21 Nov 2024
Reviews
Wendyhouse - Album Review: Puddlekopf
21 Nov 2024 // A review by Daniel Jones
I received Wendyhouse’s album in the post, a homage to the old style of reviewing a record. A CD, with hand-drawn art works reminiscent of Radiohead's Kid A era, and the lyrics of poetry to accompany.
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Meff Zexx - EP Review: Tahi
19 Nov 2024 // A review by Gaby Ivanov-Giraldo
Meff Zexx is an experimental duo from Wellington that melds minimalism, post-rock, ambient, black metal, and stoner rock into their own sound. They recently performed at Valhalla this past October and have released a new two-track EP titled Tahi.
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Patients - Album Review: Homemade Pills
19 Nov 2024 // A review by Peter K Malthus
Homemade Pills is a new album by Patients, one of the projects of Christchurch's Aeneas Jones. As well as fronting heavy rockers PhatSak and performing with Chickenyard and When I Was Sexy, Aeneas drew together the collective Patients to play and record this latest effort.
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19 Nov 2024 // A review by Peter K Malthus
Homemade Pills is a new album by Patients, one of the projects of Christchurch's Aeneas Jones. As well as fronting heavy rockers PhatSak and performing with Chickenyard and When I Was Sexy, Aeneas drew together the collective Patients to play and record this latest effort.
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Tom Irvine Band - Album Review: Under The Wharf
19 Nov 2024 // A review by Trevor Faville
Tom Irvine has a very healthy CV, working guitar duties with the likes of Hopetoun Brown, The Mercenaries and the Fleetwoods. For this album, his first, he has assembled a tight and cohesive ensemble with a rhythm section of Neill McCulloch (drums), Matt Shanks (bass).
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Lee Martin - Album Review: Dreamers Dawn
17 Nov 2024 // A review by Hannah Jane
Christchurch-based singer-songwriter Lee Martin has released her third studio album Dreamers Dawn – a dozen original songs crafted while dealing with personal challenges Lee faced during a time of transformation. The highs and lows are evident to the listener throughout the album, which includes highly personal lyric layered in a bed of genres from Indie Folk to Americana.
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Sam Fowles - Album Review: After Dark
14 Nov 2024 // A review by Hope Milo
With After Dark, Sam Fowles establishes himself as a master of soundscapes, digital sonics, production and storytelling. Intro instantly transports you to a fantastical planet with atmospheric ambience, laser guns, vintage drums and more.
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DarkWater - Album Review: Turning Point
13 Nov 2024 // A review by Nicholas Clark
Turning Point is a complex, dynamic album that takes the listener on an intense ride. There are mysterious, fragile, powerful and gritty moments to discover on this ten-track offering that sounds both balanced and refined.
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Epakist - EP Review: Epakist
13 Nov 2024 // A review by Liam Davis
From the mean West Auckland streets comes the eponymously titled release from Epakist. Immediately; notes of Tool and Audioslave-esque inspired vocal prowess and bouncy guitar riffs explode to the forefront.
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Rita Mae - EP Review: Kiss The Sky
13 Nov 2024 // A review by Tim Gruar
They say that your whakapapa defines you. That can be a good thing or a weighty stone around your creative neck.
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Sally Stockwell - Album Review: Little Triggers
12 Nov 2024 // A review by Tim Gruar
In the new video Far & Wide (one of three planned for release) Otautahi-based artist Sally Stockwell bursts through the front door, rushes down the driveway and doesn’t stop running until she reaches the sea. The camera pans back to her two cherub angels deliberately spilling milk on the kitchen floor and jumping about on the best couches.
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Jon Toogood - Gig Review: Jon Toogood @ Double Whammy, Auckland - 8/11/2024
10 Nov 2024 // A review by Peter Thornton
I’m standing at the back of the dimly lit Double Whammy bar, and I’m fighting back the tears. It’s a poetic moment.
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Jan Hellriegel - Gig Review: Jan Hellriegel @ Nivara Lounge, Hamilton - 08/11/2024
10 Nov 2024 // A review by Scarlett Walsh
As I entered the basement venue, Jan Hellriegel was amongst the audience members, chatting with each of them before the opener. Unexpected behaviour from the main act (based on my experience of going to gigs), but it was an indicator of her genuine and personable nature that we'd come to know over the next few hours.
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Crowded House - Gig Review: Crowded House @ TSB Arena, Wellilngton - 09/11/2024
10 Nov 2024 // A review by Tom Langdale-Hunt
A few years ago, when I heard that Crowded House had reformed and was embarking on a nationwide tour of the motherland, I jumped for joy. The band that crafted some of the catchiest songs to grace the airwaves and further spark a rivalry of ownership between Aotearoa and Australia like a political pavlova was back.
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The Nomad - Album Review: Infinite III
08 Nov 2024 // A review by Tim Gruar
There was a time when Daimon Schwalger, AKA The Nomad, was on every airwave, headlining every essential EDM event. His sets at seminal gigs like The Gathering were legendary.
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Marmalade - EP Review: Sober
08 Nov 2024 // A review by Hope Milo
Marmalade’s Sober EP is a sun-soaked, genre-blending joyride full of hits waiting to be added to your new summer soundtrack. Right from its simmering drum intro, Bright sets the tone, making it clear this EP is going to be on repeat all summer.
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Michael McIlvride - EP Review: Departure
07 Nov 2024 // A review by Scarlett Walsh
Departure is a 4 track instrumental metal EP that captures the multifaceted experience of a journey—both outward and inward. Auckland based guitarist, Michael McIlvride, has created a narrative that’s sonically diverse, combining elements of progressive metal, post-metal, and thrash with moments of atmospheric reflection and guitar prowess.
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Adam Hattaway & The Haunters - Album Review: High Horse
07 Nov 2024 // A review by Danica Bryant
Marking their sixth album in six years, High Horse is the latest impressive release from Christchurch powerhouses Adam Hattaway and the Haunters. Unlike the boisterous rock and roll ventures which precede it, High Horse is an intimate, eerie project made with a small group of collaborators.
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Jon Toogood - Album Review: Last Of The Lonely Gods
06 Nov 2024 // A review by Daniel OBrien
Ten years ago I saw Jon Toogood perform a solo acoustic rendition of some classic Shihad songs to an absolutely packed Hunter Lounge in Wellington. He casually walked out onto the stage with his acoustic guitar, sat down, and proceeded to smash out what is one of the most explosive and commanding performances I have ever seen.
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Salmonella Dub - Album Review: For All Things Alive
05 Nov 2024 // A review by Daniel OBrien
In the late 90's and early 2000's, Reggae and Dub formed the heart of the NZ music scene, with bands like Rhombus, Fat Freddy's Drop and Salmonella Dub (among many others) pumping out so much high quality original music that the Roots sound became synonymous with the idea of NZ music.But nothing lasts forever, and despite a few notable exceptions (Kora and TOI for example) the scene slowly homogenised into a cloying mix of chart-baiting BBQ reggae pop nonsense and vapid club hungry dance tracks.
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Gig Review: Dia De Los Muertos @ Underworld Tavern, Wellington - 02/11/2024
04 Nov 2024 // A review by Ayla Chamberlain
I walk into the Underworld Tavern and immediately see people with sugar skull makeup on and the stage set up with Day of the Dead decorations of skulls and flowers. Dia De Los Muertos is being celebrated tonight by Electric Tapestry, Ben McHardy (and band) and Voodoo Bloo.
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04 Nov 2024 // A review by Ayla Chamberlain
I walk into the Underworld Tavern and immediately see people with sugar skull makeup on and the stage set up with Day of the Dead decorations of skulls and flowers. Dia De Los Muertos is being celebrated tonight by Electric Tapestry, Ben McHardy (and band) and Voodoo Bloo.
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Drax Project - Gig Review: Drax Project @ Hunter Lounge, Wellington - 2/11/2024
03 Nov 2024 // A review by Tim Gruar
Local lads Drax Project have moved far away from their impromptu busking gigs on Courtenay Place, having just wrapped a near sell out headline tour across Blighty, Europe and Aotearoa in support of their super cool sophomore effort Upside (2023). And most recently, they’ve been stomping around the motu revving up local crowds, and a few Aussies stages, to much acclaim.
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Turkey The Bird - Album Review: Men, Fish, Boat
31 Oct 2024 // A review by Chris Chick
Turkey The Bird is the greatest thing to come out of Taranaki since the Jurassic age, if not, at least since the great name of theSlacks who would have thought two magnificent specimens could co-exist in such hostile conditions. But this is about Turkey The Bird and their third album Men, Fish, Boat.
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Pool House - EP Review: Sandflies
31 Oct 2024 // A review by Rob Harbers
Otautahi’s Pool House make an early bid for the soundtrack to this summer, with their EP Sandflies. Coming on sounding fully formed, it’s clear that they’ve done the mahi to get to where they are, and this EP promises great things.
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Springloader - Album Review: Just Like Yesterday
31 Oct 2024 // A review by Peter Thornton
They say good things take time. Springloader finally announce their arrival with a quality debut album.
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Appertain - EP Review: Sideways
29 Oct 2024 // A review by Peter K Malthus
Auckland based Appertain consists of Adam Strang and David Hector, and between the two of them, they conjure up a nice big fat rock sound, "with powerful riffs and soulful lyrics". October 10th saw the release of their debut EP, Sideways, and I had the pleasure of reviewing it.
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SD-2100 - Album Review: Not Bred to Feel the Fat
29 Oct 2024 // A review by Callum Wagstaff
Sam Densem, better known as SD-2100 (a brand of metal detector but that's not what he's named after), is aggressively prolific. By the time this review is published he's already released two more EP's and a compilation.
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Gig Review: Dougfest 2 - Night 2 @ Last Place, Hamilton - 26/10/2024
28 Oct 2024 // A review by Steve Shyu
DougFest is back. Bigger, bolder, and heftier than the first.
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28 Oct 2024 // A review by Steve Shyu
DougFest is back. Bigger, bolder, and heftier than the first.
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Gig Review: Dougfest 2 - Night 1 @ Last Place, Hamilton - 25/10/2024
26 Oct 2024 // A review by Chris Gudsell
WTFIADF? After the sellout inaugural event in 2023, Dougfest returned to Hamilton’s Last Place and being only a few door sales away from being sold out, everyone in attendance was in for a treat.
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26 Oct 2024 // A review by Chris Gudsell
WTFIADF? After the sellout inaugural event in 2023, Dougfest returned to Hamilton’s Last Place and being only a few door sales away from being sold out, everyone in attendance was in for a treat.
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Louis Baker - Gig Review: Small Hall Sessions w/ Louis Baker @ Tikokino Hall - 24/10/2024
26 Oct 2024 // A review by Rob Harbers
Making his debut in the Small Halls milieu, Louis Baker entranced the audience at Tikokino hall with an intensely soulful performance, setting a perfect tone for Te-Matau-a-Maui’s extra-long weekend. With a paradoxical combination of strength and fragility, his performance drew them in, kept them engaged, and gave them many tales to tell to those who weren’t there.
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Tess Liautaud - Album Review: Blue Mind
25 Oct 2024 // A review by Danica Bryant
As the modern musical generation dive headfirst into digital production, home studios and the art of the solo performance, it’s hard to remember the days of the traditional, all-out band jam session. But Tess Liautaud’s beautiful sophomore record Blue Mind proves that lifestyle is alive and well in Otautahi.
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Wiri Donna - EP Review: In My Chambers
25 Oct 2024 // A review by Maggie Cocco
Certified rock music incoming as Wiri Donna releases her sophomore EP In My Chambers today, Friday 25 October 2024, following the smashing success of her debut, Being Alone (2022). This time around, Wiri Donna firmly plants herself in rock territory with a bold, unapologetic sound, one driven by a blend of feminine rage, heavy guitar riffs, and searing vocals.
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Kerretta - Album Review: Angelm
24 Oct 2024 // A 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.
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Danica Bryant - Gig Review: Danica Bryant @ Valhalla, Wellington - 23/10/2024
24 Oct 2024 // A review by Ayla Chamberlain
A Halloween themed gig with dress-up encouraged and the chance to be in a music video? It was a no-brainer that I attended Danica Bryant’s Halloween themed Acid single release show at Valhalla!
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Fat Freddy's Drop - Album Review: Slo Mo
24 Oct 2024 // A review by Scarlett Walsh
Following on from the 2024 UK/Europe performances of their Slo Moalbum tour, Fat Freddy's Drop will be back in New Zealand for 6 upcoming shows across the country. Joined by fellow Kiwi artists TOI (Tunes Of I), Coterie, Rubi Du and DJ Logg Cabin, as well as AJ Honeysuckle, Rehekorero and Australian duo The Teskey Brothers for the Auckland and Upper Hutt shows.
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Gig Review: Louisa Williamson @ Wellington Jazz Festival @ San Fran, Wellington - 17/10/2024
22 Oct 2024 // A review by Tim Gruar
Louisa Williamson This gig was part of the Wellington Jazz Festival 2024 (October 16- 20). On Thursday night we climbed the stairs, bought our wines and settled in to experience the debut of an specially commissioned piece called The Chasm Where We Fall Into Each Other, written by saxophonist, composer, and band leader Louisa Williamson, as part of this year’s Wellington Jazz Festival.
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22 Oct 2024 // A review by Tim Gruar
Louisa Williamson This gig was part of the Wellington Jazz Festival 2024 (October 16- 20). On Thursday night we climbed the stairs, bought our wines and settled in to experience the debut of an specially commissioned piece called The Chasm Where We Fall Into Each Other, written by saxophonist, composer, and band leader Louisa Williamson, as part of this year’s Wellington Jazz Festival.
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Jon Toogood - Gig Review: Jon Toogood @ Paisley Stage, Napier - 17/10/2024
22 Oct 2024 // A review by Rob Harbers
In support of his first solo album Last of the Lonely Gods, Jon Toogood visited what is almost his home-away-from-home, Ahuriri’s coolest little venue, Paisley Stage. An unfortunate cock-up on the communication front meant that I completely missed support act Jazmine Mary-apologies Jazmine!
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Midnight Green - Gig Review: Midnight Green w/ Elisa @ Ponsonby Social Club, Auckland - 19/10/2024
22 Oct 2024 // A review by Amani Sadique
A few things have changed since I last reviewed Tamaki Makaurau-based neo-soul band Midnight Green: new songs, band members, and opening act. The band are currently in the works of creating a second EP, and they teased a few songs from it on Saturday at Ponsonby Social Club, along with introducing two new faces: trumpeter Tim Baker and guitarist Mark Bulos.
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Gig Review: Machine Wreckers @ Fringe in the 'Stings @ The 118, Hastings - 10/10/2024
21 Oct 2024 // A review by Rosheen FitzGerald
Like a night blooming cactus that briefly flowers, Machine Wreckers come out about annually to wow an appreciative crowd before dissolving off to their many and varied other projects. This is a rare treat and we all know it.
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21 Oct 2024 // A review by Rosheen FitzGerald
Like a night blooming cactus that briefly flowers, Machine Wreckers come out about annually to wow an appreciative crowd before dissolving off to their many and varied other projects. This is a rare treat and we all know it.
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Fly My Pretties - Gig Review: Fly My Pretties @ Great Hall, Massey University, Wellington - 19/10/2024
21 Oct 2024 // A review by Tim Gruar
Halfway through the second half 'Leader and Co-founder' Barnaby Weir invited everyone to have a drink afterwards. “Come and chat.
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Lucid Shift - EP Review: Aonaran
18 Oct 2024 // A review by River Tucker
You would be hard pressed to not get excited about Lucid Shift’s debut EP, Aonaran. But be warned, this release isn’t for the fainthearted.
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Em - Album Review: Phases
18 Oct 2024 // A review by Sharne Molloy-Turpin
The deep contemplation of Em’s new album Phases is hypnotic. It shows how talented Em is not only as a songwriter but also as an audio engineer.
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Hoodaki - EP Review: Close Your Eyes It's Right In Front Of Your Ears
18 Oct 2024 // A review by Michael Durand
There’s a post on Reddit called “A True Legend”: a clip of Fox 5 News reporter Ophelia Young interviewing a lottery player, with a live patch back to the studio. “Can I ask you, sir …” She approaches the man choosing his numbers.
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Phoebe Rings - Phoebe Rings - EP Review: Phoebe Rings
17 Oct 2024 // A review by Tim Gruar
Go looking for the band’s earlier material and you could be scrambling. That’s because Auckland dream pop outfit Phoebe Rings have wiped the slate clean, expunging previous recordings from the internet in order to make way for their highly accomplished new EP slated to be released on celebrated USA indie label Carpark (Chelsea Jade, The Beths) this October and followed up by a short promotional tour at selected venues across the motu.
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Courtnay & The Unholy Reverie - EP Review: Mercy
16 Oct 2024 // A review by Ayla Chamberlain
Mercy is the debut EP for Courtnay & The Unholy Reverie and it sets the standard high with the first track Vulture, Vulture! starting with an epic guitar solo introducing the drums at 1:18 to make an already catchy beat before Courtnay's husky voice has you listening in awe..
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Gig Review: Ish Presents: All Folked Up @ St Matthews Hall, Hastings - 13/10/2024
16 Oct 2024 // A review by Rob Harbers
On the final night of Fringe in the Stings’ brief champagne supernova, it was the turn of Ish to land their magic carpet ride back where it all began. Their journey started with an appearance at FITS and has since seen them invited to the top table, the Hawkes Bay Arts Festival itself, along the way.
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16 Oct 2024 // A review by Rob Harbers
On the final night of Fringe in the Stings’ brief champagne supernova, it was the turn of Ish to land their magic carpet ride back where it all began. Their journey started with an appearance at FITS and has since seen them invited to the top table, the Hawkes Bay Arts Festival itself, along the way.
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Job Site - EP Review: The New Zealand Experience
15 Oct 2024 // A review by Nicholas Clark
Emerging from the Waikato, high energy punk band Job Site showcases their special blend of comedic music on their latest offering, the 4 track The New Zealand Experience EP. The band plays fast and heavy throughout the recording, with rhythms that range from oi-punk, thrash music and even a little 2000’s indie rock.
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CAROUSE - Album Review: Inside Out
14 Oct 2024 // A review by Catherine Bullock
Inside Out is the newest release and the debut album of CAROUSE, an Otautahi/Christchurch based singer-songwriter. This album is listed as a pop album; however, the easy listening, blues, folk, and country roots are obvious, especially in the instrumentation and the lush solos throughout the record.
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Swerve City - EP Review: Over Oceans
14 Oct 2024 // A review by Kris Raven
Kiwi rock alternative 4-piece Swerve City have just dropped their long awaited 6 track EP Over Oceans. A culmination of their musical journey since their beginnings, during the chaos of the early 2020's pandemic.
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Tami Neilson - Gig Review: Tami Neilson @ The Opera House, Wellington - 11/10/2024
14 Oct 2024 // A review by Tom Langdale-Hunt
Well, here I am again. Almost a year after Tami Neilson and Dinah Lee teamed up for their Rock n Roll Revue tour of Aotearoa, our ‘Queen of Country’ is back for another celebration of the titans of her beloved genres, Willie Nelson.
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Stretch - Gig Review: Stretch and The Sinners @ St Matthews Hall, Hastings - 11/10/2024
14 Oct 2024 // A review by Rob Harbers
With a hiss and a roar, Ahuriri’s Stretch, with his newly renamed entourage The Sinners, has burst back in to the public arena. The increasingly essential quick ’n’ dirty October experience that is Fringe in the ‘Stings (or FITS for the impatient!
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Reiki Ruawai - EP Review: The Message
13 Oct 2024 // A review by Scarlett Walsh
I had the pleasure of reviewing Reiki Ruawai’s 2024 debut EP, The Message. Hailing from the iconic left-hand break beach town of Raglan, the album cover features a frolicking Reiki leaping across the sandbars.
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Gig Review: Fables & Greta O’Leary @ Meow, Wellington - 10/10/2024
11 Oct 2024 // A review by Tim Gruar
On the back of the release of Spook-folk sweetheart Greta O’Leary’s latest singles Baby I’m a Singer and Baptised At The Home Computer, Greta and Fables are embarking on a bit Spring tour, with shows in Tamaki Makaurau and Poneke (and possible other gigs, too) this October. Tonight was their first stop.
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11 Oct 2024 // A review by Tim Gruar
On the back of the release of Spook-folk sweetheart Greta O’Leary’s latest singles Baby I’m a Singer and Baptised At The Home Computer, Greta and Fables are embarking on a bit Spring tour, with shows in Tamaki Makaurau and Poneke (and possible other gigs, too) this October. Tonight was their first stop.
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Revulva - Revulva - Album Review: Revulva
10 Oct 2024 // A review by Brad Miller
Reading the description of this artist before I embarked on this review, I wasn’t sure what to expect by a "hedonistic whirlwind of acid jazz, Avant-funk, disco, AOR, and art pop." Now that I know, I’ve found one of my new favourites.
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Mel Parsons - Gig Review: Small Hall Sessions w/ Mel Parsons @ Otane Town Hall, Otane - 09/10/2024
10 Oct 2024 // A review by Rob Harbers
Maintaining an impressive fortnightly schedule after their winter hibernation, the Small Hall Sessions are this week playing host to Otautahi’s Mel Parsons. This marks her debut on the Small Halls circuit, and it’s in support of her recently released album Sabotage, these appearances being dates 15-18 of a wider national tour of 22 nights all up.
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Electric Tapestry - EP Review: Warship Across
09 Oct 2024 // A review by Peter K Malthus
Warship Across is the third EP since their first in 2021 for Wellington-based Electric Tapestry. There is a large and diverse list of musical influences that have gone into making the Electric Tapestry sound.
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Ra Charmian - Album Review: Waiata Wairua
08 Oct 2024 // A review by Peter-James Dries
Waiata Wairua is an album that wouldn’t feel out of place performed in a late night jazz hall in some alternate history where the successes of the Maori battalion lead to a proliferation of Te Reo worldwide. The sort of interest that saw your dad singing in French in the 60's, when Mireille Mathieu was knocking about.
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Jan Hellriegel - Gig Review: Jan Hellriegel @ The Piano, Christchurch - 04/10/2024
06 Oct 2024 // A review by Peter K Malthus
It's always a treat to get to go see a show at Christchurch's beautiful The Piano, and sit in its stunning auditorium. Unfortunately, I arrived slightly late due to some teenage hijinks on the home front, so I missed the start of Steffany Beck's set.
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Sidewinder - Gig Review: Sidewinder w/Tusk & Awarewolves @ Paisley Stage, Napier - 28/09/2024
05 Oct 2024 // A review by Rob Harbers
Ahuriri’s coolest little venue, Paisley Stage, tonight played host to Poneke heavyweights Sidewinder and Kirikiriroa’s Tusk, with locals Awarewolves providing the third leg of the stool. The combination made for a great night’s entertainment, 3 bands giving it their all and doing their level best to threaten the building’s structural integrity!
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Goodspace - Album Review: Let’s Talk About Death
04 Oct 2024 // A review by Daylen Schmied-Pape
"Let’s. Talk.
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Louis Baker - EP Review: Medicine
04 Oct 2024 // A review by Daniel OBrien
I’ve never tried heroin. But after listening to Louis Baker's new EP Medicine, I have a greater appreciation of what the experience may be like.
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Goodwill - Album Review: Kind Hands
03 Oct 2024 // A review by Peter K Malthus
Goodwill is the solo project of producer, songwriter, and former nomad member Will McGillivray. Having been songwriting over the last couple of years since the release of the Incontrol EP, Goodwill is releasing Kind Hands, a debut album of nine tracks.
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Muriwai - Muriwai - Album Review: Muriwai
02 Oct 2024 // A review by Steve Shyu
Muriwai is the latest undertaking by Bob Bickerton and Ariana Tikao, a new and greatly anticipated collaboration in Aotearoa’s world of traditional music. Bob is a highly influential sound engineer, performer, educator, a Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit for services to music, and composer who has worked in the New Zealand music industry for almost 50 years.
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Ollie McLean - EP Review: Bluesrappin'
29 Sep 2024 // A review by Ben Ruegg
Ollie McLean's debut EP Bluesrappin' is quite the experience. Recorded and produced by his friend, Ollie who is only 21 brings a sound that reminds me of a cross between old school Beck and Beastie Boys.
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Gig Review: Small Hall Sessions w/ Delaney Davidson and Barry Saunders @ Te Awanga Hall, Te-Matau-a-Maui - 27/09/2024
28 Sep 2024 // A review by Rob Harbers
The opening run of the Small Hall Sessions featured the pairing of Barry Saunders and Delaney Davidson. Now, nearly 3 and a half years and around 180 Sessions later, this remarkable duo has returned to stomp the boards of Hawkes Bay’s rural hubs.
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28 Sep 2024 // A review by Rob Harbers
The opening run of the Small Hall Sessions featured the pairing of Barry Saunders and Delaney Davidson. Now, nearly 3 and a half years and around 180 Sessions later, this remarkable duo has returned to stomp the boards of Hawkes Bay’s rural hubs.
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Pining Radiata - EP Review: Skin
27 Sep 2024 // A review by Trevor Faville
These days it's not unusual to see, and indeed expect, a high level of songwriting craft and instrumental skill from younger or less experienced bands. Debut recordings now tend to be polished and well-crafted affairs.
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BAYNK - Album Review: Senescence
26 Sep 2024 // A review by Amani Sadique
The sun was beaming through scratched windows of the upstairs of a double-decker bus and my skin warmed as I overlooked Broadway - no, not the New York one… the Newmarket one, unfortunately. I started to recall memories of what life in Tamaki Makaurau was like only a few weeks back - for me, it consisted of living in a flat so cold that you could see your breath as you spoke to flatmates over the table at breakfast.
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Shady Brain Farm - Album Review: ..Another Set Of Circumstances
26 Sep 2024 // A review by Kerry MB
Shady Brain Farm hail from North-West Auckland — specifically Kumeu, Waimauku, and Muriwai Beach — and has been making music together since 1997. The band, Ben Furniss lead vocals, guitar, and keyboards, Paul Taylor drums and backing vocals, and Chris Vaughan on bass and backing vocals are certainly no strangers to musical diversity and are back with a new album, ...
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Marlin's Dreaming - Gig Review: Marlin's Dreaming @ Hollywood Avondale, Auckland - 19/09/2024
21 Sep 2024 // A review by Samantha Cheong
The memory of a shadow, its original form stretched out threefold across the outer walls of the Hollywood Avondale, is the first and strange thing I remember from my time watching Marlin’s Dreaming on Thursday night. It’s the shadow of a singer, mic in front of him, guitar neck peeking forward.
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TOI - Album Review: Waves
17 Sep 2024 // A review by Scarlett Walsh
Waves is the 2024 album from the 7-piece ensemble, TOI (Tunes Of I), produced by Wellington based artist and producer Neil MacLeod. Throughout the 10 tracks, you are treated to the true talent of each of these musicians; layers of guitar, trombone, saxophone, synths and keys create a tasteful blend of funk, dub and soul.
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Claudia Robin Gunn - Album Review: Little Wild Learning
16 Sep 2024 // A review by Danica Bryant
The art of writing children's music is deceptively harder than people might expect. The songs are easy to listen to and lyrically simple, but they must incorporate educational vocabulary, introduce new ideas about life, and maintain a catchiness that gives young listeners a fun experience, rather than one that could be overwhelming.
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Gig Review: Small Hall Sessions w/ Dave Khan @ Poukawa Hall, Hawkes Bay - 13/09/2024
14 Sep 2024 // A review by Rob Harbers
As this represents the first appearance of the Small Hall Sessions in the pages of Muzic NZ, allow me to introduce you! The Small Hall Sessions are the brainchild of Jamie MacPhail, a man with most of the interesting people in Aotearoa’s musical firmament on speed dial.
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14 Sep 2024 // A review by Rob Harbers
As this represents the first appearance of the Small Hall Sessions in the pages of Muzic NZ, allow me to introduce you! The Small Hall Sessions are the brainchild of Jamie MacPhail, a man with most of the interesting people in Aotearoa’s musical firmament on speed dial.
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Frau Knotz - EP Review: Nextraterrestrial
13 Sep 2024 // A review by Peter K Malthus
Frau Knotz is the performing name of multi-talented Lauren Nottingham, a singer, pianist, producer and composer based in New Plymouth. Having released the first of her singles in 2022, she now bestows her EP Nextraterrestrial upon then planet Earth.
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Ayla Gold - EP Review: Nuance
12 Sep 2024 // A review by Hope Milo
Ayla Gold’s Nuance EP is a dreamy, emotional ride that shows off her ability to blend indie-rock energy with deep, heartfelt lyricism. The first track, Thrills, starts things off with a dreamy electric guitar riff that immediately pulls you in.
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Jai Bartlett - Album Review: Echoes
11 Sep 2024 // A review by Peter K Malthus
Jai Bartlett is from Wellington, where he creates his "Alternative Hip-Hop", a description that immediately had me interested. He describes his debut album Echoes as "diverse", and I had the pleasure of discovering what an understatement that is.
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Saurian - EP Review: Bled Dry
09 Sep 2024 // A review by Callum Wagstaff
From Dunedin, New Zealand comes Saurian, a four-piece hard rock band with a new EP called Bled Dry which came out Friday the 13th of September. The 5 song EP includes the band's latest 3 singles, Devil Among Men, Down at the Crown, and Park Bench.
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Zed - Album Review: Future Memory
04 Sep 2024 // A 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.
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Blake - EP Review: I'm Doing Fine!
04 Sep 2024 // A review by Brad Miller
Blake's I’m Doing Fine! bursts to life with Red Hearts.
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Festival Review: Great Sounds Great Review 2 @ Wellington - 31/08/2024
03 Sep 2024 // A review by Nicholas Clark
Six iconic venues. Twenty eight acts.
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03 Sep 2024 // A review by Nicholas Clark
Six iconic venues. Twenty eight acts.
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Festival Review: Great Sounds Great Review 1 @ Wellington - 31/08/2024
02 Sep 2024 // A review by Tim Gruar
Back again, this time during the heart of the Capital’s deepest, darkest days – August. And tonight, it definitely put on a real show of the elements with torrential rain and cyclone force winds hosing down every crack and cranny of the city.
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02 Sep 2024 // A review by Tim Gruar
Back again, this time during the heart of the Capital’s deepest, darkest days – August. And tonight, it definitely put on a real show of the elements with torrential rain and cyclone force winds hosing down every crack and cranny of the city.
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Peace Love Perfection - Album Review: Nirvana Is Peace
29 Aug 2024 // A review by Michael Durand
Nirvana Is Peace the debut album from Wellington native and multi-instrumentalist Anthony Barnao’s project Peace Love Perfection – a 50 minute trip around psychedelia, EDM, jazz and mysticism. These are mostly instrumentals with low key dance grooves or classic jazz rhythms, Rhodes pianos, retro synths, funk bass lines walking across octaves, claves, shakers and central to the picture, Barnao’s inspired saxophone playing.
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Voodoo Bloo - Album Review: Dead-end Rodeo
28 Aug 2024 // A review by Nicholas Clark
Rodeos, at least in this country, aren’t perceived as sport nowadays. If the term is used at all in New Zealand it usually refers to a metaphor for an intense struggle to survive or to conquer the unconquerable, if but for fleeting moment.
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Louisa Nicklin - Album Review: The Big Sulk
26 Aug 2024 // A review by Tim Gruar
Fresh to the turntable is the second full suite release from Tamaki Makaurau songwriter and graduate of Te Koki New Zealand School of Music Louisa Nicklin. Regular gig attendees may already know Nicklin from her time playing with Dimmer and Mermaidens, tucked in the back providing robust rhythms on their trusty six string.
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Nathan Grey - EP Review: Greatness
24 Aug 2024 // A review by Scarlett Walsh
Greatness EP is the August 2024 release from Nathan Grey, a multi-talented artist hailing from Taupo (Ngati Tuwharetoa). This 4 minute 12 second debut was produced by Beatspun LTD which is a studio based in Tamaki Makaurau.
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Rob Joass - Album Review: Faultlines
21 Aug 2024 // A review by Sickshooter.jpg
I believe something fundamental changed in both the music industry, and the public consciousness, when Taylor Swift released Folklore in 2020, bear with me here. Folklore created space in the top 40 for a more stripped down sound, with more focus on lyricism and emotion.
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Nathan Haines - Album Review: Notes
18 Aug 2024 // A review by Tim Gruar
The whakapapa of Nathan Haines' 11th studio effort, his first since 2014, stretches back over a decade and features a through-line narrative from his iconic London Jazz Café days to his darker moments battling throat cancer and brighter days as a new parent. The signposts of Haines career are as easy to read as neon in the darkness.
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Festival Review: Go Live! Festival @ Town Hall, Christchurch - 17/08/2024
18 Aug 2024 // A review by Peter K Malthus
Christchurch City Council's Winter music festival, Go Live!, is now in its fifth year.
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18 Aug 2024 // A review by Peter K Malthus
Christchurch City Council's Winter music festival, Go Live!, is now in its fifth year.
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The Early 20’s - EP Review: Vultures
16 Aug 2024 // A review by Peter K Malthus
Whilst citing influences so broad and diverse as to be "way too many" to list, and those influences are drawn from "anywhere and everywhere", The Early 20's will have you believe that at the end of the day, they're a punk band. Defining one's band's genre can often be difficult, especially in cases like this where a multitude of influences are at play.
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Sidewinder - Album Review: Talons
15 Aug 2024 // A review by Kris Raven
Wellington's Sidewinder are back and bringing the heavy with their sophomore album Talons, following up from 2022’s diverse and solid debut album Vines (see review here). In four years, Sidewinder have built a strong foundation and reputation within the Aotearoa music scene, with heavy national touring as well as supporting international artists.
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Al Park - Album Review: Monkey
15 Aug 2024 // A review by Peter K Malthus
Al Park is an integral part of the Christchurch music scene, woven deep into the fabric of the city's musical history. From his early days in the punk scene, through to packing houses with either Louie and the Hot Sticks or with The Latter Day Sinners, manning the counter at the iconic Echo records or behind the bar at his legendary venue Al's Bar, and being a champion of many of the exponents of the "Lyttelton Sound", Al has contributed immeasurable amounts of time, energy, and soul into his passion for music.
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Black Smoke Trigger - Album Review: Horizons
14 Aug 2024 // A review by Karl Brinsdon
Horizons by Black Smoke Trigger is a great album to listen to all the way through and with every listen I notice something new. I would be foolish to attempt to put into writing everything that is great about this music, but I have attempted to express my thoughts and feelings about each of the whopping 12 songs.
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Shepherds Reign - Gig Review: Shepherds Reign @ The Tuning Fork, Auckland - 10/08/2024
12 Aug 2024 // A review by Samantha Cheong
“What genre are you all here for?” Polynesian band Top Shelf asked the crowd shortly as they finished their supporting set.
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Shepherds Reign - Gig Review: Shepherds Reign @ A Rolling Stone, Christchurch - 8/08/2024
10 Aug 2024 // A review by Peter K Malthus
I was stoked to get to go check out this show, it was my second time seeing both bands on the bill, so I had fairly high expectations. Those expectations weren't just met, they were blown right out of the water.
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The Wax Birds - Album Review: A Steady Hope
08 Aug 2024 // A review by Daniel Jones
The Wax Birds are an acoustic, country-folk duo based on the West Coast of Canterbury. Originally from Yorkshire (UK), the duo took advantage of the down time, during the chaos of 2020, to create their own unique sound and brand of country folk ballads as well as reinventing some of their favourite and most inspired cover songs.
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Tavita & Bay Road - Tavita & Bay Road - EP Review: Tavita & Bay Road
08 Aug 2024 // A review by Hope Milo
Tavita & Bay Road deliver a standout debut in their self-titled EP, blending a range of genres from funk to reggae, to R&B/soul, into a rich and fresh sound. Lay It Down, the band’s debut single, kicks off the EP with a funky bass riff that you can’t help but groove along to.
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Kath Bee - Album Review: Simple Action Songs for Babies to 2yrs for Learning & Fun
07 Aug 2024 // A review by Hope Milo
Kath Bee’s Simple Action Songs for Babies to 2 yrs for Learning & Fun offers an engaging and educational experience designed specifically for the youngest of listeners. It's clear that Bee has a real talent for creating interactive music that captures the attention and imagination of toddlers.
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Hateseeker - EP Review: More Songs About Sex And Death
02 Aug 2024 // A review by Peter K Malthus
First of all, I just want to say how much I appreciate a really good band name, and I reckon Hateseeker is one of the best I've heard in quite a while, one of those "man I wish I'd thought of that" names. It's a pretty safe bet that you know what you're going to get, with that name.
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Black Comet - Gig Review: Black Comet @ Paisley Stage, Napier - 26/07/2024
02 Aug 2024 // A review by Rob Harbers
Ahuriri’s Paisley Stage was the setting for the Looking for a New Planet tour appearance of Black Comet, Laughton Kora’s ensemble of funky rock monsters, and the Comet took in its trail a whole new body of fans! Introductory duties fell to Willsy and Friends, the elastic combo I’ve previously mentioned in these pages.
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Hadees Drudge - Album Review: The Mind Lies When The Soul Dies
01 Aug 2024 // A review by Kerry MB
Hadees Drudge is quite an anomaly in Wellington’s metal scene. Forgoing a second guitarist, they proudly rock one guitar in a genre where that’s almost unheard of.
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Bad Schematics - Gig Review: Bad Schematics @ Moon, Wellington - 26/07/2024
27 Jul 2024 // A review by Nicholas Clark
Fresh from picking up numerous awards in the recent National Battle of the Bands competition, Bad Schematics have embarked on a North Island tour including Tauranga, Auckland and their hometown Palmerston North, to promote their newest album,C O L L I D E. Tonight, along with winners of the competition for this year, Adoneye, finalists Donal and The Bucks and last year’s second place winners, Dave and the Dirty Humans, Bad Schematics hit Wellington’s favourite underground alternative music venue and pizzeria, Moon.
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Gig Review: Wellington Invasion @ Paisley Stage, Napier - 20/07/2024
25 Jul 2024 // A review by Rob Harbers
Bringing a touch of Poneke vibes to Ahuriri’s Paisley Stage, The Bravo Uniform Mikes, with their partners in crime Adoneye, continued their mission of bringing the noise. And what a noise!
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25 Jul 2024 // A review by Rob Harbers
Bringing a touch of Poneke vibes to Ahuriri’s Paisley Stage, The Bravo Uniform Mikes, with their partners in crime Adoneye, continued their mission of bringing the noise. And what a noise!
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Written By Wolves - Album Review: The Lighthouse
25 Jul 2024 // A review by Tom Langdale-Hunt
After the success of their 2019 debut, Secrets, Written By Wolves deliver a sophomore project with teeth. Described as one of the most exciting up-and-coming rock acts in the country, The Lighthouse is a cinematic specimen of the world-class electro-rock band they are quickly becoming.
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Lucy Gray - Album Review: whole life waiting
24 Jul 2024 // A review by Maggie Cocco
Seventeen year old singer-songwriter Lucy Gray from Otautahi, New Zealand has landed on the NZ Hot New Music Charts, and it’s only a matter of time before the rest of the world hears. Gray’s whole life waiting EP is versatile and compelling.
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TRiPS - TRiPS - Album Review: TRiPS
24 Jul 2024 // A review by Scarlett Walsh
The self-titled 2024 album TRiPS is the debut release from duo Barnaby Weir and Andy Christiansen. The pair have collaborated with an impressive list of supporting talent to create a psychedelic rock fusion delight.
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Amanaki - EP Review: Embers
22 Jul 2024 // A review by River Tucker
Amanaki might not be a household name yet, but along with their indie label, North Supply Co., they’re definitely on track to grab your attention.
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Cairo Knife Fight - EP Review: Dream Season
19 Jul 2024 // A review by Paul Goddard
Cairo Knife Fight have been around a while and been through a lot. Spawned in NZ and now based in the U S of A it has been a journey full of highs and lows.
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Floyd Marsden - Gig Review: Floyd Marsden @ Valhalla, Wellington - 18/07/2024
19 Jul 2024 // A review by Nicholas Clark
Although technically a sad affair, (as it was to be final of Floyd Marsden’s string of local shows promoting her album The Disco Lizards), the atmosphere in Valhalla was uncharacteristically filled with retro vibes but the usual friendly faces. In support for this show was Adult Friends, spearheaded by vocalist/guitarist Jackson Kidd who was also the producer of The Disco Lizards.
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Menzies - EP Review: Spaghetti Land
18 Jul 2024 // A review by Peter K Malthus
Menzies are a four-piece melting pot of marvellously talented folk from Wellington, comprised of Chris Brown (Friendlies), Miles Sutton (Welcomer, Prizegiving), Doug Kelly (Girl Boss), Nikita Piper (Friendlies, Androgynous Lemon). They have just released their debut EP, Spaghetti Land, to riotous applause, fanfares, parades in their honour, a 21 gun salute, and the keys to the city.
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Matt Langley - Album Review: As Real As You Want It To Be
18 Jul 2024 // A review by Peter K Malthus
From Dunedin, but currently residing in Japan, Matt Langley is an artist who has already made an impressive impact on the New Zealand music scene, and with new album As Real As You Want It To Be, he's certainly poised to consolidate that position. Matt is an acclaimed and awarded songwriter, and has a weighty list of artists he has collaborated with, toured with, or supported, including names like Lindon Puffin, The Eastern, Martin Phillipps, Sir Dave Dobbyn, and Head like A Hole.
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Thousand Limbs - Album Review: The Aurochs
16 Jul 2024 // A 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.
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Napoleon Baby - EP Review: Unworthy Boys
15 Jul 2024 // A review by Brad Miller
The debut EP from Napoleon Baby, Unworthy Boys, is here, and what a release. The Tamaki Makarau trio have delivered a well-crafted and honed effort that explores our life and times and the frustrations and injustices they come with.
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Diaz Grimm - Album Review: Maui & The Sin
11 Jul 2024 // A review by Sickshooter.jpg
Diaz Grimm, a pioneer of trap rap and EDM in Aotearoa brings statesmanship, righteous anger and vulnerability with his third album; Maui & The Sin, and the music is only part of the story.A splash has been made by Grimm’s use of AOT (Album Ownership Tokens) as a funding method and his new look as an AI avatar, but what’s behind the hype?
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Psycho Gab - EP Review: Crazy Talk
11 Jul 2024 // A review by Daniel Jones
Psycho Gab, formed in early 2023, this five-piece, neo-soul band based in Tamaki Makaurau, the group claim to have cultivated a unique sound formed at the crossroads between soul, RnB, jazz and pop, leaving endless possibilities of smooth grooves up for exploration. Ridiculously accomplished musicians, who would not be out of place in a Washington DC late night jazz scene.
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Fan Club - EP Review: Towards The Sun
09 Jul 2024 // A review by Steve Shyu
2024 is set to be another monumental year for Tamaki Makaurau’s Fan Club. Just last year they claimed a multitude of awards, including the top prize at Raise Up’s New Found Sound, and placing first in the Auckland Central Final of the SmokeFree RockQuest.
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Drax Project - Gig Review: Drax Project @ Powerstation, Auckland - 6/07/2024
08 Jul 2024 // A review by Peter Thornton
“What you see is what you’re going to get. Cut the bullshit.
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SKILAA - Album Review: Tiger In The River
04 Jul 2024 // A review by Ben Ruegg
SKILAA’s sound is a unique blend of RnB, alternative, progressive folk, and hip-hop. The band began writing together in late 2017 after meeting through Auckland University’s Jazz programme.
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Silk Cut - Silk Cut - Album Review: Silk Cut
02 Jul 2024 // A review by Peter K Malthus
Having already released two EPs, and then followed up with full length album Our Place In The Stars, Silk Cut have returned to titillate your earholes with a brand new, self-titled album. The line-up of two guitars, bass, and drums also has shared lead vocals, and delivers a heady blend of 60's psychedelia and 90's guitar-based pop/rock.
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Cherry Slits - Cherry Slits - EP Review: Cherry Slits Are Back
01 Jul 2024 // A review by Peter K Malthus
So, there's a wee bit of a story to go with this one, and it's been a lot of fun to review. Nicola Cheeseman Is Back is a new play by Kathryn Burnett, detailing the story of a 50 year old woman having a midlife crisis, who decides to get her '80s punk band, Cherry Slits, back together.
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Marsha - Album Review: In Circles
01 Jul 2024 // A review by Peter K Malthus
Marsha hail from my hometown of Christchurch, and I'm a tad ashamed to say I hadn't actually heard them up until now, but I'd heard many good things about them. In Circles is their debut album, containing some previously released singles, and has been in the works since 2021, and all the painstaking care that was put into its creation is evident in every note of every song.
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L.A.B. - Gig Review L.A.B @ Globox Arena, Hamilton - 29/06/2024
01 Jul 2024 // A review by Peter Thornton
Matariki is a time for all to, pause, reflect and celebrate success. What better way to celebrate the Maori New Year than spending an evening with some of Aotearoa’s finest musicians.
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Lost Tribe Aotearoa - Gig Review: Lost Tribe Aotearoa @ Yot Club, Raglan - 28/06/2024
29 Jun 2024 // A review by Brad Miller
It was a bittersweet night in Raglan on Friday the 28th of June as a crowd gathered to farewell The Yot Club one last time. What a sendoff it was!
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Anna Coddington - Album Review: Te Whakamiha
27 Jun 2024 // A review by Catherine Bullock
Te Whakamiha is the newest eight track album from the multitalented Anna Coddington. Named after a loose translation of her band The Appreciations, this album is fun, groovy, and incredibly danceable.
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Devilskin - Gig Review: Devilskin @ The Factory, Hamilton - 21/06/2024
23 Jun 2024 // A review by Brad Miller
Walking through the main entrance to The Factory on Friday night, you could be forgiven for thing you’d stepped onto battlefield before the carnage. With a packed house only a few minutes after doors opened - an impressive feat for Kirikiriroa - and the mist from the fog machine descended across the stage.
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Miss French - Album Review: The Trials And Tribulations Of Miss French Part Two
21 Jun 2024 // A review by Peter K Malthus
Miss French is the performing name of Julie Foai, who spent 20 years touring the world with South Pacific band Te Vaka, and managed them into securing a contract with Walt Disney Pictures. Having released her debut solo album in 2016, The Trials And Tribulations Of Miss French, Pt.
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Taveets - EP Review: WINT/HER
21 Jun 2024 // A review by Peter K Malthus
Taveets has been steadily releasing singles and EPs since 2019, including 2023's Balcony Nights EP which could almost be considered album length at seven songs. The Wellington-born and raised Samoan/Futuan artist/rapper has just released his latest HipHop/RnB offering, WINT/HER, the five songs looking at love and relationships from different angles, and in different moods.
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Nur Peach - Album Review: Syncopate
21 Jun 2024 // A review by Danica Bryant
Coromandel Peninsula's Nur Peach is fresh off a bachelor's degree in Pop Music and is immediately "gathering momentum" to realize her dream of releasing an album. Syncopate is an eclectic pop-folk and adult contemporary record full of motivational coming-of-age material, produced in collaboration with Auckland's Scott Seabright.
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Luna Shadows - Album Review: bathwater
19 Jun 2024 // A review by Trevor Faville
Luna Shadows' new album bathwater arrives on the back of considerable momentum from their previous work. Currently based in Los Angeles, since releasing the single Hallelujah California in 2016, Luna Shadows has garnered considerable attention, some serious press and impressive listening numbers.
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Devilskin - Gig Review: Devilskin @ ToiToi Opera House, Hastings - 15/06/2024
18 Jun 2024 // A review by Rob Harbers
On a chilly Te-Matau-A-Maui evening, Devilskin brought the warmth to a capacity crowd at Hastings’ ToiToi, with the help of a few friends. Probably the loudest the old girl’s been for some time, as they celebrated the 10th anniversary of the release of debut album We Rise.
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South for Winter - Album Review: Of Sea and Sky
17 Jun 2024 // A review by Hannah Jane
Recorded and produced in Nashville TN alongside two-time Grammy award-winner, Matt Leigh, Of Sea and Sky is a beautiful offering from folk-rock trio South For Winter. New Zealander Nick Stone, Colorado native Dani Cichon (Stone), and Michigander Alex Stradal are three multi-instrumentalists and songwriters.
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Gig Review: Bitta Batta @ Paisley Stage, Napier - 14/06/2024
16 Jun 2024 // A review by Rob Harbers
The weather outside was frightful, but inside the coolest little venue in Ahuriri, things were anything but, as the soulful Bitta Batta were making their debut on the Te-Matau-A-Maui stage! Such ventures require a supportive hand in their genesis, and tonight that fell to the amorphous collective that is Willsy and Friends.
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16 Jun 2024 // A review by Rob Harbers
The weather outside was frightful, but inside the coolest little venue in Ahuriri, things were anything but, as the soulful Bitta Batta were making their debut on the Te-Matau-A-Maui stage! Such ventures require a supportive hand in their genesis, and tonight that fell to the amorphous collective that is Willsy and Friends.
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Devilskin - Gig Review: Devilskin @ The Hunter Lounge, Wellington - 13/06/2024
16 Jun 2024 // A review by Tom Langdale-Hunt
It’s been a hot minute since my last encounter with the Hunter Lounge. Memories of O-Week, indie-pop and rap shows still linger.
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Silcrow - Silcrow - EP Review: Silcrow
14 Jun 2024 // A review by River Tucker
Aiming for the stars, Silcrow’s seven-track EP merges American-style rock with a touch of Seattle grunge in a well-produced release that will appeal to many generations of music lovers, but mainly to those whose musical awakening happened sometime in the 90’s.As well as changing their name from Close To The Bone to the much more kick-arse Silcrow, these four young guys from Auckland have been working hard on the live circuit (bar a short hiatus during lockdown) to get their songs fully dialled in and ready for the studio.
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Dónal Gunning - EP Review: Born To Perform
13 Jun 2024 // A review by Peter K Malthus
Dónal Gunning's travels, since leaving his native Ireland, have seen him eventually relocate to Wellington, where he has been regularly gigging as a solo artist, and with backing band The Bucks. The Bucks are comprised of a collective of Wellington session musicians and have also accompanied Dónal on two north Island tours, delivering fun and energetic shows.
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SuperMild - SuperMild - EP Review: SuperMild
11 Jun 2024 // A review by Nicholas Clark
SuperMild is a busy band playing lots of venues and entertaining crowds with their blend of reggae tinged psychedelic rock. Their debut, self-titled four song EP is out now, and it spans the many sounds the band can summon with just three members.
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Crowded House - Album Review: Gravity Stairs
10 Jun 2024 // A review by Kerry MB
In a moment we’ve all been waiting for, Crowded House, who need no introduction have released their new album, Gravity Stairs. It’s only been a little over two years since their last offering, Dreamers Are Waiting (2021) and it seems fans just can’t get enough.
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Valere - EP Review: Gold Dust
10 Jun 2024 // A review by Danica Bryant
Christchurch performer Valere has built an impressive catalogue over the past decade, and her latest EP Gold Dust is no exception. Informed by recent years of experiences with motherhood, marriage and familial love and loss, Valere rediscovered the simplicity of songwriting on the guitar, and has now shared six powerful tracks motivated by this artistic return.
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Carb On Carb - Gig Review: Carb On Carb @ Space Academy, Christchurch - 08/06/2024
10 Jun 2024 // A review by Peter K Malthus
Carb On Carb are currently on a tour of Australia and New Zealand, which will see them perform five dates in each country. Touring is right at the heart and soul of their drive as a band, having seen them perform extensively throughout New Zealand, Australia, Asia, and the USA.
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Take Hold - EP Review: Stay Down
10 Jun 2024 // A review by Kris Raven
Aotearoa melodic hardcore alumni Take Hold, have returned with brand new music, dropping four of five tracks as a single format prior to the release of their self-produced, 5-track EP entitled Stay Down. This method has fast become the norm in the world of modern music releases and streaming.
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Toby Sussex - EP Review: Weather Dependent
08 Jun 2024 // A review by Michael Durand
Toby Sussex’s debut EP Weather Dependent is a compact and ultimately satisfying set of singer-songwriter style reflections on life, death and relationships. It has catchy melodies and is well performed and produced, signalling at the outset that Sussex has what it takes to produce a full album in the singer songwriter genre.
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Ms. Mia - EP Review: Living In The Shadows
06 Jun 2024 // A review by Corinne Rutherford
Born in Manila and residing in Auckland, Mia Caintic AKA Ms. Mia has just released her 5-track debut EP Living In The Shadows.
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Big Sima - EP Review: Early In The Peace
06 Jun 2024 // A review by Peter K Malthus
The Underground King, AKA Big Sima, has just released a new EP in collaboration with Boomtown, a follow-up to 2022's full length album, Stereotypes Of A Polynesian Misunderstood. Big Sima has been relentlessly busy making a name for himself over the last few years, and that work ethic has seen him win support slots for Busta Rhymes, Bone Thugs 'n’ Harmony, Guru (Gangstarr), Mobb Deep and Cypress Hill.
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Georgia Lines - Album Review: The Rose of Jericho
06 Jun 2024 // A review by Tom Langdale-Hunt
It would appear that Georgia Lines has waited too long to not take the release of her hotly anticipated debut, a once in a lifetime event, by the horns. The self-titled route will not suffice, especially when the artist is turning her imperishable dedication and vulnerability into an audible mark on both Aotearoa and international music.
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Mel Parsons - Album Review: Sabotage
06 Jun 2024 // A review by Catherine Bullock
A dark, unique voice in both writing and music, Mel Parsons has blessed us with a gorgeous 8-Track Album dubbed Sabotage. The album has a mellow and intimate opener with Circling the City, already diving head first into my interpretation of the album's themes of anxiety and how it influences self-sabotage.
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Government Pest - EP Review: Vol. 3
05 Jun 2024 // A 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.
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Anecdata - Album Review: Obsolete
05 Jun 2024 // A review by Nicholas Clark
Anecdata is a one man band, Dan, who proves without a shadow of a doubt that a single person can be far more prolific than a band of many members. He has recorded nine albums and a number of singles, dabbling in various genres (grunge pop as well as new wave inspired rock) and done covers also including New Zealand classic Sierra Leone, originally by Coconut Rough, and two Beatles covers (I Am The Walrus, and Things We Said Today).
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Gig Review: Voom, Reb Fountain & Vera Ellen @ The Great Hall, Wellington - 1/06/2024
04 Jun 2024 // A review by Tom Langdale-Hunt
Audiences in Te Whanganui-A-Tara can rejoice to the sound of a new venue, one that is already so ingrained in the identity of our city and the culture within. It’s just so fitting that The Dominion Museum Building at Massey, a structure which has seen generations pass through its doors to take their place, would cradle three mammoth musical groups in its first ever ‘rock n roll show’.
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04 Jun 2024 // A review by Tom Langdale-Hunt
Audiences in Te Whanganui-A-Tara can rejoice to the sound of a new venue, one that is already so ingrained in the identity of our city and the culture within. It’s just so fitting that The Dominion Museum Building at Massey, a structure which has seen generations pass through its doors to take their place, would cradle three mammoth musical groups in its first ever ‘rock n roll show’.
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Gig Review: Voom, Reb Fountain & Vera Ellen @ Powerstation, Auckland - 2/06/2024
04 Jun 2024 // A review by Samantha Cheong
Brent Eccles’ alleged idea for a three headliner tour of Aotearoa featuring cherished and acclaimed Flying Nun artists Voom, [Vera Ellen} and Reb Fountain is nothing short of genius and an historical accomplishment. There was a packed turnout at Auckland’s The Powerstation on the Sunday of King’s Birthday weekend, consisting of many adults near or in middle age.
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04 Jun 2024 // A review by Samantha Cheong
Brent Eccles’ alleged idea for a three headliner tour of Aotearoa featuring cherished and acclaimed Flying Nun artists Voom, [Vera Ellen} and Reb Fountain is nothing short of genius and an historical accomplishment. There was a packed turnout at Auckland’s The Powerstation on the Sunday of King’s Birthday weekend, consisting of many adults near or in middle age.
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Aotearoa Music Awards 2024
02 Jun 2024 // A review by Ben Ruegg
Thursday 30 May, 2024 was a wonderful night for our music industry. The Aotearoa Music Awards were being held for the first time at the Viaduct Event Centre, and for the first time in two years.
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02 Jun 2024 // A review by Ben Ruegg
Thursday 30 May, 2024 was a wonderful night for our music industry. The Aotearoa Music Awards were being held for the first time at the Viaduct Event Centre, and for the first time in two years.
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Thomas Powers - Album Review: A Tyrant Crying In Private
01 Jun 2024 // A review by Cathy Elizabeth
This stunning 14-track debut solo album from Thomas Powers, of The Naked and Famous fame; A Tyrant Crying in Private is intense yet delicate, holding sadness and beauty in equal measure, deliciously gorgeous in all its glitched and distorted goodness. Parts of the album feel very heavy emotionally, particularly the neo-classical instrumental pieces, which have a vast cinematic effect.
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Craig Payne - Album Review: Face The Music
31 May 2024 // A review by Peter Thornton
Craig Payne sounds like a man who has found his happy place. The Christchurch-based singer songwriter is back with his fifth studio album Face The Music.
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Liam Gonen - Album Review: Expiration Date:
30 May 2024 // A review by Brad Miller
The debut album from Liam Gonen - Expiration Date: has found its way onto my review list today. Liam released his first single Judas back in 2022, and while there may be a bit of a vibe shift to the melody with Expiration Date: from his previous work, his unique vocal style and lyrical work are still prominent on this latest release.
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Dan Sharp - Album Review: Between The Brave, Bold and Given Up
30 May 2024 // A review by Ben Ruegg
The opening track of Dan Sharp's album named Between The Brave, Bold and Given Up sounds familiar in a good way. It's like coming home after a long day, with cold weather and rain, but opening a door to warmth and comfort.
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The Bravo Uniform Mikes - EP Review: Punching Darts & Breaking Hearts
28 May 2024 // A review by Peter K Malthus
The Bravo Uniform Mikes AKA The B.U.
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Claemus - EP Review: Mercurial
27 May 2024 // A review by Deprivacy
Mercurial, is the latest 5- track EP from Wellington powerhouse Claemus, and what an instalment it is! At some stage or another in New Zealand music, you would have heard this trio of talent.
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Havening - Double Album Review: Wavelengths of Light
26 May 2024 // A review by Steve Shyu
Big things are happening for Bonnie O'Donnell. Under her alias of Havening, she’s been eagerly crafting bucketloads of electronic music, releasing them all as not one, but two albums.
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Ben Lloyd - Album Review: Leap of Faith
26 May 2024 // A review by Peter-James Dries
For over 30 years, this self-taught rocker from Mt Maunganui has been writing music. Now, for the first time since 2013, we finally get to hear his songs.
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Turkey The Bird - Gig Review: Turkey The Bird @ TET Cue Theatre, Inglewood - 23/05/2024
25 May 2024 // A review by Sickshooter.jpg
I for one am glad to see the banjo making a comeback, although my metalhead friends make me feel that I may be alone in this opinion, Turkey The Bird puts these fears to rest. So when I was given the opportunity to photograph and review their gig at Inglewood's Cue Theatre I was frothing..
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Polite Company - Album Review: Please Go Wild
24 May 2024 // A review by Michael Durand
I guess it’s not a surprise that after the Mutton Birds (Dominion Road, Anchor Me, etc.) all the members went on to further greatness: David Long to scoring movies and the Labcoats, Ross Burge to play drums for virtually all of New Zealand’s musical royalty, and Don McGlashen to solo notoriety.
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Parallel Park - Album Review: Growing Taller
24 May 2024 // A review by Karl Brinsdon
Growing Taller from Parallel Park is a very interesting listen. To call it indie pop rock is like putting it into an existing box when it’s something unique that deserves to proudly stand alone.
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Matt Joe Gow & Kerryn Fields - Album Review: I Remember You
24 May 2024 // A review by Hannah Jane
I Remember You is the recently released collaborative offering from multi award winning Americana/Folk duo Matt Joe Gow & Kerryn Fields. Over ten delightful songs, this record weaves stories of loss and love together with a strong sense of connection to the places they call home.
