Pearly* Share Title-Track 'Not So Sweet' Single/Video

Pearly’s cathartic title-track second single, ‘Not So Sweet’ navigates the feeling of realising a person is not always as good as they appear to be. While lyrics were written by a 17-year-old Phaedra it sat for years until guitarist Joel put it to one of his proudest musical compositions, finally completing the song, giving the song the depth Pearly* felt it deserved.

Early "Dunedin Sound" influences — especially that of The Clean — caught producer Nick Roughan’s (Skeptics) ear, realising that Pearly* were on to something special. Not So Sweet is a moody, magnetic contrast to Superglue, and is accompanied by a music video directed by Kieran J. Dodd with assistance from Cooper Sharplin, with Matilda Macandrew on DOP duties.

Leather Jacket Records, Pinacolada Records in collaboration with Flying Nun Records are very pleased to share the debut offering from Ōtepoti/Dunedin band Pearly*, 'Not So Sweet' — out on August 29th, and available digitally and on glow-in-the-dark vinyl LP or Exclusive "Flying Nun Black" vinyl LP.

Pearly’s music is largely guitar driven alt-rock with influences from Ōtepoti’s current noisy scene mixed in with its own tendencies, with songs full of contrasting space and simplicity with explosive pay-offs.

Pearly* are an alt-rock band fronted by dual songwriters Joel Field (guitar/vocals) and Phaedra Love (bass/vocals), who are joined by Ryan Hill (guitars) and Josh Nicholls (drums). Formed in Ōtepoti in 2023, Pearly* quickly recorded and released their debut EP in 2024. The Pearly* EP was self-released until it was picked up by American indie record label called MPLS who ran a limited pressing of the 7” vinyl. Pearly* then went on to tour and promote the Pearly* EP, and in the process wrote a whole new batch of songs which were then recorded by Aoteoroa music legend Nick Roughan of Skeptics and Bailterspace fame.

Through growing word of mouth, and after a couple of notable live performances and opening slots for Voom, Office Dog, and Twine, as well playing at the recent Junk Fest, Pearly* signed with Leather Jacket Records and Pinacolada Records in collaboration with Flying Nun Records. Their debut album ‘Not So Sweet’ will be released on LP in both black vinyl and glow-in-the-dark vinyl variants, and also digitally on August 29th.

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