If you’ve ever felt an inexplicable connection to someone you’ve never met—be it a celebrity, a voice on the radio, or a stranger in a crowd—Apteekii’s latest single “The Rest Is Noise” is about to feel like it was written just for you. Released on April 11, 2025, this hauntingly emotional duet with Claudia Kate is the first taste of Reset, the anticipated second EP from the Ely/Scotland-based band that has been quietly but steadily building a name for themselves since their 2021 debut.
Formed during the isolated chaos of the pandemic, Apteekii has always been about connection. The band’s name itself is taken from the Finnish word for “pharmacy,” a nod to the healing power of music, especially when the world feels like it’s unraveling. And healing is exactly what “The Rest Is Noise” delivers. Written over the course of ten years, this slow-burning ballad is a love letter to imagined intimacy, sung with equal parts longing and clarity. It stands tall in the tradition of obsession-tinged classics like The Police’s “Every Breath You Take”—but with a modern twist that explores not stalking, but rather the spiritual bond formed between souls who may never cross paths physically, yet feel deeply entwined.
Matthew Moore’s vulnerable vocal delivery leads the track with tender conviction, while Claudia Kate brings a dreamy counterpoint that turns this solitary love song into something strangely communal. What makes it even more fascinating is that the two artists have, incredibly, never even met. That surreal truth adds a meta layer to the song’s core message: that connection can be profound even in the absence of real-world interaction. Perhaps that’s why this particular track lingered in the band’s vaults for so long—waiting for just the right moment, and just the right voice, to complete it.
The production is lush but restrained, letting the lyrics carry weight without overwhelming them in polish. There’s an aching simplicity in the arrangement—each note feels intentional, each pause weighted with meaning. That approach echoes the band’s sonic DNA, shaped by a lineup with deep roots in both music and storytelling. Matthew Moore is not just the frontman but also a tech-savvy creative based in Scotland. Mark Hatcher, another core member, brings a fascinating background as a professional esports commentator, whose lyrical touch carries a cinematic flair. David Gane, meanwhile, is a seasoned instrument tech who’s worked with the likes of Beabadoobee, The Japanese House, and Lana Del Rey. Together, they form a collective with technical chops and emotional intelligence in equal measure.
Apteekii’s first EP Secret Crowds earned nods from BBC Introducing, The Unsigned Guide, and even found itself nominated for multiple NMG Awards. Follow-up single The Imposter saw BBC Radio 6 airplay, proving that the band’s introspective soundscapes were striking a chord beyond niche corners of the indie world. “The Rest Is Noise” is not just a continuation of that journey—it’s a level-up.
With their new EP Reset slated for a June 2025 release, “The Rest Is Noise” feels like both a preview and a promise. If this is what Apteekii sounds like after ten years of holding onto one song, we can’t wait to hear what happens when they finally let go. Until then, this track will be playing on repeat in the hearts and headphones of anyone who’s ever fallen in love with a ghost—or at least, with the idea of one.
