Kerretta - Album Review: Angelm
24 Oct 2024 // review by Kerry MB
Auckland's instrumental rock trio, Kerretta, is back, and let me tell you, it couldn’t come at a better time. Angelm, their first album since 2018's Exiscens, which was a collection of outtakes and unreleased tracks.
Read More...

Zed - Album Review: Future Memory
04 Sep 2024 // review by Kerry MB
You know the name, and you know the sound of Zed, but did you know that here in 2024, the Christchurch icons are back with a new album? Because even though it has been 21 years, they never really stopped making music.
Read More...

Thousand Limbs - Album Review: The Aurochs
16 Jul 2024 // review by Kerry MB
Thousand Limbs has been on the scene now for a few years (since 2016) and have gained quite the following since, for their powerhouse of instrumental metal. Now, if you are also a fan of Kerretta and Nine Inch Nails then Thousand Limbs will be right up your alley.
Read More...

Government Pest - EP Review: Vol. 3
05 Jun 2024 // review by Kerry MB
Formed from the ashes of local bands, Hellborne and Wall of Silents to name a few, Government Pest have been on the scene since 2014 and have never failed to amaze fans with their solid metal offerings and swag of albums over the years. 2024 is no different and they’re back again with a new EP, Vol.
Read More...

Bad Schematics - Album Review: C O L L I D E
01 May 2024 // review by Kerry MB
Manawatu might seem one of the unlikeliest places to find some damn good alt-rock pop punk, even more so when you add elements of metal, but stranger things have happened and I’m here to tell you it’s true, and their name is Bad Schematics. Not a name that may be familiar (yet), but they are a pretty determined bunch, having released their debut EP, Keep Your Gods in a flurry of a few short weeks, in 2023.
Read More...

Stretch to Mould - Gig Review: Stretch To Mould @ The Welsh Dragon, Wellington - 30/03/2024
31 Mar 2024 // review by Kerry MB
The building once described as Wellington’s ‘fondest inconvenient convenience in the land’ by one commentator, The Welsh Dragon Bar (and Scorpio’s Restaurant) has been known as a few different things throughout it’s nearly 100-year history. From the original public convenience for Wellingtonians and its tramways employees and passengers when it was first built in 1928, to a theatre prop space, tea house and café, and for many years now, a unique but tiny Taj Mahal looking music venue, in the middle of the road on Cambridge Terrace.
Read More...

The Transits - Album Review: The Transits
13 Feb 2024 // review by Kerry MB
The Transits self-titled debut album is a result of 3 talented musicians who sucker punch with passion, creativity and consistency, and that’s just the opening track. With members across two countries (Dom Antelme (vocals, bass) and Tyrone Smith (drums) from Auckland, New Zealand and Ryan Lunn (vocals, guitars, synths) in Durban, South Africa, respectively.
Read More...

Pale Flag - EP Review: Imperium
29 Jan 2024 // review by Kerry MB
With a lot of misconceptions about deathcore, it’d be easy to lump Pale Flag into “one of those bands” based on the sub-genre alone. Luckily, I love metal in the most extreme and Pale Flag just so happen to create deathcore of the finest, which makes it even better to enjoy.
Read More...

Broke - EP Review: Douse Another Care
04 Dec 2023 // review by Kerry MB
Broke are a five-piece from Taranaki who love to jam and make great music together. What started out originally as a solo project by Hamish McDonald (lead guitar and vocals) and resulted in a self-written, recorded and produced debut album Momento Mori in 2021, eventually paved the way for the lads to make it official and start creating new music together.
Read More...

Newzerror - Album Review: Behind The Mask
30 Oct 2023 // review by Kerry MB
Newzerror is a powerhouse couple that combine atmospheric, melodic industrial metal. Formed in 2021 and originally part of Bay of Plenty metal band, Ten Tonne Terror.
Read More...

