Junica

Like many a classic NZ record, Over The Atlantic's 'Junica' recalls many days spent in and out of flats, of drums recorded alongside rooms next to a busy road, of endless tracks recorded and discarded, of coffees scraped together and shared. Confessional letters are written and read, songs get sculpted on old sofas, dusty, hazy sunlight days prompt dreamy reminiscences.

The Over The Atlantic of 'Junica' is Bevan Smith [Signer] and Nik Brinkman, who came together through shared involvement in a A LOW HUM compilation. 2 and ½ years of work, of flat pop-ins, of recording and re-recording resulted in the glorious pop gem 'Junica'.

A sugary indie-pop treat, 'Junica' smoothes its indie sound on pop structures. Romantic and wry by turns, layered vocals are set against tart and clipped drum beats which snap like frost-laden branches against the window of a warm room. With sneakily fun basslines and immaculately timed pop-breaks, Smith and Brinkman show off their influences worn lightly but boldly.

Bevan Smith makes music and sound, built and managed the Involve label and has worked on music for art projects, theatre shows, museums, dance works, TV adverts and films, notably Bafta-award winning 'Touching The Void'. Nik Brinkman went to film school, played in rock band Ejector [who supported Shihad, D4 and Cassette] and can't put a telecaster down for long.

'Junica' is a record destined to be savoured over time, discovered and rediscovered, saved for mild summer afternoons and early winter evenings. Kick your shoes off on the old couch and settle in, there's a groove worn in it for you.