The new single New Pair of Pants (Coming Collapse) from Christchurch's The Response seemed a little common. This may be owing to the fact that the song was created as part of a challenge set out by American band, Deep Sea Diver, to use a drum beat that they created to write a song. Something about the musical aspects of the song seemed somewhat lacking in passion.
That said, the guitar tone is serene and the song is well produced. It represents a genre of easy-listening soft, pop rock that definitely has a place in New Zealand music. It’s a radio tune for sure.
The lyrics drop in nicely, slot in well with the drum beat and really are the best feature of the song. They are thought provoking and witty. I interpreted them to be a sarcastic comment on life in late capitalism and the consumerist culture that often distracts from our problems. It poses a juxtaposition on the listener, with such a pleasant, easy- sounding backing track and occasional glimpses of darkness in the lyrics. That juxtaposition seems to sum up an underlying message nicely; that we’re all preoccupied by these nice distractions and the coming collapse is looming in brackets.
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.