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Today, Chicago based alternative indie rock band Neptune's Core share the dynamic, highly anticipated EP Called Upon out everywhere now via Side Hustle Records. Alongside the full album, the band share track and video "Bunga" out now. To celebrate the EP release, the band will perform live at the official EP release show at Chicago's Metro tomorrow, August 26 along with Motel Breakfast and OK Cool. Tickets are on sale now via linktr.ee/neptunescore.
Called Upon, Neptune's Core's triumphant EP out today, is a powerful representation of who the band is today, both as people and as musicians. The project is their first release in almost two years, and the four-piece is proud to present a collection that is true to who they are today–one that captures their growth, pain, joy and everything in between as they continually discover themselves. Jackie Cywinski (guitar/vocals) says, "'Called Upon' is a beautifully diverse EP that truly shows how we work together in order to make music that is alive. The parts all four of us play separately naturally intertwine into unique, dynamic songs that we are extremely proud of." Chicago Reader praises the band's growth displayed throughout Called Upon, as it allows them to "focus the frenzy of Neptune’s Core’s earlier work without sacrificing its charm" and calls the EP their "most accomplished release yet."
"Bunga," also out today, encapsulates the turmoil that comes with growing up and the often debilitating pressure of self-discovery. Written by Jackie Cywinski, with compelling, raw vocals, the track swells to capture the overwhelming nature and perpetual process of knowing one's self. The song's potent message can be heard in the lyrics, "I just wanna be myself without wondering if that’s who I really am." Cywinski explains, “I wrote Bunga during a time when finding who I truly was seemed nearly impossible. There is so much pressure put on people growing up to determine what they should be interested in–it can be suffocating."
Over the course of the song, the pressure is steadily released in a gratifying culmination of these intense emotions. Cywinski continues, "Two years ago, these feelings were really overwhelming, so I wrote this song in order to put all my emotions out there. It can be so difficult to be vulnerable; reliving hard, emotional times is nerve wracking, but the rewarding feeling of screaming the lyrics into the mic outshines any nerve."
The track's accompanying video features the band in a dimly lit, outdoor setting to match the song's gripping uncertainty. It aims to showcase the intricacies of human emotion, and the idea that looks can be deceiving. Bassist Hannah Richter says, "Throughout the video, you will find clips where Jackie seems fine, but underneath her cold face is pent up anger and a shattered soul. During other clips, you get to see Jackie really let go. She shows brokenness in all of its glory through pained expressions and a look in her eyes that tells the viewer her story–one that isn't necessarily felt by all. We really wanted to make sure that what Jackie is feeling was seen rather than ignored as the song describes."
Watch "Bunga" (Official Music Video)
With a gradual build, rhythmic guitar strums and explosive bridge, the previously shared "Unloved" achingly sinks into feelings of loneliness and heartache. Written mostly in one sitting, Sofie Richter (vocals/guitar), says writing the song allowed her to put words to the difficult, complex emotions she was feeling. The pain culminates in a bridge filled with soaring vocals and crashing drums, a catharsis that is heard sonically and felt by all when played live. Lyrically intimate, it cuts so deeply that in the beginning, playing it live would bring her to tears, but now, feels empowering.
Sofie Richter says, "The first couple times we played it live, I cried either post-show off stage or once even on stage. It’s a brutal song. And as difficult as it is to put myself out there and play it, it’s the most rewarding feeling. I can just release." Sister and bandmate Hannah Richter (bass) is so proud of her sister's ability to dig deep into her pain and come out the other side stronger. Echoing the raw emotion that pours out of the track, Hannah adds, "Every single time I hear this song my entire body goes tense from the emotion built into this–it shows so much bravery."
Fizzy Magazine felt similarly, calling the track, "Stirring, emotionally charged" and added, "If you're looking for some soul-stirring music that speaks to your emotions, then Neptune's Core is the band to watch out for." Watch the accompanying self-directed lyric video here.
Before "Unloved," came "Inside" a searingly honest track that provides a space for the band to voice their innermost fears and insecurities. The energetic track was born after Sofie Richter sang the melody into her phone with a voice memo and later, brought it to her bandmates who lit up with excitement. From there, each member added their own signature piece to the puzzle and continued to rework it together as they brought it into the studio. With a booming bassline, dark, looming vocals, and shimmery guitar riffs, the track draws from Richter's own experiences and acts not only as a catharsis for her, but as a megaphone for the universal feelings of uncertainty and anxiety. Hoping to provide a channel for others to relate, Richter shares, "'Inside' is full of experimentation. It’s full of agony too. The lyrics come from a real part of me. They give voice to my struggles. Belting out 'When does it get better?' makes me feel something, which is why I wrote the song–to feel something and to share that feeling with others.”
