New Zealand’s Ringlets recently announced the release of their second album, with the cute title ‘The Lord Is My German Shepherd (Time For Walkies)’ for 27 June 2025, and have unveiled the third thrilling single ‘I Was on That Roof Once’. It follows the earlier singles ‘Heavenly Wheel’ and ‘Street Message’ (reviewed by me here and here respectively).
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.
‘I Was on That Roof Once’ references the album’s title in the lyrics and is a jingle jangly delight: fey and wistful with gorgeous harmonies and a breezy delivery filled with a delightful whimsy and transcendent melodies.
Leith Towers says of the track and the playfull video that accompanies it:
‘I Was on That Roof Once’ circles the drain of sincerity, belief, and our better natures gone a bit mouldy. The video features door dancing, a lost Irish tradition we’ve likely misremembered, pitched somewhere between ceremony and bluff. It’s a nod to ritual, balance, and the ways we try not to spill ourselves.
The video also features the band in performance – youthful and enigmatic:
‘I Was on That Roof Once’ is out today and you can download and stream here.
Ringlets are Arabella Poulsen (bass & vocals), Arlo Grey (drums), László Reynolds (guitar & vocals) and Leith Towers (lead-vocalist), and the new album due out on 27 June 2025 was recorded in Auckland at The Lab alongside Michael Logie (The Mint Chicks) and mixed by Isaac Keating at Abbey Road Studios. It is available to pre-order here and through the link below.
Feature Photograph: Lola Fountain-Best