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PARK RD - Album Review The Novel
23 May 2024 // A review by Kerry MB
It’s easy to see why Auckland five-piece, PARK RD is making some noise, figuratively and literally with their debut album, The Novel. Heavy on the indie, but far from light with solid guitar riffs and pop and funk sensibilities, PARK RD are a great example of solid musicianship.
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The Dirty Tones - Album Review: Sweet Thang
23 May 2024 // A review by Paul Goddard
For me, Blues music is the real soul music. It has storytelling like Country and folk music and passion like Rock music, but at its core it gives a window into the soul of the people creating it.
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Saurian - Gig Review: Saurian @ Darkroom, Christchurch - 18/05/2024
21 May 2024 // A review by Peter K Malthus
Dunedin's Saurian are on a sacred mission: To do anything they can to assist in saving beloved and iconic Dunedin music venue, The Crown. Nearby developments threaten The Crown's ability to host live music, and what better way to spread the word but through song, thought Saurian, and rightly so, too.
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Carb On Carb - Gig Review: Carb on Carb @ Wine Cellar, Auckland - 17/05/2024
19 May 2024 // A review by LouClementine
Carb On Carb took to the Wine Cellar stage in Auckland on Friday night to showcase their album Take Time which was released on the same day, 17 May, 2024. As soon as I heard this band I instantly thought they would be amazing live, and I wasn’t wrong.
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C. Zukey - Album Review: Stone Fruit
18 May 2024 // A review by Sharne Molloy-Turpin
The sparkling new debut Stone Fruit by C. Zukey is a full-hearted reflection of feelings and a gentle sting of honest self-internalization.
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Devilskin - EP Review: Surfacing
17 May 2024 // A review by Peter K Malthus
At this point in their career, Devilskin scarcely need any introduction. However, on the freakish, bizzaro-world chance that you're not already familiar, the high-octane, fire-breathing, badass rock & roll juggernaut four-piece formed in Hamilton in 2010 and have been kicking arse and stealing hearts ever since.
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Sam Bambery - Album Review: Rubricator
16 May 2024 // A review by Samantha Cheong
"A ‘rubricator’ was a copyist or scribe in the Middle Ages, whose role was to etch rubrics and eye-catching typography (typically in red ink) to signify important passages of a book such as changes in time, concept or setting. Sam Bambery’s second studio album of the same name captures the anxiety and intricacies living in a “postmodern world where nothing is truly new, just our individual expression”.
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Carb On Carb - Album Review: Take Time
16 May 2024 // A review by Nicholas Clark
Carb on Carb was a busy, touring band until the lockdowns of 2020 and 2021. While promoting their first two full length albums, For Ages and their self-titled debut, James Stuteley (drums / vocals) and Nicole Gaffney (guitar / vocals) toured as far as Japan and the US, as well as extensively throughout New Zealand.
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Ekko Park - EP Review: Let's Talk About Last Night... The End of the World
16 May 2024 // A review by Daniel Jones
Ekko Park's new EP Let's Talk About Last Night... The End of the World - released on May 10th, 2024 is the first release since their UnMute EP in 2022.
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The Advocators - Album Review: Songs From An Endless Night
14 May 2024 // A review by Daniel Jones
The self-proclaimed hillbillies and misanthropes of Northland, NZ, release their debut album Songs From An Endless Night. On first listen, you could be forgiven into thinking that The Advocators hail from the deep southern US terrains of the Mississippi or grew up playing on the Tennessee bar scene.
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Living Clipboards - Album Review: All Over Tawa
13 May 2024 // A review by Peter K Malthus
Coming together through the vibrant Wellington indie scene, alternative rock band Living Clipboards' Mark Williams, Denise Roughan, and Jim Abbott are already well known from acts such as The 3Ds, MarineVille, and Ghost Club. The basic guitar, bass, and drum tracks were recorded over one weekend in the band's rehearsal space.
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Casual Healing - Album Review: Driftwood
13 May 2024 // A review by Corinne Rutherford
When you fly Air New Zealand, there may be a chance you have heard one of the latest singles Mauri Tau from Wellington based musician Nikau Te Huki, who goes under the name of Casual Healing on his 12-track solo project titled Driftwood. This is one of two tracks released from the self-produced debut album.
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Triggar Happy - EP Review: Testify
13 May 2024 // A review by Peter K Malthus
Triggar Happy is the reinvention of Regan Tucker, from traditional Country artist into an exponent of the Country/Hip-Hop scene, under the guidance of Auckland's Royalty Music Group. Growing up on a farm in Otorohanga exposed a young Triggar Happy to the Country stylings of artists like Garth Brooks, Alan Jackson, and George Strait.
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Samantha Josephine - Album Review: Your Unbelievable Head
12 May 2024 // A review by Maggie Cocco
Samantha Josephine is an artist for true lovers of the lo-fi, bedroom mumbling, punk-inspired indie internet underground. The alternative singer-songwriter blends elements of punk and rock with phrases that rhyme and convey almost nothing concise and everything feeling.
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Amiria Grenell - Gig Review: Amiria Grenell @ Space Academy, Christchurch - 10/05/2024
12 May 2024 // A review by Deprivacy
Amiria Grenell is a name synonymous with Folk music here in New Zealand. With a series of beautiful albums under her belt, Christchurch locals were treated to an incredible live performance which celebrated Amiria's fourth album The Winter Light, and her new single The Ghost In You.
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Ant Tarrant - Album Review: Beachtopia
10 May 2024 // A review by djnamehere
I assumed that the album Beachtopia by Ant Tarrant would have a tropical pop feel to it, and this was pretty accurate. This seemed to be an upbeat and love themed EP.
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Ardon England - EP Review: That's Camp
09 May 2024 // A review by djnamehere
As you can probably tell, That's Camp by Ardon England would most appeal to LBGTQA+ listeners. This is a six track EP.
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Floyd Marsden - Album Review: The Disco Lizards
09 May 2024 // A review by Nicholas Clark
After two years in the making, Floyd Marsden releases her latest ten track album, The Disco Lizards. Although listed as alternative rock, this album features so much more than just that.
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Tower Of Flints - Gig Review: Tower of Flints @ Paisley Stage, Napier - 4/05/2024
08 May 2024 // A review by Rob Harbers
On a Saturday night with many entertainment options for the people of Te-Matau-A-Maui, a select audience was treated to a triple bill of quality artists at the sweet little spot that is the Paisley Stage.First up was Te Whanganui-a-Tara’s Spinning Lights, making their East Coast debut.
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Beat Rhythm Fashion - Album Review: Critical Mass
07 May 2024 // A review by Peter K Malthus
Beginning life in Wellington's post-punk Terrace scene of the late 70's and early 80's, Beat Rhythm Fashion went on an ostensibly indefinite hiatus in the mid 80's, only to reform 35 years later. Brothers Nino and Dan Birch had been the cornerstone of the trio in its heyday, but sadly Dan passed in 2011.
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Elidi - Gig Review: Elidi @ Churchills Tavern, Christchurch - 4/05/2024
07 May 2024 // A review by Deprivacy
Churchills Tavern was the place to be on Saturday night, where Christchurch prog metal heavyweights Elidi held their fundraiser for their latest album. Elidi have recently made a big name for themselves, touring the country with well-known metal acts including Pull Down The Sun and Crooked Royals.
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Tess Liautaud - Gig Review: Tess Liautaud @ Wine Cellar, Auckland - 4/05/2024
06 May 2024 // A review by LouClementine
Otautahi-based singer, songwriter and multi-instrumentalist, Tess Liautaud took to the stage of the Wine Cellar, a basement venue, on Karangahape Road, on an autumnal Saturday evening. Tonight was the Tamaki Makaurau show of her nine-date nationwide Gold Digger tour.
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Libbianski - Album Review: Useless Splendour
03 May 2024 // A review by Nicholas Clark
Unless you haven’t been paying attention, there’s a shoegaze revival occurring right now in Wellington. Many new bands are defining themselves as part of this subgenre of rock; namedropping band names such as Slow Dive, My Bloody Valentine or Swervedriver and leaning into the tenants of the tradition such as utilising effect pedals to create a lush, heavily affected guitar sound, and of course, looking at their shoes whilst playing (where the name of the style originates).
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TheSlacks - Album Review: Information Ape
02 May 2024 // A review by Peter K Malthus
Scott Armstrong (vocals, rhythm guitar), Mark Armstrong (vocals, lead guitar), Blake Gibson (vocals, bass guitar) and Zane Greig (vocals, drums) are collectively TheSlacks, Taranaki's answer to the question "What do you reckon a cross between Johnny Cash and Sublime would sound like?" Information Ape is their new album, their third after 2003's Suppressed Inventions and 2014's Welcome To The Rolling Vibe, and they're embarking on a 4-date tour to coincide with New Zealand Music Month to support it, their mums think they play Folk-Rock, they themselves think they play Country-Ska, but apparently they actually play Adult Contemporary Pop...
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Lee Mvtthews - Gig Review: Lee Mvtthews @ Christchurch Town Hall, Christchurch - 27/04/2024
02 May 2024 // A review by Deprivacy
Christchurch residents were treated to a huge night of EDM at the stunning Christchurch Town Hall on Saturday night as Lee Mvtthews performed the Christchurch leg of their tour, bringing along with the award-winning producers, was a hand selected bunch of talented artists which made a truly amazing show. Leading the charge for the support acts was Messie, an up and comer with a huge following.
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Bad Schematics - Album Review: C O L L I D E
01 May 2024 // A 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.
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Just One Fix - EP Review: Submit or Death
30 Apr 2024 // A review by Kris Raven
Auckland's premier thrash lords Just One Fix make a triumphant return with new EP Submit or Death. Having warmed their fanbases palate with two singles, the true to form and heavy hitting Your Own God Now and Gods and Devils.
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Levity Beet - Album Review: Levity Beet And The Aotearoa All Stars
30 Apr 2024 // A review by Corinne Rutherford
Golden Bay's multiple award-winning children’s music artist Levity Beet is well regarded in his field. Three times APRA Children's Song of the Year winner and two times Tui Children's Musician of the Year, he knows a thing or two about producing heartwarming, entertaining and amusing music which captures the hearts and minds of our children.
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Moider Mother - Album Review: Miracle Healing Crusade
28 Apr 2024 // A review by Callum Wagstaff
"Take a pinch of Raincoats, add a tablespoon of early Swans, sauté in the first Stooges album and add half a brick. Put it in a sock.
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Ha the Unclear - Album Review: A Kingdom In A Cul-De-Sac
25 Apr 2024 // A review by Cathy Elizabeth
If I could choose one word to sum up Ha The Unclear’s recent album release I would have to go with the word “inspiring”. And if I could throw a few more together in a kind of haphazard stream-of-consciousness way, I would add that A Kingdom In A Cul-De-Sac is oozing with creativity, quirky humour, plumbing the depths of musical understanding, and coming back up to the surface with a gift - permission to be one’s authentic self.
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The Feel Good Service - EP Review: DirtyFunknSoul
24 Apr 2024 // A review by Michael Durand
Funk, soul and disco music seem to be so defined by their blueprints of the 1970's and 1980's that almost any serious modern attempt at them risks sounding nostalgic. As if these genres lived and died in history, and now we may only pay tribute to them – rather than contribute any further.
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Alexander Guy - Album Review: Last Call At The South Sea Hotel
24 Apr 2024 // A review by Daniel Jones
Wellingtonian singer-songwriter Alexander Guy releases his new album Last Call At The South Sea Hotel on April 18th. The first official studio album from Alexander Guy, who has previously released a live album Vogelmorn Bowling Club in 2023.
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Banana Mundo - EP Review: Intercultural Appreciation Day
23 Apr 2024 // A review by Gaby Ivanov-Giraldo
Banana Mundo are a collective band situated in New Plymouth (West Coast NZ) and hailing from various places around the world. The band comprises members from Argentina, Uruguay, Venezuela, France, Switzerland and New Zealand.
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Aro - Album Review: He Rakau, He Ngarara
21 Apr 2024 // A review by Danica Bryant
Tamaki Makaurau based husband & wife duo Charles & Emily Looker, otherwise known as Aro, escape genre boundaries on their fourth body of work, He Rakau, He Ngarara. Aro's waiata draw from country and folk, jazz, and shades of haka, making for a collection that often purposefully creates sonic whiplash in a stunning exploration of sound and kaitiakitanga and manaakitanga.
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Parasitic Infestation - EP Review: Promo EP
21 Apr 2024 // A review by River Tucker
If you’re looking for some great metal music, you’ve come to the right place. Hardworking up-and-coming band Parasitic Infestation, who specialise in Brutal Death Metal, are set to make your ears bleed with their latest promo release, consisting of three deliciously heavy songs (plus bonus tracks) that I’m sure you’ll enjoy.
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Dragon - Gig Review: Dragon @ Town Hall, Christchurch - 18/04/2024
20 Apr 2024 // A review by Peter K Malthus
Dragon is a name long since synonymous with rock & roll in Australasia, and the band is currently enjoying an 8-date tour in celebration of their 50th anniversary. Starting April 12th in Invercargill, the tour will work its way slowly up the country, to wind up in Auckland on April 27th.
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Sin City - Album Review: Another Round
19 Apr 2024 // A review by Maggie Cocco
Sin City’s Another Round is new music for audiences who know that music’s best days are behind us. From first note to rock n’ roll lifestyle, Kiwi songwriting duo Nick Armstrong and Jack Beesley with Aussie musicians Christopher Hockey, Andrew Blackman, and Cameron Hicks embody a bygone era, channeling those influences into original songs that cozy comfortably alongside your nostalgic country, soul and rock 'n' roll bangers of the 1960's and 70's.
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Repairs - Album Review: Disappointing Sequel
19 Apr 2024 // A review by Michael Durand
The following might be words that relate to the sound and feel of Disappointing Sequel, the second album from Repairs, out this week: tension, discordant contrarianism, tearing metal, nosebleeds, morse code, ensemble yelling, guitar feedback, aneurisms, anarchy machines, absolute defiance ….In case you didn’t know there’s a revolution coming and its being led out by Martin Phillips, James Milne and Nicola Edwards.
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Where's Jai - EP Review: Avenues
18 Apr 2024 // A review by Brad Miller
For some artists, first time is not the charm. Debuts are often messy and lacking vision as the group or artist continue to figure out their sound and their way in the industry.
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Sounds Escape - Album Review: Midnight Drive
18 Apr 2024 // A review by Peter K Malthus
Sounds Escape is the solo project of Logan Wedgwood, an Auckland based drummer, guitarist, and composer. Sounds Escape started coming into being during lockdown, and having released two EPs since 2022, Midnight Drive is his debut full length album.
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Sam Cullen - EP Review: Love Again
18 Apr 2024 // A review by Paul Goddard
When I first heard this brand-new EP from Invercargill native Sam Cullen, I was immediately reminded of another famous Sam who has an equally famous last name (Fender).The four songs on the Love Again EP have a familiarity and similarity with roots going back to Springsteen and the well-trodden stadium rock road but there is also something in the songs on Love Again that could only be grown in New Zealand.
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AOSI - EP Review: Prima Materia
18 Apr 2024 // A review by Liam Davis
You may never call AOSI boring.I listened to this EP: Prima Materia (Latin: First Matter) in my car while on a lunch break and I can say it's the most thought provoking, interesting and creative effort I've seen come out of the NZ music scene this far.
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Swamp Rat Collective - EP Review: Flash Sneakers
16 Apr 2024 // A review by Callum Wagstaff
The Swamp Rat Collective is a dirty, matted tangle of influences from the guitar music of the era between the late 80's and early 2000's. The project is a collaboration between Paul Cowsill (rhythm and bass guitar) and Adam Gatt (lead guitar) that crosses the ocean, comprising parties from Auckland, New Zealand as well as London, UK.
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Bach Musica NZ - Gig Review: Bach Musica NZ @ Auckland Town Hall - 14/04/2024
15 Apr 2024 // A review by LouClementine
The historic setting of Auckland Town Hall, with its long and celebrated history of live music, was the ideal location for Bach Musica NZ. This was the first of a program of performances taking place throughout the year and bringing to the stage some favourite classical music pieces.
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Chasing Titans - Album Review: Infinite Paradox
15 Apr 2024 // A review by Deprivacy
Infinite Paradox, is the latest release from Auckland 3-piece Chasing Titans. The 10- track album makes this the second instalment following the release of their debut EP late 2022, when listening to the EP, this album becomes a story of evolution in the band's sound and presence.
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Luke Buda - Gig Review: Luke Buda @ Space Academy, Christchurch - 13/04/2024
15 Apr 2024 // A review by Deprivacy
Christchurch locals were treated to a great evening of outstanding music, played by some great musicians including The Phoenix Foundation founding member Luke Buda, at Space Academy on Saturday night. Space Academy is known for being a small intimate bar, which set the tone perfectly for the night and music ahead.
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disposable - Album Review: heaven
14 Apr 2024 // A review by Daylen Schmied-Pape
As I prepared to review disposable’s debut project heaven, I knew I would be embarking on a journey. I set myself up in an armchair, with a sunbeam warming my eyelids as I lay back and surrendered myself to the world that disposable crafted - feeling as nervous as I was excited.
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Seafog - Album Review: Slow Death
14 Apr 2024 // A review by Michael Durand
Port Chalmers four-piece Seafog have been with us for a few years now, pumping out some very well received doses of cross genre guitar type stuff — Raise Your Skinny Fist (2016), Dig It On Up (2017) and Animal Lovers (2019) — that each seemed to be spawned from a world none other than Port Chalmers itself. This week sees the release a further full album from the same place, Slow Death.
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Guilt Grip - Guilt Grip - Album Review: Guilt Grip
12 Apr 2024 // A review by Nicholas Clark
Tamaki Makaurau Auckland four-piece Guilt Grip present here, available in the unconventional medium of cassette tape, their first full length self-titled album. It’s an abrasive listen that suits the surreal collaged artwork by Lia Boscu, and one that proudly and loudly celebrates the band’s passions and values.
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Electric Tapestry - Gig Review: Electric Tapestry @ Valhalla, Wellington - 11/04/2024
12 Apr 2024 // A review by Sharne Molloy-Turpin
I have seen Electric Tapestry before, last year in December at Meow and I believe the Valhalla venue autographs the metal/rock band’s strength just a bit more. The scenery of the music is not necessarily that deep for those who enjoy the quiver of rock, but it was something I noticed.
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Steffany Beck - EP Review: Pillars
11 Apr 2024 // A review by madeleinehoward
Otautahi based country pop singer-songwriter Steffany Beck is back with her EP Pillars, out today, 12th April, 2024. Her latest body of work since 2019’s Blue Eyed Girl, Beck has spent the last few years working hard, honing her craft and making waves in the Christchurch music scene.
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Ghost Score - EP Review: 00
11 Apr 2024 // A review by djnamehere
I found Ghost Score's new EP 00 to have a variety of sound. Even though, this was a four track EP, some of the tracks sounded quite different to each other.
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Becca Caffyn - EP Review: Hallways
10 Apr 2024 // A review by Daniel Jones
Two years on from her debut releases Stair Kids and Replacement Blonde, Becca Caffyn is back with a new mini EP Hallways. Written at Depot Sound, during a series of sessions facilitated through NZ On Air’s New Music Development initiative, Hallways was produced by Becca Caffyn and Noah Page.
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Chasin Wolves - Chasin Wolves - Album Review: Chasin Wolves
04 Apr 2024 // A review by Chris Chick
If you like your music hard, fast and in your face, this is the album for you. I had to bath myself three times after the first listen just to calm down my ever-increasing dopamine hit.
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Matt Hay - Album Review: Dog and Pony Show
02 Apr 2024 // A review by Kerry MB
Matt Hay may not be a name you’re familiar with yet. Well, better late than never.
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Stonehurst - Album Review: Wild Visions
01 Apr 2024 // A review by Deprivacy
Christchurch resident band Stonehurst are certainly no strangers in the ever-evolving music scene we have here in New Zealand, and with their latest six-track album Wild Visions, they prove why they are our country’s finest!Stonehurst’s, current line-up is Tim Hunt, Dave Hunt, Rhyz Bell, and Jay Arthur, and with their song writing, and musicianship, they show us why… their music is hard hitting, catchy, well written, and delivered.
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Stretch to Mould - Gig Review: Stretch To Mould @ The Welsh Dragon, Wellington - 30/03/2024
31 Mar 2024 // A 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.
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Midwave Breaks - EP Review: Standing Inside Out
24 Mar 2024 // A review by Kerry MB
Midwave Breaks. The Tauranga duo that has what feels like a boundless creative energy, while also fitting in an impressive touring schedule that is here, there and everywhere.
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Cian - EP Review: All New Ways Of Life
22 Mar 2024 // A review by Peter K Malthus
All New Ways Of Life is the introductory offering from Wellington-based Hardcore Metal outfit, Cian. Connor Matthew (Guitar, Vocals), Navah Chapman (Guitar), Dylan Jonkers (Bass, Vocals) and Zed Ramsay (Drums) have delivered four raging slabs of blistering-hot Metal on this EP and are hungry to take over the world with their punishing, riff-laden sound.
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Jackie Bristow - Jackie B And The Mini Band - EP Review: Summertime
22 Mar 2024 // A review by Peter K Malthus
Jackie Bristow has had a career on a continuous upward trajectory, since being discovered at the tender age of eight, in her primary school's choir. In the time since then, she relocated to Australia, and then on to Nashville in the USA, regarded by many as that nation's "music capital".
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Fraser Ross - Album Review: Thunderhead
21 Mar 2024 // A review by Catherine Bullock
Thunderhead is the indie-folk new album release from Otautahi singer-songwriter Fraser Ross, and it is wonderfully expansive, and beautifully attentive. The storytelling is intricate, and the sound is cohesive, transporting you to rolling hills and small corner street dairies in places that feel like the middle of nowhere.
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The Knids - Album Review: Monochrome
18 Mar 2024 // A review by Deprivacy
Monochrome is the fourth album by Tauranga 3-piece The Knids. The Knids consists of, Michael Baxter, Corinne Rutherford, and Chris Shennen, three musicians with a heap of talent, which you can hear throughout this Album.
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Gig Review: Homegrown 2024 @ Wellington Waterfront - 16/03/2024 Part 2
18 Mar 2024 // A review by Steve Shyu
With nothing of last night's rainstorm in sight except puddles in the asphalt, the sun warmed the air to counter the day's cold breeze. There was plenty of talk of a cold snap on the way, but I was confident my tee and hoodie combo would suffice.
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18 Mar 2024 // A review by Steve Shyu
With nothing of last night's rainstorm in sight except puddles in the asphalt, the sun warmed the air to counter the day's cold breeze. There was plenty of talk of a cold snap on the way, but I was confident my tee and hoodie combo would suffice.
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Gig Review: Homegrown 2024 @ Wellington Waterfront - 16/03/2024 Part 1
17 Mar 2024 // A review by Danica Bryant
By some miracle, Homegrown 2024 hits a home run and finds Welly on an infamous good day this Saturday, 16th March. That sun is blazing down as the fairground rides and colourful outfits roll out onto the waterfront.
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17 Mar 2024 // A review by Danica Bryant
By some miracle, Homegrown 2024 hits a home run and finds Welly on an infamous good day this Saturday, 16th March. That sun is blazing down as the fairground rides and colourful outfits roll out onto the waterfront.
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DARTZ - Album Review: Dangerous Day To Be A Cold One
14 Mar 2024 // A review by Tom Langdale-Hunt
From recent years and escapades, it’s fair to say that DARTZ have come a long way from writing about their disdain for scorched almonds and the habitability of a dingey Riddiford Street flat. The Band from Wellington, New Zealand have secured themselves as a shared-household name and champions for the plight of the everyday kiwi with songs like Steal from the Supermarket hammering home nationwide frustration over a duopoly ripping New Zealanders off for basic essentials in exchange for record profits, and perhaps, most memorably, the hilariously justified mockery of a certain South Auckland-based church head drilling his flock for tithings to fund his Tesla S Series in Pray for Prey.
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Coast Arcade - Gig Review: Coast Arcade @ The Tuning Fork - 09/03/24
14 Mar 2024 // A review by Chloe Tredgett
Coast Arcade put on an incredible show on Saturday night with openers Double Parked and Fan Club.The eager crowd arrived early with a long line outside before the doors opened.
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Amiria Grenell - Album Review: The Winter Light
12 Mar 2024 // A review by Danica Bryant
Otautahi folk singer Amiria Grenell boasts many accolades to her name, and her new album The Winter Light will surely add to the pack. This is a cozy collection of classic folk songs, grounded in nature, family and the endless search for true peace.
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PHNX - EP Review: PHNX
11 Mar 2024 // A review by Steve Shyu
Aotearoa, look out for a rising star on the horizon.Under his stage name PHNX, 18-year-old singer-songwriter and producer Phoenix Simpson has released his self-titled debut EP and it’s a gem.
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PRINS - Gig Review PRINS @ James Hay Theatre, Christchurch - 09/03/2024
10 Mar 2024 // A review by djnamehere
I last saw PRINS at a nightclub. The nightclub crowd was the typical demographic that I party with.
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The Flaming Bridges - Album Review: Fear and Loathing in Oamaru
07 Mar 2024 // A review by Catherine Bullock
Authentic, pared back, and captivating, The Flaming Bridges’ new album Fear and Loathing in Oamaru in an incredibly captivating collection of folk songs and stories. This album expertly flips between songs where the focal point of the songs are simply the voice of Matthew P Schobs and layered guitar and complex instrumental landscapes.
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Lava - EP Review: Lava
29 Feb 2024 // A review by Nicholas Clark
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Ersha Island - EP Review: Back To Our Roots
29 Feb 2024 // A review by Corinne Rutherford
Classically trained duo Dani and Tee are Ersha Island, Auckland based musicians with a contemporary style which has been described as indie-folk. They began their journey in Guangzhou, China on Ersha Island, hence their name.
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Ben Ruegg - EP Review: Ben Ruegg
29 Feb 2024 // A review by Steve Shyu
Ben Ruegg is one of the most hard-working people I personally know. He's a Muzic.
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The Mons Whaler - Album Review: Hold My Gun
29 Feb 2024 // A review by Peter K Malthus
The Mons Whaler were formed in the Taranaki area, by Hemi Coates (vocals & guitar), Andre Peri (percussion & backing vocals) and Phil Hoskin (bass, guitar backing vocals). Multi-talented Courtnay Low joined forces with them, on keys, backing vocals and lead guitar.
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Boardgames for Blondes - Album Review: On The Run
25 Feb 2024 // A review by djnamehere
I found the band Boardgames for Blondes to be a natural sounding band, as opposed to modern day electronic music. The majority of the lyrics are actually understandable, unlike some other modern pop songs out there.
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Bird Machine - EP Review: Hey Human
25 Feb 2024 // A review by Danica Bryant
Their name is animal, but their music is undeniably human. Bird Machine's latest release is a five-track collection of shoegazing pop-rock, composed by husband and wife duo Luke and Jenna Grbin.
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Fool of Stars - Album Review: The Everything Under Your Feet
16 Feb 2024 // A review by Catherine Bullock
A perfect introduction, Acrylic Monday is a lyrical, mostly instrumental beginning to a killer new album, The Everything Under Your Feet by Fool of Stars. The opening song showcases each part of the band, the lyrical guitar, sparkling drums and synthesisers, and a taste of the raw vocals yet to come on the album.
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The Transits - Album Review: The Transits
13 Feb 2024 // A 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.
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Empyrvore - Album Review: Nadir: Empyrean
12 Feb 2024 // A review by Peter K Malthus
Nadir: Empyrean is the latest release from Wellington-based Empyrvore, and their first full length album. It has been a labour of love for its two creators, Jared and Mike, who followed the complete DIY path for recording, mixing, mastering, and releasing...
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Tower Of Flints - Album Review: Live at Paisley Stage
12 Feb 2024 // A review by Nicholas Clark
The true proof that any band is worthy of praise is the live act. Recalling my own introduction to certain musicians, the quality of a live album would often be the deciding factor of whether I would continue to follow a band.
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Grant Haua - Album Review: Mana Blues
12 Feb 2024 // A review by Michael Durand
If you’re not paying close attention, it would be easy to think Grant Haua has a bout of the blues. His new 2023 album Mana Blues follows closely behind his 2022 release Ora Blues at the Chapel Vol.
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Ravenhall - Album Review: Brother
09 Feb 2024 // A review by Chris Chick
Listening to music should evoke an emotional response, to evoke a response that is both positive and uplifting is very difficult to do. I am sure those at the top of their game can argue that it is a talent that comes easy to them, but all the unseen variables that come into play through just living, making friends, going through the highs and lows of life.
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Oliver Birch - Album Review: To Remember
08 Feb 2024 // A review by Kerry MB
Auckland based musician, Oliver Birch is back with his second unveiling, the ten tracked album, To Remember. Another slab of self-written, produced, mixed and performed by Oliver Birch and confirmed as a concept album about the coming of age, and the trials and tribulations that come along with it.
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Mr Sterile Assembly - Album Review: HELLo
06 Feb 2024 // A review by Maggie Cocco
New Zealand's globetrotting punk rockers, drummer/vocalist Kieran Monaghan and bassist/vocalist Chrissie Butler, release their sixth and final album twenty-two years, two months, and five days from the date of their inaugural show.In 2001, Mr Sterile Assembly was an unlikely three-piece; guitar, drums, and trombone.
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Plagueditch - EP Review: Save Me A Spot In Hell
06 Feb 2024 // A review by Liam Davis
New Zealand is having a hard time being a peaceful picturesque country when we keep exporting some of the most genre-bending, crushing metal to date; and Plagueditch dropping their debut release; does not help this -- Mind you this is an amazing problem to have.Save Me A Spot In Hell blends the brutality of dark rock and the percussive precision of industrial metal- for an amalgamation of evil and foot, tapping, headbanging appreciated goodness.
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Daniel Ashcroft - Album Review: Chica De La Bum
05 Feb 2024 // A review by Callum Wagstaff
Daniel Ashcroft is a multi-instrumentalist, producer and composer based in Feilding.His musical goals are simple: He wants to play every instrument he possibly can, explore every genre and collaborate with as many singers as possible.
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IVY - Gig Review: Ivy @ Darkroom, Christchurch - 02/02/2024
03 Feb 2024 // A review by djnamehere
Ivy Christchurch show opened with Ragweed and closed with a DJ duo playing house tracks. Ragweed was more of a head bangy set.
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Festival Review: Auckland Folk Festival 2024
02 Feb 2024 // A review by Maggie Cocco
Auckland Folk Festival 2024 overcame the fallout from the Auckland Anniversary Weekend floods of 2023 to deliver a successful marriage of folk and frivolity. Featuring five stages and a variety of international and local folky favourites from 9am - God's hour, the all ages and stages crowds had more than enough to entertain.
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02 Feb 2024 // A review by Maggie Cocco
Auckland Folk Festival 2024 overcame the fallout from the Auckland Anniversary Weekend floods of 2023 to deliver a successful marriage of folk and frivolity. Featuring five stages and a variety of international and local folky favourites from 9am - God's hour, the all ages and stages crowds had more than enough to entertain.
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The Boondocks - EP Review: The Boondocks
01 Feb 2024 // A review by Brad Miller
Reviewers can sometimes fall into the trap of being either overly critical or offering nothing but cringe worthy praise when writing. When it comes to this latest effort put forward by Auckland two-piece (Scott Parker, vocals and bass and Branden Pritchard, drums) The Boondocks, the high praise is well deserved and genuine.
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Marmalade Skies - Album Review: When I Wake Up
01 Feb 2024 // A review by Sharne Molloy-Turpin
There’s a gleaming warmth from local Kiwi band Marmalade Skies and their debut Album When I Wake Up. Set to be released on February 2, 2024, right in the middle of summer, the band will head for a tour around the North Island.
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Gig Review: Ministry of Folk @ Auckland Folk Festival - 26/01/2024
30 Jan 2024 // A review by Maggie Cocco
The Ministry of Folk brought a smorgasbord of top NZ talent to the 51st Auckland Folk Festival. Known as the “alternative folk club”, The Ministry platformed a variety of folk-infused singer-songwriters.
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30 Jan 2024 // A review by Maggie Cocco
The Ministry of Folk brought a smorgasbord of top NZ talent to the 51st Auckland Folk Festival. Known as the “alternative folk club”, The Ministry platformed a variety of folk-infused singer-songwriters.
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Metanoia - EP Review: Green Peaceful Lake
30 Jan 2024 // A review by Michael Durand
During the pandemic some said that isolation, the loss of communal music experiences – and perhaps for some, the chance for reflection – brought about a growth in the supply and demand for ambient music. How else to relieve existential dread and balm the soul?
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Mister Unit - EP Review: There's Always Someone With A Bigger Schtick
30 Jan 2024 // A review by Nicholas Clark
Mister Unit’s third offering, after one EP and an album, is a six strong EP filled with inventive riffs, clever lyrics and catchy melodies. Oh yes, and lots of great guitar solos.
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Pale Flag - EP Review: Imperium
29 Jan 2024 // A 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.
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Mister Unit - Gig Review: Mister Unit @ Valhalla, Wellington - 18/01/2024
21 Jan 2024 // A review by Nicholas Clark
An emotional night for many, Valhalla hosted Mister Unit's album release party on Thursday with a three-band line-up. Emotional because the conclusion of work on a recording always is, whether or not it is a celebration, especially so on the dense, powerful and ultimately nostalgic six track album by the headlining band; but more than usual perhaps, because one member who featured on the album was no longer with us.
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Dave and The Dirty Humans - Gig Review: Dave and the Dirty Humans @ Fringe Bar, Wellington - 13/01/2024
15 Jan 2024 // A review by Nicholas Clark
Dave and The Dirty Humans are not a band that fades in memory next to the many other current Wellington bands the capital scene appears to be teeming with. Not only is the name a mouthful, but their live shows are memorable, and their songs seem familiar by drawing heavily from the near past (read, the 90’s and 2000’s).
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Samuel Keen - Album Review: Metamorphosis
07 Jan 2024 // A review by Kerry MB
Samuel Keen is a Christchurch based singer/songwriter that has been on the scene for a few years now, creating a musical path that is solely his own. With his fingers in all the pies, he is also part of Christchurch bands, The Snake Behaviour and Hecates Cult that lies somewhere between hard rock and heavy metal.
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Lung - Lung - Album Review: Lung Cancer
07 Jan 2024 // A review by Nicholas Clark
The legendary 90’s grunge band Lung recently returned to playing live gigs after a hiatus from 1994 until the 2010’s. In 2022 they released Bad Acid Soundtracks II which offered newer versions from their earlier records (like 3 Heads on a Plate and Cactii) but featured the impressive drumming from frontman Dave White’s son, Zak.
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HOIHOI - EP Review: Tahitahi
06 Jan 2024 // A review by Michael Durand
Whatever defines post-punk in our times — post-Trump, post-covid, post-war, pre-war, pre-Trump — perhaps isn’t too clear to most of us, as long as it’s loud, raucous, and anti-whatever the current thing is. Christchurch band HOIHOI are working on a current version of that definition for us with their new EP Tahitahi – four tracks of guitars and vocals, half in Te Reo Maori and half in English, two thirds an uprising, one third introspection.
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06 Jan 2024 // A review by Michael Durand
Whatever defines post-punk in our times — post-Trump, post-covid, post-war, pre-war, pre-Trump — perhaps isn’t too clear to most of us, as long as it’s loud, raucous, and anti-whatever the current thing is. Christchurch band HOIHOI are working on a current version of that definition for us with their new EP Tahitahi – four tracks of guitars and vocals, half in Te Reo Maori and half in English, two thirds an uprising, one third introspection.
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David Edwards - Album Review: Electric (Yang) / Acoustic (Yin) - 2CD Compilation 1998-2023
30 Dec 2023 // A review by Peter K Malthus
Fiffdimension is the name under which Dave Edwards records and performs, having released the debut album Scratched Surface back in 1998. He's certainly been busy since then; I think I counted around 40 releases listed on his website.
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King Cruel - EP Review: Creeper
22 Dec 2023 // A review by Peter K Malthus
Creeper is the debut EP from King Cruel, a 'Psychedelic Stoner Doom Metal' trio from Auckland. According to Encyclopaedia Metallum, the line up consists of Evan Cooper on drums, Josh Hodgson on guitars, and Luke Oram on vocals.
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Eden Mulholland - Album Review: A Bee Might Bite My Nose
21 Dec 2023 // A review by Corinne Rutherford
Funny, Kooky and gently melancholic at times is one description of respected Australasian composer, songwriter and collaborator Eden Mulholland (Ngati Porou). His most recent release is channeled by a very cute teddy bear.
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Yann Le Dorré - Album Review: The Circus is Closed
19 Dec 2023 // A review by Peter-James Dries
“We are Sex Bob-Omb and we're here to make you think about death and get sad and stuff!” - Scott Pilgrim vs.
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Subset BC - Album Review: Subset BC
16 Dec 2023 // A review by roger.bowie
Here’s an interesting little thing from Gisborne. A funky little band with three bass players.
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Electric Tapestry - Gig Review: Electric Tapestry @ Meow, Wellington - 14/12/2023
15 Dec 2023 // A review by Sharne Molloy-Turpin
Electric Tapestry takes traditional rock and adds a revitalised soundwave of numerous styles. What I first observed was how well-bound the band was on stage as they were equipped and prepared to showcase their harmonies, rhythms and styles.
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Albi & The Wolves - Album Review: Light After The Dark
15 Dec 2023 // A review by Hannah Jane
Light After The Dark with its baker’s dozen of tunes is an infectious album that will uplift your soul. Award-winning indie folk stars Albi & the Wolves have created something of a wandering marching band for their third studio album which has made its way onto vinyl – one tick off their hopefully ambitious bucket list!
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Fool's Lagoon - EP Review: Fool Me Twice
14 Dec 2023 // A review by Sharne Molloy-Turpin
We are so lucky to have yet another New Zealand band sound like molecules in a jar that bounces pieces of pop, rock and funk all into one. Fool's Lagoon has a new EP called Fool Me Twice which was recorded in the simplicity of a family home in Eastern Bays, Auckland.
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Hecates Cult - Album Review: The Path Of Night
14 Dec 2023 // A review by Peter K Malthus
The Path Of Night by Otautahi Christchurch band Hecate's Cult was recorded, mixed, and mastered by the utter weapons at Audioganic Studios, and it's pretty easy to see why so many local artists are queuing up to have them do the same. Hecate's Cult are a bare-bones three piece, with no backing vocals, backing tracks, samples, or anything other than the sounds produced by drums, a bass, a guitar, and a voice.
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Bevan Mical - Album Review: Division & Difference
12 Dec 2023 // A review by Steve Shyu
Since 2017 Bevan Mical has been busy. Hailing from the small Waikato town of Turua, he’s now onto his fourth full-length album, this one entitled Division & Difference.
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Gig Review: The Best of Come Together @ The Civic Theatre, Auckland - 9/12/2023
12 Dec 2023 // A review by roger.bowie
Get your heads around this line-up: The singers: Jon Toogood, (lead and backing vocals), Julia Deans (lead and backing vocals), Dianne Swann (lead and backing vocals and occasional guitar), Samuel Flynn Scott (vocals and guitar), James Milne (lead and backing vocals), Milan Borich (Mick vocals) The players: Jol Mulholland (guitars and vocals), Brett Adams (lead guitar and vocals), Mike Hall (bass), Matthias Jordan (keyboards), Alastair Deverick (drums), Finn Scholes (trumpet, clarinet and percussion), Nick Atkinson (sax and percussion). Stopped spinning?
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12 Dec 2023 // A review by roger.bowie
Get your heads around this line-up: The singers: Jon Toogood, (lead and backing vocals), Julia Deans (lead and backing vocals), Dianne Swann (lead and backing vocals and occasional guitar), Samuel Flynn Scott (vocals and guitar), James Milne (lead and backing vocals), Milan Borich (Mick vocals) The players: Jol Mulholland (guitars and vocals), Brett Adams (lead guitar and vocals), Mike Hall (bass), Matthias Jordan (keyboards), Alastair Deverick (drums), Finn Scholes (trumpet, clarinet and percussion), Nick Atkinson (sax and percussion). Stopped spinning?
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The Death Spell - Album Review: The Death Spell
12 Dec 2023 // A review by River Tucker
There’s a real whisky drinking, bare knuckle fighting edge to the self-titled debut album by The Death Spell, kicking off with Nail You Higher Than Before. Obviously, song lyrics are in your face on this track, especially for any Christians in the audience, but you couldn’t ask for a better intro to the musical style of this Auckland-based band.
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Zed - Gig Review: Zed @ The Church, Christchurch - 8/12/2023
11 Dec 2023 // A review by Peter K Malthus
Zed are back! 23 years after the release of their triple-platinum, number one debut album Silencer, they have finally returned, after a couple of teaser reunions over the years.
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Mermaidens - Gig Review: Mermaidens @ The Hollywood Avondale, Auckland - 8/12/2023
11 Dec 2023 // A review by Samantha Cheong
With the theme of sourness scattered throughout their self-titled album, Mermaidens left the same exciting taste in our mouths during their performance of their record at The Hollywood Avondale. Their music pops with a fizzing sort of sourness from confectionery, one which demands to be felt, is addictive and elicits a visceral reaction.
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Peyton Morete - Album Review: The End To The Beginning
11 Dec 2023 // A review by Danica Bryant
Poneke artist Peyton Morete goes big with her self-produced album The End to the Beginning, a high-concept collection following the ups and downs of a life and the cyclical nature of the world. The record encompasses a variety of genres from cinematic soundscape pieces and acoustic pop to elements of rap and R&B, all held together by Morete's charismatic vocal performance.
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Em - EP Review: Cloud City
10 Dec 2023 // A review by Gaby Ivanov-Giraldo
Emily Wheatcroft-Snape AKA Em is a singer songwriter, recording and mix engineer from Tamaki Makaurau. Her career thus far flaunts some serious musicality, working industriously towards her unique goals as an artist.
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Moofish - Album Review: Entropia
08 Dec 2023 // A review by djnamehere
The music that is on Moofish's newest album Entropia consists of slow songs. Honestly, I couldn't really understand most of the lyrics, but that is not rare with music these days.
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A Crude Mechanical - Album Review: Discourse
08 Dec 2023 // A review by roger.bowie
Shane Warbrooke doesn’t believe in lyrics, because of the risk of lyrics being hi-jacked and meanings bent to suit ideologies which he doesn’t like. Well, such ideologies which most of us don’t like, truth be known, but then again, Beethoven didn’t write lyrics, so the freedom of speech counter argument only goes so far.
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Furniss Brothers - Album Review: Drift Away
08 Dec 2023 // A review by Chris Chick
The Furniss Brothers comes to us with the 12-track album Drift Away, which is really apropos to how my mind felt whilst listening to this beauty. I am not going to lie, at one point I was so relaxed, I feared my heart had stopped.
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The Man Shamz - Album Review: I Call Myself The Man
08 Dec 2023 // A review by Daylen Schmied-Pape
"Hip-Hop is dead."That phrase is often thrown around among modern scholars of the genre.
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Elmo Strauss - Album Review: In My Sleep
08 Dec 2023 // A review by Trevor Faville
Elmo Strauss began writing, recording and producing music in the format he describes as a ‘One Man Band’ since 2021, with the release of debut album Light and Dark. In My Sleep is his latest collection and is a logical follow on from the first album, in terms of the sound and the process.
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Darren Pickering Small Worlds - Album Review: Volume Two
07 Dec 2023 // A review by Maggie Cocco
Following their acclaimed debut, Volume One, Darren Pickering Small Worlds continues their investigation of the intersection between cinematic aesthetics and electronic textures within the framework of contemporary jazz. The Otautahi (Christchurch, New Zealand) based jazz quartet featuring Mitch Dwyer (guitar), Mitch Thomas (drums), Pete Fleming (bass), and Darren Pickering (piano), perform works composed by pianist Darren Pickering as well as re-imagined versions of select works.
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Curlys Jewels - Album Review: Curly Jewels
06 Dec 2023 // A review by Kris Raven
Wellington's Curlys Jewels have recently dropped their full-length long player, Curlys Jewels. A staple in live music scene of Aotearoa, along with a fierce loyal Wellington fan base, Curlys have gone from strength to strength in the last few years, releasing a string of well received, radio bangers throughout the independent and mainstream waves, with every release in my view topping the last in terms of song writing, production and performance.
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Amber Carly Williams - EP Review: 21 Roses
04 Dec 2023 // A review by Lucy Gray
From starring in Pop and R&B on NZ show ‘Popstars’, to self-releasing her indie-pop EP 21 Roses, the Christchurch-based musician Amber Carly Williams has really found her feet. With her new EP 21 Roses she has completely rebranded her musical persona.
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Broke - EP Review: Douse Another Care
04 Dec 2023 // A 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.
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Festival Review: The Others Way @ Auckland - 01/12/2023
02 Dec 2023 // A review by LouClementine
Music venue haven that Karangahape Road is, it’s the perfect location for a festival takeover. Stopping short of closing the main street The Others Way festival seeks to fill every venue, at times simultaneously, with music.
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02 Dec 2023 // A review by LouClementine
Music venue haven that Karangahape Road is, it’s the perfect location for a festival takeover. Stopping short of closing the main street The Others Way festival seeks to fill every venue, at times simultaneously, with music.
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Troy Kingi - Gig Review: Troy Kingi & The Room Service @ San Fran, Wellington - 25/11/2023
29 Nov 2023 // A review by Tom Langdale-Hunt
With his seventh album unleashed upon the world, and my subsequent review following suit, it's sufficed to say that I have been thinking about Troy Kingi a lot over the past few weeks...even more so than usual.
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Demons of Noon - Album Review: Death Machine
28 Nov 2023 // A review by Daylen Schmied-Pape
As I sat down to listen to Death Machine, and give my review to Demons of Noon’s debut album, I found myself immediately entranced, but also worried that I was in over my head. While I’m a lover of anything heavy, and I knew I was well equipped to provide my own takes on the project, I feared that a body of work of this scope would require a deep understanding of Metal and its sub-genres that I simply don’t possess, so I took it to the one place I knew would be able to provide a rich, and in-depth look into any and all things Metal: a professional kitchen at closing time.
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French For Rabbits - EP Review: In The End I Won't Be Coming Home
28 Nov 2023 // A review by Catherine Bullock
French For Rabbits have done it again with their 4-track EP, In The End I Won’t Be Coming Home. This chamber dream indie pop EP is not to be missed.
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Crash - Album Review: Crash
28 Nov 2023 // A review by Catherine Bullock
Akin to their name, Crash has debuted with a bang with their release of their lost self-titled album! An underdog story right out of a movie, this album was finished in 1996, but was dropped from their label just before their release, only to now release their music today.
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The Snake Behaviour - Album Review: Youthanise
27 Nov 2023 // A review by Peter K Malthus
Christchurch's The Snake Behaviour have been slithering around the local scene long enough to make them well-recognized live veterans. Influenced in equal measures by heavy rock, metal, and punk, TSB have been plugging away tirelessly doing the self-funded thing, and by all accounts having a whale of a time along the way.
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Mermaidens - Gig Review: Mermaidens @ Space Academy, Christchurch - 26/11/2023
27 Nov 2023 // A review by Peter K Malthus
Space Academy is one of my favourite places and it was the perfect venue for this sold-out show. I was fortunate to arrive early enough to get one of a few seats, as it was quickly full to 120-head capacity.
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Maggie Cocco's Science for Sociopaths - Gig Review: Maggie Cocco @ Lopdell Theatre, Tititrangi - 22/11/2023
27 Nov 2023 // A review by Shade
Whatever came out of the pandemic, it stranded some amazing talent here long enough for them to enrich our musical world. Down into the Lopdell labyrinth, a buzz of age-spanning expectancy waited for two of these: Maggie Cocco and her accompanist for the tour Bonnie Schwarz who would add much more than just ‘sad cello’ to tonight’s epic cycle of piano songs.
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27 Nov 2023 // A review by Shade
Whatever came out of the pandemic, it stranded some amazing talent here long enough for them to enrich our musical world. Down into the Lopdell labyrinth, a buzz of age-spanning expectancy waited for two of these: Maggie Cocco and her accompanist for the tour Bonnie Schwarz who would add much more than just ‘sad cello’ to tonight’s epic cycle of piano songs.
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VÏKÆ - Album Review: Love Games Deluxe
26 Nov 2023 // A review by Danica Bryant
Auckland artist VÏKÆ never stops with her busy musical output, with her latest release Love Games Deluxe serving as another welcome entry in her catalogue. It's a project that perfectly encapsulates her brand of singable yet strange, weird yet wonderful, asking you to dance with the threat of dragging you if you resist.
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MOHI - Album Review: Elements of Aroha
26 Nov 2023 // A review by Danica Bryant
MOHI is a bilingual artist, bending music and language to bear his soul. His new album Elements of Aroha circles its recurring motif of love as a force of nature, connecting people to the land in a tranquil musical journey.
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Betsy and The Reckless - Album Review: Salty
26 Nov 2023 // A review by Peter K Malthus
Salty is the debut album of Taranaki-based quartet Betsy and The Reckless. I've seen their style described as both "a fusion of reggae and soul", and "an RnB twist on Kiwi roots", but even that doesn't completely sum up this glorious musical melting pot.
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Albi & The Wolves - Gig Review: Albi & The Wolves @ The Piano, Christchurch - 24/11/2023
26 Nov 2023 // A review by Peter K Malthus
This was my first time attending a show at The Piano, a beautifully appointed concert venue in Christchurch's CBD. It was also my first experience of Albi & The Wolves, so I had no real idea of what a treat of a night I was in for.
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The Phoenix Foundation - Gig Review: The Phoenix Foundation @ Hollywood Avondale, Auckland - 24/11/2023
26 Nov 2023 // A review by roger.bowie
This is a first of many things. I’m not sure I’ve ever seen The Phoenix Foundation play live.
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Sanoi - Album Review: Echoes Of Home
25 Nov 2023 // A review by Peter-James Dries
Electronica offers no escapism for me. It’s more of what I already have.
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Sam Higham - Album Review: Jam Fish
20 Nov 2023 // A review by Rob Harbers
Poneke’s Sam Higham has just released his debut solo album Jam Fish. With an audacious precocity belying his mere 26 years, this one-man production threatens to smash many preconceptions, and burrow its way into your head with its multi-faceted attack, one that would fall, for want of a better position, into the arena of ‘progressive’.
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Dub Asylum - EP Review: Time & Space EP
19 Nov 2023 // A review by Callum Wagstaff
Dub Asylum is the musical alias for Peter McLennan, former member of 90's reggae-thrash-punk-ska mutants the Hallelujah Picassos. Now working solo, Peter McLennan's Dub Asylum is a musical mash-up of dub reggae, hip-hop and funk.
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Velvet Arrow - Album Review: Songs of Solitude
17 Nov 2023 // A review by roger.bowie
A Song Of Hope & Fear would normally be a contradiction in terms unless darkness prevails and light shines through, which is an appropriate metaphor for the debut album from Whangarei’s Velvet Arrow and the opening song, with Dan Stenhouse’s husky voice helping us through the night against a ghostly horror wail from Hannah Jane. After all it’s just a song to help you through the night, just the words that speak, it’s not real.
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Troy Kingi - Album Review: Time Wasters: Soundtrack to Current Day Meanderings
16 Nov 2023 // A review by Tom Langdale-Hunt
Another year, another Troy Kingi album. With no strings attached, we can anticipate the next annual instalment into his episodic run of the 10/10/10 Series – 10 albums in 10 years, in 10 different genres.
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Jupita - EP Review: Want You Back
16 Nov 2023 // A review by Danica Bryant
Julia Morris is a multi-instrumentalist and singer-songwriter hailing from Auckland, stepping out as indie-pop soloist Jupita on the debut EP Want You Back.Whilst the opening track's title Anxiety might fool you into thinking this will be a heavy moment and collection, this number is actually incredible fun.
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The Fuzzies - Album Review: Cupid
15 Nov 2023 // A review by Trevor Faville
The Fuzzies are a three-piece self-described ‘Alternative pop trio’ from Auckland. Collectively Niki Maera (Mary), Kelly Michael (Tabula Rasa, Enshrine) and Andrew Maitai (Powertool Records, Joed Out) bring the momentum of considerable experience into the music on this album.
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Don McGlashan - Gig Review: Don McGlashan @ OneOneSix, Whangarei - 8/11/2023
14 Nov 2023 // A review by Hannah Jane
Back at my favourite musical venue up here in Whangarei tonight… OneOneSix is a community space beautifully set up for intimate shows suited to an attentive listening audience. If you live in Northland and haven’t been here yet, come join us!
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Gig Review: Atomic: Women of Rock @ The Civic, Auckland - 11/11/2023
13 Nov 2023 // A review by roger.bowie
What a feast of nostalgia we’ve had from Liberty Stage (Simone Williams) these past few years, as New Zealand’s finest have Come Together to cover the classic albums which made the soundtracks of our youth. In addition to this, there have also been special tributes like Tami Neilson’s rock ‘n roll party with Dinah Lee, just last month.
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13 Nov 2023 // A review by roger.bowie
What a feast of nostalgia we’ve had from Liberty Stage (Simone Williams) these past few years, as New Zealand’s finest have Come Together to cover the classic albums which made the soundtracks of our youth. In addition to this, there have also been special tributes like Tami Neilson’s rock ‘n roll party with Dinah Lee, just last month.
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Ebony Lamb - Gig Review: Ebony Lamb @ Whammy Bar, Auckland - 10/11/2023
12 Nov 2023 // A review by LouClementine
Singer songwriter Ebony Lamb treated the tightly packed Auckland, Tamaki Makaurau crowd to a night of new music from her self-titled debut solo album. The gig was part of a seven-date Aotearoa tour which began October 27th, and finished in Paekakariki on Saturday, November 11th.
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Erny Belle - Album Review: Not Your Cupid
10 Nov 2023 // A review by CuillinHearty
Erny Belle brings us yet another stunning piece of work in the form of Not Your Cupid, Belle’s sophomore album.The album opens with Bowman, a mesmerising musical composition featuring the sitar.
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Dimmer - Album Review: Live At The Hollywood
09 Nov 2023 // A review by roger.bowie
Wow, not very often that we see alive album these days, an unusual beast, but that’s we have, a 14-track monster from Dimmer, recorded from last year’s sold-out trilogy at the Hollywood Avondale. Which, if you didn’t get to go last year, you can still see on December 2nd at the Powerstation, unless, like me, you are going instead to The War on Drugs.
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Starving Millions - EP Review: VII
07 Nov 2023 // A review by Kris Raven
Wellington's Starving Millions have recently released their new EP VII, their first new recorded music since 2018's VI. While I have heard and seen their name throughout Aotearoa's venues, posters and word of mouth, I have never properly listened to their music.
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SNRXG - EP Review: True Story
06 Nov 2023 // A review by Cathy Elizabeth
Huntly born and raised artist SNRXG keeps the quality tracks coming with this 6-track EP True Story. Collaborating with top-notch local talent, the production on all of these tracks is mint.
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Lizard Prom - EP Review: Thanks For Everything I Had A Wonderful Time
06 Nov 2023 // A review by CuillinHearty
Lizard Prom's EP, Thanks For Everything I Had A Wonderful Time, is a captivating dive into the moody, atmospheric realm of rock music, characterised by dreamy textures and an undercurrent of aggression. With five tracks that deliver chaotic and hypnotic qualities, this EP is a noteworthy addition to the Aotearoa (New Zealand) music scene.
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Hollie Smith - Gig Review: Hollie Smith @ One One Six, Whangarei - 4/11/2023
05 Nov 2023 // A review by Hannah Jane
Hollie Smith made a low-key entrance to the stage for her solo and intimate evening of music in Whangarei last night. There was a relaxed and casual vibe to the sold-out show, and the crowd responded well to Hollie’s candid delivery.
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Jessica Leigh - EP Review: Lightbeam
03 Nov 2023 // A review by Corinne Rutherford
Wellington based Nelsonian, singer, songwriter and producer Jessica Leigh has recently released her third EP Lightbeam. Changing tack from her previous EP in 2021, the acoustic guitars and strings have given way to full synthpop sound with an 80's inspired vibe.
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Infinity Ritual - EP Review: II
02 Nov 2023 // A review by Liam Davis
The New Plymouth-based stoner groove metal group Infinity Ritual has put on quite the show for us here. Their new EP II is an experiment, if nothing more; a show of catchy 'metallised' Arctic Monkeys' riffs bootstrapped with addictive grooves and an ever-changing atmosphere is definitely the pinnacle of underground music in NZ.
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The Honeybee Rocket Scientists - Album Review: VITA est CIRCO
02 Nov 2023 // A review by Kerry MB
The Honeybee Rocket Scientists are a two-piece Auckland Rock n Roll band that are nothing like you’ve heard before. A seamless and unique twist on surf rock combined with a hint of electro, grunge, punk, grunge and a healthy dose of distortion and melody.
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emerson kole - EP Review: Haunted
01 Nov 2023 // A review by Danica Bryant
Cleverly releasing her spooky EP Haunted on Friday 13th of October, emerson kole's new five-track collection proves how well-thought-out her artistry and sound is, with a dark alternative pop sound soaked in reverb and creepy production.Haunted invokes the feeling of walking alone at night, hoping like hell you'll make it home safe.
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Dave and The Dirty Humans - Gig Review: Dave and the Dirty Humans @ The Welsh Dragon, Wellington - 27/10/2023
31 Oct 2023 // A review by Nicholas Clark
If you’ve attended even a handful of live music events in the capital these past two years, chances are you’ve seen or heard of the alternative heavy rock band, Dave and the Dirty Humans. They’re the kind of band you might rave about the next morning, groggily and inaccurately trying to describe their style as both heavy and funky, metallic but not really metal, direct and brutal at times but complex and harmonious the next second.
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Imperial April - Album Review: Imperial April
31 Oct 2023 // A review by Lucy Gray
The signature sound of Imperial April is a sound we’ve all been desperate for more of, since their debut in 2020. With several successful singles each year and their debut EP An April Christmas, Imperial April have teased the possibility of a longer body of work for a while.
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Junior Junior - EP Review: In the Light
30 Oct 2023 // A review by Sharne Molloy-Turpin
The sound of Junior Junior belongs to a summer night gig in Aotearoa. The band grew their talent in Hawkes Bay and Tamaki Makaurau and with pleasure, they sound reminiscent of the Arctic Monkeys.
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Saurian - EP Review: Octopedal Rock Unit
30 Oct 2023 // A review by Peter K Malthus
Dunedin's Saurian have just released Octopedal Rock Unit, a five-song collection of rock & roll that's fun and full of melody, but also ballsy and thunderous. Saurian released the entirely self-produced album Brooding in 2020, having formed in 2015.
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Newzerror - Album Review: Behind The Mask
30 Oct 2023 // A 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.
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DARTZ - Gig Review: DARTZ @ Darkroom, Christchurch - 27/10/2023
28 Oct 2023 // A review by Peter K Malthus
I'd been really looking forward to this show already, having heard a few tracks by DARTZ. I have a young bass student who keeps me updated with current Kiwi punk bands, and she'd played me a handful of tracks from The Band from Wellington, New Zealand.
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Killergrams - EP Review: Lonely Nights In A Little Town
27 Oct 2023 // A review by roger.bowie
Someone walked out, and Tom Maxwell has lost his mind, in a gentle, acoustic way. Then his mind explodes in a cacophony of chaos, which might just be what it feels like, losing something that important.
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CyberManic - Album Review: Cut To The Core
25 Oct 2023 // A review by Peter K Malthus
Cut To The Core is the debut album from Christchurch's Cybermanic, a two-piece (although currently in the throes of becoming a three-piece, with a new bassist furiously learning the bass lines) Industrial Rock/Metal band. Formed in 2019 by James Williams (vocals/guitar) and Hannes Danielsson (drums), Cybermanic spent most of 2022 preparing for and recording the album and they are about to start travelling the South Island to promote it.
