Lola Sola - Single Review: Tripping
04 Dec 2019 // review by butch181
This latest single from Lola Sola, Tripping, is pure simplicity; simple enough to allow nothing to draw your attention away from the vocals. With very little instrumentation beyond a guitar (which doubles as the tracks percussive element), there is nothing complicated about it, and it creates a slow and weary ambience.
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City of Souls - Gig Review: Sevendust w/ City of Souls @ Powerstation, Auckland - 23/04/2019
24 Apr 2019 // review by butch181
A decidedly reserved Tuesday night in Auckland and people were quietly piling into the Powerstation and grabbing some drinks at the bar. The upper balcony area was closed, so the fans were amassing downstairs around the inner perimeter of the venue.
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Levi Lights On Project - Single Review: Mirror Man
17 Mar 2019 // review by butch181
Levi is a musical amalgamation that would in most cases be categorised as folk, thanks to the groups' uncommon mix of instruments consisting of a saxophone, cello, and cajón, and a lack of a drum kit or electric instruments. That being said, Mirror Man has something unique.
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Mermaidens - Single Review: You Maintain The Stain
17 Mar 2019 // review by butch181
The latest release from Wellington trio Mermaidens is a straight up middle finger to the powers that control the world and throws away the mainstream formula of verse/chorus patterns, instead, forming a self-righteous maelstrom of sonic environments.  With no warning given, You Maintain The Stain gets straight into cold, apathetic vocals alongside a pluggy bassline, until the guitar jumps in with an uncomfortable level of discord that sows the seeds of uneasiness in the pit of your stomach as if every instrument is performing a different song.
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This Pale Fire - Single Review: Float Out
17 Dec 2018 // review by butch181
Float Out is about the process of letting things go, moving forward, learning from your past experiences, growing as a result. As such, the track has an intrinsically emotional weight to it.
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Mako Road - EP Review: Local Safari
10 Dec 2018 // review by butch181
Local Safari is the latest release from Christchurch Indie group Mako Road The four-piece provide a very laid-back and relaxed (albeit short) EP as we enter the prime summer road tripping season.The EP begins with its titular track Local Safari, with some pleasant keys and a generally unhurried pace, controlled by a simple hi hat and snare drum combo.
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Ghost Who Walks - Gig Review: Ghost Who Walks @ Anthology Lounge, Auckland - 30/11/2018
06 Dec 2018 // review by butch181
Cheers and squeals are let out around Auckland’s Anthology Lounge as The Rubics take to the stage. The six-piece group have been working on making a name for themselves as the groove-makers of the Auckland scene, and from the sound of the audience, they know exactly what they are in for.
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Lisa Crawley - Single/Video Review: Baby It's Fine
30 Nov 2018 // review by butch181
Lisa Crawley’s latest single Baby It’s Fine is a delightfully unhurried and soulful pop track. Starting with a slow strum of the guitar and an almost acoustic vibe to the bass, there is a slow melancholic edge to the song.
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Baitercell - EP Review: Toka
23 Nov 2018 // review by butch181
Toka is the latest release from Baitercell; an EP comprised of three Drum n Bass tracks with 100% Te Reo Maori lyrics. The tracks Te Wai Te Ora (The Water, The Life), Te Pukumeke (The Final Strike) and Hine Ruru (A goddess in the form of a native owl of Aotearoa), are inspired by Papatuanuku, Tangaroa, Ranginui (the respective Maori gods of earth, water and sky) and the connection we need to have with our earth.
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Alice Foulds - EP Review: Oxygen
15 Nov 2018 // review by butch181
The Oxygen EP is the debut release of Invercargill singer-songwriter Alice Foulds; the four-track EP having total run-time just short of 16 minutes. Opening track Not Human is really the stand out song on the album.
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Shepherds Reign - Gig Review: Shepherds Reign @ Ding Dong Lounge, Auckland - 3/11/2018
11 Nov 2018 // review by butch181
It was looking to be a late night at Ding Dong Lounge with the 8:30 start time being pushed back to 9, then being pushed back even further as they waited for the patrons to make their way upstairs. Traitor’s Fate finally taking to the stage, Shepherds Reign vocalist Filivaa welcome everyone and introduced the evening with a very simple "Welcome to the Shepherds Reign party thing.
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The RVMES - Newsletter Interview: The RVMES
02 Nov 2018 // interview by butch181
The RVMES are proud to announce their first release as a band this year on the 1st of December. Their debut single Vibrant Pictures will hit all the popular platforms including Spotify, iTunes, Apple Music, YouTube, Shazam and many more.
