Sidewinder Returns with Monolithic New Single ‘Feed the Beast’
Wellington heavyweights Sidewinder are ushering in a new era, and we are proud to premiere their heavy new single, ‘Feed the Beast’.
Following their thunderous 2022 album ‘Talons,’ the band is back with a darker, more progressive edge ahead of their upcoming third LP, ‘Dominion.’ Produced by Tiny Triumph Records and mastered by Will Borza (Deftones, Smashing Pumpkins), ‘Feed the Beast’ marks a distinct evolution. It blends the band’s signature stoner-doom with unexpected shifts that the band describes as “wild swings musically.”
Fronted by the commanding Jem Tupe, the track explores themes of control and dependency, signaling a unit that is no longer just finding their footing, but actively conquering it. As the band states, this new chapter is about “marking our ground and being concise on what we want to produce sonically.”
Having sharpened their claws sharing stages with titans like Orange Goblin, Sidewinder has translated that seismic live energy into the studio, capturing the sound of a band at absolute full power.
“Our new single, ‘Feed the Beast’, has its bridge, which is old-timey and completely different for us.”
‘Dominion’ is described as the start of a “new era” for Sidewinder – what makes this chapter feel different from what’s come before?
We’ve crossed a few musical boundaries with some of the tracks on ‘Dominion.’ At our end, we’ve also changed how we approach the writing and recording process, and who’s involved. It’s become a much more holistic process.
Looking back at ‘Vines and Talons,’ how do you feel Sidewinder has grown, both musically and as a unit?
We’ve cemented our sound now. These things change and evolve over time, as do we, and this is pretty evident in the previous albums too.
What does the title ‘Dominion’ represent for the band at this point in your journey?
It is us marking our ground and being concise on what we want to produce sonically.
How does it build on the sonic foundation of ‘Talons’ while pushing into new territory?
Where to start! All of us have such vastly different influences, and we wanted to allow them to flow into the tracks this time around. You’ll hear some wild swings musically on some of the tracks, with jazzy sections and even Middle Eastern vibes. We’re so proud of ‘Talons’ and wanted to build off that with ‘Dominion.’
Are there particular moments on the album that best capture this darker, heavier, more progressive direction?
There are a bunch through the album. Our new single, ‘Feed the Beast’, has its bridge, which is old-timey and completely different for us.
What themes or ideas does Dominion explore, both lyrically and emotionally?
There’s really a lot it moves through. Some of the main themes you’ll hear are related to control, dependencies and earthly connections, as well as societal direction and how we move through this.
Bands like Kyuss, Down, and Church of Misery are often cited as reference points. How do those influences surface in your sound without defining it?
That’s a tough question! We love killer riffs, psychedelic solos and powerful vocals. They represent these attributes that we embody in our music better than anyone else.
What does it mean to be part of Aotearoa’s heavy rock and stoner scene right now?
There is no shortage of love for this genre here, and with bands like Beastwars, Mammuthus and Planet Hunter with us in Wellington alone, it makes for some amazing shows. The local scene here makes it easy to blow the roof off.
Do you feel a sense of responsibility representing New Zealand on an international stage?
Absolutely! We are always nothing but proud to see ourselves representing NZ’s music scene.
With ‘Dominion’ arriving soon, what can fans expect from Sidewinder over the coming year?
We’ve got some big shows lined up, international support slots, and more great music to share with you all.
Sidewinder Website / Facebook / Instagram / Bandcamp