Furious Cartel - EP Review: Medication
12 Sep 2023 // review by Kerry MB
If you haven’t yet heard of Furious Cartel, then you’ll want to after this review. Formed from the embers of 90’s metal pioneers, Subtract and Furious George, Joel Facon and Bryce Wood have teamed up with Andrew Langsford to bring us Furious Cartel.
Read More...

Six Twos - EP Review: Anchors
29 Aug 2023 // review by Kerry MB
The quintessential So Cal punk rock scene has always been a prominent and thriving scene, and it appears it’s alive and well even over our shores, and in particular, Mount Maunganui. Six Two’s has been a band since 2020 in the thick of multiple lockdowns and a shared love of punk rock in general and this is their second EP, Anchors.
Read More...

Dead Shrine - Album Review: The Eightfold Path
08 Aug 2023 // review by Kerry MB
What I love the most about reviewing one-man bands and artists is the thrill of knowing you are about to hear something extra special and truly mind blowing. Dead Shrine is no exception, and as the one-man band brainchild of Craig Williamson (formally of Datura, Arc of Ascent, Azazel) you know it’s going to be a good ride.
Read More...

Bush Lawyer - Single Review: Daisy
03 Jul 2023 // review by Kerry MB
With a name like Bush Lawyer, the curiosity is definitely piqued to check out this band, a four piece who hail from Te Whanganui-a-Tara, Wellington, and their second single, Daisy. With a self-confessed sound of 'surf rock, reggae and ska’ they have hit the nail on the head there.
Read More...

No Man's Land - Single Review: Darling
23 Jun 2023 // review by Kerry MB
If you haven’t yet heard of four piece, all female band, No Man’s Land, then don’t panic. Having been on the scene for a while now, they have released a swag of singles since 2022, so there is plenty to catch you up on.
Read More...

Jazz Night at the Aquarium - Album Review: Flush With Junk
06 Jun 2023 // review by Kerry MB
If you haven’t yet heard of the name Julian van der Krogt, or even the name, Jazz Night at the Aquarium, then don’t worry, because you’re about to take a deep dive with me into a musical abyss that is quite simply spectacular. With a handful of EP’s to his name, this is his debut album.
Read More...

Just Another June - EP Review: Growing Up
15 May 2023 // review by Kerry MB
Hailing from Otautahi, Just Another June are an indie four piece that have dazzled with their second EP, Growing Up with dual singles, Growing Up and I Need to Hear it Sometimes Uniquely balanced, first single, Growing Up has a bit of everything, blending soft rock and indie tones with harmony. It’s a catchy little number about “expressing how challenging stepping into adulthood can be”.
Read More...

Thousand Limbs - Single Review: A Boundless Heart
19 Apr 2023 // review by Kerry MB
Thousand Limbs are an Auckland instrumental metal powerhouse that take no prisoners with their blend of Doom, Hardcore and Post-Metal. A Boundless Heart is their third single off their upcoming debut album - The Aurochs.
Read More...

Carb On Carb - Single Review: Grounded
30 Mar 2023 // review by Kerry MB
Carb on Carb is an Auckland duo who have been around for a few years now. They bring a fresh and easy approach to indie rock and have emerged with a new single, Grounded, from their forthcoming album, due out later this year, and soon to be followed by a nationwide tour.
Read More...

Midwave Breaks - Single Review: Souvenirs
16 Mar 2023 // review by Kerry MB
It wasn’t long ago I had just finished reviewing Midwave Breaks latest EP- Mind Made Up, and now, we’re back again with their new single- Souvenirs. First off, let me tell you, these guys are already doing awesome things for New Zealand music, and this new single just further cements their superb range as musicians.
Read More...

Slow Rage - Single Review: Bones
06 Feb 2023 // review by Kerry MB
Slow Rage is an Auckland duo who have that special something. They are a melting pot blend of alternative rock and punk, and sound like everything you want but nothing you’ve heard.
Read More...