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Superturtle - Album Review: Student Flat Reunion
31 Oct 2018 // review by butch181
Student Flat Reunion is the fourth album from Superturtle. With the exception of frontman Darren McShane, the group has had a revolving door of musicians associated with them since the band’s inception.
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Tablefox - Single Review: Like A River
24 Oct 2018 // review by butch181
Tablefox’s latest upcoming release Like A River, is an interesting piece. Written in the form of an internal monologue, the lyrics serve the function of either a motivational instrument or an anchor in emotional times, whichever the situation demands.
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Greg Johnson - Gig Review: Greg Johnson @ The Pumphouse Theatre, Auckland
23 Oct 2018 // review by butch181
The long labour weekend was coming to an end, and what better way to spend the free Monday than with an early afternoon musical performance. Heading down the track towards Takapuna’s Pumphouse along the edges of Lake Pupuke, the carpark was full, and the venue was packed with fans eager for the show, long before the event was due to begin.
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Gig Review: Harry Lyon @ Galatos, Auckland
14 Oct 2018 // review by butch181
A typical New Zealand spring week was coming to an end, and the weather was all over the place; tepid air, disrupted by short, icy bursts of rain. But the cold shards of precipitation weren’t enough to keep people away, and as soon as doors opened, smartly dressed music fans began to flood in.
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First Inaugural National NZ Irish Fest: Interview with Gerry Paul
10 Oct 2018 // interview by butch181
In advance of the first ever National NZ Irish festival, Alex from muzic.net.
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Helen Corry - EP Review: Later For The Real Show
04 Oct 2018 // review by butch181
Later For The Real Show is the latest EP release for Helen Corry, and is a long-awaited release; after the first single Strike was made available 10 months ago, and the follow-up single La Femme having a “controversial” music video that resulted on Corry’s Facebook page being temporarily removed. While expected that the fans would have heard these tracks before at live shows, it’s an interesting move to release a five-track EP where three of the songs have already been released individually as singles.
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Mitch James - Gig Review: Mitch James @ The Powerstation, Auckland - 28/09/2018
29 Sep 2018 // review by butch181
Auckland weather was rather tepid for a spring Friday night, and as such the people were out on the streets happily checking out what was going on around town. On such event was a sold-out show at the Powerstation.
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Lookin Up - Single Review: Don't
20 Sep 2018 // review by butch181
Don't is the latest release from Auckland punk 3-piece Lookin Up, and it is gritty and heavily distorted. Starting with a riff that is heavily reminiscent to vibe of KoRN's Right Now, Don't emerges into a surprisingly melodic track despite the heaviness.
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Devilskin - Gig Review: Devilskin @ Altitude, Hamilton
14 Sep 2018 // review by butch181
Two hours before the doors officially opened, fans were lining up outside of Hamilton’s Altitude Bar. Some already waiting for the 8pm doors opening, but most there for the VIP experience; getting into the venue early and receiving VIP lanyards, posters and a meet and greet with the band.
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Same Name Confusion - Single Review: My Plastic Baby
13 Sep 2018 // review by butch181
My Plastic Baby is an incredibly preppy track from Same Name Confusion. An incredibly upbeat song, with an 80’s pop-rock vibe.
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Tommie - Single Review: Better
12 Sep 2018 // review by butch181
Better is first single from electronic pop artist Tommie, a teaser of what to expect from the forthcoming debut EP Bleach. Providing a simple beat and repeated instrumental riffs, Better places all focus on the vocals on Tommie.
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Gearloose - Single Review: Tomorrow At My Fingertips
06 Sep 2018 // review by butch181
While having previously released music digitally over the last decade on Bandcamp, Tomorrow At My Fingertips is the first official single release from New Zealand’s own Steven King AKA Gearloose ahead of an intended full album release. Instrumentally, Tomorrow At My Fingertips is a very simple track; upbeat but still contemplative, the song is driven by a simple snare/hi-hat combination.
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Gig Review: Queens of the Stone Age @ Spark Arena, Auckland 23/08/2018
24 Aug 2018 // review by butch181
With little fanfare, Australian blues singer C.W.
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Corduroy. - Single Review: The Usual
16 Aug 2018 // review by butch181
Corduroy.'s The Usual starts with such a smooth sound.
