Beloved international alt-pop outfit Yumi Zouma have officially inked a deal with the fantastic Nettwerk label, joining a roster that includes names like Vacations and Panchiko. And they haven't arrived empty-handed – they've dropped their first slice of new music in a good sixteen months with the absolutely cracking single, 'Bashville on the Sugar', out now.

This track is more than just a comeback; it feels like a significant step forward for the group. While retaining that signature melodic touch we all love, 'Bashville on the Sugar' injects a real shot of energy and buoyancy. It's a tune shaped by motion, reflecting both literal journeys and emotional shifts. Penned across various global hubs like Mexico City, New York, and their native New Zealand, the song even weaves in MTA field recordings, capturing the very pulse of public transport.

You can practically feel drummer Olivia Campion's urgent rhythm pushing things along, while Charlie Ryder and Josh Burgess's swirling guitars build a captivating soundscape around Christie Simpson's ethereal vocals, calling out for that "one last glance as they’re closing the doors.” It's a swirling, exhilarating ride that feels like a bold statement for what's next.

Speaking about the inspiration behind the track, Yumi Zouma shared: "The first song on our forthcoming project that we really dug into, it's an ode to the subway and public transport, New York’s in particular. The band has a deep affinity for it; its reliability and the access it provides are unlike anything we experienced in New Zealand. At the same time, its unpredictability – what you’ll see, who you’ll bump into – keeps each trip rooted in the present.”

The single arrives with a video that visually complements the song's feel, blending studio shots with Mini DV footage from NYC, offering glimpses of the band members in transit and performance.

Composed of Christie Simpson on vocals and keyboards, Josh Burgess handling guitar, bass, vocals, and keyboards, Charlie Ryder on guitar, bass, and keyboards, and Olivia Campion on drums (who joined in 2017), Yumi Zouma initially formed in New Zealand back in 2013. Despite their origins, the members are now spread across the globe, with Christie in Melbourne, Charlie in London, Josh in New York, and Olivia in Wellington.

Now, with Nettwerk in their corner and this dynamic new single leading the charge, Yumi Zouma are clearly geared up to launch into their next decade with a forthcoming project that promises to push their sound even further.

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