Play For Keeps Nod To Christchurch On ‘Out Of The Dark’
Indie-pop five-piece Play For Keeps’ new single Out Of The Dark is a brooding ode to love and their hometown of Christchurch.
Out Of The Dark is a cinematic indie-pop track set against the backdrop of Christchurch, which cleverly tells the story of a first date unfolding through different scenes across the city.
“It’s a song built around themes of connection, chemistry and falling in love,” says Play For Keeps’ lead vocalist and guitarist Simon Hart, who took the lead on writing Out Of The Dark with his bandmates Tim Cederman (Bass and Backing Vocals), Nic Hart (Keys and Backing Vocals), Rob Grover (Lead Guitar) and Andy Gibbs (Drums).
“I tried to remember and capture the feelings I had when I was falling in love with my wife – cheesy but true. I wanted to create a song vibe that instrumentally and harmonically sounded like falling in love with lyrics describing our first date at various spots throughout Christchurch – a walk in Hagley Park, movies, and a cafe,” adds Simon.
Play For Keeps enlisted celebrated producer Tom Healy (Tiny Ruins, Marlon Williams, Julia Jacklin, Nadia Reid), who adds his magic to Out Of The Dark, which shimmers with warm guitars, atmospheric textures and emotive instrumentation – all helping to capture that feeling of getting lost in a moment of someone new.
The band also worked with Tom on their previously released songs, their debut single Handsome Boy and the catchy pop-rock anthem Presumptious.
All three songs lay the foundations for an exciting year ahead for Play For Keeps, as they continue to make a name for themselves in Aotearoa’s indie landscape.
Play For Keeps formed in 2023 and bonded over a shared love of The Beths, Arcade Fire, and The War On Drugs. Their sound blends catchy melodies with emotive, honest lyricism and a touch of self-deprecating humour, songs that sit comfortably between heartfelt reflection and light-hearted absurdity.