All I Seek - EP Review: All I Seek
15 Dec 2022 // review by Kerry MB
All I Seek is about to become your new favourite band and here’s why. The 5-piece from Wellington seamlessly blend modern metal, pop and rock into package and execute it flawlessly.
Read More...

Investigator - Album Review: Shade
10 Nov 2022 // review by Kerry MB
Investigator is a band that makes you think you know what they’re about after one song, when really there is so much more and you have it so wrong. Formed from the creative mind of singer songwriter, Adrian Drew, Investigator are in fact a five piece from Auckland doing everything right with their new album release, Shade If you’re familiar with their sound you’ll know their penchant for melody and darkness, an almost evolving sound each new verse or chorus.
Read More...

TeamSquad - EP Review: All Dream
13 Oct 2022 // review by Kerry MB
TeamSquad is a Whaingaroa/Raglan powerhouse (no pun intended) duo Ruth and Kane Power who have a unique synth rock blend, marching to the beat of their own drum. All Dream is their second EP compromising of four stunning tracks that are truly their own.
Read More...

Dark Divinity - Album Review: Unholy Rapture
21 Sep 2022 // review by Kerry MB
Formed in 2017 and based in Wellington, Dark Divinity might be a name you’re familiar with if you’re a Death Metal genre fan, or maybe even if you’re familiar with the local Wellington Metal scene in general. If not, then sit tight, you’re about to experience one hell of a journey.
Read More...

The Infinity Chamber - Single/Video Review: Nothing
18 Aug 2022 // review by Kerry MB
The Infinity Chamber is the brain child of musician, Dylan Paul Ware, a Kiwi currently based in Turkey. His blend of alt-rock, dark indie-folk jams is uniquely his own with some solid influential sounds thrown in for good measure.
Read More...

CAITLIN - Single Review: Hardly
19 May 2022 // review by Kerry MB
Caitlin Joy might not sound familiar but you’re a fan of some great acoustic pop/folk tunes, then you’ll want to read on. Having been raised by musicians, it’s no wonder that her musical beginnings started young.
Read More...

One Dead Man - Album Review: The Deal
27 Feb 2022 // review by Kerry MB
If his name sounds familiar, Michael Baxter also fronts the Tauranga punk/noise-pop band, The Dead Man 6 and The Knids. The Deal is a 13 track slab of rock opera genius created from the confines of 2021’s lockdown and revels in honesty about anxiety and the extreme of relationships with the idea of making deals with the devil and the power of attraction and revenge.
Read More...

Solo Ono - Single Review: Domesticated
13 Oct 2021 // review by Kerry MB
Solo Ono are one of those bands that has been kicking about since 2011, yet still feel like a hidden secret. Over the years they have released singles, a full-length self-titled album and a handful of EP’s.
Read More...

Lakius - Single/Video Review: Here We Are Still
05 Jul 2021 // review by Kerry MB
Post-Industrial Metal duo Lakius have another explosive single, this time directly in reference to our country’s marijuana legislation falling short by a 2% margin last year.Here We Are Still is another assault to the senses.
Read More...

East York - Single Review: Damned Anthem
29 Mar 2021 // review by Kerry MB
East York are back with their third single, Damned Anthem. With two singles firmly under belt, East York continue to go from strength to strength with their creativity and musicality.
Read More...

Etheran - EP Review: Doppelganger
26 Jan 2021 // review by Kerry MB
Etheran is a funky metal rock hybrid hailing from Christchurch. Formed in 2016, they officially started touring in 2018 and this is their first EP, released at the beginning of the month.
Read More...

East York - Single Review: Outsiders
08 Nov 2020 // review by Kerry MB
Comprised of three Kiwis, Zane Rosanoski (drums) Tarquin Keys (vocals) Daz Coppins (guitar), and a Canadian, Eric Boucher (bass). Formed in Melbourne during pandemic times comes the Rock quartet, East York.
Read More...

