Chicago’s alternative indie rock scene has a great release today with Neptune’s Core, as the band unveils their EP titled “Called Upon,” which is now available on Side Hustle Records. Alongside this momentous release, the band has also dropped the single and music video for “Bunga.” The EP launch will be celebrated with a live performance at Chicago’s iconic Metro venue on August 26th, featuring fellow acts Motel Breakfast and OK Cool. Tickets for this event can be purchased via the linktr.ee/neptunescore.
Neptune’s Core’s latest offering, “Called Upon,” is a triumph for the band, representing a significant step in their musical journey. The four-piece outfit has poured their hearts and souls into this release, marking their first venture in almost two years. The EP is a genuine reflection of their growth, experiences, and emotions, encapsulating their essence as artists and individuals.
Jackie Cywinski, the band’s guitarist and vocalist, provides insight into the EP’s essence, stating, “‘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.”
Accompanying the EP is the track “Bunga,” which delves deep into the challenges of coming of age and the overwhelming burden of self-discovery. Penned by Jackie Cywinski herself, the song’s raw vocals and poignant lyrics capture the struggle of navigating one’s identity.
The chorus, “I just wanna be myself without wondering if that’s who I really am,” encapsulates the sentiment of self-doubt that often accompanies personal growth. Cywinski shares her inspiration for the track, explaining, “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.”
The music video for “Bunga” complements the song’s emotional intensity. Set against a dimly lit outdoor backdrop, the video captures the complexity of human emotions and the facade of appearances. Bassist Hannah Richter elaborates on the video’s concept, noting, “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.”