I welcome you to the world of Echomatica, a 4-piece indie/alternative rock ensemble from Tamaki Makaurau, Auckland, New Zealand. Far from your run-of-the-mill alt-rock outfit, Echomatica blends guitar-driven rock with a subtle pulse of indietronica, creating lush, cinematic soundscapes that stay with you for long. With Charlie Maclean’s emotive vocals, AJ’s dual mastery of guitar and programming, Matt Chong’s intricate guitar layers, and Scott Samson’s grounding basslines, they craft ethereal and intimately human sounds.
Their sophomore single, “Something,” released on 11 September 2025 via Dead Signal Records, is an arresting testament to their burgeoning artistry. Recorded live to analogue tape at Auckland’s Earwig Studios, the track pulls you in with an addictive opening: crystalline guitar arpeggios shimmer over hazy synth pads, gradually building a sense of airy anticipation. It’s a moment that feels at once nostalgic and fresh, inviting us to lean in, to experience the fragility and the depth of the emotions about to unfold.
Charlie Maclean’s vocals glide effortlessly atop the instrumental layers, carrying a simultaneously intimate and expansive tone. There’s a restrained vulnerability in her delivery that pairs beautifully with the song’s themes: the delicate push-and-pull of yearning and uncertainty, the perpetual search for connection, whether in love, memory, or creative expression. Each note feels carefully placed, drawing you into the personal yet universally resonant narrative at the heart of the song.
Lyrically and emotionally, “Something” explores that universal human experience of seeking connection—the elusive spark we chase in relationships, art, and memory. Moments of fragile intimacy are juxtaposed with brighter, more expansive sections, reflecting uncertainty and hope, tension and release. This duality mirrors Echomatica’s broader musical aesthetic: a fusion of ethereal beauty with grounded emotional resonance.
Instrumentally, “Something” is a masterclass in alt-rock pop craftsmanship. AJ and Matt’s guitars interweave effortlessly, oscillating between crisp, sparkling riffs and fuller, sweeping acoustic bursts, while subtle synth textures add an almost dreamlike quality without ever overwhelming the mix. Scott’s bass anchors the track, providing both rhythm and warmth, while the analogue recording gives the production a rich, tactile quality—an authenticity that’s rare in contemporary alt-rock. The song strikes a perfect balance: airy and atmospheric, yet with a pulse that feels immediate and urgent.
In “Something,” Echomatica invites us into a shimmering, introspective world, one where yearning and hope coexist in a lush, cinematic embrace. It’s a track that’s as addictive as it is beautiful, and it marks them as one of New Zealand’s most compelling alt-rock acts.
Listen to “Something” on Spotify
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