Lakius - Single Review: This Tension
18 Sep 2020 // review by Kerry MB
Deemed as New Zealand’s 4th best industrial/groove-metal duo, Auckland’s Lakius kept busy during our lockdown periods creating and had recently released another single titled, This Tension. With a stunning video to accompany it, This Tension is an assault of noise that leaves all your senses on alert.
Read More...

Voodoo Bloo - Single Review: Her Name Was Human
13 Aug 2020 // review by Kerry MB
Voodoo Bloo is the new music project of Rory McDonald. If his name sounds familiar it’ll be because he was the founder (vocals and bass) of now defunct alternative rock/punk Wellington band, Lucifer Gunne.
Read More...

Bulletbelt - Album Review: Warlords
07 Jul 2020 // review by Kerry MB
Since 2009 Bulletbelt have been annihilating the eardrums of metal heads across New Zealand. In the eleven years since their emergence, they’ve seen and done a lot including international touring, band line-up changes and three solid albums including three EP’s and three singles.
Read More...

Thousand Limbs - EP Review: Mara
19 Apr 2020 // review by Kerry MB
Thousand Limbs is an Auckland instrumental Metal/Doom quartet that formed in 2016. Very quickly, you’ll find they take you on a journey without ever leaving the house, which is about as good as it gets in these trying times.
Read More...

Deprivacy - EP Review: N/A (Never Accepted)
10 Mar 2020 // review by Kerry MB
Deprivacy is the one man metal act of musician, Robbie Scott, hailing from Christchurch. If that name doesn’t sound familiar; don’t worry, it soon will be if this EP if anything to go by.
Read More...

The Tacks - Single Review: One Last Goodbye
05 Feb 2020 // review by Kerry MB
Hailing from Christchurch and featuring members of local Punk bands Nervous Jerk, Zhukov, Mental Fatal and Blame Thrower is the New Wave/Goth/Post Punk outfit, The Tacks. Having formed in 2019, their sound is a combination of 80's synth with a definitive punk rhythm and a whole lot of goth.
Read More...

Domes - Single Review: The Futurist
09 Jan 2020 // review by Kerry MB
The new single from Domes is here. Another slab of brilliance that reaches new heights for the start of 2020.
Read More...

Domes - Single Review: Malady
19 Nov 2019 // review by Kerry MB
Established as a bold, creative adventure with the goal of creating a record from scratch, from the opposite end of the world and all within one year, is a brave statement, let alone something to follow through with. Radically, it seems to be working if Domes' debut single, Malady is anything to go by.
Read More...

Deathnir - Album Review: Second Sin
09 Jul 2018 // review by Kerry MB
Deathnir (pronounced Death Near) are a four-piece thrash outfit from Hamilton and have recently released their long awaited second release, Second Sin. For anyone familiar with Deathnir's sound, you’d know that their musical influences are everything that is good in the world of metal; Megadeth, Metallica, Judas Priest etc, and while you might be thinking that anyone who tries their hand at thrash metal might just be ripping off said artists, a carbon copy of noise, well your kind of wrong.
Read More...

Mild Orange - Album Review: Foreplay
01 May 2018 // review by Kerry MB
If there was one sentence that summed up Mild Orange’s sound and choice of name, it would be this, in their own words: ‘The colour orange can cause one to experience a heightened sense of optimism, a boost in aspiration, and a stimulation of warmth and happiness’  Mild Orange are a self-confessed melting pot of eclectic melodies, energy and vibrancy with smooth sounds. Hailing from Dunedin and formed by early childhood friends, Josh Mehrtens and Josh Reid, they were quickly catapulted into the music scene after only one gig together, which soon lead to a NYE set at Rhythm and Vines during the recording of their debut album, Foreplay, which leads us here.
Read More...

Thomas Oliver - Album Review: Live at the Crystal Palace
21 Mar 2018 // review by Kerry MB
Thomas Oliver has been around for some time, and if you haven’t ever heard of him, where have you been all these years? It’s time you take note and listen.
Read More...