Longtime tastemaker Glasse Factory encouraged listeners to "find catharsis" in the track and described it as, "Soft, gently discussing such dark experiences. The vocals are breathy yet strong, eventually building up to belting with emotion overflowing." Of the track's distinct emotional pull, Chicago Reader wrote, "'Inside' opens with tense rhythms and breathy vocals, so that the sustained, bell-like guitar chords that enter after 45 seconds feel like the first fat drops of cold rain that precede a downpour—though they don’t quite prepare you for the rip-roaring full-band storm to come." Reader added, “Inside” promises great things to come from Neptune’s Core."
With two albums under their belt, including 2020's Can't Have It All and 2021's Evolving, several tastemakers have taken notice of the rising rockers. Third Coast Review raved about the band's ability to blend genres seamlessly. Of some favorite tracks from their sophomore effort Evolving, the publication wrote, "'Turning Red' is pure pop ballad while opening track 'Drowning' takes you down an indie rock road toward a boisterous second half full of pounding drums and blisteringly strong vocals." Jim DeRogits added on Sound Opinions, "Their age belies the sophistication of the songwriting and instrumentation...classic alternative era with delicate fragile quiet moments exploding into loud dynamics."
Neptune's Core, made up of two sets of sisters, is carving their own path with raw lyricism and their own expansive, genre-blending sound. Together, Sofie Richter (vocals/guitar), Jackie Cywinski (guitar/vocals), Kaitlin Cywinski (drums), and Hannah Richter (bass) bring their heartfelt lyrics to life with their unique blend of rock, jazz and classical roots. Committed to being unapologetically themselves, the group cultivates a high-energy, warm environment with their captivating stage presence and ability to foster meaningful connections with their fans. Speaking to CHIRP Radio, Hannah Richter explained the rare innate mutual understanding that comes with being in a band with your sister and best friends. "I feel like there's kind of a confidence in each other and I think being sisters and being best friends we understand each other and we can kind of almost predict what the other person's gonna do, predict how they'll feel after something. We're kinda telepathic in a sense."
Already becoming a fixture in their local music scene, Neptune's Core has shared bills with fellow Chicago favorites, Dehd, Bnny, Friko as well as LA's Hana Vu and Mamalarky. The band's own Jackie was even pulled up to play guitar with Hinds at their Lollapalooza after show in 2022, resulting in an unforgettable life highlight. Channeling 90s indie and alt-rock sounds like Veruca Salt and Smashing Pumpkins, the four-piece is the new generation of Chicago's rock resurgence and they're only just getting started. Last month, Chicago's Lumpen Radio echoed this during the band's recent visit to the station, stating, "They’re just power. The intensity of their lyrics and their messages and the control of their music and the path and how they’ve been building their career, the band...at such a young age it’s...empowering." In an interview with Chicago Magazine, Sofie describes the band and its name, “We’re dense. We are indestructible. We’re fierce.” The publication added, "Those traits are readily apparent on the band’s latest EP." Finally, the unapologetic, fierce and much-anticipated project from Neptune's Core arrives today, further solidifying the group as promising musicians to watch.
Most recently, when the band joined treasured Chicago host Jill Hopkins on Metro's Have You Met...? Podcast, she noted their age has little bearing on their talent and skill, saying, "As young as they are, their sound and stage presence give no indication of anything other than seasoned pros." Hopkins then lauded, "A few will rise to the top through a mix of talent, timing, uniqueness, and natural charm. And I've not seen many bands do it as well as or as quickly as Neptune's Core."
Called Upon, the poignant, powerful forthcoming EP by Neptune's Core is out everywhere now via Side Hustle Records. Join Neptune's Core live in Chicago for the official EP release show at Metro tomorrow, on August 26. Tickets are on sale now here. Connect with Neptune's Core on Instagram and YouTube and stay tuned for more from the rising rockers.
Listen: "Unloved" | Watch: "Unloved" (Lyric Video)
Listen: "Inside" | Watch "Inside" (Official Lyric Video)
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