Spartacus R - When The Fever Takes Hold - Debut Release
15 Feb 2009 // review by johnsoncraigsbc
The locally anticipated debut release from Wellingtons own Spartacus R is finally here. After becoming regionally acclaimed over the past six years their debut full-length album “When The Fever Takes Hold” is looking to rouse devotees and new listeners alike.
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An Emerald City - Debut, Self Titled E.P.
15 Apr 2008 // review by johnsoncraigsbc
An Emerald City showcases mastery musicianship with a seamless blend of traditional instruments, spawning an easy listening, instrumental collaboration of styles in this self titled, debut extended play. Commencing the four track E.
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Crash-Test For Favourite Things - We all want to be just like you.
31 Mar 2008 // review by johnsoncraigsbc
We all want to be just like you- Crash Test For Favourite Things The general aesthetic of Crash Test for Favourite Things has matured since their debut, self titled album, and the cover art captures some of the imagery that is apparent in the music wonderfully. It speaks innocence and injustice.
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The Phoenix Foundation - Happy Ending
20 Dec 2007 // review by johnsoncraigsbc
After such success from ‘Pegasus’ it was exciting to hear what direction The Phoenix Foundation had taken with their new album- 'Happy Ending'. I like the album and its casual holiday appeal, with up beat happy tunes like ‘Bright Grey’ and ‘Bleaching Sun’, but opening singles aside; the album showcases all of the song writing talent that is The Phoenix Foundation.
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The Deadly Deaths - The Deadly Deaths- Debut Album
24 Jun 2007 // review by johnsoncraigsbc
Although the name doesn’t suggest it, The Deadly Deaths debut album is soothing and articulate, like a pre planned walk in the park with a close friend or relative. I find myself subconsciously listening to this album, but moments like the whaling guitar in ‘Deadline’ really capture your attention.
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Ritalin - Ritalin- Roguetown
16 May 2007 // review by johnsoncraigsbc
Ritalin is reminiscent of Metallica in the ‘kill em all’ days, especially with guitaring like that in ‘The Haunting’. But apart from some good moments, the rest of the mid chorus strumming started to hurt my ears a bit.
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Samuel Flynn Scott - San Franciso Bathhouse 14-04-2007
14 Apr 2007 // review by johnsoncraigsbc
A collaboration of two of New Zealand’s finest songwriters made for a night of rugby jokes, charm less humour, and an array of songs which were destined to be worshiped religiously. Samuel Flynn Scott and Lawrence Arabia combined their sets to create one large, long set filled with both of their song writing goodness.
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DateMonthYear - DateMonthYear- 7Ghosts
28 Mar 2007 // review by johnsoncraigsbc
Prelude- amazing. Intense and fierce.
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SJD - SJD @ Happy, Wellington
15 Mar 2007 // review by johnsoncraigsbc
The last time I was at Happy on Tory Street in Wellington I was pleasantly surprised with the quality of the band that was playing (The Dylan Storey Band), and being the well known SJD I knew this time was going to be no different. The last time I saw SJD live was on the opera house tour with the Phoenix Foundation, so I had recollections of a fantastic performance, and seeing them in a more intimate setting was very exciting.
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Connan Mockasin - Kings Arm 20/01/2007
23 Jan 2007 // review by johnsoncraigsbc
The Kings Arms Aye, who would’ve thought. A lot probably but that’s beside the point.
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House Of Shem - House of Shem @ Subnine in Wellington
19 Nov 2006 // review by johnsoncraigsbc
Sub nine is a youth friendly venue which has a tendency to make gigs feel like fourth form dances. Don't ask me why.
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Salon Kingsadore - Salon Kingsadore Live @ Bar Bodega 14/10/2006
18 Oct 2006 // review by johnsoncraigsbc
I once thought the best way to imagine being on holiday on a cold, windy night was to drink home made lemonade with an umbrella in it and watch saved by the bell re runs. How wrong I was.
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The Septembers - Cabaret Wellington Gig
30 Sep 2006 // review by johnsoncraigsbc
Saturday night saw me trudge around half of Wellington as I tried to find a bar/venue called Cabaret which I had never heard of before. I finally decided to ask in the nearby Starmart for directions only to find I had walked straight past it several times.
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Stellar* - Something Like Strangers
30 Sep 2006 // review by johnsoncraigsbc
Stellar seem to have taken a softer approach in making their new album, Something Like Strangers, which in turn has created a lazy Sunday album which you can have playing in the back ground from start to finish. Andy Lovegroove provides additional vocals in the beautiful duet which is 'For A While'.
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The Black Seeds - The Black Seeds 'Into The Dojo' release tour in Palmerston North
25 Aug 2006 // review by johnsoncraigsbc
Alexander Kapranos once said “It’s always better on holiday”, and I’ve come to the conclusion he was comprehensively correct in saying so. There’s something about being away from home that makes everything that much more exciting, so I packed up the car, got the lads, bought some booze and headed out into the unknown for some guaranteed chaos.
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Bachelorette - San Francisco Bathhouse 4-8-2006
05 Aug 2006 // review by johnsoncraigsbc
At Luke Buda's gig at the San Francisco Bathhouse last night, a youthful Bachelorette opened for him. Her musical style was fitting for the type of music which was to come, and was relaxing entertainment until Buda took the stage.
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