Across their body of work, Imposter Syndrome have been known for their blurring of the lines between sub-genres and laying waste to the traditional ideas of song structure. Well, that’s what they’re known for to me at least.

It’s almost expected at this point, but they’ve only gone and done it again. If there is one thing you can always expect from a band that does the unexpected, it is the unexpected.

Your Facebook algorithm is probably different to mine, but do you ever see those memes where they’ve fed an Artificial Intelligence a bunch of sitcom scripts and it’s spat out its own interpretation of a script, with hilarious results. There are even YouTube channels based around this conceit now.

If you haven’t seen them, then the AI’s version of a sitcom is always strangely familiar, yet entirely alien, like an outsider’s perspective of human interaction. Kind of like Tommy Wiseau’s “real Hollywood movie”, The Room.

I’m pretty sure that’s how Imposter Syndrome make their songs. With an AI, not an eccentric millionaire.

It’s the data moshed, digitally distorted cover art that gave it away. I noticed it on their previous single Plastic Eyes but didn’t wanna say anything in case it was just my bad eyesight.

It’s becoming more obvious now that someone behind the scenes – probably riffist Shannon Coulomb - has fed a computer the entire back catalogues of Pink Floyd, Alice in Chains, and for the newest single Locksmith, a bit of A Perfect Circle too. The computer has then spat out something resembling a hard hitting alt rock song from the 90’s double denim scene.

Digital hoodwinkery aside, she's a bit more hard rock this one. Less celestial sojourning, more wig banging in leopard print bandana. There was evidence the boys had it in them at the midpoint of previous single Plastic Eyes. For Locksmith they take that intensity, and smack you in the face from the outset.

I was almost going to say chorus instead of midpoint there, but Imposter Syndrome don’t think in such linear terms. Because then there you go. We’re in out of space again. You think you know what these guys are doing, then suddenly they’re at your mum’s house.

That said, it’s the most accessible single for simpletons and newbies so far. We’ve got this hair rock vibe in the aforementioned Shan’s riffery, with some punky crooning and the spitting of words from Ryan Culleton, and a solid backbeat from Scott Nicholson. It sounds just like a great song. Some kind of soundtrack to a greasy set of overalls working on a hotrod.

But like a deep dreamed image spat out by an AI, the closer you look, the less clear things are. You realize, this isn’t a song, this is abstract art in audio form.

This aural uncanny valley is the golden zone of Imposter Syndrome. There is a hint of the familiar verse-chorus-verse structure we’re told is required to make a song, but it’s as if the wet ink of the distinct parts have blurred together, with what is essentially a 3 minute guitar solo smeared across this middle.

By my count, we’re one single away from the eagerly awaited debut of Oriens. I’m looking forward to hearing where they take us next, and even more so hearing what the whole album sounds like together. I’m anticipating more of a journey than these little trips they’ve been taking us on.

There’s even a chance these shapeshifters/their robot are going to pull one over on us and spit out something soft and soothing for the next single. You never quite know what you’re going to get with life, chocolate, and Imposter Syndrome.

If you don't know how many stars I give it, you haven't been reading. It's 5/5 of course.

If it’s after September 2nd, 2022, you can find Locksmith on the Imposter Syndrome Bandcamp.

• 1
  Head Like A Hole
• 2
  Horror Story
• 3
  Fraser Ross
• 4
  Fur Patrol
• 5
  Michelle Rounds
• 6
  L.A.B.
• 7
  Devilskin
• 8
  Coridian
• 9
  The Boondocks
• 10
  Late to Chelsea

• 
  Goodshirt @ Festival of Lights - Pukekura Park, New Plymouth - 21/12/2024
• 
  The Slacks @ Festival of Lights - Pukekura Park, New Plymouth - 21/12/2024
• 
  LOST BiRD @ Space Academy, Christchurch - 15/12/2024
• 
  Just Janie @ Space Academy, Christchurch - 15/12/2024

• 1
  APT.
  ROSÉ And Bruno Mars
• 2
  DIE WITH A SMILE
  Lady Gaga And Bruno Mars
• 3
  BIRDS OF A FEATHER
  Billie Eilish
• 4
  TASTE
  Sabrina Carpenter
• 5
  I LOVE YOU, I'M SORRY
  Gracie Abrams
• 6
  ESPRESSO
  Sabrina Carpenter
• 7
  SAILOR SONG
  Gigi Perez
• 8
  LOSE CONTROL
  Teddy Swims
• 9
  A BAR SONG (TIPSY)
  Shaboozey
• 10
  GOOD LUCK, BABE!
  Chappell Roan

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