25 August 2023 - 0 Comments

Tāmaki Makaurau indie-alt surf-dub rockers Flaxxies present Sunstruck, their third EP released to the world today, one week before packing up the tour van for a hoon ‘round the North Island to celebrate with a short run of feel-good shows.

STREAM SUNSTRUCK HERE

Fresh from wrapping-up another term at Uni, sun-loving free-wheeling musical adventurers Flaxxies are ready to mark the start of spring by taking their unique mix of sonically eclectic tunes and adrenalising good vibes to party with their Tauranga, Wellington, Auckland, and Hamilton fans.

Reminiscent of a classic summer road-trip, the band will be bringing their sun-drenched dub-roots-rock’n’blues and packing some of their fav Aotearoa acts along for the ride, with each concert featuring its own red hot line-up of bands to make for a night to remember.

A band formed as mates from high school, Flaxxies comprise drummer Neo Lee, Eric Goodger on lead guitar, Nick Tait on rhythm guitar, Chris Manning on bass/trumpet, and lead singer Benji Humphries. Inspired by the coastal landscapes of Aotearoa, the five BFF’s have grown their sound, hair and worldview after five odd years of jamming, touring, leaving school, celebrating 21sts, supporting friends and heroes, sharing floors and cooking duties and recording and releasing music together.

With their new EP Sunstruck, Flaxxies question societal norms, challenge authority, and encourage the expression of individuality in the pursuit of dreams and aspirations. The band touches on the struggles faced during this phase, such as navigating relationships, making important life decisions, and dealing with societal expectations.

Says Benji: “Reflecting back on the writing process, it was a really challenging yet exciting stage in our lives, and now we can finally say we have some new music out in the world. We hope everyone enjoys the new songs and come along for the ride in this next stage of Flaxxies.”

Sunstruck was produced and mixed by NZ legend Tiki Taane and recorded at 11B Studios in Tauranga with Evan Pope in conjunction with engineer Olly Harmer from The Lab in Auckland.

Says the band: “We are so stoked to have had this EP produced by Tiki, he was a key proponent in the vision for these songs coming to life, and we couldn’t be happier with the result!”

First single to be released is the infectious reggae-dub infused Snapped Up (By The Boss), accompanied by a cheeky video and relatable tale of being “snapped” doing something you shouldn’t, closely followed by the high energy and live favourite Cast Me Away.

Within their music, the band explores the theme of youthful rebellion, buoyantly capturing the experiences and emotions associated with transitioning from teenage hood to early adulthood.

“This EP is a really special one to us. A few of these songs speak on some tough and challenging topics of conversation. As an artist sometimes we have to be really vulnerable and go to some dark places in order to truthfully and authentically illustrate the message we are trying to spread to our audience”, explains Benji.

By sharing their perspectives on the journey of adolescence and addressing all these ups and downs, Flaxxies hope their music speaks to this challenging period of life by evoking a shared experience with the listener through expressing their own genuine moments of personal growth and self-discovery.

Still surfing the wave of stand-alone single Altitude which topped student radio charts as well as reaching #4 on the national SRN Charts, and last year’s cruisy crowd favourite, Lot 61, the indie-alt surf-dub rockers have pushed play on their plans to take their feel-good vibe and upbeat tracks out on the road next week to celebrate the release of Sunstruck.

Says Benji: “It’s been a long time coming, but we are fizzed to be hitting our first North Island tour this spring. We’ve got some of Aotearoa's finest up and coming talent on the card and we can’t wait to see you all there.

Later in the year, summer hot-spot festival performances are being lined up, with confirmed Coromandel Peninsula appearances at NYE’23 in Whitianga and Beach Break in Whangamata. More shows are sliding into place as Aotearoa transitions into summer, and a string of Sunstruck South Island dates will be announced soon.

FLAXXIES SUNSTRUCK NORTH ISLAND TOUR DATES

Friday 1 September @ Totara St, Tauranga
w/Marmalade Skies&Caught Inside

Saturday 2 September @ Meow, Welllington
w/ Wet Denim & Fine Wine Social Club

Friday 8 September @ Whammy, Auckland
w/Frank On Tap& Bella Rafflyn

Saturday 9 September @ Last Place, Hamilton
w/ Bella Rafflyn &Spencer Coyle

Saturday 30 December @ NYE 23, Coroglen

Friday 5 January, 2024 @ Beach Break, Whangamata

For more information and tickets, go to:https://linktr.ee/flaxxiesband

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