Newest Zealand is a Polish alternative-pop music project founded in 2010 by Borys Dejnarowicz, a vocalist and guitarist previously known from the band The Car Is On Fire. Operating as an open collective, it engages musicians from the broad spectrum of the Polish independent scene, creating elaborate, precise arrangements full of musical quotes, melodic nuances, and the concept of “newstalgia”—nostalgia filtered through modern production. Style and Influences Newest Zealand's work freely blends elements of baroque pop, indie rock, art rock, and synthpop, with an emphasis on a “sophisticated” sound for discerning listeners. Influences draw from Tin Pan Alley, 1960s Californian pop, 1980s British new pop, soft rock, and overseas alternative, resulting in warm, melancholic harmonies with a guitar-pop core. Dejnarowicz emphasizes that this is music “for knowledgeable people,” using elite means rather than standard rock—reviews praise it for its world-class level and rehabilitation of Polish pop. History and Activity The project was born in the fall of 2007 as a synthesis of Dejnarowicz's experiences with The Car Is On Fire, his solo Divertimento project, and collaborations with Muchy (CNC). The 2010 debut quickly gained acclaim as one of the best Polish indie albums, promoted by concerts at Warsaw Music Week. After a hiatus, it returned in 2025 with the album Harmony Attack, recorded with former collaborators, leading to live sessions on Polish Radio (Trójka, Studio im. Agnieszki Osieckiej) and concerts in Łódź and Poznań. The band performs rarely but in an event-oriented manner—in 2025, it also appeared on compilations, paid tribute to Pixies, and announced new material. Discography - Newest Zealand (2010, Ampersand Records): Debut featuring tracks like “Two Ways,” “Yours Sincerely,” “He Said He’s Sad,” “Splash Boom Crash.” Praised for its melodic richness and arrangements in the style of Steely Dan or Radiohead. - Harmony Attack (April 2025, NoPaper Records, prod. Michał Stambulski): Return after 15 years, with the title track “Harmony Attack,” “Elitist,” and others—live sessions on Trójka highlighted the raw sincerity of the sound. - Singles: “She Wears White” (reviewed for its promising direction). Band Lineup = Core member: Borys Dejnarowicz (vocals, guitar)—leader and songwriter. - Live lineup (2025, Trójka): Michał Stambulski (bass, vocals), Krzysztof Nowicki (guitar, vocals), Miłosz Wośko (keys), Krzysztof Halicz (drums); guests: Jerzy Mazzoll, Małgorzata Penkalla (Enchanted Hunters/Róża), Jakub Czubak (ex-The Car Is On Fire). - Recording contributors (over the years): Musicians from The Car Is On Fire, Muchy, Mitch & Mitch, Afro Kolektyw, Soyuz, Enchanted Hunters, Renton, Furia Futrzaków, Kolorofon, Excessive Machine; guests: Ala Boratyn (ex-Blog 27), Krzesimir Dębski. Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/newestzealandmusic/ <a href="https://www.last.fm/music/Newest+Zealand">Read more on Last.fm</a>. User-contributed text is available under the Creative Commons By-SA License; additional terms may apply.