16 August 2019 - 0 Comments

Today sees the release of Wellington rock quartet Seismic State’s single Since We Last Spoke, the second release off their upcoming debut EP State of Things and following on from last month’s Genius.

Toby Lloyd of T-Lloyd Productions; who recorded, mixed and produced the track is impressed by it’s depth, "Since We Last Spoke is probably my favourite song on the EP. At first it feels like just a cool rock 'n' roll song with kind of Arctic Monkeys and Queens of the Stone Age influences” he begins “but when you dig deep into the lyrics; it has so much more depth to it. Tracking the vocals on this song was an incredible experience as it was clearly something really important that Nicole needed to get out. It’s the kind of song that Producers live for; songs that really mean something to the artist and this was one of those songs. It’s always an incredible moment being there in the studio capturing a singer pouring their heart and soul into the microphone and on this occasion; there were definitely a few goose bumps and a few lumps in my throat due to the incredible imagery of the lyrics and performance. But let’s not forget Matthijs's iconic, brilliant and almost riff like drum fills on it! The whole song came together really well!"

Nicole Hardie, the band’s frontwoman and lyricist, elaborates further “Since We Last Spoke comes from quite a deep place lyrically, these words had sat with me for about a year or so and it was quite therapeutic to bring it out in a song” she recalls. “It's about how relationships with people can fade unnoticeably and you reach a point where you realise that person hasn't been in your life for a very long time. Sometimes that moment hurts and sometimes it doesn't. It's also about how we can put up a front when we don't want others to see what’s really going on inside our heads but it's also important to forgive ourselves and learn from mistakes and learn from the way these situations make us feel in the long run. It's a real love, loss and forgiveness kind of song.”

Formed in early 2018 by former members of Auckland band Dirty Riot; Sai Soe (guitar) and Liam Wright (bass) were joined by Matthijs van Dijk (drums) and Nicole Hardie (vocals & guitar) and immediately got to work writing and gigging in and around Wellington.

Their style mixes rock with elements of funk, progressive and alternative as they combine riff-oriented guitar with melodic basslines and driving drum rhythms forming a foundation for creative vocal melodies and thought-provoking lyrics. The result is an accessible and sonically pleasing brand of rock music.

Lloyd is excited by the point of difference Seismic State brings to New Zealand music. “Seismic State are a breath of fresh air for the NZ rock scene.” he says “For far too long rock bands have taken themselves far too seriously and it’s so great to hear a kick ass band playing rock music that is not only compelling but also fun! With killer riffs, banging drums, smooth bass lines and incredibly honest and poetic vocals; they are a definite must see for any fans of rock music.”

Since We Last Spoke is now available Spotify, iTunes, Apple Music, YouTube and other major streaming platforms.

The State of Things EP is due out on 20 September.

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