Two albums down, and apparently, there’s no intention of slowing down. New Zealand–South African trio The Transits are back with ‘Tongue Tied’, their first new music since Bleed Hope (2025) and the opening statement of what they’re calling Season 3. Brighter, faster and packed with nostalgic synths and pop-punk hooks, the single signals a fresh chapter without straying too far from the sonic collisions that have shaped their identity.
‘Tongue Tied’ brings together punchy guitars, restless drums and 80s-inspired synth textures, wrapped around an infectious rock-pop chorus. There’s a certain familiarity to its sonic landscape, but rather than leaning entirely on nostalgia, The Transits give these influences a renewed sense of urgency. It’s energetic, melodic and unapologetically catchy, with a brighter disposition than some of the darker moments on Bleed Hope.
The track explores the frustration of being unable to articulate what’s going on inside. “Stuck on the tip of my tongue again / Words like bricks but they just won’t bend” sets the tone for a narrator caught between an overwhelming inner world and an inability to communicate it. The recurring “Tongue tied, tied in knots” refrain turns emotional frustration into an infectious singalong. There’s an interesting contradiction here: a song about losing one’s words that has absolutely no trouble making itself heard.
And because it’s Halloween, a new Transits release wouldn’t be complete without a cinematic visual companion. Directed by bassist and vocalist Dom Antelme, the accompanying video unfolds inside a creepy old manor, drawing inspiration from the psychological unease of The Shining. Part music video, part horror short, it plays with the contrast between the track’s upbeat energy and its unsettling visual atmosphere.
The band have already made their mark with their self-titled 2024 debut and Bleed Hope, while ‘Dancing with Shadows’ earned international music-video recognition, including an award at the Europe Music Awards.
Blending pop-punk urgency with retro synths and infectious hooks, The Transits continue to find their sweet spot somewhere between nostalgia and reinvention. ‘Tongue Tied’ makes for a lively return, setting the tone for a new season that seems just as interested in experimentation as it is in having a little fun!