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Bingo Fighter - Single Review: I’ve Got Zero Attention
10 Aug 2018 // review by butch181
Bingo Fighter has released I’ve Got Zero Attention as their debut single. Headed by singer/songwriter Hayden Linney, this short track has a rather British Punk Rock sound, like a less abrasive and sarcastic Sex Pistols.
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The Phoenix Foundation - Gig Review: The Phoenix Foundation w/ The NZSO, Auckland Town Hall, Auckland 03/08/2018
04 Aug 2018 // review by butch181
Wandering into the Auckland Town Hall, there was a definite sense of anticipation in the air. Though the halls weren’t overly crowded with patrons, everybody appeared to be buzzing and chatting away excitedly.
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Jed Parsons - Album Review: Midnight Feast
31 Jul 2018 // review by butch181
Jed Parsons debut album, Midnight Feast, has a subdued beginning, with some simple guitar and vocals for Real World. Some minimal acoustic effects that give the effect of playing in a large hall.
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Albi & The Wolves - Gig Review: The Great New Zealand Folk Revival @ The Tuning Fork, Auckland 26/07/2018
27 Jul 2018 // review by butch181
With local parking shut down due to the overwhelming number of people attending the Dynamo show at Spark Arena, one would expect a light turnout next door at the Tuning Fork. As the show began, with a short unscripted foreword from Chris Dent of Albi and The Wolves, the audience was looking sparse, but this did not dissuade the opening act Ben Dixon.
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Missrosevalentina - Album Review: Warhol
22 Jul 2018 // review by butch181
Rose Valentina Muollo-Gray AKA Hybrid Rose has put together a full album release, just over a year after the release of her cosmic album, COSMIC. The self-produced electronic artist falls mostly into the vaporwave genre, adopting influences from smooth jazz and lounge music, and the retro arcade style of chiptune.
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Callum Gentleman - Single/Video Review: Cigarettes
10 Jul 2018 // review by butch181
Uncomplicated, Cigarettes is the first release from Callum Gentleman since his move to the US. Having stripped the instrumental side down to the bare rudimentary elements.
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Fanfickk - Single Review: Cotton Candy
10 Jul 2018 // review by butch181
What would one expect from a song called Cotton Candy? Cotton candy brings that hit of nostalgia and pleasant memories of theme parks, carnivals, and other exciting activities.
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Like A Storm - Album Review: Catacombs
05 Jul 2018 // review by butch181
Catacombs is an album that has been a long time in the making. Delayed by extra tours and re-recording, Like A Storm fans have been waiting in anticipation since the 2015 release, Awaken The Fire.
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Phat Krunk - EP Review: Whatever You Say
25 Jun 2018 // review by butch181
Phat Krunk sounds like the name of an artist that you would expect something more in line with the electronic genres. Instead, Phat Krunk are an alt-rock four-piece hailing from Wellington.
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Alizarin Lizard - Single Review: No One Could Tell
22 Jun 2018 // review by butch181
Dunedin-transient pop influenced, neo-psychedelic rock slackers Alizarin Lizard have released their second single in a month after about nearly five years of silence when they released their last album Do You Just Want Me To Watch You? This latest single, No One Could Tell, was mostly recorded in bassist Chris ‘Bugs’ Miller’s lounge, and as a result, the track has a level of fuzz and reverb to it that adds warmth and comfort.
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Metaract - Gig Review: Metaract with Remote and Descendants of Dinosaurs @ Ding Dong Lounge, Auckland 15/06/2018
19 Jun 2018 // review by butch181
The night began without any introduction. Jumping straight into a funky number, the four-piece that is Descendants of Dinosaurs put together some interesting sounds for their debut show at the Ding Dong Lounge.
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Written By Wolves - Gig Review: Written By Wolves @ Neck of the Woods, Auckland 08/06/2018
09 Jun 2018 // review by butch181
One of the big questions in the music scene in the last few months has been, who will pick up the slack now that the Kings Arms Tavern has shut down. Galatos, Ding Dong Lounge, Tuning Fork, and Whammy have been doing their bit, but when it comes to rock gigs, one of the venues that have been overlooked in the past is Neck of the Woods.
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Holloway - EP Review: Psycho-Sensitive
01 Jun 2018 // review by butch181
As is categorical of a punk album, the Psycho-Sensitive EP by Holloway Holiday is made up of shorter tracks, with 6 songs racking up less than 20 minutes total runtime. Being more of a pop-punk hybrid, the tracks certainly aren't as short as many 40 second punk songs that I have heard, but definitely shorter than the average 4-5-minute rock track.
