Water and wine is the latest release by glue-sniffing Christchurch mainstays, Von Klap (the band formely known as The Klap). It is also the leading single from their hotly anticipated debut album, which is currently being recorded in Churchtown’s finest boutique studio, The Sitting Room. Accompanied by a stunningly crafted video, this single is the first release from Von Klap that masks the depravity of the members’ minds behind a facade of composure. Like a wolf in sheep’s clothing, or maybe more appropriately, a closet trani at their day job. This track wears its slease on its sleave, opting for vivid imagery of salvation over the graphic tales of violence and incest of their former work. Musically, the tune drapes evocative meloddy over a skeleton of gritty mongrel. The vocal delivery is unexpected and perfect, the founding chord progression keeps you guessing, and the verse/chorus dynamic is subtle and delicious. While it doesn’t have the charming hook and swagger of RDU favourites “Not Getting Younger” or “Screenplay”, this is the first tune released this year that has hugged me like an old friend and clung to the memory glands. Good luck getting it out of your head.