New Song of the Day Takes Massive Leap to 13th Floor
Massive Crush, a band hailing from Tāmaki Makaurau (Auckland), is currently in the midst of an exciting musical transformation, marking the release of their new single ‘Dizzying Heights’.
With their debut album ‘Sweet Honey Days’, the band showcased a collection of sophisticated pop and groove tunes, featuring rich textures like French horn, trumpet, string quartet, and vocals by JM Goldie. However, their latest work signals a departure towards a more robust, hook-driven brand of indie rock.
Comprising a dynamic trio of guitar, double bass, and drums for their live performances, Massive Crush draws on a diverse pool of local and international collaborators for their recordings, ensuring a constantly evolving and expansive sound. The band’s recent ‘Strange Things’ EP, consisting of four new tracks, serves as a teaser for their upcoming full album slated for a mid-2026 release date.
The lead single from this project, ‘Dizzying Heights’, delves into the themes of self-image and mental health in the context of the modern digital age, positioning itself as an anthem for authenticity by echoing Nietzsche’s assertion that one does not have to pretend to be someone they are not.
The ‘Strange Things’ EP was crafted with meticulous attention to detail, opting for a rich, classic sound. Recorded entirely using analogue techniques on 2″ tape at Earwig Studios under the skillful guidance of Darren McShane, the EP was mixed and mastered by John McDermott at Arch Hill Studio. This commitment to analogue warmth complements the band’s new edgy direction, with additional instrumentation such as a Hammond organ with Leslie speaker, Rhodes keyboard, bowed bass, and djembe drums featured on the tracks.
Matt Cawte (The Doubtful Sounds) handles guitar and vocals, Brett Ammundsen plays double bass, and Rick Barr is on drums, constituting the core lineup of Massive Crush. The band’s sound can be explored further by listening to ‘Dizzying Heights’ and the ‘Strange Things’ EP on Bandcamp and Spotify.
In summary, Massive Crush is embarking on an exciting new musical journey with ‘Dizzying Heights’, signaling a shift towards a harder-edged indie sound while staying true to their collaborative spirit and commitment to crafting authentic, compelling music that resonates with audiences.