Life Advice
Tāmaki Makaurau's own Soft Bait have released their sophomore studio album, "Life Advice"! This production marks a sharp, powerful evolution of their distinctive post-punk sound. Since forming in 2020, and particularly after their 2022 debut "Plot Points," Soft Bait have been refining their craft.
Their new work is incisive, hook-laden rock, characterized by driving basslines and an energy that, as guitarist Patrick Hickley explains, aims to "capture the essence of what we'd built with our live shows, distilling the energy we bring to the stage." Frontman Joshua Hunter adds that the goal was to write "an album rather than a collection of songs," all while keeping it fun.
"Life Advice" was recorded to reflect the band's live energy. Patrick explained that to capture spontaneity during recordings, the rhythm section (Patrick on guitar, Keria, and Cam) and Joshua's vocals were recorded live in a single take. All vocal takes on the album were captured this way, embracing the "imperfections" that add authenticity to the sound, as encouraged by producer De Stevens.
"Life Advice" comes highly recommended for fans of bands like Viagra Boys, Squid, Warmduscher, and Yard Act, offering a raw and authentic take on post-punk deeply rooted in New Zealand culture.
Andrea
Onmusiq