10 April 2019 - 0 Comments

Following the release of the last single, Shuggah Doom, rammed to the gunnels nationwide shows and alternative radio chart-topping success, New Zealand’s indie sludge-pop rockers, Soaked Oats are back with new single Driftworld.

In stark contrast to the melodic, meandering pace and life observing lyrics of Shuggah Doom; the instrumental Driftworld draws the listener in with its whirling cymbal punctuated swirl-scape. A sharp turn of pace whips into the metaphorical twisting and disordered guts of the 34 foot 1980’s R.V. that Soaked Oats called home for their 10 week, 20 thousand mile, D.I.Y U.S. tour.

Drummer, Conor Feehly reminisces, “It often took a couple tries to get Driftworld going. The sudden jolt of initial movement would send everything that wasn’t weighted down flying through the interior of the vehicle, and once moving a choir of rattles coming from unknown sources would start to sing. The first few days were characterised by popped tyres on multi-lane freeways, setting the journey back hours at a time. The need to get to the next gig/city was all that really maintained any semblance of purpose in Driftworld”.

Vocalist and lyricist, Oscar Mein fondly reflects, “Originally called Driftwood, the R.V. quickly became known as the Driftworld as whoever ended up on board - which reached its peak with 11 people for a couple weeks - lost all sorts of things including wallets, clothes, sense of time, direction, sleep, coherence, motivation, general well being, all sorts. It slept 5 comfortably”.

Driftworld was recorded in Dunedin at the iconic Chicks Hotel, Port Chalmers by Tom Bell and produced in Auckland at Paquin Studios (The Lab) by Tom Healy (Tiny Ruins, Miss June, Finn Andrews) and Soaked Oats. Accompanied by a music video shot and directed once again by Jake Munro (Avantdale Bowling Club, Marlin’s Dreaming, Yukon Era), who himself headed into Driftworld and shot the video as it happened in the U.S. in all its chaos and wonderland madness.

The band is heading to The Great Escape, the UK’s largest showcase for up-and-coming bands held in Brighton May 9-11. Following that Soaked Oats will be playing a London show on Monday, May 13th at the east London venue, Servant Jazz Quarters.

Additional shows to be announced along with playing times at The Great Escape.

Calling all enthusiasts of New Zealand music, travellers, or fans of Soaked Oats abroad. Come and enjoy Soaked Oat’s penchant for joyous songwriting and high energy shows.

Tickets available here

Check out Soaked Oats on:
Instagram | Facebook | Bandcamp | YouTube | Spotify | Apple Music

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