Christchurch indie duo The Response are back with “Shiver,” an acoustic-driven track that pulses with energy while carrying a haunting, introspective weight.
Known for their ability to craft intricate yet deeply personal songs, Andy and Victoria Knopp blend indie pop with electronic minimalism, creating a sound that feels both familiar and entirely their own.
After meeting at jazz school and refining their sound through years of releases, The Response have built a reputation for their DIY approach. Writing, producing, and mixing all their own music, they’ve developed a meticulous style that’s earned them a spot alongside acts like Baio (Vampire Weekend), Deep Sea Diver, and Big Scary.
Their time in Vancouver pushed them toward a more minimalistic and electronic sound, but their return to New Zealand has seen them merge that influence with the raw, organic elements that defined their earlier work.
Built around a tightly strummed acoustic guitar and anchored by a steady kick drum, “Shiver” drives forward with rhythmic intensity while carrying an underlying sense of unease.
“It’s about hanging onto something despite knowing it’s probably doomed to fail,” the band explains. “Waking up to that fact can be daunting.” That push and pull between momentum and uncertainty plays out in the song’s arrangement, revealing subtle textures with each listen.
Since returning to New Zealand, The Response have steadily expanded their catalog with singles like Hollow Branches, 40000 Day and Night, and Practical, as well as their album Escaping This Cold Rotation.
Their music has been described as offering “a sense of cautious hope, one that brings nostalgic touches of loss, belonging, and identity,” and “Shiver” fits right into that space. It’s a song that captures the moment between holding on and letting go, delivering something both urgent and reflective.
Listen to “Shiver” below!
#Peace.Love.Shiver
