Phoebe Rings is a four-piece dream-pop band from Auckland, New Zealand, led by songwriter, Crystal Choi, featuring members of other notable NZ projects such as Tiny Ruins, AC Freazy, Princess Chelsea, Fazerdaze, and Lucky Boy. Phoebe Rings shimmers into orbit with their debut LP, 'Aseurai', pulling from lead singer/synthesist Crystal Choi’s Korean mother tongue to encapsulate the themes. “'Aseurai' means around you in the atmosphere, hard to reach, fading away,” Choi says. “It’s a poetic expression. You wouldn’t say it in normal conversation, but I like that.” Following the four-piece band’s 2024 self-titled EP, 'Aseurai' adds disco and city-pop influences while staying true to dream-pop roots. While Phoebe Rings was originally a solo project of Choi’s, 'Aseurai' marks a shift with contributing songwriting credits from the whole band. The four musicians cut their teeth working on other notable NZ projects such as Princess Chelsea, Fazerdaze, Tiny Ruins, AC Freazy,, Sea Views and Lucky Boy. With a more ambitious collection of instruments, Choi says this album heralds the start of true collaboration: “I feel more precious about this LP because it includes everyone’s gems.” Guitar/synthesist Simeon Kavanagh-Vincent spearheads unexpected arrangements, with bold fuzzy guitar textures, to spice up the mix. Benjamin Locke adds maturity to the lyrics, paired with perfectionist bass lines. And drummer Alex Freer’s slick production soars 'Aseurai' to diverse and synergetic heights. The broth is richer with more cooks in the kitchen, and the brewing of textures creates a distinct ‘Phoebe Rings’ sound. If the EP was spacey, then 'Aseurai' settles on earth, rooted in tangible moments. “Without getting too gloomy, it’s a weird world out there. A lot has changed in the world since the EP came out,” says Kavanagh-Vincent on this transformation. The album delves into hope and longing across all possibilities, and this exploration of holding on and letting go is organically threaded throughout. Across ten songs, Phoebe Ring’s storytelling ranges from tongue-in-cheek musings on gentrification to tender autobiographical memories. RIYL: Stereolab, The Marias, Men I Trust, Crumb, Alice Phoebe Lou
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