Neptune's Core, share daring double alt-rock A side: "Box" & "Anyway" out now
CHICAGO ALTERNATIVE INDIE ROCK BAND NEPTUNE'S CORE
SHARE DARING DOUBLE SINGLE "BOX" & "ANYWAY" OUT NOW VIA SIDE HUSTLE RECORDS
OFFICIAL ARTIST AT SXSW 2024 + STRING OF U.S. LIVE DATES THIS MONTH
Neptune's Core Live March 2024
Mar. 1 - Chicago, IL - Metro (with Friko & Smut)
Mar. 11 - Mar. 16 - Austin, TX - SXSW
Mar. 23 - Champaign, IL - Gallery Art Bar
Mar. 29 - Richmond, VA- Richmond Music Hall (JUST ADDED)
Mar. 27 - New York, NY - Knitting Factory
Mar. 28 - Philadelphia, PA - Kung Fu Necktie
Mar. 30 - Silver Spring, MD - Quarry House Tavern
Chicago-based alternative indie rock band Neptune's Core treat fans to a hard-hitting double single release, "Box" and "Anyway" out everywhere now. With each track, the band charts fresh sonic territory with gripping lyricism and slick instrumentation that complement one another. Most recently, the band joined Chicago indie-rock duo Friko at Chicago's Metro earlier this month and are gearing up for their official showcase at SXSW in Austin, TX next week, followed by a string of live dates around the U.S. Tickets are on sale now here and a full list of dates is below.
Out today, "Box" and "Anyway" each scratch a new itch for the band, achieving a powerful, particular sound the band has yet to fully touch until this point. It wasn't until a late night studio session that Sofie Richter (vocals/guitar) landed on a specific melody that prompted the punchy "Box" to form, and in that moment, each bandmate knew it was something special. Richter recalls the "life-changing" experience, "We all were beaming and screaming and we just felt so good. The four of us all hopped in the vocal room and together, recorded the lyrics, 'over again, never be all yours.' Creating this part of the song is one of my favorite memories of being a musician."
Both tracks feature contrasting vocal parts that encourage listeners to really listen. For the first time, "Anyway," brought Richter and Jackie Cywinski (vocals/guitar) together as co-writers. Emotionally stirring and delicately dreamy, Hannah Richter (bass) says the track stands out from the rest of the band's music. "It's unlike any of our other songs in how subtly bold it is. We experimented a lot with this song and I think it shows in the breathtaking melody. The feeling this song evokes in me is one that is hard to put into words because I feel like the instrumentation does the talking, but 'Anyway' feels like space."
In August 2023, Neptune's Core shared their honest, dynamic EP Called Upon. The collection sees the four-piece at their most vulnerable and is true to who they are now–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." Chicago Reader praises the band's growth displayed throughout Called Upon, as it allows them to "focus the frenzy of Neptune’s Core’s earlier work without sacrificing its charm" and calls the EP their "most accomplished release yet."
In a recent interview with Alternative Press, Friko praised the EP, the forthcoming new music and the band's growth, sharing, "They were already great, but recently they’ve really come into their own on their latest EP, 'Called Upon.' And I must say we’ve heard some music that is soon to come, and it really rocks."
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 Lumpen Radio echoed this during the band's visit to the station last year, stating, "They’re just power. The intensity of their lyrics and their messages and the control of their music and the path and how they’ve been building their career, the band...at such a young age it’s...empowering."
Last year, when the band joined treasured Chicago host Jill Hopkins on Metro's Have You Met...? Podcast, she noted their age has little bearing on their talent and skill, saying, "As young as they are, their sound and stage presence give no indication of anything other than seasoned pros." Hopkins then lauded, "A few will rise to the top through a mix of talent, timing, uniqueness, and natural charm. And I've not seen many bands do it as well as or as quickly as Neptune's Core."
Neptune's Core will bring their irresistible energy to several stages this month including New York City's Knitting Factory and Philadelphia's Kung Fu Necktie. Find tickets here and a full list below.
Neptune's Core returns with a fresh pair of thrilling singles–"Box" and "Anyway"–out now via Side Hustle Records. Don't miss the four-piece live at SXSW and in select U.S. cities this month with tickets on sale now here. Connect with Neptune's Core on Instagram and YouTube and stay tuned for more from the rising rockers.
Neptune's Core Bio
Neptune's Core is an alternative indie rock band made of two sets of sisters but work together like four sisters. Consisting of Sofie Richter (vocals/guitar), Jackie Cywinski (guitar/vocals), Kaitlin Cywinski (drums), and Hannah Richter (bass), these four created the bad ass group out of Chicago’s thriving indie-rock scene. Jim DeRogits summed it up best 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."
As talented multi-instrumentalists and passionate music fans, they sought to bring their music to life with a love of indie and punk music while having a background in playing and studying rock, jazz, and classical. And that’s not to mention their heartfelt lyrics and the catharsis when they belt them out behind the microphone. They've self-released two albums (Can't Have It All in 2020, Evolving in 2021) and continually captivate the crowds, regularly performing live at venues and music festivals all over the Chicago and Milwaukee area with bands such as Dehd, Bnny, Mamalarky, and Hana Vu.
Neptune’s Core reflects their growth in musicianship, songwriting, and as people with their latest offering, their EP Called Upon (Side Hustle Records, 2023), recorded with Doug Malone at Jamdek (Deeper, NE-HI, Girl K). They at once look toward the future while also throwing things back to the 90s Chicago rock sound, with bands like Veruca Salt and Smashing Pumpkins being a big inspiration. With melodic bass lines, powerful drumming, shimmery guitars, and an unapologetic sense of self are what give Neptune’s Core their own, truly unique sound