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Skinny Hobos - Gig Review: Seether w/ Skinny Hobos @ Great Hall, Auckland 31/05/2018
01 Jun 2018 // review by butch181
Auckland Town Hall had a jovial atmosphere, with a quick and easy process to get into the venue, short lines to the bar, and no lines to the toilet. A well set up venue, but the main reason that everything worked so well was obvious when you enter the Great Hall.
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Carb On Carb - Gig Review: Carb On Carb @ Portland Public House, Auckland - 18/05/2018
28 May 2018 // review by butch181
The Portland Public House is an interesting choice in venue for me. This is one of the latest start times for a show I’ve reviewed (with the first of the opening acts not starting until 10pm) and yet this is still the earliest I've ever been in the Portland Public House.
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River - Album Review: Silence Of The Tomb
27 May 2018 // review by butch181
Comprised of only five tracks, and a run-time of just shy of 20 minutes, I would be more inclined to categorise Silence Of The Tomb as an EP rather than a fully-fledged album (generally an album should have 10+ tracks and/or have a run-time of over 40 minutes). This classification is, however, a trivial matter that has no bearing on the content of the album beyond the approximation of length.
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Dick Tracy - Album Review: Dick Tracy
07 May 2018 // review by butch181
Dick Tracy have an exciting style of music, combining heavy rock with blues. The style could be compared to Beastwar’s Matt Hyde or King Cannons' Luke Yeoward singing for Skinny Hobos.
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Unknown - Single Review: Know It Well
07 May 2018 // review by butch181
Indie duo Three Feathers have a soothing gentleness and retro vibe that would generally get their style labelled as “stoner rock”. While there are definitely similarities to the genre, many do look down upon the “stoner” moniker, so instead let’s describe it differently.
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Sharon Miller - Album Review: Family Secrets
28 Apr 2018 // review by butch181
Modern country rocker Sharon Miller has released her debut album Family Secrets The opening track, The Wall, is a tribute to the 22nd February 2011 magnitude 6.3 earthquake, that caused severe damage in Christchurch and Lyttelton, killing 185 people and injuring several thousand.
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Gig Review: The Killers @ Spark Arena, Auckland 20/04/2018
21 Apr 2018 // review by butch181
The night started early, with Alex Cameron, an Australian musician who is friends with Brandon Flowers, having assisted in The Killers latest release, co-writing five tracks. An interesting act, they imbibe an electronic 80’s element to their music, with a David Bowie/Sting vibe to Cameron’s vocal style.
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Tom Cunliffe - Template For Love Interview
16 Apr 2018 // interview by butch181
Part way through the album release tour for his sophomore album Template for Love, Tom Cunliffe took the time to answer a few questions: You were born in London before coming to New Zealand around the age of 7. At what age did you start picking up musical influences?
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Looking For Alaska - Single Review: Calling Out
15 Apr 2018 // review by butch181
Calling Out has the pacing of a hit dance track, but the style is very much ballad-esque. Soft, thick vocals from Amy Maynard, she almost struggles with the pace to start, trying to hang onto those sultry notes while guitarist Aaron Gott keeps pushing the track onwards.
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I Am Giant - Gig Review: I Am Giant @ Galatos, Auckland 14/04/2018
15 Apr 2018 // review by butch181
I have been following I Am Giant from the start; since the release of their debut single City Limits, their first New Zealand shows back in 2010, before their three studio albums. I knew it was going to be an emotional night, as it was their final Auckland show before their hiatus, but I underestimated the extent of it all.
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Gig Review: Mastodon & Gojira @ Trusts Arena, Auckland 31/03/18
01 Apr 2018 // review by butch181
Storm the Gates has definitely been following the “Go Big or Go Home” philosophy and is yet to put on a show without issues, but as far as this Easter Show is concerned, at least they weren’t the reason for the problem and tried to keep the fans as updated as possible. The problem instead came down to an issue with the freighting of Gojira and Mastodon’s gear, which was looking like it would lead to the cancellation of the show.
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Primacy - INSIDE THE MUZIC: Primacy
31 Mar 2018 // interview by butch181
After December's release of the collection of singles, III, which signified the departure of their vocalist Jason, the Inside the Muzic crew were invited to chat with Will, Jared, and new vocalist Rhys about everything Primacy. Check out the video below: Alex (Interviewer): Alrighty.
