Office Dog Release Sophomore Album Prime Corner Through Flying Nun, Launching Nationwide Tour

Office Dog’s second full‑length album, Prime Corner, was released on 19 June 2026 through New Zealand independent label Flying Nun Records. The trio—frontman Kane Strang, bassist Rassani Tolovaa and drummer Mitchell Innes—has announced a nine‑date release tour that will begin on 4 September in Auckland and finish on 12 September in Christchurch.

The album was recorded, engineered and mixed by De Stevens at Roundhead Studios in Auckland. Stevens, who has worked with a range of New Zealand acts, handled the entire production process, while the band members contributed all songwriting and performance duties. The record eschews simple genre labels, drawing on elements of avant‑rock, post‑punk and indie‑rock.

Prime Corner was conceived during a month of house‑sitting in West Auckland. Strang notes that the title came from a real‑estate sign he saw on the way to an airport in the United States. The album’s lyrical themes revolve around clarity, acceptance and the passage of time, with tracks such as “Permanent Day” recalling an ice‑skating memory and “Gold Things” reflecting on a visit to Central Otago.

The track‑by‑track commentary released by the band gives insight into the creative process. “Front Row Seat” was written after the band felt the need for a fast, fun song, while “Futures” was described as the most difficult track to arrange because of its discordant chords. “Reins” was recorded in a single take and became the final single from the album, released digitally, on vinyl and on CD on 19 June. The single was highlighted by 13th Floor as the New Zealand “Song of the Day.”

Other songs on the album carry strong place references. “Slowing to a Walk” was written in Dunedin, and “Lesson” was recorded in the city’s studio, where the band worked with local musician De Stevens. “Homemade Canyon” was recorded in the band’s old storage space in Dunedin, and “Dirt” was recorded in a single take with a live‑in‑the‑studio approach.

The album’s release was promoted by a feature on 95bFM’s Breakfast show, which named Prime Corner the “Album of the Week.” The station highlighted the album’s strong songwriting and the band’s ability to blend melodic hooks with experimental textures.

The release tour will see the trio perform at several key venues across New Zealand. The first show is scheduled for 4 September at Double Whammy in Auckland, followed by a performance at the Great Sounds Great festival in Wellington on 5 September. The tour continues with a show at The Crown Hotel in Dunedin on 11 September and a final performance at Lyttelton Coffee Company in Christchurch on 12 September.

Tickets for the tour are available through UnderTheRadar (UTR), with the Great Sounds Great festival tickets sold via Eyegum’s website. The band encourages fans to support the tour by purchasing physical copies of the album from local record stores.

Flying Nun Records, founded in Christchurch in 1981, has long been a key player in New Zealand’s independent music scene. The label’s catalogue includes a range of influential artists, and Prime Corner adds to its roster of contemporary indie‑rock acts.

Roundhead Studios, where the album was produced, is owned by singer‑songwriter Neil Finn and has hosted recordings for a variety of international and local artists. De Stevens’ involvement in the project underscores the studio’s reputation for high‑quality production.

Prime Corner is now available on major streaming platforms and in physical formats. The album’s release and the upcoming tour represent a significant milestone for Office Dog, marking the band’s continued presence in New Zealand’s music landscape.

The band’s social media channels, including Facebook and Bandcamp, provide additional information on tour dates and album availability. Fans can also support the band’s touring efforts through UnderTheRadar’s contribution platform.

The release of Prime Corner and the accompanying tour demonstrate Office Dog’s commitment to producing thoughtful, genre‑blending music while engaging directly with audiences across the country.