1 Nov 2024
UsernamePassword

Remember Me? | Join | Recover
Click here to sign in via social networking

Swamp Thing - Primordium Album Review

07 Aug 2013 // A review by Chris Chick

If you have never heard of this band, its hard to imagine that it’s a twosome with the full sound they seem to generate. The first thing that struck me was the presence of the singer’s voice. To illustrate my initial comprehension, it's like your wife is pregnant, and then she gives birth to triplets. You initial reaction is one of stunned silence, and then you realise, actually this has so many cool implications to it (if you are slightly sick and twisted like myself).

The opening track Voodoo Doll is a corker, straight away I resonated with the sharp drum beat and blues style guitar. My feet uncontrollably attached themselves to the rhythm and refused to stop even after a stiff evil eye, obviously they have an ear for good music. The second song Swamp Thing held nothing back, my feet were straight back into a tap, this time with gusto and meaning. This song had a very swamp rock feel to it much like Creedence Clearwater Revival from the late 1960’s. Of which I pay much homage too without much persuasion.

Bumping & Grinding, Hand in a Hole and Genius have a similar feel to the two opening songs, which by no means is a bad thing. The Reckoning brings a more dirty, heavy change to the album, and this listener embraced this with passion, I especially like how the singers voice really compliments all styles the two bring to the table. Strung Out has a nice change of mellow pace, that brings the listener down to a swinging crescendo, only to be brought back up through a Jimi Hendrix influenced Hot Potato for those of you up on the popular culture of the 90’s I almost believed the NWO were coming through the curtains on an episode of Nitro with the opening funk chords on the electric guitar. 

The album is rounded off nicely with a fairy tale ending Come With Me when I see this band live, if they play this song, I will not be able to control myself, its trance like dreaminess will mean I’ll probably follow them, until the ends of the earth.

I really like this album, its one that will definitely sit in my IPod for a very long time. Both these guys should be very proud of what they have produced, not only artistically but also musically considering they are a two man band.

A definite buy for all music lovers.

Primordium
View Track Listing
 

About Swamp Thing

They're the two left in the juke joint when the hurricane's about to make landfall, when the revelers have gone home, sweat-soaked and exhausted. The bulbs are blown out, the floor's full of glass, but two men are honor bound to keep playing, pouring their sweat into the parched earth like libation. In the best traditions of two man blues and roots, Swamp Thing is a duo that you know are playing to stay alive.

A former member of The John Butler Trio, Michael Barker (drums/ percussion/ KeyBass/Vocals) formed the two man blues/roots duo Swamp Thing with Grant Haua vocals/guitar in 2010.

These two unique musicians share a wealth of experience to craft blues- flavoured music with a deep groove and soulful spook. Their first studio album Balladeer was recorded at Roundhead studios in may 2011 and their second album Primordium recorded at Barker's studio Twisty Pole in 2012 was released in January 2013.

Visit the muzic.net.nz Profile for Swamp Thing

Releases

Let's Get Live
Year: 2015
Type: Album
Primordium
Year: 2013
Type: Album
Balladeer
Year: 2011
Type: Album

Other Reviews By Chris Chick

Turkey The Bird - Album Review: Men, Fish, Boat
31 Oct 2024 // by Chris Chick
Turkey The Bird is the greatest thing to come out of Taranaki since the Jurassic age, if not, at least since the great name of theSlacks who would have thought two magnificent specimens could co-exist in such hostile conditions. But this is about Turkey The Bird and their third album Men, Fish, Boat.
Read More...
Chasin Wolves - Album Review: Chasin Wolves
04 Apr 2024 // by Chris Chick
If you like your music hard, fast and in your face, this is the album for you. I had to bath myself three times after the first listen just to calm down my ever-increasing dopamine hit.
Read More...
Ravenhall - Album Review: Brother
09 Feb 2024 // by Chris Chick
Listening to music should evoke an emotional response, to evoke a response that is both positive and uplifting is very difficult to do. I am sure those at the top of their game can argue that it is a talent that comes easy to them, but all the unseen variables that come into play through just living, making friends, going through the highs and lows of life.
Read More...
Furniss Brothers - Album Review: Drift Away
08 Dec 2023 // by Chris Chick
The Furniss Brothers comes to us with the 12-track album Drift Away, which is really apropos to how my mind felt whilst listening to this beauty. I am not going to lie, at one point I was so relaxed, I feared my heart had stopped.
Read More...
Lost Tribe Aotearoa - EP Review: Lost & Found
14 Jun 2023 // by Chris Chick
I am a true ‘noob’ when it comes to the Lost Tribe Aotearoa, so I can assure you and the band that this will be as unbiased as possible. After hearing the first song, I think it is going to be hard to stay that way all the way through this review.
Read More...
Late to Chelsea - EP Review: LTC
17 Feb 2023 // by Chris Chick
When it comes to the soundtrack of anyone’s life, I am pretty sure the counter cultural sounds and motives of the punk movement would have influenced you at some time. Every generation needs its punk bands even if it's just the opportunity to not take yourself too seriously and enjoy the madness that is life and music.
Read More...
Corrella - Single Review: Skankin
09 Dec 2022 // by Chris Chick
Oh yes, the summer vibes are in town and Corrella is starting the skank off without delay. Is there any other type of music that reflects New Zealand during the summertime as the ska/reggae vibes that permeated from the West Indies.
Read More...
EP Review: Bird Machine
24 Nov 2022 // by Chris Chick
Bird Machine are releasing their self-titled EP, the twosome brings a vibe of a New Zealand and Australian alt rock and dream pop to your ears. All these songs are remarkably performed, recorded, and produced from their home-based studio in the wonderful city of Hamilton.
Read More...
View All Articles By Chris Chick

NZ Top 10 Singles

  • APT.
    ROSÉ And Bruno Mars
  • DIE WITH A SMILE
    Lady Gaga And Bruno Mars
  • BIRDS OF A FEATHER
    Billie Eilish
  • TASTE
    Sabrina Carpenter
  • I LOVE YOU, I'M SORRY
    Gracie Abrams
  • ESPRESSO
    Sabrina Carpenter
  • SAILOR SONG
    Gigi Perez
  • LOSE CONTROL
    Teddy Swims
  • A BAR SONG (TIPSY)
    Shaboozey
  • GOOD LUCK, BABE!
    Chappell Roan
View the Full NZ Top 40...
muzic.net.nz Logo
100% New Zealand Music
All content on this website is copyright to muzic.net.nz and other respective rights holders. Redistribution of any material presented here without permission is prohibited.
Report a ProblemReport A Problem