Earth Tongue are Pōneke-based metal duo Gussie Larkin and Ezra Simons. Their debut album, Floating Being, came out in 2019, so their follow-up, 2024’s Great Haunting (In the Red Records), comes long-awaited.
It’s an apt name for the record; Larkin’s hypnotic melodies and close harmonies are haunting. A gritty guitar tone on opening track ‘Out of This Hell’ sets the precedent for the next eight. It’s a turbulent, exciting journey, and the listener can fully expect to be swept up in the infectious, riff-driven sound.
Psych-fuzz duo Earth Tongue are going on tour this June Photo: Oscar Keyes
The duo is now based in Berlin, with a suite of European shows lined up for May. They’re set to tour Aotearoa in winter, with dates lined up for Lyttleton, Wellington and Auckland. They’re also on the bill for Tasmania’s renowned music festival Dark Mofo, taking place in June.
Either member shares themselves with other projects: Larkin fronts and plays guitar in psych-rock band Mermaidens, and Simons plays guitar for Troy Kingi, plus bass for Tāmaki Makaurau-based indie-rock band Soft Bait.
The duo joined Maggie Tweedie on Music 101 to kōrero about the album and their upcoming tour.
Catch Earth Tongue on tour in NZ:
June 12th - The Loons, Lyttelton
June 13th - Meow Nui, Wellington
June 14th - Double Whammy, Auckland
