[Photo courtesy of Sean McDonald]

By Jenell Taylor, Contributor 

South African-born alternative indie artist Ecca Vandal released a single titled “Cruising to Self Soothe.” Vandal is known for her emerging genre-defying sound, with her fearless blending of punk and new wave. And while her sound is unique to her, influences can be heard from many of the greats in the grunge genre, such as Nirvana, Fugazi, and Turnstile.  

Read more: The Murder Capital release new album Blindness ahead of 2025 tour

Fresh off of a tour with English post-punk band IDLES, Vandal shares “Cruising to Self Soothe” as a step toward the direction she hopes to go with her music. In a recent press release, Vandal says the track “captures the feeling of breaking free and moving forward, no matter the challenges that come. Even when others are waiting for you to fall, you’re still rising– stronger than ever.”

Touring with IDLES has Vandal hot on her toes with something new to share. “Cruising to Self Soothe” is her third release after a break from her music to “take a breather for [her] heart, health, and art.” Her new era marks a state of defiance and independence, as she boldly sings “You look better when I don’t look back”.

Listen here: