Single Review: Negativity No More

If you’re looking for a quintessentially Kiwi kickstart to your day, Negativity No More is the perfect toe-tapping new release from New Plymouth surf-pop band Fin Rah Zel. It’s a barbecue jam about “having the courage to let go of the negative influences in our lives,” and a showcase of musicianship so strong, it sounds entirely effortless.

The song’s deceptively moody introduction quickly gives way to quirky reggae strums and smooth bass, alongside summery percussion and subtle harmonies that fill out the sound. Its centerpiece is a simple, unabashedly catchy hook of “don’t need it no more, no more, no more” - a heartfelt sentiment and a melody any pop songwriter would be jealous of. But even more fun is the second verse’s rushing unconventional vocal rhythms. When everything but the vocal cuts out in the bridge, the song allows itself a moment to breathe, before the full band charges back in, together tight and mixed to heaven. Even though Negativity No More is a laidback jam, Fin Rah Zel are undeniably firing on every front. 

Despite the weather changing and the temperatures dropping across the country, Fin Rah Zel’s Negativity No More sweeps listeners straight back to summer. Make sure to give the track a spin next time you need to find that “good, good place” only Fin Rah Zel can offer.