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Frei - EP Review: Emergence
24 Oct 2023 // A review by Karl Brinsdon
It's not often that I hear something that I struggle to define with some sort of genre but Emergence by Frei really has me stumped. I must say, that's not a bad thing at all, in fact I totally welcome it.
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CRYSTAL - EP Review: Dead Ends
24 Oct 2023 // A review by Catherine Bullock
Dead Ends is CRYSTAL's four track sophomore EP, and is a wonderful mix of electronic pop, indie, trap, and hints of punk. The vocals are very stylistic, moving through various digital effects including artistic autotune, and a vocoder, which creates a very interesting and distorted edge to the songs.
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D.C. Maxwell - Album Review: Lone Rider
24 Oct 2023 // A review by roger.bowie
I’ve Been Wrong, but every once in a while, someone comes along and knocks you out. Random violence is not what this is about, but D.
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Julian Temple Band - Album Review: Tunnels
23 Oct 2023 // A review by roger.bowie
What tunnels have I been hiding in? Here’s a band from Dunedin with now seven albums out and first time for me.
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Cloudy - EP Review: Raincloud
23 Oct 2023 // A review by Catherine Bullock
Released on the 20th of October, Raincloud is the newest EP on Kiwi-Austrian artist Cloudy’s discography. Raincloud opens on the first song, On The Edge, introduces us to the lush, mellow, and wide stereo field featured on the album.
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Princess Chelsea - Gig Review: Princess Chelsea @ Neck Of The Woods, Auckland - 19/10/2023
20 Oct 2023 // A review by LouClementine
Princess Chelsea began her international Everything Is Going To Be Alright tour, at Neck of the Woods in Auckland with a full house on Thursday 19 October. Bringing her 2022 album of the same title in its entirety to the stage, with her band Jasmine Balmer, Joshua Worthington-Church, David Harris, Joe Kaptein, Kate Tindall, and Simeon Kavanagh-Vincent.
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Throng - EP Review: Decoherence
20 Oct 2023 // A review by Peter-James Dries
You know that thing where the letter B has a personality, or words have textures and colours? That’s called synaesthesia.
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Swallow the Rat - Album Review: South Locust
20 Oct 2023 // A review by Brad Miller
One of the things I love about this gig is that I regularly get introduced to new (to me) artists, and every now and then, there’s a standout. That’s what happened with Swallow The Rat.
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Li'l Chuck the One Man Skiffle Machine - Album Review: SO/LO
20 Oct 2023 // A review by OLDER
September 29th 2023 saw the release of David Thorpe, A.K.
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Bridges - EP Review: Twenty Something
19 Oct 2023 // A review by Danica Bryant
Indie-pop starlet Bridges is a creative based in Tamaki Makaurau, now debuting with the high drama of her first EP Twenty Something. Developing as an artist for several years, this project speaks perfectly to the character that the real-world Rachel Hamilton is ready to transform into as the one and only Bridges.
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Speech Act Theory - Speech Act Theory - EP Review: Speech Act Theory
18 Oct 2023 // A review by madeleinehoward
Auckland based alt-electronica project Speech Act Theory released their debut self-titled EP on the 29th of September. Founded in 2019, Speech Act Theory is the brain child of multi-instrumentalist, songwriter and producer Pete Hickman.
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Tami Neilson - Gig Review: Tami Neilson @ The Civic, Auckland - 13/10/2023
15 Oct 2023 // A review by roger.bowie
It’s Friday night at The Civic and the vibe is rock ‘n’ roll as the immaculately costumed The Up-Doos jive on stage and launch into the Bobettes’ Mr Lee (the one before they shot him). The Up-Doos are a party band paying homage to the girl groups of the 50's and 60's.
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Beastwars - Gig Review: Reign of the Beast @ Whanganui Musicians Club, Whanganui - 13/10/2023
15 Oct 2023 // A review by River Tucker
If you're into metal music, the Musicians Club in Whanganui was the place to be last Friday night for a feast of auditory delights to satisfy even the hungriest of souls. Brought to you by Lost Art and Panhead beer, Beastwars and Shepherds Reign headlined an epic concert that was set to bring the house down on the first leg of their not-to-be-missed Reign of the Beast tour.
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Bloody Hell - Album Review: Blood Metal
13 Oct 2023 // A review by Peter K Malthus
Bloody Hell (I mean, even the name is awesome. I love a really good band name, and 'Bloody Hell' is one of the best Metal band names I've ever heard) are from Christchurch, which as we all know, is a seething hotbed of musical talent.
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Ryan Fisherman - Album Review: Country EMO
13 Oct 2023 // A review by Rob Harbers
When initially asked if I could do a review of this album, to be perfectly honest I’d never heard of Ryan Fisherman. But having had its silky charms beguiling my ears for the past few weeks, his is definitely a name I want to hear more from!
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The Mentalist Collective - Album Review: Signal Hill
13 Oct 2023 // A review by roger.bowie
Here’s a great new band from Dunedin, a collective of mentalists who write and perform and presumably subscribe to mentalism, which is a kind of magic but with psychology at its core. They might play tricks on you, but it’s for a good cause.
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1 Drop Nation - Album Review: Moment In Time
12 Oct 2023 // A review by Sharne Molloy-Turpin
The sophomore album Moment In Time is wrapped in a groovy haze as one of Aotearoa’s stellar talents, 1 Drop Nation, went further with their latest album which is electrically robust. This album arrived just after the band's self-titled debut album came out at the end of 2022.
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Beastwars - Album Review: Tyranny of Distance
11 Oct 2023 // A review by Kris Raven
One of Aotearoa's finest acts, Beastwars are set to release their 5th album Tyranny of Distance upon the world and damn, you better get excited. Their previous record, IV dropped in 2019 following on from a series of concept albums laid out by the band over the last decade.
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Levi Patel - EP Review: Jeremy Redmore & Levi Patel - Migrations
10 Oct 2023 // A review by Tom Langdale-Hunt
Jeremy Redmore is one of the most recognizable voices in NZ music of the last decade, in part thanks to his tenure as the singer and main writer of a little local band called Midnight Youth but has since evolved into an extremely distinctive and transposed independent solo artist. Partnering with Levi Patel, one of Aotearoa’s budding composers/producers, they have crafted the Migrations EP to be a short burst of remarkably gentle and captivating exploration that will stand apart to their other works, but still demonstrate their distinctive emotional intensity.
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Bad Jelly Collective - EP Review: WESTBOUND&DOWN
10 Oct 2023 // A review by Callum Wagstaff
Bad Jelly Collective is the brainchild of 'Bad Jelly' Ben. Tucked away in his Huia road Home Studio in the Waitakere Ranges, Ben weaves his psychedelic soundscapes together with the creative forces of his team of musical mates.
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Fortress Europe - Album Review: Old World
10 Oct 2023 // A review by Peter-James Dries
Have you ever been torn between listening to Mozart or Periphery? Does Epica have too much of that darn singing for your tastes?
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Tami Neilson - Gig Review: Tami Neilson @ St. James Theatre, Wellington - 06/10/2023
09 Oct 2023 // A review by Tom Langdale-Hunt
It’s one thing to experience an increasingly rare high-attendance Rock n Roll Revue, but it’s another thing entirely to have been successfully transported into a time period decades before your existence. In a freshly renovated St James Theatre, Tami Neilson’s Rock n Roll Revue marks my first time back in the lush venue since my childhood – an experience that somewhat lines me with the rest of the crowd in association to these songs and performance style.
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Arahi - Gig Review: Arahi: Te Tokotoru @ Big Fan, Auckland - 6/10/2023
08 Oct 2023 // A review by roger.bowie
My first visit to Big Fan, the new studio complex in Kingsland with a small gigging area out front. It’s the first gig on a brief NZ tour for Te Tokoturu, the latest project from Arahi, one of the most exciting new singer/songwriters to emerge out of lockdown.
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Michèle Ducray - EP Review: Throne Of Mine
05 Oct 2023 // A review by Corinne Rutherford
Mysterious and sinister themes such as horror combined with the colourful characteristics of circus life are the inspiration behind emerging dark-pop artist Michèle Ducray's debut EP Throne Of Mine. The balance of both dark and light create a fresh and original sound that is complex as it is identifiable.
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Three Islands - Album Review: Resolution Island
03 Oct 2023 // A review by Daylen Schmied-Pape
Listening to Resolution Island by Three Islands is like dreaming while awake. An eloquently crafted musical dreamscape to lose yourself in completely.
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Sandtrap - EP Review: Colder Moments
03 Oct 2023 // A review by OLDER
Auckland based Sandtrap have released their debut EP Colder Moments comprising 5 tracks which is on rotate as I write, filling my headphones with rather splendid aural delights. Sandtrap are Jimi Terei on drums, Kainoa Ogilvie on vocals, Luca Keltie on bass, and Luke Bennett on guitars.
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Everlasting Bonfire - EP Review: EB EP
02 Oct 2023 // A review by IShadowcasterI
Carl Watkins looks to continue his musical journey post Daisy Chain Halo with a new sound that still provides the same passion and intensity as his previous project. The result is Everlasting Bonfire, and in this instance, the debut EP simply titled EB EP.
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Claudia Robin Gunn - Album Review: Firefly
02 Oct 2023 // A review by Trevor Faville
Working in music education gives some insight into what challenging area that Children’s Music can be. The first essential consideration is simply coming to terms with the makeup of the audience, and knowing that children, whanau, and teachers are combined into particularly unique ‘demographic’.
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Stray Dogs - Album Review: Stay Loyal
01 Oct 2023 // A review by Kerry MB
I feel there’s something extra in the old school pop punk waters lately with Blink 182 hitting our shores early next year, and Sum 41 releasing new music too for the first time in four years. It’s an exciting time if you’re a millennial, and for those of us who were teenagers in the early 2000’s, pop punk (and nu metal) reigned.
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Summer Thieves - Album Review: Cigarettes in Space
29 Sep 2023 // A review by roger.bowie
I rediscovered Summer Thieves during the recent Going Global showcases down in the cellars on K Road, and was mightily re-impressed, although slightly irked to discover that I missed their second album during the fog of lockdown. But not to worry, they are back with their third album Cigarettes in Space which opens with a deeply funk bass riff propping up a Spaceship with echoes of Major Tom translated into modern day thievery.
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Bulletbelt - Album Review: Burn It Up
28 Sep 2023 // A review by Steve Shyu
Though nobody can claim they know every Kiwi metal band to have ever existed, to know anything about heavy music in Aotearoa, the name Bulletbelt should at least ring a bell. To say their career thus far has been impressive is an understatement.
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End of an Empire - Album Review: Best Laid Plans
25 Sep 2023 // A review by River Tucker
It’s been a couple of years since End of an Empire released their favourably reviewed debut album, Within, Without in 2020. Since then, the Wellington-based four-piece have obviously put their time to good use by writing Best Laid Plans, which is arguably one of the finest Hardcore releases to come out of New Zealand this year.
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ISLA - EP Review: Low
21 Sep 2023 // A review by Danica Bryant
As the winter smog begins to lift over Aotearoa, Auckland singer-songwriter ISLA releases her ode to seasonal depression, Low. This is an EP of smooth, delicate dream-folk, from an independent artist backed by her "band of sisters" clearly deeply impassioned by the music just as their frontman is.
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Tim Finn - Gig Review: Tim Finn @ Christchurch Town Hall, Christchurch - 20/09/2023
21 Sep 2023 // A review by Peter K Malthus
I'm still on a high, from this show. Still totally amped up about it.
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Phorrest - EP Review: On My Way
19 Sep 2023 // A review by Cathy Elizabeth
Tuning into the new EP from Auckland hip hop artist Phorrest, the intro track does well to set the scene for the rest of the EP. But wait, why is the title track of the EP in brackets and labeled Intro (On My Way!
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Amila - EP Review: Life Changes
19 Sep 2023 // A review by Samantha Cheong
Just in time for the start of Hispanic Heritage Month and Chilean Independence Day, Kiwi-Chilean artist Amila debuts her EP Life Changes. Produced by Dan Martin, the five-track collection is a bilingual blend of dance-ready pop ballads, Latin beats and promising songwriting.
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Lost Vessels - EP Review: Things I Never Said
19 Sep 2023 // A review by Kris Raven
Auckland 5-Piece Lost Vessels have recently released their debut EP Things I Never Said, comprised of five tracks that stand out amongst the crowd, a passionate offering of high energy, accessible, engaging punk fueled rock. All This Time, their first single release, is an absolute banger of a track to open this EP and introduce the world to Lost Vessels.
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Cheap Sav For Dead Friends - EP Review: Cheap Sav For Dead Friends
19 Sep 2023 // A review by OLDER
Tamaki Makaurau’s Indie rock-pop band Cheap Sav For Dead Friends have released their self-titled, self-recorded, self-produced, and self-engineered debut EP which includes their September 2023 single Emotional. Joe Dekkers-Reihana and Jack Buchanan head up the vocals, guitar work and song writing with Sam Clavis on bass and Taylor Hall on drums.
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Sam Heselwood - EP Review: Home Is Where The Heart Is
19 Sep 2023 // A review by Corinne Rutherford
Ex rugby player turned singer-songwriter Sam Heselwood has recently released his 5 track EP Home Is Where The Heart Is. Originally from Christchurch, the indie-pop musician has delivered poignant, beautifully composed music which aims straight for the heart.
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Clementine Valentine - Gig Review: Clementine Valentine @ Whammy Bar, Auckland - 16/09/2023
16 Sep 2023 // A review by LouClementine
Clementine Valentine took to the Whammy stage in Auckland on the fourth and final date of their nationwide album release tour. Their new album entitled The Coin That Broke The Fountain Floor, was released through Flying Nun Records in August 2023.
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K'Shore - Album Review: Grief Sessions
14 Sep 2023 // A review by Daylen Schmied-Pape
I had no idea what I was getting myself in to. When I agreed to review K’Shore’s 5-track album Grief Sessions, I believed I would be reviewing a short hip-hop album.
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Model Home - Album Review: ...And Nobody Made A Sound
12 Sep 2023 // A review by Liam Davis
Model Home’s new album wastes no time opening the listener into their soundscape in ...And Nobody Made A Sound; The new album teeming with swinging beats and sparkling guitar parts as well as a solid voice that empowers and uplifts the listener.
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Furious Cartel - EP Review: Medication
12 Sep 2023 // A 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.
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Matt Joe Gow - EP Review: Closer To Tomorrow
11 Sep 2023 // A review by Peter K Malthus
In early 2023, Matt Joe Gow released album number 4, Between Tonight And Tomorrow, to widespread critical acclaim. Not only did that include 5-star reviews, Matt also took home the 2023 MLT Songwriting Award.
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Danica Bryant - Gig Review: Danica Bryant + Band @ Moon, Wellington - 10/09/2023
11 Sep 2023 // A review by Sharne Molloy-Turpin
Sunday evening was gritty and thundering despite the great weather. After pulling the front door of the Moon bar in Newtown, Wellington, I get a warm lilac smile from artist Danica Bryant and a sweet “Thank you for coming!
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Nick Burson Band - Album Review: Hindsight
08 Sep 2023 // A review by OLDER
In July 2023 Christchurch based musician Nick Burson released his album Hindsight as the Nick Burson Band featuring himself on all guitars and vocals, Rosanna Burdett on drums, Alister George on bass and keyboards and Steffany Beck on vocals on Best Dreams. Produced by Alister George, Hindsight is comprised of nine Country Blues Rock tracks including previously released singles Should Have Let You Know, Can't Believe It’s Come To This, Best Dreams, Bad World and Ever Be Enough.
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Yurt Party - Yurt Party - Album Review: Yurt Party
07 Sep 2023 // A review by Peter-James Dries
It sure isn't summer, and this is really not the Balkans, but Yurt Party’s new self-titled album refutes that. Back with another one of them Balkan rocking beats, Yurt Party’s debut is jazzy, erratic, and full of zest and energetic grooves, with flavour notes of ska, dub, and bergamot.
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SD-2100 - EP Review: SD-2100 vs The World
05 Sep 2023 // A review 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.
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Gig Review: Loserpalooza Festival @ Totara Street, Mt Maunganui - 2/09/2023
05 Sep 2023 // A review by Mattmyth
Lethargic are on first at 12pm, and they’re the reason I had to be at the flatmate’s house to leave Auckland when you could still see your breath in the air. Lethargic, as the singer would tell us after their first song, are new and hungry for our drugs.
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05 Sep 2023 // A review by Mattmyth
Lethargic are on first at 12pm, and they’re the reason I had to be at the flatmate’s house to leave Auckland when you could still see your breath in the air. Lethargic, as the singer would tell us after their first song, are new and hungry for our drugs.
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King Cass - EP Review: Old Days EP 1.0
03 Sep 2023 // A review by Peter K Malthus
Hunter "King Cass" Wilson has hinted at releasing two EPs before the end of 2023, following up on a handful of singles released since 2019's The Awakening (From Dark To Light), his debut album. I reviewed one of those singles here, the catchy laid-back grooves of Yea Yea.
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Going Global Review: Day 2 Showcase
03 Sep 2023 // A review by roger.bowie
Saturday night at the Whammy trinity and we know the score. Artists in the round, although we are the ones moving underground, 20 minutes tops, immaculate precision.
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03 Sep 2023 // A review by roger.bowie
Saturday night at the Whammy trinity and we know the score. Artists in the round, although we are the ones moving underground, 20 minutes tops, immaculate precision.
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Going Global Review: Day 1 Showcase
02 Sep 2023 // A review by roger.bowie
The Going Global Music Summit brings together a host of international music industry folk and they talk about the industry. It’s organized by IMNZ (Independent Music NZ) and the NZ Music Commission.
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02 Sep 2023 // A review by roger.bowie
The Going Global Music Summit brings together a host of international music industry folk and they talk about the industry. It’s organized by IMNZ (Independent Music NZ) and the NZ Music Commission.
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Dr. Reknaw - EP Review: Portal
31 Aug 2023 // A review by CuillinHearty
After an almost two-year hiatus, Dr.Reknaw makes a triumphant return with their latest enchanting EP, Portal.
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Evan Silva - Album Review: Reihana Street
31 Aug 2023 // A review by roger.bowie
Out of the blue, nearly 60 years in the making, lands Reihana Street in my inbox with an extraordinary back story. Evan Silva was an altar boy gone wild, a Mission Bay mafiosi, and a singer/songwriter from the mid-sixties, starting at age 13 singing pop songs, before settling into soul and then selling that soul to the excesses of the 60’s in Kings Cross centred Sydney, sailing close to the edge, before epiphany struck, and overnight, life changed.
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The Larry Normans - Album Review: Dirty Living
30 Aug 2023 // A review by Kerry MB
The Larry Normans are a hard rock/garage band that has been in and out of the music scene since 2000, when they formed at a party in Auckland City. 2005 was the release of their debut album and after a solid gigging history the band went into hiatus in 2010, reforming in 2019.
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Mana Mushroom - Album Review: Mana Mushroom
30 Aug 2023 // A review by Rob Harbers
Poneke’s Mana Mushroom’s eponymous self-titled debut EP has emerged into the world, and it’s a banger! Showing the benefit of a long period of gestation in the live arena, this impressive instrumental collection has its aim stated as “to stimulate listeners' senses in a way which evokes a sense of wonder about the world and our place in it", and it achieves this aim.
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Strawpeople - Album Review: Knucklebones
29 Aug 2023 // A review by Corinne Rutherford
For the first time in 19 years, slick electro-pop duo Strawpeople (Fiona McDonald ex-The Headless Chickens, and Paul Casserly) have released an album sparking early 2000's nostalgia. Knucklebones is a fusion of their iconic sound mixed with a collection of entirely new material.
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Six Twos - EP Review: Anchors
29 Aug 2023 // A 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.
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No Life - EP Review: Delinquent
28 Aug 2023 // A review by Gaby Ivanov-Giraldo
No Life returned to us with a 6-track EP. Band members DJ Fieldes, Mitch Blair, Connor Dickson and Kahi Bettridge have found gold with Delinquent.
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Don McGlashan - Gig Review: Don McGlashan @ Artworks Theatre, Waiheke Island - 26/08/2023
28 Aug 2023 // A review by roger.bowie
Don McGlashan warmed up the Waiheke Artworks centre on Saturday night with a magical journey through the past 40 years of the art of The Don. The newly appointed (but not yet anointed) Hall of Famer was in modestly ebullient form as he thanked his Lucky Stars in his opening song.
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Robin Kelly - Album Review: Shadowman
28 Aug 2023 // A review by Catherine Bullock
Based in Auckland, Robin Kelly has released a new album into the world, and it’s already available to listen to. Shadowman is Kelly’s 6th album, with his extensive discography going back to 1998.
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Lester - EP Review: Lost and Found
28 Aug 2023 // A review 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.
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Craig Payne - Album Review: Never Say Never
23 Aug 2023 // A review by OLDER
Craig Payne – born in France, formative years lived in the UK and now very much resident in Christchurch has a new 10-track album out on November 5th (2023) titled Never Say Never. Reading Craig’s back story, it becomes immediately clear he has been a very prolific artist over nearly five decades both playing live and recording.
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Lot.12 - Lot.12 & Personal Igloo - EP Review: Who Killed Nigel?
23 Aug 2023 // A review by Brad Miller
7 years after their last release Lot.12 are back and stronger than ever with their sophomore EP Who Killed Nigel?
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Sofia Machray - Gig Review: Sofia Machray @ Whammy Bar, Auckland - 19/08/2023
21 Aug 2023 // A review by LouClementine
Sofia Machray brought her Language of Flowers show, the last of a five-night nationwide tour, to Whammy Bar in Auckland. Machray has recently released her debut 6-track EP and tonight was the premier of her music for Tamaki Makarau.
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Grym Rhymney - EP Review: This Is What Your Hands Were Made For
19 Aug 2023 // A review by Samantha Cheong
Three years after their first short player The Shadows We Cast Years Ago, Auckland band Grym Rhymney released their second EP This Is What Your Hands Were Made For via Swamp Kult Records. The metalheads share a precise and melodic five-track record of energetic and sincere proportions in the culmination of their two-year project.
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Hummucide - Album Review: Tides
18 Aug 2023 // A review by Trevor Faville
Hummucide are a well established group of musicians originally based in Wellington (although now working round the world) “Heavy Jazz” is the way they describe their sound, and that's an accurate phrase- and a rather nifty one, too. Tides is the group's first full length album release and it's the result of an extensive and extended process of crafting and refining.
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Cautionary Tales - Album Review: Cautionary Tales
16 Aug 2023 // A review by Callum Wagstaff
Cautionary Tales is an alt-rock band based in Aotearoa, via Berlin and New York. It's an art-rock outfit built around the type of myths and legends where somebody gets screwed over for riding a scorpion or not tipping an old lady.
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Sofia Machray - Gig Review: Sofia Machray @ Meow, Wellington - 11/08/2023
13 Aug 2023 // A review by Catherine Bullock
On Friday, I had the pleasure of being a part of the bustling crowd at the Te-Whanganui-a-Tara leg of Sofia Machray’s Language of Flowers EP Release Tour! The night began with Mirror Ritual’s dreamy, percussion-heavy rock.
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Gig Review: Lunar Intruder @ Moon, Wellington - 12/08/2023
13 Aug 2023 // A review by Danica Bryant
As always, the line-up at Moon in Newtown, Wellington is out of this world on a Saturday night. Amidst their ‘Good Dogs Go To Heaven’ tour, the aptly titled Lunar Intruder are up from Christchurch, for a show supported by Tarik Rahim and Bleach that has no trouble pulling a buzzing crowd in from the cold.
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13 Aug 2023 // A review by Danica Bryant
As always, the line-up at Moon in Newtown, Wellington is out of this world on a Saturday night. Amidst their ‘Good Dogs Go To Heaven’ tour, the aptly titled Lunar Intruder are up from Christchurch, for a show supported by Tarik Rahim and Bleach that has no trouble pulling a buzzing crowd in from the cold.
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Shepherds Reign - Album Review: Ala Mai
11 Aug 2023 // A review by Kris Raven
Aotearoa's Shepherds Reign are set to deliver their long-awaited new album Ala Mai to the world and set their place on the global musical landscape of heavy music as a band set for greatness. Known for blending various metal subgenres and Polynesian sounds that creates their overall concept, Ala Mai delivers hard and heavy head banging riffs, complex guitar arrangements and powerful and striking vocals that encapsulate universal themes of life, love, family, loss, and culture.
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System Corporation - Album Review: Foundation & Method
09 Aug 2023 // A review by Kerry MB
Hailing from Hamilton, System Corporation is an eclectic indie rock outfit that definitely colour outside the lines and execute it well. Foundation & Method is their debut album and if you’re looking for a solid, out of the box sound with fantastic production and arrangement, you need to jump on this now.
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Dead Shrine - Album Review: The Eightfold Path
08 Aug 2023 // A 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.
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Tom Lark - Gig Review: Tom Lark @ Whammy Bar, Auckland - 5/08/2023
07 Aug 2023 // A review by LouClementine
Tom Lark recently brought his Brave Star tour to Tamaki Makarau along with his band and support from K M T P. Lark has been absent from both touring and releasing music for a number of years.
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The Rising Tide - Gig Review: Inferno - Youth Rock & Metal @ The Stomach, Palmerston North - 5/08/2023
07 Aug 2023 // A review by River Tucker
It’s not often that you get treated to a mid-winter concert where nearly every metal genre is being performed. But that’s exactly what happened at The Stomach in Palmerston North last Saturday night where four bands gave it their all in a rip-roaring all-ages show that will undoubtedly leave the hundred or so people who attended with lasting impressions.
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Vox Capacitor - EP Review: Variance
07 Aug 2023 // A review by Peter K Malthus
Variance is the promised follow-up to the Hindsight EP from Auckland-based solo artist Vox Capacitor.Solo in the truest sense: everything is created, performed, produced, engineered, and mixed by Vox Capacitor (aka Steve McBride) himself.
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day13n - Album Review: /7/13/7/
06 Aug 2023 // A review by Peter-James Dries
I’m too old for this world. We’ve devolved to the point where music is only as good as the soundtrack to your 10 second TikTok, and the thirty thousand copies recycling the idea.
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Sonia & Nigel - Album Review: Sweet Paname
04 Aug 2023 // A review by roger.bowie
In the middle of last month, just in time for Bastille Day, Sonia Wilson released the digital version of her paean to Paris, Sweet Paname. Sonia is Franco-American, born and educated in Paris, and now resides in Auckland after a peripatetic period of travel.
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Sofia Machray - EP Review: Language Of Flowers
01 Aug 2023 // A review by Corinne Rutherford
Wellington based Sofia Machray has been described as an “eclectic master of indie singer-songwriter gone rouge,” her recently released debut EP Language Of Flowers consists of 6 ethereal indie dream-rock tracks which have been beautifully constructed. Inspired by her love of flowers in particular the similarity in evolution between human nature from tiny seed to full bloom.
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Jiahu Symbols - EP Review: For The Good Times
01 Aug 2023 // A review by roger.bowie
The Jiahu Symbols are an early language form found on 16 distinct markings discovered in China in the late 1980's and estimated at 6000 years old. Not thought to be joined up writing, more a precursor.
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Crooked Royals - Gig Review: Crooked Royals @ Big Fan, Auckland - 29/07/2023
30 Jul 2023 // A review by Liam Davis
Crooked Royals set a precedent for Auckland home shows last night, Packing a sold-out crowd into an intimate venue, Big Fan, in the sleepy suburb of Morningside. Each supporting act brought in what felt like a puzzle piece into what Crooked Royals’ soundscape is, the venue-shattering line-up of Stacked, All I Seek, and Finger Tight opening for the aforementioned powerhouse act.
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T. G. Shand - EP Review: Cinnamon
28 Jul 2023 // A review by Samantha Cheong
The Cinnamon EP is the five-parter passion project of Annemarie Duff. Honed over three years, Duff’s plan to extend her shoegaze and dream pop discography into an album were "scrapped" into a short player that focuses on eliciting a musical and emotional journey.
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Will McClean - Album Review: Don't Forget to Breathe
28 Jul 2023 // A review by Steve Shyu
Out of the underground hip-hop scene of Te Whanganui-a-Tara Wellington comes Will McClean, who over the past handful of years has garnered accolades on his recorded music and performances. Having shared stages with Kiwi icons Troy Kingi, Che Fu and Diggy Dupé, Will seems determined to keep the momentum and create new releases.
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Cloudy - Single Review: On The Edge
27 Jul 2023 // A review by Danica Bryant
Laidback and soulful, Kiwi-Austrian performer Cloudy's new single On The Edge is a unique singer-songwriter track traversing many a genre. From bedroom pop to indie rock, it's a cohesive, expressive release introducing her hotly awaited sophomore EP.
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SKRAM - Gig Review: SKRAM @ Big Fan, Auckland - 22/07/2023
26 Jul 2023 // A review by LouClementine
SKRAM blew up Big Fan in Auckland on their Strawberry Dream Tour. Billed as "an explosive pop music spectacle", they didn’t disappoint, the energy was palpable.
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AJSCeleste Music - Album Review: Gold
26 Jul 2023 // A review by Danica Bryant
AJSCeleste Music may be a totally unique creator in the Aotearoa music scene. An extremely experimental songwriter crafting material from her home studio, her quirky blend of almost spoken-word lyricism and kaleidoscopic sounds fills a very specific niche.
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You, Me, Everybody - Gig Review: You Me Everybody @ Tuning Fork, Auckland - 23/07/2023
25 Jul 2023 // A review by roger.bowie
A nice cosy seating arrangement greeted us on Sunday night to contrast the winter gloom as the Tuning Fork opened its doors nice and early for a night of music from old friends. You, Me, Everybody are on tour to celebrate the fame and attention they have been receiving since having a song chosen for the Netflix series Sweet Tooth, and so now we are paying attention to them and they to us!!!
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Valkyrie - Rebel Reid - EP Review: Hiria
25 Jul 2023 // A review by Catherine Bullock
Beautifully produced, Rebel Reid’s acoustic EP Hiria feels laid back, gorgeous, and expansive, filling ears with rich backing vocals and lush guitar. Known as a member of the band Valkyrie, Rebel Reid released her debut EP on the 14th of July, aligning with Matariki, in memory of her beloved mum.
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And$um - Album Review: The Heroic Adventures of And$um & Lui Mill
21 Jul 2023 // A review by Steve Shyu
Following a string of acclaimed singles, Otautahi Christchurch Hip-Hop artists And$um and Lui Mills have released a brand new collaborative album of seven tracks named The Heroic Adventures of And$um & Lui Mill. The two rap artists have been kicking around the Christchurch Hip-Hop scenes for years, and have put together this LP as a result of their longtime friendship.
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Orangefarm - Album Review: Inheritance
21 Jul 2023 // A review by ApolloSteamTrain
Inheritance is the long awaited debut album from Wellington indie rock outfit Orangefarm. The band is the vehicle for the ongoing musical offerings of front-man Nigel Mitchell, who is well settled and respected in the Wellington musical landscape.
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NOVA - EP Review: Songs From Home
20 Jul 2023 // A review by Kerry MB
Hailing from the Wellington region, NOVA is a unique retro, disco soul pop medley comprised of members, Bryn Van Vliet, Eliza Pickard and joined by other musicians, Phoebe Johnson, Conway Jeune and Luther Hunt. Songs From Home is their second EP off the back of 2021 self-titled EP, and if you’re into tunes with layers, plenty of harmony, melody and fine musicianship, look no further.
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James Constable - Album Review: Interesting Times
20 Jul 2023 // A review by madeleinehoward
Otautahi indie singer-songwriter James Constable released his second album Interesting Times on the 16th of June. This ten track album follows on from the 19 years old’s debut Tui, which I had the pleasure of reviewing when it was released in 2021.
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Beacon Bloom - Single Review: Fallen Flower
19 Jul 2023 // A review by Peter K Malthus
Fallen Flower is a recent collaboration between New Zealand's Beacon Bloom and L.A.
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Mitch and his Guitar - Single Review: Mine In My Mind
18 Jul 2023 // A review by Corinne Rutherford
Mitch and his Guitar is a solo musical artist from Hawera in Taranaki, diversifying from wedding singing to deliver original soft pop songs inspired by the likes of Ed Sheeran, Passenger and Hollow Coves. Mine In My Mind is one of three tracks which will be followed by his debut album.
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Like Angels - Album Review: Your Day Will Come
18 Jul 2023 // A review by roger.bowie
Like Angels is the new solo project from Lyttelton based Robert McLean, and was also the title track of his previous release with his band How to Kill, back in 2010. Robert has taken time away from music but is now back home and has written and self-produced an 88 minute album of progressive apocalypse in Killswitch studios (now that seems appropriate) in Lyttelton.
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SACHI - Single Review: Whole Again
17 Jul 2023 // A review by Callum Wagstaff
SACHI are an electronic dance duo made up of Nick Chrisp and Will Thomas. Whole Againis their first music release of 2023.
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Jazmine Mary - Gig Review: Jazmine Mary w/ Vera Ellen @ Wunderbar, Lyttelton - 15/07/2023
17 Jul 2023 // A review by Peter K Malthus
Lyttelton's Wunderbar was a wonderful setting for this show, my friends and I luckily there early enough to get good seats in the intimate, candle-lit warmth. I don't know if it was sold out or not, but it must have been pretty close, there was a decent crowd there to see Jazmine Mary and their band.
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The New Existentialists - Single Review: Invocation
16 Jul 2023 // A review by Peter-James Dries
The New Existentialists, a doom metal band known for their dark and atmospheric soundscapes, have just… Wait a minute… No. The New Existentialists are really not a doom metal band, and they’re really not known for their dark soundscapes… They’re more known as stalwarts of a bygone era.
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GZ - EP Review: The Story Behind the Realness
16 Jul 2023 // A review by Steve Shyu
Purportedly an artist with many pseudonyms, GZ is a rap artist active as a part of the Auckland hip-hop diaspora. Though safe to assume he’s had a considerable presence over the years under multiple stage names, I wasn’t able to unearth much in the way of artist info relating to GZ, except images of the man himself looking like a force to be reckoned with.
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Gig Review: Catherine Bullock + Danica Bryant + Jeline @ Valhalla, Wellington - 12/07/2023
13 Jul 2023 // A review by Sharne Molloy-Turpin
These three artists brought something divinely emotional to Valhalla on Wednesday night. Each of these Wellington-based artists had something to say and a lot of friends to say it to.
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13 Jul 2023 // A review by Sharne Molloy-Turpin
These three artists brought something divinely emotional to Valhalla on Wednesday night. Each of these Wellington-based artists had something to say and a lot of friends to say it to.
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Joseph E Harrison - Album Review: Therapy For A Cynic
12 Jul 2023 // A review by OLDER
Joseph E Harrison, originally from Sheffield in the North of England, came to Aotearoa in the late nineties and has for the best part of forty years been performing and song-writing on both sides of the world. Now resident in Wellington, his new album Therapy For A Cynic released on all major platforms on July 5th is, to quote his own concise words, “a collection of songs spanning the last twenty-five years, reimagined and reworked through years of studio time and live performance.
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Wednesday's Girlfriend - EP Review: Cards
11 Jul 2023 // A review by Catherine Bullock
Wednesday’s Girlfriend have hit the ground running with their electric debut EP Cards, filling out their wall of sound with dynamic vocal melodies, incredible guitar licks, and a beat that’s meant to be danced to. Get your friends together, roll the windows down in your car, and put this EP on blast.
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No Reply - Single Review: Departure Lounge
11 Jul 2023 // A review by Sharne Molloy-Turpin
No Reply has mixed an enchanting rhythm that honours classic hip-hop and Reggae. The Tauranga-based band has released their debut single Departure Lounge which is not only funky but inquisitive.
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day13n - Single Review: PA1N x SAG3
11 Jul 2023 // A review by Cathy Elizabeth
Listening to Day13n’s new single PA1N x SAG3 is the stuff of nightmares, with a dark and edgy musicality underpinning the intensely whisper-screamed lyrics. The song is divided into two halves, which nicely illustrates the forces of duality that are at play in the mind of the artist.
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Jazmine Mary - Gig Review: Jazmine Mary @ Hollywood Avondale, Auckland - 08/07/2023
10 Jul 2023 // A review by roger.bowie
Jazmine Mary enchanted the fully seated Hollywood theatre in Avondale on Saturday night celebrating their new album Dog. But first up was an elegantly attired Julia Deans bringing us some new songs from her next album due out later this year.
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Mahoney Harris - Single Review: I Don't Have To Move From Here
10 Jul 2023 // A review by Danica Bryant
Mahoney Harris' beautiful new folk number I Don't Have To Move From Here is an airy, light track celebrating the worth of knowing your boundaries and personal needs. Working alongside producer Wayne Bell and masterer Oliver Harmer, the Waiheke-based artist has crafted a beautiful follow-up to her previous series of singles.
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Rowdy's Rose - EP Review: From The Flames
08 Jul 2023 // A review by Corinne Rutherford
During the 2020 lockdown, many exciting independent bands came to light. Rowdy’s Rose, a husband and wife duo from the Waikato consisting of Blair and Rosie Shaw are one of them.
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Gig Review: Crushfest @ The Tuning Fork, Auckland - 07/07/2023
07 Jul 2023 // A review by Kev Rowland
So it was down to Tuning Fork for the first night of the second Crushfest festival. Tonight was going to be Wellington and Auckland bands, and then some of the same will be playing at the second night in Wellington next month.
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07 Jul 2023 // A review by Kev Rowland
So it was down to Tuning Fork for the first night of the second Crushfest festival. Tonight was going to be Wellington and Auckland bands, and then some of the same will be playing at the second night in Wellington next month.
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Shaun Malloch - Single Review: Been Long
06 Jul 2023 // A review by Tom Langdale-Hunt
Two years after the release of his self-produced debut Take What You Can, Shaun Malloch returns with the cruisy, indie-pop track Been Long. Aptly named, the song presents itself as a laid-back salutation as Shaun re-enters the airwaves; ardour that says “hey, how have you been?
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Bazurka - Album Review: Novi Grad All Stars
06 Jul 2023 // A review by Rob Harbers
Te-Whanganui-a-Tara’s Bazurka back up their cool-as-fuck name with a refreshingly distinct sound, one that brings the spirit of the Balkans alive in contemporary Aotearoa.Their new album, Novi Grad All Stars, opens with a flourish of brass, leading in to a delicate violin threnody, which then segues into a syncopated groove, in which all the players are given their opportunity to shine.
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Tone6 - Single Review: Close Your Eyes
05 Jul 2023 // A review by Trevor Faville
Tone6 are a vocal group from Auckland, consisting of Kirita Leavasa , Selevasio Tu'ima, Peachez Vetenibua, Seletute Tu'ima, Viliami Tupa'i and Shaelyn Togafiti , who began working together when attending Saintzup Performing Arts School. The collective experience and ability of these singers belies their youth, and while Close Your Eyes is just their second release, it's a powerful and assured musical statement.
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Fictional Response - Single Review: Moonstruck
05 Jul 2023 // A review by Kris Raven
Fictional Response, the brain child of multi-instrumentalist and songwriter Richie Bennett is back with a cracker of a new single, Moonstruck. Moonstruck is the first release for 2023, following a slew of genre bending singles released throughout 2021-2022 and packs a massive nostalgic punch for this listener.
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Mismatch - Single Review: Burn
04 Jul 2023 // A review by Karl Brinsdon
A thunderous tom roll drumbeat pans through the stereo field and immediately Mismatch’s latest track, Burn has my attention. A few bars later, the full band comes in, fronted with a simple ostinato lead guitar line which gives a hint of what’s to come later in the track.
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Guardian Singles - Album Review: Feed Me To The Doves
03 Jul 2023 // A review by Rob Harbers
Tamaki Makaurau’s Guardian Singles are keeping the spirit of punk alive and kicking with their sophomore album, Feed Me To The Doves.From the first minute of opener Chad and Stacey, with its references to the peculiar blend of bitterness and displaced envy that is the incel hallmark, it’s clear that here is a band with much to say, and they’re going to make damn sure you can’t ignore them!
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Bush Lawyer - Single Review: Daisy
03 Jul 2023 // A 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.
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Dan Sharp - Single Review: Interstellar Runaway
02 Jul 2023 // A review by Nicholas Clark
Interstellar Runaway, written with Sam Bartells, is Taupo-based songwriter Dan Sharp’s latest single. This song offers more of the soulful, blues inspired pop he has become known for.
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SJD - Gig Review: SJD w/ Beachware @ Hollywood Avondale, Auckland - 30/06/2023
01 Jul 2023 // A review by LouClementine
Sean James Donnelly (SJD) brought his Sweetheart tour to Tamaki Makaurau and presented his latest release, his ninth album, Sweetheart. SJD is low-key specialist artist: a musician, songwriter and producer who, through his compositions, seems to make music which takes life (gently) by the horns and wrestles with it.
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Skitch Hiker - Single Review: Slippery Wet Handshake
30 Jun 2023 // A review by Paul Goddard
Wow.Just when you have given up on music and banging your head against a brick wall wondering why Taylor Swift is more popular than toilet roll during a pandemic something like this comes along.
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The Artist Red - Album Review: Gemini Woman
29 Jun 2023 // A review by Kerry MB
Hopefully, I can be forgiven for not hearing the name Dionne Stanbridge, or her artist name, The Artist Red until now, but the good news is, I get to dive in head first with her debut album, Gemini Woman. And what a package to unravel.
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Magic Factory - Album Review: Deliver The Goods
28 Jun 2023 // A review by OLDER
June 23rd 2023 saw the release of the sophomore album by Tamaki Makaurau's own Magic Factory entitled Deliver The Goods. Seven words into the press release I’m reaching for a dictionary to find out what ‘sophomore’ means – the first result is from the Greek meaning ‘wise fools’.
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Tom Knowles - Album Review: Atarangi - Morning Sky
28 Jun 2023 // A review by Ben Ruegg
Tom Knowles latest release Atarangi - Morning Sky is a must listen. Like, close this page now, go listen to the album, and then come back and read this.
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Citris iNK - Single Review: Last Night Replay
27 Jun 2023 // A review by madeleinehoward
RnB, Neo-soul duo Citris iNK released their second single Last Night Replay on the 9th of June.The duo comprises of Auckland born multi-instrumentalist Nick Taylor and South African singer-songwriter Kristin Paulse.
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Bad Taste - Album Review: Bad Taste II
27 Jun 2023 // A review by Callum Wagstaff
Straight out of Whanganui, just down the road from my neck of the woods, Bad Taste comprises the 70's Prog Rock and Spaghetti Western inspired Alphabethead and the lyrically adept and furious at society Young Gho$t.Over a year in the making, Bad Taste II is the follow up to their self-titled debut.
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Sam Heselwood - Single Review: Home
27 Jun 2023 // A review by Hannah Jane
Home is the new single from professional rugby player turned pop star Sam Heselwood – an up and coming Otautahi star who has already hit the charts and is clearly ‘one to watch’. An authentically vulnerable song, Home is both sweet and strong, and thoughtfully produced – recorded by Terence O’Connor and mixed by Simon Gooding.
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The Transits - Single/Video Review: Renegade Hearts
26 Jun 2023 // A review by Gaby Ivanov-Giraldo
The Transits are a NZ-South African band composed of Ryan Lunn (vocals, guitars, synths), Dom Antelme (vocals, bass) and Tyrone Smith (drums). Growing up in conservative South-African landscapes, their sound is thought to push the boundaries of how to be, and how to act.
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Em - EP Review: Tender
26 Jun 2023 // A review by Catherine Bullock
A beautiful, mellow EP about self-love, a quiet summer, and caring for oneself, Tender is the perfect EP for a reflective stroll in the cold morning air. Em, a singer-songwriter-producer hailing from Tamaki Makaurau, guides you through a sweet self-reflection journey.
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SJD - Gig Review: SJD w/ Mousey @ Space Academy, Christchurch - 24/06/2023
25 Jun 2023 // A review by Peter K Malthus
I had a double treat tonight of not only being sent to experience a fantastic gig, but getting to hang out in one of my favourite Christchurch venues. If you've not yet been to Space Academy and tried their pizza, you are doing yourself a gross disservice, I tell you.
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Darktide - EP Review: No One, Nowhere, Nothing
24 Jun 2023 // A review by Liam Davis
At first glance, you’d never think quiet little New Zealand would be capable of exporting such a brutal act as Darktide. Their new EP No One, Nowhere, Nothing is exactly that: Brutal, unrelenting, and evil.
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No Man's Land - Single Review: Darling
23 Jun 2023 // A 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.
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Marianne Leigh - Single Review: I Don't Care
23 Jun 2023 // A review by Sharne Molloy-Turpin
I Don't Care, the new single by Marianne Leigh, takes pop punk and makes it celestial. I love it when a song takes a concept and can stretch the emotion it evokes.
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Dani Ela - Single Review: Always Keep Those Days
22 Jun 2023 // A review by Danica Bryant
Dani Ela's latest single Always Keep Those Days is a delicate moment of melancholia, reminiscing in fond memories over a light bedroom pop track.Hailing from New Plymouth, Ela crafts her music herself, with international aid for audio engineering.
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Coral Pitcher - Single Review: As I Rise
22 Jun 2023 // A review by Danica Bryant
Outspoken creative Coral, also known as Coral Pitcher, seeks growth on her striking single As I Rise. Best enjoyed alongside its entrancing music video, the song sees Coral revel in the galaxy and visually become one with the universe.
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Will McClean - Single Review: Seem Alright
21 Jun 2023 // A review by Cathy Elizabeth
This week Will McClean releases Seem Alright, the second track from his upcoming album Don’t Forget To Breathe, alongside an accompanying video clip. Seem Alright is a punchy upbeat jazz-funk hip-hop track that has been nicely arranged, with a dash of clarinet, strings, and a sampled jazz vocal for the chorus.
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SuperMild - Single Review: Self Respect
21 Jun 2023 // A review by Ben Ruegg
SuperMild is a 3-piece genre-spanning band based in Auckland. Once cited in a review as spanning Reggae, Dub, Roots, RnB, Funk, Psychedelic, Rock, and Jazz, SuperMild is driven by a desire to not get stuck in one sound, and to bring banter, energy, a good time, and a great sound to as many stages as possible.
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Tomahawk Radio - Album Review: Dreaming With A View
20 Jun 2023 // A review by Nicholas Clark
Tomahawk Radio’s debut album, Dreaming With A View follows their recent single release of the pop tinged rock song Missiles. The band is effectively listenable, soft, alternative rock, but perhaps ‘soft’ is not a favourable way to describe them – ‘sensible’ might be better.
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Ugly Boys Collective - EP Review: Death Petals
20 Jun 2023 // A review by Kris Raven
Auckland, NZ hybrid rock outfit Ugly Boys Collective have recently dropped their debut EP Death Petals, a diverse four track album full of 80's and 90's grunge inspired riffage and thrash guitar solos with unique vocals and production. Opening with Erased, a distorted opening bass riff with kick, lifts off into the song mains progression.
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Jaqualyn Taimana Williams - EP Review: Guns of Dialogue
20 Jun 2023 // A review by Cathy Elizabeth
Successful children’s music creator Jaqualyn Taimana Williams has recently released a 5-track EP called Guns of Dialogue to follow up her 2019 multi-genre album Statues of Liberty. Guns of Dialogue has a great rock vibe overall, with a fusion of various other elements woven throughout its tracks.
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CACO - Single Review: Lights Off
19 Jun 2023 // A review by Steve Shyu
Raneem Caco, aka. CACO has continued to make waves in the hip-hop scenes of Aotearoa over the past six years.
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Mammuthus - Album Review: Imperator
18 Jun 2023 // A review by River Tucker
If you like your stoner metal super-sized and embellished with a nice touch of doom, then Mammuthus’ latest release, Imperator, is definitely the album for you. Seven tracks of deliciously down-tuned, guitar-driven heaviness smash into your eardrums like a well-oiled and relentless steam train.
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Dead Favours - Gig Review: Dead Favours @ Galatos, Auckland - 16/06/2023
18 Jun 2023 // A review by Gideon Voon
Tonight's line-up included some of NZ best upcoming rock acts to form in more recent years, so I had great expectations. Animalhead signaled their start by having all members fist-bump at the start.
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Dear Antler - Single Review: Sweet Little Worm
17 Jun 2023 // A review by Liam Davis
Before today, occult rock was a very alien concept to me, but upon hearing the brand new Dear Antler song, Sweet Little Worm, I can confidently say, "It does what it says on the box".Sweet Little Worm is an atmospheric, slow-burning, and dark track that encompasses many feelings and vibes, and positively the type of song you'd have playing whilst conjuring your innermost urges to *Not* summon a demon in your bedroom.
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The Mitchell Twins - EP Review: Find a River
16 Jun 2023 // A review by roger.bowie
The Mitchell Twins are Maegan and Nicola, with Nicola being the left one, if you can’t tell them apart. They have grown up in Gore as part of the Mitchell family, and now are following in the footsteps of big sister Jenny, with whom they have been seen over the past few years in a backing vocals capacity.
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Jethro Clarke - Single/Video Review: Human On
15 Jun 2023 // A review by Peter K Malthus
The Facebook page of Jethro Clarke shows a decent handful of releases over the last couple of years, and the video for latest single Human On shows an artist confident and assured with what they're doing. A lightly fuzzed guitar riff introduces the track, underscoring a black and white display of retro technology, a Jethro Clarke vinyl LP being selected for playing on a gorgeous old radiogram, before a shot of a mound of cathode ray rube TVs.
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Rain - Single Review: Love and War
15 Jun 2023 // A review by Kev Rowland
It has been quite a while since I last heard from Wellington-based singer songwriter Cathy Elizabeth, and back then Rain was seen solely as a studio project with Cathy being accompanied by Thomas Te Taite, who provided all the instrumentation including digital drums. Now they are a full band who have been performing live, and it is the first time they have recorded as such, with Thomas now, just providing acoustic guitar (plus engineering and producing etc.
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Jenni Smith - Single Review: I Don't Know How Not To
15 Jun 2023 // A review by Danica Bryant
Recent University of Auckland pop music degree graduate Jenni Smith is here to prove her newfound skill with her single I Don't Know How Not To. It's a dreamy number made effective by the driving feeling that this comes straight from the heart.
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Cautionary Tales - Single Review: Women
15 Jun 2023 // A review by taffynz
One of the things I love about this job is that music is such a giver. I listened to the opening first few bars of Cautionary Tales' new single release Women and I was nodding me old head along with the sinister, wonderfully balanced intro - then vocalist/keys man Will Marshall kicked in with his opening lines.
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Broke - Single Review: Need
14 Jun 2023 // A review by Peter K Malthus
Need is the latest single from Taranaki punk rockers Broke. It leaps straight out of the gate with snarling, anthemic punk attitude, a rolling and rollicking beat with guitars up to eleven.
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Saint Peter's Thursday - Album Review: Death Salt
14 Jun 2023 // A review by Tom Langdale-Hunt
We’re immediately thrusted into Cosmic Kaleidescope; an extremely punchy tune armed with belting, gravelly vocals and searing distortion. I’m immediately drawn into the Radio Moscow-like ferocity in the way this alternative rock sound is laid down.
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Lost Tribe Aotearoa - EP Review: Lost & Found
14 Jun 2023 // A review by Chris Chick
I am a true ‘noob’ when it comes to the Lost Tribe Aotearoa, so I can assure you and the band that this will be as unbiased as possible. After hearing the first song, I think it is going to be hard to stay that way all the way through this review.
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Space Waltz - Album Review: Victory
13 Jun 2023 // A review by Rob Harbers
Way back in New Zealand’s entertainment history, as hard as it may be to believe, long before the days of streaming, if you wanted to watch TV you had one choice. State broadcasting provided all content, across a single channel.
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Where's Jai - Single Review: Something Wrong
12 Jun 2023 // A review by Kerry MB
Where's Jai is a funky, fresh indie-reggae-rock band hailing from Auckland's North Shore. With addictive beats and grooves, they blend indie-rock with a chilled reggae twist and a pinch of soulful blues.
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Gig Review: Come Together: Dire Straits @ Kiri Te Kanawa Theatre, Auckland - 10/06/2023
11 Jun 2023 // A review by roger.bowie
Come Together came together last night at the Kiri Te Kanawa theatre with another tribute to Dire Straits. What, again?
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11 Jun 2023 // A review by roger.bowie
Come Together came together last night at the Kiri Te Kanawa theatre with another tribute to Dire Straits. What, again?
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The Bravo Uniform Mikes - Gig Review: The Bravo Uniform Mikes @ Valhalla, Wellington - 8/06/2023
11 Jun 2023 // A review by Nicholas Clark
The final night of the BUM Punch Lower North Island tour occurred at Wellington’s infamous Valhalla club. The tour was headed by the Wellington/Manawatu based blues-rock two piece The Bravo Uniform Mikes (or “The Bums” to their fans) and four piece riot grrrl punk band, Cherry Punch, also from Wellington.
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Yann Le Dorré - Single Review: I Love You
09 Jun 2023 // A review by Trevor Faville
I Love You is the second solo release from Yann Le Dorre, formally a mainstay in the Poneke-based ‘gutter folk’ outfit Yolk. I Love You a follows a path described by previous release Missed as clear development from the work Le Dorre has done in Yolk- removed is the extra instrumentation in favour of a baritone voice set in a minimalist musical backing.
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Aanvi S - EP Review: Emotions
09 Jun 2023 // A review by Danica Bryant
At only ten years old, Aanvi S is perhaps New Zealand's youngest up-and-coming pop sensation. Working with Dan Antunovich and Scott Seabright at Auckland's Parachute Studios, her debut EP Emotions is a promising poetic collection, introducing a new voice the younger generation not only needs, but deserves.
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Slimivich - Single Review: Grind
08 Jun 2023 // A review by Peter K Malthus
Slim Jenkins and Morgan Galloway of Slimivich are no newcomers to the NZ heavy music scene, having both previously played with legendary NZ Metal outfit Tainted. However, if you're looking for Tainted's inimitable Death Metal style, you can do that here, because this is something quite different.
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The Knids - Single Review: Doesn't Make It Right
07 Jun 2023 // A review by Nicholas Clark
The Knids latest single offer the same toe-tapping pop rock they are now known for. Doesn’t Make It Right has overtones of The Cars and other 80’s rock-tinged pop, not that it’s an easy thing to pull off!
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Jazz Night at the Aquarium - Album Review: Flush With Junk
06 Jun 2023 // A 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.
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The Adventures Of Mikejoffa - Gig Review: The Adventures of Mikejoffa @ Dead Witch, Auckland - 02/06/2023
05 Jun 2023 // A review by Gideon Voon
Tonight’s programme comprised of Rock and Metals acts, of which has some ways of stretching the boundaries of the genre with some interesting influences.First up was Holy Crime.
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Tohu - Single Review: Tu Mai Te Reo
03 Jun 2023 // A review by Corinne Rutherford
Tohu is a five piece band based in Rotorua Aotearoa New Zealand, bringing over six decades of musical expertise that perpetuates bilingual culture through the power of music. Tu Mai Te Reo is the band's second single telling the story of “holding our language close to us” and “connecting our culture”.
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This Silent Divide - Gig Review: This Silent Divide @ Meow, Wellington - 1/06/2023
02 Jun 2023 // A review by Sharne Molloy-Turpin
Firstly, as a 24-year-old female, It’s important to note, I’m not exactly the predominant demographic for a band such as This Silent Divide. However, that’s the great thing about music, especially rock music, it’s not exclusive.
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Bleeding Star - Album Review: Dropper
02 Jun 2023 // A review by ApolloSteamTrain
Dropper is the debut album from Wellington band - Bleeding Star. Self-described as "Noise Rock" the band have risen from bedroom demos to supporting international touring acts and being voted #1 on Wellingtons Radio Active for their song February.
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Marmalade - Single Review: Bright
01 Jun 2023 // A review by Kris Raven
Bright is the brand new, debut single from Auckland indie pop rock five piece Marmalade. Straight out the gate, it is a song filled with infectious vocal hooks, harmonies, lush guitar melodies' and solos backed by a solid rhythm section.
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Lost Vessels - Single Review: All This Time
01 Jun 2023 // A review by Kev Rowland
I must admit I was not that impressed when I first saw Lost Vessels play at Crushfest, something they later admitted to me was the worst gig of their career, but since then they have improved in leaps and bounds. This has been noticed by others on the Auckland circuit as they are getting more opportunities with better support slots, and I was not at all surprised when they won the Ding Dong Lounge Battle Of The Bands in November last year.
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Samuel Philip Cooper - Album Review: Journey to Sobriety
01 Jun 2023 // A review by Peter-James Dries
Samuel Philip Cooper sits on the brink of social media stardom, with videos of his belting out pop music piano covers from behind a pair of thick spectacles racking up views and likes on Insta. Little do any of the mindless doom scrollers swiping through his reels know, but percolating behind his eye brows is the very key to their very salvation.
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Jazmine Mary - Album Review: Dog
01 Jun 2023 // A review by roger.bowie
Jazmine Mary’s sophomore offering is out today; Friday June 3rd, and it’s called Dog. Why it’s called Dog they are not saying, but there are references to “Houndog” and “Flower Power” in the outro to Seagull, so maybe that explains it or maybe it doesn’t.
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Jeline - Gig Review: Jeline @ Valhalla, Wellington - 31/05/2023
01 Jun 2023 // A review by Danica Bryant
Three exciting upcoming acts are ready to play Wellington's Viking rock bar Valhalla tonight, a student show headlined by Massey student star Jeline. Just after the clock strikes 8, the bar is already packed and waiting to start the party, and this is a line-up ready to deliver.
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01 Jun 2023 // A review by Danica Bryant
Three exciting upcoming acts are ready to play Wellington's Viking rock bar Valhalla tonight, a student show headlined by Massey student star Jeline. Just after the clock strikes 8, the bar is already packed and waiting to start the party, and this is a line-up ready to deliver.
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ARLi - Single Review: KARMA
31 May 2023 // A review by Sharne Molloy-Turpin
The first thought that came into my mind after hearing this song was how it would work so well on the soundtrack of a nostalgic 90's film. It’s relatable and relentlessly resilient, I love it.
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Bad Jelly Collective - Single Review: RUN0UT
30 May 2023 // A review by Callum Wagstaff
The Bad Jelly Collective is made up of Bad Jelly Ben and a few buddies who weave creative forces in their Huia Road Home Studio, nicely tucked away in the Waitakere Ranges.In the live setting, BJB "utilizes his arsenal of pedals, guitar amp & voice to create mood specific textures and colours.
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Mel Parsons - Gig Review: Mel Parsons @ Meow, Wellington - 28/05/2023
30 May 2023 // A review by Cathy Elizabeth
It’s been a good while since I’ve been to a gig at Meow, Wellington, so the first thing I do is weave my way through the growing crowd to get a good look at the size and layout of the stage. It’s nicely raised and fairly spacious, more spacious than I remembered actually!
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The Bravo Uniform Mikes - Gig Review: The Bravo Uniform Mikes w/ Cherry Punch @ Paisley Stage, Napier - 26/05/2023
29 May 2023 // A review by Rob Harbers
In a venture threatening the eardrums of all those who come near, the ever-so-subtly named Bravo Uniform Mikes have paired up with Cherry Punch for the Bum Punch tour across Te-Ika-a Maui. Kicking off at Napier’s coolest little venue (tm), Paisley Stage, this pairing gave a powerful demonstration of the treats in store for those who make the effort to catch them on the remaining dates.
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Coast Arcade - Gig Review: Coast Arcade @ Big Fan, Auckland - 27/05/2023
29 May 2023 // A review by CuillinHearty
Heading into Auckland's freshest venue, Big Fan, there’s an electrifying buzz in the air ahead of a night of celebrating the release of Coast Arcade's debut EP Next to Me. The show is sold out, and it boasts one of the most diverse age ranges I've seen at a concert in a long time.
