Single Review: Caught Up In The Fiction

With the comforting click of a tape, Wellington act Rocket Berry’s brand-new single Caught Up In The Fiction bursts into action. It’s a glittering synth-folk track quite unlike anything else on the current market. Originally written and produced in keyboardist Connor Scott’s bedroom studio, then taken for further work to audio engineer Jack Woodbury, the song is a collaboration between an utterly impassioned group of artists.

The quirky opening riff cycles throughout the song’s three-minute runtime, immediately offering something fun and memorable to latch onto. The light verses are filled with twisting melodies, which lead into a unique chorus that never goes quite in the direction you expect, yet never loses its singability. Lead vocals from frontperson Clara van Wel, of New Zealand’s Got Talent fame, are expressive, full of personality and charm. This is aided by the fantastic lyricism. Rocket Berry combine wry, tongue-in-cheek sass with a certain level of emotional sincerity, diving into a complex relationship where the narrator imagines the other party providing a beautiful romance in fantasy, but in reality, they quite plainly “don’t give a f**k”. 

Caught Up In The Fiction is also deeply instrumentally detailed. Sound effects from 80s arcade games to rushing water fill the track. The spacious bridge section which emphasises the impressive interplay between Baileigh Sparkes’ bombastic drums, Peter Wilkes’ chunky bass and Connor Scott’s joyous keyboards emphasise just how tightly this band operates.

Rocket Berry’s latest single establishes the group’s sheer charisma. Listening to Caught Up In The Fiction showcases a band that clearly adore making music together. For those curious to hear how folk-rock and synth-pop blend, it’s a must-listen, but even more so, it’s for anyone looking for a reminder that there’s still serious passion in New Zealand music.