NZ Band Tadpole Announce New Single

Auckland, New Zealand – 1 August 2025: Multi-platinum rock trail-blazers Tadpole end a 19-year studio silence with “George”, a blistering reinvention of Headless Chickens’ 1994 chart-topper. Reuniting with legendary producer Malcolm Welsford—who helmed both Tadpole’s seminal albums The Buddhafinger and The Medusa, as well as the original “George” sessions— the band fuse hook-heavy riffs with cutting-edge production—proving they remain a vital force in Aotearoa rock.

Taking the track’s sonic punch to the next level, mastering duties were entrusted to Ted Jensen of Sterling Sound. The Grammy-winning engineer—whose credits include Green Day’s American Idiot, Evanescence’s Fallen, Deftones’ Around the Fur and Pantera’s Far Beyond Driven—brings his trademark clarity and stadium-ready impact to Tadpole’s modern spin on a Kiwi classic.

The single follows Tadpole’s triumphant 2024 reunion, which reignited fans across the country and introduced powerhouse vocalist Lauren Marshall to the line-up—signalling a bold new chapter for the near-triple-platinum outfit.

Lauren Marshall (vocals): “Recording George has been an exciting experience for me, as it’s the first song I’ve been a part of with the band. Collaborating on such an iconic Kiwi track as my introduction to this new era of Tadpole has been special. I’m grateful to be working with such an awesome team and putting my mark on our version. It’s been cool to learn and grow through the process—George has been a massive part of Tadpole’s musical history, and I’m looking forward to this next part of the journey!”

Chris Yong (guitar): “We’ve loved playing George since our early days. Recording it now feels like both a tribute and a statement that Tadpole is fully switched on in 2025.”

Malcolm Welsford (producer/mixer): “Getting back in the studio with Tadpole to record George was electric. There’s a real power in returning to rock production with a band that helped define the scene—and hearing that energy come alive again was something special. This track is raw, urgent, and unmistakably Tadpole.”

WHY “GEORGE”?

Originally released as a double A-side with “Cruise Control,” Headless Chickens’ “George” spent four weeks at No. 1 on the New Zealand singles chart and remains a cornerstone of the nation’s alternative canon. Tadpole’s 2025 version sharpens the song’s menacing groove with razor-edged guitars, Marshall’s soaring vocal, and Jensen’s high-definition master—bridging 1990s alt-rock attitude with modern studio muscle.

LOOKING AHEAD

“George” is the first taste of new material leading into the 25th-anniversary celebrations of The Buddhafinger later this year—promising more singles, festival dates, and surprises from one of NZ rock’s most storied names.

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