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Unwanted Subject - Single Review: Sons of Savages
28 May 2023 // A review by Kev Rowland
I have caught Unwanted Subject in concert a few times over the last couple of years, and while they have been getting better each time I have seen them, I must admit that nothing prepared me for this, which right from the off is a monster. I have never heard them quite this is aggressive, nor as polished, and this multi-sectioned single sounds almost like a different band as they have pushed their metal roots to the max in this metalcore beast which sees them mixing and blending different genres to create something quite special.
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Stray Dogs - Gig Review: Stray Dogs @ AUX, Auckland - 26/05/2023
28 May 2023 // A review by Kev Rowland
So it was back to Ding Dong Lounge on a Friday night for one of their infamous Emo nights, which tonight was a three-band bill with Stray Dogs having an extended set, supported by Altaea and then up first we had Blindr, a band new to me. Blindr are a quartet featuring Bill Caldwell (vocals, guitar), Blake Woodfield (lead guitar), Jack Power (bass), and Charlie McCracken (drums).
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Turkey The Bird - Gig Review: Turkey The Bird @ The Ministry of Folk, Auckland - 27/05/2023
27 May 2023 // A review by Kev Rowland
Back up to Auckland Guide Centre in Mount Eden tonight for my second consecutive gig (Sol suggested it was a turkey sandwich as I am at Vader tomorrow) to see Taranaki’s finest, Turkey The Bird at The Ministry of Folk. Before that we of course had Hoop, who are Al Baxter (vocals, guitar, harmonica, banjo, mandolin), Nick Edgar (vocals, guitar, ukulele, flute, harmonica), Emily Allen (violin, viola), Glenn Coldham (bass) while tonight Gary Hunt was filling in for drummer Rusty Knox.
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SLICEDUB - Album Review: Grotesque Coil
27 May 2023 // A review by Steve Shyu
Oskar Simmons Carlsson and James Smith, AKA SLICEDUB. The two-man experimental-electro/dub act hailing from Auckland and Hawkes Bay have brought forth their first major release, entitled Grotesque Coil, released on Auckland label Glass Half Full.
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Yaya and the Snakes - Album Review: The Whole Shebang
26 May 2023 // A review by Peter K Malthus
Yaya and the Snakes first caught my attention back in 2020, when they released the single I Lost My Kumara On The Side Of The Road. Very much my kind of thing, a quintessentially Kiwi tale, a gut-wrenching tale of tuber tragedy.
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Dictaphone Blues - EP Review: Greetings From Glen Eden
26 May 2023 // A review by Peter K Malthus
This was a real treat, to get to listen to and review the latest release from Dictaphone Blues. Greetings From Glen Eden (and if you click on that handy-dandy link right there, you'll be whisked off to a magical portal where you can pay a mere NZ$5 for the entire EP!
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Michèle Ducray - Single Review: Monster
26 May 2023 // A review by Danica Bryant
Michèle Ducray welcomes us to the circus with her haunting new single Monster. Filled with warped carnival beats and eerie vocals, it's a Halloween anthem perfectly tailored for "fans of the peculiar".
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Jessica Leigh - Single Review: Wired
26 May 2023 // A review by Hannah Jane
Jessica Leigh’s new single Wired is a curious mix of upbeat pop and melancholic tones through jaded lyrics; “I’m getting tired, so I’m getting wired”. The lyrics in this track are heavily repetitive in part and given space to breathe in others, whilst carried by a fast moving and ever-changing bed of 80’s inspired music.
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Davidda - Single Review: Bear
25 May 2023 // A review by LouClementine
Davidda’s latest single release is Bear, the third in a successful string of releases. In this track indie-artist Davidda brings together musicians Anna Coddington (guitar and production), Mike Hall (Bass), Caleb Nott (keyboard) and Lips (synth).
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Corrella - Album Review: Road From 26
25 May 2023 // A review by Kerry MB
Auckland 7-piece band, Corrella are back and this time they’ve bought with them their brand new album, Road From 26. The 9 track album is quite simply, a stunner.
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This Silent Divide - Single Review: Beautiful Creature
25 May 2023 // A review by Kev Rowland
Here we have the latest single from Wellington-based melodic hard rock quartet This Silent Divide, entitled Beautiful Creature. I really enjoyed their Tall Stories EP, and they played a great gig at Dead Witch towards the end of last year, and this would have been recorded at about the same time.
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The Flow Collective - Single Review: Final Whistle
25 May 2023 // A review by madeleinehoward
Whanganui based band The Flow Collective launch their latest single Final Whistle today, Friday 26th May. The group released their debut album Flow last year, a collection of compositions by lead vocalist and pianist Elizabeth de Vegt, with lyrics taken from the poems of Airini Beautrais' collection Flow: Whanganui River Poems.
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Underwire - Single Review: Gravity
25 May 2023 // A review by taffynz
I like Underwire. I've been privileged to catch this Wellington-based punk/indie band live a number of times, going back a few years.
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Psycho Gab - Single Review: Messy
25 May 2023 // A review by Danica Bryant
Auckland five-piece Psycho Gab make their mark on the local music scene with their debut single, Messy. Fusing neo-soul and R&B into an engaging, easily consumable number, it's an exciting introduction to the band.
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Impostor Syndrome - Single Review: See Everything
25 May 2023 // A review by Karl Brinsdon
Impostor Syndrome’s latest track, See Everything opens with the lonesome jangle of a twelve-string acoustic guitar, making for an interesting introduction. Such an instrument is more common in genres that don’t have the same edge as your typical alternative rock track, but when the bass and drums kick in after the first phrase suddenly the listener is transported away from acoustic folk to something much grungier.
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Emily Rice - Gig Review: Emily Rice @ Your Local Coffee Roasters, Pukekohe - 24/05/2023
24 May 2023 // A review by Kev Rowland
Earlier this week I had a message from Emily Rice asking me if I lived in South Auckland. When I responded I did, she asked if I would be interested in coming along to an event she was putting on in a coffee shop in Pukekohe to celebrate the release of her new single, Warenoa.
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Torn Chorus - Single/Video Review: Time I Wasn't Here
22 May 2023 // A review by Nicholas Clark
Torn Chorus’ latest single Time I Wasn't Here is a mid-tempo rocker that is a pleasant, country tinged song with a not so hidden meaning. The act is a one man band, Franklin Davis, who plays all the instruments and performs all the vocals capably in a no-nonsense approach.
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Mel Parsons - Gig Review: Mel Parsons @ Galatos, Auckland - 19/05/2023
22 May 2023 // A review by LouClementine
Talking about her career in an interview, Mel Parsons had said she was "grateful for the slow burn." Five albums in, tonight was a chance to hear that hard work distilled, as she moved between the decades of her life through music and shared her experiences of motherhood in her latest single release, Tiny Days.
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Dillastrate - Single Review: I'm Crazy
22 May 2023 // A review by Cathy Elizabeth
Dillastrate, the powerhouse duo from down Christchurch ways, have released another fantastic single that is sure to get you moving and grooving. I’m Crazy dropped at the start of May Music Month and is already making waves and amassing plays, demonstrating that it's been well-received by their fans.
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Sounds Escape - Single Review: Haunted
22 May 2023 // A review by taffynz
Sounds Escape is the project band name of one-man show Logan Wedgwood. The release of the EP Echo Cinema sees Logan releasing the track Haunted as the EP's promo single.
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Drop Off Point - EP Review: Bridge City Crew
21 May 2023 // A review by Kev Rowland
Back in 1991, bassist Jorge 'Hoya Roc' Guerra took over from the legend that is Roger Minet in the Agnostic Front side-project Madball, since when he has been a constant alongside Freddy Cricien. He now has a new claim to fame, providing a shoutout to his favourite Kiwi band at the beginning of this EP.
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Matt Joe Gow & Kerryn Fields - Single Review: Your Heart of Gold
21 May 2023 // A review by Kev Rowland
Here we have a brand-new partnership from two artists who have already made names for themselves performing solo, and although they are both proud Kiwis, they have each won The Music Victoria Awards. Even though Matt Joe Gow only released his latest album a few months ago, this new partnership is already touring the country performing songs from their catalogues as well as new ones they have been writing and recording, of which this is the first.
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Gig Review: The Titans Tour @ 12 Bar, Christchurch - 18/05/2023
21 May 2023 // A review by Peter K Malthus
12 Bar is one of many venues that Christchurch is fortunate to have, proud and passionate supporters of the local music scene. Upon entering its warmth from a slightly damp and cold evening, I found a well-stocked merch table, and had a nice catch up with a familiar face as I treated myself to bit of the selection of home-town heroes, Pieces Of Molly.
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21 May 2023 // A review by Peter K Malthus
12 Bar is one of many venues that Christchurch is fortunate to have, proud and passionate supporters of the local music scene. Upon entering its warmth from a slightly damp and cold evening, I found a well-stocked merch table, and had a nice catch up with a familiar face as I treated myself to bit of the selection of home-town heroes, Pieces Of Molly.
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Allophones - Single Review: Eyeball
21 May 2023 // A review by Liam Davis
Dunedin trio The Allophones are bringing back the Sex Pistols era of punk into a modern society that desperately needs a rebellious spirit.Their newest track Eyeball is a solid presentation with plenty of differing sections - from clean to hard-hitting, head banging riffs and a dynamic range of vocals all densely packed into this 3-and-a-half-minute demonstration.
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Mikey Videotape - Single Review: The Strangest Dream
19 May 2023 // A review by Kev Rowland
Some years back I was asked by AAA Records if I would write the press release for the debut album by a young Auckland-based prog band to which of course I agreed and in due course I was speaking to singer Michael Brown of Outside In about their incredible release, Karmatrain. I have been fortunate enough to see them play a few times since then, while Michael has also been guesting with other people plus also putting videos up on Facebook of him singing covers.
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Coast Arcade - EP Review: Next To Me
19 May 2023 // A review by Sharne Molloy-Turpin
“Let's Go!” I say out loud while I listen to the first verse on Coast Arcade's new EP Next To Me.
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Sam Cullen - Single Review: Forever
19 May 2023 // A review by taffynz
80's! It was a place, not just a time.
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IVY - Single Review: Heartless
19 May 2023 // A review by Trevor Faville
Ivy are easily one of the more sonically ambitious bands that you can hear from Aotearoa New Zealand currently. Heartless is their latest work following on from last year's EP For The Sake of It, where it would not sound at all out of place.
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Cautionary Tales - Single Review: No Funeral Blues
19 May 2023 // A review by Kev Rowland
Cautionary Tales are a multi-international band in that they are mostly based in Berlin, as well as Aotearoa and NYC and feature Will Marshall (vocals, keyboards), Karl Weber (guitar, backing vocals), Martyn Matthews (synthesizers, Rhodes, Hammond), Taylor Mallo (bass) and David Binnie (drums), with contributions from Kyle Hussa-Lietz (guitars). They describe themselves as an art rock collective, and to me that is a fair description although in many ways they are more in the krautrock mode for the music, with Tangerine Dream being an obvious point of reference, although there are also some elements of Floyd.
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Barry Saunders - Barry Saunders & Adam Hattaway - Single Review: Keep On
19 May 2023 // A review by roger.bowie
Keep On is the title track of a Warratahs album released in 2006 (don’t mind that Spotty-fi has it as 2020). An almost lost song, as was the album, but a classic Barry Saunders story centred around someone, could be an acrobat, somewhere, where they don’t want to be, meeting a woman who shakes stars from her hair, dreaming in the morning, drinking in the afternoon, realising that love is the only thing missing, and therefore it must be plain sailing from here, just keep on, keep on, keep on.
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Will Luhrs - Single Review: Our Masquerade
19 May 2023 // A review by Catherine Bullock
With soulful influences, Christchurch-based Will Luhrs and Just Monet have released Our Masquerade, a mellow ballad featuring some fantastic saxophone lines from Just Monet. Our Masquerade is reminiscent of old-school jazz ballads, speaking on being true to yourself and giving yourself time to grow.
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Retro Valley - Single Review: Backseat Lovers
19 May 2023 // A review by Paul Goddard
Right from the opening bars of Backseat Lovers by Hamilton-based Retro Valley it is clear that this song is pure class.This 3-minute tune is a next-level lesson in how to create, perform and produce a pop/indie classic.
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Murmur Tooth - Murmur Tooth and Lars Moston - Album Review: No Time To Explain
19 May 2023 // A review by Paul Goddard
Collaborations can work. Sometimes they do most of the time they don't.
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Adam McGrath - Gig Review: Adam McGrath @ The Tuning Fork, Auckland - 18/05/2023
18 May 2023 // A review by Kev Rowland
When I first saw Adam McGrath play with his band The Eastern I came away incredibly impressed, the same again when I saw him solo, and then when I heard his amazing album Good Companions I knew I just had to see him again. It has taken until tonight for the stars to align, but here I am back at Tuning Fork, waiting for the man himself to come onto the stage.
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Boom! Boom! Deluxe! - Single/Video Review: Leopard Print
16 May 2023 // A review by Peter K Malthus
Sassy, saucy, spunky, style, spark, and swagger. My mind filled with all of those "S" words upon watching and listening to Leopard Print, the new single/video from Boom!
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James Kohler - Single Review: Rhea
15 May 2023 // A review by Peter K Malthus
Rhea is the latest single from Auckland-based James Kohler, a seasoned practitioner of "prog-pop/indie psychedelia". Rhea tells the story of the eponymous protagonist's life working in a department store, but it isn't an especially positive story.
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Just Another June - EP Review: Growing Up
15 May 2023 // A 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”.
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ISLA - Single Review: Overthinking
15 May 2023 // A review by Liam Davis
In the uncertainty of the world around us; Isla brings us serenity.The voice, the gentle strumming guitar, and calming hum of the bass feels peaceful but also bittersweet.
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Bleeders - Gig Review: Bleeders @ Galatos, Auckland - 12/05/2023
15 May 2023 // A review by Kev Rowland
Back down to Galatos on a Friday evening for a very special night indeed: Bleeders are celebrating the 20th anniversary of A Bleeding Heart and they have been touring the country to sell-out crowds. I saw them at the same venue last year with Antagonist A.
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Geoff Ong - Single Review: Waiting On What To Say
14 May 2023 // A review by Corinne Rutherford
Geoff Ong, a pop artist from Aotearoa has just released a new sparkly upbeat track Waiting On What To Say. Written during a prolonged bout of social anxiety, Ong uses his songwriting as a tool to work through these feelings delivering a fresh upbeat electronic pop track with a message.
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Sofia Machray - Single Review: Petals In The Rain
14 May 2023 // A review by Corinne Rutherford
Arrowtown-born, Wellington-based Indie Dream-Pop Fantasizer Sofia Machray recently released her new single Petals In The Rain. Staking her claim in New Zealand's alternative indie scene alongside her 3-piece support band (topping alternative charts in 2020), Machray's strong vocals and lofty melodies provides the listener with a Florence And The Machine vibe.
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Devilskin - Gig Review: Devilskin @ Ngaio Marsh Theatre, Christchurch - 12/05/2023
14 May 2023 // A review by Peter K Malthus
Devilskin have an excellent reputation as not only one of New Zealand's hardest working bands, but also as genuinely lovely people. I will second that reputation, adamantly.
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Saharaa - Single Review: Never Leave
12 May 2023 // A review by LouClementine
Solo-act Saharaa has released her debut single Never Leave. The song was written by Saharaa and produced by Will Henderson (CHAII, Niko Walters and Abby Christo).
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Mazbou Q - SURVIVR6 - EP Review: Metahuman
11 May 2023 // A review by Ben Ruegg
This latest EP release, Metahuman, immerses listeners in a captivating cinematic journey from its very first note. With an infusion of sounds and concepts reminiscent of high-budget modern action films, the EP exudes an undeniable sense of intensity and potency that is instantly evident on the opening track, BBDO.
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No Broadcast - Album Review: The Common Thread
11 May 2023 // A review by roger.bowie
No Broadcast started out in the noughties and started releasing their music in 2011, when commonly regarded as a three piece. Two EPs and three albums later the band has evolved into a musical collective which is predominantly the vehicle for musician and vocalist Josh Braden’s eclectic soundscape experimentation.
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Valley Kids - Single Review: Otherside
10 May 2023 // A review by Trevor Faville
Poneke based Valley Kids have been drawing a career arc that continues upward from their first release in 2020, and with the support of NZ On Air the four piece have released their third single Otherside. Right from the opening guitar refrain, it's clear what an experienced and cohesive unit this is.
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Raw Collective - Single Review: Simple Times
09 May 2023 // A review by Peter-James Dries
I’m not here to list off Raw Collective’s pedigree. Where they come from, where they’ve been, where they are, and where they’re going.
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Kaylee Bell - Gig Review: Kaylee Bell @ James Hay Theatre, Christchurch - 7/05/2023
09 May 2023 // A review by Peter K Malthus
I had a fantastic seat for this show, smack bang in the middle and a few rows back from the front. Absolutely perfect spot for viewing and listening.
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Job Site - EP Review: Job Site
09 May 2023 // A review by Callum Wagstaff
Job Site is a band of great cultural significance formed one weekend in the Waikato with the power of a box of Waikato. They play terrible (their words, not mine) high-energy garage rock.
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Bleeders - Gig Review: Bleeders @ The Embankment Tavern, Christchurch - 6/05/2023
09 May 2023 // A review by Peter K Malthus
I'm glad I arrived as early as I did, to secure a good spot to plonk myself to watch the show, as the place filled up pretty fast. The Embankment Tavern's owner, Martin Mantell, is a huge fan and staunch supporter of live music, and kudos are due to him for developing The Embankment into such a popular venue, hosting some fantastic shows.
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Matt Joe Gow & Kerryn Fields - Gig Review: Matt Joe Gow & Kerryn Fields @ Pah Homestead, Auckland - 7/05/2023
09 May 2023 // A review by Kev Rowland
Back to Pah Homestead for the second time this year, but for an indoor gig this time to catch Matt Joe Gow on his latest tour. The first time I saw Matt was in the same venue a few years ago, but tonight he was not performing solo but as part of a duo with Kerryn Fields.
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Loveta - Single Review: Take It Slow
08 May 2023 // A review by Cathy Elizabeth
Christchurch artist Loveta releases her first single for 2023 with the heart-wrenching rock ballad Take It Slow. The opening bars allow the listener to really immerse in the fullness of Loveta’s beautiful voice, with just the guitar for accompaniment, producing what I find to be a really quite distinctly kiwi sound.
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Rita Mae - Gig Review: Rita Mae @ Whammy, Auckland - 5/05/2023
08 May 2023 // A review by CuillinHearty
Fresh off her two shows with the legendary Broods, Rita Mae caused a stir at the iconic Whammy Bar in Auckland on Friday night, as she threw her release party for her debut EP Superfeeling. The atmosphere was electric, with excitement in the air as family, friends, and fans eagerly awaited her performance.
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1 Drop Nation - Single Review: I'm Home
08 May 2023 // A review by River Tucker
When it comes to reggae music 1 Drop Nation's latest single, I'm Home, hits all the right notes. Soulful melodies, tight rhythms, and on-point vocals impart a feel-good vibe that will get you chilling or up and dancing, whatever mood you're in.
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Raymond Sunshine - Single Review: Over and Over
08 May 2023 // A review by Kris Raven
This will be the first time I’ve heard Raymond Sunshine, their new track Over and Over came out very recently and it’s a fun 3.5 min banger with relatable life lyrics, tasty musicianship, funky artwork and a well refined sound.
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Napoleon Baby - Single Review: (Jessica) To Barcelona
07 May 2023 // A review by Kerry MB
Napoleon Baby is a one man musician creating timeless but solid art in the form of their debut single, (Jessica) To Barcelona from their forthcoming debut album. Upon first listen, there are a few things this single remind me of personally; The Doors meet The Beatles with a generous helping of The Beach Boys.
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Justin Sane - Single Review: Justin Sane & Huz - Our Way
07 May 2023 // A review by Corinne Rutherford
Auckland based electronic music duo veteran DJ Justin Sane (ex-UK) and fellow singer/songwriter Huz have recently released their latest single Our Way, creating a clean irresistible beat while showcasing the powerful harmonious vocals of Huz. Expertly mixed, the pair have created yet another banger which could easily transcend from clubs to airwaves.
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Bad Llamas - Single Review: Can't Take You Anywhere
05 May 2023 // A review by Peter K Malthus
Bad Llamas are based in my hometown of Christchurch, so I have encountered their name before, however this was my first time listening to their self-described "Indie/Pop/Rock" sound.As Can't Take You Anywhere opens, it would be easy to be fooled into thinking this will unfold into a sweetly pretty pop song, and stay around about there.
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Ekko Park - Single Review: Outrun The Rain
05 May 2023 // A review by Kev Rowland
I first saw Ekko Park many years ago, but in the last year or so I have managed to see them a few times, and my only question to myself is why have I not been following them around? Drummer Nick Douch has a solid style, and he understand the importance of not playing, as much as playing (the introduction only has a kick drum), which is a rare skill.
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Powder Chutes - Single Review: Moths to the Flame
05 May 2023 // A review by Kris Raven
Wanaka’s Powder Chutes are hitting hard into 2023 with the release of their new single Moths to the Flame. Coming off the back of 2022 EP Sweet Noise Pollution as well as some impressive live shows, the power house four piece are back with a big track of anthemic rock.
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Phoebe Vic - EP Review: Strange Rituals
05 May 2023 // A review by madeleinehoward
Otautahi pop artist Phoebe Vic launches her EP Strange Rituals today, 5th May. The follow up project to her 2015 EP Hunter, Strange Rituals sees Phoebe Vic come into her own with a quartet of highly polished electro pop tunes.
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Jazmine Mary - Single Review: Wet Mouth
05 May 2023 // A review by Kev Rowland
I have been fortunate enough to see Jazmine Mary play twice, and if one wonders what their musical style is like then it would not be too far into left field to say combine the artists I have seen them open for, namely French For Rabbits and Reb Fountain. They capture the dream state of both, taking the influences of Reb even further into folk noir territory with a melancholy and style all their own.
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Drop Off Point - Single Review: People Die Feat. Wisdom In Chains
04 May 2023 // A review by Kev Rowland
Hamilton-based hardcore crew Drop Off Point have been making quite a name for themselves recently, playing with the likes of Comeback Kid, Evergreen Terrace, Bleeders and Antagonist A.D.
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These Four Walls - Single Review: Carousel
04 May 2023 // A review by Steve Shyu
Aotearoa-born and Queensland-based rockers These Four Walls’ mission is well and truly on the move. That mission is to further evolve from their previous LP This is Not a Future, from 2020.
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October Sewn - Single Review: Too Close For Comfort
04 May 2023 // A review by Corinne Rutherford
October Sewn from Auckland is the stage name for singer/songwriter and producer Kristyan Kolarski. Born in Bulgaria and raised in New Zealand.
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Magnalith - EP Review: Oblivion
04 May 2023 // A review by Liam Davis
Every so often, a musical effort comes along that reinvents the wheel- Magnalith, I believe - has done that. Oblivion is a beautiful cacophony of aggression and melancholy.
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Husband Material - Single Review: Raindrop
04 May 2023 // A review by Kev Rowland
Auckland jazz trio Husband Material have their debut album coming out later this year, and prior to that they have released the single Raindrop to give us a taste of what is to come. Although the three of them all play multiple instruments, this sounds very much like a live recording with minor overdubs, which does somewhat restrict that aspect, so we have Ayden Geerligs (bass) Levi de Lisle (drums) and Noah Chitty (vocals, piano, keyboards).
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Dilz - Single Review: Mentality
03 May 2023 // A review by Ben Ruegg
Dilz' latest track, Mentality, is a focused and polished work that showcases his unwavering dedication to his craft. The song's beat slowly develops, creating a sense of determination that is further reinforced by the lyrics, "Wake up in morning with a hustler mentality," in the first chorus.
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Orangefarm - Single Review: Inheritance
03 May 2023 // A review by Kev Rowland
Inheritance is the second single from Orangefarm's forthcoming album of the same name, where frontman Nigel Mitchell was convinced by old friend and producer Rob Mayes to get back in the studio and undertake everything a little more seriously. Mitchell has been recording under this name for more than twenty years, and here we have him accompanying himself on a descending guitar pattern, with former bassist Celia McAlpine joining on parts of the song , also providing some harmonies to turn it into more of a duet.
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tei. - Single Review: Primal
02 May 2023 // A review by madeleinehoward
Tamaki Makaurau alternative RnB artist tei. released her new single Primal on the 21st of April.
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Neive Strang Music - Gig Review: Neive Strang @ Whammy Backroom, Auckland - 29/04/2023
02 May 2023 // A review by LouClementine
Neive Strang recently brought her Living in Two Aotearoa tour to Tamaki Makarau, Auckland. She delivered a set that felt full of certainty, with her blues, folk and rock songs.
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Tom Knowles - Single/Video Review: My People
01 May 2023 // A review by Kev Rowland
It does not take very much to recognise one of Tom Knowles’ main inspirations, as this has the stamp of Troy Kingi all over it, although one must say this is delivered with a much broader sense of humour. It is interesting to hear just how light-hearted this is, as the chorus has “My People Once Were Warriors”, a reference to what is widely regarded as the finest New Zealand film ever made, a violent and incredibly disturbing movie which included Cliff Curtis amongst its cast.
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Rehaab - Single/Video Review: Twisted Fool
01 May 2023 // A review by Peter K Malthus
Rehaab will tell you that they're a "Stoner funk psychedelic blues rock eight-armed animal" of a band, and I see no reason to disagree. In fact, having checked out the video to new single Twisted Fool, I'd have to say that's a pretty accurate description A darkly suggestive little riff from guitarist Mutt kicks things into gear, with the engine room of drummer Grant and bassist Larry not far behind, laying down a superbly solid, stonkin' blues rock groove.
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Devilskin - Gig Review: Devilskin @ The Royal, Palmerston North - 28/04/2023
30 Apr 2023 // A review by River Tucker
It was well worth getting in early to catch Devilskin’s exclusive VIP performance at The Royal in Palmerston North last Friday night. Following on from a successful show at Homegrown, Devilskin has embarked on their much-anticipated nationwide Let Me Breathe tour, brought to you by The Rock, after a short hiatus that, if anything, has made their current shows all the more sweet.
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Crooked Royals - Gig Review: Crooked Royals @ Whammy Bar, Auckland - 29/04/2023
30 Apr 2023 // A review by Kev Rowland
Back to Whammy Bar for the first time in ages for what was a sell-out gig. Crooked Royals were back in town, having opened the tour last night at Valhalla in Wellington.
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Rehaab - Single Review: Fat Boy (State Highway Queen)
30 Apr 2023 // A review by Kev Rowland
That is not a typo above, as the band’s name actually is Rehaab, taken from what was referred to as the traditional Blues "AAB" format, and they feel they combine Blues Rock, Blues, Stoner Blues, Funk, Rock Ballads, Psychedelic and Classic Rock, so pretty much what I grew up on then. If you were a teenager in the Seventies then blues rock was the basis of much you listened to, and when I hear music like this it always makes me feel at home.
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Ravenhall - Album Review: Live at Brebs
30 Apr 2023 // A review by Kev Rowland
Guitarist Joe Ravenhall and singer Chris Brebner formed Ravenhall back in 2015, writing more than 100 songs together before recruiting drummer Damian Hilt and bassist Alan Treanor to fill out their sound. I was a big fan of their The Coming Storm EP from 2021, so I was keen to hear the new album to see what had been happening in the intervening time, and although I had no idea quite what to expect I am sure it was not this!
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Moses Mackay - Album Review: Grace
30 Apr 2023 // A review by Corinne Rutherford
The rich velvety vocals of Moses Mackay are well known as a member of New Zealand's highest selling classical trio Sol3 Mio. Eventually branching out to create his original debut album Grace, Mackay delivers ten superb soulful tracks with influences by classical, orchestral and cinematic genres.
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Dead Favours - Gig Review: Dead Favours @ Meow, Wellington - 27/04/2023
30 Apr 2023 // A review by Nicholas Clark
Meow was humming on Thursday night as the locals awaited two Auckland bands and a Wellingtonian act to entertain them. Rock and roll legends Dead Favours, on tour for their second six-track EP Riffing and Yelling Part 2 (or the second part of their second album if you want to think about it that way) were headlining, bringing with them pop-punks Ekko Park.
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Crooked Royals - Gig Review: Crooked Royals @ Valhalla, Wellington - 28/04/2023
30 Apr 2023 // A review by Nicholas Clark
Valhalla was surely over their capacity on Friday night when Auckland metalcore juggernauts Crooked Royals headlined a very quickly sold out show. It was standing room only within the small club, but there was a palpable, even friendly excitement in the cramped conditions.
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The Exponents - Gig Review: The Exponents @ Auckland Town Hall, Auckland - 28/04/2023
28 Apr 2023 // A review by Kev Rowland
Just over 40 years ago, singer Jordan Luck and guitarist Brian Jones decided the future was no longer in Timaru with their band Basement, and along with their bass-playing mate Steve Cowan relocated to Christchurch. It was here they came across drummer Michael 'Harry' Harallambi and bassist David Gent and they were such a good fit that Steve decided to switch to keyboards and guitar, and The Dance Exponents were born.
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Stretch - Gig Review: Stretch @ Common Room, Hastings - 27/04/2022
28 Apr 2023 // A review by Rob Harbers
In honour of his turangawaewae, Stretch is playing 3 nights running across the battered, but resolute, province of Hawkes Bay, from Napier in the north to the very southern tip, his original hometown of Dannevirke. This set of shows carries the moniker of 'My Heart, My Home' - a reflection of their ethos, which is to seek to bring a small degree of healing to this traumatised area.
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Rebecca Rice - Single Review: Dear Best Friend
27 Apr 2023 // A review by Danica Bryant
Armed with a ukulele and her singer-songwriter charms, Rebecca Rice is out to celebrate friendship on her debut single Dear Best Friend. The West Auckland artist has been quietly making music for over ten years, but we can only now finally welcome her into the world of official public releases.
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Holloway - Single Review: Crush
27 Apr 2023 // A review by Kev Rowland
I first came across the live monster which is Holloway at CrushFest last year at Tuning Fork when Lou Valentine (vocals, guitar), Max Long (guitar) and Taylor Criscuola (drums) ended the night. Since then, they have been making the trek north to Auckland fairly regularly as these Wellington lads are very much in demand up here, and deservedly so.
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Sylvee - EP Review: Downpour
27 Apr 2023 // A review by Danica Bryant
Nelson creator Sylvee's sophomore EP Downpour is a shimmering study of the artist behind each hook. A thematic exploration of the phrase "sink or swim", it's a dark pop extravaganza amongst the country's absolute best.
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Tiny Ruins - Album Review: Ceremony
27 Apr 2023 // A review by roger.bowie
Covid is still all around, but the alienation and dysfunction has gone, yet here we are, still salvaging the experiences of just before and during the world of hidden people and silent things. We’ve just experienced the hero’s journey of Finn Andrews as he comes out of the void to find love, and now we are simply blessed by the pain in the lyrics of the songs which Hollie Fullbrook started writing four years ago and longer and now find catharsis in the music of Tiny Ruins.
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Anderson Rocio - Single Review: You, The Sea and I
26 Apr 2023 // A review by Kev Rowland
One never knows what quite to expect from Anderson Rocio, as she keeps changing her style, so while one can always be guaranteed a wonderful vocal performance and nice melodies, how will they be presented? I have seen her perform sitting at a grand piano accompanying herself, while her last EP was far more rock based, and now here we find her on another journey.
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Viices - Single Review: Sandcastle
26 Apr 2023 // A review by Steve Shyu
Today is the day Viices’s new song Sandcastle comes out! The band’s name has been around the live music circuits of Aotearoa for about eight years, under varying iterations of personnel, but the heart and soul of Viices remained.
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Dead Favours - Gig Review: Dead Favours @ Loons, Lyttelton - 21/04/2023
25 Apr 2023 // A review by Peter K Malthus
This gig marked my first visit to The Loons, a venue in Lyttelton, Christchurch with an almost nostalgic NZ school/church/rural town hall type vibe, in an excellent way. It looks to have quite a decent capacity, and it's a shame that more of that capacity wasn't occupied with punters tonight, to witness the onslaught of quality rock & roll that was served up.
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Ben Horlock - Single Review: This Ain't The End
24 Apr 2023 // A review by Danica Bryant
At only nineteen years old, Dunedin up-and-comer Ben Horlock has plenty to say about the world on his fresh release This Ain't The End. Recorded at Parachute Studios, it's a gripping track blending elements of pop, indie, trap and folk into one striking commercial concoction.
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The RVMES - Single Review: Say Something
23 Apr 2023 // A review by Corinne Rutherford
Auckland based four piece The RVMES (pronounced Rooms, a mix of rum and tunes incorporating a cheeky V where the U should be), have just released their latest single Say Something. The genre defying band which produces a “musical stir fry” of ever changing sound has delivered a reggae/jazz inspired track that captures the essence of a warm summer evening.
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End Boss - Gig Review: End Boss @ Darkroom, Christchurch - 22/04/2023
22 Apr 2023 // A review by Kev Rowland
Tonight, I was supposed to be at Whammy Bar in Auckland, but that gig fell through, which led to me having a conversation with my wife which resulted in my flying home for the weekend so we could see End Boss together. Sara’s views on music and mine are pretty much diametrically opposed, but the lead singer of the Wellington band is the sister of one of her best mates, which meant that after more than 30 years together this would be the first time she had ever attended a metal gig.
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Zephyr Love - Album Review: Homage
21 Apr 2023 // A review by roger.bowie
If you like your rock retro, California retro with more than a hint of Boston, you’ll like the debut album from Chris McCollum under the moniker Zephyr Love, which is out now and will be featured live at the Anthology Lounge this Saturday night. The album is called Homage and it certainly is.
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Mark Mclachlan - Single Review: All Your Dreams
20 Apr 2023 // A review by Liam Davis
The multi-talented Taranaki soloist Mark Mclachlan is inviting us into his world of rock-driven funky blues with his new release All Your Dreams; a feel-good, chill anthem showcasing his guitar prowess and ability to string together satisfying melodies and “stank face” inducing solos. The mix is crisp, layers add depth and texture and the instrumentation is admirable.
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Borderline - Single Review: Going Home (Bitter)
20 Apr 2023 // A review by Kev Rowland
Here we have the latest single from teen alt pop indie band Borderline, and I can hear from this as to why they have been making such an impression on the scene. They have just completed a quick four date jaunt to promote this, but are playing again soon in their home city of Auckland, and it will certainly be interesting to compare their live sound with what I am currently listening to as this has been very heavily layered and produced indeed, and I am sure they are somewhat rockier and abrasive at gigs.
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The Boondocks - Single Review: Alone
20 Apr 2023 // A review by Kev Rowland
Here we have the debut single from The Boondocks, a young rock duo I have caught live a few times over the last six months or so and who made it through to the final of the Ding Dong Lounge Battle of the Bands towards the end of last year. Comprising Scott Parker (bass, vocals) and Brandon Pritchard (drums), they have an unusual approach in that Scott puts his bass through a pedal board which allows himself to create a thick guitar sound when he wishes, so they often sound more like a trio than a duo, crunching the riffs, but also mixing it up so that we get different layers of sound, quite different to many of the other duos on the circuit as he is playing a bass and coming to a guitar sound from that level, as opposed to playing guitar directly.
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Damien Binder - Album Review: Bright Side
20 Apr 2023 // A review by roger.bowie
Damien Binder’s new album Bright Side has been toiling away in the background for nearly three weeks now, trying to connect. There’s something vaguely familiar about the sound and about that voice and the name also rings a bell louder than the natural conclusion that it’s just a good rock n roll name.
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Grant Haua - Gig Review: Grant Haua @ Auckland Blues Music Club, Auckland - 19/04/2023
19 Apr 2023 // A review by Kev Rowland
Tonight was my first trip to ABMC, which takes place every two weeks at Harlequin Bar & Function Rooms in Pt Chevalier. At their jam nights people are invited to come up and play, but they also have guest musicians and tonight Grant Haua was in Auckland so I knew this was one I could not miss (even though it was the second school night in a row).
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Soft Plastics - Album Review: Saturn Return
19 Apr 2023 // A review by LouClementine
Are Soft Plastics contemporary myth makers? Yes.
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Thousand Limbs - Single Review: A Boundless Heart
19 Apr 2023 // A 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.
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Villainy - Gig Review: Villainy @ Trust Stadium, Auckland - 18/04/2023
18 Apr 2023 // A review by Kev Rowland
So, a school night found me making my way out to Trusts for the first time in many years – in fact, I think the last time I was here was when Slipknot played, supported by Machine Head. Tonight, we were seeing Papa Roach and The Used, who originally were not supposed to be playing in NZ at all, but there was such a clamour from fans wanting to see the tour which was only organized for Aus that in the end the bands arranged their own one-night-only gig in Auckland.
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Rust NZ - Single Review: Connection
18 Apr 2023 // A review by Peter K Malthus
OK, full disclosure: I stuck my hand up for this review, because I know Kyle Hawkes (vocals) personally. I jammed with Kyle a few years ago, when he was still finding his feet as a vocalist.
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Vana - Single Review: Crawling
17 Apr 2023 // A review by Sharne Molloy-Turpin
We creep into the mind of Vana with a new bewitching single entitled Crawling, that tells the truth about seeing life through rose-coloured glasses. With two years in the making, this single highlights a personal, emotional experience.
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Darklight Corporation - Single Review: Monogod
16 Apr 2023 // A review by Steve Shyu
“Holy riff, Darklight Corporation are back??” were the first words I uttered aloud when this new single metaphorically landed in my lap.
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Superturtle - Single Review: Robert De Niro
14 Apr 2023 // A review by Peter K Malthus
The latest release from Auckland's Superturtle is a darkly pretty post-punk gem, an absolute banger. Robert De Niro comes hot on the heels of Right The Wrong, released earlier in 2023.
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Achilles Complex - EP Review: Brand New World
13 Apr 2023 // A review by Kris Raven
Achilles Complex has just released their debut EP Brand New World and for those familiar with the bands previous work and live shows, they have certainly delivered on a brand new world of music. Incorporating synth wave and its sub genres with their progressive rock/metal sound, along with an entire conceptual storyline, lyrically and musically, they deliver a complex work for our ears.
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Rocket Berry - Single Review: Caught Up In The Fiction
13 Apr 2023 // A review by Danica Bryant
With the comforting click of a tape, Wellington act Rocket Berry's brand-new single Caught Up In The Fiction bursts into action. It's a glittering synth-folk track quite unlike anything else on the current market.
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Somebody Do Something - Album Review: As Rome Burns
13 Apr 2023 // A review by Kev Rowland
Here we have the debut album A Rome Burns from Otautahi/Christchurch based six-piece Somebody Do Something, who describe their music as pop-funk-dance with some influences of reggae, rock and jazz, except they somewhat understate this. Comprising of Grace Stainthorpe (violin and backing vocals), Ash Perry (drums), Marlee Fay (vocals), Austyn Mills (bass and backing vocals), Wilson Reveley (saxophone), and Callum Margetts (guitar and backing vocals), we have a band who are creating a true melting pot of genre-bending music which changes as they work through the different songs on the album.
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Eliezer - Album Review: Kingdom Come
13 Apr 2023 // A review by Ben Ruegg
Eliezer is a rising artist in the hip-hop scene, and his latest album Kingdom Come showcases his undeniable talent and passion for music. Produced in collaboration with Ten.
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Lizzy Kula - Single Review: I Dreamt About You
12 Apr 2023 // A review by Sharne Molloy-Turpin
Lizzy Kula shares a hypnotic new pop song that welcomes us to dance and possibly cry. Entitled I Dreamt About You, it’s a fresh debut for her but you couldn’t tell because she has utilised the structure of a good classic pop song.
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Sea Mouse - Single Review: Gearbox
12 Apr 2023 // A review by Kris Raven
Wellington's Sea Mouse are back with a ferocious new single Gearbox, taking things up several notches with an all-out rock and roll party banger, sure to get the adrenaline pumping on the mosh floor. Led by charismatic frontman and guitarist Seamus Johnson, this song is backed by the finely polished rhythm machine of bassist Scott Maynard and drummer Thomas Friggens.
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David Sutton - Album Review: Cat Food
11 Apr 2023 // A review by Peter K Malthus
I'd not heard any of David Sutton's previous releases, before being given this one to review. Which is surprising, given the impressive number of albums released, Cat Food being number ten.
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InDuna - Single/Video Review: Dreams
08 Apr 2023 // A review by Nicholas Clark
Ink and Gold: An Artist’s Journey to Olympic Glory is a documentary about New Zealand artist and athlete, Zakea Page, winning the Lausanne 2020 Youth Olympic Games medal design competition. It’s an engaging short film to say the least, with a message about persevering despite the odds and celebrating the intersection of passions, in this case, sport and art.
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Mini Simmons - Album Review: Make Up
05 Apr 2023 // A review by Corinne Rutherford
I knew I was in for a treat when Auckland based blues rock band Mini Simmons came into my orbit. The band with a moody 70's vibe have recently released their latest album Make Up.
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Splendid - Single Review: Perspective
05 Apr 2023 // A review by Cathy Elizabeth
Brodie MacDonald of Splendid perfectly nails the indie vocal sound on her new single Perspective. The production is sweet, spacious, and snappy, and there is a real maturity to the track.
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The Bob Lazar Story - EP Review: The Bob Lazarus Chronicles Pt 1: Foodstool Resurrection
05 Apr 2023 // A review by Kev Rowland
All one really needs to know about Matt Deacon, is that he describes himself as a “purveyor of tritonal wankery” while he also has a somewhat unhealthy fascination with footstools and coffee cups (for example, the cover of Baritonia is the stain left by the coffee cup on Self Loathing Joe). This album title is of course a homage to 2014’s excellent Ghost of Foodstool, and finds Matt pursuing a musical course which is both related to, and quite different, from what he has previously been doing.
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WILDA - Single Review: Going Wild
05 Apr 2023 // A review by Kev Rowland
It was some time ago when I saw Mema Wilda play a gig at The Tuning Fork, where she accompanied herself on an acoustic and was joined by just one other musician. I thoroughly enjoyed what I heard, and then the next time I heard her was when she performed on the single Where We’ll Go with Sam Bartells, but that was nearly two years ago and somehow I have missed seeing her since then.
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Coridian - Coridian @ Tuning Fork, Auckland - 01/04/2023
05 Apr 2023 // A review by Steve Shyu
How could I miss this? Some of my personal favourite alt-rock acts in Tamaki Makaurau, at one of the best live venues in town.
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Ella Pollett - Single Review: When I'm Gone
04 Apr 2023 // A review by Kev Rowland
Ella Pollett is a young (17) singer/songwriter from Hawke’s Bay who has already seen some success with Smokefree Rockquest, and will soon be playing her biggest gig to date when she opens for Rod Stewart at the Mission concert. This is her third single, following on from 2021’s Hold On, which like When I’m Gone assisted Ella in winning her section in the regional heats of SFRQ.
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Corrella - Single Review: Little Circles
04 Apr 2023 // A review by Kerry MB
Corrella are a 7-piece roots reggae band, formed in 2017 and hailing from Auckland’s North Shore, and named after Corrella Road in Belmont. Having released their debut single, Summertime in Aotearoa back in 2020, their debut EP soon followed in 2021, with three of those tracks making in onto the NZ Music Charts - an impressive feat for any rising band.
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YAHYAH - Single/Video Review: Go
03 Apr 2023 // A review by Gaby Ivanov-Giraldo
Up and coming artist YAHYAH released her new single and video Go with nearly 7,000 streams on Spotify so far! She’s an electro-pop goddess from Aotearoa, hoping to make her entry to the big world of music.
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Tomahawk Radio - Single Review: Missiles
03 Apr 2023 // A review by Karl Brinsdon
Dunedin band, Tomahawk Radio’s latest single Missiles is the first release off their upcoming album. Reading the bands incredible and inspiring story makes me feel really quite lucky that we get to hear this music.
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Estère - Gig Review: Estère @ Meow, Wellington - 01/04/2023
03 Apr 2023 // A review by Danica Bryant
It’s tough to get Wellingtonians out of their house lately, given the region’s recent brutal cold spell. Yet it speaks to Estère’s power that music lovers came out in vast numbers to see the local legend take the stage at Meow on this busy Saturday night.
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Kazia - Single Review: Seven Foot Wall
02 Apr 2023 // A review by Kev Rowland
Earlier this year I caught up with Kazia for the first time, a band which comprises people who are all involved in other outfits, so we have singer Phoebe Walsh (Brown Sugar Factory), drummer Oliver Prendergast (Strangely Arousing), bassist/flautist Michael Anderson (The Vibes) and keyboard player Michael Ligani (Big Tasty). Musically this is a group who are heavily into soul, jazz, pop and groove, and having seen both Strangely Arousing and Big Tasty in concert I can see how well those bands align with this one.
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The Veils - Gig Review: The Veils @ The Powerstation, Auckland - 1/04/2023
02 Apr 2023 // A review by roger.bowie
The much-anticipated album release tour by The Veils finished in Auckland last night at the Powerstation. And Out of the Void Came Love is an epic offering of songs which see Finn Andrews oscillate between his solo self and his bandleader self as he completes the transition in his life from incessant touring and writing and fronting his English and London based band to a quieter life back home in New Zealand with new found family bliss and the chance to breathe and live, despite the frustrations of the last few Covid years.
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The Loving Arms - Album Review: Dreaming Over You
01 Apr 2023 // A review by roger.bowie
Auckland quintet The Loving Arms have released their debut album, Dreaming Over You, just a few weeks ago, after a two-year journey made longer by the conviction that better music comes from having other people in the room. Not for these guys the convenience of recording in isolation.
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Dead Empire - Single Review: Buckley
30 Mar 2023 // A review by Kris Raven
Mount Maunganui’s Dead Empire have been creating waves throughout the Aotearoa music scene recently, their name has been coming up on my radar via various shows throughout the North Island. The feedback I have heard from musicians and fans alike about their solid live performance and vibe with comparisons to the likes of bands like Tool have left me very intrigued.
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Dead Favours - Album Review: Riffing & Yelling Part 2
30 Mar 2023 // A review by Steve Shyu
One can only imagine what New Zealand’s alt-rock royalty Dead Favours have experienced over the past 18-plus months crafting their new EP, enduring release delays whilst juggling life and working, on top of navigating the weirdness of the past few years. (Come to think, I CAN imagine since my band has been through the same thing BUT this isn’t about me, haha) For those not in the know, this four-piece from Tamaki Makaurau Auckland consists of guitar player and frontman Jared Wrennall, drummer Charlie Smith, guitarist Kyle Wetton, and Alex Elvis on bass guitar.
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Curlys Jewels - Single Review: Changes
30 Mar 2023 // A review by Kev Rowland
This is not a cover of the well-known Black Sabbath number, but instead it is a song written by the band with lyrics by singer Jel; about a close friend losing her partner to cancer, and with the inspiration for the lyrics coming from her memoirs. The rest of the band are Aaron Ludlow (guitar), Andy van der Heyden (bass) and Corey Bell (drums), and over the last ten years Curlys Jewels have built a deserved reputation as one of our most melodic and powerful rock bands and that is yet again what we have here.
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Carb On Carb - Single Review: Grounded
30 Mar 2023 // A 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.
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Tim Finn - Andy White & Tim Finn - Album Review: AT
29 Mar 2023 // A review by taffynz
I still have my original late 70's 7" vinyl single of I Got You by Split Enz, despite emigrating to these shores in early 1997. I wasn't even a teenager in the late 70's.
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The Robba - Album Review: In The Dark
29 Mar 2023 // A review by Hannah Jane
In The Dark is the new heavy rock album by New Zealand one man band The Robba, filled with hard-hitting tracks all painstakingly created by himself. Layers of guitar, vocals, synths and beats form a strong foundation for the social narrative woven into this baker’s dozen of lyrical laments.
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Valere - Single/Video Review: Stuck In My Head
29 Mar 2023 // A review by madeleinehoward
Otautahi bedroom pop artist Valere released her latest single Stuck in My Head on the 16th of March.An International Songwriting Competition semi-finalist and APRA Songhubs Sphere alum, Valere's debut album Colours, released in 2020, gained her air play on ZM, Base FM and Spotify playlists such as The Local List NZ.
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The D4 - Gig Review: The D4 @ Totara St, Mount Maunganui - 24/03/2023
25 Mar 2023 // A review by Kerry MB
What a night! If you also had the pleasure of seeing The D4 on any leg of their 21-year anniversary tour of their debut album, 6twenty, then you'll already know what a treat it has been.
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Goodspace - Single Review: Bruises
25 Mar 2023 // A review by Liam Davis
Goodspace are living proof of thinking outside of the box. Their newest single Bruises launches you into its wall of textured sounds and complex, layered melodies with a deep satisfying bassline dancing around the soundscape.
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Bad Taste - Single Review: Weird Weekends
25 Mar 2023 // A review by Steve Shyu
Following their 2021 debut record Bad Taste, hip-hop duo Bad Taste have pressed on with making new music, particularly in creating a second album due out later this year, appropriately titled Bad Taste II. Because why would you name it anything else!
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Spirit Boy - Single Review: Neon Sky
24 Mar 2023 // A review by Peter K Malthus
I dragged my feet over this review, seriously let it get overdue, even. I haven't long been doing the reviewing thing here, so I wanted to be really sure about what I wanted to say, with this particular one.
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Frau Knotz - Single/Video Review: Runway of Reality
23 Mar 2023 // A review by Sharne Molloy-Turpin
I’d describe the newest single by Frau Knotz as glamorous, playful and psychedelic. To match this description, It has a fitting title Runway of Reality.
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Jennifer K. Austin - Single Review: Cards
23 Mar 2023 // A review by Danica Bryant
Originally hailing from the States, proud new Kiwi Jennifer K. Austin now sets out on a fresh path with her exciting single Cards.
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Samantha Jane - Single Review: Narcissus
23 Mar 2023 // A review by Danica Bryant
Opening up on her revealing new single Narcissus, artist Samantha Jane is headed down a new path of musical and sonic vulnerability.Narcissus is a moody indie number with alternative rock and pop embellishments.
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Shepherds Reign - Single Review: Ua Masa’a
23 Mar 2023 // A review by Kev Rowland
When it comes to different cultures and music there is no doubt we are incredibly blessed in Aotearoa, and surely anyone into metal, wherever they are in the world, are aware of Alien Weaponry and the way they blend groove metal and their Maori roots. However, what may not be known by those outside New Zealand is that there is another band down here who are also making huge waves in their own country, Shepherds Reign.
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Trig - Double Single Review: Entity & Player 67
23 Mar 2023 // A review by Callum Wagstaff
Trig is the musical moniker of Christchurch based artist Michael West, formerly Michael Aisuru, formerly Sick Cycle.After using computers and a few synths to produce music for the past 22 years, Michael has chosen to give up the computer and DAW and focus on live performance via drum machines and modular synthesis.
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Missrosevalentina - Single Review: Planet Intercourse
23 Mar 2023 // A review by Danica Bryant
In collaboration with Canadian creative Loz, Wellington's favourite pop star Hybrid Rose is kicking off a new musical era with Planet Intercourse. It's an attention-demanding, explosive disco-pop track the likes of Lady Gaga and Dua Lipa would beg to have.
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Brawler NZHC - EP Review: Hard Truths
23 Mar 2023 // A review by Kev Rowland
Over the last 12 months I have been fortunate enough to catch Hamilton hardcore outfit Brawler NZHC a few times, and although I have always been a little concerned that singer Joe Steiner is going to pass out before he finally removes the balaclava, I always know we are in for a high energy show with plenty of angst and passion. They have also impressed NZ hardcore royalty along the way, with Luke Manson of Xile joining in on vocals for Pay The Price.
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Grant Duncan - Single/Video Review: Initiate
23 Mar 2023 // A review by Peter K Malthus
Grant Duncan already has an impressive back catalogue of releases on Bandcamp, Soundcloud, YouTube, and Spotify. The Auckland-based singer/songwriter has also spent time fronting the Tokyo-based indie combo Pavement Candy, and the influence of his travels is worn proudly heart-on-sleeve in Initiate.
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Mice on Stilts - Album Review: I Am Proud of You
22 Mar 2023 // A review by Kev Rowland
Some ten years ago I was a member of the ProgArchives Crossover Team (yes, to be allowed to be included on PA each band is judged by a committee). We were asked to pass our critical eyes and ears over the somewhat strangely named Mice on Stilts and I was somewhat surprised, nay amazed, to discover they hailed from Auckland.
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Gig Review #2: Homegrown 2023 @ Wellington Waterfront - 18/03/2023
21 Mar 2023 // A review by River Tucker
The weather gods must really love live music because they fully turned it on for the Jim Beam Homegrown music festival in Wellington last Saturday. Not only were the tunes absolutely fantastic, the crystal clear blue sky followed by a twinkling starry night set a magical scene for thousands of beautiful party people to enjoy some of New Zealand’s biggest bands performing across five stages on the capital’s spectacular waterfront.
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21 Mar 2023 // A review by River Tucker
The weather gods must really love live music because they fully turned it on for the Jim Beam Homegrown music festival in Wellington last Saturday. Not only were the tunes absolutely fantastic, the crystal clear blue sky followed by a twinkling starry night set a magical scene for thousands of beautiful party people to enjoy some of New Zealand’s biggest bands performing across five stages on the capital’s spectacular waterfront.
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Gig Review #1: Homegrown 2023 @ Wellington Waterfront - 18/03/2023
19 Mar 2023 // A review by Kev Rowland
I have been waiting for this festival for ages, well over 12 months in fact as last year’s had to be cancelled due to Covid, but finally it was here. I flew down to Wellington in the morning and caught up with the MNZ crew of Reef, River (read River's review here), Amanda, Garry, and Bevan for brunch: two reviewers and four photographers meant we were one of the largest media contingents at Homegrown 2023.
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19 Mar 2023 // A review by Kev Rowland
I have been waiting for this festival for ages, well over 12 months in fact as last year’s had to be cancelled due to Covid, but finally it was here. I flew down to Wellington in the morning and caught up with the MNZ crew of Reef, River (read River's review here), Amanda, Garry, and Bevan for brunch: two reviewers and four photographers meant we were one of the largest media contingents at Homegrown 2023.
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Say Or Do - Single Review: Awake
19 Mar 2023 // A review by Epitomised_Drummer
If you’ve been following the Kiwi Rock scene for a while now, you’ll be familiar with the names Silence The City, Quarter 2 and Broken Avenue. One of the main drivers behind these epic bands has been by groove-master Sam French.
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Shadowcaster - Single Review: Eternity
19 Mar 2023 // A review by Sharne Molloy-Turpin
Shadowcaster has indulged us with a journey into sonic space in their new single titled Eternity. Its Celtic rock sound and fast-paced rhythm employ numerous instruments that build upon one another to great effect.
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Gig Review: Cross Street Festival @ Auckland - 11/03/2023
19 Mar 2023 // A review by LouClementine
Street festivals have historic origins and the Cross Street Festival really was about the music. It somehow manages to catch the haphazard chaos of a vibrant Saturday night Karangahape Road and yet complement the imposing city buildings which dominate this backroad.
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19 Mar 2023 // A review by LouClementine
Street festivals have historic origins and the Cross Street Festival really was about the music. It somehow manages to catch the haphazard chaos of a vibrant Saturday night Karangahape Road and yet complement the imposing city buildings which dominate this backroad.
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Vox Capacitor - Single Review: Rectangle
18 Mar 2023 // A review by Peter K Malthus
Vox Capacitor is a solo project of "Jangly Dad Rock and Indie Guitar Pop" based in Auckland, from an artist who is clearly a quite competent multi-instrumentalist. From drums tracked "in a borrowed gym", to a suitably solid bass line, to layers of guitars topped with well-delivered vocals, Vox Capacitor certainly multi tasks with aplomb.
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On Tick - EP Review: Planet Chrome
17 Mar 2023 // A review by Kev Rowland
When On Tick released their debut album, Nothing New, towards the end of 2021 they were already in a state of change as it was recorded as a trio of brothers Brendan (vocals and drums) and Aidan O'Loughlin (vocals, guitar) along with bassist Matt Hammond, who also produced it, but they had now brought in Matt Perry to play bass while Matt H had moved to lead guitar. In 2023 things have changed again as Matt H is now concentrating on Pale Flag, while Matt P is also not involved any longer, so it is back to just Brendan and Aidan.
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Written By Wolves - Single Review: Give 'Em Hell
16 Mar 2023 // A review by Kev Rowland
Written by Wolves may not have released any new material in 2022, but everyone knew the boys were working on their next album, and if you were fortunate enough to see them play then you will have already heard Give 'Em Hell as they were using this track as the opening number. In many ways this encapsulates everything which is Written By Wolves in one song – if you want to know why so many of us keep raving about them, then this will demonstrate why.
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Anthony Coulter - Single Review: Younger
16 Mar 2023 // A review by Kev Rowland
Here we have the latest single from Anthony Coulter’s album Pilgrimage To the Sea, where he says he is not getting any younger, something I can really relate to given I am 60 in just a few months and certainly act a lot more than I used to. Mind you, I don’t think every day is the same, which is the same for Anthony who yearns to be younger.
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BAKeR - EP Review: Eternal Now
16 Mar 2023 // A review by Kev Rowland
Mike Baker has been involved in both the Australian and NZ music scenes since the Eighties, running the import/export operations for Australia’s Hot Records at one point, releasing an album himself as a member of Not Really Anything and also managing Glide. Last year he created his alter ego BAkeR and started recording this five-track EP, entitled Eternal Now, with Daniel Hewson (the son of the late Paul Hewson of Dragon).
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The Traditional Aliens - Album Review: What World Will You Live In
16 Mar 2023 // A review by Kev Rowland
I think from the cover that The Traditional Aliens inhabit a world which contains knitted female dwarves, although I could well be wrong. What World Will You Live In is both the debut and third album by the guys, who recently changed their name from Infinity following on from their 2017 self-titled debut and then 2020’s Icy Blue Planet.
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Midwave Breaks - Single Review: Souvenirs
16 Mar 2023 // A 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.
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Captain Festus McBoyle's Travellin' Variety Show - Album Review: Look Wot The Cat Dragged In
15 Mar 2023 // A review by Corinne Rutherford
Masters of music and magic helmed by Captain Festus McBoyle are back, with their 4th album Look Wot The Cat Dragged In. Another amusing and entertaining offering from one of New Zealand's top family entertainers, as always delivered in the captain's flamboyant style.
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IVY - EP Review: For The Sake Of It
14 Mar 2023 // A review by Trevor Faville
Ivy are a band hailing from Dunedin, and For The Sake Of It is a five song collection which expands on their debut release single Stranger, which came out at the end of 2022. As might be expected from a band who adds the words “alternative” and “prog” to their description, Ivy are ambitious musically, and have a very broad reach when it comes to lyrical inspiration.
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Eve Kelly - Single Review: Mr Big Shot
10 Mar 2023 // A review by madeleinehoward
Whakatane based singer-songwriter (Eve Kelly) released her single Mr Big Shot on February 24th.Following on from her previous singles Gotta Let Go and Dance With Me, both released in the final months of 2022, Mr Big Shot adds another layer to this up and coming artist's repertoire, proving that Eve has a talent for writing songs that are a blend of genres, including funk, RnB, gospel, and adult contemporary.
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Mi-Sex - Gig Review: Mi-Sex and Stellar* @ Paraoa Brewing, Whangaparaoa - 09/03/2023
09 Mar 2023 // A review by Kev Rowland
I had been looking forward to tonight for quite some time as here was an amazing opportunity to catch two of our most iconic bands. Mi-Sex are touring in celebration of the 40th anniversary of their debut album, Graffiti Crimes, which of course featured probably their biggest hit, Computer Games.
