Yumi Zouma Unveils Fifth Album ‘No Love Lost To Kindness’ with New Single ‘Drag’

## Yumi Zouma’s Bold Return with “Drag”

Yumi Zouma is back and ready to make waves. The New Zealand-based alt-rock band has unveiled their latest single, **”Drag,”** launched on September 12th. This fresh release marks a significant shift towards a heavier sound, heralding the arrival of their fifth studio album, *No Love Lost To Kindness,* set to drop on January 30th, 2026, via Nettwerk.

## A New Sound on *No Love Lost To Kindness*

With *No Love Lost To Kindness*, Yumi Zouma showcases a sharp evolution in their musical style. Departing from the dreamy pop elements of their earlier work, this album introduces a raw and jagged sound. The record, consisting of 12 tracks, was recorded in Mexico City under the guidance of producers Burgess and Charlie Ryder, capturing the dynamic chemistry of a band that has been refining its craft for over a decade.

### Creative Struggles and Triumphs

The band reflected on the challenges faced during the album’s creation. “Making our fifth album was the most friction-filled creative period since the band began,” they shared. They juggled studio time while dealing with the tension of different schedules, leading to some bold changes along the way. The result is an album that pushes away from soft guitar melodies to a more intense and gritty sound, with each song being a raw expression of their journey.

## Insights from “Drag”

“Drag” follows a series of previous singles like “Cross My Heart and Hope To Die,” “Blister,” and April’s “Bashville on the Sugar,” all hinting at this exciting transformation. Written during a brief break in Mexico City, the track combines grunge-inspired guitar riffs with industrial synths and glitchy arpeggios, gradually building up to a powerful chorus. Beneath the energetic surface, ghostly harmonies and cinematic soundscapes add depth and drama to the listening experience.

### Personal Reflections

In her own words, frontwoman Christie Simpson describes her emotions surrounding the song: “For months, I was overwhelmed with grief, joy, frustration, acceptance, relief, and struggle.” She mentions that life didn’t necessarily become easier after her ADHD diagnosis—often, it became more complex. *”Drag”* embodies her acceptance journey and serves as a farewell to the life lived while battling inner struggles.

### The Band’s Unique Vision

Yumi Zouma cleverly characterizes “Drag,” noting that they aimed to create a sound that felt like “slowly rotating in sludge” before bursting into an unforgettable chorus. Their eclectic blend includes references from long-gone music magazines and samples that draw on nostalgic soundtracks of beloved late ’90s and early 2000s films.

## Visual Storytelling in Their Video

Accompanying the single is a visually striking video directed by Julian Vares. Utilizing a mix of formats from vintage Mini-DV to modern 4K FX6, the video channels the feel of classic action films like *The Bourne Identity* and *Hackers.* It features guitarist Josh Burgess as a trenchcoat-wearing agent infiltrating a high-tech control center, with Simpson portraying a digital overlord. The narrative unfolds with thrilling moments of chaos, rebellion, and ultimately, a triumphant dismantling of the system.

Yumi Zouma’s *“Drag”* is available for streaming now. Have you checked it out? What do you think about their new musical direction?