1 Nov 2024
UsernamePassword

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

Speech Act Theory - Single/Video Review: Old Versus New

25 Feb 2022 // A review by JamieDenton

Initially conceived of as purely a studio project to fuse electronica with live drums and other instruments, Auckland-based alternative/electronica Speech Act Theory is the brainchild of producer/musician Pete Hickman alongside drummer Ben Bradford. With the project kicking off in the latter end of 2019 — which is probably not the greatest timing, with all the upcoming turmoil and disruption to live music etc. — Speech Act Theory rapidly developed their sound, started developing their audience base, and translated their studio work into a live experience also. With three previous singles behind them (debut single Holding Out released in Aug 2021 and September 2021’s Grief Wave and October 2021’s Straight Lines), Speech Act Theory return with latest single Old Versus New.

One of the first things that struck me when listening to this new single, was how crystal clear and clean it all sounded. This was a pleasant surprise, as often the production of the track only really stands out to me if it is not quite right. If it is over-produced or too raw, but this stood out for all the right reasons. I was simultaneously impressed and surprised to be able to clearly hear the keys (including the attack as they were played), each element of the beat, and the lush vocals and to be able to clearly pick out as the next layer was added to the beat etc. It was smooth, masterful, tidy and from a purely production standpoint, it reminded me of the Lamb trip-hop-classic Goreki.

Kicking off with a beat that is reminiscent of, but a modernised version of, some of the classic sounds from Boards of Canada’s classic Music has the Right to Children album, and a beautiful keyboard that would easily stand alone in a downbeat track, Old Versus New wastes no time at all in bringing in the vocals. Within seconds of opening, the strong vocals are brought in. The vocalist is Akshay Belas, and his voice is stunning. It floats effortlessly over the music, carefully restrained to ensure it doesn’t overwhelm the rest of the track, but with an obvious and natural power that can be sensed lurking underneath.

This whole track is a masterful study in layering, especially with regards to the percussion/beat. This is especially evident the dynamic shift from verse section to chorus section. The shift between these — which uses a subtle dynamic shift, rather than a whisper/scream approach — is facilitated through a more rhythmic keyboard line (dropping to an eighth note groove), a busier, fuller drum line, and is led back out by a near-Cure-esque keyboard melody.

While many artists that combine electronica and live instrumentation have done so in a way that leans more towards dubstep, drum n bass, jungle, or similar high energy sub-genres of EDM, it is refreshing and a very welcome change to hear something that harkens back to the classic trip-hop and downbeat era but with a modern spin. And while it is hard — nay, near impossible — to pin down an artist’s sound with one just single, I am hearing a lot less of the neo-jazz influences of bands such as Portishead, or neo-soul/hip-hop sample-heavy influences of Massive Attack and Tricky, but a lot more of those that mixed more alternative pop/rock and electronica – such as Lamb, Zero 7, Metric, Stars, and the more experimental Boards of Canada.

The accompanying video, directed by Uruguayan Auckland, NZ based director Dyego Cortinas is an absolute visual feast. Using a clever visual metaphor of digitally manipulated nature, the video visually reproduces the aesthetic of the electronic and live acoustic elements. The video documents the exploration of our protagonist through this sublime world where their discovery of a series of mysterious elements signals the start of reality unfolding and folding in new and unexpected, but beautiful ways. It is a fascinating, captivating story but one that is ultimately left open for interpretation and left unresolved at its conclusion.

It’s a solid release, entering a rapidly building catalogue of a project that is rapidly establishing itself and finding its own niche sound.

Rating: ( 4 / 5 )
 

About Speech Act Theory

With artful cadences that catch you off guard with every diaphanous progression, the Auckland-based alt-electronica pseudo-trip-hop outfit Speech Act Theory and the moniker of Pete Hickman provides fitting soundscapes to sonically visualise the process of acceptance and prevailing.

What started as a cathartic studio project in 2019 for the multi-instrumentalist, songwriter and producer quickly evolved beyond the studio, which saw Speech Act Theory play their biggest live show to date, supporting Trentemoller at the Powerstation in Auckland in June 2023.