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Matt Joe Gow - Album Review: Between Tonight and Tomorrow
09 Mar 2023 // A review by roger.bowie
There’s a simple drumbeat and then this quintessential Americana voice bursts forth and it’s a shipwreck, which is no place to start, but this ship’s been sunk for years and years and Matt Joe Gow opens his fourth album with a Shipwreck and it’s a great place to start, with a rich, full sound and Katya Harrop on backing vocals, and we’re away… Matt Joe Gow is a man who knows who he is, is comfortable in his skin and oozes authenticity into his entire persona and so it’s no surprise that this persona translates into song. He’s from Dunedin but has plied his trade in Victoria for umpteen years and happily for us is increasing his focus on his home country fans, with a short tour just completed and more to come…..
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Sabreen Islam - EP Review: Room Service
09 Mar 2023 // A review by Kev Rowland
Although Sabreen Islam is young, and is currently studying at the University of Auckland, she has been involved in the arts for some time, both in music and poetry and performed at The Others Way Festival as far back as 2018. To date she has released a few singles, the most recent of which can be found here on her debut EP.
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Abby Christo - Single/Video Review: Note To Self
09 Mar 2023 // A review by Kev Rowland
Abby Christo first came to prominence when, in 2015, she appeared on X- Factor NZ as part of duo Mae Valley who has significant success with their debut EP and played alongside country stars such as Keith Urban, Carrie Underwood and Kelsea Ballerini.Abby released her debut solo EP a few years ago and is now working on the second.
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Hummucide - Single Review: The Sound the Sea Makes
09 Mar 2023 // A review by Kerry MB
Hummucide are an instrumental jazz-rock quartet hailing from Wellington. Formed in Jazz school they did the house party circuit, playing their refined Jazz to indie audiences, a bold choice that paid off well and set them apart.
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South for Winter - Single Review: Something In The Stars
08 Mar 2023 // A review by Kev Rowland
I don’t think I will ever get used to just how much amazing music there is out there for people willing to look and forego popular radio stations. Last year I was asked if I would like to review a duo, South For Winter, I had not previously come across, who were over here from America where they are generally based.
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Eve Kelly - Eve Kelly @ Jam Factory, Tauranga - 03/03/2023
08 Mar 2023 // A review by Shade
The ‘Sold Out’ sign is a good sign and it went up several days before Eve Kelly’s first show at The Jam Factory in Tauranga’s Historic Village. Whakatane-based Eve Kelly is a star on-the-rise and she put on a show that left her audience, old and new, elated and begging for more.
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Melanie - Gig Review: Melanie @ Snails, Palmerston North - 04/03/2023
07 Mar 2023 // A review by River Tucker
What else was there to do last Saturday night except get out and support some live bands at a local music venue, in this case an all ages gig with Feildings Best Dancers, Crying Club and Melanie at the legendary Snails in Palmerston North.Snails also doubles as an artist space and there’s a considerable amount of well-lit artwork on display for people to appreciate.
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Coridian - Album Review: Hava
07 Mar 2023 // A review by Peter-James Dries
Journalism’s meant to be objective, right? No playing favourites.
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Lorde - Gig Review: Lorde @ The Outer Fields, Western Springs - 04/03/2023
07 Mar 2023 // A review by Gaby Ivanov-Giraldo
Blue skies filled the days prior to the Lorde gig; the Solar Power tour had the sun visible and candescent. On March 4th in Western Springs, Tamaki Makaurau had not seen Lorde here for years, and some fans had even had their ticket waiting since 2021, when this third studio album was released.
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Gig Review: Music in Parks - Hillsborough @ Monte Cecilia Park, Auckland - 05/03/2023
05 Mar 2023 // A review by Kev Rowland
On a beautiful sunny afternoon it was back out for another afternoon care of Auckland Council and their free Music In The Parks series. This is one of the ways the council support the arts, and there are a series of free gigs which started in January and go through to the end of March covering many different styles.
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05 Mar 2023 // A review by Kev Rowland
On a beautiful sunny afternoon it was back out for another afternoon care of Auckland Council and their free Music In The Parks series. This is one of the ways the council support the arts, and there are a series of free gigs which started in January and go through to the end of March covering many different styles.
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Living State - Gig Review: Living State @ Dead Witch, Auckland - 3/03/2023
04 Mar 2023 // A review by Kev Rowland
Back down to Central Auckland on a Friday night for Living State’s single launch so this promised to be fun, especially as they had Altaea playing (who I had not seen since they had a change in singer and direction, so changed the name from States) plus Lost Vessels who were fresh from recording with Dave Rhodes as part of their prize for winning last year’s Ding Dong Battle of the Bands. I bumped into Red from Finger Tight who is just buzzing about supporting Coridian on their forthcoming North Island tour, which promises to be a great gig.
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Bandi - EP Review: Bittersweet
02 Mar 2023 // A review by Danica Bryant
Kiwi-Brazilian artist Bandi spent her years growing up between Auckland, Los Angeles and Sao Paulo, a unique background that makes for a thrilling array of sound and style on her debut EP Bittersweet. Mixing bubblegum pop with soulful R&B, it's a collection perfectly designed to saturate the airwaves.
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Living State - Single/Video Review: Black White Man
02 Mar 2023 // A review by Kev Rowland
A few years ago I was at Dead Witch when someone came up to and introduced themselves as Lex, and that he was bassist in a band called Living State and would I like to hear their single? I agreed, but to be honest never expected to hear from him again as that is the usual course of affairs, but the next day I was sent a load of material including the video for One Sided.
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The Veils - Album Review: ...And Out Of The Void Came Love
02 Mar 2023 // A review by roger.bowie
The Veils have a new album out today, their first for seven years, and it’s called ….And Out of the Void Came Love.
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The Transits - Single Review: When You Went Away
28 Feb 2023 // A review by Steve Shyu
In the digital age of today, it’s not uncommon for musicians and artists to collaborate and create music from kilometers, or countries away, and even beyond continents. Such is the case for The Transits, a pop rock indie trio consisting of members from Durban, South Africa and Tamaki Makaurau Auckland.
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Frontier - Single Review: Star Walkin'
28 Feb 2023 // A review by Ben Ruegg
Frontier are a passionate and energetic Pop Punk and Easycore four piece band from Christchurch, New Zealand. Their new release, Star Walkin', is driven by a huge intro that quickly moves into what we would expect from Pop/Punk, this song rocks.
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Blindfolded and Led to the Woods - Single/Video Review: Methlehem
28 Feb 2023 // A review by Kev Rowland
2023 promises to be an incredible year for New Zealand metal and rock, and one album everyone is looking forward to is the forthcoming Rejecting Obliteration from Christchurch’s very own BALTTW. The first time I saw these guys play was supporting Death Angel and Sepultura and certainly holding their own, and the last time was up here in Auckland at Dead Witch, where they took the place to the cleaners with their brutal brand of death metal.
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The Wax Birds - Album Review: Yellowhammer
28 Feb 2023 // A review by Kev Rowland
Although I work in Auckland on North Island (New Zealand’s largest city), I call home a small farm close to a township called Oxford on South Island, and I get back there as often as I can, especially as that is where my wonderful wife is. According to the last census the population is 2,214, so not exactly a metropolis, but we love it.
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Bad Schematics - EP Review: Keep Your Gods
28 Feb 2023 // A review by River Tucker
Bad Schematics have hit the road running with a small tour and a couple of promo videos made in support of their debut EP, Keep Your Gods. It’s a rip-roaring release somewhat influenced by early 2000 American Emo rock, embellished with touches of Nu-Metal and high-energy Alt Rock, which delivers a sound they can proudly call all their own.
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Planet Hunter - Single Review: Impostor
27 Feb 2023 // A review by Liam Davis
The Wellington quartet of Planet Hunter is offering a bouncy and addictive look into the new worlds they have discovered in the bridging of old and new rock. Their new single Impostor is exceedingly guitar-driven and backed up with a powerful set of vocals.
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King Cass - Single/Video Review: Yea Yea
27 Feb 2023 // A review by Peter K Malthus
The newest track from King Cass, Yea Yea, immediately grabbed me, and kept me. Starting out with a simple instrumental hook, leading into the smooth vocal line of the chorus, and on into King Cass delivering his message.
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Iveta & Simone - Single Review: Corazon
24 Feb 2023 // A review by taffynz
Here's the thing. Pop isn't my bag.
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Chump Change - Single Review: Ocean Eyed Machine
24 Feb 2023 // A review by taffynz
Oh, I'm getting a real knack for picking the ones that get my toes tappin'! With this single, Ocean Eyed Machine, Dunedin-based indie outfit Chump Change have delivered an ethereal delight that lives up to its billing of "summer hit" on the EPK I got sent.
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Richter City Rebels - Album Review: Big Fresh
23 Feb 2023 // A review by Cathy Elizabeth
Bustling like a street carnival parade comes the Richter City Rebel’s third studio album Big Fresh. With an impressive list of featured local artists and wall-to-wall brass and percussion, this exuberant collection of colourful tracks would certainly have any crowd pumping at a live show.
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10:32 - Single/Video Review: Coffee Shop Girl
23 Feb 2023 // A review by Corinne Rutherford
London based, future-soul collective 10:32 have recently released their latest single accompanied by a cosmic music video Coffee Shop Girl. Predominantly UK based, lead vocalist Bridget Walsh adds a Kiwi flavour.
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B O K E H - Single/Video Review: Simple Little Things
23 Feb 2023 // A review by taffynz
I seem to be picking up pop pieces recently. Lucky for me, I'm picking up quality commercial-standard work like this one, B O K E H's new single Simple Little Things.
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Madeline. - Single Review: The Illawarra
23 Feb 2023 // A review by Sharne Molloy-Turpin
A song is powerful when you can hear its fashionable beat and appealing lyrics in view of the fact it comes from a special experience. One of Aotearoa’s newest artists Madeline.
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Matt Joe Gow - Single Review: Between Tonight & Tomorrow
23 Feb 2023 // A review by Kev Rowland
Here we have Matt Joe Gow’s latest single Between Tonight & Tomorrow, taken from the album of the same name which is out on March 10th. Matt provides vocals and guitar, and he is again accompanied by his band The Dead Leaves, featuring Andrew Pollock (guitar), Robin Murphy (bass), Daniel Brates (drums), Katya Harrop (percussion) and Dave Evans (Hammond organ).
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Fathom - Single Review: Wink of the Lighthouse
23 Feb 2023 // A review by Kev Rowland
In my wonderfully formed Kev’s Top Tens for 2022 we can see nestling at #5 in the albums slot The World To Breathe by Nancy Howie, otherwise known as Fathom. Nancy is a piano tuner by trade and when she had time on her hands due to Covid she decided to make some instruments for herself which were then used to record the debut, and now she is back with a taster for the next one.
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Silk Cut - Album Review: Our Place In The Stars
22 Feb 2023 // A review by Peter-James Dries
Like Prometheus nicking fire, so too has Silk Cut’s Andrew Thorne stolen from the gods. In a figurative sense of course.
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These Four Walls - Gig Review: These Four Walls @ AUX, Auckland - 18/02/2023
21 Feb 2023 // A review by LouClementine
Just off the bustling inner city Queen Street, round a corner and up a few sets of stairs Ding Dong houses an excellent live venue space: AUX. Tonight, it is packed out for the homecoming of much-loved These Four Walls.
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Scalper - Album Review: The Shine
21 Feb 2023 // A review by Callum Wagstaff
Scalper is Nadeem Shafi, born and raised in East London of Pakistani descent. The Shine is his 5th studio album, following 2020's critically acclaimed The Beast and the Beauty, which dealt heavily with the recent loss of his mother.
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David Edwards - Album Review: Águas Brilhantes: 2018-2022
20 Feb 2023 // A review by Kev Rowland
What we have here is the fourth in a series of compilations from Dave Edwards, AKA Fiffdimension, covering the years 2018-2022 (the others are for earlier years) and includes previously unreleased recordings, download-only bonus tracks, and excerpts from 12 albums. Yes, twelve.
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TheSlacks - Single/Video Review: Information Ape
20 Feb 2023 // A review by Nicholas Clark
TheSlacks latest single Information Ape starts off with a sweet melody that reminds me of a 50's doowop band like The Penguins. Over the top of this some digital noises such as phones ringing and switches changing lines establishes the vibe or both sincere, innocent beginnings and hectic modern life.
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Tealskie - Single Review: Flown Away
18 Feb 2023 // A review by Danica Bryant
Otautahi alt rock band Tealskie debut with their fresh track Flown Away, a sweeping ballad which highlights a clear cohesion and tight musical interplay within the group.Sharp, rushing guitar grooves open the track, met with clashing percussion and subtle yet effective bass.
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Late to Chelsea - EP Review: LTC
17 Feb 2023 // A review by Chris Chick
When it comes to the soundtrack of anyone’s life, I am pretty sure the counter cultural sounds and motives of the punk movement would have influenced you at some time. Every generation needs its punk bands even if it's just the opportunity to not take yourself too seriously and enjoy the madness that is life and music.
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WoLF - Single Review: Underachiever
17 Feb 2023 // A review by Gaby Ivanov-Giraldo
WoLF is a solo project (Aaron Hogg) with over 25 years' experience as a vocalist, guitarist and bassist. Having a lot of tour and show experience, WoLF is an accomplished artist with international acts and festivals under his belt.
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Revulva - Single Review: This Town
17 Feb 2023 // A review by Cathy Elizabeth
A flute and muted trumpet herald in what sounds to be the start of a jewel-heist movie, then a cool but suspicious voice speaks out from behind the brim of a tilted hat, leaning in the doorway; “There’s tumbleweeds on the ground, recently I’ve found, this town, is like the wild west”. Sassy, sophisticated, and street-smart are words that spring to mind upon giving Revulva’s latest single This Town a spin.
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Julia Dorry - Single Review: You Make Me
16 Feb 2023 // A review by Kev Rowland
You Make Me is the debut single from Julia Dorry, who was born and raised in Berlin but now calls Aotearoa her home. This four-minute-long number is all about the vocals, which are front and centre at all times, placed against a piano for the most part but with a nice full band bringing in additional elements.
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System Exit - EP Review: Avalon
16 Feb 2023 // A review by Liam Davis
New Zealand's answer to the alt-rock explosion that rocked the 90's has taken its modern form as Taranaki's System Exit, with their new release Avalon - giving a trifecta of a funky, spacey, and catchy EP. System Exit has certainly discovered their signature; every track flows like water with a crisp mix and memorable riffs.
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ASHY - Single Review: LA Talk
16 Feb 2023 // A review by Danica Bryant
LA Talk is the latest hit from Kiwi creative ASHY, a starlet who's seen the stages of Electric Avenue, Going Global and even Texas's South by Southwest. It's a single that proves she knows pop music inside and out.
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0800 Belly Up - EP Review: 0800 Belly Up
14 Feb 2023 // A review by LouClementine
In this self-titled EP, 0800 Belly Up embrace the promise of their teaser single sounds while proving they are at their heart, punk rock. Their debut six-track release is emblazoned with foot-stomping and holler-inducing energy.
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The Beatniks - Single Review: Wake Up Jane
13 Feb 2023 // A review by IShadowcasterI
2021 was an interesting time. The world was still really trying to work out how the spicy flu would impact our day to day, and it was harder than ever as a live musician.
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Swerve City - Gig Review: Swerve City @ Ding Dong Lounge, Auckland - 11/02/2023
12 Feb 2023 // A review by Steve Shyu
As my first live gig review of 2023, it had to be a good line-up. Then I heard that Swerve City had announced a headlining show at Dead Witch, so I knew that had to be it.
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Beachware - Album Review: It's Only Time
12 Feb 2023 // A review by Danica Bryant
“Maybe it’s time we gave up” is the very first lyric of Beachware’s very first album, It’s Only Time. It’s a bewildering introduction to a band, who given the circumstances of a technical debut, you’d expect to be all for taking the musical world by storm.
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Beachware - Gig Review: Beachware @ Space Academy, Christchurch - 11/02/2023
12 Feb 2023 // A review by Peter K Malthus
Last night's Beachware show was my first visit to Space Academy, a smallish venue with a great atmosphere and mouth-watering food. An excellent setting for the two bands I had the pleasure of watching.
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Tsenate - Single Review: Superstar
10 Feb 2023 // A review by Corinne Rutherford
New Zealand based artist/producer TSENATE has recently released her third single Superstar, which follows on from her debut single 4 The Ride in 2021 and No1 Else Feels Like Home in 2022. Her latest track has a sound reminiscent of early 2000 RnB which oozes slow jam vibes.
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Michael Signal - EP Review: Solway
10 Feb 2023 // A review by Peter K Malthus
I'm really surprised that I hadn't heard of Michael Signal before reviewing this EP. This is far from being Michael's first release, and listening to it (repeatedly and joyfully, I might add) had me delving into his back catalogue, including a rip-snorting cover of Scorpions' Rock You Like A Hurricane.
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Tablefox - Single Review: Mother
09 Feb 2023 // A review by Karl Brinsdon
Tablefox’s latest track, Mother is an example of everything that modern rock music should be; a great performance that makes use of modern production technologies without becoming overproduced. Finding a good place to start talking about Mother is truly a challenge as with every listen it seems that I notice something new about the track.
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Slow Rage - Single Review: Bones
06 Feb 2023 // A 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.
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Fraser Ross - Gig Review: Fraser Ross w/ Hannah Everingham @ Wine Cellar, Auckland - 4/02/2023
06 Feb 2023 // A review by roger.bowie
It’s a balmy Auckland evening with no rain, yes, no rain, yes, no rain, yes, I really mean no rain and we’re at the Wine Cellar to see Christchurch/Lyttelton based musicians Fraser Ross, who is headlining, and Hannah Everingham, who is opening, except she’s not, because Babe Martin pops up ahead of her. Very cool singer songwriter who has another life as Zoe Larson Cumming who you will hear on 95bfm.
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Coast Arcade - Single Review: Highest Heights
05 Feb 2023 // A review by Hannah Jane
Just a couple of years after forming in high school, Coast Arcade are killing it! The indie pop-rock band is made up of brothers Chris and Nate Tims, Thom Boynton, and Bella Bavin who have found themselves performing at popular festivals and supporting Kiwi icons The Beths and Princess Chelsea.
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Gig Review: Ding Dong Lounge 10th Birthday Part 1 @ Ding Dong Lounge, Auckland - 29/01/2023
03 Feb 2023 // A review by Kev Rowland
The original Ding Dong Lounge was founded in New York City in 2001 by Bill Nolan, opening on the upper west side of Manhattan and slowly gaining a following of talented artists, writers, actors, and musicians. In 2003, Bill Walsh opened Ding Dong Lounge in Melbourne, branding itself with a live gig atmosphere that easily upheld Ding Dong’s rock reputation.
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03 Feb 2023 // A review by Kev Rowland
The original Ding Dong Lounge was founded in New York City in 2001 by Bill Nolan, opening on the upper west side of Manhattan and slowly gaining a following of talented artists, writers, actors, and musicians. In 2003, Bill Walsh opened Ding Dong Lounge in Melbourne, branding itself with a live gig atmosphere that easily upheld Ding Dong’s rock reputation.
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Gig Review: Ding Dong Lounge 10th Birthday Part 2 @ Ding Dong Lounge, Auckland - 29/01/2023
03 Feb 2023 // A review by Gideon Voon
With the new AUX stage promising better things to come, the Dead Witch Stage reminds of us of the events that were that led us to this point. First up on the Dead Witch Stage, we had Swizl Jager (pictured), if you thought Ding Dong Lounge was exclusively reserved for Rock and Metal, then you will be proven wrong, as Swizl brings the world of Rap and Hip-Hop to us.
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03 Feb 2023 // A review by Gideon Voon
With the new AUX stage promising better things to come, the Dead Witch Stage reminds of us of the events that were that led us to this point. First up on the Dead Witch Stage, we had Swizl Jager (pictured), if you thought Ding Dong Lounge was exclusively reserved for Rock and Metal, then you will be proven wrong, as Swizl brings the world of Rap and Hip-Hop to us.
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Midwave Breaks - EP Review: Mind Made Up
02 Feb 2023 // A review by Kerry MB
Since 2021, Midwave Breaks have been the talk of Kiwi music, going from strength to strength releasing two EP’s and a string of radio singles. Now, to kick things off right in 2023, the duo have released their new 3 track EP- Mind Made Up.
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Beckoned - Single/Video Review: Luminous
01 Feb 2023 // A review by Kev Rowland
The word “supergroup” is not one to be bandied around lightly, yet that was very much the first thing which came to mind when I came across the new formation of Beckoned. During one of the many lockdowns, guitarist Nail Vincent (Devilskin) started working on new material, and he played some to his old bandmate, bassist Munro Goodwin (Sinate) and pretty soon they were working on the material together with drummer Corey Friedlander (City of Souls,8 Foot Sativa), but who would be the singer?
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Macho Macho - Single Review: Blink
01 Feb 2023 // A review by Cathy Elizabeth
Wow, I have to say the new single Blink from Macho Macho is extremely impressive! I was hooked right from the very first listen.
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Flying Man - Single Review: Under The Stars
31 Jan 2023 // A review by Kev Rowland
Flying Man is the stage name of Dunedin based Irish-born live-looping guitarist and singer/songwriter Alan Ned Gray. Flying Man’s song-writings sit in the electroacoustic realm - playing programmed beats, live looping and layered harmonies.
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Crying Club - EP Review: Big Water Bottle
31 Jan 2023 // A review by Kev Rowland
It is some 18 months since I last reviewed a recording by Crying Club, which was the single Taxi Man, but I did see them at EmoFest last year where three of the songs on this five-track thirteen-minute-long EP were played. While their music is solidly rooted in the indie scene, they manage to also bring in other genres as they cross genres, bringing rock and metal quite strongly into their poppy mix.
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KRISTN - Single Review: Chasin'
30 Jan 2023 // A review by Danica Bryant
It’s easy to sell Auckland R&B artist KRISTIN off her voice alone. Smooth as honey, expressive and attention-commanding, it’s a talent which has recently landed her in the cast of Australia’s Hairspray The Musical, and on the NZ Hot Singles chart with previous release Seasons.
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Sabreen Islam - Single Review: Still Love You
26 Jan 2023 // A review by taffynz
Here's the thing. I am a rock music fan, principally the 70's and 80's stuff.
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Soft Plastics - Single Review: Disembody
26 Jan 2023 // A review by taffynz
A definite atmosphere builder. That's what I got from listening to Te Whanganui-a-Tara (Wellington to anyone reading from beyond these shores) indie three piece Soft Plastics new single Disembody.
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Imperial Slave - Gig Review: Imperial Slave @ Castle 789, Palmerston North - 21/01/2023
23 Jan 2023 // A review by River Tucker
It was pretty balmy in Palmy last Saturday night at Castle 789, but the Summer heat didn’t deter people from wearing black, with nearly every major metal band represented on patches and T-shirts by a small but dedicated crowd of enthusiastic metalheads.Tribute band Meiniak kicked things off with an extended set of all the Pantera greats, nailing such crowd-pleasers as A New Level, 5 Minutes Alone, Drag The Waters and Walk.
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Marlon Williams - Gig Review: Marlon Williams @ The Civic, Auckland - 20/01/2023
22 Jan 2023 // A review by roger.bowie
Marlon Williams has returned to New Zealand after an extensive tour of North America and Northern Europe, to showcase his 2022 release My Boy. He does not disappoint.
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Midnight Green - Gig Review: Midnight Green & Kazia @ The Thirsty Dog, Auckland - 21/01/2022
21 Jan 2023 // A review by Kev Rowland
After being blasted the previous night at Dead Witch, tonight I was at The Thirsty for what promised to be a very different affair indeed, with two soul/jazz/pop bands. Beforehand I was talking to the bar manager who told me that soon they will be closing for renovations, after which they will open up with the stage in a different place, and it promises to be much improved, so I am really looking forward to seeing the end results.
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The Rising Tide - Gig Review: The Rising Tide @ Dead Witch, Auckland - 20/01/2023
20 Jan 2023 // A review by Kev Rowland
Back to Dead Witch tonight for my first time seeing The Rising Tide who were up from Palmerston North in support of their excellent new EP, The Hope We Die For. They had also invited a few other bands who I have seen before, namely Brawler NZHC who I saw supporting Xile, plus favourites Unwanted Subject and Pale Flag who were both at the Downfall of Humanity release show.
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Gig Review: Music In Parks - Helensville @ Helensville River Reserve, Auckland - 15/01/2023
15 Jan 2023 // A review by Kev Rowland
Each Summer, the Auckland Council put on a series of free outdoor concerts in different places around the city, and today was the second this year, and definitely had a country flavour with Keith Pereira, Louis Jarlov and Sam Bartells. Not only are the shows free, but they all take place in the afternoon, so this gig was set to take place between 1 and 4!
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15 Jan 2023 // A review by Kev Rowland
Each Summer, the Auckland Council put on a series of free outdoor concerts in different places around the city, and today was the second this year, and definitely had a country flavour with Keith Pereira, Louis Jarlov and Sam Bartells. Not only are the shows free, but they all take place in the afternoon, so this gig was set to take place between 1 and 4!
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Ovus - Gig Review: Ovus @ Dead Witch, Auckland - 14/01/2023
15 Jan 2023 // A review by Kev Rowland
Having spent an incredible two weeks at home on South Island, it was now back up to Auckland and it was soon back into the live scene with my first gig at Dead Witch for 2023. Tonight was going to be interesting as I recently reviewed Ovus’s EP, Lucid, and it would be the first time I had seen Afterlight since they changed their name from Antebellum.
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Adam McGrath - Album Review: Dear Companions
08 Jan 2023 // A review by Kev Rowland
Due to many reasons, I have been somewhat late to the underground NZ scene but over the last few years have been fortunate enough to meet some incredible people, see some amazing performances, and hear some wonderful music. All of these come together in one man, Adam McGrath, leader of The Eastern.
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Holy Crime - Single Review: Play Toy
08 Jan 2023 // A review by Kev Rowland
Holy Crime are a relatively new band from Auckland, comprising Benny Richards (guitar, vocals), Tom Anderson (bass, vocals), Jacob Stutton (guitar) and Mat Hinton (drums), with Play Toy being their debut single. Sometimes, just sometimes, one hears a song and immediately a smile comes across the face and it stays there right until the end and that is the case with this one with its unabashed influences of The Darkness and Eighties glam rock.
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Swizl Jager - Single/Video Review: Nanny Pia
06 Jan 2023 // A review by Ben Ruegg
The new track from Swizl Jager, Nanny Pia, is a fantastic new track that will have your head bobbing in a humble way. It's got a great vibe that will have you hitting that repeat button.
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Ripship - Album Review: Fearsome Engine
06 Jan 2023 // A review by Nicholas Clark
This couldn’t be a Ripship review without at least mentioning the immense noise the two-piece band produces. There – I’ve said it; they sure can conjure up some dBs.
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The Rising Tide - EP Review: The Hope We Die For
05 Jan 2023 // A review by Kev Rowland
Palmerston North deathcore band The Rising Tide had a great 2022, touring for the first time in six years and here we are now with their latest EP which is being released in time for a quick nationwide tour which sees them playing Auckland, New Plymouth, Wellington, and Christchurch. They may call themselves deathcore, but to be honest they probably have more in common with “straight” death based on these three songs, although there is a lot going on.
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Tipare - Single Review: Party Calls
02 Jan 2023 // A review by Gaby Ivanov-Giraldo
Tipare dropped the single Party Calls to enliven the new beginnings of our post-pandemic world. She’s a singer songwriter who’s lived all around Aotearoa, having lived in New York as early as seventeen.
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Anthony Coulter - Album Review: Pilgrimage To the Sea
01 Jan 2023 // A review by Danica Bryant
The album art for Anthony Coulter’s latest album Pilgrimage To the Sea shows the performer saturated in stunning blues and golds, playing guitar beside the ocean. It’s a simple image, one that perfectly represents the joy of the album’s summer themes, and yet seems surprisingly unassuming for the majestic record that follows.
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Chasing Titans - EP Review: Chasing Titans
28 Dec 2022 // A review by Kev Rowland
Here we have the debut EP by Auckland-based metalcore trio Chasing Titans who were formed in 2018 and comprise Adrian Govender (guitar, vocals), Sylvester Porizakova (bass, vocals), and Torrance Kam (drums). The name is inspired by the original Greek Titans and reflects the philosophy of never giving up on one’s biggest dreams and striving for greatness.
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Sex Dad - Album Review: Sex Dad's Greatest Hits: The Very Best Of Sex Dad
27 Dec 2022 // A review by Paul Goddard
Feeling bloated and underwhelmed. Listening to mainstream radio in the car as I left my phone at home.
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Enoch - Single/Video Review: Seasons
26 Dec 2022 // A review by River Tucker
Formed in 2017, Enoch is a five-piece metal band hailing from Auckland, New Zealand, who encapsulates everything that’s good about metal music. Well produced by Texas based Machine (Lamb of God, Clutch, Impending Doom), Seasons is Enoch’s fourth single and marks a refreshing step away from their nu metal roots.
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Miinds - Single Review: Loveless
20 Dec 2022 // A review by Kev Rowland
Miinds came together in 2020, which was probably not the best time for a band to be forming, but they all knew each other from different projects and were soon writing music together, albeit remotely. Loveless is the first song they came up with, and is also their first ever release, ahead of an EP which will be coming out in February.
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Taipella Tide - Single Review: You That I Want
20 Dec 2022 // A review by Kev Rowland
Taipella Tide is the solo project from Chris Buhler, who is also in Fin Rah Zel. The song came to Chris when he was on the beach at San Sebastian, Spain, just swimming and strumming his acoustic.
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1 Drop Nation - Album Review: 1 Drop Nation
20 Dec 2022 // A review by Andrew Smit
Opening with a very spiritual Maori haka Intro - Waerea, we were introduced to the opening track Homeland, which is an unashamedly patriotic Aotearoa anthem with repeated strains of "We are one nation". This is a track that proudly declares love for home, while also being a rally call for the future.
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Broke - Gig Review: Broke @ Dead Witch, Auckland - 17/12/2022
20 Dec 2022 // A review by Kev Rowland
Back to Dead Witch in Auckland on another extremely wet Saturday night for my last gig of the year, my 62nd! Tonight, I was in the unusual position of being faced with three bands I had never seen before, although I had reviewed material by all of them, plus the band I have seen most in 2022.
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Something Zesty - Single/Video Review: She's Right
19 Dec 2022 // A review by Kev Rowland
It has been more than a year since I last heard from Whanganui boys Something Zesty, when I reviewed the single/video Footprintz. Their new song She's Right has in some ways been kicking around for a while as Isaac got the rhythm and riff from jamming in his room and as soon as Andrew and Ethan heard it they soon fleshed it out.
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Goodcorz - Single Review: Too Many Times
19 Dec 2022 // A review by Kev Rowland
This single marks a return to original music for Corey Cross AKA Goodcorz for the first time in more than twenty years, and here he has been joined by Anton Harris (drums), Phil Doublet (ukulele, steel guitar), and Greg Mannering (bass, backing vocals). It took me a while to think who this reminded me of, but then it came to me, The Peppercorns, a British band who released an album back in the 90’s (Brothers) who had a very similar style.
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Sarah Valintine - Single Review: Words
19 Dec 2022 // A review by Trevor Faville
Sarah Valintine is a Tamaki Makaurau-Based poet and songwriter. Words is her latest release, and it's a part of a more expansive project called the Pop Poetry Collection.
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Te Kaahu - Album Review: Te Kaahu O Rangi
18 Dec 2022 // A review by Kev Rowland
A few months ago, I was fortunate enough to review The Others Way Festival in Auckland. It is an interesting event in that it is held in venues either in or close to Karangahape Road, and I was determined to review in every venue at least once so made up a list comprising both artists I knew I just had to see (Shepherds Reign, Dance Exponents etc.
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Shadowcaster - Single Review: Friends
18 Dec 2022 // A review by Peter-James Dries
I sometimes wonder how performers choose their stage names. Is Trent Graham, Shadowcaster’s ringleader, taller than average?
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Mojo Alice - Album Review: Chompin' At The Bit
17 Dec 2022 // A review by Kev Rowland
There is something about filthy metal infused with blues and a groove which really gets to me, then add in a singer who is channelling her inner Janis and you know it must be a winner. OK, so the artwork may be a little naff and dated, but while the music is also going back in time there is nothing naff about anything inside the sleeve of Mojo Alice's latest offering.
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Julian Terris - EP Review: Tutu
17 Dec 2022 // A review by Kev Rowland
Released last year, Julian Terris’ debut solo EP, Tutu, contains four tracks and he then followed this up with Tama and Taka. There are plans for another four-track EP, after which they will made available as a 16-track album while people can instead go for the EP's if they would rather.
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Ovus - EP Review: Lucid
17 Dec 2022 // A review by Kev Rowland
There are times when one cannot help but wonder why a band is not better known (or more active), and that is the case for Ovus. Noticing a quote about them in the press release from Ambient Light I sought out the full review to discover that it was about a gig they played in Auckland in 2018 supporting one of their inspirations, Intervals.
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Stewart Pedley - EP Review: Charlie Watts' Shaving Kit
17 Dec 2022 // A review by Kev Rowland
There is no doubt that one of the top producers in Aotearoa is the marvellous Dave Rhodes, so when he makes contact to let people know about a project he has just been working on as he is so impressed, then everyone is going to sit up and take notice. Based in Coromandel, Stewart Pedley performs as half of the Brazilian-Kiwi duo {Let’s Go Descarrego!
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Connor Vazey - Single Review: Two Moons Feat. Antony Pickard
17 Dec 2022 // A review by Kev Rowland
When I was asked to review the debut single by 13-year-old Connor Vazey I had no idea what to expect but must admit to being a little concerned as it is rare for someone this young to produce something anyone outside of the family will enjoy. Mind you, I did some research and saw he formed a band last year, Cor-Roc, when he was just 12 and they are already gigging while his dad is also a performer and songwriter, plus here he also used an older singer to provide the vocals.
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Just Another June - EP Review: Mo(u)rning
16 Dec 2022 // A review by madeleinehoward
Otautahi quartet Just Another June released their debut EP Mo(u)rning on December 7th, 2023.Just Another June are singer songwriter Luna Cubillana, vocalist and guitarist Sam Keelty, bassist Austin Standeven and drummer Amy Claire.
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Synthesis of Self - EP Review: Crushed By The Sky
15 Dec 2022 // A review by Kev Rowland
Last month saw the gig of the year, Third Time Lucky, which was organised and headlined by Written By Wolves. I had seen every band on the bill play prior to that night except for openers Stacked who were brand new to me and to many in the audience.
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No Broadcast - Single/Video Review: The Shore
15 Dec 2022 // A review by Kev Rowland
When I first started listening to this, I felt there had been quite a change in the sound of No Broadcast, and I certainly wonder if this is a new direction for the band or a one-off experiment. It is hard to tell, as although there has been a change in the personnel, singer, guitarist, and songwriter Josh Braden is not averse to bringing in different people to work on different songs and here he has been joined by Thomas Isbister (drums, bass), Ryan Fisherman (lap steel) and Tom Harris (keyboards and string sonic texture).
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All I Seek - EP Review: All I Seek
15 Dec 2022 // A 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.
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MEDaL - Album Review: Sequela
14 Dec 2022 // A review by darryl baser
Christchurch trio MEDaL are a combination of many years of New Zealand musical history. Singer and guitar slinger David Mulcahy was in JPSE and Superette, bass player John Billows has spent time with The Renderers and Dark Matter and drummer Mark Whyte is part of Into The Void.
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Caravel - Single Review: Gold Coin
13 Dec 2022 // A review by Steve Shyu
Right out of Poneke Wellington are four young and eager musicians, boldly named Caravel, a blues rock outfit born from the rehearsal spaces of Paraparaumu College. With Katie Parker on the mic, brothers Malachi and Joshua Ray on guitar and bass, respectively, and Joel Mitchinson on sticks-and-skins, the teen group have gained traction over the past few months.
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Kylie Harris - Single Review: Mr. Right
13 Dec 2022 // A review by Kev Rowland
It has been a long time since we heard new material from Kylie Harris, but this month she is releasing three new songs in her home country, just in time to be inducted into the Gold Guitar Awards Hands of Fame next year. Twice a winner of the Gold Guitar Awards, three-time winner of the Tui Country Music Album of the Year she has also a past winner of Song of the Year and the Rising Star Award.
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The Bobby Holidays - Album Review: At The Beach
13 Dec 2022 // A review by darryl baser
The Bobby Holidays' At The Beach opens with the song Jane, syncopation is to the fore with a great horn section blowing against bass, drums and guitar. The song has an up tempo happy summer vibe.
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Shivers - Single Review: Under My Skin
13 Dec 2022 // A review by madeleinehoward
Wellington based band Shivers released their latest single Under My Skin on the 8th of November. Formed in 2018, Shivers consists of vocalist Timmy Porter, multi-instrumentalist Adrian Win and drummer Rick Cranson.
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Graham McGregor - Album Review: The Real Karanghape Road
12 Dec 2022 // A review by roger.bowie
At last, I get to write about someone who is older than me. And more notorious!
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Flowers of Hades - Single Review: Trigger Warning
12 Dec 2022 // A review by Kev Rowland
Don’t you love it when extreme bands want their listeners to actually think? That is what we have here with the single from Flowers of Hades which has been released in advance of an EP, which is out next year.
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Big Tasty - Single Review: If You Leave Me
12 Dec 2022 // A review by Kev Rowland
In April last year I wandered along to Anthology Lounge to review the winners of the recent Battle of the Bands competition and came away mightily impressed as it felt like I had stepped back in time with 9-piece soul band Big Tasty, whom had arrangements designed to keep the vocals of Manuela Herrera front and centre while allowing everyone the room to move. Listening to their latest single I am immediately transported back as this is music which belongs in an intimate setting where one can relax.
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Spirit Boy - Single Review: Adolescence
12 Dec 2022 // A review by Kerry MB
Having established themselves in the Christchurch music scene, Spirit Boy is an indie rock ensemble that is hitting the ground running. This is their debut single, Adolescence.
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Adult Friends - Single Review: Brittle
12 Dec 2022 // A review by Nicholas Clark
In the contemporary music industry, there continues to be a use for genres to categorize products for easier consumption and describe artists for potential customers. True artists, pioneers if you will, often reside at the periphery of the conventions expected of them.
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Tarn PK - EP Review: SugarCoated
11 Dec 2022 // A review by Steve Shyu
Producer, musician and songwriter Tarn PK, hailing from Poneke Wellington, has been exploring and creating electronic pop over the past three years. Having already crafted two EPs and an impressive number of singles, Tarn PK has just unleashed upon the universe yet another creation in the form of SugarCoated EP, due for release on 16 December.
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Soaked Oats - Album Review: Working Title
11 Dec 2022 // A review by Callum Wagstaff
Soaked Oats is a Dunedin indie 4-piece. Working Title is their first full length offering, crafted over the last 18 months in a community hall in the remote township of Okuru, Haast, on the West Coast of the South Island.
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Downfall of Humanity - Gig Review: Downfall of Humanity @ Whammy Bar, Auckland - 8/12/2022
11 Dec 2022 // A review by Kev Rowland
Into town on a school night, not normally my idea of fun, but it has been a while since I last caught up with these bands and given how much I have enjoyed playing War Cry, the single released today by Downfall of Humanity, it only seemed right that I head in to support them. First up, at the ungodly hour of 8:00, was Unwanted Subject, who feature Gerrit (vocals), Ryan James (guitar), Blair (drums), Prasert (guitar), and Bran (bass).
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Channeled - Gig Review: Channeled @ Dead Witch, Auckland - 10/12/2022
10 Dec 2022 // A review by Kev Rowland
This was something of an unusual set tonight in that both Scott and Branden Boondocks plus Dani were all students of Ben Ruegg of Channeled, while Branden is of course also in that band while the other two members, Matt and Michelle, are also music teachers. Both Boondocks and Channeled were recently in the finals of the Ding Dong Battle of the Bands, and I think this is the fourth time I have seen the former in recent months, but Dani is new to me.
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Jason Parker - EP Review: How To Be Lonely
10 Dec 2022 // A review by LouClementine
Jason Parker has recently released his 5-track EP, How To Be Lonely and in doing so, he has brought his life affirming pop to our speakers. Parker has a history in TV talent shows and they are one of my favourite things.
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Underscore - Double Single Review: Tell Me / Out of Time
10 Dec 2022 // A review by Kev Rowland
Before I start talking about the music, I must make comment on the logo they used on the last single, which was the word Underscore with three lines beneath it because they are a trio. What a simple and really effective idea.
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Swallow the Rat - Gig Review: Swallow the Rat w/ Ripship @ Valhalla, Wellington - 8/12/2022
10 Dec 2022 // A review by Nicholas Clark
Swallow the Rat and Ripship’s seven date North Island tour had landed in Wellington. Despite the anticipation for the event, including how people attending were talking about the event and online discussions, I entered a rather empty Valhalla bar on Vivian Street a little late for the advertised starting time.
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Rachel Leo - Single Review: Last Call
09 Dec 2022 // A review by Cathy Elizabeth
Building on her initial successes; bursting onto the 2021 pop music scene with her well-received single Conversation, followed by her stonking 2022 collaboration Dice with Lee Mvtthews, Rachel Leo keeps the ball rolling in the right direction with her latest single release Last Call.Opening with a romantic vintage-feel EQ sweep, Last Call is a bop with attitude.
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Keeley Shade - Single Review: Restless
09 Dec 2022 // A review by Corinne Rutherford
Canadian born New Zealand raised singer-songwriter Keeley Shade has just dropped her latest single Restless. Keeley may have a small following at present, but she has a mighty sound representing a “niche brand of DIY female artist/producer in an Indie-Pop/Rock genre”.
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Corrella - Single Review: Skankin
09 Dec 2022 // A review by Chris Chick
Oh yes, the summer vibes are in town and Corrella is starting the skank off without delay. Is there any other type of music that reflects New Zealand during the summertime as the ska/reggae vibes that permeated from the West Indies.
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Newzerror - Single Review: You
08 Dec 2022 // A review by River Tucker
Newzerror is a new two-piece band hailing from a small town in Aotearoa New Zealand called Matamata. Anything but small, Rick and Dee’s sound on their debut single You smashes through the ceiling with some straight forward no-nonsense metal sure to get you up and moshing.
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Hans. - EP Review: Candy
08 Dec 2022 // A review by Nicholas Clark
Perhaps it was the introduction from the once great publication of VICE appointing him ‘one of the rising stars of New Zealand Hip Hop’ or perhaps it was Zane Lowe naming him one of New Zealand’s finest rappers, but my expectations were high going in to this review. Previously I had known Hans.
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Alisa Xayalith - EP Review: Superpowers
08 Dec 2022 // A review by Nicholas Clark
Alisa Xayalith is one half of New Zealand’s most successful synth-pop acts of the 2010’s; The Naked and Famous. With Thom Powers, they dominated the early part of the decade with wonderfully produced, catchy and clever pop songs you could dance in a club or a bedroom to.
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Substax - Single Review: Words
07 Dec 2022 // A review by Nicholas Clark
Substax's Words starts off with a fairly typical, hypnotic 180 bpm big club beat. Some of the sounds seem a little retro here, almost straight off an 80’s synth patch for percussion.
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Thinking Foxes - Single Review: Bleached
07 Dec 2022 // A review by Kev Rowland
Thinking Foxes are an Auckland-based alternative rock trio who are new to me, comprising Gabriel Parkins Craig (vocals, guitar), Luca Garcia Ferrari (bass), and Noah Page (drums). Bleached is their debut single and based on this I am somewhat surprised to have not seen them on the circuit, or even come across their name, as this is polished and full of confidence and never sounds as if it is their first release.
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James Kohler - Single Review: Lights Out
07 Dec 2022 // A review by Kev Rowland
As a rule, I read press releases after I have been listening to the music, but as well as Lisa sending me this to review, I was also sent it today by the PR company and I read that email before I realised it was on my list. However, my interest was already piqued as James Kohler is described as an “independent prog artist”.
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Nick Burson Band - Single Review: Best Dreams
07 Dec 2022 // A review by taffynz
Christchurch's country blues rock artist Nick Burson returns with his band, giving us the third single from his soon to be released Hindsight album, Best Dreams. Nick is a very capable lyricist and vocalist.
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ARLi - Single Review: Uninvite Me
06 Dec 2022 // A review by taffynz
Born Alice Foulds, ARLi is an Auckland-born and bred singer-songwriter who's been developing the sound we get here for the last seven years of writing and performing. Now, do I like this stuff enough to mark it highly?...
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theajsound - Single Review: Oolala Feat. Sophie Gibson
05 Dec 2022 // A review by Gaby Ivanov-Giraldo
Theajsound is a rising artist who just released a new track called Oolala. Sophie Gibson’s voice features in the radio edit, and it’s a tasty tune for sure!
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Downfall of Humanity - Single Review: War Cry
05 Dec 2022 // A review by Kev Rowland
Given the age of these guys, it is somewhat difficult to realise that this line-up has been together since 2009 when Bryce Patten (guitars, backing vocals) joined forces with Daniel Carleton (lead vocals), Alex Carleton (guitars, backing vocals), Ben Pegman (bass) and Ben Bakker (drums). In 2021 they released the excellent Deceit EP, and here at the end of 2022 they are back with their latest single, War Cry which has just blown me away.
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Dilz - Single/Video Review: I've Been 2
05 Dec 2022 // A review by Ben Ruegg
Dilz' new track I've Been 2 hits hard. With a huge bass sound that doesn't overwhelm as much as it just makes you aware of its power, paired with the chimes as a hook and a powerful trap beat, I would say that this Dilz track is a statement about where he has come from and where he is now.
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LIIT - Gig Review: LIIT @ Morningside 605, Auckland - 3/12/2022
04 Dec 2022 // A review by Kev Rowland
It is not often I can say I am at a venue for the first time, but this is indeed the first time I have attended the small but perfectly formed venue which is Morningside 605. I had made my way over to this side of Auckland, and had to park miles away due to Billy Joel playing at Eden Park on the same night, to catch the infamous LIIT and have a party.
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KEV'S TOP 10's - 2022
02 Dec 2022 // A review by Kev Rowland
Last year, as a bit of fun, I put together my Top 10’s of NZ music for the year. I may well have created an issue for myself though, as more than a few have asked when the 2022 version is coming out, so here it is in time for the last ever MNZ newsletter in its current form.
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02 Dec 2022 // A review by Kev Rowland
Last year, as a bit of fun, I put together my Top 10’s of NZ music for the year. I may well have created an issue for myself though, as more than a few have asked when the 2022 version is coming out, so here it is in time for the last ever MNZ newsletter in its current form.
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Lana Paige - Single Review: Lana Paige - Deluded
01 Dec 2022 // A review by Kev Rowland
When the mighty Seas of Conflict released their latest single, Consume, it featured the rock vocals of Lana Paige, who I have previously seen perform as frontwoman for Dogtooth Amethyst, who recently changed their name to Enclosures. I sent Lana the review, and it was only when chatting with her that I realised she had released a single earlier in the year, so of course the only thing to do is listen to it and then write a review.
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Blindspott - EP Review: Volume. II
01 Dec 2022 // A review by Kev Rowland
Here we have the second instalment of Blindspott’s next album, Volumes. There are going to be 12 tracks in total, and when they released Volume.
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Silcrow - Single Review: Ethereal
01 Dec 2022 // A review by Kris Raven
Ethereal is the 2nd single from Auckland rock four piece Silcrow (shedding the skin from previous name Close to the Bone). From the guitar solos to the modern rock feel, clean production and that chorus (dammmmm its catchy), this song had me instantly hooked.
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Mad Cow - Single Review: Same Boat
01 Dec 2022 // A review by darryl baser
Same Boat is the latest single to be released Taranaki 3-piece Mad Cow. Mad Cow are mainstays of the New Plymouth have been around since the 1990’s in the North Island’s music scene, evolving from school band No Comment.
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EP Review: Various Artists - Modfest 22
30 Nov 2022 // A review by Steve Shyu
As a follow-up to 2020’s ModFest, a demonstration and celebration of modular synthesisers, as well as music made by them, ModFest 2 was postponed once, then rescheduled for October 2022. While the event was held at Red Bar in Auckland Central, this experience of ModFest can be reproduced in the comfort of your own home, via your headphones or through your stereo any time you like.
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30 Nov 2022 // A review by Steve Shyu
As a follow-up to 2020’s ModFest, a demonstration and celebration of modular synthesisers, as well as music made by them, ModFest 2 was postponed once, then rescheduled for October 2022. While the event was held at Red Bar in Auckland Central, this experience of ModFest can be reproduced in the comfort of your own home, via your headphones or through your stereo any time you like.
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Lisa Crawley - Single Review: Don’t Delete Me
30 Nov 2022 // A review by Corinne Rutherford
Los Angeles based; Kiwi award-winning song writer Lisa Crawley has recently released her latest single Don’t Delete Me from her recent EP Looking For Love (In A Major) delivering a silky soft indie pop number backed by restrained elegant piano playing. Already a seasoned musician Lisa is a four-time APRA Silver Scroll Award nominee twice selected for the prestigious Banff Centre songwriter residency in Canada among several other glittering accolades.
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Loveta - EP Review: More Than Fun
29 Nov 2022 // A review by madeleinehoward
0Otautahi based pop artist Loveta launched her debut EP More Than Fun on November 18th. The EP is a collaboration with musician Wulfie (Tim Heeringa) and made with support from NZ On Air's Development Fund.
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Gig Review: Ding Dong Bands Competition Grand Final @ Dead Witch, Auckland - 26/11/2022
28 Nov 2022 // A review by Gideon Voon
Weeks of hard work and preparation culminates in the Grand Final of Auckland's Ding Dong Lounge's Band Competition. As this was a competition, I had a bit of fun trying my best to make a calculated guess as to who would win.
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28 Nov 2022 // A review by Gideon Voon
Weeks of hard work and preparation culminates in the Grand Final of Auckland's Ding Dong Lounge's Band Competition. As this was a competition, I had a bit of fun trying my best to make a calculated guess as to who would win.
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Womb - Gig Review: Womb w/ Samara Alofa @ Wine Cellar, Auckland - 25/11/2022
28 Nov 2022 // A review by LouClementine
Underground a bustling K-Road the Wine Cellar played host to Womb on Friday night, a three-piece comprised of siblings, Georgette Brown and twins Haz and Charlotte Forrester. Tonight, they celebrated the release of their new album, Dreaming of The Future Again.
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Hannah May - Single Review: Golden
28 Nov 2022 // A review by Danica Bryant
Hannah May's latest release Golden is a soft and dreamy folk-pop track, encouraging listeners to feel confident and be their own biggest supporter. Bringing to life the sunny sounds inspired by its title, it's a strong effort in her expansive catalogue of singles.
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0800 Belly Up - Single Review: Kick Ons
28 Nov 2022 // A review by Peter-James Dries
If you feel you would enjoy punk rock better if they showered more often and put a bit more effort in, then this is the band for you. If you love shouting back at bands when they yell lyrics at you, then this is the song for you.
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These Four Walls - Single/Video Review: Marigold
28 Nov 2022 // A review by taffynz
I clicked the five stars score before putting a letter to type. Kiwi-born but Brisbane-based heavy rockers These Four Walls are a professional unit.
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Weird Together - Single Review: Find Out
27 Nov 2022 // A review by Danica Bryant
Weird Together’s latest release Find Out is an eclectic collaboration with Silver Scroll winners Lips. It’s an acidic, bright funk-house number, experimenting simultaneously with the fun and the familiar.
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Anthea de Milo - Album Review: The Vicar's Daughter
27 Nov 2022 // A review by roger.bowie
Out of a cavernous ballroom in Kurow comes the soulful mourning of Anthea de Milo with an old classic, just written, Just in Case. Anthea de Milo?
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Roonie - EP Review: Loveless
25 Nov 2022 // A review by Danica Bryant
After releasing a series of exciting singles throughout the year, Christchurch indie-pop artist Roonie drops her first ever EP Loveless. Created in collaboration with producer Will Henderson, it’s a bright, self-assured project, exploring how love impacts Roonie’s self-perception.
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Coridian - Single Review: State of Mind
24 Nov 2022 // A review by Steve Shyu
Today is an exciting day. Auckland’s alt-rock champions, and arguably one of Aotearoa’s finest rock groups of the modern day, Coridian, release a fresh new jam, State of Mind, for all to indulge in and headbang to.
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Lazy Fifty - Gig Review: Lazy Fifty @ Paraoa Brewing, Whangaparaoa - 24/11/2022
24 Nov 2022 // A review by Kev Rowland
For my only gig this week, not only am I out on a school night, but I have struggled all the way from South Auckland up to Whangaparaoa, and I must admit it has been years since I have been here. Tonight, Australian trio 19-Twenty are in town, but to be honest I am here for the support band, Lazy Fifty whose last album, 2021: A Lazy Odyssey, I reviewed a year ago.
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Bird Machine - EP Review: Bird Machine
24 Nov 2022 // A review by Chris Chick
Bird Machine are releasing their self-titled EP, the twosome brings a vibe of a New Zealand and Australian alt rock and dream pop to your ears. All these songs are remarkably performed, recorded, and produced from their home-based studio in the wonderful city of Hamilton.
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Reuben Hudson - EP Review: Cloudhead
24 Nov 2022 // A review by Kev Rowland
This five-track EP is the latest release from Melbourne-based, Tamaki Makaurau (Auckland, New Zealand) multi-instrumentalist and songwriter/producer, Reuben Hudson. Featuring David Harris on drums (Princess Chelsea), mixed by Peter Ruddell (Wax Chattels, Sulfate) and mastered by James Goldsmith (Mermaidens), everything else was played and performed by Reuben himself.
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Juliet McLean - EP Review: Amaze Me
24 Nov 2022 // A review by taffynz
A very introspective offering here from Taranaki based singer/songwriter Juliet McLean. The EP Amaze Me, named for its promo single release, is not my usual cup of tea - however, I have said before that music is a subjective creature and a thing of beauty to me might not be so for you...
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Brian Baker - Single Review: I Won't Back Down
23 Nov 2022 // A review by Kev Rowland
Although Tom Petty was a massive success in the States, he never saw anything like the same in the UK until he partnered with Jeff Lynne and together, they came up with the masterpiece which is Full Moon Fever. I was blown away and had it on repeat the year I started dating my now wife, and any song from that album always makes me think of 1989, where I was, with no idea my life would be changing dramatically (and for the better).
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Bad Jelly Collective - Single Review: Paradigms
23 Nov 2022 // A review by Kev Rowland
Here we have the latest release from Bad Jelly Collective, which comprises Ben Clark (vocals, guitar, production) and Dave Weir (bass). It is lengthy for a single, being 5:36, but that is due to the large amount of repetition contained within and the very slow build which takes place.
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The RVMES - Album Review: Simple Things
23 Nov 2022 // A review by Kev Rowland
Before I started writing this I went back to my review for the guys’ last album, Lifetime, and part of me thought about copying it pretty much word for word and see if anyone noticed, as I spoke at length as to how many genres they were covering, and we have the same here, possibly more so. Most bands choose a genre, possibly going into a related area as well, and pretty much stay there.
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Christine White - Album Review: Raven
23 Nov 2022 // A review by Kev Rowland
This multi-media project commenced in March 2020, and more than 2 ½ years later the release had come together with five songs (one of which is a remix of the opening title cut by electronic producer Paddy Free, so there are six tracks). These are accompanied by three music videos, and a book of short haiku-style poetry in two languages (English & Farsi), and there is no doubt that this has gained quite a deal of media interest, so yesterday I found myself listening to a very interesting interview with Christine White on RNZ.
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The New Existentialists - EP Review: Last Days of the Internet
23 Nov 2022 // A review by darryl baser
It might seem like George D Henderson has been a part of the New Zealand music landscape for about as long as Keith Richards has been playing guitar. He’s been in the Flying Nun arena with The Puddle based in Dunedin.
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23 Nov 2022 // A review by darryl baser
It might seem like George D Henderson has been a part of the New Zealand music landscape for about as long as Keith Richards has been playing guitar. He’s been in the Flying Nun arena with The Puddle based in Dunedin.
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Marrow Neck - EP Review: Made Up
23 Nov 2022 // A review by Paul Goddard
Sitting here in a very wet and cold, rainy UK watching the oldies falling out of the local Wetherspoons where they have been on the piss since 9am (yep the UK is weird it's only the old people who can afford to get pissed all day).I am reflecting on the past as I listen to the latest EP Made Up from Auckland-based Mark Hannington.
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Goodnight My Darling - Album Review: Goodnight My Darling
22 Nov 2022 // A review by Kev Rowland
If it hadn’t been for an unfortunate clash with an event I had to attend, I would have been at Whammy a few weeks back to hear Goodnight My Darling, (Maxine Macaulay), and now I have listened to her debut album I so wish I had been able to make it. Still, at least this is now available so those of us who were unable to make it to the tour (last two dates this coming weekend in Wellington and Kapiti) can enjoy this relaxed pleasant romp through different elements of soft pop rock, singer songwriter and shoegaze.
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Taiotims - EP Review: Thank You For Your Patience
22 Nov 2022 // A review by Ben Ruegg
Taiotims (Mataio Timaloa) is an Auckland Hip-Hop artist who has independently built a growing fanbase all over New Zealand. His music is known for his relatable story telling, nostalgic tone of voice and his soulful beats.
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Whero - Single Review: Easy
21 Nov 2022 // A review by Kev Rowland
There are times when one hears a voice and it feels as if you are being held warm and safe, and that is definitely the case here with Whero, who recently released her debut single. If she has not recorded under this name before, I am sure she must have recorded with others, while this has all the hallmarks of someone who has undertaken a lot of live work.
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Terrible Sons - Single Review: Tomorrow Always Comes
21 Nov 2022 // A review by Kev Rowland
Last week I was fortunate enough to see husband and wife duo Lauren and Matt Barus, otherwise known as Terrible Sons, perform at Wine Cellar, and it was truly a magical evening. Both are wonderful singers, with Matt providing different styles of guitars and Lauren piano, and they created a spell with their music.
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Bevan Mical - Single Review: Cuts Through The Years
21 Nov 2022 // A review by Nicholas Clark
Cuts Through The Years is a jolly, breezy single by multi-instrumentalist, Bevan Mical. The song begins with a two-chord sequence on acoustic guitar, but there's something exotic about the chords are instruments that support the verse.
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GiGi Genie - EP Review: Seasons of The Soul / Wa O Te Wairua
21 Nov 2022 // A review by Nicholas Clark
Seasons of The Soul or Wa O Te Wairua, is a collection of songs by multi-instrumentalist and self-described folk noir artist GiGi Genie. The group is led by songwriter GiGi Crayford and her support band which includes flautists, violinists, zither and percussion players.
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Ben Horlock - Single Review: Don't Wait On Me
21 Nov 2022 // A review by Nicholas Clark
Ben Horlock (Ngati Porou/Te Arawa) is a pop artist from Dunedin who has an ear for a great pop melody, a knack for moody blues guitar lines, and the kind of voice talent scouts are always listening out for. His latest release Don’t Wait on Me features the prominent high hat of modern trap music coming out of Atlanta, an ambient synth lifted from a goth club track, with some deep bass chords to anchor it all together.
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Hans Pucket - Album Review: No Drama
21 Nov 2022 // A review by Nicholas Clark
Wellington four-piece Hans Pucket is the kind of band you really should get into now (if you haven’t already) and see live before they become massive. That is, if the world is fair and allows these musicians to succeed at their art form because they really are incredibly good at what they do - and that’s writing beautiful, clever, unusual songs that seem to be for and inspired by uncertain times.
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Gig Review: Ding Dong Bands Competition Semi-Final 2 @ Dead Witch, Auckland - 19/11/2022
20 Nov 2022 // A review by Kev Rowland
Back down to Dead Witch for the second of the two semi-finals, and tonight was going to be quite different for me as I had already seen three of the bands play (one of them twice), and while I had not seen the last one, I did see one of the guys in his previous band. This was also a night when Auckland had been hit by severe rain, it sounded as if part of the venue’s roof had collapsed, the fire alarms had gone off, and they had leaks!
