New Zealand pop merchants extraordinaire Yumi Zouma have just released the absolutely shimmering track ‘Mona Lisa’: a sparkling, shining wonder that exudes a sort of melancholic ray of light across the skies like the elusive Aurora Australis. With hints of saxophone in the distance and a rousing chorus, this is pop mastery at its finest.
Guitarist/vocalist Josh Burgess explains:
‘Mona Lisa’ came to us gradually over a long period of time – so it’s story has changed and shifted, developing new relevance with each new phase of our lives.
It’s a song that ruminates on conflicting, shifting uncertainty – of wanting someone that maybe you can’t have – of uncertain boundaries, of confusing interactions, misunderstanding, yearning. Trying to forget an obsession – or shifting between losing all hope and giving in to the obsession – lured back by the excitement and promise – the moments of feeling so alive. The terror and joy of a big crush.
The result is deep and luscious, velvet and cinematic with an ultimately romantic blush:
Baby looks like Mona Lisa
I’d be lying if I don’t wanna try
When emotion is reasoned
Sparks a renaissance of being alive
The accompanying video, directed by Yumi Zouma in Lyttelton, reflects a simple charming scene – as dreamy as the dream pop sounds:
‘Mona Lisa’ is out through Polyvinyl Records and available to download and stream here.
In the meantime, Yumi Zouma has announced a massive tour across the UK and Europe in 2022:
17th Mar – The Sunflower Lounge, Birmingham
18th Mar – Lafayette, London
19th Mar – YES, Manchester
21st Mar – Whelan’s, Dublin
22nd Mar – King Tut’s, Glasgow
24th Mar – Le Hasard Ludique, Paris
25th Mar – Botanique, Brussels
27th Mar – Melkweg, Amsterdam
28th Mar – Turmzimmer, Hamburg
29th Mar – Ideal Bar Vega, Copenhagen
31st Mar – Obaren, Stockholm
1st Apr – Krxsset, Oslo
3rd Apr – Burg Schnabel, Berlin
4th Apr – Praga Centrum, Warsaw
Yumi Zouma is Josh Burgess (vocals, guitar), Charlie Ryder (guitar, bass, keys), Christie Simpson (vocals, keys), Olivia Campion (drums) with members based in London, New York City and their home of New Zealand.
Feature Photograph: Nick Grennon
