Tidal Water’s Bold New Single: Neocolonial Hand

25/09/2024 94 15 4

Yeah, neocolonialism – nothing like global exploitation disguised as diplomacy to get the heart racing. And who better to soundtrack this morally murky territory than Tidal Water, the brainchild of Oslo’s own Martin Hovden? On October 10th, the band’s latest single, “Neocolonial Hand,” drops, and trust me, it’s not your typical light-listening fare. The song will be available at: linktr.ee/thetidalwater once it’s released. This song bites, claws, and exposes the twisted roots of modern-day imperialism, all while you’re nodding along to some seriously slick production.

Let’s be clear: Tidal Water isn’t just another rock outfit recycling old themes with a fresh coat of guitar fuzz. No, this is a deeply reflective critique wrapped in a melodic Trojan horse. And who’s holding the reins of this musical beast? None other than Martin Hovden, a man who probably has more projects than you have unread emails.

Martin is the vocalist, the songwriter, and the financial backer (because who needs a label when you can juggle creativity with cash flow?) of Tidal Water. His knack for project management and event production has somehow seeped into his music, because if you listen closely, you can almost hear the spreadsheets clicking in time with the drumbeats. But make no mistake. This isn’t a solo show. Hovden’s brought in some heavy hitters to make sure “Neocolonial Hand” lands with precision.

The Band? More Like the Avengers of Rock – Neocolonial Hand

Let’s give credit where it’s due. Sure, Martin’s the visionary, but even Tony Stark needs a team. Leif Johansen is in charge of mixing and synchronization, sculpting the sound with the finesse of a master chef-sans the Michelin stars and white apron. And what’s a good rock track without some serious musical talent? Enter Renato Anesi on Brazilian instrumental styles (yes, really), Jims Lehner on drums (think sophistication, not smash-and-bash), and keyboard maestros Markus Matland and Txai Fernando. If this sounds like an eclectic lineup, that’s because it is. But damn if it doesn’t work.

Tidal Water – Some of The Avengers Of Rock

Each of these players adds their own flavour to the sonic soup, crafting the melodic backbone for Tidal Water’s upcoming album “Polarity”. Without these guys, Martin would just be screaming into the void, albeit beautifully.

The Studio with a Soul

What’s a killer track without the right studio? “Neocolonial Hand” was cooked up at Lindaas Lyd’s studio in Vaalerenga Platefabrikk—because no one records music in their basement anymore, right? Thanks to studio owner Torstein Lindaas, this song doesn’t just hit the ears; it practically slaps them. The sound is polished but still raw enough to remind you that this isn’t your everyday radio filler.

Let’s get to the meat of it. “Neocolonial Hand” is a song about… well, neocolonialism. Shocking, I know. But don’t let the title fool you—it’s not just some abstract commentary for armchair activists. Martin and his merry band of rockers dive headfirst into the real-world consequences of economic and political exploitation, where “aid” often feels more like a shakedown and “trade” is just another word for robbery.

*Bold, dynamic, and powerful—Tidal Water’s artwork mirrors their music’s essence*

Drawing inspiration from Mads Brügger’s jaw-dropping documentary The Ambassador (because who doesn’t love a good undercover exposé?), the song goes deep into the murky waters of diplomatic exploitation, specifically the blood diamond trade and the downright absurd sale of diplomatic titles. You could almost hear the snark dripping from Martin’s pen as he wrote the lyrics. The guy’s pissed off, and rightfully so.

Just the Beginning Of Neocolonial Hand

“Neocolonial Hand” is the fifth single off Tidal Water’s debut album “Polarity”, expected to drop in early 2025. So if this track leaves you reeling, don’t worry—there’s more where that came from. Details about upcoming tour dates and releases will pop up on their socials soon enough, so keep an eye out. The band’s journey is only just beginning, and if “Neocolonial Hand” is any indication, they’ve got plenty more musical grenades to throw.

Papa J & Tidal Water’s Digital Noise: A bold dive into drum and bass chaos – explore the energy on Spotify

In case Tidal Water wasn’t enough to fill your existential rock needs, Martin’s also juggling a side project: Papa J & Tidal Water’s Digital Noise. Yeah, you heard right—he’s going full drum and bass on this one, because why not? It’s chaotic, it’s bass-heavy, and it’s guaranteed to make you feel things. If nothing else, it’s proof that Martin Hovden has zero intention of sticking to one genre. Good luck trying to pin him down.

In Conclusion? Buckle Up.

Tidal Water is not here to placate. They’re not here to pander. And they’re definitely not here to provide you with the next feel-good summer anthem. But if you want something real, something gritty, and something that will make you question just how benevolent the “developed” world really is, “Neocolonial Hand” is your jam.

Stay tuned, folks. This ride’s only just getting started. In fact, you can dive in early with the pre-save link they’ve generously provided via their Linktree. Not only can you lock in “Neocolonial Hand” ahead of its release, but you’ll also find a treasure trove of other interesting content, from behind-the-scenes glimpses to interviews and more.