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20 Nov 2022 // A review by Kev Rowland
Back down to Dead Witch for the second of the two semi-finals, and tonight was going to be quite different for me as I had already seen three of the bands play (one of them twice), and while I had not seen the last one, I did see one of the guys in his previous band. This was also a night when Auckland had been hit by severe rain, it sounded as if part of the venue’s roof had collapsed, the fire alarms had gone off, and they had leaks!
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Gig Review: Ding Dong Bands Competition Semi-Final 1 @ Dead Witch, Auckland - 18/11/2022
18 Nov 2022 // A review by Kev Rowland
Back down to Dead Witch for the next round of their Battle of the Bands competition. They had some fine bands the last time this was held, with the title eventually being taken by White Noise Mafia.
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18 Nov 2022 // A review by Kev Rowland
Back down to Dead Witch for the next round of their Battle of the Bands competition. They had some fine bands the last time this was held, with the title eventually being taken by White Noise Mafia.
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Tia Ward - Single Review: Ko Wai Ahau
18 Nov 2022 // A review by taffynz
Divine. Taranaki, Ngati Maniapoto has given us the bewitching sound of Tia Ward.
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ABRZY - Album Review: 80 Different Ways II
18 Nov 2022 // A review by Nicholas Clark
ABRZY (sometimes referred to as Breezy) is a rapper who has quickly made a name for himself for not only his distinctive, rapid flowing delivery but his unique style that blends influences from Bengali culture. Above all, this release is genuine.
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Eden Iris - Single Review: Young Guest Feat. Lucie Hill
17 Nov 2022 // A review by Cathy Elizabeth
I have followed Eden Iris since her (albeit brief) appearance on NZ X Factor in 2013, and I admire the way she has carved out her own path musically since then and created herself a life with music and songwriting well and truly at the heart of it. Proving she never really needed that glorified karaoke contest anyway!
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James Hunter and The Gatherers - Single Review: Revelation
17 Nov 2022 // A review by Kev Rowland
This four-piece alt folk group was originally a solo venture by James Hunter, but he brought in others to work with him, and The Gatherers are now Taylar Mallo (bass), Jacob Gates (lead guitar) and Emerson McCullough (drums.) They say they are influenced by the likes of Jeff Buckley, Sufjan Stevens and Bon Iver, but there is also a major influence which is somewhat out of left field, as whether they have recognised it or not, Justin Hawkins of British rockers The Darkness has had an impact.
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Marianne Leigh - Single Review: Crazy GF
17 Nov 2022 // A review by Danica Bryant
Auckland performer Marianne Leigh's new track Crazy GF sees her compact the very real human emotions of jealousy and distrust into a compelling, satirical take on female stereotypes. It's catchy, concise, and as the title promises, extremely crazy.
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Odds & Ends - Single Review - 'Better Days'
17 Nov 2022 // A review by IShadowcasterI
Odds & Ends present what might have just become my summer anthem as they give us the song Better Days.Koen Aldershof, Jonathan Meyer, Max Earnshaw, and Luan Meaker make up the Dutch-Kiwi Indie Rock band, and already have 4 singles and an EP reviewed right HERE with us, and yet I would dare to say that this may just be their best effort to date.
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Greta O'Leary - EP Review: Treasure Horse
17 Nov 2022 // A review by Kev Rowland
Following on from the release of her first two singles earlier this year, alt-folk artist Greta O’Leary has now released her debut EP which contains five songs, including both singles. In the past I have likened Greta to Vashti Bunyan, Jazmine Mary and French For Rabbits, and she has attributes of all of them, as what makes this EP work so incredibly well is the depth of her vocals and the way the arrangements refuse to conform to any normal theme.
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Anderson Rocio - EP Review: Chapter One
17 Nov 2022 // A review by Kev Rowland
I guess it will be a long time before I think of Anderson Rocio of anything different to how I first saw her, playing a grand piano wearing a wonderful ballroom dress as she opened for Sol3 Mio. We have kept in touch since then, and last year I reviewed her excellent We’re Fine EP.
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Terrible Sons - Gig Review: Terrible Sons @ The Wine Cellar, Auckland - 16/11/2022
16 Nov 2022 // A review by Kev Rowland
Into central Auckland for my second gig of the week, this time down to Wine Cellar to see folk duo Terrible Sons who describe their music as being “Indie folk music for day-dreamers, cloud watchers and sad song enthusiasts”. The only reason I was here that I had to drive into the city on Friday afternoon for a meeting and heard Lauren and Matt Barus doing a live session on the radio, and when I realised they were coming up from their home in Christchurch to play a gig in Auckland I knew I had to be there.
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Seas of Conflict - Single Review: Consume Feat. Lana Paige
15 Nov 2022 // A review by Kev Rowland
I know I was not the only one within the metal scene to be excited when I heard there was a new release coming from Seas of Conflict. Although there have been significant line-up changes since I last saw them play, the duo of Kody (vocals) and Nic (all instruments) are producing music which is as dynamic, downtuned and brutal as ever.
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Tahini Bikini - Album Review: Fever Dream
15 Nov 2022 // A review by Andrew Smit
An album full of very danceable funk tunes, loaded with tight guitar, bass, brass and percussion that provide a perfect foundation for the expressive soulful vocals of Madeline Lucy Taylor. Her unique clarity is reminiscent of Amy Winehouse or our own Kiwi songstress Gin Wigmore.
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Concert Review: Kristallnacht Commemorative Concert @ King’s School, Auckland - 14/11/2022
15 Nov 2022 // A review by Kev Rowland
Tonight was the second of two concerts, the other being in Wellington a few nights ago, to provide a tribute to the "The Women's Orchestra of Auschwitz", telling the stories of four women through the course of the evening. It is a very long time since I attended an evening of classical music, but I was intrigued to discover more about the awful events which took place during the Second World War.
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15 Nov 2022 // A review by Kev Rowland
Tonight was the second of two concerts, the other being in Wellington a few nights ago, to provide a tribute to the "The Women's Orchestra of Auschwitz", telling the stories of four women through the course of the evening. It is a very long time since I attended an evening of classical music, but I was intrigued to discover more about the awful events which took place during the Second World War.
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Dead Favours - Gig Review: Dead Favours @ Valhalla, Wellington - 12/11/2022
14 Nov 2022 // A review by Nicholas Clark
There was a palpable energy in Valhalla on Saturday night; something akin to an orchestra warming up before an opera or athletes preparing for a big game. Before the first act, standing patrons were clamouring for the front line to enjoy three fantastic (and quite different) rock bands.
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Synthesis of Self - Single Review: Atlas
13 Nov 2022 // A review by Kev Rowland
Last night I saw this young band open for one of the biggest bills of the year, and were not fazed by it whatsoever, and given what I witnessed then and what I am listening to now, I can see why. They performed this song at the finals of Smokefree Rock Quest two years ago, and now it is the lead single for their debut EP, Crushed by the Sky, which will be out soon.
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Come Together: The Beatles @ Kiri Te Kanawa Theatre, Auckland - 12/11/2022
13 Nov 2022 // A review by roger.bowie
The Beatles wrote much of their ninth album, their first double, on a Transcendental Meditation course in India with Maharishi Mahesh Yogi, in early 1968. They called it simply “The Beatles”, but, in contrast to the previous album cover for Sergeant Pepper, extreme in colour and pageantry, this album was just…….
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13 Nov 2022 // A review by roger.bowie
The Beatles wrote much of their ninth album, their first double, on a Transcendental Meditation course in India with Maharishi Mahesh Yogi, in early 1968. They called it simply “The Beatles”, but, in contrast to the previous album cover for Sergeant Pepper, extreme in colour and pageantry, this album was just…….
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Late to Chelsea - Single Review: Permanent Stankface Disorder
13 Nov 2022 // A review by Kev Rowland
Here we have the latest single from the self-confessed “worse band in Auckland”, Late To Chelsea. There is only one small thing wrong with the comment, they’re not (either late, or the worst).
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Written By Wolves - Gig Review: Written By Wolves @ Tuning Fork, Auckland - 12/11/2022
13 Nov 2022 // A review by Kev Rowland
I, and a whole load of fans, have been waiting for this gig for way too long. The reason it is called “Third Time Lucky” is that the original gig, with a slightly different support line-up, was due to take place last September but thanks to Covid it was canned.
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House of Bonnie Presents @ Valhalla, Wellington - 10/11/2022
12 Nov 2022 // A review by Nicholas Clark
While Wellington’s Valhalla can often seem the perfect venue for dark and brutal music with the Viking themed attire, steep black walls, not to mention imposing decals (including some surviving Halloween decorations), the bar was all colour and light on Thursday evening when Sodalight, REID, Happy Two and Burnt Out Graduate came to brighten the corners. The event had been organised by The House of Bonnie; an organiser who regularly puts on pop shows that are often related to Massey University creative art graduates.
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12 Nov 2022 // A review by Nicholas Clark
While Wellington’s Valhalla can often seem the perfect venue for dark and brutal music with the Viking themed attire, steep black walls, not to mention imposing decals (including some surviving Halloween decorations), the bar was all colour and light on Thursday evening when Sodalight, REID, Happy Two and Burnt Out Graduate came to brighten the corners. The event had been organised by The House of Bonnie; an organiser who regularly puts on pop shows that are often related to Massey University creative art graduates.
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This Silent Divide - Gig Review: This Silent Divide @ Dead Witch, Auckland - 11/11/2022
11 Nov 2022 // A review by Kev Rowland
Back down to Dead Witch for the first of two consecutive nights of gigs for me which were both originally planned for last year but postponed due to the pandemic. Wellington-based quartet This Silent Divide were finally up in Auckland to promote their excellent EP, Tall Stories, which I reviewed last October.
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Goodnight My Darling - Gig Review: Goodnight My Darling w/ Ersha Island @ Whammy Bar, Auckland - 10/11/2022
11 Nov 2022 // A review by LouClementine
Goodnight My Darling played at Whammy Bar along with Ersha Island last night. Ersha Island are a sister-duo, playing a classic (but not often seen in their genres) accompaniment of violin and piano.
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Swallow the Rat - Single Review: Other Rooms Feat. Yuko Miyoshi
10 Nov 2022 // A review by Kev Rowland
Swallow The Rat are back with a new single in time for their NZ tour (with Ripship in support, which makes a lot of musical sense to me), where they have also brought in Yuko Miyoshi of Memory Foam who provides additional lead vocals. This is a tough one to listen to, almost as if Can have been invited to a Stooges gig, and they have decided to fuzzily distort everything, bringing in additional instruments to create a carpet of sound for the vocals to rest on.
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Khailana - Single Review: Like A Demon
10 Nov 2022 // A review by Corinne Rutherford
Otaki based independent ethereal pop artist Khailana, has just released her third single Like A Demon. Four years in the making the track is a mystical and captivating song, a moody tale ultimately about “how people can construct an entire version of you based off of one little thing that you’ve said or done”.
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Ant Utama - Single Review: Biding My Time
10 Nov 2022 // A review by madeleinehoward
Pop artist Ant Utama releases his new single Biding My Time today, Friday 11th November. The Kiwi born, now German based artist has enjoyed success with the release of his debut EP Brave in 2020, clocking over 300,000 streams.
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Investigator - Album Review: Shade
10 Nov 2022 // A 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.
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Book Review: Matthew Goody - Needles and Pins: The Flying Nun Story 1981 - 1989
09 Nov 2022 // A review by Kev Rowland
I have been a writer for more than 30 years, have written thousands of reviews and literally millions of words, while a publisher has also seen fit to put out four books and ask when the next ones are coming. Yet having been looking through this I feel totally inadequate, as this is one of the most incredible pieces of work I have ever come across.
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09 Nov 2022 // A review by Kev Rowland
I have been a writer for more than 30 years, have written thousands of reviews and literally millions of words, while a publisher has also seen fit to put out four books and ask when the next ones are coming. Yet having been looking through this I feel totally inadequate, as this is one of the most incredible pieces of work I have ever come across.
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Pieces Of Molly - Album Review: Pieces Of Molly
09 Nov 2022 // A review by Epitomised_Drummer
Have you ever heard a tune for the very first time, and within 10 seconds been like "holy crap this is insane, where did this come from???" Very few bands that I listen to ever give me that massive burst in energy like i got when opening the very first track Atomic Fuzz on Pieces Of Molly’s brand new self-titled album.
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No Cigar - Gig Review: No Cigar @ Galatos, Auckland - 5/11/2022
09 Nov 2022 // A review by LouClementine
No Cigar played Auckland on the final date of their Bienvenido Album Release Tour. Nestled behind Karangahape Road, the venue, Galatos, was sold out and packed to the brim on an electric Saturday night.
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Eve Kelly - Single Review: Gotta Let Go
08 Nov 2022 // A review by Gaby Ivanov-Giraldo
Gotta Let Go is the new contemporary anthem from Eve Kelly, a vocalist born and raised in Whakatane. Eve grew up performing in music theatre around Aotearoa, as well as singing in national competitions and at smaller gigs such as weddings and local fundraisers.
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laura. - Single/Video Review: Safety in Numbers (Graeme Woller Remix)
08 Nov 2022 // A review by Corinne Rutherford
Taranaki songwriter Laura Griffiths is releasing a banging dance remix of her hugely popular track Safety In Numbers. This version produced by Graeme Woller, transforms a “fun indie pop” tune into a dance banger.
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Finn Johansson - Single Review: You Look Down At Me
08 Nov 2022 // A review by taffynz
I am SO having a golden run with these reviews! Yet another that has sent me to that place I like to go.
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NZTrio - Gig Review: NZTrio @ Pah Homestead, Auckland - 06/11/2022
08 Nov 2022 // A review by Clare Martin
NZTrio treated us to some very tasty mouthfuls of their Legacy 3 programme on Sunday night at Auckland’s Pah Homestead. It was the final third of their Legacy series, marking their proud twenty-year anniversary.
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Christine White - Single Review: Taken
08 Nov 2022 // A review by mebaynes
Acclaimed music maker, Christine White, released a lush new single Taken on October 27th. The second single and video from her upcoming multifaceted release, The Raven Project due for release on November 24th 2022, is an epic collaboration with over fifty musicians and artists including legendary composer John Psathas.
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Kiero - Single Review: Kiero
07 Nov 2022 // A review by Steve Shyu
Kiero, a relatively new three-piece from Tamaki Makaurau, made up of musicians who are definitely not new to creating colourful noise. There is Michael Collier on keyboards, Jin Song on bass, and bandmate as well as a great friend of mine, Grant Kirkpatrick on drums.
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Adam Hattaway & The Haunters - Gig Review: Adam Hattaway and the Haunters @ Wine Cellar, Auckland - 04/11/2022
07 Nov 2022 // A review by roger.bowie
Rick Topp opened for Adam Hattaway and the Haunters on Friday night three hours before pumpkin time. You know Rick Topp, you might not think so, but you do.
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Crying Club - Single Review: Hide
06 Nov 2022 // A review by Steve Shyu
Poneke Wellington indie-emo maestros Crying Club, formerly and hilariously known as The Chonus Brothers, have made waves both in Tamaki Makaurau as well as in their usual stomping grounds of the Capital. After said name change, and the release of their brilliant 2021 single Taxi Man, the quartet pressed on, and are now proud to present to the world a dark, new single for all to sing along to, headbang with, and feel appropriately glum to.
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Riqi Harawira - Single/Video Review: E Rere Ai (Fly Away)
06 Nov 2022 // A review by Kev Rowland
E rere ai is a song which originally came from a poem written by Riqi and his partner Floss (who appears in the video) which touches on love, hopes, and dreams. They are a Maori/Pakeha blended couple deeply in love with each other, with the idea of an equal union formed in Aroha (love) and respect even though they are from different cultures and backgrounds.
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Curlys Jewels - Single Review: Criminal
06 Nov 2022 // A review by Nicholas Clark
Curlys Jewels' Criminal begins with one hell of a riff inspired by the glory days of 90’s grunge, but produced with a little more bite giving it a metallic vibe. I instantly thought of Alice in Chains, not only as an influence on the song but also as another band that drew heavily from both genres.
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Finger Tight - Gig Review: Finger Tight @ Zeal, Auckland - 05/11/2022
05 Nov 2022 // A review by Kev Rowland
This Saturday found me over in West Auckland for my first ever event at Zeal, which I have on good authority used to be the hub for punk/metalcore/hardcore shows back in the day. This was an all-ages show, so was starting at the ungodly hour of 7:30, but at least I had a great place to sit and write, on the desk next to the lighting and sound, with a proper chair with a back!
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Reece Milton - Album Review: Elixir
05 Nov 2022 // A review by Kev Rowland
Here we have the debut album from Wellington-born and Nelson-raised singer songwriter Reece Milton. As with many other young Kiwi musicians, Reece was involved with Smokefree Rockquest, where his band won their regional heats in 2018.
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Teraset - Album Review: Bones of Contention
04 Nov 2022 // A review by Kev Rowland
Back in 2018, drummer Will Stairmand was undertaking interviews for Angie's Gunroom Sessions, when he came across a demo by a band called Teraset. He enjoyed it, so arranged an interview with those involved and discovered that it was guitarist Lee Mallett’s project along with some mates.
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Jack Robertson - Single Review: Dim Lights
04 Nov 2022 // A review by Kev Rowland
I must confess that I know nothing about singer songwriter singer songwriter Jack Robertson apart from the fact he released his debut album Broke and Broken back in 2019, and then released some singles earlier this year. When I think of a singer songwriter, I think of someone playing an acoustic guitar, with or without support, what I don’t expect is a song with an annoyingly catchy riff which owes more to the blues than anything else and contains a dynamite guitar solo near the end.
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Molly Devine - EP Review: Still Here
03 Nov 2022 // A review by madeleinehoward
Otepoti musician Molly Devine releases her new EP Still Here today, on November 4th.The three track EP is a collection of thoughtful and powerful songs that tell the story of Devine's experience with dating app Bumble.
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Amanaki - EP Review: Tempest
03 Nov 2022 // A review by Paul Goddard
Hardcore.It tends to mean extreme.
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Deep Water Creek - Single Review: Bucket Spider
03 Nov 2022 // A review by Kev Rowland
This is the first time I have come across Otautahi-based singer/songwriter Deep Water Creek (Matthew Smith), but this single is taken from his forthcoming third album, so I obviously have some catching up to do. Recorded and mixed by Josh Logan at Loho studios, what we have here is a confident singer/songwriter very much in the classic Paul Simon style, and one where there has been a great deal of work undertaken in the arrangement which really makes this stand out.
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Adam Hattaway & The Haunters - Album Review: Bug Eyes
03 Nov 2022 // A review by roger.bowie
Have you ever looked a bug in the eye? It’s scary stuff.
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Nika - Single Review: Saviour Complex
03 Nov 2022 // A review by darryl baser
A song with an interesting title will always grab my attention, and the idea of people with a saviour complex has always fascinated me, so when the new song by Nika called Saviour Complex was offered to me to review I almost somersaulted. The song opens with a gently and alluring piano melody before Nika’s voice kicks in and from the first notes some vocal training is obvious.
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Scarlett Eden - Single Review: Real Life
02 Nov 2022 // A review by Gaby Ivanov-Giraldo
Scarlett Eden’s new track released this October 21st, and it’s called Real Life. Coining herself a "funked up pop filled R&B singer", Scarlett experiments with blues, funk, jazz, R&B, and soul.
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Deprivacy - Single Review: Beneath
02 Nov 2022 // A review by Kerry MB
Beneath is the latest single from former one man metal act, Deprivacy, AKA Robbie Scott. If you’re familiar with his offerings, you’ll know what a powerhouse of talent he is and I’m so stoked to dive into his latest single for our listening pleasure.
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Jack Panther - Single Review: Weekend At Bernies
02 Nov 2022 // A review by Danica Bryant
Fresh off the success of his sophomore EP why don't you come over?, Auckland creative Jack Panther is back with new single Weekend At Bernies, a tight alt-pop release carefully positioned for commercial success.
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Jaggers x Ska - Single Review: Blue to Grey
02 Nov 2022 // A review by Callum Wagstaff
Jaggers x Ska are a Dunedin duo made up of Ridge Jaggers (drums, bass, keyboard, production) and Skalisko (guitar, keyboards, bass, vocals). Blue to Grey is a dark disco-tinged goth pop song that sounds like it would play at the gates of purgatory in a David Lynch movie.
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Desbot - Album Review: Pass of Change
02 Nov 2022 // A review by Nicholas Clark
Desbot is made up of Maurice Beckett (bass), from Napier’s post rock legends, Jakob. He is joined by Nick Blow (keyboards) and Tom Pierard (drums).
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The Dirty Tones - Album Review: Can't Stop
02 Nov 2022 // A review by Nicholas Clark
@page size: 21cm 29.7cm; margin: 2cm p { line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 0.
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The Late Starters - Single Review: False Victim
31 Oct 2022 // A review by taffynz
Okay, here's another belter. Christchurch's groovy rockers The Late Starters are releasing their new single False Victim on 1st November, and you need to hear it.
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Gig Review: Come Together - Tom Petty @ Kiri Te Kanawa Theatre, Auckland - 30/10/2022
31 Oct 2022 // A review by roger.bowie
Tom Petty hit us like a bullet train in 1976. It was London, and prog rock was being challenged by punk.
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31 Oct 2022 // A review by roger.bowie
Tom Petty hit us like a bullet train in 1976. It was London, and prog rock was being challenged by punk.
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Ryumas - Album Review: Brand. Construct. Form.
31 Oct 2022 // A review by Steve Shyu
Dunedin-dwelling producer and musician Hamish Crabb, under his stage-name Ryumas, has been creating experimental electronic music for the past four years. In the present day of October 2022, his collated work over that time has been released as a full-length album.
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Villainy - Gig Review: Villainy @ The Powerstation, Auckland - 28/10/2022
31 Oct 2022 // A review by Kev Rowland
It has been 10 years since Villainy released Mode. Set.
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The Treasury - EP Review: Shimmer / I'll Return From On The Sea
29 Oct 2022 // A review by Peter-James Dries
I get a lot of pretty obscure releases thrown my way. For every Six60 single, there are fifty songs you will never hear, from artists you have never heard of.
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Keeltys - EP Review: Strange
29 Oct 2022 // A review by HazzaMakingNoise
For a place that is the epitome of Aotearoa’s blokey sport-heavy monoculture, Otautahi is having a remarkable renaissance of churning out quality bands and artists. Jazz-rock infused pop band Keelty’s have just added their name to the roll-call sheet with their debut EP Strange.
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Thrashing Marlin - Album Review: Wildlife
28 Oct 2022 // A review by roger.bowie
I wasn’t sure about anything, let alone a band, called Thrashing Marlin]. Are they beating a marlin with a rod or are they invoking a marlin trying to shake off a hook?
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Aldous Harding - Gig Review: Aldous Harding @ Auckland Town Hall, Auckland - 26/10/2022
28 Oct 2022 // A review by roger.bowie
Ah, Aldous, it’s been three years since you filled the PowerStation twice and etched your name and face in our annals. Three long years, only relieved by a cameo at the Flying Nun birthday party last year.
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The Nukes - Album Review: Homespun
27 Oct 2022 // A review by Kev Rowland
I have always had a soft spot for folk music, and five years ago travelled to the other side of the world just for a folk festival (honest), but one instrument I did not come across a great deal in the UK was the ukulele, probably due in no small manner to everyone there relating that instrument to the entertainer George Formby. Here in Aotearoa, and in the Pacific in general, there is a far different approach to the instrument although this is the first time I have come across a ukulele trio (although they do also play additional instruments and also have numerous guest musicians and singers).
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Grant Haua - Album Review: Tahanga (Unplugged)
27 Oct 2022 // A review by Kev Rowland
Some 40+ years ago David Coverdale sang the immortal words, “I love the blues, They tell my story, If you don't feel it you can never understand” and they are as true today as they ever were. If you get the blues, really get the blues, there is nothing else like it and although I love the electric works of Lightnin’ Hopkins, T-Bone Walker and Muddy Waters, there is something about the pre-war acoustic blues which hold a special place, people like Blind Lemon Jefferson, Blind Blake, Lead Belly and so many others.
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Renee Millner - EP Review: Fly Me Back
27 Oct 2022 // A review by Hannah Jane
Earlier this month, I had the pleasure of reviewing New Zealand based Australian singer-songwriter Renée Millner’s single Not OK, and much to my delight I have been listening to her EP Fly Me Back over and over ever since. The five songs contained within this album all carry a gentle strength both lyrically and melodically, and the music surrounding them is truly lovely.
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Impostor Syndrome - Album Review: Oriens
27 Oct 2022 // A review by Kev Rowland
Impostor Syndrome is an experimental recording project based in Auckland, New Zealand. Becoming best of friends as seventeen-year-olds over a shared love of Alice in Chains, it took until 2019 before vocalist Ryan Culleton, drummer Scott Nicolson and multi-instrumentalist Shannon Coulomb were to create music together as a unit.
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Amanaki - Single Review: Tumor
26 Oct 2022 // A review by Kev Rowland
Amanaki are back with the second single from their forthcoming EP, Tempest, and is a song which they say was incredibly difficult to record, and even harder to play live given the emotions behind it. During the first lockdown, April discovered that her father’s cancer had spread, and she was unable to see her parents through much of that time.
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Kyla Greening - Single Review: Promises
26 Oct 2022 // A review by mebaynes
Promises by Kyla Greening is described as a "funkadelic 'boy-bye' to promise-breakers that have led you on for too long" - inspired by the grooves and rhythms of neo-soul and hip-hop artists like D'angelo and Erykah Badu. Yes I hear those famous Soulquarians in this track, but I also hear Prince (or TAFKAP), Beyoncé-like pop sensibilities, all of this is wrapped up using an up-to-date production style.
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Racing - Album Review: Must Be The Moon
26 Oct 2022 // A review by Investigator
Must Be The Moon is the sophomore album from electro-rockers Racing. Boasting the talented line up of Ed Knowles and Sven Pettersen (The Checks), Daniel Barrett (Sherpa) and Izaak Houston (Space Creeps), it's not surprising that the band have achieved some notable success.
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Gig Review: Emo Day Party @ Ding Dong Lounge, Auckland - 23/10/2022
25 Oct 2022 // A review by Kev Rowland
Being a glutton for punishment, I was back out the next day at an even more stupid time to catch the Emo Day Party which was taking place over the three floors of Ding Dong Lounge in conjunction with next door’s nightclub, Infinity. The stage was actually up in the nightclub, and it was the first time I had ventured in there so this was going to be interesting.
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25 Oct 2022 // A review by Kev Rowland
Being a glutton for punishment, I was back out the next day at an even more stupid time to catch the Emo Day Party which was taking place over the three floors of Ding Dong Lounge in conjunction with next door’s nightclub, Infinity. The stage was actually up in the nightclub, and it was the first time I had ventured in there so this was going to be interesting.
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Stonehurst - Single Review: Whispers
24 Oct 2022 // A review by Kev Rowland
Don’t let the first ten seconds of the latest single from Christchurch outfit Stonehurst lull you into a false sense of security. Admittedly, I was staring at the speakers trying to work out what was going on and equate the sounds with the band I saw play last year but then everything crunches, and we are off.
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Reece Milton - Single Review: Ms Mona Lisa
23 Oct 2022 // A review by Gaby Ivanov-Giraldo
Born in Wellington, and raised in Nelson, Reece Milton is a singer songwriter and guitarist who’s recently earned a recording contract with Antipodes Records, and management with StudioBox Creative. Finding licks that match indie rock influence, pop and a bit of jazz, Reece has created a new single which follows the success of his debut.
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Festival Review: The Others Way Festival, Auckland - 22/10/2022
23 Oct 2022 // A review by Kev Rowland
This evening was my first visit to The Others Way, a festival being held up and down K Road in Auckland featuring eight different venues. This meant getting into the city unreasonably early as the first band on my list was starting at 6:15!
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23 Oct 2022 // A review by Kev Rowland
This evening was my first visit to The Others Way, a festival being held up and down K Road in Auckland featuring eight different venues. This meant getting into the city unreasonably early as the first band on my list was starting at 6:15!
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Pitch Black - Single Review: Exodus
22 Oct 2022 // A review by Steve Shyu
Having been in the scene for over a quarter of a decade, Pitch Black would know a thing or two about the past and present. Consisting of producers and musicians Paddy Free and Michael Hodgson, the duo toured the globe and played countless numbers of festivals and gigs both in Aotearoa and abroad.
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Gig Review: Ding Dong Bands Competition Heat 3 @ Dead Witch, Auckland - 21/10/2022
21 Oct 2022 // A review by Kev Rowland
In 2020 I attended the heats of this competition which was where I discovered bands such as White Noise Mafia, Café Fistfight, Channeled and so many others. Of course, due to the small matter of a global pandemic and a lockdown there was no competition last year, but here it is back in 2022.
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21 Oct 2022 // A review by Kev Rowland
In 2020 I attended the heats of this competition which was where I discovered bands such as White Noise Mafia, Café Fistfight, Channeled and so many others. Of course, due to the small matter of a global pandemic and a lockdown there was no competition last year, but here it is back in 2022.
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Jaz Paterson - Single Review: Older
21 Oct 2022 // A review by Danica Bryant
Geraldine-raised, Christchurch-based performer Jaz Paterson’s latest release Older takes a stripped-back approach to her electronic artistry. Soft, smooth and serious, it’s a unique single stepping into new territory for the pop musician.
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Finger Tight - Album Review: Messages From The End of the World
20 Oct 2022 // A review by Kev Rowland
In June of last year I made my way to Wine Cellar to see Melanie for the first time, and one of the bands on the bill that night were Finger Tight, and when I reviewed them I said “I was extremely impressed by the end and found it hard to believe this is just their third gig – we are going to be hearing a lot more of these guys.” Since then, I have reviewed some singles, one of which (I Hear It Rains In Seattle) is included on this their debut album which is going to make a lot of people sit up and take notice as this is a punk/pop/emo banger from start to finish.
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Blindspott - Single Review: Pretty Violent
19 Oct 2022 // A review by Kev Rowland
What can you say about Blindspott which hasn’t already been said? When it comes to metal icons from NZ, there are few who exist in the same rarefied atmosphere as these guys, and when I saw them play recently there was no doubt they were among friends who knew all the words to every song.
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Sounds Escape - Album Review: Voices
19 Oct 2022 // A review by Kev Rowland
Sounds Escape is a new project by multi-instrumentalist Logan Wedgwood, with Voices being the debut release. This six-track 30-minute-long instrumental album was conceived during the first Auckland lockdown when Logan discovered he and his wife were not coping well with the stresses of being at home all the time, attempting to combine parenting with Zoom meetings and each other.
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Crooked Royals - Album Review: Quarter Life Day Dream
19 Oct 2022 // A review by Kris Raven
Kiwi progressive Metalcore 5-piece Crooked Royals are a ticking time bomb, the anticipation and hype for their debut album Quarter Life Day Dream is brewing, and their path to global domination has been building since their inception. They have come out of pit swinging and have hit 2022 hard, heavy and ready to take on the international stage.
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Skank Bandit - Single Review: I Am The Master?
19 Oct 2022 // A review by Kev Rowland
The latest single from New Plymouth outfit Skank Bandit explores themes of doubt, self-belief, and self-control, promoting awareness of the risks of drink driving and challenging people to take responsibility for their actions and choices in life. It is an unusual song in many ways, as while the repeated guitar riff is hypnotic and light, the lyrics are dark, and when the guitar crunches, we are taken away from summer and into something else altogether.
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Devils Elbow - EP Review: Riverlands
19 Oct 2022 // A review by Kev Rowland
It has been quite a while since we last heard from Hawkes Bay trio Devils Elbow, but here they are back with their latest EP Riverlands. One thing which is interesting to note is that only Alec Withers (vocals, guitars, percussion) plays on all four tracks, while the threesome play as such on just one, then they are joined by an additional guitarist on another, while the last two are just Alec and a different keyboard player on each track.
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Fear Up Harsh - Album Review: Fear Up Harsh (III)
19 Oct 2022 // A review by Steve Shyu
It’s been described before here on Muzic.net.
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2Fly Ty - Single Review: Dance Floor
19 Oct 2022 // A review by 24KLegacy
2Fly Ty has released his single Dance Floor, a high energy rap song revolved around the artists story of a night out. Describing his night as he follows a woman through the nightclub, 2Fly Ty flows across the song with his catchy hook over the bass and kick instrumental.
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The Seizure Police - EP Review: Volume 1
19 Oct 2022 // A review by Nicholas Clark
When I say that this release is perfect for meditation I intend it as a compliment. It’s difficult to make music this laid back, this thoroughly reliant on delay; this austere.
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S H E - Single/Video Review: Everything Was In Black And White
19 Oct 2022 // A review by Nicholas Clark
Everything Was In Black and White is the newest single from Wellington’s S H E, and it packs a wallop. The band have described their sound as "Lady Gaga meets My Bloody Valentine" and although I was sceptical of such a description at first, it all makes sense when you hear the song (or see the fantastic video that features members in drag alter-egos and is shot in glorious 4K, and of course, in black and white).
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Demons of Noon - Single Review: Sphere of Peace
18 Oct 2022 // A review by Kev Rowland
I first came across Demons of Noon when they opened for the mighty Beastwars at the Powerstation last year, and I came away very impressed indeed by raw sludge-driven doom, and also noted that when they had two female singers come on stage for the last few songs the dynamic changed considerably. Since then, singer Sophie Jackson has left the band and moved to Wellington, and they have just gained a replacement in Tamsyn Matchett but she does not feature on this single, just Aria Jones.
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Claudia Robin Gunn - Album Review: Sing For The Sea
18 Oct 2022 // A review by Corinne Rutherford
Auckland songwriter Claudia Gunn has recently released her latest family friendly album Sing For The Sea (Little Wild Ocean Friends). A robust 24 tracks of delightful marine themed songs.
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Troy Kingi - Gig Review: Troy Kingi and The Promises @ Powerstation, Auckland - 14/10/2022
17 Oct 2022 // A review by LouClementine
Available on both vinyl and cassette, Troy Kingi’s (Te Arawa, Ngapuhi, Te Whanau-a-Apanui) new album, Year of The Ratbags and Their Musty Theme Songs, was debuted at the Powerstation, Auckland. It was a fun and fantastic return to live performance for 2022, following the years of COVID cancellations and absences.
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Sweet Mix Kids - Album Review: Stargazing
17 Oct 2022 // A review by Callum Wagstaff
Sweet Mix Kids are an Auckland DJ/Production duo made up of Sandon James and Chris Scott. They've played some of the hottest parties around the world, including a sold out 14,000 Synthony show at Spark Arena.
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Into Orbit - Gig Review: Into Orbit @ San Fran, Wellington - 14/10/2022
17 Oct 2022 // A review by Nicholas Clark
A mere two days before Spook the Horses were scheduled to play a much anticipated show at Wellington’s San Fran, it was announced they would not be playing at all. Due to some of the members contracting Covid, the band posted on social media that the gig would be going ahead with fellow Wellingtonians Into Orbit taking their place as the headliner.
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Gig Review: Ding Dong Bands Competition Heat 1 @ Dead Witch, Auckland - 14/09/2022
16 Oct 2022 // A review by Gideon Voon
I remember entering this competition for 3 consecutive years (if I remember correctly), during my early days of playing in bands. Each time with a different act, 2 times making the Grand Final.
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16 Oct 2022 // A review by Gideon Voon
I remember entering this competition for 3 consecutive years (if I remember correctly), during my early days of playing in bands. Each time with a different act, 2 times making the Grand Final.
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Alba Rose - Single Review: Mountains
16 Oct 2022 // A review by Danica Bryant
Alba Rose’s new indie-pop track Mountains is indescribable. Bright and dynamic, simple yet full, it’s a song devoted to following through on your feelings and declaring, “I can’t be scared of love”.
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Mel Parsons - Gig Review: Mel Parsons @ Hollywood Avondale, Auckland - 15/10/2022
16 Oct 2022 // A review by roger.bowie
I’m slow on the lesson, I’m slow on the learn, getting into Mel Parsons has been a slow burn. Painting the fence got me started last November before her solo gig at Tuning Fork.
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Lorenzo Vichi - EP Review: Anima
14 Oct 2022 // A review by Kev Rowland
This 13-minute-long 3-track instrumental album is by Lorenzo Vichi, an Italian who now lives in Aotearoa. Everything we hear on the EP was written, arranged, recorded, mixed, produced and edited by Lorenzo who decided to record and produce this EP by himself to demonstrate that it is possible to make music without the need for expensive equipment.
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Eliezer - Single Review: Certified Professional Dreamer
14 Oct 2022 // A review by Ben Ruegg
Eliezer is back after a little while with his new track Certified Professional Dreamer. Produced with long-time collaborator Ten Oh, the track continues to show why Eliezer is name you need to stay aware of.
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Teazse - Single Review: Love, Money Or Drugs
14 Oct 2022 // A review by Ben Ruegg
The new single from Teazse, an independent rap artist from Auckland, brings a lot of what people like about modern hip hop and brings it into his own world, while still acknowledging the sound of those that came before. For example, the sampled pitched voice works well when used well, and it's done here well.
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Scalper - Single Review: I'm Life Feat Nawazish Ali Khan
14 Oct 2022 // A review by Ben Ruegg
Scalper is Nadeem Shafi, born and raised in East London of Pakistani descent. First seen in Aotearoa New Zealand at WOMAD 1997 as the vocalist for the British band Fun-da-mental.
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Christine White - Single Review: Raven
14 Oct 2022 // A review by Trevor Faville
Christine White is an experienced and accomplished composer, with an impressive musical background. Raven is the first part of what is being described as a ‘multifaceted release’ called The Raven Project and is available on video and audio formats.
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Roonie - Single Review: The Way It Should Be
13 Oct 2022 // A review by madeleinehoward
Pop artist Roonie releases her new single The Way It Should Be today, Friday 14th October 2022. Taupo raised, Christchurch based Roonie is Michaela Pointon, who burst onto the scene in 2020 with the release of her debut single My Heart.
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TeamSquad - EP Review: All Dream
13 Oct 2022 // A 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.
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Vogel Town - Single Review: Desert Toast
13 Oct 2022 // A review by Kev Rowland
Here we have the latest single from Wellington-based indie-alternative band Vogel Town who feature Andrew Roberts is on the guitar, and Aaron Mody on drums/percussion. This instrumental track starts with some hand drums and a single guitar playing a repeated riff, and then quickly builds so we have a full drum kit and at least three guitars and a bass being deployed.
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Anthea de Milo - Single Review: Dead Sea
13 Oct 2022 // A review by Kev Rowland
Here we have the second single to be taken from Anthea’s forthcoming debut solo album, The Vicar’s Daughter, which will be out later this year. Hailing from Lyttleton, she used to spend her Wednesday nights with The Eastern until Adam McGrath told her, ''you gotta write your own music'', so she did, forming the country, rock 'n' roll machine Runaround Sue with whom she recorded two albums and toured widely.
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Parasitic Infestation - EP Review: Intergalactic Harvest
13 Oct 2022 // A review by Kev Rowland
Brutal death metal Auckland quintet have just released their debut 5-track EP, following on from the two singles which were released from it last year. I was lucky enough to see these guys when they supported Pale Flag earlier this year, while I have also caught singer Liam Hand in his other band Silent Torture, with the band being completed by Aidan McGorry (guitar), Grady Gottler (lead guitar), Jacob Raffaelli (bass) and Blake Plester (drums).
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Broke - Single Review: Through Her Eyes
12 Oct 2022 // A review by Kev Rowland
When Lisa sent me this, she said to me that Broke reminded her of The Rabble. Now, although I am playing rapid catchup on NZ bands, that is a band I know as they were connected with Orewa College and one of my daughters even wrote and recorded a song with Chas.
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Villainy - Single Review: The Launch
12 Oct 2022 // A review by Kev Rowland
I was chatting with singer/guitarist Neill Fraser from Villainy at a gig recently, and we agreed that the acoustic style gig they did with Dead Favours earlier in the year was fun, but we were both looking forward to having Villainy back on a rock stage (roll on next month, got your tickets yet?).
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Paddy and the Cryptids - EP Review: Demo EP
12 Oct 2022 // A review by Kerry MB
Paddy and the Cryptids are a three piece up and coming Punk/New Wave medley hailing from the sunny Hawkes Bay. This is their self- titled debut EP and straight off the bat there is everything to enjoy about this short, sweet and to the point 4 track ensemble.
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Erin Myers - Single Review: Bad Reception
12 Oct 2022 // A review by Corinne Rutherford
Hamilton based multi-talented musician Erin Myers has taken a new musical direction with her latest release Bad Reception. An evocative track as the name suggests, telling a story of miscommunication and loneliness within a relationship.
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Troy Kingi - Album Review: The Year of the Ratbags And Their Musty Theme Songs
11 Oct 2022 // A review by Kev Rowland
It is safe to say there is no other artist in New Zealand currently working at the pace of Troy Kingi. Earlier this year he released the te reo version of Holy Colony Burning Acres, Pu Whenua Hautapu, Eka Mumura, finished the tour for Black Sea Golden Ladder, and is now back with his latest album, Year of The Ratbags and Their Musty Theme Songs, while already in the studio with TeMatera Smith working on his next one.
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Xile - Album Review: I Am Your God
09 Oct 2022 // A review by Kev Rowland
Last weekend I was at Whammy Bar in Auckland to see the album release show for Xile’s I Am Your God. Thanks to a certain pandemic this album almost slipped out with people not realising, as it was released in May 2020 back when everyone in NZ was in lockdown.
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Blindspott - Gig Review: Blindspott & Written By Wolves @ The Factory, Hamilton - 8/10/2022
09 Oct 2022 // A review by Kev Rowland
When the tour was originally announced there was no Auckland gig, so I quickly put my hand up for this one, and by the time an Auckland show was pencilled in I was already committed to see Reb Fountain on that date, but there was no way I was going to miss them this time around. It may be more than 100 kms to the gig, and it took me ages to find somewhere to park, but that all went out the window when I wandered to the back door and was greeted by Davie wanting to know if I would like a beer.
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Renee Millner - Single Review: Not OK
07 Oct 2022 // A review by Hannah Jane
New Zealand based Australian singer-songwriter Renee Millner has an ethereal voice that carries a gentle strength through the bars of a rhyme in a way that brings otherworldly artists Annie Lennox, Sinead O’Connor, and Dolores O’Riordan to mind like kindred spirits. Within moments of hearing her new single Not OK, Renee whispers something beautifully familiar in my ear, and her melodies carry me away somehow to Scottish Highlands I have never seen before.
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CRYSTAL - EP Review: Garlic Ice Cream
07 Oct 2022 // A review by Danica Bryant
Aotearoa artist and producer Crystal delves into the complexities of youth on Garlic Ice Cream. The debut EP takes a heavily electronic approach to the anxieties of stepping into adulthood, empowered by Crystal’s honest songwriting and production skill.
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Volts - Single Review: When You Go
06 Oct 2022 // A review by Kev Rowland
Last month a gig I was planning to attend fell through, so I looked around and ended up going to Wine Cellar, where the headline band that night was a group from Christchurch I had not previously come across, Volts. Their combination of melodic classic rock with female vocals and great stage presence just blew me away, and I had difficulty comprehending that I had not come across them previously as there is something about them which is incredibly special.
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Amanaki - Single Review: Leech Feat. Luke Manson
06 Oct 2022 // A review by Kev Rowland
I had to smile when I saw this single, as while melodic hardcore outfit Amanaki is new to me, on this release they have a guest in the form of Luke Manson, who I have seen in both Antagonist AD and Xile in recent weeks. Punchy, fast, and hard-hitting, Leech has an underlying repeated sound (not sure if it is synth or treated looped guitar to be honest, could be either) and there is a lot packed into its 128 seconds.
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Glasshouse Keepers - EP Review: Scratching The Surface
06 Oct 2022 // A review by Kev Rowland
I was at a gig last week, and was really intrigued by the opening act, Glasshouse Keepers, very much enjoying their complex rock sound with female lead vocals, so when I realised they had released a four-track EP called Scratching The Surface earlier this year I knew I had to check it out. The band comprise Danielle Hawkins (vocals), Brian McDonald (lead guitar and screams), Linton Graetz (rhythm guitar and backing vocals), Giacobe Otty (bass) and Kevin Jaspers (drums), and they are an alternative rock band who have a great deal of complexity within the arrangement and then over the top there are Danielle’s vocals which are quite sweet and innocent in comparison.
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Mirrored Walls - EP Review: if i didn't have you here
06 Oct 2022 // A review by Nicholas Clark
Mirrored Walls' first EP, if i didn’t have you here features a wide range of sounds and genre influences, but somehow it all makes sense. On the cover, a couple walks away from us in a faded blue image, but one figure is distorted perhaps through how they are remembered by the other.
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Blake - EP Review: Skeptical
06 Oct 2022 // A review by Danica Bryant
Queenstown-born, Auckland-based alt-pop starlet Blake is Skeptical on her newly released sophomore EP. It’s a smooth, soulful collection narrating the highs and lows of the dating scene, blending a range of genres into a compact pop format.
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Murmur Tooth - Single Review: Antidote w/ Lars Moston
06 Oct 2022 // A review by Steve Shyu
I conducted an email interview a couple of years back with Leah Hinton, aka. Murmur Tooth, and was impressed by her work, thus I couldn’t pass up the opportunity to hear what she’s been up to in the years during the pandemic.
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Madeline. - Single Review: Consume
06 Oct 2022 // A review by Danica Bryant
“These violent delights have violent ends”, opens Madeline’s debut single, an infamous quote from Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet which sets the scene for the brutality of Consume. It’s the artist’s first solo release away from her alt-rock band She Loves You.
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The RVMES - Single Review: Simple Things
05 Oct 2022 // A review by darryl baser
Oh My God. There are bangers then there’s this tune.
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Leejun - Album Review: Leejunardo Da Vinci
03 Oct 2022 // A review by Ben Ruegg
Leejun is a Hip-Hop R&B Artist who lives and works in the 03 Christchurch, New Zealand. His complex lyricism and smooth delivery alongside his soulful singing voice reflect the amount of time he's dedicated to working on his craft.
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Gig Review: Immolated Volume 3 @ Valhalla, Wellington - 30/09/2022
03 Oct 2022 // A review by Nicholas Clark
In the murky surroundings of Vivian Street I followed the sounds and smells to Immolated Volume 3 at Valhalla. Initially I was confused about the entrance to the gig, but soon found my way before the stage where bands were still being set up.
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03 Oct 2022 // A review by Nicholas Clark
In the murky surroundings of Vivian Street I followed the sounds and smells to Immolated Volume 3 at Valhalla. Initially I was confused about the entrance to the gig, but soon found my way before the stage where bands were still being set up.
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Brown-E - Single Review: Give Me Your Love
02 Oct 2022 // A review by Gaby Ivanov-Giraldo
Jenna Palmer, AKA Brown-E, is a self-managed and independent singer songwriter based in Auckland and Tauranga. Stepping on the scene at the right time, she’s got a single for the sweethearts!
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Xile - Gig Review: Xile @ Whammy Bar, Auckland - 01/10/2022
01 Oct 2022 // A review by Kev Rowland
So, it is back out on K Road again for another gig, but strangely enough I am sure this is the first time I have been at Whammy Bar in more than a year, and tonight it is for Xile’s album release show. It shows just what strange times we have been living in as I Am Your God has been out for a couple of years, but this was the first opportunity for them to get out and play, so they were making the most of it.
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Dead Beat Boys - Album Review: Dead Beat Boys
01 Oct 2022 // A review by Kev Rowland
I’ve always had a soft spot for punk, ever since it exploded in the UK and my dad told me he would kick me out if he ever found any of that music in my collection. I was just 14 when the Pistols were due to play in the next town over (they were banned instead), and it was the most exciting thing to happen in the local music scene until 1980 when Genesis kicked off their national tour with two dates in Paignton.
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Gabriel Bond - Single Review: Temporary Insanity
01 Oct 2022 // A review by Kev Rowland
I was very impressed with the last single I heard of Gabriel’s, 2021’s Lights Burn Low, so when I asked to review this, I was looking forward to it. As I noticed last time, this is full of class with very high production, and does not sound like the performance of a musician who has yet to release his debut EP (out soon).
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Investigator - Gig Review: Investigator @ Dead Witch, Auckland - 30/09/2022
01 Oct 2022 // A review by Kev Rowland
Back to Dead Witch for another night of rock ‘n’ roll. I have reviewed Investigator quite a lot and saw Crystalator support them the last time I saw them at the Cupid, but tonight the band opening was new to me, Glasshouse Keepers.
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Voodoo Bloo - Gig Review: Radicals w/ Voodoo Bloo @ Meow, Wellington - 29/09/2022
30 Sep 2022 // A review by Nicholas Clark
On a stormy, unusually wet Thursday, (even by Wellington’s standards), I approached Meow bar in the heart of the CBD to attend what would prove to be Voodoo Bloo’s homecoming gig of their recent tour. This event, their third to last, is in promotion for their latest offering, The Blessed Ghost.
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Miller Yule - Album Review: Let It Burn
29 Sep 2022 // A review by roger.bowie
You can tell by the name, can’t you, you can just tell. I mean, Dwight Yoakam couldn’t be anything but a country singer, could he?
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Dead Favours - Single Review: Sink or Swim
29 Sep 2022 // A review by Kev Rowland
Just the opening few bars of their new single lets the listener know that Dead Favours are back, and yet again they mean business. Charlie sets up an intricate backbeat, Kyle and Jared have their guitars in sync, and at the heart of it all is a filthy bassline with Alex providing melodies and countermelodies, so one is brought into the music long before Jared even starts singing!
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Impostor Syndrome - Single Review: I Talk Too Much
29 Sep 2022 // A review by Kev Rowland
Here we have the latest single from Auckland trio Imposter Syndrome, which is based strongly on a riffed acoustic guitar (the sound of which is superb, congrats whoever engineered this), with vocals over the top. Due to its nature this has plenty of space within the arrangements as even when additional instruments are added they are sparse, so the concentration is always on the voice and the guitar.
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Old Salts - EP Review: Stories Told by the Sea
29 Sep 2022 // A review by Kev Rowland
Alt rockers Old Salts hail from the shores of Bream Bay, Northland, and features John Buckle (lead vocals, guitar) Scott Brown (lead guitar, BV) Marcus Jones (bass, BV), and Lucas Hargreaves (drums, BV). This four-track EP contains three previously released singles plus the new one, Casual Smoker, which they describe as being reminiscent of Barry Manilow meets RHCP.
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BO And the Constrictors - EP Review: Love
29 Sep 2022 // A review by Kev Rowland
These guys are new to me, and when I checked them out, I realised they are from Dunedin, which is why I have not come across them yet on the Auckland circuit, but I do hope they can make it up here at some point as these three songs are a nice slice of rock, and they are doing something quite different with their sound. Named after lead singer/guitarist Boaz Anema, the band also comprises Dean Armitage (bass, backing vocals), Jacob Rutherford (slide guitar) and Callan Carne (drums).
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Trepidations - EP Review: Time Flies
28 Sep 2022 // A review by Kev Rowland
The latest EP from Trepidations follows a rather unusual format in that we have one vocal track which was recorded in a studio, and then three instrumental tracks which were played live which are quite different in approach and sound quality. Having not played any of their music before I must confess, I do not know if these distinctly different approaches are what one would expect from the trio, or whether one of these paths is new to them.
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Will McClean - Single Review: Man on a Mission
28 Sep 2022 // A review by Danica Bryant
Te Whanganui-a-Tara’s resident hip hop star Will McClean collaborates with Casual Healing on Man on a Mission, a mellow, emotive track that showcases his earnest lyricism. McClean’s verses capture a deceptively relaxed flow, that in actuality is carefully constructed with tight rhymes and subtle melodies.
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Ms.Take - Single Review: Grow
26 Sep 2022 // A review by Steve Shyu
Operating under the stage name Ms.Take, Lora Thompson has developed herself as a master of guitar pedals, as well as a producer, bassist, guitar player and audio engineer.
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Ekko Park - EP Review: UnMute
25 Sep 2022 // A review by Kev Rowland
There are times when it is just impossible to write a review as I am having so much fun playing the music that I find myself hitting the desk in time with the drums, bopping to the beat and fully in the groove. Then the damn thing is finished, and I have to put it on again (not really an issue) and the debacle repeats!
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Gig Review: Smokefreerockquest National Finals @ Q Theatre, Auckland - 24/09/2022
25 Sep 2022 // A review by Kev Rowland
I must admit I had to look up the address for Q Theatre on Google as I had never heard of it but having found it, I realized I must have been past it hundreds of times as it is right next door to Auckland Town Hall. Tonight, I was at the finals for Smokefree Rock Quest, the most important school competition for music in Aotearoa, and it would not surprise me if it was one of the longest running in the world as they were celebrating 35 years of the event.
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25 Sep 2022 // A review by Kev Rowland
I must admit I had to look up the address for Q Theatre on Google as I had never heard of it but having found it, I realized I must have been past it hundreds of times as it is right next door to Auckland Town Hall. Tonight, I was at the finals for Smokefree Rock Quest, the most important school competition for music in Aotearoa, and it would not surprise me if it was one of the longest running in the world as they were celebrating 35 years of the event.
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Looking For Alaska - Gig Review: Looking for Alaska w/ Chris Dent @ Wine Cellar, Auckland - 22/09/2022
24 Sep 2022 // A review by roger.bowie
Here we are on a cool, wet spring night, but as always, it’s warm inside the Wine Cellar. In The Shallows were originally on this bill but have been plagued by some ill health and we can guess what that might be, so instead Looking for Alaska step up and, no surprise, invite their old mate Chris Dent (Albi) along to open the show.
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Achilles Complex - Gig Review: Achilles Complex @ Dead Witch, Auckland - 23/09/2022
24 Sep 2022 // A review by Kev Rowland
I cannot believe I have not been at Dead Witch since the beginning of July, but there has been so much music going on that I kept having clashes. Luckily, Harley asked if I could come and see Achilles Complex quite some time back so this date was locked in.
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Chris Bates - Single Review: Lose My Mind
22 Sep 2022 // A review by taffynz
In short, if I could give this a six out of five I would. Do I need to go on?
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Becca Caffyn - EP Review: The Replacement Blonde
22 Sep 2022 // A review by taffynz
Dunedin-based singer-songwriter Becca Caffyn brings us her debut EP release The Replacement Blonde, a four song journey through pivotal experiences that have left their mark on her 19 years in this life. Produced by Christchurch-based Will McGillivray (Goodwill) and mastered by Joe Faris, Becca has traversed Parachute Music's great Artist Development initiative.
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Planet Hunter - Album Review: Moscovium
22 Sep 2022 // A review by Kev Rowland
On April 19th, 2018, the Transiting Exoplanet Survey Satellite was launched on a two-year mission to find a rocky world with an atmosphere which could be probed for signs of life. Although it had an official name, the media just called it a planet hunter which seemed more exciting, and a Wellington rock band finally came across a name they felt was fitting for the music they were creating.
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Medusa Glare - Single Review: Lay It To Rest
21 Sep 2022 // A review by Kev Rowland
It is not unusual for me to have conversations with music lovers which revolve around me attempting to convince them there is a vibrant and exciting music scene in Aotearoa as sometimes it feels like I am coming across a wonderful new band on a daily basis, and here is another. I am sure if Medusa Glare were an Auckland act as opposed to being from the ‘Tron I would have come across them long before now, but given they were formed back in 2014 there really is no excuse on missing out on this classic hard rock band until now.
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Dark Divinity - Album Review: Unholy Rapture
21 Sep 2022 // A 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.
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PolarisRadio - Album Review: Legend of the Broken Claw
21 Sep 2022 // A review by Kev Rowland
I was not too sure what to expect from PolarisRadio, which is the pseudonym for Dean Moroney, but I am pretty sure this wasn’t it! Dean’s music is normally described as Synthwave, and in some respects that still fits as here we have an instrumental album which appears to be based on a video game, yet while there are some tracks (such as Sea of Stars) which are solidly sat within that genre, there are plenty of others which do not.
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CACO - EP Review: Chisme
21 Sep 2022 // A review by Ben Ruegg
CACO is a 23-year-old South Auckland raised Iraqi. Over the last 6 years, CACO has become an all-encompassing musical artist; producing, mixing, mastering, writing and recording the near extent of his 30+ track catalogue.
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Captain Festus McBoyle's Travellin' Variety Show - Single Review: Leaking - The English Whinging Song
20 Sep 2022 // A review by Corinne Rutherford
New Zealand's award winning pirate Captain Festus from the family entertainment troupe, Captain Festus McBoyle's Travellin' Variety Show has recently released another single from his up-and-coming album Look Wot The Cat Dragged In. Leaking - The English Whinging Song is an unapologetic musical whinge of unfortunate events from this sometimes unlucky pirates adventures.
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Stu J - Single Review: Hyper Slow
19 Sep 2022 // A review by Steve Shyu
Aotearoa-born producer, DJ and musician Stu J is a self-confessed lover of electronic music. Under his mononym, he has created and released up to three singles over the past two years, including the light and airy We Love The Moonlight, and the soundscape-heavy Destination Unknown.
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Thousand Limbs - Single Review: The Aurouchs - Ensnared
19 Sep 2022 // A review by Kev Rowland
Here we have the second single from Auckland-based instrumental doom outfit Thousand Limbs. It is taken from their forthcoming debut album The Aurouchs, which is a ten-part song-cycle based on Kakuan Shien’s Ten Ox Herding Pictures, and is set to be released later this year, with each of the ten songs being based on one of the ten woodcuts.
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Jaqualyn Taimana Williams - Single Review: In Between
18 Sep 2022 // A review by Kev Rowland
In Between is the third single from the upcoming 2023 EP Guns Of Dialogue, but is the first time I have personally come across Jaqualyn Taimana Williams. As with her debut album she has been working with producer Tim Skedden and Chris Chetland, and when I read that I was somewhat confused as the way this song starts there is no way that it sounds as if Chris has been involved as I have huge admiration for what comes out of Kog Studio.
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Dub Asylum - Album Review: Beg, Steel or Borrow
18 Sep 2022 // A review by Kev Rowland
I have no idea who many albums I have reviewed over the last 35 years, but it is countless thousands, while the words written are well into the millions, but I must confess this is the first time I have ever been asked to review an album where steel drums are the main instrument, let alone when they are being used to play dub versions of Kiwi classics! The man behind Dub Asylum is Peter McLennan, who formed this project after leaving reggae-thrash-punk-ska outfit Hallelujah Picassos in the Nineties.
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Volts - Gig Review: Volts @ Wine Cellar, Auckland - 16/09/2022
16 Sep 2022 // A review by Kev Rowland
To be honest, I wasn’t supposed to be here tonight, but yesterday I was checking out the gig I was supposed to be attending only to discover the band had pulled out due to injury. Although I had already reviewed one show this week (the excellent Pop Will Eat Itself at Tuning Fork) I had been geared up for this one so wondered, what else was on in Auckland?
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Silcrow - Single Review: Keep The Silence
15 Sep 2022 // A review by Kev Rowland
Silcrow will be a new name to many, it certainly was to me as it was only when I was arranging to see them play recently that I discovered this is the new name for Close to the Bone. I was aware of that band, but had not seen them play, although I had seen lead singer Lorenzo Hazlewood undertake an acoustic set.
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Big Tasty - Single Review: Diamond Eyed
15 Sep 2022 // A review by Corinne Rutherford
Auckland based 9-piece funk and soul band Big Tasty have just released a groovy disco inspired track with an epic full sound. Diamond Eyed is possibly one of the best original 70's soulful disco beats I have come across in a very long time.
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Anxiety Club - Album Review: Old Dreams
15 Sep 2022 // A review by Kev Rowland
A little while back I was fortunate enough to hear the single Carousel, and now Wellington-based Anxiety Club are back with the album. As I said in the earlier review, due to various reasons Kev Fitzsimons (Thom Cross) and Clint Meech (Matt Langley band) found themselves as the only band members left, and with Kev suffering an injury which meant he could not play guitar they could either quit or bring in some others to help out.
