17 Oct 2019 // A review by Ben Ruegg
The Response’s new song Picture Undefined is a blend of pop, alt rock and electronic music that works brilliantly.

The guitar tone, the way it’s played and how the effects are layered help build an atmosphere which is wonderfully captured in the video shot by Johnny Knopp. The vocal is clear, melodically sound and complements the beginning motif of the song.

I loved hearing the electronic drums here, building up by adding onto the song as it progresses. The whole idea and balance of having lots happening in your music while not having overwhelming is an interesting one. In the case of Picture Undefined, it walks this line in a crafty manner. For example, the first chorus introduces the listener to a lot of the song core musical ideas but it still feels like it’s not completely developed yet, that there is more to come. I appreciate these creative decisions. Attention to detail is something that pop music has a lot of, and it’s there if you choose to pay attention to it.

On first listen, I could hear a little nod to the French group M83, and I was happy with this. I love that group and this song really caught my attention.

The only thing I really wanted was for the last chorus to because a little more dense with sound and texture to pay off the build up the song provided. Of course, a lot of bands leave this sort of thing for their live show so you get to experience that feeling live. Either way, I would love to know if they choose to get people to make remixes of their songs.

Accompanied by a really cool, simple yet elegant video, Picture Undefined is a great song that you need to check out.

Rating: ☆☆☆☆☆ ( 4 / 5 )

New Zealand Alternative Pop duo The Response blend electronic minimalism, pop sensibilities and the eclectic influences of vocalist/guitarist Andy Knopp and multi-instrumentalist Victoria Knopp to create what NZ Musician Magazine describes as "indie pop at its carefully crafted best." Their dynamic live show has allowed them to share the stage with such international acts as Baio (of Vampire Weekend fame), Deep Sea Diver (Seattle), Big Scary (Australia) and Kate Boy (Sweden), as well as play local festivals including Electric Avenue.

After two years based in Vancouver, Canada where apartment living and public transit inspired a more minimalistic and increasingly electronic shift in their sound and live set up, The Response made their way back to New Zealand where they have since released singles Holding Out For Something, Only In The Night and Practical, as well as EP's What Are You Waiting For? and Little Worlds. Described as “indie-proper”, the duo write, produce, record, mix and master all their own music, as well as design and artwork.

The Response are set to release their next album late in 2019, with feel-good alt pop gem 'Tallest Walls' out now.

Visit the muzic.net.nz Profile for The Response

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