13th Floor New Song Of The Day: Late Model European – Summer Rain

Here’s a shot of guitar-driven pop from Late Model European, a band comprised of a couple of Scottish dudes who now live in New Zealand. 

The two gentlemen in question are John Nelson and Tones Thorburn, one of whom lives in Auckland, the other Marlborough. Their new single, Summer Rain was produced by Ben King at Neil Finn’s Roundhead Studios and features The Bads’ Dianne Swann on backing vocals.

Here’s the record company blurb with more details:

Late Model European is a songwriting and music collaboration between John Nelson and Tones Thorburn, two life-long best friends from Scotland who now call New Zealand home.

Drawing on influences from iconic artists that have inspired them on their musical journey – The Beatles, The Stones, Bowie, Fleetwood Mac, Led Zeppelin, Pink Floyd, Neil Young, Tom Petty, Dire Straits, Elvis Costello, through to Crowded House/The Finns, Goldenhorse, Stereophonics and Elbow to name quite a few– it’s no surprise that Late Model European’s new single ‘Summer Rain’ is insanely catchy with a wide-ranging appeal.

Featuring the backing vocals of iconic kiwi chanteuse Dianne Swann, ‘Summer Rain’ is an upbeat, feel-good, summery track, but it goes deeper than that.

Says Tones, “In a literal sense, it’s a romance; it’s about romantic relationships– the ‘summer’ season of a relationship; that magic. At times we can drift away a little (or a lot). The dream can also slip away; if you let it. It’s about holding on to that dream, that romance, that love, that feeling; living life to the fullest.”

“We hope people will in some way relate to the story, be inspired and take the song into their daily lives.”

‘Summer Rain’ was recorded at Roundhead Studios with producer Ben King (Goldenhorse/Grand Rapids) at the helm, and mastered by Don Bartley (Benchmark Mastering – Sydney), the single features top kiwi musicians, Tom Broome, Ben King, Dianne Swan, Jacob O’Callaghan alongside John and Tones.

‘Summer Rain’ is now available from Spotify, Apple Music, iTunes and all good digital outlets.