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Apollo SteamTrain - Gig Review: Apollo SteamTrain @ Ding Dong Lounge, Auckland 24/03/2018
30 Mar 2018 // review by butch181
Apollo SteamTrain were coming from Tauranga for their first Auckland show (headlining, nonetheless), and the Auckland weather gods decided to do what it always does and give us a lot of rain throughout the day and into the evening. As the season moves further and further away from summer, the rain is icy cold, but it doesn’t stop Aucklanders from getting out on the town.
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Astro Children - Single Review: Beneath the Visible Surface
30 Mar 2018 // review by butch181
The latest single from Astro Children is a departure from their usual sound, with the addition of Jonathan Pearce on the synth. A step deeper into the indie sub-genre of shoegaze, Beneath the Visible Surface exhibits the elements of dreamy, psychedelic space pop.
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Gig Review: Storm the Gates Festival @ Trusts Arena, Auckland, 17/03/2018
18 Mar 2018 // review by butch181
Getting to the venue before doors open, already the black shirts and tattoos were beginning to gather in anticipation of the days' festivities. With a selection of stalls with games, merch, food, and cars, it was odd to have the doors open a mere 10 minutes before the first act was due to start.
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Matt Hay - Album Review: Something Blue
08 Mar 2018 // review by butch181
Matt Hay’s Something Blue is a simple album; a slow, relaxed pace, and soothing storytelling vocals. Opening track Last Jubilee is perhaps the most upbeat in tempo, with a melody reminiscent to that of John Mellencamp’s Jack & Diane with an extra open string twang to it from the combination of the guitar and mandolin.
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Pale Lady - Single Review: Empty Space
07 Mar 2018 // review by butch181
With a snappy snare, a thick, distorted chug, and an opening riff reminiscent of Pantera’s Cowboys from Hell, Pale Lady have finally released their debut single, Empty Space. Forming in 2016, and winning the Battle of the Bands in 2017, there is clear evidence that they have a good thing going.
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Boycrush - Single Review: Holy Water
28 Feb 2018 // review by butch181
Holy Water is the latest release from the Electronic Alt Pop artist Boycrush AKA kiwi producer Alistair Ross Deverick, and the first thing that hits you is the volume. Not the simple loud/quiet that you can change with the click of a button, but the thick meatiness of that deep bassline.
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Scorn Of Creation - INSIDE THE MUZIC: Scorn Of Creation
20 Feb 2018 // interview by butch181
After opening for Cattle Decapitation, and the incredibly successful release of their debut self-titled album, Seth Jackson and Kris Gillan of Scorn Of Creation stopped by to have a chat: Check out the video below: Alex (interviewer): So tell us about the band. How did it all start?
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Gig Review: Paramore @ Spark Arena, Auckland 13/02/2018
14 Feb 2018 // review by butch181
The crowd was bustling as Auckland’s Spark Arena slowly filled up. Not a full arena show, but the stage had been brought forward enough to ensure everyone was crowded in together.
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Jas Josland - Album Review: See What You Did There
03 Feb 2018 // review by butch181
See What You Did There is Jas Josland's debut album consisting of 11 tracks and a total run-time of almost 37 minutes. With only one song breaking the four-minute mark, these tracks on the debut album are on the shorter side, running less than three and a half minutes long, on average.
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Marina Bloom and Moving Stuff - Album Review: When I Am Gone
16 Jan 2018 // review by butch181
The piano is an often under-recognised and under-utilised instrument. Even though the majority of musicians in this modern day will use a keyboard, it's often to play more "exotic" sounding instruments.
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Dilz - INSIDE THE MUZIC: Dilz
21 Dec 2017 // interview by butch181
Ahead of the upcoming release of his debut album Metamorphosis, Dilz, along with his producer Sswahh, managed to have a quick chat with Chris and Alex, the Inside the Music crew: Check out the video below: Alex (interviewer): You are a rap and hip-hop artist. What got you into music?
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Medusa Glare - EP Review: Medusa Glare
18 Dec 2017 // review by butch181
Medusa Glare is the self-titled debut album for the four-piece Hamilton rock act. Coming up to their fourth anniversary since their creation they have released this four-track EP, all with track lengths in the four-minute range (anybody else thinks they should have named the EP Four or IV?
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Gig Review: Marley: NZ All-Stars @ The Trusts Arena, Auckland - 30/11/2017
13 Dec 2017 // review by butch181
Heading to the Trusts Arena, I was rather surprised to be able to get parking right out front. The line of people waiting to get in, only adding up to around 50 people.
