There are some songs out there that make you feel the beat in your bones and force you to get up and move — Borderline’s newest single, “That Girl,” is one of those songs. They’ve created a soundscape that feels as spontaneous as it does intentional, with every instrument and lyric shining with personality and unrestrained freedom. There’s not a breath of hesitation within “That Girl” as Borderline continues to showcase their bold confidence — a confidence that becomes the song’s pulse.
Borderline — Ben Glanfield (vocals/guitar/keyboard), Jackson Boswell (drums), Matthew McFadden (lead guitar) and Max Harries (bass) — have been friends since their childhood in New Zealand, and their bond naturally spills into their sound. What started as a spark with their 2022 debut single, “Spinning,” has grown into something impossible to ignore, with their musical evolution landing them nominations for Best Pop Artist for their debut EP Chrysalis and Breakthrough Artist of the Year at the 2026 Aotearoa Music Awards.
Traveling back home after their run across North America supporting the talented indie-pop band Oceanic, Borderline is not easing up. Instead, they’re continuing to cement themselves with their self-titled debut album set to drop June 26. With its infectious mixture of funk and groove, “That Girl” is sure to be a standout on their upcoming album.
What makes the track really stick is its internal chemistry. Every element locks into another, creating an addictive, intuitive flow that leads to the instrumentals sometimes even finishing the verses. The level of interplay infuses a liveliness both within the arrangement and the listener. There’s a playful feeling of musical exploration in “That Girl,” with instrumental timing and the added use of a voice box creating a celebration of sound.
There’s a natural, retro coolness to Glanfield’s vocal tone, with a control that dips into emotion when he leans into his chest voice while singing, “That girl / My baby.” His voice pairs flawlessly with the ’80s pop-funk and ’70s groove of the song’s musicality, which is anchored in lush synths, vintage guitars and high energy. The song exudes a subtle sensuality that makes you feel like “that girl,” with verses like, “Girl you’re like candy for the eye / The best goddamn candy that I’ve ever tried” leaning fully into that atmosphere. The Prince-like falsettos swirl with the lyrics to encapsulate the feeling of that lustful reminiscence.
The hint of McFadden’s smooth guitar-work weaves in the background of the chorus as if it’s singing along with Glanfield — an expressive form of musical companionship that the radio has been lacking lately. You can get a sense of each member’s personality and musical approach with each of their instruments: the soulful drive of Harries’ bass and the upbeat force of Boswell’s drums. Before the final round of the chorus, the synth swells before every instrument cuts out as the guitar lingers and the backing vocals surround the soundscape as they finish the line, “…Gives me a little bit of.” The added texture of the talk box on the line, “She really turns me on that girl,” adds to the small, intentional moments that make the track feel so dynamic.
At the song’s core, Borderline shows a genuine love for instruments, production and the musical process as a whole, resulting in an utterly refreshing listening experience that emboldens the listener. When one instrument pulls back, another one fills the space to make sure you never stop dancing. “That Girl” is electric, immersive and a memorable example of what happens when a group of artists truly connect through their passion for music.
Presave Borderline’s debut album here.
Keep up with Borderline:
Website / Spotify / Apple Music / Instagram / TikTok / YouTube / Facebook
