Released in October 2017, Soaked Oats ’ second EP ‘No Slip Ups’ follows the self-dubbed ‘sludge-pop’ band’s debut EP ‘Stone Fruit Melodies’ which they released in May of the same year. ‘No Slip Ups’ is a dreamy, poetically relatable canvas of music.

It shows off an intricate alteration of instrumental textures, particularly between the two electric guitars, which is sometimes very hard to achieve. The simple melodies and harmonies compliment contemplative lyrics, whilst making excellent use of space – as well as repetition.

The Dunedin four-piece is headed by Oscar Mein on lead vocals and guitar, with Henry Francis also on guitar, Max Holmes playing bass and Conor Feehly on drums. They have created a breathy, charming mix of soft and edgy songs, with a use of captivating instrumental breaks, unique combinations of rhythm and entertaining production by Theodore Francis (of Ha The Unclear).

The recording was done in a villa in Cape Foulwind on the West Coast, with a couple of the vocal tracks captured at Chicks Hotel in Dunedin. Mixed by Tom Bell, the crafted production is evident, but not overdone as they’ve held onto the raw, wilderness sound that is central to Soaked Oats’ southern charm.