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Mel Parsons - Album Review: Slow Burn
15 Sep 2022 // A review by roger.bowie
Mel Parsons’ 5th album is out today, September 16 and it’s been a Slow Burn, a journey of highs and lows as the world of lockdown and locked out intervened in thousands of creative processes sometimes positively other times depressingly and if nothing else this record is a reflection of these times. The opening track, Lights “when the lights can’t always be on, you can’t expect that I’ll always be strong” captures the malaise which follows a pandemic, and the dark flavour and nuance of the songs on Slow Burn often conflate the sense of generic, world melancholy with deep personal issues.
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Honeybee - EP Review: From An Unreliable Source
15 Sep 2022 // A review by Nicholas Clark
After the success of their first EP Dusty, Honeybee return with a solid and positively shimmering five-track EP written and recorded during the uncertainty of the lockdown period. This offering contains the same heavily effects laden guitars from Dusty, but there is more energy and perhaps less influence from hip hop.
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Planet Hunter - Single Review: Humans of the Wild
15 Sep 2022 // A review by Investigator
Humans of the Wild is the first single from Wellington rock band, Planet Hunter, off their upcoming album Moscovium. I profess to not having heard of Planet Hunter before, they are self-described as having a small but dedicated following in Wellington's heavy rock scene.
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Frau Knotz - Single/Video Review: Supernova
15 Sep 2022 // A review by taffynz
Frau Knotz (Lauren Nottingham) has what her former Mexican host family would describe as cojones. She found herself stuck in Mexico City - not the world's most placid of places - for eight months during the height of the pandemic, thanks to a cruise ship gig being cancelled three days after she arrived there.
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The Hopkinsville Goblins - Album Review: Bite the Wax Tadpole
14 Sep 2022 // A review by Peter-James Dries
The Hopkinsville Goblins is always a challenging review. If you want it done right, you really need some hard-broiled journalist from a bygone era on the job, not some gumshoe with a grudge like me.
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Landlords - EP Review: Codeine
12 Sep 2022 // A review by Kev Rowland
Here we have the second EP from Hamilton-based quartet Landlords containing five songs at approximately 20 minutes in length. Interestingly the band are signed with a UK label, something I only realised when I checked out their Bandcamp page and could not work out why prices were in sterling instead of NZD.
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Shepherds Reign - Gig Review: Shepherds Reign @ Galatos, Auckland - 10/09/2022
12 Sep 2022 // A review by Kev Rowland
Tonight, was another rescheduled gig from Covid, as this was originally planned to take place to celebrate Matariki, the Maori New Year, but because of band illness could not take place at the time. Due to other commitments, I had missed seeing Shepherds Reign when they supported The Hu last month, so was really looking forward to this I had not seen them play since the middle of last year.
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Nadia Reid - Gig Review: Nadia Reid & Jenny Mitchell @ Auckland Town Hall, Auckland - 09/09/2022
11 Sep 2022 // A review by LouClementine
Worth the wait might be the short summary of an epic and memorable evening with Nadia Reid with the Auckland Philharmonic Orchestra and support from Jenny Mitchell. Both acts were accompanied by their bands and a packed Auckland Town Hall cheered every song.
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Lung - Album Review: Bad Acid Soundtracks II
11 Sep 2022 // A review by Nicholas Clark
Lung was a legendary punk, noise band in the early 90’s that embarked on world tours in the Northern Hemisphere and were lauded by none other than the mighty John Peel. Despite this, by 1994 they were splintering after a tumultuous and short career.
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Dillastrate - Single Review: Taku Aroha
09 Sep 2022 // A review by Trevor Faville
Dillastrate is made up of drummer/vocalist Henare 'H' Kaa and Tim Driver who handles Keys/loops/vocals, adding MC Luis Mill for live work. This group comes with a background of considerable musical skill and experience and brings this all to bear with their latest single Taku Aroha.
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Loveta - Single Review: Drive
09 Sep 2022 // A review by Danica Bryant
Christchurch pop artist Loveta’s new single Drive finds the starlet “dreaming wide awake” of escaping her daily life into exciting new experiences. Polished to perfection and fizzing with dance-pop energy, the track is as radio-ready as anything currently spinning on commercial airwaves.
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DateMonthYear - Single Review: Slipping Through My Hands with Black Velvet Butterfly
08 Sep 2022 // A review by Kev Rowland
The first thing which struck me about this single, even before I listened to it, is that the artwork is such a strange shape, but given that many of these are only released digitally these days there is no actual reason they need to be square at all, and I really like it! What we have here is the most recent collaboration from Trevor Faville of DateMonthYear who this time is working with fellow multi-instrumentalist James Castady-Kristament of Black Velvet Butterfly.
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Electric Tapestry - EP Review: The Origins EP
08 Sep 2022 // A review by Kev Rowland
Any group who say they are inspired by bands as diverse as The Beach Boys, Ladysmith Black Mambazo, King Crimson, Genesis, Van Halen, Radiohead, Crowded House, The Chills and Straitjacket Fits are going to be interesting to say the least, and with three guitarists in the line-up, they are going to have a distinctive sound. With this release, Electric Tapestry say they aim to mix the atmospherics of post rock with the immediacy and sensibilities of pop, and while I am not 100% sure if they have achieved this, they are certainly doing something different.
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Tablefox - Single Review: Give It All
08 Sep 2022 // A review by Kev Rowland
I thoroughly enjoyed the last Tablefox album, Battles, while I was also fortunate enough to recently catch them supporting Capital Theatre so was looking forward to their new single. Musically they are based in alt rock, but that covers a multitude of sins, and they are also heavily influenced by the sound of some Eighties bands such as Simple Minds, and that really comes through here.
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Greta O'Leary - Single Review: Body, Now
08 Sep 2022 // A review by Kev Rowland
It has been quite a while since Greta O'Leary released her debut single, Outnumbered, but now she is back with the follow-up which is a precursor for an EP which is hopefully not too far in the distant future. What we have here is a solid case of alt-folk/dream pop which is full of passion, pain, angst and so much more.
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Black Sands - Album Review: Black Sands
08 Sep 2022 // A review by Kev Rowland
Black Sands are a real rarity in that they are a totally instrumental act, and while they bring in plenty of progressive tendencies, they are always first and foremost a metal band. The band started life as a duo of Cameron Owens (guitars) and James Trimmer (drums), with Ruaidri Keens (guitars) joining later and it was only when they went into the studio with producer/engineer Matt Hammond who then offered his services on 5-string bass that they ended up as a quartet.
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Danica Bryant - Gig Review: Danica Bryant @ The Tuning Fork, Auckland - 7/09/2022
07 Sep 2022 // A review by Kev Rowland
Back into central Auckland on a school night, but it was for a good reason as Danica Bryant was in town and as I had yet to see her perform but had heard some of her releases, I just had to make the effort. Before Danica started, we had Katie—Lee, (they/them), a young singer songwriter who was new to me.
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Serpent Dream - EP Review: Deadlock
07 Sep 2022 // A review by Nicholas Clark
You could be forgiven for anticipating a heavy metal with a cover and title like this. A glowing photogram of an Australian mental health institution key hints at themes of incarceration and of security or danger.
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felix danilo. - Album Review: The Territories West
07 Sep 2022 // A review by Kev Rowland
The latest album by Felix Danilo finds him exploring different musical textures where the main (and often only) instrument is a multi-layered guitar full of reverb. Although the album is mostly instrumental, he is joined by singer Kayla McGee one song, and by his SkeletonCrew bandmate Nicole Obren on two others.
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Goodwill - EP Review: Incontrol
07 Sep 2022 // A review by madeleinehoward
Otautahi musician Goodwill released his debut EP Incontrol on the 19th of August. The solo project of musician Will McGillivray, formerly of successful Kiwi band nomad, Incontrol is the result of six years of work in Will’s home studio in Christchurch.
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Saint Lane - EP Review: I Thought My Name Was Cursed
07 Sep 2022 // A review by Nicholas Clark
Saint Lane’s newest EP begins with a highly predictable chord progression borrowed from The Righteous Brothers’ Unchained Melody and exploited in such songs as The Air That I Breathe by the Hollies, I Know It's Over by The Smiths, Magic City by Gorillaz, Underwear by Pulp and perhaps most famously in Radiohead’s Creep. More modern listeners might recognize the chord sequence from The Steven Universe opening theme or perhaps Akon’s rearrangement of Bobby Vinton’s Mr Lonely.
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Lando - EP Review: Lost at Sea
07 Sep 2022 // A review by Callum Wagstaff
Lando is a 4-piece Alternative Rock band from Auckland's North Shore. They self-produce, mix and record their music.
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Personal Igloo - Single Review: Old Me
06 Sep 2022 // A review by Kev Rowland
Personal Igloo is the solo project of Auckland based song writer/producer, Hamish Nixon, which brings together soul and pop with some raspy vocals and a love for bands such as Kings of Leon. Old Me is the first track from his forthcoming second EP, which will be out in the next month or so and is a very clean representation of modern pop with some look backs to Eighties-style soul.
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Medusa Glare - Single Review: Something's Got to Give
06 Sep 2022 // A review by Kerry MB
With two EP’s and a single already under their belt since forming in 2017, Waikato three piece, Medusa Glare know a thing or two about catchy hooks, great rhythms and crunchy hard rock riffs. Something’s Got to Give is their latest single, and they’ve hit the nail on the head again with their signature sound that fans have come to know and love.
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Young Moon - EP Review: Paraverbal Orchids
06 Sep 2022 // A review by Peter-James Dries
There is this Japanese art form called Kintsugi – Golden Joinery – which is a method of mending cracks in broken pottery with gold. The idea is that the broken pieces are part of the object’s history, so are something to remember rather than something to hide.
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Marlon Williams - Album Review: My Boy
06 Sep 2022 // A review by roger.bowie
Shit, Marlon’s gone poppy. Not just My Boy.
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Coridian - Gig Review: Coridian @ Ding Dong Lounge, Auckland - 03/09/2022
06 Sep 2022 // A review by Steve Shyu
Let’s not dwell on the obvious.Lockdowns were not nice, we all missed live music, we’re all glad scanning QR codes in every doorway aren’t a thing anymore.
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Ripship - Single Review: Ripship Is Online
05 Sep 2022 // A review by Kev Rowland
I first came across these guys a few months back when I saw them open for Daniel Armstrong & The Monsoons and I was immediately impressed by their approach which was both effective and infectious, so I was pleased when this single recently came my way. They are a duo comprising Callum Lincoln (guitar, vocals, loops) and Eva-Rae McLean (drums, vocals), and they mix together live loops, crunchy guitar and live drums to create something which would be what Ozric Tentacles would be doing if they were more into space rock.
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One Man Bannister - Album Review: The Saddest Noise
05 Sep 2022 // A review by Kev Rowland
One Man Bannister is the name used by Hamilton-based Matthew Banister when he is not performing in one of his bands such as Sneaky Feelings or The Changing Same, and this is his latest album. It is somewhat unusual in that for the 16 songs he took poems written by Emily Dickinson (1830-1886) and then put them to music.
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Anthea de Milo - Single/Video Review: Mama Got It Bad
05 Sep 2022 // A review by Corinne Rutherford
Lyttelton based soulful songwriter Anthea de Milo (Anthea Struthers of Saint Satori, Runabout Sue & The Harbour Union) has just released her outlandish (in the best possible way) debut single accompanied by an eccentric music video full of originality and colour. A combination of song and visuals that invade your senses with delightful quirkiness.
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The Jordan Luck Band - Gig Review: The Jordan Luck Band & Ekko Park @ The Tuning Fork, Auckland - 3/09/2022
03 Sep 2022 // A review by Kev Rowland
Tonight, it was back to The Tuning Fork for another fun night of great rock music. I knew Midnight Oil were playing next door so got here early, and not only managed to get a free parking space, but the lighting guys made sure I had a great place to be able to review from and even provided me with power and my own lighting.
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Jason Parker - Single Review - How To Be Lonely
03 Sep 2022 // A review by IShadowcasterI
Jason Parker has been described as a "Popstar in the making", and it is easy to see why when listening to his music. From the catchy, upbeat sound of This Is My Year or the slow, yet powerful delivery of You Rescued Me, Jason shows so much promise, and the single from his upcoming EP of the same name is here to show you just that.
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Goldsmith Baynes - Album Review: E Rere Ra
01 Sep 2022 // A review by Kev Rowland
Earlier this year I was fortunate to be asked to review To Ihu, one of the four singles to be made available from this album so far, and I was just blown away by what I was hearing. Allana Goldsmith is a classic jazz songstress with warm and embracing vocals while Mark Baynes is a compassionate and empathetic accompanist on the piano, and together they create the bedrock of a very special experience indeed.
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Dolphin Friendly - Single/Video Review: Radical Desire
01 Sep 2022 // A review by taffynz
And BOOM! Christchurch rock band Dolphin Friendly's new release Radical Desire is right up my street.
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Ema I'u - Single Review: Midnight Mistress
01 Sep 2022 // A review by HazzaMakingNoise
I’m going to speculate that most music scenes in cities around the world have someone like Ema I’u (AKA Ema Barton.) However I’d wager that all these other cities are in envy of our own Tamaki Makaurau and its “open mic queen”, whose remarkable talents are no secret to those who have traversed the various haunts around the city which generously let artists cut their teeth.
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Seaside Sloths - Album Review: Claws
31 Aug 2022 // A review by Ben Ruegg
Seaside Sloths are a 7-piece, genre-defying outfit, here to remind everyone to slow down. Hailing from the jungle and now residing on luscious shorelines of the Kapiti Coast.
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Munro - Album Review: The Book Of Isaac
31 Aug 2022 // A review by Ben Ruegg
Rapper/producer Munro makes all his songs in a humble caravan studio located in Matakana.On his new album, The Book Of Isaac, he explores different soundscapes that range from acoustic, east-coast jazz influenced hip-hop and others all influenced by the hip-hop sounds of the last 30 years.
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The RVMES - Single Review: What's Troublin' You
31 Aug 2022 // A review by Kev Rowland
It seems to have been ages since I last heard from The RVMES, and I can see from looking through my records that it is more than a year since I last saw them play, and also more than a year since I reviewed their excellent album, Lifetime. Now they are back with the first single from their next album, Simple Things which will be out in a few months’ time.
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Impostor Syndrome - Single Review: Locksmith
31 Aug 2022 // A review by Peter-James Dries
Across their body of work, Imposter Syndrome have been known for their blurring of the lines between sub-genres and laying waste to the traditional ideas of song structure. Well, that’s what they’re known for to me at least.
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Citris iNK - Single Review: Knowing You're Mine
30 Aug 2022 // A review by taffynz
This release is the debut single for Kristin and Nick, two highly experienced and focused musicians based out of the City of Sails. Titled Knowing You're Mine, it's an homage to their influences of old school R&B, blended with the neo-soul of today, and it could be described as smooth and professional, and ready for radio.
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Fur Patrol - Gig Review: Fur Patrol @ San Fran, Wellington - 27/08/2022
29 Aug 2022 // A review by Cathy Elizabeth
I finally arrived at San Fran just on 8pm, a little grumpy after spending 30+ minutes driving around trying to find a park in Wellington city, where, like many other cities around New Zealand, the councils have decided to eliminate as many parking spaces as possible with bollards, flower pots, bus stops, loading zones, road works, or just by erecting scaffolding barriers for no apparent reason!! The venue was wall-to-wall full, and I marveled that all these people had managed to find parking spaces also.
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Silcrow - Gig Review: Silcrow @ The Thirsty Dog, Auckland - 27/08/2022
28 Aug 2022 // A review by Kev Rowland
After three gigs last weekend it seemed a little weird to be doing just one this, but that’s what happens sometimes. I had been planning to come to this gig to see support act Venom Dolls, as I had no idea who Silcrow were, so it was something of a surprise when Lorenzo Hazlewood responded to my message and let me know that Silcrow is the new name for Close To The Bone.
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VÏKÆ - EP Review: Love Games
25 Aug 2022 // A review by darryl baser
Veronika Bell, known to music fans as Vikae, has been composing and producing music for a good few years, and is gaining some crossover traction between the dance and pop worlds. While she writes many of her tunes on a piano, and can perform them beautifully with piano and her impressive voice, it is the dance-styled pop versions of her tune which have been garnering her acclaim.
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Pieces Of Molly - Single Review: I Don't Wanna
25 Aug 2022 // A review by [email protected]
Pieces of Molly have been busy beavers, racking up a slew of international and major national support slots to go with their commercial radio play, EPs and single releases. I Don’t Wanna is their latest single, and you can hear influences ranging from Aerosmith to Red Fang, while Jet and The D4 also come to mind.
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Electric Temples - Single Review: I Want The World
25 Aug 2022 // A review by Kev Rowland
This is the debut single from Christchurch-based rock group Electric Temples, and the thing which impresses me most right from the off is the use of space. When a band starts, it is easy to throw the kitchen sink into a recording instead of understanding that often less is more, yet here we are provided with music in waves so there is plenty of contrast.
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Coridian - Single Review: Rakshasa
22 Aug 2022 // A review by bensargent00
Auckland-based 4-piece Coridian return in full force with their second single Rakshasa off their much anticipated upcoming album HAVA, which is due early next year. A winter storm of progression and melancholy proving once again that one of the fastest rising Kiwi Rock acts can still push the boundaries of their sound whilst still dialling in plenty of that early 2000's nostalgia.
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Matt Joe Gow - Gig Review: Matt Joe Gow @ Wine Cellar, Auckland - 21/08/2022
22 Aug 2022 // A review by Kev Rowland
So, it was off into central Auckland for my third consecutive gig, this time to Wine Cellar to see country musician Matt Joe Gow on the final date of his NZ tour, where every gig had sold out. Given how difficult the market is at present, which has been some vindication for Matt, and it was no surprise he was happy with how things had gone.
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Haze Lane - Single/Video Review: Natural Feeling
22 Aug 2022 // A review by Andrew Smit
Matching the songs title very aptly South Auckland indie band Haze Lane has produced Natural Feeling, a very organic song that does indeed deliver a very smooth natural feeling. The ultra-cool ambient sound is reminiscent to the early roots sound of Six60 and L.
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Come Together: David Bowie's Ziggy Stardust @ Kiri Te Kanawa Theatre, Aotea Centre, Auckland - 20/08/2022
21 Aug 2022 // A review by roger.bowie
Here we are, back in 1972, the year when if you hadn’t heard of David Bowie before, then wham!... an indelible stamp of wonder and amazement and disbelief is delivered to your consciousness for the next 50 years if not forever.
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21 Aug 2022 // A review by roger.bowie
Here we are, back in 1972, the year when if you hadn’t heard of David Bowie before, then wham!... an indelible stamp of wonder and amazement and disbelief is delivered to your consciousness for the next 50 years if not forever.
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Fur Patrol - Gig Review: Fur Patrol @ The Tuning Fork, Auckland - 20/08/2022
20 Aug 2022 // A review by Kev Rowland
This was the first time I had heard anything from support act Wellington-based Soft Plastics, who comprise Sophie Scott-Maunder (vocals/bass), Jonathan Shirley (guitar) and Laura Robinson (drums), but I had heard good things and right from the off I could see I was not going to be disappointed. They started with Day Job, and right from the distorted jangly guitar chord opening, the audience responded and made their way from the bar to the front.
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Troy Kingi - Gig Review: Troy Kingi @ Auckland Town Hall - 19/08/2022
20 Aug 2022 // A review by Kev Rowland
At the Auckland Folk Festival last year, Tory Kingi and Delaney Davidson premiered material from the forthcoming Black Sea Golden Ladder album, which they had written together when Troy had the Matairangi Mahi Toi Artist Residency in Wellington. Looking around the full marquee, at that time no-one knew we would be going back into extended lockdown, or the impact it would have on the forthcoming tour.
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Ella Minehan - Single Review: First Light
19 Aug 2022 // A review by Corinne Rutherford
Auckland based emerging female singer / songwriter Ella Minehan has just dropped her third single First Light. A smooth RnB sounding track which has been described as an upbeat, flirty track about taking chances with relationships.
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The Infinity Chamber - Single/Video Review: Nothing
18 Aug 2022 // A 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.
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Adam Hattaway & The Haunters - Single Review: Salt
18 Aug 2022 // A review by Kev Rowland
Only nine months since their last album, and Adam and the band are back with the first single from the next, Bug Eyes, which is due out in November. Salt clearly shows that here we have a band who have paid their dues by working the circuit since they released their debut in 2018 and soon, they will be back with their fifth – the work ethic puts many other bands to shame.
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Taylor Roche - Single Review: day&night
18 Aug 2022 // A review by Corinne Rutherford
Auckland based Pop/RnB artist and TikTok personality Taylor Roche has just dropped his latest catchy offering day&night. Described as "rebellious 80's synth pop" this is an upbeat track detailing a broken relationship hanging by a thread.
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Danica Bryant - EP Review: Ego Death
18 Aug 2022 // A review by madeleinehoward
Hawkes Bay songstress Danica Bryant is back with her sophomore EP Ego Death, released to the world on August 19th. Following on from her 2020 debut EP Cider, Bryant has continued to enjoy success with a string of singles, including sugary pop tune Heart Eyes and head-banging Ready To Bite.
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Big Scout - Album Review: Council Sport
18 Aug 2022 // A review by Paul Goddard
It’s finally here. The first Long Player from Blenheim noisy buggers Big Scout.
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Goldsmith Baynes - Single/Video Review: Hei Kawe i a Au
17 Aug 2022 // A review by Trevor Faville
Allana Goldsmith and Mark Baynes have worked together for a decade and form the creative heart of Goldsmith Baynes. They both have extensive experience in the international and local worlds of Jazz and have brought considerable skills and knowledge to this single Hei Kawe i a Au which is from their upcoming debut album E Rere Ra.
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Banks Arcade - Gig Review: Banks Arcade @ Tuning Fork, Auckland - 13/08/2022
17 Aug 2022 // A review by Gideon Voon
In you are a fan of the newer generation of Metal or Heavy Music. You really missed out.
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Brookes & Johnstone - Album Review: When Summer Calls, Break Down the Walls
16 Aug 2022 // A review by roger.bowie
Brookes & Johnstone sound like a pharmaceutical company, or a high street tailor with a side in patent leather shoes. But they are not.
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Sylvee - Single Review: Slow
14 Aug 2022 // A review by Danica Bryant
Sylvee’s latest single Slow is an impassioned love song dedicated to supporting someone beloved through struggles with their mental health. Featuring the artist’s signature soft, introspective vocals and honeyed melodies, it’s a dreamy release soothing listeners in the toughest of times.
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Scapegoat - Album Review: Reality and the Hanging Tree
12 Aug 2022 // A review by Kev Rowland
Rene Black can often be found out and about on the Auckland scene, either playing in the premier NZ Sabbath tribute band After Forever, or just supporting other bands and enjoying the vibe. We regularly bump into each other at our favourite dive, Ding Dong Lounge, but whereas that is a relatively new place for me, Rene has been on the circuit for years as he was also drummer and founding member of both His Masters Voice and {Cripple Mr.
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CAITLIN - EP Review: States
12 Aug 2022 // A review by Kev Rowland
Here we have the debut EP from young Christchurch-based indie-pop musician Caitlin (Caitlin Bradley) who is currently studying at Ara Music Arts in the city. She took the songs to Ryan Chin (Fisherman), and together with Will McGillivray (Goodwill), Thomas Isbister, and Shaun Malloch they worked to capture her innocent vocals and songs in a manner which brings together lots of different styles.
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The BackChat - Double Single Review: Effortless and Conspirator
11 Aug 2022 // A review by Gaby Ivanov-Giraldo
Auckland-based four piece The BackChat have created two new singles which are releasing this August 12th. Breaking through the loneliness of winter months, Effortless gives us an aural experience for closed doors.
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Corduroy. - Single Review: Ozone
11 Aug 2022 // A review by Kev Rowland
Ozone is the latest single from Wellington-based band Corduroy., and is taken from their forthcoming EP, Halftime Oranges.
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Mim Jensen - Single Review: Germaphobe
11 Aug 2022 // A review by Kev Rowland
This is the debut single from Otautahi artist Mim Jensen, and a load of fun it is too. It commences with jangly guitar and Mim’s vocals, and soon we are taken into commercial indie rock which has definite nods back to the likes of Fur Patrol.
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Moone - Single Review: I Am Who I Am
10 Aug 2022 // A review by Kev Rowland
There are some people who come into this world and put the rest of us to shame as to what they achieve, and undoubtedly one of those was Eva McGauley, who at the age of 15 was diagnosed with terminal cancer, to which she succumbed a little more than 3 years later. Eva was involved with the Wellington Rape Crisis Organisation, was an intern with the Green Party, ran her own charity 'Eva's Wish' raising more than $70,000 to help sexual abused survivors, was involved in the '200 Women Who will change the way you see the world' book and exhibition and was nominated for Youth Wellingtonian of the year award, among others.
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Wallace - Album Review: And Other Colours
09 Aug 2022 // A review by Danica Bryant
Having spent her past few years across the ditch, Wallace now returns to her hometown in Wellington just in time for the release of her delightful new album, And Other Colours. It’s an exciting future soul affair, bathed in bright, simple lyricism and the voice of a charismatic rising star.
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Nick Burson Band - Single Review: Should Have Let You Know
08 Aug 2022 // A review by Callum Wagstaff
Nick Burson spent a decade cutting his teeth on the covers scene of Christchurch city. The lockdown of 2020 allowed him to finally focus on releasing his own music to the world.
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Jodi Vaughan - Album Review: For The Love of Country
05 Aug 2022 // A review by roger.bowie
The moment Tennessee Dancing strikes up, we know we are in a deep country space. Somewhere just out of Nashville, maybe a famous farm, maybe an even more famous figure, but actually, no, fooled you, we’re in the country alright, but close to home, in our very own Waikato country.
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05 Aug 2022 // A review by roger.bowie
The moment Tennessee Dancing strikes up, we know we are in a deep country space. Somewhere just out of Nashville, maybe a famous farm, maybe an even more famous figure, but actually, no, fooled you, we’re in the country alright, but close to home, in our very own Waikato country.
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All I Seek - Single Review: Envy
05 Aug 2022 // A review by River Tucker
More than just a progressive Metal band, All I Seek have coalesced many of the best Alt Metal styles around, including at times Melodic Death (with a slight Djent edge) into their rip-roaring third single, Envy.This massive four-minute track fills a gap in New Zealand’s current progressive Metal scene and the juxtaposition of the songs uplifting message, delivered during mid-winter, makes it a very well timed release.
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Oliver Birch - Album Review: Burning Daylight
05 Aug 2022 // A review by Kev Rowland
This is the debut album from Auckland musician, Oliver Birch, although older versions of many of the songs contained within have already been made available as singles. When the album started with the lengthy keyboard chords and feedback intro I thought it would fall into krautrock, but instead it quickly changed into a psychedelic experimental art rock number with emotionally charged vocals and an outright refusal to conform to any expectations.
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n1ghtmar3cat - Album Review: Rat Race
05 Aug 2022 // A review by Steve Shyu
n1ghtmar3cat is Dave Johnston’s alter ego and solo project, when he’s not busy drumming for Villainy or co-DJing as Delivery Boyz. Under this moniker, Dave has been crafting releases and remixing for nearly four years, and has returned again with his brand new, sophomore album Rat Race.
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Flaxxies - EP Review: Beach Rudes
04 Aug 2022 // A review by LouClementine
Flaxxies release a four track EP, that heralds Spring with its’ playfulness and optimism. The band are a five piece who blend a number of influences: most obviously surf rock and reggae.
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Black Velvet Butterfly - Album Review: Black Velvet Butterfly
03 Aug 2022 // A review by Kev Rowland
Black Velvet Butterfly are a one-man band from Auckland featuring James Castady-Kristament. I was intrigued to be sent this as when I looked on their Bandcamp page it said, “It may just well be the coolest thing you’ve heard in the Goth scene since Type O Negative.
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Bill Angus and the Mighty Ways - Album Review: All Night Before the World Began
01 Aug 2022 // A review by Kev Rowland
Bill had a musical career in England before deciding to do something different, and returned to his roots when he started working in New Zealand. This is his third album.
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Blindspott - Gig Review: Blindspott @ The Trusts Arena, Auckland - 29/07/2022
31 Jul 2022 // A review by Steve Shyu
Still feels like a bit of a treat, walking into a large music venue. Having been through so many lockdowns and cancellations over the past couple of years, I felt both right at home yet also like I haven’t set foot at a big gig in a while.
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Antagonist A.D. - Gig Review: Antagonist A.D. @ Galatos, Auckland - 30/07/2022
31 Jul 2022 // A review by Kev Rowland
Once more into the breach dear friends, as I made my way into the city for the third night in a row. I knew this was going to be the most dramatic gig of the week and was one I had been looking forward to for months.
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Reb Fountain - Gig Review: Reb Fountain @ Town Hall, Auckland - 29/07/2022
30 Jul 2022 // A review by Kev Rowland
Back into central Auckland for the second consecutive evening, this time to see an artist for whom I have great admiration for the first time, and whose latest album, Iris, was rightfully in my Top Ten of 2021. Until last month it had been years since I had been in Auckland Town Hall for a gig, but here I was again, this time for one of the series of Auckland Elemental events, and I could see lighting gantries across much of the venue so knew we were in for quite some night.
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Capital Theatre - Gig Review: Capital Theatre @ The Tuning Fork, Auckland - 28/07/2022
28 Jul 2022 // A review by Kev Rowland
Down to the Tuning Fork on a school night, whatever next?! Mind you, it was for a special occasion as Capital Theatre were back in town and it has been way too long since I last saw them play (thanks Covid).
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Banks Arcade - Album Review: Future Lovers
28 Jul 2022 // A review by Shade
For the last 23 years I've been completely immersed in New Zealand music, soaked through to my inner core. I've been living it, breathing it and drinking it in.
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Infinity Ritual - Infinity Ritual - EP Review: Infinity Ritual
28 Jul 2022 // A review by Kev Rowland
Here we have the debut EP from New Plymouth trio Adam Colless (guitars, vocals), Jason Karam (bass, vocals, mellotron) and Mark Thomas (drums and percussion). The four songs, 23 minutes in length, show a band who are bringing together groove metal with stoner, displaying plenty of bottom end with rich distortion.
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Sea Mouse - EP Review: Evil Heart
27 Jul 2022 // A review by Kev Rowland
There is a time in many music lover’s lives when they finally fall into the caress of the blues. Everyone has their own genre they prefer, but the best blues is that which really calls to the listener on an emotional level, and for me that means two very different strands, and my favourite depends on what I am feeling like on any particular day.
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Brian Baker - EP Review: Open Up Your Heart
27 Jul 2022 // A review by ApolloSteamTrain
Brian Baker is an established Kiwi songwriter whose career spans 40 years and is still going strong. His latest release is a 5-track EP entitled Open Up Your Heart and it brilliantly showcases Brian's musical experience and the journey that his art has taken him on.
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Krispy & The Pooch - EP Review: The Reckless Eclectic: Part One
25 Jul 2022 // A review by Steve Shyu
Waiheke’s electro-soul duo Krispy & the Pooch are back. And I don’t just mean back with brand new music, the lads relocated from Berlin back to little ol’ Aotearoa, and this new EP The Reckless Eclectic: Part One is the first produced and recorded on home soil.
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Reuben Hudson - Single Review: Gasman
24 Jul 2022 // A review by HazzaMakingNoise
I’m not gonna muck around with the preamble here, instead a question… Has Reuben Hudson written the most catchy chorus of the year? I’d wager it.
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Velvet Arrow - Single Review: Dark Was The Night ...Song For Blind Willie Johnson
24 Jul 2022 // A review by Kev Rowland
When I started work on my first book some eight years ago, I decided I was not going to listen to anything I was supposed to be reviewing during this period, and instead threw myself into the world of pre-war acoustic blues and Sixties electric blues. I made some wonderful discoveries during this time, not least of which were the famous blind blues musicians such as Blind Lemon Jefferson, Blind Willie McTell, and of course Blind Willie Johnson.
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Gig Review: By The Power of Rock @ The Thirsty, Auckland - 22/07/2022
23 Jul 2022 // A review by Kev Rowland
Just a week after being at The Thirsty for Swamp Song XII, I was back for By The Power of Rock featuring three bands, two of which were new to me. First up were Living State, a band whose single One Sided I put in my Top 10 last year, but I had only seen them play live once before so was looking forward to this.
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23 Jul 2022 // A review by Kev Rowland
Just a week after being at The Thirsty for Swamp Song XII, I was back for By The Power of Rock featuring three bands, two of which were new to me. First up were Living State, a band whose single One Sided I put in my Top 10 last year, but I had only seen them play live once before so was looking forward to this.
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Silent Torture - Single Review: Omnipotent Reign
21 Jul 2022 // A review by Kev Rowland
Auckland death metal outfit Silent Torture have been playing some well-received gigs recently, and now here they are back with their first new material since 2018’s Phallic Self Mastication EP. Formed in 2015, Ross Curtain (drums), Aidan McGorry (guitars) and Liam Hand (vocals) have been there since the beginning while bassist Elijah Pinho joined back in 2017, and it is only guitarist Daryl Hodgetts who did not play on that last release.
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Mecuzine - Album Review: Locksmith Thief
21 Jul 2022 // A review by darryl baser
Now that’s a great way to open an album. Bruised and Broken is the first track of Mecuzine’s new album Locksmith Thief, and my god what an epic track to open their new record.
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Sonic Space Lab - Album Review: Cycles
20 Jul 2022 // A review 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.
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The Knids - Album Review: Rescue Me
19 Jul 2022 // A review by Kev Rowland
The Knids are back with their second album, which has one of the coolest covers ever! I was a big fan of their debut, One Small Step for Man, One Giant Leap for Manknid, and I am glad to report that this one continues exactly where that one left off.
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Gerry Paul - Single Review: The Fairy Child
19 Jul 2022 // A review by Kev Rowland
Gerry Paul surely needs no introduction, as not only he is an established musician who has shared his wares in more than 40 countries around the world (as well as more than 40 American states), a festival organiser and award-winning children’s author, but he is also incredibly well-known within the folk community. Most recently he and his colleagues in T-Bone well-deservedly made it to #2 in the NZ album charts with the excellent Good ‘n’ Greasy, and he has called on those friends to join him again in this new single.
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Heavy Chest - Heavy Chest x BENEE - Single Review: Sunday926
19 Jul 2022 // A review by Cathy Elizabeth
I must say, I am thoroughly enjoying the new offering from Heavy Chest; a dreamy collab with BENEE, how exciting is that!? And a very new and different sound altogether for this band, led by the talented Andre Smith.
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Coridian - Gig Review: Coridian @ Dead Witch, Auckland - 15/07/2022
18 Jul 2022 // A review by Gideon Voon
Coridian, who I have had the pleasure of sharing the stage with in my band’s most recent NZ gig, have put on a gig titled ‘Power to Rock’. But we do not get the power part straight away, we build up to it.
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Gig Review: Swamp Song XII @ Thirsty Dog, Auckland - 15/07/2022
15 Jul 2022 // A review by Kev Rowland
Originally, I was not supposed to be in Auckland this weekend, which is why tonight I was not at Ding Dong watching the mighty Coridian, but as that gig was being covered by another writer from MNNZ I instead headed out to The Thirsty for another of Sean’s soirées. The Swamp Song events pride themselves on bringing together some of the most metallic and interesting bands around, and tonight was no exception with another four-band bill.
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15 Jul 2022 // A review by Kev Rowland
Originally, I was not supposed to be in Auckland this weekend, which is why tonight I was not at Ding Dong watching the mighty Coridian, but as that gig was being covered by another writer from MNNZ I instead headed out to The Thirsty for another of Sean’s soirées. The Swamp Song events pride themselves on bringing together some of the most metallic and interesting bands around, and tonight was no exception with another four-band bill.
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The Black Seeds - Album Review: Love & Fire
15 Jul 2022 // A review by Chris Chick
What a privilege it is to review a legendary band that is The Black Seeds. The band has been entertaining and soothing the ears of many a listener now since 1998.
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Voodoo Bloo - Album Review: The Blessed Ghost
15 Jul 2022 // A review by Investigator
Wellington Rockers Voodoo Bloo have released their second album The Blessed Ghost. This sophomore album follows on from the 2020 debut Jacobus.
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Gig Review: Dee and the Sweet Somethings @ Meow, Wellington - 13/07/2022
14 Jul 2022 // A review by Danica Bryant
The crowd is electric at Wellington’s Meow this Wednesday evening, now the home of Dee and the Sweet Somethings, Walker and Clara van Wel for one marvellous night. Looking out into the sea of people reveals a particularly eclectic bunch, of all ages, genders and fashion styles - it’s all slicked back hair, bright scarves, leather boots, full suits and colourful beanies, a visual display of how many diverse people adore tonight’s acts.
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14 Jul 2022 // A review by Danica Bryant
The crowd is electric at Wellington’s Meow this Wednesday evening, now the home of Dee and the Sweet Somethings, Walker and Clara van Wel for one marvellous night. Looking out into the sea of people reveals a particularly eclectic bunch, of all ages, genders and fashion styles - it’s all slicked back hair, bright scarves, leather boots, full suits and colourful beanies, a visual display of how many diverse people adore tonight’s acts.
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Ghost Merchants - Single Review: Careless Ones
14 Jul 2022 // A review by Kev Rowland
While the band name may be new, and Careless Ones is their debut single, all three of the guys involved in Ghost Merchants are no strangers to success in the NZ rock market, as here we have a combination of drummer Nick Douch (Ekko Park) and multi-instrumentalists JP Carroll (Swerve City, Arrays) and Adrian Drew (Investigator). Both Adrian and JP are singers as well of course, but here Adrian takes the lead while JP is right behind with double-tracked vocals while we get the strong riffs we expect from JP, combined with the more commercial sound of Investigator with Nick always driving them forward.
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Arrays - Album Review: Patience Way
14 Jul 2022 // A review by Kev Rowland
JP Carroll (Swerve City, ex-Armed in Advance) is back with his latest album as Arrays, yet again proving what a talent he is as Patience Way takes us on a journey through different styles of melodic rock, often with buzzsaw guitars, and always with hooks and a commercial understanding missing from many other releases. Many of the songs on this could happily find their way onto radio, as even when he is doing his best Devin Townsend impression the vocals and licks keep us tuned into what he is doing.
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Ben Woods - Album Review: Dispeller
14 Jul 2022 // A review by Kev Rowland
Firstly, this is an album which must be played on headphones as otherwise much of it will be lost, and secondly here we have music which is going to challenge a lot of what people expect from that term. However, of the many words used to describe my musical tastes (my children say it is weird, while I would rather use the term broad minded), conservative is not one of them and for me this is a delight.
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Masslands - EP Review: It Doesn't Matter Anymore
14 Jul 2022 // A review by Kev Rowland
Last month I reviewed the single Forget What You Heard from these guys, and now I have the four-track EP from which it was taken. Masslands started as a project between Jacob Tait of Orphic Décor (who I also recall reviewing last year) and Mason Blair of Highway Goth, but as they started to build up steam, they were joined by the rhythm section of Orian Green and Ben Liley and this is their debut EP.
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Wills & Wills - Album Review: Ain't Seen The Likes of You Before
13 Jul 2022 // A review by Kev Rowland
This trio is formed around singer/songwriters and father and son team Shayn (guitar, harmonica, viola, vocals) and Zephyr Wills (guitar, bass, vocal) along with Freddy Limbert (drums, vocals). Shayn is a well-established singer-songwriter and blues musician who has performed in almost every town in the North Island, as well as supporting artists ranging from Albert King to Junior Wells.
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Leigh Franklin - Single Review: So My Love
13 Jul 2022 // A review by Kev Rowland
Here we have a song which every parent can totally relate to, as it is Leigh’s song to her 4-month-old son, although it took 4 years to come up with the final version. She sings about the changes taking place and how much she loves him, and it reminded me of sitting just looking at one of my daughters when she was about that age thinking my heart would break and I would do anything for her.
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Jenny Mitchell - Album Review: Tug of War
12 Jul 2022 // A review by roger.bowie
Jenny Mitchell releases her third album on July 22nd. It’s Tug of War, a collection of sweet songs which see Jenny wear her heart on her sleeve and talk about all the pushes and pulls of a still young life where “things don’t always work out the way they do in your mind”.
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DateMonthYear - Single Review: Thots and Prayers w/ Golden Plates
10 Jul 2022 // A review by Kev Rowland
Golden Plates from San Diego, California and DateMonthYear from Hamilton, New Zealand have teamed up for a new single song release called Thots and Prayers. DateMonthYear’s Trevor Faville wrote an instrumental track to which Golden Plates’ Elder Brycen added the vocals and lyrics.
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Gig Review: Crushfest @ The Tuning Fork, Auckland - 09/07/2022
09 Jul 2022 // A review by Kev Rowland
Back down to The Tuning Fork for a night with six acts, all of whom had just 20 minutes to make an impact. This was going to be a hard one for bands, crew, Ginny and I, but hopefully the fans would have a great time for a great price.
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09 Jul 2022 // A review by Kev Rowland
Back down to The Tuning Fork for a night with six acts, all of whom had just 20 minutes to make an impact. This was going to be a hard one for bands, crew, Ginny and I, but hopefully the fans would have a great time for a great price.
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Forty Bucks Till Tuesday - Gig Review: Laid to Rest @ Dead Witch, Auckland - 08/07/2022
08 Jul 2022 // A review by Kev Rowland
Tonight’s show was called “Laid To Rest” as it was the last gig for the Yakushima Assassin Clan Metal band from the distinguished ghetto streets and suburbs of West & South Auckland (Forty Bucks Till Tuesday) with singer George Shinobi Mishinoku, who has decided to leave the scene for now. Opening act were Moshpitt, and this was the first time I had seen them since James Trimmer (Black Sands) had joined.
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NEEKOH - Single Review: Breathe
08 Jul 2022 // A review by Callum Wagstaff
NEEKOH is a Finland based fashionista, interior designer and former Pop Idol finalist. He took a break from celebrity status in Finland, traveling the world and has found himself in New Zealand.
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Moofish - Single/Video Review: Sparrow
07 Jul 2022 // A review by Kev Rowland
A short while back I reviewed Ash Tree Lament by MOoFiSh, and the first thing I said was that I had no idea how on earth I was going to be able to describe it, and now I have their latest single I am wondering why on earth I volunteered as I have exactly the same problem! There is just so much going on in this arrangement, from complex layers to simplicity, that one really does not know where to start.
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Daniel Ashcroft - Album Review: Caramel Honey II: Ribbed For Her Pleasure!
07 Jul 2022 // A review by Kev Rowland
Daniel Ashcroft is a multi-instrumentalist who played in metal bands and released solo work during his mid-20’s, but stopped about six years ago, with no intention of creating any more music. These songs started off as tunes he would play with his acoustic, sitting on the floor next to his daughter when she was a baby.
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CHOEY G - Album Review: Time?
07 Jul 2022 // A review by Kev Rowland
It has been some 15 years since CHOEY G has been in a studio, and on this album, he provided all the lead vocals and guitars. Working with producer Reagan McKinnon at The Porch Recording led to Reagan playing drums, providing backing vocals plus all other instruments as well as polishing the result and assisting in the creative direction.
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Finger Tight - Single/Video Review: I Hear It Rains In Seattle
07 Jul 2022 // A review by Kev Rowland
The video accompanying this song probably tells you all you need to know about the five guys from West Auckland, as interspersed with playing in the studio is them going to a fancy-dress party, and there is a real sense of humour throughout. Red is a vibrant frontman, even though he does leave the party on his own (or does he?
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Bird Machine - Single Review: Our Kind
07 Jul 2022 // A review by Kev Rowland
Here we have the second single from Kiwi/Aussie duo Bird Machine, and if the debut is anything like this then I can see I need to check it out. Jenna and Luke Grbin come from different musical backgrounds, one from alternative and the other from pop, and here they combine those influences to meet somewhere in the middle.
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No Man's Land - Single Review: It's All Over
07 Jul 2022 // A review by Kev Rowland
Here we have the latest single from No Man’s Land, which is quite different indeed to the last one of theirs I reviewed, West Coast. That was heavily based on the piano, but here the keyboards are much far more restrained, with held-down organ chords as there is a far greater emphasis on vocals, harmonies and guitars.
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Big Scout - Single Review: How Lovely
07 Jul 2022 // A review by Corinne Rutherford
Self-proclaimed “Hillbillies in Hiluxes” Big Scout from Blenheim (Jim Tannock, Mathew Hellriegel and Gregg Slatter) are an original 3-piece band full of loud fast paced energy that may (or may not) be post punk (not to be pigeonholed). The band's third single off their up-and-coming debut album Council Sport is How Lovely, an assault on your senses in the best way.
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Matt Joe Gow - Single Review: 'Til My Whole Heart Bursts
07 Jul 2022 // A review by Kev Rowland
I first came across Matt when I was asked if I could write a release for his tour, and I was fortunate enough to catch him in Auckland playing solo in the middle of last year. It was a great night, and since then I have investigated all three of his albums and am looking forward now to his NZ tour and his fourth.
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Blake - Single Review: You Don't Decide
07 Jul 2022 // A review by Danica Bryant
Hailing from Queenstown, soulful pop artist Blake’s new single You Don’t Decide is a breath of fresh air amongst today’s highly produced and often overly busy commercial material. Yet another splendid product of Covid lockdowns, it’s a whispered discovery of self-assertion, which reaches to the depths of human experience and compacts its realisations in a beautiful yet clearly comprehensible way.
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Sonic Delusion - Single/Video Review: Fingertips
06 Jul 2022 // A review by Kev Rowland
Earlier this year I was fortunate enough to come across the incredible album When Turkeys Fly by Turkey The Bird which meant I was determined to see them when they came to Auckland and had an amazing evening. One member of that trio is André Manella, who has also been touring as Sonic Delusion, and over the last eight years he has played more than 800 shows and released five albums.
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Big Sima - Album Review: Stereotypes of a Polynesian Misunderstood
04 Jul 2022 // A review by Ben Ruegg
Currently one of the most active NZ Hip-Hop artists on the live circuit, The Underground King AKA Big Sima is no stranger to the big stage. During his come-up, he has played support for everyone from Busta Rhymes to Bone Thugs 'n Harmony, Guru (Gangstarr), Mobb Deep and Cypress Hill.
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T-Bone - Gig Review: T-Bone @ The Tuning Fork, Auckland - 03/07/2022
03 Jul 2022 // A review by Kev Rowland
Down to Tuning Fork for an early start with doors opening at 5:30 and the whole thing expected to be over by 9:30! I was so glad that Al from Hoop sent me the running times in the morning otherwise I would have missed their set altogether as well as possibly missing the beginning of T-Bone!
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Miles Calder - Gig Review: Miles Calder @ Wine Cellar, Auckland - 2/07/2022
03 Jul 2022 // A review by roger.bowie
There’s a warm and welcoming atmosphere tonight in the Wine Cellar. It seems to be lighter along with the mood.
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Y$O - Single Review: So Sexy
03 Jul 2022 // A review by Ben Ruegg
Y$O returns with a new funky and R&B-infused track So Sexy.From the moment the track starts, I can feel that there is a lot of influence from N.
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Ange.Mac + Shaun Garea - EP Review: Ange.Mac + Shaun Garea
03 Jul 2022 // A review by Kev Rowland
What we have here is the debut collaboration from Ange.Mac and Shaun Garea.
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Pale Flag - Gig Review: Pale Flag @ Dead Witch, Auckland - 01/07/2022
02 Jul 2022 // A review by Kev Rowland
Tonight, I was supposed to be at The Tuning Fork for Ekko Park and Jordan Luck but the dreaded Covid had cast its spell and the gig was cancelled earlier in the week. I did a quick check to see what was on at Dead Witch and discovered there was a four-band bill and knowing three of them I could see it was going to be a good night so decided to head that way.
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Molly Devine - Single Review: Shades of Blue
30 Jun 2022 // A review by Danica Bryant
Molly Devine’s sweeping waiata Shades of Blue, created in collaboration with guitarist James Bulter, is an emotive piano-led ballad carried by her strong, deep vocal. Like previous release Because I Love You, Shades of Blue takes Devine away from her earlier dance-pop works into experimental territory.
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Ayla Gold - Single Review: Say To Me
30 Jun 2022 // A review by Kev Rowland
Normally, when I am reviewing singles for MNZ the turnaround time we work to is 7 days and it is not unusual for me to work on far tighter deadlines than that, but Ayla was incredibly well organised with the promotion for her second single, and I have been playing this for the last 3 weeks at least. In that time it has become a real earworm, and I have even found myself singing it as I walk around (not a pleasant experience for anyone in the vicinity, let me assure you).
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DiCE_NZ - Single Review: Feshh + DiCE_NZ - Undointerpolation (Meant 2 Be Remix)
30 Jun 2022 // A review by Gaby Ivanov-Giraldo
DiCE_NZ is back, after no delay! DJ/Producer Dave Ti and friends (Mr ‘House of Downtown’, DJ Christiaan Ercolano, Percussionist Matt Sawyer, & DJ Duncan Funk) have recently created and re-shaped a fresh take on a new tune.
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Ed Waaka - Single Review: E Kura
30 Jun 2022 // A review by Kev Rowland
It did not take long for me to fall in love with this song, probably the first 30 seconds I guess, as there is something about it which grabs hold the listener, puts them in a safe place, and lets the singer bare their soul. Soul, yes, this is full of it in a musical sense as well as an emotional one, and when I discovered he was singing about the upcoming birth of his first daughter, whether he would be a good father, and the need to reconnect to his Maori heritage it made a great deal of sense.
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Danica Bryant - Single Review: Crush
30 Jun 2022 // A review by Kev Rowland
Here we have the lead single from Danica Bryant’s forthcoming EP, Ego Death, and if this is fully representative, then that is something to look out for. For a young artist she has already had considerable success, mentoring with Bic Runga while also gaining a support slot for Elton John on his ‘Farewell Yellow Brick Road’ tour, and while she has already tasted success on the NZ Hot Singles Chart, I am sure this is going to head the same way.
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Tia Ward - EP Review: Me and Me Too
30 Jun 2022 // A review by Kev Rowland
This is the debut EP from Hawkes Bay singer Tia Ward, following on from two singles which were released ahead of time, Under Wraps and Paint Dry, both of which are included here. The first thing which the listener notices are her vocals, which are both understated yet firmly to the fore.
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Dark Divinity - Single Review: Left For Dead
30 Jun 2022 // A review by Kev Rowland
Formed in 2017 by drummer Ian Moir, melodic death metal act Dark Divinity have been through quite a lot in the last five years, as not only have they supported the likes of At The Gates, The Haunted, The Black Dahlia Murder and Psycroptic but have already released an EP, some singles and have of course been running the gamut of line-up changes. The most recent of these has seen the departure of singer Jolene Tempest and the return to a male singer in Jesse Wheeler, with the line-up completed by guitarist/bassist Paul Stewart and guitarist Jiji Aligno.
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Tryonics - Album Review: Fragmented
29 Jun 2022 // A review by Kev Rowland
Tryonics is the solo project of Hap Richardson, formerly of My Little Pony, Go Victim and Freezer Child. It is completely a one-man affair as Hap not only provided all the music and vocals but also recorded and mixed it as well.
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Kev Rowland - Book Review: The Progressive Underground Volume 4
28 Jun 2022 // A review by Epitomised_Drummer
Well, here I find myself in the weird situation of reviewing a series of reviews. What a novel idea!
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28 Jun 2022 // A review by Epitomised_Drummer
Well, here I find myself in the weird situation of reviewing a series of reviews. What a novel idea!
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Memory Foam - Album Review: Steel Magnolias
28 Jun 2022 // A review by Paul Goddard
Did you know that Memory Foam creates a matrix of cells through which air can move? Me neither.
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Anamnesis - Single Review: Coms
26 Jun 2022 // A review by Callum Wagstaff
Coms sounds like a clown rubbing wet crocks against a saxophone. After a few seconds it also sounds like somebody close is tracing their finger around a half empty wine glass and somebody far away is buffing a bird cage with an angle grinder.
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Anxiety Club - Single Review: Carousel
24 Jun 2022 // A review by Kev Rowland
Here we have the latest single from Wellington-based Anxiety Club, taken from the forthcoming album Old Dreams, but anyone expecting more of their guitar-led music is going to be in for quite a surprise as there has been a major shift in their sound, caused by circumstance as much as by design. Like many bands unable to perform or tour over the pandemic, they used the downtime to focus on new songs, but that was not their only issue.
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Capital Theatre - Album Review: A Hero's Journey
24 Jun 2022 // A review by Kev Rowland
Back in March last year I made my way to the Tuning Fork to catch a three-band bill, one of whom was Capital Theatre. At that point I had not heard any of their material, so was mightily impressed to discover they had recorded a concept album for their debut with Mike Clink (Guns ‘n’ Roses, Megadeth etc) in America, and that night they were playing it in sequence.
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Sam Bartells - Single Review: Good Intentions
23 Jun 2022 // A review by Kev Rowland
Last year I saw Sam Bartells at The Tuning Fork with a full band, and then a few weeks ago he was playing acoustically at a tiny venue in Ponsonby with just a keyboard player for support (what an incredible night that was). In some ways his latest single is a combination of those two very different facets, as the central core of his music is always his acoustic and vocals.
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South for Winter - EP Review: Acoustic Sessions
22 Jun 2022 // A review by Kev Rowland
Earlier this year I agreed to review a concert of the Nashville-based husband and wife duo of Nick Stone (vocals, guitar) and Dani Cichon (vocals, mandolin), without previously having heard any of their music and it is fair to say I was blown away. I was fortunate enough to see them on two consecutive nights, and the mix of Dani’s pure, clear vocals with Nick’s more classical tones was something to behold.
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Achilles Complex - Single Review: Jack In
20 Jun 2022 // A review by Kerry MB
Achilles Complex hail from Hamilton and have been making a name for themselves since 2019, when they came on the scene with their explosive prog rock medley. The four piece, compromising of frontman, Harley Flynn (vocals and guitar), Zak Cole (drums), Reece Gielen (vocals and lead guitar) and Jordan Carpenter (bass) create a stunning blend of intricate sounds, both heavy and melodic.
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Recitals - Single Review: Rock Dove
19 Jun 2022 // A review by Kev Rowland
Recitals are a 7-piece band based in both Te Whanganui-A-Tara (Wellington) and Tamaki Makaurau (Auckland) and comprise Xanthe Rook (bass, vocals), Tharushi Bowatte (trumpet), Carla Camilleri (keyboards, vocals), Olivia Wilding (cello), Christian Dimick (guitar, vocals), Josh Finegan (drums), and Sam Curtiss (guitar). Even before playing the first single from their debut album Orbit I (released at the end of August on Flying Nun Records) I was intrigued by the line-up as it is unusual to find both a trumpeter and cellist in the same band, and having now listened to the single I am still intrigued, but now it is because I am wondering what the album is like.
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19 Jun 2022 // A review by Kev Rowland
Recitals are a 7-piece band based in both Te Whanganui-A-Tara (Wellington) and Tamaki Makaurau (Auckland) and comprise Xanthe Rook (bass, vocals), Tharushi Bowatte (trumpet), Carla Camilleri (keyboards, vocals), Olivia Wilding (cello), Christian Dimick (guitar, vocals), Josh Finegan (drums), and Sam Curtiss (guitar). Even before playing the first single from their debut album Orbit I (released at the end of August on Flying Nun Records) I was intrigued by the line-up as it is unusual to find both a trumpeter and cellist in the same band, and having now listened to the single I am still intrigued, but now it is because I am wondering what the album is like.
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Matt Joe Gow - Album Review: Break, Rattle and Roll
19 Jun 2022 // A review by Kev Rowland
After touring and playing numerous festivals in support of Seven Years, Matt returned to the studio in 2018 to record the follow-up, Break, Rattle and Roll. Released to wide acclaim, it went one better than his previous release and was awarded Best Country Album in the 2019 Music Victoria Awards.
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Jenny Mitchell - Gig Review: Jenny Mitchell @ Kumeu Live, Kumeu - 18/06/2022
18 Jun 2022 // A review by Kev Rowland
Over to Kumeu Arts Centre tonight to catch two Country singers, along with ace photographer Steve Bone who I had not worked with since Dragon in February last year due to both Covid and his schedule getting in the way of things. We both got there early enough to catch up with the ladies and listen to the soundchecks beforehand and it was obvious we were on for a good night.
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Arun O'Connor - Album Review: Songs From The Reading Room
17 Jun 2022 // A review by roger.bowie
Arun O’Connor is as good as gold when I speak to him in dark and gloomy Invercargill about his new album, his debut album, Songs From The Reading Room, which came out sneakily in late April. You can see my interview with Arun in my interview series, ‘It’s a Wrap with Roger” here, but the dark and gloomy winter afternoon seems appropriate when you play the first song on the album, When the Darkness Comes Around.
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T-Bone - Album Review: Good n Greasy
16 Jun 2022 // A review by Kev Rowland
Here we have the debut album by Wellington-based Kiwi folk Americana act T-Bone, and mighty fine it is too. The quintet comprises Gerry Paul, Aaron Stewart, Richard Klein, Michael Muggeridge, and Cameron 'Dusty' Burnell, and they bring together an acoustic mix of zydeco, old-time, blues, bluegrass, and folk with Americana to create something which is incredibly enjoyable and full of depth.
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Steve Wells - Album Review: Songs For Summer Rain
16 Jun 2022 // A review by Kev Rowland
When I heard that Steve Wells (ex-Fur Patrol) was releasing his debut solo album I had no idea what to expect, but I know it wasn’t this! For a musician who made his name as guitarist in a multi-platinum band, there are way more keyboards here than one would expect, and the production makes this album sound huge.
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Hoop - Single Review: The Brightest in the Land
16 Jun 2022 // A review by Kev Rowland
I have seen Hoop play twice this year so far (the third will be in a few weeks) and each time I have come away impressed with the depth and breadth of their Americana-inspired folk. This is due in many ways to having two songwriters in the band, both of whom are singers and multi-instrumentalists while they also have an excellent rhythm section and a great fiddler.
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Coast Arcade - Single Review: Tattoo
16 Jun 2022 // A review by Kev Rowland
I don’t know how old these guys are, but given they formed in High School towards the beginning of last year I am guessing not that old, especially as they have been playing mostly all-ages gigs, although they did also open for The Beths in Auckland earlier this year and would have also opened for Clap Clap Riot if the tour hadn’t been cancelled due to Covid. Bella Bavin is the lead singer and lead guitarist, and here she sings about wanting to tattoo a girl on her neck.
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SKRAM - Album Review: Walk Into the Sun
15 Jun 2022 // A review by bensargent00
Floating in a sea of offset guitars and Fender reverbs, SKRAM manage to swim not sink with their debut album Walk Into The Sun. This Wellington 4-piece's 12-track album is drenched in cerveza-popping Summer vibes and pop-rock madness.
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MELLIS - EP Review: Escape
14 Jun 2022 // A review by Steve Shyu
There’s been a retro-wave revival simmering around the world, with groups like Drab Majesty, Gunship, Perturbator, plus Kiwi artists PolarisRadio establishing themselves in various electronic and rock circles. Many have performed live to vast audiences and also racking up healthy amounts of plays on streaming platforms.
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Turkey The Bird - Gig Review: Turkey The Bird @ Ministry of Folk, Auckland - 11/06/2022
11 Jun 2022 // A review by Kev Rowland
It was a very wet and windy drive over to The Ministry of Folk, but one I was willing to make as I loved the latest Turkey The Bird album and tonight was the last night of the tour. I made it safely to the old hall, which was very dark and atmospheric which was certainly enhanced by the Northumbrian and Uilleann pipes care of Helen Douglas and Mark Muttley Sanders, otherwise known as The Underdrones.
