Neptune's Core is an alternative indie rock band made of two sets of sisters but work together like four sisters. Consisting of Sofie Richter (vocals/guitar), Jackie Cywinski (guitar/vocals), Kaitlin Cywinski (drums), and Hannah Richter (bass), these four created the bad ass group out of Chicago’s thriving indie-rock scene. Jim DeRogits summed it up best on Sound Opinions, "Their age belies the sophistication of the songwriting and instrumentation ... classic alternative era with delicate fragile quiet moments exploding into loud dynamics." 

As talented multi-instrumentalists and passionate music fans, they sought to bring their music to life with a love of indie and punk music while having a background in playing and studying rock, jazz, and classical. And that’s not to mention their heartfelt lyrics and the catharsis when they belt them out. They've self-released two albums (Can't Have It All in 2020, Evolving in 2021) and continually captivate the crowds, regularly performing live at venues and music festivals all over the Chicago and Milwaukee area with bands such as Dehd, Bnny, Mamalarky, and Hana Vu. 

Neptune’s Core reflects their growth in musicianship, songwriting, and as people with their latest offering, their EP Called Upon (Side Hustle Records, 2023), recorded with Doug Malone at Jamdek (Deeper, NE-HI, Girl K). They at once look toward the future while also throwing things back to the 90s Chicago rock sound, with bands like Veruca Salt and Smashing Pumpkins being a big inspiration. With melodic bass lines, powerful drumming, shimmery guitars, and an unapologetic sense of self are what give Neptune’s Core their own, truly unique sound.

Music

Called Upon

Neptune's Core

August 26th, 2023

Called Upon is our most recent release: a six song, experimental EP that showcases a new side of us.

Written & performed by Sofia Richter, Jackie Cywinski, Kaitlin Cywinski, and Hannah Richter.

Recorded by Doug Malone at Jamdek studios, mastered by Greg Obis at Chicago Mastering Service.

Released via Side Hustle Records.

August 26th, 2023

Called Upon is our most recent release: a six song, experimental EP that showcases a new side of us.

Written & performed by Sofia Richter, Jackie Cywinski, Kaitlin Cywinski, and Hannah Richter.

Recorded by Doug Malone at Jamdek studios, mastered by Greg Obis at Chicago Mastering Service.

Released via Side Hustle Records.

Read more…

Evolving

Neptune's Core

October 1st, 2021

Evolving is our second album. It contains 11 diverse songs that range from punk to ballads.

Written & performed by Sofia Richter, Jackie Cywinski, Kaitlin Cywinski, and Hannah Richter.

Recorded and mixed by Andy Gerber, mastered by Colin Jordan.

Read more…

Can't Have it All

Neptune's Core

August 21st, 2020

This is our debut album. It includes 8 original songs that range from indie pop to punk.

Written & performed by Sofia Richter, Jackie Cywinski, Kaitlin Cywinski, and Hannah Richter

Read more…

Shows

Photo Gallery

Links

Reviews

"To say it was electrifying is an understatement. Quite literally I felt my whole body tingle as I watched this badass of a group put their all into their performance." Linnea Cheng, Amplified Chicago

 

"Their age belies the sophistication of the songwriting and instrumentation... classic alternative era with delicate fragile quiet moments exploding into loud dynamics... I hear some Soccer Mommy and Snail Mail influences but what I don't hear are artists still in their teens" Jim DeRogatis, Sound Opinions reviewing the Evolving album as a Buried Treasure 

 

"'Inside' opens with tense rhythms and breathy vocals, so that the sustained, bell-like guitar chords that enter after 45 secons feel like the first fat drops of cold rain that precede a downpour—though they don't quite prepare you for the rip-roaring full-band storm to come. 'Inside' promises great things to come from Neptune's Core, and I look forward to hearing them." Leor Galil, The Chicago Reader

 

“Every few years in Chicago as the new wave of rock band makes themselves known, a few rise to the top through a mix of talent, timing, uniqueness, and natural charm. And I have not seen many bands do that as well or as quickly as the women of Neptune’s Core.  

