the eerie story telling, the talented members of Secrets of the Sun take you on a unique journey throughout their latest single and I look forward to hearing more.
You can catch Secrets of the Sun's new single live, alongside many of NZ’s top doom and stoner bands at Wellington’s Windburn Showcase April 3rd at the one and only Valhalla.
Hailing from Wellington, Secrets of the Sun have charmed with their dark, ethereal melodies and heavy soundscapes. Refusing to be held down to one genre, Secrets of the Sun use their music as an opportunity to explore sounds and styles with inspiration from a multitude of sources.
The band’s first single, Suffer with the Moon, released 25 November 2019 put Secrets of the Sun on the world stage, with plays on local and international radio stations alike.
Now with the imminent release of the new single Wretched Tracks, the band turn away from ethereal shoegaze to a darker, doom rock sound.