Auckland-based band, Racing, have dropped their new single ‘If Only’. It comes ahead of the release of their highly anticipated EP The Bass on August 25.
 
Racing is made up of long-time collaborators Ed Knowles and Sven Pettersen - two crucial parts of the colossus that was The Checks. Completing the line-up is two other heavy hitters from the Kiwi alt scene, Daniel Barrett, formerly of Sherpa and Izaak Houston, formerly of Space Creeps.
 
With their unique blend of psychedelic indie-rock and dance, Racing have been hailed as the future of New Zealand’s thriving indie music scene. And it’s easy to see why on tracks like the EP’s first single ‘The Bass’, which received love from around the world when it was released last month.

Now ‘If Only’ is set to do the same. “It’s a disco dreamscape that sounds like it’s come out of Baz Luhrmann’s Romeo and Juliet,” says the band’s singer, Ed Knowles.

Filled with danceable guitar hooks and lyrical scenery, it takes you into a colourful world of late night car rides and romantic ‘what ifs’. “The song’s rhythm speeds along at a galloping pace, despite the musical backdrop feeling gin-soaked and tilted,” he adds.
 
The new single is taken from Racing’s upcoming EP The Bass, which brews a soup equal parts Can, Marilyn Manson and Depeche Mode, seasoned with the soulful melodies of classic Motown.
 
The EP is out on August 25 and sets the scene for an extensive New Zealand tour throughout September and early October. The tour kicks off at Totara Street in Mount Maunganui on September 15 and winds up at Meow in Wellington on October 7.