Ghost Who Walks - Single Review: Vertigo
28 Feb 2018 // review by Kerry MB
Ghost Who Walks is the brilliance of Wellington born Guitarist, Singer and Songwriter Sam Fowles, backed by his band who play under the moniker, ‘The Ghost’ Ghost Who Walks are straight up funky blues with a host of influences ranging from Jimi Hendrix, Red Hot Chili Peppers and Sublime. Combined with a heavy, tight rhythm section and reggae and rock overtones and you have the perfect blend that moves the mind, soul, and more importantly, the body.
Read More...

JCK - Album Review: Glass
01 Feb 2018 // review by Kerry MB
JCK or James Castady-Kristament, a name familiar to most, especially here at Muzic.net.
Read More...

The Knee High Socks - EP Review: The Knee High Socks
21 Dec 2017 // review by Kerry MB
The Knee High Socks are an Auckland high school quartet that formed in 2015. Their sound is self-confessed indie, ‘math rock’, but not exactly pop, and they have just released their first self-titled EP.
Read More...

Bulletbelt - Album Review: Nine Centuries
05 Dec 2017 // review by Kerry MB
Wellington Metallers Bulletbelt are back and bring with them, their third full length release, Nine Centuries. Bulletbelt are no strangers to the Wellington Metal scene and have been kicking around for years, with a lot of respect within their genre.
Read More...

The Hopkinsville Goblins - Album Review: The Hopkinsville Goblins
01 Nov 2017 // review by Kerry MB
The Hopkinsville Goblins are Back! The Wellingtonian's self-titled album is their second intergalactic collaboration of quirky sound effects, samples and lyrical connotations with continued exploration of everything out of the ordinary with that familiar shambolic confusion that is entirely their own.
Read More...

Happy Hearse - Album Review: Mastering the Shakes
03 Oct 2017 // review by Kerry MB
It happens, but not as often as I’d like, that I’ll come across a hidden gem that manages to blow my mind, musically and lyrically and leaves me feeling completely satisfied with undulated happiness and excitement.   Mastering the Shakes is the 2009 debut from the self- proclaimed grunge phenomenon band, Happy Hearse.
Read More...

Gig Review: Pukekohe High School Compilation Release Gig @ Pukekohe High School - 06/09/2017
11 Sep 2017 // review by Kerry MB
Little Leviathan are three talented teenagers from Pukekohe High school who are on the road to great things with their brand of foot stomping Heavy Rock. The band is just one of the many talents to come out of Pukekohe High, and part of the school’s music project Mondays Rock, a programme aimed at encouraging and supporting budding musicians and artists in the school.
Read More...

Sea Mouse - Album Review: Sea Mouse
01 Sep 2017 // review by Kerry MB
Sea Mouse is the solo project of Wellington Singer/Songwriter, Seamus Johnson. A musician who is no stranger to Wellington’s live music scene with an impressive ten-year track record performing as an artist and with other bands.
Read More...

Aaron Carpenter and The Revelators - Album Review: Pretty Lies
13 Aug 2017 // review by Kerry MB
Bluesy, gritty and honest with plenty of swag best describes Aaron Carpenter and The Revelators’ debut album, Pretty Lies. The quintet hail from Waiheke Island, also known as "wine island", only a ferry ride away from the bright lights of Auckland.
Read More...

No Sky - EP Review: i
05 Jun 2017 // review by Kerry MB
Indie is an interesting genre of music. I think of it like a seeing an experimental piece of art.
Read More...

Mishap - EP Reivew: Not Feeling This
01 May 2017 // review by Kerry MB
Mishap are back with their second EP, Not Feeling This, and straightaway, I have to say, I really dig this band. It’s my first introduction to these punk power pop trio from Wellington, and they have been kicking around since early last year (2016).
Read More...

