30 Sep 2023
UsernamePassword

Remember Me? | Join | Recover
Click here to sign in via social networking

Rocket Berry - Single Review: Caught Up In The Fiction

13 Apr 2023 // A review by Danica Bryant

With the comforting click of a tape, Wellington act Rocket Berry's brand-new single Caught Up In The Fiction bursts into action. It's a glittering synth-folk track quite unlike anything else on the current market. Originally written and produced in keyboardist Connor Scott's bedroom studio, then taken for further work to audio engineer Jack Woodbury, the song is a collaboration between an utterly impassioned group of artists.

The quirky opening riff cycles throughout the song's three-minute runtime, immediately offering something fun and memorable to latch onto. The light verses are filled with twisting melodies, which lead into a unique chorus that never goes quite in the direction you expect, yet never loses its singability. Lead vocals from frontperson Clara van Wel, of New Zealand's Got Talent fame, are expressive, full of personality and charm. This is aided by the fantastic lyricism. Rocket Berry combine wry, tongue-in-cheek sass with a certain level of emotional sincerity, diving into a complex relationship where the narrator imagines the other party providing a beautiful romance in fantasy, but in reality, they quite plainly "don't give a f**k". 

Caught Up In The Fiction is also deeply instrumentally detailed. Sound effects from 80s arcade games to rushing water fill the track. The spacious bridge section which emphasises the impressive interplay between Baileigh Sparkes' bombastic drums, Peter Wilkes' chunky bass and Connor Scott's joyous keyboards emphasise just how tightly this band operates.

Rocket Berry's latest single establishes the group's sheer charisma. Listening to Caught Up In The Fiction showcases a band that clearly adore making music together. For those curious to hear how folk-rock and synth-pop blend, it's a must-listen, but even more so, it's for anyone looking for a reminder that there's still serious passion in New Zealand music.

Rating: ( 5 / 5 )
 

About Rocket Berry

Rocket Berry is an indie pop act formed in Te Whanganui-a-Tara in 2022. They are made up of Clara van Wel (vocals), Connor Scott (keyboards), Peter Wilkes (bass), and Baileigh Sparkes (drums). Their music uses synths to bridge the gap between folk rock and disco to create a groove with an edge.




Visit the muzic.net.nz Profile for Rocket Berry

Releases

There are no releases to display for Rocket Berry.

Other Reviews By Danica Bryant

ISLA - EP Review: Low
21 Sep 2023 // by Danica Bryant
As the winter smog begins to lift over Aotearoa, Auckland singer-songwriter ISLA releases her ode to seasonal depression, Low. This is an EP of smooth, delicate dream-folk, from an independent artist backed by her "band of sisters" clearly deeply impassioned by the music just as their frontman is.
Read More...
Gig Review: Lunar Intruder @ Moon, Wellington - 12/08/2023
13 Aug 2023 // by Danica Bryant
As always, the line-up at Moon in Newtown, Wellington is out of this world on a Saturday night. Amidst their ‘Good Dogs Go To Heaven’ tour, the aptly titled Lunar Intruder are up from Christchurch, for a show supported by Tarik Rahim and Bleach that has no trouble pulling a buzzing crowd in from the cold.
Read More...
Cloudy - Single Review: On The Edge
27 Jul 2023 // by Danica Bryant
Laidback and soulful, Kiwi-Austrian performer Cloudy's new single On The Edge is a unique singer-songwriter track traversing many a genre. From bedroom pop to indie rock, it's a cohesive, expressive release introducing her hotly awaited sophomore EP.
Read More...
AJSCeleste Music - Album Review: Gold
26 Jul 2023 // by Danica Bryant
AJSCeleste Music may be a totally unique creator in the Aotearoa music scene. An extremely experimental songwriter crafting material from her home studio, her quirky blend of almost spoken-word lyricism and kaleidoscopic sounds fills a very specific niche.
Read More...
Mahoney Harris - Single Review: I Don't Have To Move From Here
10 Jul 2023 // by Danica Bryant
Mahoney Harris' beautiful new folk number I Don't Have To Move From Here is an airy, light track celebrating the worth of knowing your boundaries and personal needs. Working alongside producer Wayne Bell and masterer Oliver Harmer, the Waiheke-based artist has crafted a beautiful follow-up to her previous series of singles.
Read More...
Dani Ela - Single Review: Always Keep Those Days
22 Jun 2023 // by Danica Bryant
Dani Ela's latest single Always Keep Those Days is a delicate moment of melancholia, reminiscing in fond memories over a light bedroom pop track.Hailing from New Plymouth, Ela crafts her music herself, with international aid for audio engineering.
Read More...
Coral Pitcher - Single Review: As I Rise
22 Jun 2023 // by Danica Bryant
Outspoken creative Coral, also known as Coral Pitcher, seeks growth on her striking single As I Rise. Best enjoyed alongside its entrancing music video, the song sees Coral revel in the galaxy and visually become one with the universe.
Read More...
Jenni Smith - Single Review: I Don't Know How Not To
15 Jun 2023 // by Danica Bryant
Recent University of Auckland pop music degree graduate Jenni Smith is here to prove her newfound skill with her single I Don't Know How Not To. It's a dreamy number made effective by the driving feeling that this comes straight from the heart.
Read More...
View All Articles By Danica Bryant

NZ Top 10 Singles

  • PAINT THE TOWN RED
    Doja Cat
  • STRANGERS
    Kenya Grace
  • GREEDY
    Tate McRae
  • SPRINTER
    Dave And Central Cee
  • SNOOZE
    SZA
  • VAMPIRE
    Olivia Rodrigo
  • BLUE EYED M?ORI
    Corrella
  • CRUEL SUMMER
    Taylor Swift
  • SLIME YOU OUT
    Drake feat. SZA
  • WATER
    Tyla
View the Full NZ Top 40...
muzic.net.nz Logo
100% New Zealand Music
All content on this website is copyright to muzic.net.nz and other respective rights holders. Redistribution of any material presented here without permission is prohibited.
Report a ProblemReport A Problem