We’ve got something fresh from the bottom of the world. Microbes—yeah, that’s the name, don’t let it gross you out—are a two-man wrecking crew from Auckland, New Zealand. And they just dropped “City of Sails”. This is an epic, baby.
Let’s meet the players. Jacob Connor handles the vocals and guitar. The guy’s got taste: Soundgarden, Tool, INXS, Michael Jackson, Prince, and early Simple Minds. That’s a wild mix, and you can hear it. He’s got that snarling, visceral edge but can pull back for the quiet stuff. On the keys is Allister Ainsworth. A keyboard virtuoso who worships Visage, Japan, Pink Floyd, Gary Numan, and Catherine Wheel. So yeah, expect some lush, atmospheric layers that suddenly turn into a knife fight.
So what’s “City of Sails” about? It’s an anthem for Auckland—New Zealand’s biggest city, with that pretty harbour. But don’t expect a tourist ad. These guys dig into the grime underneath. The song circles around a nasty little question: “In the city of sails, what do you sell?” That’s the hook, right there. It’s about the commercial hustle that keeps the blood pumping, but they also tip their hat to the growing wealth disparity messing up their nation. Smart, sneaky, and heavy.
Starts off measured, reflective—you can almost hear the seagulls and waves because, hell, they recorded those field recordings. That’s right. Real gulls, real water, from the wharf in Devonport. Then it kicks into a frenetic middle section with some visceral heft. Guitars bite, keys swirl, Jacob’s voice gets mean. Then it calms down for the coda. That’s the magic. You’re sitting on that wharf, watching the boats, feeling the weight of the city.
One more thing. These guys are humanists. They believe in a fair shake. And they’ve got a killer line from another track that sums up their guts: “Like the crack of the ass of the model on the billboard, my bottom line has been defined I won’t back down.” That’s rock and roll, people.
No live dates yet, but when they hit the stage? Don’t miss it. “City of Sails” is a bloody triumph. Wind it. Feel the salt spray. And ask yourself: what do you sell?
Microbes Socials: Bandcamp • Facebook • Soundcloud