New Laconia’s debut single “Stardust Bear Bazaar Pt. 1” is a genre-blending, time-warping adventure that feels like stepping into a neon-lit sci-fi tavern where metalheads, jazz aficionados, and fantasy nerds all hang out under one interstellar roof. Conceptually daring but never alienating, this track takes a wild creative risk and somehow sticks the landing.
The song opens with gritty, distorted guitar riffs and a thick bed of steady, muscular drumming before warming into a jazzy swirl of horns. Then enters the bear himself, voiced with a gravelly, theatrical rumble meant to match the character from the cover art, Bear, the interdimensional pub owner caught in a time-loop crisis. The pub, Stardust Bear Bazaar, is the entire sonic universe. With lyrics narrated in part by this bear-like voice and bolstered by a second, more melodic and theatrical vocal in the bridge, the track swings between engaging narration and bursts of animated rock energy.
Musically, “Stardust Bear Bazaar Pt. 1” defies expectation at every turn. Jazz horns meet hard rock riffs. Arabic-style guitar licks slither through funk grooves. Rhythmic shifts keep you on your toes without ever feeling chaotic. The arrangement is structured with the precision of progressive rock but feels warmer and more accessible, like a good fantasy novel you fall into and forget the real world exists. It’s experimental, but never at the cost of enjoyment.
New Laconia, led by Alex Syniakov, is world-building through sound. Inspired by games, books, and films, this debut track leaves you with questions about the plot, about Bear’s journey, about Time as a villain, but you’re too busy vibing to care. Listen to “Stardust Bear Bazaar Pt. 1” on Spotify.
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Review by: Naomi Joan