Lunavela "Mauled by Lions"

Sounds from New Zealand

28/04/2025 |

Lunavela, the solo project of New Zealand’s Steve Mathieson (formerly of Collapsing Cities), serves up a bittersweet slice of ’90s indie nostalgia with his new single Six-Out-Of-Ten-Friend. Armed with jangly guitars, a laid-back groove, and Mathieson’s droll vocal delivery, the track dissects the cringe-worthy theater of modern interactions. But there’s no venom here, just wry empathy: Mathieson calls it a “celebration” of setting boundaries and finding humor in discomfort, wrapping his self-deprecating wit in melodies as breezy as they are bruised.

The song's understated charm lies in its instrumentation, where the trumpet flourishes and '60s-inspired synthesizers create a sun-drenched, ethereal atmosphere. The single previews Lunavela’s upcoming album Imposter Syndrome, a self-funded labor of love years in the making. Mathieson credits his sobriety as the catalyst for reconnecting with music, calling the record—a mix of “bruised pop” exploring sexuality, recovery, and heartache—his proudest work yet.