Kenington - Album Review: Going Nowhere (Faster Than You)
27 Mar 2017 // review by Kerry MB
Going Nowhere (Faster Than You) is the debut album from UK born, Auckland based musician, Kenington. A slab of pure honesty and melody is laced throughout the eleven tracks coupled with refined lyrical ability gives this album a soft and quite beautiful feel.
Read More...

Tablefox - Single Review: Under A Broken Smile
23 Nov 2016 // review by Kerry MB
On the eve of their forthcoming EP, Tablefox are back with their new single, Under A Broken Smile. If you’re a fan Tablefox’s sound, you’ll hear another slab of perfectly crafted indie rock, tinged with melody and oozing sweetness.
Read More...

Bakers Eddy - Single Review: Big Man
02 Nov 2016 // review by Kerry MB
Wellington Rockers Bakers Eddy are back with their latest single, Big Man. Their signature sound of rise and fall crescendo’s, crunchy riffs and sing-a-long vocals is what makes Bakers Eddy such a great band to listen to.
Read More...

The Hopkinsville Goblins - Album Review: Posts From Planet Earth
26 Aug 2016 // review by Kerry MB
The Hopkinsville Goblins are a Wellington artist/band representing a mish mash of genres under the guise of Alternative Rock, but in many ways, vary far from that. It’s a little difficult to pinpoint whether the Hopkinsville Goblins are merely a gimmick, or actually serious with this album, Posts From Planet Earth.
Read More...

Ceolskog - Album Review: Made In My Bedroom 2
19 Aug 2016 // review by Kerry MB
The second coming of Made In My Bedroom 2 from Ceolskog, AKA Adam Helliwell is another superbly crafted slab of Folk Metal, tinged with uniqueness and filled with potential. Following on from its predecessor, Adam has stepped up to the plate and come forth with a more riff laden album.
Read More...

Violet Highway - Single/Video Review: Desire
20 Jul 2016 // review by Kerry MB
Violet Highway is an up and coming, infectious Auckland band with some seriously swag sounds and a cool look to boot. In their latest single, Desire, depicting a night in the lift of a lone Taxi driver (or Uber driver!
Read More...

Villainy - Gig Review: Villainy @ Galatos, Auckland - 16/04/2016
29 Apr 2016 // review by Kerry MB
Galatos is an almost hidden secret venue when you consider its location, but I was pleasantly surprised with its vast interior once inside. With great acoustics, it was a great spot to be catching Villainy as part of their Dead Sight tour around the country, along with City of Souls and Decades.
Read More...

His Masters Voice - Gig Review: The Forge Of His Masters Downfall @ Kings Arms, Auckland - 5/03/2016
17 Mar 2016 // review by Kerry MB
The warm air and the promise of a great line up set the night for The Forge Of His Masters Downfall at the Kings Arms March 5th. A clever play on words featuring all three bands in the title (can you guess them all?
Read More...

Ctrl Freak - Album Review: In Retrospect
06 Dec 2015 // review by Kerry MB
Originating from Auckland, Ctrl Freak is a self-produced project by musician Richie Bennett. In Retrospect is his first solo album and straight off the bat, it is nothing short of spectacular.
Read More...

BigBomBo - EP Review: BigBomBo
26 Nov 2015 // review by Kerry MB
Auckland newcomers, BigBomBo are Rock n Roll titans with a Spanish flair. Their debut five track EP recorded earlier this year is an eclectic medley of great riffs and melody that is infectious, leaving your head bobbing and toes tapping.
Read More...

Ekko Park - Album Review: Know Hope
29 Oct 2015 // review by Kerry MB
Nominated for best Rock Album at the 2013 New Zealand Music Awards is an achievement many New Zealand bands hope to have at least once in their career. For Auckland band, Ekko Park, it came a lot sooner than anticipated.
Read More...

