Originally from Eora/Sydney, Zipper first appeared back in 2019, releasing their debut EP ‘Dreamer’s Gate’ the following year. It was something I sadly missed at the time but on the strength of their new single, I’m definitely going back in time.
As happens in life, the various members subsequently scattered around the globe and life moved on. But Zipper are back, now in Melbourne, with new single ‘Hiko’, and it is a brilliant blast of post punk, delivered with an arched brow and a cool swagger. A louche and insouciant delivery from singer Haruka Sato is carried on a scything cut glass guitars and a driving insistent beat. I am reminded of eighties bands like Altered Images, Strawberry Switchblade or The Waitresses, delivered in a mix of English and Japanese over a pop melody.
Sato endearingly says of the track:
Is the shadow an enemy, or just something the light can’t hold? No need to name it. No need to push it away. It’s part of you. like a tiny world in the gut, playing a quiet harmony that moves the heart. Behind what looks like misfortune, there may be a hidden happiness slowly making us stronger. This song is for my dearest father, the one I love most ♡
It’s a deliciously fresh track that indicates a band that is creative and original, while displaying their DNA proudly.
The accompanying zany video, directed by the multi-talented Sako herself, reveals a band with a sense of humour.
‘Hiko’ is out now through Spoilsport Records and available through the link below.
Zipper is Haruka Sato, Celeste Aldahn, Liam Kenny, David Wilke, Ian Teeple and Matt Hogan.
‘Hiko’ was produced by Celeste Aldahn and Liam Kenny and recorded by Liam Kenny, with mixing and mastering by Dave Forcier.
