Ōtepoti’s Asta Rangu release single + video for ‘VIC’

Today, Ōtepoti indie-rock quartet Asta Rangu release their latest single/video, VIC, the second from the bands upcoming debut record Entrtnmnt – out Friday 27 May 2022.

Songwriter Richard Ley-Hamilton, whose writing for indie-pop darlings Males has been internationally celebrated, guides Asta Rangu in a direction which reflects more accurately the tone of Ley-Hamilton’s sombre, pensive and astute lyrics.

With rippling pianos, synth textures and layered drums, VIC is an 80’s-tinged about-turn from the driving guitars of previous singles. Like the rest of Entrtnmnt, it reflects on humanity, in particular the fascination with celebrity, legacy and progress. “This need for distraction and a grand narrative is set against how complicated, challenging and bizarre reality can truly be. Sometimes we need reassurance that we are all flawed, imperfect, and often afraid, and to be compassionate toward ourselves and others.”

Recorded by gifted engineer and producer De Stevens (Marlin’s Dreaming) at Otago University’s Te Korokoro o te Tūī and trace / untrace records HQ in North East Valley, ‘VIC’ is the second of three singles to be teased prior to the albums release.

Entrtnmnt emerges from a love of eclecticism, with noise rock, synth pop, and psychedelia threaded together by field recordings. The intricate arrangements set the mood for Ley-Hamilton’s lyrics, contemplative and often surreal, exploring values, connection, progress and escapism.

After the postponement of their February single release tour, Asta Rangu are marking the release of Entrtnmnt with a double album release tour, with Dunedin/Wellington space-doom collective Space Bats, Attack!, who will be celebrating the release of the sophomore record Oort , released during lockdown in August 2021.

The four date tour will see both bands perform in Dunedin, Christchurch, Wellington and Auckland each with a local guest performer.

Tickets are available from undertheradar.co.nz . Tickets purchased for the February tour will automatically be valid for these shows (excluding Dunedin).