At his core, far deeper than the proliferated comparisons to Massive Attack, Portishead, and Thom Yorke, Hickman writes through what resonates, exhibiting an intimate and honest interconnection to his vulnerability through his self-produced records.

Visit the muzic.net.nz Profile for Speech Act Theory

Releases

Speech Act Theory
Year: 2023
Type: EP

Other Reviews By JamieDenton

EP Review: SD-2100 vs The World
05 Sep 2023 // by JamieDenton
Hailing from Kirikiriroa (Hamilton), the multi-talented artist Sam Densem has showcased his versatility across a spectrum of musical genres and styles. Sam's approach to his craft involves crafting distinct packages of music, each with its own unique flavour and character.
Read More...
Lester - EP Review: Lost and Found
28 Aug 2023 // by JamieDenton
Tamaki Makaurau / Auckland-based MC Lester (ex-Round Buddha) is not a new name within Aotearoa New Zealand’s independent music scene. Indeed, Lester has carved a distinct presence for himself since his early releases in 2017.
Read More...
Sonic Space Lab - Album Review: Cycles
20 Jul 2022 // by JamieDenton
Sonic Space Lab is the musical pseudonym of Dunedin-based, Venezuelan composer and sound engineer Luis Rodriguez, who some may know from his guitar work in Dunedin’s Tomahawk Radio. Having spent more than 20 years writing music for television, film, and advertising and collaborating with countless musicians in both musician and producer roles, Luiz Rodriguez turned his hand to Sonic Space Lab (also the name of his studio) in the mid-late 2010’s.
Read More...
Arrays - Single Review: Glass Traps
06 Jun 2022 // by JamieDenton
Auckland-based rock/metal act Arrays is the brainchild and ‘creative sandbox’ of musician/producer JP Carroll (ex-Armed in Advance, and currently also with Swerve City). Having known JP for a number of years, and having followed his career through Stitches, which became Armed in Advance, and then into Arrays and later Swerve City, he has consistently remained a strong creative force, a passionate and prolific producer and performer of music, and possibly kiwi-music’s most genuine, nicest, and most down to earth personalities (albeit one that is loaded with a plethora of terrible puns that he will unleash at any and all opportune moments).
Read More...
Steven Hue - EP Review: Assembly
15 Feb 2022 // by JamieDenton
At the start of December, I had the opportunity to review the double single Brainstare / Manatorquim by Tasmanian-based ex-pat Kiwi, Steven Hue. At that time, I noted that another three songs would be following shortly, and that, based on the strength of these original two, I was eagerly anticipating what this next batch would have in store.
Read More...
Floor Five - EP Review: The Garden
28 Jan 2022 // by JamieDenton
Indie-pop/rock band Floor Five are relative new-comers on the Kiwi music scene. Following up a couple of previous singles (2020’s Overthinking and 2021’s Strawberry Wine), the Wellington based four-piece’s partially crowd-funded EP The Garden was released just as the country returned to the red light setting of the Covid protection framework.
Read More...
Steven Hue - Double Single Review: Brainstare / Mantorquim
06 Dec 2021 // by JamieDenton
Ex-pat Kiwi now based in Tasmania, Steven Hue may be familiar to many through his previous work as former vocalist and co-writer for popular experimental band Full Code, his stint studying at the Nelson School of Music, or his commission work which has seen him produce work for art installations, short files, and video games. Turning his hand to solo electronic music, Steven has just released a double single of two new tracks: Brainstare and Manatorquim.
Read More...
Stray Theories - Album Review: This Light
07 Oct 2021 // by JamieDenton
Based in Aotearoa New Zealand, Australian musician/composer Micah Templeton-Wolfe has a long, successful history with crafting works that explore rich, lush melodies within vast ambient, cinematic soundscapes. While some of his works have become the soundtracks to independent short films, television and radio commercials, multimedia projects, art installations, and specifically commissioned sound design or compositional pieces, he has also maintained an interest in releasing material as a musical artist.
Read More...
View All Articles By JamieDenton

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