Gig Review: Metalliance - The Paradox Tour 2015 @ Kings Arms, Auckland - 25/10/15
27 Oct 2015 // review by Kerry MB
The future of Hard Rock and Heavy Metal Touring and Promotion has launched! Before I had even set eyes upon this much needed event/music promotion, I too had often pondered the hope that something new and exciting in Music Promotion would come in the near future.
Read More...

Hunt The Witch - EP Review: Into The Black
08 Oct 2015 // review by Kerry MB
Hunt The Witch are an Auckland quartet who unabashedly make great Rock music. For this I thank them.
Read More...

Stretch to Mould - EP Review: Painting Faces
11 Sep 2015 // review by Kerry MB
Stretch To Mould are no strangers to releasing good rock music. Their debut album Shadows was released in 2012 and packed a solid punch of hard hitting riffs and was laced with melody, but now they’re back again with a bigger sound and if you haven’t heard their music yet, now would be a good time to pay attention.
Read More...

Bakers Eddy - EP Review: Plastic Wasteland
01 Aug 2015 // review by Kerry MB
Bakers Eddy hail from Windy Wellington, and their debut EP has just landed to my awaiting ears. Plastic Wasteland shows the capabilities of a young band who have worked solidly to become a tightly oiled machine with infectious riffs, melodies and flair.
Read More...

Illuminus - Album Review: Until The End (Remastered)
14 Jul 2015 // review by Kerry MB
Explosive, heavy and fast sums up Auckland trio’s Illuminus and their assault of noise that descends as opening track, The Machine erupts into life. Illuminus have decided to go back and re-master their 2012 debut album, Until The End.
Read More...

Mucus Kids - EP Review: Mosh 4 Jesus
18 Jun 2015 // review by Kerry MB
Unabashedly crude yet oddly fantastic. Auckland trio Mucus Kids have released their newest EP, Mosh 4 Jesus and it’s a brilliant assault on the eardrums.
Read More...

Cheshire Grimm - EP Review: Cheshire Grimm
06 Jun 2015 // review by Kerry MB
Hamilton/Melbourne trio Cheshire Grimm are ones to watch with the flurry of attention surrounding their debut self titled EP that was released a few months ago. A wicked blend of genres can be heard from rock, pop and metal.
Read More...

Armed In Advance - Interview: Stitches
27 Dec 2014 // interview by Kerry MB
Stitches are performing at the Music is Dead launch party on 17 January 2015 alongside Fire At Will, Static Era and Dead End Boys. Kerry interviewed Hugh (bass) about their 2014 EP Harder Times and their plans for the future.
Read More...

Black River Drive - Quicksand Album Review
31 Oct 2014 // review by Kerry MB
Quicksand is Kiwi rockers Black River Drive’s most recent release. It’s a decent hit of hard driven riffs, melody and everything that made you like them in the first place.
Read More...

The Datsuns - Bad Taste Single Review
25 Sep 2014 // review by Kerry MB
The first single to be lifted from Kiwi favourites, The Datsuns' sixth album, Deep Sleep, is sure to please. With a hilarious and really well done Claymation video (with the band all looking like they have dreadlocks) the single, Bad Taste is a foot stomper of a tune with classic Dolf De Borst trademark throaty vocals and booming riffs.
Read More...

This Flight Tonight - Never After Video/Single Review
29 Aug 2014 // review by Kerry MB
A beautifully simplistic song and video clip sums up this delicate gem by artist, Ralph Warren Engle. The video depicts the acoustic guitar playing Engle inside a home, intercut with segments of a happy, smiling woman, who often looks contemplative.
Read More...

Nick Ferretti - Never Leave Your Lover Alone Album Review
20 Jul 2014 // review by Kerry MB
The name may not be familiar to some, but his voice will be. Listening to Nick Ferretti, you stop, whatever it is you’re doing and just listen.
Read More...

