Rising New Zealand quartet Borderline have unveiled details of their long-awaited debut album, Borderline, alongside the release of their vibrant new single That Girl and an accompanying music video inspired by classic Saturday morning mystery cartoons.
Borderline
Set for release on 26th June via EMPIRE, the self-titled record represents a significant milestone for the Auckland four-piece, who have spent the last few years steadily building an international following through a string of infectious singles, relentless touring and an undeniable chemistry forged through lifelong friendship.
The announcement arrives fresh from the band’s recent North American tour, which saw them complete a 14-date run across the United States and Canada, further cementing their reputation as one of the most exciting young acts emerging from New Zealand’s flourishing music scene.
At the centre of the album campaign is That Girl, a track that sees Borderline fully embracing their love of classic 1980s pop, funk and rock influences. Driven by shimmering vintage synths, infectious grooves and soaring vocal hooks, the single showcases a band unafraid to wear their influences proudly while crafting a sound that feels fresh and contemporary.
The band’s affection for artists such as Michael Jackson and Prince can be heard throughout the track, with glossy production and dynamic musicianship combining to create one of their most ambitious releases to date. According to the band, That Girl emerged from a desire to simply let loose creatively, allowing their skills as instrumentalists to take centre stage while embracing the joy of making music without limitations.
That same spirit runs throughout the forthcoming album. Recorded across home studios before being refined at Auckland’s renowned Roundhead Studios, the record finds Borderline drawing from every corner of their collective musical upbringing. The result is a collection that blends pop immediacy, rock energy and funk-infused grooves into a cohesive statement of intent from a band still only at the beginning of their journey.
The accompanying video for That Girl matches the song’s playful energy. Directed by Tom Grut, the clip follows the band through a spooky abandoned asylum transformed into a haunted house adventure. Inspired by the colourful aesthetic and playful mystery-solving antics of Scooby-Doo, the visual finds Borderline leaning fully into the fun side of their personalities while delivering their most ambitious music video yet.
What makes Borderline’s rise particularly impressive is the band’s age. Still only 20 and 21 years old, the four-piece have already earned significant recognition at home, including nominations for Breakthrough Artist of the Year and Best Pop Artist at New Zealand’s prestigious Aotearoa Music Awards. Sharing a nomination category with globally renowned artists is further evidence that Borderline’s momentum continues to grow at an impressive pace.
Borderline
Comprised of Ben Glanfield (guitar, vocals, keys), Jackson Boswell (drums, vocals), Matthew McFadden (lead guitar) and Max Harries (bass, saxophone), Borderline have built their reputation on a combination of undeniable musicianship and youthful exuberance. Their songs effortlessly blend polished pop songwriting with the energy of a live band, something that shines particularly brightly on That Girl.
With their debut album finally on the horizon, Borderline appear poised to take another major step forward. If That Girl is any indication, Borderline promises to be a confident introduction to a band rapidly establishing themselves as one of the most exciting new names in modern indie-pop.
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