1 Nov 2024
UsernamePassword

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

Summer Thieves - EP Review: Bandaids and Lipstick

30 Jul 2020 // A review by kongfooey

Much like their contemporaries Six60, Summer Thieves started from humble beginnings in Dunedin many moons ago. Starting as a high school band of sorts, Jake and Johnny have been jamming together since the ripe age of 15.

Fast forward to 2011 and the lads have joined forces with Adam Spencer to form Summer Thieves.

Bandaids and Lipstick kicks off with All I Want; an anthemic track which the commercial radio stations are sure to lap up.

2017's Warped album produced by Tiki Taane had more a reggae roots vibe coursing through its veins, whereas this offering goes for the pop jugular. These new tracks follow in the path of popular hit Love Is Lost from WarpedBandaids and Lipstick is very nicely produced by Alex Wildwood (Sachi, The Veronicas, Broods) and he was a key influence with the bands heavier pop direction that's prevalent throughout this EP.

Get Away is another big Summer pop anthem with a chorus which I'm sure Imagine Dragons would love to poach from the lads. Their latest single Ocean Baby is the closest song to resemble their past roots sound, with its acoustic and electric reggae soul buzz.

The EP closer Rey Mysterio kicks off with rocking guitars before hitting a chopped up skank in the verses; a stand out track for me in this impressive EP, and surprisingly an independent release - it won't be long before the major labels come knocking at their door. A solid effort by these rising stars, look out for these tunes hitting your local airwaves soon.

Rating: ( 4 / 5 )
 

About Summer Thieves

From humble beginnings performing at Dunedin parties to playing alongside some of the world's most revered artists - Summer Thieves have rightfully earned their spot as one of Aotearoa’s most exciting and hard-working bands.

Singer and guitarist Jake Barton and drummer Johnny Ward began playing together in high school, before joining forces with Adam Spencer (bass) to Summer Thieves. Starting at Dunedin Scarfie parties and covers gigs, they quickly became a crowd favourite, amassing a legion of dedicated fans nationwide. Since forming, Summer Thieves have expanded to a five-piece line-up recruiting Izzy Bones (keys and guitar) and Jarni Blair (lead guitar).

After releasing a run of singles, they released their debut album, Warped, a 12-track journey laced with catchy hooks and hypnotic rhythms produced by Tiki Taane. The following years saw the band become a regular on the festival circuit, with multiple performances across the likes of Rhythm & Vines, Bay Dreams, Rhythm & Alps and Soundsplash.

Visit the muzic.net.nz Profile for Summer Thieves

Releases

Cigarettes In Space
Year: 2023
Type: Album
Paradise Down The Road
Year: 2021
Type: Album
Bandaids and Lipstick
Year: 2020
Type: Album
Summer Thieves
Year: 2012
Type: EP

Other Reviews By kongfooey

Gig Review: Gramsci @ ASB Waterfront Theatre, Auckland - 16/10/2020
18 Oct 2020 // by kongfooey
The anticipation was high for this show for two reasons. One, it was the first gig out for us since Auckland was locked down for the second time this year.
Read More...
Sonar.Suite - Single Review: Flip Siide
09 Sep 2020 // by kongfooey
Flip Siide kicks off with a lone chilled blues guitar before a sweet vocal style similar to Brittany Howard (Alabama Shakes) kicks into gear. Brendon Thomas is the mastermind behind this slippery little funk number.
Read More...
The Vibes - Single Review: Funk Blaster
20 Aug 2020 // by kongfooey
Hot of the press this latest offering from The Vibes. Funk Blaster is a tribute to James Brown and the Red Hot Chili Peppers and it's a great big slice of funky fun.
Read More...
SOJØURN - Single Review: Stand Up
20 Aug 2020 // by kongfooey
As with a lot of established and up and coming Kiwi artists, the pandemic that is Covid-19 has thrown a spanner in the works for recording, releases and live shows and SOJØURN have also been in the same boat. But here it is, the latest offering from these young Northland lads.
Read More...
Gig Review: L.A.B. @ Spark Arena, Auckland - 3/07/2020
05 Jul 2020 // by kongfooey
First off, congrats to L.A.
Read More...
Sola Rosa - Single Review: For The Mighty Dollar Feat. Kevin Mark Trail
01 Jul 2020 // by kongfooey
Sola Rosa aka Andrew Spraggon is in a unique position in his career to be able to collaborate with some of the planet's best musicians, and on the second single from the forthcoming album Chasing The Sun he has hit the musical jackpot. The track kicks off with horns, sparse funk guitar and classic strings before kicking into the cool and catchy chorus.
Read More...
Riqi Harawira - Single Review: Ruapekapeka
11 Jun 2020 // by kongfooey
Back in another life (during the 90's), Riqi Harawira used to let my bandmate and I crash at his pad on Fort Street in Auckland whenever we were on tour. He was a good dude, played lead guitar for Dead Flowers and both our bands were on the same label (Wildside).
Read More...
The Slider - Album Review: He Calls Your Name
16 Mar 2020 // by kongfooey
The Slider features two tortured souls from Auckland heavy rock/blues band His Masters Voice (The Devil's Blues). Rene Black and Az Burns have created a down and dirty little beast here, featuring Rene on lead vocals and drums, with Az tackling all guitars/bass and keys, and there is a stack of talent on display within.
Read More...
View All Articles By kongfooey

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