“Now as young as they are, their sound and stage presence give no indication of anything but seasoned pros. The harmonies? Tight. The tunes? Catchy. The vibes? Immaculate.” Jill Hopkins, Metro Chicago and host of Opus Podcast

 

"With powerful lyrics, captivating music, and a passion for storytelling, Neptune's Core is one of the next big things to come out of the Midwest." Jordan Mallory, Bummer Brews

 

"Chicago's music scene is about to get a whole lot hotter as the alternative indie rock band Neptune's Core takes center stage with their latest stirring track, 'Unloved'." Zoe Tyler, Fizzy Mag

 

"Holy moley. That’s power. Fierce. That is Neptune’s Core and I am so happy and my soul is full and my heart is overwhelmed with joy. They’re so powerful. It’s so empowering – these beautiful young ladies creating such heavy, in the sense of like it’s not just light lyricism, it’s deep, it’s very introspective, and it’s beautiful to see them at this age doing that. They have that magical touch. That’s rare to see and experience in person." Stephanie Manriquez, Lumpen Radio

 

"Woah. They’re just power. The intensity of their lyrics and their messages and the control of their music and the path and how they’ve been building their career, the band. I think I rarely see – and we have interviewed a lot of people around here – but yes, at such a young age it’s just… empowering. I want to hear more from them." Sandra Treviño, Lumpen Radio

 

“A triumph… best described as a cross-between alt-rock and singer-songwriter tunes with strong harmonies… like a mix of Soccer Mommy, Fiona Apple, The Bangles, and Vivian Girls with smart arrangements and terrific lead vocals… powerful indie rock that transcends their youth… echoes the sound of great women’s rock like Courtney Barnett… such a pleasant surprise.” WCXP CHIRP Radio 107.1 describing Neptune’s Core 

 

"A sounds somewhere between Indigo De Souza, Frankie Cosmos and Soccer Mommy. The collection of new sound-bending tracks of the indie rock persuasion are a widespread success." Periphery Magazine describing Can't Have it All and Evolving

 

"Neptune's Core dishes out fun and incredibly catchy songs with a strong range. Elements of pop punk and even alt-country find themselves infused in their sound. Turning Red is pure pop ballad while Drowning takes you down an indie rock road toward a boisterous second half full of pounding drums and blisteringly strong vocals. Every track offers something different and inviting, giving you a ton to appreciate from these four great musicians." Third Coast Review reviewing Evolving

 

"If you like Olivia Rodrigo but would like to find an artist in a similar vein whose music goes a little "harder", Neptune's Core might be a band you'd like to keep under your belt. Their sound embodies the chaos of the dreary place between being a teenager and an adult. The loud instruments and wistful vocals lay the base of each song. Their album Evolving shows a natural inclination to mix fuzzy instruments with breezy vocals that tie the album together in a very cohesive way. The shoe gaze influence blended with the alternative references mirror their lyrics perfectly. A band who makes you feel seen and heard and holds your hand through your adolescent years." Janset Yasar founder and editor-in-chief of Tonitruale.com reviewing Evolving 

 

 “A revolutionary talent that deserves to be heard. An early ‘90s grunge haze is present through the jangled guitar riffs, emphatic drums, and passionate vocal harmonies delivering captivating lyrics that speak to a new generation through their storytelling abilities. Had me remembering the early days of Soccer Mommy and Snail Mail.” A1234 Music reviewing Neptune’s Core’s album Can’t Have it All.

 

"Jangle-y indie pop that sometimes goes fuzzy and grunge-y... a solid debut album." OhMyRockness NY/LA/Chicago describing Neptune's Core and Can't Have it All

 

“Classic songcraft and tight harmonies… an absorbing rumination on attraction” Songwriting Magazine UK reviewing the song Turning Red

 

“ Why not join the bandwagon early and support this fantastic upcoming band! Their two 2021 singles, Turning Red and Shot in the Heart are pristine indie rock jams that should be on everyone’s playlist by now!” Third Coast Review

Previous Gigs

From 2019 and 2023 Neptune’s Core has played live gigs at: 
 

Metro - Chicago

House of Vans - Chicago

Empty Bottle - Chicago 

Subterranean - Chicago 

Schubas - Chicago

Hideout - Chicago

Cactus Club - Milwaukee

Avrom Farm Fest - Green Lake, WI

Do Division - Chicago

Taste of Randolph - Chicago

City Winery - Chicago

Double Door - Chicago 

Fitzgerald's - Chicago 

Martyrs' - Chicago 

Montrose Saloon - Chicago 

Uncommon Ground - Chicago

Shuga Records - Chicago 

X-Ray Arcade - Milwaukee  

Postock Music Festival - Wisconsin

Long Play Music Festival - Rockford

Local Grooves Music Festival 

And other festivals, breweries, record stores, and clubs across Chicago

Videos

Merchandise

ORDER ON BANDCAMP!!