EP Review: Apocalipsync

In a region of New Zealand where reggae and dub beats are normally associated, Raglan-based couple, Ruth & Kane Power, aka. TeamSquad, aim to make people dance to a different beat. More or less literally.

Self-described as “positive & warm music with a heavy edge and a nod to the synthesisers of the 80’s”, TeamSquad’s music has gotten feet shuffling and toes tapping since 2020. With additional personnel now added to the lineup, namely Odhran Devlin on bass guitar, the band are now onto their third EP.

Scheduled to be released 21 March, Muzic.NZ’s Steve Shyu boogied his way into a preview listen, and shared what he heard.

Shimmering synths. Popped basslines, trumpets, and energising drumbeats. Setting the tone of the Apocalipsync EP is the namesake title track. Smooth yet groovy, soulful with touches of rock n’ roll. It’s a youthful, modern nod to the 80’s.

It’s part of a recent trend, applying modern production to that classic sound, and although my musically formative years began well after the 80’s, that style has always carried an inexplicable draw on my heart and soul. So needless to say, this sounds fabulous.

Also a recent single, Violet is a steady-paced continuation of that smooth and soulful groove, albeit with jazz qualities. According to keyboardist, vocalist and songwriter Ruth Power, “the colour violet represents sensitivity, compassion, beauty, wisdom and creativity. Historically reserved for royalty and the elite, Violet claims it emphatically as “for the people”.” 

This colourful warmth is extended into So Sacred, only with more soaring vocals, dance-able dynamics and synths on this round. 

Attention had obviously been paid to the projection of instrumental layers. Drums, vocals, backing vocals, bass guitar, keyboards, trumpets all balanced beautifully, allowing tracks like So Sacred to flourish at every level.

Speaking of balance, amongst the modern yet retro-sounding instrumentation, some focus appears to be placed on keeping things organic, a bit “Kiwiana”, if you will. Trumpets and other brass sounds are added sparingly, giving a tiny bit of a roots vibe. Perhaps that’s the Raglan-ness in our songwriters coming through?

Arguably the most striking piece is saved for last, and my personal pick of the EP. All influences of rock, dance-pop and neo-soul are on display for the fourth and final act, Metallic. The keyboard work here deserves a mention as it adds delightful flair to the entire composition, as arpeggios twitter and space-esque synths sing.

At moments across the four tracks I had wondered if it would be too cliché to employ “that 80’s drum sound”, or if it would undo the organic feel of things. As far as I could tell, the drumming is recorded live and gives the tracks an in-studio feel. However, at instances when the music leans deep into the retro, I found it hard not to imagine rototoms and reverbing snares. Or maybe I’ve been listening to too much synthwave…

Nonetheless, Apocalipsync is a fantastic little jaunt, and yet another chapter in TeamSquad’s foray into neo-soul-retro-groove. If you’re looking for something to dance to, something to make a meal to, and enjoy that old school flavour, this EP- and possibly the band’s other recordings- will be for you.

Be sure to catch this on release day 21 March and also go have a boogie with TeamSquad and co at The Yard in Raglan for their EP release show! Get tickets HERE.