Five Mile Town - Other Ghosts EP Review
29 Nov 2013 // review by Kerry MB
Bittersweet expectations - two words that spring to mind on the first listen of Auckland quartet, Five Mile Town. A strong vibe of Mumford and Sons blends effortlessly with some heavy rock overtones on stand out on fourth track- Cigar and a 78, a stellar song that shows the bands true mark, and by far my favourite.
Read More...

Needless Cane - The Sun Did Not Shine EP Review
23 Jul 2013 // review by Kerry MB
Alternative metal in Wellington is not a dying scene; in fact, it’s very much alive when you have local act, Needless Cane and the release of their latest offering, The Sun Did Not Rise. This seven track EP brings that heavy, yet melodic sound that conjures up instant dark imagery and blackness, before swiftly bringing a strong industrial sound that finishes off the last three tracks.
Read More...

The Diamond Dead - Plus None EP Review
03 Jun 2013 // review by Kerry MB
EP’s are perfect for the reason that they leave you wanting more as soon as the last track finishes, but you’re left with the feeling that it wasn’t long enough to placate your ears. If you have never experienced that feeling, you will with Hawkes Bay foursome, Diamond Doll band.
Read More...

Melic - Nowhere I'd Rather Be EP Review
19 May 2012 // review by Kerry MB
It’s easy to see why London based Kiwi rockers, Melic have opted 'Nowhere I’d Rather Be' for their first single off their upcoming third EP, also named 'Nowhere I’d Rather Be'. The first thing that catches your attention is the simple but infectious soft hook, laden with melody, that gives way to some catchy strong vocals, from vocalist and guitarist, Mark Hitchcock.
Read More...

Burning Embers - Open Road Demo EP Review
05 Mar 2012 // review by Kerry MB
If the sound of heavy drums, crunchy riffs and melody catches your ear, then look no further than Wainuiomata rockers, Burning Embers. Despite being unsigned, the seasoned musicians have been around for a good three to four years, gigging almost anywhere they can and rocking out audiences with their mix of heavy rock, tinged with toe tapping melody and lots of impressive solo’s that would give Slash a run for his money.
Read More...

The Flaming Mudcats - Gave You What You Wanted Album Review
03 Dec 2011 // review by Kerry MB
Otis Redding, Leadbelly, Muddy Waters, just some of the late greats of 1950’s American Blues. Fast forward to New Zealand 2011, and The Flaming Mudcats could soon be amongst them.
Read More...

Bond Street Bridge - Spring Summer Awesome Winter Album Review
16 Oct 2011 // review by Kerry MB
As a self confessed novice to some styles of the Indie genre, I wasn’t sure what to expect when popping in Bond Street Bridge’s second effort; Spring Summer Awesome Winter, but I was pleasantly surprised at the unique melody and softness of opening track ‘Aimless’ with its Mark Lanegan-esque style vocals that is suited to the blues/indie folk genre; one man band wonder, Sam Prebble is the man with the voice, string arrangements, mandolin and guitars behind Spring Summer... his follow up album to 2008’s The Mapmakers’ Art.
Read More...

Acoustic Gig @ Bar Medusa, 18 August 2011
04 Sep 2011 // review by Kerry MB
A freezing cold and windy Thursday night did little to deter the crowd from a hearty acoustic set courtesy of NZ Live Entertainment at Medusa. A last minute change of plan saw Darrel Vickers, vocalist for bands; Funkacybin and Smashed Potatoes (the latter originally scheduled to play) bash out a beautiful acoustic set of originals with awe and depth.
Read More...

Kyuss Lives! @ Hunter Lounge, Wellington - Sunday May 15 2011
25 May 2011 // review by Kerry MB
Stoner rock, desert rock, acid rock; doesn't matter what you call it, there's no mistaking the sound of Kyuss when they hit the Hunter Lounge in Wellington, Sunday Night. The Hunter Lounge is a venue I'm not familiar with, located within Victoria University grounds, it boasts its own cafe and bar; a pretty classy place during the day, come nightfall and it transforms into the perfect venue for gigs, comedy nights and other events.
Read More...