NEPTUNE'S CORE RELEASE PENT-UP PAIN WITH TRACK + LYRIC VIDEO "UNLOVED"
Today, Chicago based alternative indie rock band Neptune's Core share stirring track "Unloved" out everywhere now along with its self-directed lyric video. The band's dynamic, layered EP Called Upon is due out August 25 via Side Hustle Records and is available to pre-order now. On "Unloved," the four-piece embrace a darker sound that aims to turn pain into power.
Experience the new music with the band at the official EP release show live at Chicago's Metro on August 26 along with Motel Breakfast and OK Cool. The group will also play at Avrom Farm Party on August 5 in Green Lake, WI. Tickets are on sale now via linktr.ee/neptunescore.
With a gradual build, rhythmic guitar strums and explosive bridge, "Unloved," out today, achingly sinks into feelings of loneliness and heartache. Written mostly in one sitting, Sofie Richter (vocals/guitar), says writing the song allowed her to put words to difficult, complex emotions she was feeling. The pain culminates in a bridge filled with soaring vocals and crashing drums, a catharsis that is heard sonically and felt by all when played live. Lyrically intimate, it cuts so deeply that in the beginning, playing it live would bring her to tears, but now, feels empowering.
Richter says, "The first couple times we played it live, I cried either post-show off stage or once even on stage. It’s a brutal song. And as difficult as it is to put myself out there and play it, it’s the most rewarding feeling. I can just release." Sister and bandmate Hannah Richter (bass) is so proud of her sister's ability to dig deep into her pain and come out the other side stronger. Echoing the raw emotion that pours out of the track, Hannah adds, "Every single time I hear this song my entire body goes tense from the emotion built into this–it shows so much bravery."
Watch: "Unloved" (Lyric Video)
Called Upon, Neptune's Core's triumphant forthcoming EP is a powerful representation of who the band is today, both as people and as musicians. The project is their first release in almost two years, and the four-piece is proud to present a collection that is true to who they are today–one that captures their growth, pain, joy and everything in between as they continually discover themselves. Jackie Cywinski (guitar/vocals) says, "'Called Upon' is a beautifully diverse EP that truly shows how we work together in order to make music that is alive. The parts all four of us play separately naturally intertwine into unique, dynamic songs that we are extremely proud of."
The previously shared "Inside" provides a space for the band to voice their innermost fears and insecurities. The energetic track was born after Sofie Richter sang the melody into her phone with a voice memo and later, brought it to her bandmates who lit up with excitement. From there, each member added their own signature piece to the puzzle and continued to rework it together as they brought it into the studio. With a booming bassline, dark, looming vocals, and shimmery guitar riffs, the track draws from Richter's own experiences and acts not only as a catharsis for her, but as a megaphone for the universal feelings of uncertainty and anxiety. Hoping to provide a channel for others to relate, Richter shares, "'Inside' is full of experimentation. It’s full of agony too. The lyrics come from a real part of me. They give voice to my struggles. Belting out 'When does it get better?' makes me feel something, which is why I wrote the song–to feel something and to share that feeling with others.”
The track's accompanying video, directed by the band, captures the angst that comes with trying to hide emotions that demand to be felt. Hannah Richter (bass), who edited the video, explains, "Throughout the majority of the video you see all of us keep stoic expressions while we let the music show what we really are feeling. While our expressions were cold, we were representing what we show the world, but the music represents what everyone actually feels inside." Ultimately, there's more to people than just the emotions they project or they appear. Richter adds, "This video wasn’t made to just be seen, this video was made to be felt."
With two albums under their belt, including 2020's Can't Have It All and 2021's Evolving, several tastemakers have taken notice of the rising rockers. Third Coast Review raved about the band's ability to blend genres seamlessly. Of some favorite tracks from their sophomore effort Evolving, the publication wrote, "'Turning Red' is pure pop ballad while opening track 'Drowning' takes you down an indie rock road toward a boisterous second half full of pounding drums and blisteringly strong vocals." Jim DeRogits added on Sound Opinions, "Their age belies the sophistication of the songwriting and instrumentation...classic alternative era with delicate fragile quiet moments exploding into loud dynamics."
Neptune's Core, made up of two sets of sisters, is carving their own path with raw lyricism and their own expansive, genre-blending sound. Together, Sofie Richter (vocals/guitar), Jackie Cywinski (guitar/vocals), Kaitlin Cywinski (drums), and Hannah Richter (bass) bring their heartfelt lyrics to life with their unique blend of rock, jazz and classical roots. Committed to being unapologetically themselves, the group cultivates a high-energy, warm environment with their captivating stage presence and ability to foster meaningful connections with their fans. Speaking to CHIRP Radio, Hannah Richter explained the rare innate mutual understanding that comes with being in a band with your sister and best friends. "I feel like there's kind of a confidence in each other and I think being sisters and being best friends we understand each other and we can kind of almost predict what the other person's gonna do, predict how they'll feel after something. We're kinda telepathic in a sense."
Already becoming a fixture in their local music scene, Neptune's Core has shared bills with fellow Chicago favorites, Dehd, Bnny, Friko as well as LA's Hana Vu and Mamalarky. The band's own Jackie was even pulled up to play guitar with Hinds at their Lollapalooza after show in 2022, resulting in an unforgettable life highlight. Channeling 90s indie and alt-rock sounds like Veruca Salt and Smashing Pumpkins, the four-piece is the new generation of Chicago's rock resurgence and they're only just getting started. Chicago's WLUW sees the band as a shiny, unparalleled addition to the local landscape, writing, "Neptune’s Core is bringing young, bright energy to the Chicago music scene." Most recently, Reverb invited the band to play exclusively women-built instruments and gear. Watch here.
"Unloved," out everywhere now, sees Neptune's Core find strength in the depths of their pain. Called Upon, the poignant, powerful forthcoming EP by Neptune's Core is due out August 25 via Side Hustle Records and is available for pre-order now. Join Neptune's Core live in Green Lake, WI for Avrom Farm Party on August 5 and later in Chicago for the official EP release show at Metro on August 26. Tickets are on sale now here. Connect with Neptune's Core on Instagram and YouTube and stay tuned for much more from the rising rockers.