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DateMonthYear - Single/Video Review: March
07 Dec 2017 // review by butch181
DateMonthYear’s latest release, March, is a piece of minimalistic beauty. Starting with some simple notes on the keys, the composition rises in energy with the addition of guitars before returning to a minimal output, ebbing and flowing.
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Cheshire Grimm - Gig Review: Cheshire Grimm @ Ding Dong Lounge, Auckland - 24/11/2017
06 Dec 2017 // review by butch181
It was a reasonably quiet evening at Ding Dong Lounge with Auckland music fans being split between multiple venues that were all putting on shows at the same time. Heading upstairs there was a relaxed atmosphere, as punters from downstairs came up to check out the bands that were on show for the night.
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Coridian - Gig Review: Coridian @ The Wine Cellar, Auckland - 10/11/2017
23 Nov 2017 // review by butch181
The underneath of St Kevins Arcade is the place to be if you are looking for up-and-coming, or alternative musical acts. Find your way around the maze of rooms and hallways, you have Whammy, the Back Room, or the Wine Cellar, all in close proximity, all pumping at the same time.
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Miller Yule - Single Review: Diamonds
23 Nov 2017 // review by butch181
Diamonds has a beautifully clean guitar riff that resonated immediately at my core. A fresh sound, but so incredibly familiar too.
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Written By Wolves - Gig Review: Written By Wolves @ Kings Arms Tavern, Auckland - 3/11/2017
11 Nov 2017 // review by butch181
Heading into the Kings Arms Tavern and immediately you can tell there is something different. It doesn’t take long to see what everyone is looking at and discussing; more lighting, an extended stage with a “runway”, additional floor toms on the side-of-stage, and what appeared to be some gas cannons attached to some rather large CO2 bottles.
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Apollo SteamTrain - Gig Review: Apollo SteamTrain @ RockFest 2017, Totara Street, Mt Maunganui - 28/10/2017
04 Nov 2017 // review by butch181
RockFest 2017 was held at Totara Street in Tauranga on 28 October 2017in support of the local Cancer Society, with all profits being donated. RockFest 2017 Feature  The drive from Auckland had been long, but the constant rain had led to a reduction in traffic, which made the drive to Tauranga very pleasant.
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Coridian - Gig Review: Coridian @ RockFest 2017, Totara Street, Mt Maunganui - 28/10/2017
04 Nov 2017 // review by butch181
RockFest 2017 was held at Totara Street in Tauranga on 28 October 2017in support of the local Cancer Society, with all profits being donated. RockFest 2017 Feature  The drive from Auckland had been long, but the constant rain had led to a reduction in traffic, which made the drive to Tauranga very pleasant.
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Play Big - Gig Review: Play Big @ RockFest 2017, Totara Street, Mt Maunganui - 28/10/2017
04 Nov 2017 // review by butch181
RockFest 2017 was held at Totara Street in Tauranga on 28 October 2017in support of the local Cancer Society, with all profits being donated. RockFest 2017 Feature  The drive from Auckland had been long, but the constant rain had led to a reduction in traffic, which made the drive to Tauranga very pleasant.
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This Flight Tonight - INSIDE THE MUSIC: The Flight Tonight
02 Nov 2017 // interview by butch181
With the upcoming 5th anniversary of their EP Friendly Fire, Ralphe from This Flight Tonight took the time to chat with Alex and Chris, the Inside the Music Crew. You can watch the video below:  Alex: Today we have Ralphe from This Flight Tonight.
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Radius Kink - Album Review: Peculiar Confessions
27 Oct 2017 // review by butch181
Radius Kink's new album Peculiar Confessions is an interesting release; full of nostalgic set pieces that feel like they have no purpose beyond proving that they can exist. Tracks like Maybe I’ll Change My Name have clear influences from groups like Pink Floyd, who are synonymous with experimental alternative music, and the entire album feels a bit like that; a conceptual album, mixing styles and methods to create something completely, without a purpose or direction.
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Devilskin - Gig Review: Devilskin @ Powerstation, Auckland - 21/10/2017
24 Oct 2017 // review by butch181
The Powerstation was filling up nicely and was looking likely to get pretty close to, if not sold out show. An interesting layout on stage; it looked as though the gear for the later acts was already set up, giving the opening band, His Masters Voice only a few metres along the front of the stage to work with.
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Gig Review: Synthony @ Auckland Town Hall, Auckland - 30/09/2017
10 Oct 2017 // review by butch181
The Auckland Town Hall was bustling with patrons eager to enter the site for this sold out event. 2,500 people lined up down Queen Street, and it no doubt became a logistical nightmare for the staff attempting to get everybody’s tickets checked, bags checked, and armbands attached, with doors opening a mere 30 minutes before the show was set to begin.
