New music releases from Liam Finn, Unknown Mortal Orchestra, LEIGH, Office Dog, and The Circling Sun, along with a playlist.
Over the Matariki long holiday weekend, many enjoyed reflection, celebration, and planning. Events in Tāmaki Makaurau, like Geneva A.M’s Pikipiki album listening party and Bassvictim at Neck of the Woods, kept the music scene alive. Machine Girl with P.H.F. was another standout event to attend, alongside a rewarding op shop adventure. Last week showcased new Aotearoa releases by Jazmine Mary, Pearly*, and French For Rabbits. This week, the spotlight is on exciting new local releases from Liam Finn, Unknown Mortal Orchestra, LEIGH, Office Dog, Valentino Del Mar, The Circling Sun, LOU’ANA, Georgia Lines, MISSY, and Raiden Freeman.
Liam Finn, now a core member of Crowded House, unveiled his ambitious Hyperverse album to the delight of fans. The project boasts new and familiar tunes, like the noise-rock ‘Con Man’ and the mesmerizing ‘Love In Disguise’. Finn shared, “The Hyperverse project has been a labor of love and the most creative period of my life.” The vinyl LP edition includes exclusive tracks. Fans can explore Liam Finn’s musical journey outside traditional industry norms.
2025 has been a fantastic year for fans of Unknown Mortal Orchestra, with the release of the CURSE EP, showcasing dark heavy-psych compositions akin to Italian prog horror and UK proto-metal. The EP features standout tracks like ‘ONE HUNDRED BATS’ and ‘DEATH COMES FROM THE SKY’, delivering a fresh sound to captivate listeners.
LEIGH, also known as Cameron McCurdy, recently dropped his self-produced album, Empathy for My Future Self. The record celebrates his journey on HRT, featuring vibrant tracks like ‘Comfortable’ and ‘He’s Giving’. The album boasts a stellar lineup of local contributors, including a choir of genderqueer Tāmaki Makaurau musicians. Empathy for My Future Self is a culmination of McCurdy’s personal growth and musical exploration.
Office Dog, known for their stint on the LIVE MUSIC BAR series, released a new two-song pack, showcasing their raw and unhinged sound. The tracks capture the band’s excitement and creativity during their recording process, offering fans a taste of what’s to come in their next album.
Valentino Del Mar presents SOUNDS OF HAUNTED SURF, a project that delves into the mysterious vibrations of wave-crashing coastlines. A profound instrumental surf album, the record challenges the norms of reality with tracks like ‘THEME TO A TESLA TAKEDOWN’ and ‘FUCK ICE’. Valentino Del Mar’s unique approach to surf music mesmerizes listeners with its immersive and otherworldly soundscapes.
These releases and more contribute to the rich tapestry of Aotearoa’s music scene. Stay tuned for upcoming releases and immerse yourself in the diverse sounds of local artists.