New Zealand’s Ringlets recently announced the release of their second album, endearingly entitled ‘The Lord Is My German Shepherd (Time For Walkies)’ for 27 June 2025, and have unveiled the second delicious tempting morsel, the single ‘Street Message. It follows the earlier single ‘Heavenly Wheel’ (reviewed by me here).
Ringlets have that classic Dunedin sound and is kind of fitting they are on the legendary Flying Nun and Leather Jackets Records label: intelligent wry pop at its very best.
‘Street Massage’ dials up the tone a little – a little more angular and abrasive with urgent hectoring vocals and crystalline guitars that descend into fuzzy overdrive with wild chaotic roaring backing vocals.
The lyrics are excoriating and poignant – Leith Towers says of the track:
The song is about a low-wage masseur who plies his trade on the streets of Point Chevalier. It was originally about the International Dysphagia Diet Standardisation Initiative (IDDSI), and the plight of a clinician in trying to encourage support workers to adhere to mealtime plans and feeding safety protocols. As the song evolved, it became a reflection on the broader struggles faced by low-wage workers in care roles. It highlights the emotional and physical toll of jobs that often go unnoticed and undervalued, despite the immense responsibility they demand. The masseur in the song is an allegory for the overlooked nurturers.
The accompanying video, directed by László Reynolds, is suitably enigmatic with various live performances and animation:
‘Street Massage’ is out now and available to download and stream here and through the link below.
‘The Lord Is My German Shepherd (Time for Walkies)’ is out on 27 June and can be pre-ordered through the link below:
The album was produced by Ringlets – Arabella Poulsen (bass & vocals), Arlo Grey (drums), László Reynolds (guitar & vocals) and Leith Towers (lead-vocalist) – in Auckland at The Lab alongside Michael Logie (The Mint Chicks) and mixed by Isaac Keating at Abbey Road Studios.
Feature Photograph: Lola Fountain-Best
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