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Modern Maori Quartet - Album Review: That's Us
01 Oct 2017 // review by butch181
The Modern Māori Quartet’s album That’s Us is an upbeat and wholesome compilation of fun tracks. They put it perfectly themselves, referring to themselves at the start of Who We Are as the Māori equivalent of Michael Bublé, a name synonymous with an incredibly smooth voice, and a charm and modesty that makes his music something that nobody can hate.
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Coridian - Gig Review: Metaract, Checaine & Coridian @ Ding Dong, Auckland - 22/09/2017
29 Sep 2017 // review by butch181
Ding Dong Lounge always has a great atmosphere and a well-lit bar area where you can actually see people, which makes chatting and socialising that much easier. It’s one of the places that I always enjoy going to, as everyone is in a great mood and chatty.
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Devilskin - Devilskin Newsletter Interview
27 Sep 2017 // interview by butch181
Before heading out on the road for their 2017 NZ Tour, Paul Martin from Devilskin took the time to answer a quick Q&A for muzic.net.
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Static Era - INSIDE THE MUSIC: Static Era
14 Sep 2017 // interview by butch181
In our latest episode of www.muzic.
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Daniel McClelland - Album Review: Anxious Heart
07 Sep 2017 // review by butch181
Straight off the bat, we have that gated reverb sound on the drum track; that punchy percussive character that has been synonymous with that of the pop and rock music of the 1980's, and has recently started reintegrating itself into pop music again. In this case, you get that nostalgia hit due to the reminiscence with Kenny Loggin's 1984 hit, Footloose.
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Armed In Advance - INSIDE THE MUSIC: Kris from Coridian & JP from Armed in Advance
04 Sep 2017 // interview by butch181
Alex Moulton and Chris Morgan sat down with Kris Raven of Coridian and JP Carroll of Armed in Advance to discuss their upcoming tour with Curlys Jewels. You can watch the video over on YouTube or read the interview below: Alex: Today you’re here to talk to us about your bands and an upcoming tour with Curlys Jewels at the end of NZ Music Month.
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City of Souls - Gig Review: Stone Sour with City of Souls @ Spark Arena, Auckland - 23/08/2017
24 Aug 2017 // review by butch181
Looking around the venue and it is apparent that the stage has been brought forward. So Spark Arena (formerly known as Vector Arena) has a much smaller capacity compared to when Corey Taylor last performed with his other project, Slipknot.
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Gig Review: Auckland City Rockfest @ The Kings Arms Tavern, Auckland 19/08/2017
22 Aug 2017 // review by butch181
10 bands, 1 night. As far as swansongs for the Kings Arms Tavern go, the Auckland City Rockfest is definitely doing it justice.
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Dead Favours - Single Review: High Flying
18 Aug 2017 // review by butch181
They came out of nowhere with their breakthrough single, Dig. Accompanied by a great fun music video, it took the local music scene by storm, and has shown little sign of slowing down in popularity.
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Groove Lagoon - EP Review: Extended Play
09 Aug 2017 // review by butch181
First out of the gates is the opening track, Shiver, which has a similar drum and bass style to that of Villainy's 2012 track Money Mouth. With clean vocals from vocalist Joel Sunde, and an infectious funky beat, that has a mix of early Jamiroquai and Incubus vibes.
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Mishap - Single Review: Hey, Allie!
04 Aug 2017 // review by butch181
Mishap's latest release Hey, Allie! is the best definition of pop punk; minimal lyrics, with a lot of repetition, with a simple chord progression and standard timing.
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Skinny Hobos - INSIDE THE MUSIC: Skinny Hobos
11 Jul 2017 // interview by butch181
In our latest episode of www.muzic.
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Dead Favours - INSIDE THE MUSIC: Dead Favours
02 Jul 2017 // interview by butch181
Alex Moulton and Chris Morgan sat down with Charlie Smith and Ross Larsen of Dead Favours to discuss their debut single, Dig, and upcoming shows, taking a look Inside The Music.You can watch the video over on YouTube or read the interview below: Alex (Interviewer); Welcome to Inside the Music.
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Ravenhall - Single Review: My Love
28 Jun 2017 // review by butch181
The artwork for this single is actually a bit out of place. It gives a more intense rock appearance than what the track provides.
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The Traditional Aliens - Album Review: Infinity
15 Jun 2017 // review by butch181
Infinity has an angelic calmness to their music. The debut album garners close to an hours worth of material, split into nine tracks, three of which (Infinity, Caris' Land, and Reconnaissance 404) are split further into distinct parts.
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No Sky - Gig Review: No Sky @ The Wine Cellar, Auckland 24/05/2017
30 May 2017 // review by butch181
On a Wednesday evening I was invited along to an EP release at St Kevin’s Arcade, in the Wine Cellar; one of Auckland’s Karangahape road music venues. The release was an intimate affair, with the audience composed of the musicians, family and friends, and myself.
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Tablefox - EP Review: Glass Houses
19 May 2017 // review by butch181
The Glass Houses EP starts out with an instrumental introduction. A three minute long track that begins with keys and a quiet, gentle and fragile guitar riff, but is then joined by a second louder, more abrupt guitar.
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Head Like A Hole - Gig Review: Head Like A Hole @ Galatos, Auckland 04/05/2017
14 May 2017 // review by butch181
Heading in to the venue, it was to be my first gig at Auckland's Galatos venue. Situated not too far away from the now-sold Kings Arms Tavern, and the currently for sale Wine Cellar and Whammy Bar, Galatos is in a prime position.
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Lucifer Gunne - EP Review: The Red King
04 May 2017 // review by butch181
An interesting short EP. Of the five tracks included, only three are of real substance, enclosed by the suitably named Intro and Outro.
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DarkWater - Dark Water Newsletter Interview
27 Apr 2017 // interview by butch181
Thanks Nathan (vocals & guitar for Dark Water) for taking the time to talk with us. Let’s start with the band.
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Garden Party Riot - Gig Review: Garden Party Riot @ The Dogs Bollix, Auckland 20/04/2017
24 Apr 2017 // review by butch181
This trio took to the stage at Auckland’s Dogs Bollix, and they seemed a rather unassuming group. Apart from the vocalist, Paul Goddard, who dressed with a spiffy jacket and waistcoat in a look not dissimilar to Oasis and Beady Eye vocalist Liam Gallagher, the other members are dressed very casual in t-shirts and short sleeves.
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Like A Storm - Gig Review: Alter Bridge @ The Powerstation, Auckland 31/01/2017
01 Apr 2017 // review by butch181
Waiting outside the venue, the crowd was in disarray. There was little communication from the venue staff, and general admission patrons were mingling with those that had purchased VIP tickets, and there was no clear system in place as to where people were to go.
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I Am Giant - Gig Review: I Am Giant @ King Arms Tavern, Auckland - 09/03/2017
10 Mar 2017 // review by butch181
With the sale of the Kings Arms, many acts have started carrying out what could potentially be considered their contribution to the venue’s swansong. Having performed at the Jim Beam Homegrown last weekend, I Am Giant lined up a follow up show at Auckland’s King Arms Tavern, for what may be their last chance to grace the stage that has been a staple of the Kiwi music scene for over the years.
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The Vibes - EP Review: Wrap You In The Sun
09 Mar 2017 // review by butch181
It’s always fun to keep an ear out for contestants of broadcasted talent shows, such as The Voice, or New Zealand Idol, as it’s interesting to see whether the shows are able to properly provide the exposure needed to make a career of music, or whether the artists have their 15 minutes of fame and fade into obscurity Brendon Thomas and the Vibes, a three piece hailing from Auckland, made a name for themselves by securing the third position in X Factor New Zealand in 2015, and the only band in X Factor history to make to the grand finale. Fast-forward two years later and they are preparing for the release of their EP, Wrap You In The Sun.
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Decades - Single Review: I Was With Him
14 Feb 2017 // review by butch181
I Was With Him is the definition of New Zealand music. It has the highly melodic (but more importantly) deep notes that perfectly illustrate the New Zealand accent we are famous for, and a simple musical structure that transcends genres from pop to rock, but focuses on vocals and lyrical content over musical technicality.
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Into Orbit - Album Review: Unearthing
07 Feb 2017 // review by butch181
The first thing that I noticed when I was made aware of this release was the artwork. A superb piece, that offers a sensation of isolation, desolation, and repossession, with a natural splendour.
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Disjecta Membra - Album Review: Songs To Scattered Symbols
03 Feb 2017 // review by butch181
The concept of a split release is something I have only been recently made aware of, and yet it seems like a brilliant marketing tool. In this case, it is being used as limited edition merchandise for a tour, providing three new and exclusive tracks from each band participating on the tour.
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