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Becca Caffyn - Single Review: Stair Kid
09 Jun 2022 // A review by Kev Rowland
Here we have the debut single from Hamilton native Becca Caffyn who discovered Joni Mitchell and Bob Dylan when she was 15 and has spent the last four years developing her own songwriting and performing style. This song is all about the vocals, which are double tracked, so playing on headphones is the best way to really appreciate them and they have deliberately been kept and clear and not over polished.
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Gideon Voon - EP Review: EPsode II: Wanderer's Path
09 Jun 2022 // A review by Kev Rowland
Gideon Voon is of course guitarist with the mighty Shepherds Reign, one of the finest metal acts in Aotearoa, so when I saw a post from him on FB earlier this week where he put up a teaser for a new track I was intrigued. What would a solo piece be like from someone who is known for crunching out mighty riffs?
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Stealphish - EP Review: No Road To Shadesmar
09 Jun 2022 // A review by Kev Rowland
It has been quite a while since we last heard from Stealphish, probably due to a combination of Covid and guitarist Josh Barker busy recording an EP with Café Fistfight, but this time around we have a 3-track EP instead of just a single. He is again joined by his brother Dan who wrote and arranged the drums, while pianist Caitlyn Abbott again makes an appearance on one track.
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Nuggiez - Album Review: Toil In The Time of Monsters
09 Jun 2022 // A review by Trevor Faville
In something of a classic Punk tradition, the opening paragraph in the press release for this release begins with some social commentary, and a position statement- establishing Nuggiez’ attitude and intent before mentioning the band or its music, and if ever there is an appropriate introduction to this band, that would be it.Nuggiez are based in Tamaki Makaurau , and have been evolving the material for Toil In The Time of Monsters over a period of quite some time.
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Josie Moon - Album Review: Paint Me How You Need Me
09 Jun 2022 // A review by Danica Bryant
Independent Wellington artist Josie Moon’s debut album Paint Me How You Need Me is a highly conceptual, artistic alt-pop exploration, questioning identity, and the search to be perfect for others. With a voice full of childlike innocence and yet deepfelt cynicism, Moon establishes herself as an unmissable artist emerging on the scene.
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Lee Mvtthews - ShockOne x Lee Mvtthews - Single Review: Thinkin About
09 Jun 2022 // A review by ApolloSteamTrain
If you are entrenched in and or familiar with the world of EDM (specifically Drum n Bass) then Lee Mvtthews will require no introduction, but for those of us that are perhaps not keeping up, here is the group summary in three sentences from a Kiwi perspective: A few years back in 2012, a couple of Auckland blokes named Graham Matthews and Tom Lee were knocking the top off a few beers while shooting the shizness about the music business. They found that they were both into the same stuff, right and decided to have a crack at making a few tunes on the computer.
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Masslands - Single Review: Forget What You Heard
08 Jun 2022 // A review by Kev Rowland
Here we have the debut single from Hawkes Bay quartet Masslands who feature Orian Green (drums), Ben Liley (bass), Mason McNaught-Blair (vocals, guitar) and Jacob Tait (guitar). They describe themselves as Indie-Rock / Post-Punk, but while I understand the first and agree, I don’t necessarily hear the latter, at least not in this number which sits solidly within alt rock to my mind.
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AJSCeleste Music - EP Review: Beautiful Words
06 Jun 2022 // A review by Kev Rowland
Beautiful Words is the latest release from Tauranga-based musician Amanda Sloan, who goes under the name Celeste Music. This five-track EP is under 13 minutes long, and for the most part is based around the vocals of Amanda, accompanying herself on picked acoustic guitar, with additional instrumentation such as keyboards laid over the top.
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Arrays - Single Review: Glass Traps
06 Jun 2022 // A review 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).
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Midwave Breaks - Gig Review: Midwave Breaks @ Whammy Bar, Auckland - 03/06/2022
05 Jun 2022 // A review by Gideon Voon
Tauranga and Hamilton joined forces to send some of their best Alt-Rock acts to show Auckland a thing or two. First up is a 5-piece band from Hamilton, Retro Valley.
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Gig Review: NZ Music Month Wrap Party @ Tuning Fork - 31/05/2022
05 Jun 2022 // A review by LouClementine
Live music is back with swagger as event numbers grow and crowds swarm for a crucial mark of ‘return to normal’ in Auckland. At the Tuning Fork, sandwiched between the Port and the central city streets, a diverse crowd gathered at this all-ages event, to mark the end of NZ Music month, 2022.
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05 Jun 2022 // A review by LouClementine
Live music is back with swagger as event numbers grow and crowds swarm for a crucial mark of ‘return to normal’ in Auckland. At the Tuning Fork, sandwiched between the Port and the central city streets, a diverse crowd gathered at this all-ages event, to mark the end of NZ Music month, 2022.
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Investigator - Gig Review: Investigator &, Crystalator @ Cupid Bar, Auckland - 04/06/2022
04 Jun 2022 // A review by Kev Rowland
So, it was back out to Point Chev tonight to catch Investigator who are currently on a high with their song Shade at #15 in the Official NZ Rock Airplay Charts. It was my first time to see Crystalator, who may have a new name but may well be known to many on the Auckland Scene as they used to be called Meridian Vibe, and with both Investigator and Crystalator having albums in the works it promised to be an interesting night.
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SNRXG - Single/Video Review: Makaveli-C Feat. SNRXG - Brothers
04 Jun 2022 // A review by Ben Ruegg
The new video from Makaveli-C Feat. SNRXG takes Hip-Hop and puts some New Zealand flavour in it.
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Written By Wolves - Gig Review: Written By Wolves & Coridian @ Dead Witch, Auckland - 3/06/2022
03 Jun 2022 // A review by Kev Rowland
When I was told a few weeks back that Written By Wolves and Coridian were doing another fundraiser for Dead Witch I was blown away, as the same gig last year was my #1 for 2022, and in my Top 10 of all time. I arrived early to ensure I could grab one of the limited-edition t-shirts (only 50, and only being sold here tonight) and was fortunate enough to catch the boys before the soundcheck and then stayed for that as well.
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Gig Review: Tuning Fork Birthday @ Tuning Fork, Auckland - 01/06/2022
03 Jun 2022 // A review by roger.bowie
It’s the Tuning Fork’s birthday although it’s unaware. Inertness.
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03 Jun 2022 // A review by roger.bowie
It’s the Tuning Fork’s birthday although it’s unaware. Inertness.
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Aanvi S - Single Review: I See You Now
02 Jun 2022 // A review by Kev Rowland
I first came across Aanvi last year when I was approached by her mother to see if I would mind writing her first ever press release. The reason it was from her mum and not Aanvi herself was because at the time she was just nine years old.
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Phil Doublet - Album Review: Journeyman
02 Jun 2022 // A review by roger.bowie
Phil Doublet is yet another of our unsung heroes in terms of New Zealand musicians plying their trade under the radar. For forty years.
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Paul The Kid - Single Review: Close My Eyes
01 Jun 2022 // A review by Ben Ruegg
Paul The Kid is an extremely diverse artist, combining an eclectic mix of contemporary genres with prominent themes of hip-hop, dance and reggae to create absolute bangers. Paul is most at home performing live and his shows generate an eccentric energy that invites the audience to get involved in the party.
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Mister Unit - Album Review: Wake Me When We Get To Utopia
31 May 2022 // A review by Kev Rowland
There are times when nothing will hit the spot like a dirty filthy good old-fashioned hard-hitting rock and roll band, and that is exactly what we have here. If I didn’t know they were from Wellington I would have guessed possibly New York, as there is no way they sound Kiwi.
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Revulva - EP Review: Girl's Gotta Eat
31 May 2022 // A review by Kev Rowland
Here we have the debut EP from Wellington-based octet Revulva which contains six songs at 27 minutes in length, three of which have been released as singles. They describe their music as “nu-jazz, nu-pop, nu-wave” which puts me at something of a loss, as when I think of the word “nu” I tend to put it in front of “metal” which gives us Slipknot et al.
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NZTrio - Gig Review: NZTrio @ Town Hall, Auckland - 29/05/2022
31 May 2022 // A review by Clare Martin
NZTrio celebrated mighty masterpieces alongside contemporary genre-busters for its twenty-year anniversary at Auckland Town Hall ’s Concert Chamber on Sunday night. NZTrio comprised of Somi Kim (piano), Ashley Brown (cello) and Amalia Hall (violin) have a proud legacy of performing works by Kiwi composers with over 70 commissions over two decades.
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Konarucchi - Single Review: Tongue-Tied
29 May 2022 // A review by Callum Wagstaff
Konarucchi is a multi-genre solo artist from a small town in New Zealand called Wainuiomata. He likes to experiment with many styles of music, without focusing on how they will fit together, because he believes that cohesion in music comes from the artist, rather than the genre.
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Geneva Waves - Single Review: Wild Arrivals
29 May 2022 // A review by darryl baser
Geneva Waves is a one person musical project, based in Tamaki Makaurau/Auckland. Steven Tait is the man behind the moniker, who’s produced this wonderful piece of music.
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Sam Bartells - Gig Review: Sam Bartells @ Ponsonby Social Club, Auckland - 28/05/2022
28 May 2022 // A review by Kev Rowland
Over to Ponsonby on a Saturday night – I must confess I cannot remember the last time I was in this part of Auckland, very different indeed to the rock dives I normally frequent. But given Sam Bartells was playing a special acoustic show, and it had been a year since I last saw him, it had to be done.
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Daniel Armstrong & The Monsoons - Gig Review: Daniel Armstrong & The Monsoons @ The Tuning Fork, Auckland - 27/05/2022
27 May 2022 // A review by Kev Rowland
Only a few weeks back I was saying I had not been to Tuning Fork for well over a year, and now here I was back again, this time to see a three-band line-up which was due to start at 8:00 pm with the last band due on at 9:30 which is a very sensible state of affairs if you ask me! First up was Ripship who comprise Callum Lincoln (guitar, vocals, loops) and Eva-Rae McLean (drums, vocals).
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Ariana Tikao - Single Review: Fly You Home
27 May 2022 // A review by Danica Bryant
Ariana Tikao’s Fly You Home is a beautiful track devoted to “indigenous solidarity” across the nation. Produced by Brooke Singer and Ben Lemi of French for Rabbits, the track is dreamy and gentle, offering a true sense of tranquility amongst the stress and sound of current times.
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Torn Chorus - Single Review: The Meaning of Light/Rhythm of Sound
26 May 2022 // A review by Kev Rowland
Torn Chorus is Franklin Davis, an Auckland-based songwriter, musician, and photographer, who provides bass, various guitars, and vocals. This is about how he perceives the world through light and sound, as a photographer and musician.
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Moofish - Single/Video Review: Ash Tree Lament
26 May 2022 // A review by Kev Rowland
I must confess to knowing very little about MOoFiSh apart from that they are a duo of Rhonda Hofmans Johnson and Chris Fish Johnson, and while Rhonda is the lead singer I don’t know if they create all the music themselves or if other musicians are involved. They have been releasing music since 2018, and my first thought on playing on this was “how on earth am I going to be able to describe this”?
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Shadowcaster - Single Review: Cast a Shadow
26 May 2022 // A review by Kev Rowland
Although there is a band when it comes to performing live, in the studio Shadowcaster is a one-man affair with Trent Graham performing all manner of guitars and some keyboards. While it contains elements of the likes of Mumford & Sons there is also a very definite nod to The Levellers and our very own Albi & The Wolves (although with no violin).
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Wiri Donna - EP Review: Being Alone
26 May 2022 // A review by bethany_rachell
It’s been two years since Wiri Donna’s first and only official release - a double single Manuka Money and Wandering Willies. Those who are in Wellington and have had the opportunity to see Wiri Donna live will be more accustomed to the heavier sound that they bring live.
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STATES - Single/Video Review: Hostage
26 May 2022 // A review by Kev Rowland
It has been a year since States released their last single, Relentless, but they were caught up in the COVID lockdowns and even though they recorded drum tracks at the end of 2020 they were unable to complete the songs. However, they are in the studio right now with Zorran Mendonsa (Devilskin, Coridian, City of Souls, Blacklistt) and hopefully they will be releasing material throughout the rest of the year as if this is anything to go by then we are on for a treat.
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Substax - Album Review: Linear Shift
26 May 2022 // A review by Steve Shyu
Those familiar with Kiwi dub and breakbeat music will likely be familiar with the name Substax, the electronic musical duo consisting of Nick Farrands and Claudia Gunn, who have been in the scene for well over twenty years. And those not yet familiar with Substax will undoubtedly get a good introduction with their newest full-length release Linear Shift.
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Al Park - Album Review: Pony
26 May 2022 // A review by roger.bowie
Last year it was a Rooster. This year it’s a Pony.
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Rhombus - Album Review: After Party
26 May 2022 // A review by Peter-James Dries
I was wearing a New Zealand Music Month hoodie the other week. Upon seeing it, my niece gleefully exclaimed “You’ve got the year I was born on your hoodie.
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Riqi Harawira - Single/Video Review: Walk of Freedom
26 May 2022 // A review by Cathy Elizabeth
Musician, Support Worker, Maori Customs Teacher, Non-violence Facilitator, and basically all-round amazing human being Riqi Harawira (aka ‘Creative Native’) presents his new single Walk of Freedom with accompanying music video on 24th June 2022. This will coincide with the release of the full-length feature film Whina – ‘A biopic of the trailblazing Maori leader, Dame Whina Cooper, whose extraordinary life saw her break gender boundaries, champion the rights of Maori, and fight for the land - all the while staying true to her heart and her beliefs.
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Michael Signal - Single Review: Magnetism
25 May 2022 // A review by Kev Rowland
Now, I must confess to being as much a fan of short song as I am of long ones and given how much I listen to Napalm Death that is probably a good thing. But all short songs I know tend to fall into one of two camps, in that they are either complete in their own right (and are generally brutal), or are introductory tasters for a longer piece of music and I cannot help but feel that what we have here is the latter and my only complaint is that it stops after 90 seconds and I feel somewhat bereft.
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Skank Bandit - Single Review: Suck On That
25 May 2022 // A review by Cathy Elizabeth
Taranaki band Skank Bandit are excited to be releasing new music once again, in the wake of all the Covid lockdowns, hold-ups, and disruption to the music scene. As soon as they were able to jam together in person, this track was the first song they wrote.
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Infinity Ritual - Single Review: I'm Gone
25 May 2022 // A review by Kris Raven
New Plymouth three piece Infinity Ritual are blasting out the gate, fresh off the boots of their debut first single I'm Gone from their self-titled upcoming EP. The song begins with a thunderous drum fill courtesy of drummer Mark Thomas, making way for a big groovy, distorted onslaught of guitar riffage.
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Max Hill - Album Review: M.H.
23 May 2022 // A review by Kev Rowland
Max Hill (they/them) originally started as Slow Rage, which became a duo with the addition of drummer Sam Hatley, building quite a reputation in the all-ages scene. However, like many other musicians they decided to make the most of the first lockdown in 2020 and started work on what would turn out to be a totally solo album recorded in their bedroom.
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Stephen McDaid - Album Review: Trail Maps
23 May 2022 // A review by Kev Rowland
Here we have the debut solo album from Stephen McDaid, who has been somewhat busy helping out his in-law’s by playing on both Guy Hobson and Kay Duncan’s recent releases, but now he has found time to go out on his own. Given that he has been adding guitar to both those other albums it is no surprise that this is the primary instrument, but here it is an acoustic which is the perfect accompaniment to his strong vocals.
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Kay Duncan - Album Review: Interstellar Refugee
23 May 2022 // A review by Kev Rowland
On this her debut album, Kay Duncan provides vocals and guitar, and she is joined by her husband Guy Hobson on keyboards and brother-in-law Stephen McDaid on lead guitar. I was initially listening to this while working outside on the farm and it took me a while to work out who her voice often reminded me of, namely Karen Carpenter.
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Guy Hobson - Album Review: Latitude
23 May 2022 // A review by Kev Rowland
Guy Hobson is a Christchurch-based composer and performer who specialises in instrumental music for film and was featured most notably on one by Force Five Films about the unveiling of Richard Branson’s Virgin Galactic Spaceship Two SS2. He is a classically trained pianist who describes his music as Ambient, hypnotic and alt/modern classical, bringing in influences from classical, jazz, blues, and funk.
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Oliver Birch - Single Review: Docile Healthier
21 May 2022 // A review by HazzaMakingNoise
There is a strange paradox in the independent, self-produced musician who laments the seemingly ever dangerous trajectory of technological society. Because that same trajectory enables them to find liberation in creating new soundscapes without any objection.
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The New Things - EP Review: Pink Chocolate
20 May 2022 // A review by darryl baser
If I had to sum up The New Things four-song EP Pink Chocolate in two words they would be ‘perfectly imperfect’. The New Things are Tina McIvor and Jason Tamihana-Bryce, both have been around the indie music scene for a number of years separately and together; touring Japan a few years back.
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CAITLIN - Single Review: Hardly
19 May 2022 // A 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.
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Cafe Fistfight - EP Review: Mourning Brew
19 May 2022 // A review by Kev Rowland
It feels like a lifetime ago now, but I guess it must be closer to 18 months, when I started daring to head into central Auckland and Dead Witch. I had agreed, in a moment of madness, to cover all the heats for the local battle of the bands competition and had no idea what I was letting myself in for.
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Elliott Dawson - Single Review: CEO
18 May 2022 // A review by Callum Wagstaff
Elliott Dawson plays angry art rock inspired both by British post-rock and South London jazz. CEO is the first single from his album Hang Low which will be released independently in September 2022 and was recorded at Surgery Studios in Te-Whanganui-a-Tara with engineer James Goldsmith (Avant-Glass, Recitals, Wiri Donna, Mermaidens, Earth Tongue).
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Voodoo Bloo - Gig Review: Voodoo Bloo w/ Friends @ Ding Dong Lounge, Auckland - 14/05/2022
16 May 2022 // A review by Gideon Voon
It’s mid-2022 and yet another gig is at the mercy of Covid. This time, Melanie was not spared.
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Anthonie Tonnon - Gig Review: Anthonie Tonnon @ Hollywood Cinema, Auckland - 14/05/2022
16 May 2022 // A review by Andrew Smit
On a coolish Saturday evening it was great to see a rather large crowd that clearly were so happy and eager to experience a night of live music, and what a perfect venue to stage it at the slightly musty but still majestic Hollywood Cinema in Avondale. Opening the proceedings was the cool 4 piece band Lips with their ambient 80’s groove thanks to the techno synth sounds from keyboardist and singer Steph Brown.
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Afterlight - Single Review: Resolve
16 May 2022 // A review by Kev Rowland
There has never been any doubt in my mind that the most difficult musical format to get right is that of a trio, as while it is expected that the sound will be full and complete, there is also no room to hide. That is even more the case when that trio decide to be instrumental as there is no singer to take some of the load, and then what about when the musical grounding is in metal?
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Boy Virgo - EP Review: VILLAIN
16 May 2022 // A review by Danica Bryant
Despite hyperpop’s impressive rise in pop culture over the past few years, there’s a surprising lack of Kiwi artists in the genre. Boy Virgo is here to remedy that.
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DiCE_NZ - EP Review: The Situation
15 May 2022 // A review by Gaby Ivanov-Giraldo
DiCE_NZ is a DJ and Producer from Auckland, Aotearoa. DiCE has worked with epochal bands such as Fat Freddy’s Drop and The Black Seeds, with his own collection of Disco, Funk, and Jazz edits to his name.
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French For Rabbits - Gig Review: French For Rabbits @ The Tuning Fork, Auckland - 13/05/2022
15 May 2022 // A review by Kev Rowland
So it was back to The Tuning Fork for the first time in quite a while. I am struggling to remember the last time I was there, but possibly it was for Dragon, which was well over a year ago.
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No Life - EP Review: Radical Thoughts
14 May 2022 // A review by Kris Raven
Whilst fairly fresh to the NZ music scene (original formation in 2019), South Island quartet No Life are here to leave a pummeling imprint on 2022 and beyond with the release of their debut EP. Radical Thoughts delivers three massive tracks of progressive metalcore with embellishments of modern nu metal and industrial.
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Yung Ludd - EP Review: Yung Ludd - Two Tone
13 May 2022 // A review by Ben Ruegg
Born and raised in Lyttelton, Yung Ludd is the rap alias of musician Connor Strati. Having spent some time in Auckland in his twenties, he was exposed to a lot of the underground Hip-Hop scene there which proved to be very influential on his sound.
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Violet Highway - Single Review - Sick of Waiting
12 May 2022 // A review by tonymcdonald
I love the ending to this pop rock song - it's not your typical finish... so, make sure to check the song out all the way through.
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Samuel Philip Cooper - Single Review: Forever Loved
12 May 2022 // A review by roger.bowie
Somewhere, over the rainbow, Samuel Philip Cooper’s Nana is still sitting in her favourite chair, a grey-haired old lady with a hint of a smile enjoying the late afternoon sun dappling into her garden. In reality Samuel’s Nana passed away during lockdown and he never got to say goodbye.
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Tess Liautaud - Album Review: Tess Liautaud
12 May 2022 // A review by roger.bowie
Oh, the people of Christchurch have got music and soul everywhere, and yet another singer/songwriter emerges with an astonishingly mature debut and an international pedigree. Tess Liautaud is French, American and now Kiwi.
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Tony Jacob - Single Review: Just One Step
11 May 2022 // A review by darryl baser
The 2021 released single Just One Step by Tony Jacob is a sumptuously produced song, with lyrics and a very positive vibe. "You can move on mountains with just one step, you could take the world on with no regrets..
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James Hunter and The Gatherers - Gig Review: James Hunter and the Gatherers @ San Fran, Wellington - 7/05/2022
08 May 2022 // A review by Danica Bryant
San Fran is absolutely bustling with people on Saturday night, all buzzing to see the unique line-up. With only two weeks' notice of the event, the turnout is astounding, proving the crowd's devotion.
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Tablefox - Gig Review: Tablefox @ Anthology Lounge, Auckland - 06/05/2022
08 May 2022 // A review by roger.bowie
It’s New Zealand Music Month and here we all are at Anthology Lounge for the much awaited and much postponed Tablefox new album launch for Battles. It’s been a right old battle getting the new album out and played live, and this gig was originally scheduled for last August.
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In The Shallows - Gig Review: In The Shallows @ Spirit Festival - 05/05/2022
08 May 2022 // A review by Kev Rowland
I left work a little early on Thursday, and then fought my way from South Auckland, West to Kumeu Showgrounds, where Spirit Festival was taking place. In many ways this is a sister festival to Earthbeat which I attended last year in that it is very much for the alternative culture movement, with lots of stalls and a wonderful vibe.
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Colette Rivers - Single/Video Review: Memory Lake
08 May 2022 // A review by Corinne Rutherford
New Zealand-American indie folk artist Colette Rivers has just released a video for her latest song Memory Lake. The video was filmed on the shores of Lake Taupo and is also the theme of her song.
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Imperial Slave - Gig Review: Imperial Slave @ Dead Witch, Auckland - 07/05/2022
07 May 2022 // A review by Kev Rowland
And so, it came to pass I was back in Dead Witch for the second consecutive night, and my third gig in as many days, which really shows how the scene is ramping back up again under the orange settings. We have all been deprived of live music for so long, and bands are now dipping their toes back in the water while others are resetting dates which previously had been cancelled.
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Pull Down The Sun - Gig Review: Aotearoa Prog Alliance Tour @ Dead Witch, Auckland - 06/05/22
07 May 2022 // A review by Kev Rowland
This was the first night of the Aotearoa Prog Alliance tour, which is a showcase of progressive rock/metal over 9 shows in May, featuring three of Aotearoa's leading progressive rock/metal bands - Pull Down the Sun (Whanganui), Elidi (Christchurch), Claemus (Wellington) plus a local support at each stop. First up was Claemus, or at least a close approximation, as due to the wonderful lurgy which is COVID, plus a family commitment, the band was down to a duo of Taylor and Dan.
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The Hootz - Single Review: Stay Away
06 May 2022 // A review by Chris Chick
Hailing from the Garden City and just a short 15-minute drive from yours truly, the 4-piece band known as The Hootz are releasing their upcoming single Stay Away. This song has a very melancholy vibe to it, but not in the sense of it being a negative thing, if anything it has a very Summer vibe feel to it.
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Samuel Gaskin - Single Review: Rain
05 May 2022 // A review by Gaby Ivanov-Giraldo
Samuel Gaskin is a New Zealand born, Melbourne dwelling artist; he has just released his latest single Rain. Sam is an inspiring and innovative artist that stands up for the BIPOC LGBTQIA+ community; addressing his Indigenous heritage and ancestry in each art piece he produces.
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Bleeding Afterglow - Album Review: Find Your Taboo
05 May 2022 // A review by Kev Rowland
Back in 2004 guitarist Sharne Scarborough was looking for a new rhythm section for Just One Fix, and he asked Ant Ward and Gaylene ‘G-Force’ to join. Although the bassist and drummer had bumped into each other on the circuit they were not really friends, and G actually complained to Sharne at one point that she was not sure if she could handle Ant’s persistent innuendos.
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Big Scout - Single Review: Redwood St. Massive
05 May 2022 // A review by Kev Rowland
It’s not often that a song can take me straight back more than 40 years on the first time of hearing, only to reinforce that with repeated plays, but that is exactly what happened with this angry trio from Blenheim. This is stripped back music which has a great deal in common with the post punk Oi!
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Saint Mercury - Single Review: Ominous Warning (Ft. Shooless)
05 May 2022 // A review by Kev Rowland
Saint Mercury is the artist name for electronic producer Mark Linton who doesn’t see himself being at home in any particular genre but is more of a shapeshifter and on hearing this track one can understand why. Ominous Warning is his debut single, and he has given himself enough room to move around as it is more than five minutes in length.
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Davey Beige - EP Review: Rise Above
05 May 2022 // A review by roger.bowie
Davey Beige comes straight out of the blocks on his new EP Rise Above. 80 In A 50km Zone is just what it implies, we’re off and running at almost top speed, even though “Life goes way too fast”.
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Goodspace - Single Review: Sit Down
05 May 2022 // A review by ApolloSteamTrain
Goodspace are an Auckland 4-piece band in the style of what I want to call Glitch Dream Rock. A style that fuses together traditional songwriting styles with modern EDM soundscapes over Dream Pop vocal styles.
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LVST Night - Single Review: Roller
03 May 2022 // A review by Steve Shyu
Having recently nailed down releases with the sensational The Not Okays, as well as the mind-twisting alt-rock outfit MIRA, guitar player and songwriter Nori Wong has continued to keep himself occupied. Now trying his hand at producing electronic music, Nori has emerged under a new moniker, LVST Night.
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Arrays - Single Review: Forget Fast
03 May 2022 // A review by Epitomised_Drummer
Remember the Names Armed In Advance or Stitches? Perhaps you should!
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No Man's Land - Single Review: West Coast
02 May 2022 // A review by Kev Rowland
This is the third single from all-girl Wellington-based quartet No Man’s Land, which I am guessing is the rationale behind the name and I must admit it made me smile. That smile continued as I listened to West Coast as there is a naivety and pop sensibility to it which just a delight.
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ARIA - EP Review: Love Songs Till Midnight
02 May 2022 // A review by Kev Rowland
Here we have the debut EP from ARIA, and a really interesting release it is as well. The focus throughout is on her pure clear vocals which have a tone that bring the listener in close, no matter what style they are performing.
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This Little Badge - Single Review: Think of A Number
01 May 2022 // A review by darryl baser
Think of A Number is the first of a series of seven singles being released by This Little Badge, a project led by Dave Pope. This song is an upbeat little number, based around the house lyrical phrase "think of a number", with the title line being repeated for the chorus.
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Jackie Bristow - Gig Review: Jackie Bristow @ Anthology Lounge, Auckland - 28/04/2022
30 Apr 2022 // A review by roger.bowie
Jackie Bristow brought her new album Outsider to Anthology Lounge in Auckland on Thursday night, inside it’s warm and intimate and the seats are out. We’re still getting used to an almost post-Covid world but enough brave souls have come out to make this a proper gig and to experience the little things which make live music so special.
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Gig Review: Rock Resurrection @ Dead Witch, Auckland - 29/04/2022
30 Apr 2022 // A review by Kev Rowland
Tonight, was my first gig at Dead Witch since we moved into Orange, so I was looking forward to a hot and sweaty night from the three bands involved. First up was Venom Dolls, whose EP I reviewed last year, then Living State who’s single One Sided I had in my top 10 for 2021, while the only band I had seen previously was Gravity Road, who now had a new bassist in Nathan Field who told me he had joined in February, but this was his first live gig in two years.
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30 Apr 2022 // A review by Kev Rowland
Tonight, was my first gig at Dead Witch since we moved into Orange, so I was looking forward to a hot and sweaty night from the three bands involved. First up was Venom Dolls, whose EP I reviewed last year, then Living State who’s single One Sided I had in my top 10 for 2021, while the only band I had seen previously was Gravity Road, who now had a new bassist in Nathan Field who told me he had joined in February, but this was his first live gig in two years.
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Channeled - EP Review: Channeled II (Part One)
29 Apr 2022 // A review by [email protected]
Channeled, the facet of musical expression for Auckland’s Ben Ruegg are returning to the fold with Part One of Channeled II, a 3 part album that is being released over the next 6 months. Originally this was purely a solo project, and Channeled now has a live element as well as a debut album under their belt.
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Daniel Armstrong & The Monsoons - Single/Video Review: The Company
28 Apr 2022 // A review by Kev Rowland
Realistically, the cover art for this single tells the listener all they need to know about this song, as here are a band who are determined to have a load of fun and bring everyone along with them. It is actually a still from the video, more of that later.
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Pretty Stooked - Single Review: Wanted
28 Apr 2022 // A review by Kev Rowland
Songwriter, guitarist and vocalist Eddie Kiesanowski has been involved in music from a young age, and while studying at ARA he formed his first band, Skelter. After they had released their debut EP they headed off to Melbourne with mentor Tom Larkin (Shihad).
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InDuna - Single Review: Love and Affection
28 Apr 2022 // A review by Danica Bryant
South African artist InDuna teams up with Jah Tung and Kasa on the Tiny Triumph produced track Love and Affection. It’s a thrilling Afropop release encouraging a woman to keep pursuing true feelings and relationships, demanding her not to “call murder on love and affection”.
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Will McClean - Single Review: Ego Prison
28 Apr 2022 // A review by Ben Ruegg
I'm getting to hear more Will McClean... yes please!
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Ellery Daines - Album Review: Failure Thirty Minutes Deep
28 Apr 2022 // A review by Kev Rowland
Since I came across the single No-One I have been waiting for this album to drop, a feeling which was only exacerbated by the follow-up, Imposter Syndrome, but at long last it is here. I could quibble that there are only eight songs, and it is only 31 minutes long, but seeing as how it took Ellery some five years to get to this point, I am happy to have it at all!
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Taiotims - Single Review: All For You
28 Apr 2022 // A review by Cathy Elizabeth
This charming track from Mataio Timaloa AKA Taiotims really put a smile on the dial today. With simple uncluttered beats and a nostalgic feel, backing close, intimate vocals that have been recorded in such a way as to capture that up-close-and-personal vibe, and the subject matter “A love letter to my significant other half” is so lovely to hear in Hip-Hop, or any style of music really, what’s not to love about it?
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Brown Sugar Factory - EP Review: Halina't Sumayaw
27 Apr 2022 // A review by Danica Bryant
Brown Sugar Factory’s latest EP Halina't Sumayaw is an incomparable blend of funk, house, pop and dancehall, boasting the diverse musical backgrounds of producer Reid Ulberg and singer-songwriter Roberto Jatulan.Opening to silky vocal adlibs and gentle rain, Til Next Saturday pulses under smooth guitar and incredible harmonies.
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Sonic Space Lab - Single Review: Coming Out On The Other Side
26 Apr 2022 // A review by Steve Shyu
Based in Dunedin, Venezuelan producer and sound engineer Luis Rodriguez has been amongst the Aotearoa music scene since 2018, and he doesn’t appear to have lost steam along the way. His latest offering is entitled Coming Out On The Other Side, a new venture in which he places more focus on instrumental, electronic music and less on the structures of conventional songwriting.
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Mojo Alice - Single Review: Sad Face
26 Apr 2022 // A review by Paul Goddard
If there is a phrase I can't stand right now it's "let's get ready for the new normal."Fuck that.
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WoLF - EP Review: Kook
26 Apr 2022 // A review by Callum Wagstaff
WLF (Wolf) is the solo project of Otautahi Christchurch, NZ musician Aaron Hogg. With over 25 years as a vocalist, guitarist & bassist for bands such as Pumpkinhead, Slim & Thunderwülf, Aaron has amassed a wealth of experience both live & in the studio.
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Vogel Town - Single Review: Sludge City
24 Apr 2022 // A review by Andrew Smit
Interestingly Vogel Town's new song Sludge City begins with an automated telephone voice, and then a street argument which is soon accompanied by a very groovy walking bass line, quickly growing from just a couple of notes to a broad melody of its own. At first the only addition is some nice, nonchalant drum fills, but as the background street noise fades away, the introduction of vibrant reverberating guitar strums adds a final element that completes the ensemble perfectly, and altogether this provides a very cool bluesy vibe.
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Fin Rah Zel - Single Review: Negativity No More
21 Apr 2022 // A review by Danica Bryant
If you’re looking for a quintessentially Kiwi kickstart to your day, Negativity No More is the perfect toe-tapping new release from New Plymouth surf-pop band Fin Rah Zel. It’s a barbecue jam about “having the courage to let go of the negative influences in our lives,” and a showcase of musicianship so strong, it sounds entirely effortless.
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Janine Mitchell & The Haewai Collective - Album Review: Etched In My Soul
20 Apr 2022 // A review by Kev Rowland
Janine is a Wellington-based folk artist steeped in the 60’s tradition of protest singers and environmentalism, and on this album, she is joined by Jack Binding (acoustic lead guitar, vocals), Kevin Ikin (mandolin, harmonica, percussion, backing vocals), and Shaun Clifford (production, various instrumental overlays), while she provides vocals and acoustic guitar. On the rear cover she details what each song is about, the message she is conveying, while the songs always have her vocals front and centre, with others joining in on the chorus.
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Hans. - EP Review: Kimyuntak
20 Apr 2022 // A review by Ben Ruegg
Hailing from Auckland, New Zealand, Hans. is an exciting Korean artist that has been dubbed by VICE Magazine as "One of the rising stars of New Zealand Hip Hop.
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Eliezer - Album Review: Diary Entries Vol 1
20 Apr 2022 // A review by Ben Ruegg
This is a great album. Even at 30 mins long, the overall feel and vibe of it is fantastic.
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Ignatia : Rising - Single Review: Not One Step Back
18 Apr 2022 // A review by Kev Rowland
Apparently, these guys were around in the Nineties before they went on an extended sabbatical, getting back together in 2019. Since then, they have released a few singles, of which Not One Step Back is the latest.
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Pale Flag - Gig Review: Pale Flag @ The Thirsty Dog, Auckland - 16/04/2022
16 Apr 2022 // A review by Kev Rowland
So, it was back up to The Thirsty Dog tonight for the first time in quite a while for a three-band bill. I was looking forward to this as the last time I saw Pale Flag they were very good indeed, but it did mean I was missing Deathnir at Ding Dong.
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Missrosevalentina - Album Review: Hyperkunt
14 Apr 2022 // A review by Corinne Rutherford
Wellington based electronic artist Hybrid Rose has just dropped her fifth album which goes by the no nonsense name of Hyperkunt. A futuristic cyberspace like character with attitude occasionally courting controversy, Hybrid Rose continues to deliver inspiring original dance tunes infused with an abundance of attitude.
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Checaine - EP Review: Black River
13 Apr 2022 // A review by Kev Rowland
Earlier this year I was fortunate enough to catch Hamilton-based Checaine on the Auckland leg of the tour to promote the EP I am now listening to. I came away impressed that night and playing these five tracks remind me again of just why that was.
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Neil Beales - Single Review: Missing Words
13 Apr 2022 // A review by ApolloSteamTrain
Missing Words is the latest solo offering from Wellington based songwriter Neil Beales who is also a member of the band Tower of Flints. The track was Recorded at the Outland Sessions, a week long songwriting collaboration event where Neil has been a regular attendee for the last few years.
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Joseph E Harrison - Single Review: Blameless
11 Apr 2022 // A review by Kev Rowland
Joseph E Harrison came over to NZ from Sheffield at the end of the 90’s, since when he has been performing in different bands, most notably in Brave New Void. His new single, Blameless, is a totally solo performance, with Joseph writing, performing, and recording this on his own, and it immediately evokes one performer and period in particular.
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Nigel Parry - Album Review: Tales of Common Folk: Salt & Sweet Kisses
11 Apr 2022 // A review by Kev Rowland
Much of the folk music I hear in NZ has other elements added to it, such as bluegrass, Americana and country, but after only a few seconds of the opening number Three Danish Galleys, on Nigel Parry's new album Tales of Common Folk, Salt & Sweet Kisses, I knew we were in for what I think of as “the real thing”, namely English Folk Music which has been brought up to date yet staying true to the tradition. Even though I think of myself primarily as a metalhead or proghead, there is no doubt that folk has always had a powerful hold on me, and when I travelled from one side of the world to the other for a festival some five years ago, it was to attend Cropredy not Wacken.
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Steve Tofa - Album Review: Koko Stax: The Legend Of Leni Mafu
11 Apr 2022 // A review by Kev Rowland
There are times when an album is put on, and the listener starts to smile virtually immediately, warming to what is going on in their ears and Steve Tofa's new album, Koko Stax: The Legend of Leni Mafu, is just one of those. I loved this the very first time I played it, and it has just got better each and every time since then.
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Tony Lee - Album Review: Man on Mars
11 Apr 2022 // A review by roger.bowie
Tony Lee is a Man on Mars. With a “here we go” Tony Lee’s band launch into a hootenanny rocking billy of an opening song which reminds me of the kind of frantic rhythm you might see and hear at Roberts Western World of a night, any night, on Broadway in Nashville.
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Gravel Pit - EP Review: Wolves/Gravel Pit Split EP
10 Apr 2022 // A review by Kris Raven
Open your ears, get your windmill arms ready and brace yourself for 5 tracks of hardcore punk from some of New Zealand’s finest. Bringing back the classic 7” vinyl split EP on side one are the relatively new Auckland 4 piece Wolves featuring members of the Bleeders, City of Souls and Evil Priest.
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Mousey - Gig Review: Mousey @ Meow, Wellington - 7/04/2022
08 Apr 2022 // A review by Danica Bryant
It’s the first truly cold night of the year as Mousey and her band fill out Wellington’s Meow. The venue’s eclectic vibe, covered in bookshelves, clocks and colourful walls, perfectly match the energy of the two indie acts of the evening, and the room buzzes with anticipation from many devoted, excitable fans.
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The Mechanism - Single Review: Living in Colour
08 Apr 2022 // A review by Epitomised_Drummer
People who follow the NZ music scene will have probably noticed by now that musicians tend to move in circles dabbling in different types of music, and often work on each other's projects or play in multiple bands throughout their careers. One of those awesome names to have hit the scene in recent times with 3 of his own EP’s is Geoff Ong.
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Pale Lady - Single Review: Never Satisfied
07 Apr 2022 // A review by River Tucker
2017 Battle Of The Bands national champions Pale Lady have hit another home run with their latest single; Never Satisfied. Contrary to the song title, you can tell these four young guys who hail from Wellington are having shit loads of fun playing this fantastic song.
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Turkey The Bird - Album Review: When Turkeys Fly
07 Apr 2022 // A review by Kev Rowland
When one sees cover art where the band are wearing clothes which were never in fashion even in the height of disco, combined with a somewhat unusual name then this is either going to be something incredibly special, or something spectacularly bad. However, I had high hopes from this band and when the harmonies hit just 25 seconds into opener Orbit, I knew I was in for a fun time.
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End Boss - Album Review: They Seek My Head
07 Apr 2022 // A review by Kris Raven
Wellington's End Boss featuring members of Beastwars and Ghidoragh and the incredible vocals of EJ Thorpe, have delivered one of the finest albums of 2022. A heavy music juggernaut, which combines huge lashings of doom, stoner and heavy metal with cinematic, post metal, ethereal vocals and elements that leave your ears comfortably bleeding and your mind blown musically and lyrically throughout.
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REID - Single Review: Savannah
07 Apr 2022 // A review by LouClementine
REID is solo artist, based in Wellington, who is making straight-up fun and catchy pop music. Inspired by a desire to simply get people to sing and dance along, REID’s debut single, Savannah, is one of those songs that is the soundtrack to sunny days.
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Michèle Ducray - Single/Video Review: Manifesto
06 Apr 2022 // A review by Cathy Elizabeth
Christchurch-based pop artist Michele Ducray releases her sophomore single Manifesto, complete with slick video clip produced by Shae Sterling, courtesy of NZ On Air. This dark and intriguing track opens in a foreboding room, filled with polaroid pictures hung on strings, and a somewhat disturbed-seeming character sitting on a step, alone.
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Hannah May - Single Review: Written in the Sea
05 Apr 2022 // A review by Danica Bryant
There is no time for “beating around the bushes” with Hannah May’s latest single Written in the Sea, a warning call to act on climate change that also introduces her debut EP, out later this year.Led almost exclusively by a jaunty acoustic guitar, every musical element of Written in the Sea sounds warm and comforting, thanks to a skillful mix by Tay Oskee, and mastering from Paul Blakey.
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Imugi - EP Review: It's OK To Be A Lil Alien
05 Apr 2022 // A review by Cathy Elizabeth
Auckland-based Imugi is comprised of beatmaker/producer Carl Ruwhiu and songwriter/vocalist Yery Cho. With regular releases since 2017 and some big shows and festivals under their belt, Carl and Yery have carved out a space for themselves in the New Zealand music scene, and don’t look to be going anywhere anytime soon.
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Arrays - Single Review: Obsidian Oceans
03 Apr 2022 // A review by Kev Rowland
I can’t believe it is more than a year since I wrote about JP’s last album, Light Years, but it was and now here he is with the new single from the forthcoming third album, Patience Way. Arrays never sound like the work of just one man but always come across as a full band, which says a great deal about the skill of the person behind it all.
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Album Review: Various Artists - True Colours New Colours
03 Apr 2022 // A review by Kev Rowland
Unless you live in NZ it is probably unlikely you will realise just what an important band Split Enz was/is to the local scene. Sure, they had some international hits and I remember hearing I Got You back in the UK when it was released as a single, but in NZ/Aus they were/are royalty and True Colours has rightly taken its place as one of the most important albums ever released in Aotearoa.
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03 Apr 2022 // A review by Kev Rowland
Unless you live in NZ it is probably unlikely you will realise just what an important band Split Enz was/is to the local scene. Sure, they had some international hits and I remember hearing I Got You back in the UK when it was released as a single, but in NZ/Aus they were/are royalty and True Colours has rightly taken its place as one of the most important albums ever released in Aotearoa.
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Marianne Leigh - Gig Review: Marianne Leigh w/ Edera and Rose Lubransky @ Valhalla, Wellington - 30/03/2022
31 Mar 2022 // A review by Danica Bryant
Behind Valhalla’s metal doors and graffitied walls, you would be surprised to find a trio of young acoustic performers playing to a sold-out student crowd this Wednesday night. Auckland’s Marianne Leigh took to the stage for the final night of her release tour for the Simple Things EP.
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Jeiel - Album Review: Fatal Attraction
31 Mar 2022 // A review by Ben Ruegg
Jeivenchy, not to be confused with “Givenchy”, is a singer/songwriter based in Wellington, New Zealand. His debut album Seenzoned introduced his melodramatic lyrics, 80's inspired vocals and catchy choruses.
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Sam Bambery - Album Review: Songs About Sailors
31 Mar 2022 // A review by Kev Rowland
One of the real delights in discovering so much NZ music is most of the artists I am asked to review I know nothing about beforehand, so each piece of music is a total surprise and I have no preconceived opinions ahead of time. I also never read press releases until I have played the album/single, so I approach the music very clean.
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Voodoo Bloo - Single Review: Small
31 Mar 2022 // A review by Kev Rowland
Wellington band Voodoo Bloo are back with the second single from their forthcoming album, The Blessed Ghost, and given what I have heard so far that it definitely one I am looking out for. I was impressed with Skin, which came out towards the end of last year, and while this one obviously has similarities it is also very different indeed.
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No Broadcast - Album Review: Lie In Orbit
31 Mar 2022 // A review by Kev Rowland
Back in May last year I was fortunate enough to catch No Broadcast supporting Dead Favours in Christchurch, since when I reviewed the title cut of this album when it was released as a single. Their last album was all the way back in 2015, but after four years hard work the guys are finally back with their third, and it was worth the wait.
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The First Child - Album Review: Sincerely Yours
31 Mar 2022 // A review by Kev Rowland
I’ve seen The First Child play a few times over the last year, so was pretty sure I knew what to expect from this 7-track EP, but when it commenced with Lunacy, You’re So Beautiful, I was nothing short of shocked. The reason for that is these guys are a post hardcore act with stacks of aggression, so to have the album start with gentle vocals and plenty of keyboards was not what I expected at all!
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Sin City - Album Review: Welcome to Sin City
31 Mar 2022 // A review by Kev Rowland
Here we have the full-length debut from Sin City, a duo formed around Jack Beesley and Nick Armstrong, who here have combined with producer Delaney Davidson on bass, John Segovia on lap steel and Alistair Deverick (Boycrush) on drums. Jack and Nick are probably best-known for their antics with garage punk rockers The Cavemen, and it was after that band’s world tour in 2019 that they relocated to Spain and knocked out about 100 songs.
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Slimivich - Single Review: Desert Shimmer
31 Mar 2022 // A review by Kev Rowland
This release is probably going to confuse quite a few people when they realise that the person behind Slimivich is none other than Slim Jenkins from Christchurch metal outfit Tainted, here back with his first new music in some time. But this isn’t metal, it is rap/hip-hop being taken in a new direction.
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Corrella - Single Review: Seafarer
31 Mar 2022 // A review by Kev Rowland
Corrella are a 7-piece band based in Auckland who have real links to the sea as some of their members have been in the navy while others are still serving. The sea is something to which I have always had a close affinity, as I was raised in a small fishing community where most of the men on my mum’s side of the family were trawlermen while my dad was in the navy, and his father was a coastguard.
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Odds & Ends - Single Review: Something Else
31 Mar 2022 // A review by Kev Rowland
When I reviewed their last single, Picture, I said I could tell Odds & Ends had a sense of humour just from the cover, and that is the case again as here we have a digital release which features a pile of cassettes (which are apparently very much in fashion again, although I have no idea why). That song saw them break the Top 40 Singles chart, while it was in the Top 10 NZ Singles, and it is possible to see this going the same way.
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Sabreen Islam - Single Review: Count Me Out
31 Mar 2022 // A review by Corinne Rutherford
Auckland based young singer-songwriter Sabreen Islam, has just released the third and final instalment of her “pop trifecta” the last of three songs called Count Me Out. A light and airy original based around being stood up on a first date.
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Kyla Greening - Single Review: Rich Girl
31 Mar 2022 // A review by Trevor Faville
Kyla Greening hails from Cambridge, and while Rich Girl is her first release as such, she is already known to many in the Waikato as an experienced performer and very capable singer who is comfortable in range of music situations. Fair to say that for many it could be said that for many, this release has been keenly anticipated, Greening combines three key elements into Rich Girl - A thorough understanding of RnB/ Soul songwriting and arranging, sensitive and intelligent production/arrangements, and a sophisticated, melodic sensibility.
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Hamish Gavin - Album Review: I've Been Waiting For This
30 Mar 2022 // A review by Kev Rowland
This album was originally recorded as home demos while Hamish Gavin was living in a community in Germany. Drums were later recorded at a home studio at a different volunteer project in Pisa, Italy while the mixing took place over the following year.
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The Chaddington Street Milk Collective - Album Review: Crescendo Ultima Morendo
30 Mar 2022 // A review by Kev Rowland
When Wellington-based Juddy first heard Love Junkie by California-based Sonnyboy he was so inspired that he started recording similar music himself. From there it was just a simple matter of contacting Sonnyboy and suggesting they collaborate on an album together, and this is the result.
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Juddy - Album Review: I Am A New Tie Wearing
30 Mar 2022 // A review by Kev Rowland
Juddy originally started off as a guitarist in punk bands before discovering Love Junkie by Sonnyboy, which inspired him to invest in a MIDI keyboard and pull together an album which is apparently influenced by his love of mid 90’s video games. Mind you, even then those games must have been retro, as the sounds being utilised on this have a much better fit with the decade before.
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The Late Starters - Single Review: Quarter To Ten
30 Mar 2022 // A review by Kev Rowland
Here we have the latest single from Christchurch band The Late Starters, which is a precursor to the EP due out later this year. They released their debut album, Age – A State of Mind, back in 2019 and lovingly describe their music as “an enjoyable nostalgic trip into the future.
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Bach Musica NZ - Gig Review: Bach Musica NZ @ St Matthew-in-the-City, Auckland - 26/03/2022
29 Mar 2022 // A review by Clare Martin
A night of opera choruses and arias performed live in the wake of the peak of Omicron was the miracle delivered by Bach Musica NZ at St Matthew-in-the-City, Tamaki Makaurau/Auckland. A miracle because choral singing has proven to be a super-spreader of Covid and was avoided like, well, the plague.
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Fear Up Harsh - Fear Up Harsh - Album Review: Fear Up Harsh (II)
28 Mar 2022 // A review by Peter-James Dries
There is a rumour that, when played simultaneously, Fear Up Harsh (II) syncs perfectly with Jim Jarmusch’s The Limits of Control. The rumour is a lie of course, like many rumours are, but you’d be forgiven for believing it.
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The Flow Collective - Album Review: Flow
27 Mar 2022 // A review by Kev Rowland
This is a wonderful album, very New Zealand, but also very much classic singer-songwriter in a way which is not often heard these days. It took me a while to think who they remind me of, but in the end, I settled for English singer Talis Kimberly and Australian Maryen Cairns, both incredible performers who have released essential albums.
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Fire For Glory - Gig Review: Fire For Glory @ Save Ding Emothon, Dead Witch, Auckland - 25/03/2022
26 Mar 2022 // A review by Kev Rowland
Tonight was the Save Ding Emothon, with DJ sets in the main bar and then Fire For Glory playing a gig at Dead Witch upstairs. Of course, the decision was made that they would not start their set until 10:30 which was a pain in the neck as I decided that I was going to have dinner at the bar, so I was there for just after 7:00!
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Wiri Donna - Single Review: No Follow Through
24 Mar 2022 // A review by Danica Bryant
Te Whanganui a-Tara's Bianca Bailey, better known as Wiri Donna, shares her enticing indie rock jam No Follow Through as an introduction to her hotly anticipated debut EP due for release later this year.Its message insists that the only person with real expectations for you is you, making No Follow Through an excellent single as it offers something of a thesis statement for the quality of music Wiri Donna plans to share.
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Birdfeeder - EP Review: The Vile Isle
24 Mar 2022 // A review by Callum Wagstaff
Led by keyboard player and songwriter Stephanie Cairns, Birdfeeder makes music for time travellers, tea leaf readers and full moon gazers. Their south seas art-pop is characterised by unearthly melodies, surprising shifts and vintage timbres.
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SKRAM - Single Review: Living Our Lives
22 Mar 2022 // A review by Andrew Smit
Beginning with some straightforward but quite funky keys your soon steered to a very upbeat and chunky ensemble of music that energetically drives along with its super groovy reggae vibe. SKRAM are a very high energy 3-piece pop group that have delivered a fine tune that embodies their claim of “energetic” perfectly.
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Goldsmith Baynes - Single/Video Review: To Ihu
20 Mar 2022 // A review by Kev Rowland
There are times when one is sent a song which oozes class from every pore, and that is exactly what we have here in one of the most delicious and delightful jazz numbers I have ever come across. Goldsmith Baynes is a musical partnership between singer Allana Goldsmith and pianist Mark Baynes, but in this number they bring it out to a full band with Hikurangi Schaverien-Kaa (drums), Alex Griffith (electric bass), Cameron Allen (saxophones), Jono Tan (trombone) and Mike Booth (trumpet and horn arrangement).
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OTTS - EP Review: Overboard The Troubled Ship
20 Mar 2022 // A review by Kev Rowland
OTTS are a trio from the Taranaki, and this two-track EP is their fourth to date as they work towards their debut album. Formed in 2020, they have a sound which takes me back more than 40 years to the indie commercial punk style which came through in the second wave in the UK when bands decided they would actually like to be featured on Top of the Pops and the radio after all.
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Crystalator - Single Review: Sludge
18 Mar 2022 // A review by Investigator
I have the pleasure of introducing THE new rock act hailing from Auckland, Crystalator. I'm listening to their debut single Sludge.
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Jarrod Ross - Single Review: Hail
18 Mar 2022 // A review by [email protected]
Jarrod Ross, formerly of Pan Am and Valedictions, brings us Hail, a solo effort of the rock variety, born of lockdown conditions. Reminiscent of some of the dreamier aspects of American and British rock of the recent and distant past, Ross’ solo project was a long time plan, enabled by the pandemic.
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SOJØURN - EP Review: Mystic Ways
17 Mar 2022 // A review by HazzaMakingNoise
Surf, Sun, Sojøurn. If it isn’t a catchphrase of a quintessential Kiwi summer, then it will be soon.
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Ellery Daines - Single Review: Imposter Syndrome
17 Mar 2022 // A review by Kev Rowland
Ellery Daines is back with the second single from his forthcoming album, Failure Thirty Minutes Deep, and I really wish he would hurry up and release that as it something I am really looking forward to, given just how different this is to the last single, No-one, which I also really enjoyed. Originally from Nelson, but now residing in the Norwegian Arctic city of Tromsø, Ellery is a multi-instrumentalist who has been working on his album for some five years.
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Eurenza - Single Review: Victim of Circumstance
17 Mar 2022 // A review by Kev Rowland
Following on from last year’s Good Luck... You're Gonna Need It EP, Eurenza are back with their next single.
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Unknown - Single Review: I Am
17 Mar 2022 // A review by Epitomised_Drummer
Sins of Eve have just released their wickedly evil new single I Am. I’ve not heard of Sins of Eve before personally, but a little bit of a back story tells me that they have been around for quite some time on the rock scene in Christchurch but have recently rejigged their line-up with the inclusion of Lexie Mia Le Cocq on vocals.
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Scapegoat - Single Review: The Dead of Night
16 Mar 2022 // A review by Kev Rowland
Rene Black is best known as being the man behind the kit for Cripple Mr Onion and His Masters Voice, and these days can be found in premier NZ Sabbath tribute band After Forever, but anyone expecting a similar bombastic approach to the debut single from his solo project Scapegoat is in for quite a surprise. The Dead of Night commences with a pre-war ballad, even down to the crackly vinyl, before it is replaced by a simple repeated motif on acoustic guitar.
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TOOMS - Album Review: Fake Teeth
16 Mar 2022 // A review by LouClementine
So, a 15 tracker, entitled Fake Teeth, released on limited vinyl, from the excellent duo which are Tooms. They are: Nich Cunningham and Dorian Noval.
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Partyboi Pan - Single Review: Mystical Barz
16 Mar 2022 // A review by Ben Ruegg
Partyboi Pan is the founder of The Mason, a vision to upgrade the very idea of what parties are with the sole purpose of showcasing local passions and talents.His latest track Mystical Barz opens with a dialogue that really sets the mood for the track.
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Revulva - Single Review: One Puff Wonder
15 Mar 2022 // A review by Corinne Rutherford
Revulva are an eight-piece band from Wellington who describe themselves as “nu-wave, nu-jazz, nu-pop”. A jazzy-pop octet who have just released their third single One Puff Wonder, which follows on from debut singles Sniffy Lady and Turning Out and builds on the foundation for their up and coming EP Girls Gotta Eat, set to be released late March 22.
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Video Nasty - EP Review: Menthol b/w Filthy
15 Mar 2022 // A review by Kerry MB
Video Nasty are a three piece hailing from Auckland. Having formed in 2020, their cacophony sound is a blend of noise rock that gives you reason to listen.
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Lauren Gin - Single Review: Remedy Feat. Janayah
14 Mar 2022 // A review by Steve Shyu
Lauren Gin has her goals set high. She has confessed that ever since the age of 20 she’s determined to set her name among the world of Kiwi producers.
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Flying Man - Single Review: Since You've Been Gone
14 Mar 2022 // A review by madeleinehoward
Dunedin based; Irish born artist Flying Man released his debut single Since You’ve Been Gone on the 28th of January. A haunting acoustic ballad about the aftermath of losing someone close to you, Since You’ve Been Gone is a reflective look at life after death, and the struggle that comes with trying to go about everyday life when you’ve lost someone special.
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Lee Martin - Gig Review: Lee Martin @ Wunderbar, Lyttleton - 09/03/2022
11 Mar 2022 // A review by Kev Rowland
I had been waiting a very long time for this gig, but finally it was the night of Lee Martin’s album launch for Gypsy Soul. I had promised her I would be there for it, so I had taken time off work and had flown down from Auckland back home to Oxford just for this.
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David Sutton - Album Review: X
11 Mar 2022 // A review by darryl baser
Wellington based songwriter David Sutton has been regularly releasing albums of his original songs for a good few years now. This year he’s changed tack a bit and released a covers album.
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The Not Okays - Single/Video Review: Better Days
10 Mar 2022 // A review by Kev Rowland
Here we have the second single from The Not Okays, following on from their cover of Bite Me which came out towards the end of last year. Noriel Wong (guitar), Aaron Prictor (guitar, vocals), Lauren Kate Borhani (vocals), Caitlin Clark (bass) and Bahador Borhani (drums) started this band as a fun excuse to be able to go out and blast some of their favourite Emo tunes, and this is their first original.
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Lorenzo Hazelwood - EP Review: Vol. 3
10 Mar 2022 // A review by Kev Rowland
I first came across Lorenzo Hazelwood last year with his single Same Mistake, which I thoroughly enjoyed, but due to one or two lockdowns I had been unable to catch either him or his band, Cut To The Bone, in concert. Thankfully, that was rectified last Saturday when he performed an acoustic gig (it’s hard to undertake rock gigs in Red Traffic Light) and I came away mightily impressed with his voice and approach to music.
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Mousey - Album Review: My Friends
10 Mar 2022 // A review by Danica Bryant
Christchurch artist Mousey is well-recognised for her tremendous list of achievements, from Silver Scroll and Taite Music Prize Best Debut nominations, to support slots for industry giants. But the best way to prove an artist is worth listening to is simply telling you they make good music.
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Ersha Island - Double Single Review: Good Day/Gut Feeling
09 Mar 2022 // A review by Trevor Faville
Ersha Island consists of Auckland based siblings Danielle Hao-Aickin (vocals and keys) and Tee Hao-Aickin (violin) both of whom bring extensive musical training and experience into this foray into a more contemporary genre. Quite a bit of press attention has already gone the way of this duo, and even a cursory read of this reveals two highly motivated women with a clear vision of what they are doing- in terms of both the musical intent and cultural perspective.
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Aro - Single/Video Review: Tohora
09 Mar 2022 // A review by Kev Rowland
When it comes to describing the music of husband and wife Charles (Ngapuhi, Te Rarawa, Ngati Te Ata, Te Ati Awa) and Emily Looker (nee Rice), AKA Aro, I have long lost all rationality as I love what they do so very much indeed. I was devastated (as were they, to be honest) when their national tour was cancelled last year when we went into lockdown, as I have not heard anyone quite like them.
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David Kirby - EP Review: Songs To Depress Your Dog
09 Mar 2022 // A review by Corinne Rutherford
Originally from Middlesbrough UK now based in Wellington, David Kirby is a singer/songwriter focusing on the unusual musical combination of folk/folk-punk acoustic songs. Songs to Depress Your Dog is Kirby's second EP, following on from his 2020 debut EP Can’t Move For Doom.
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Phil Stoodley - Single/Video Review: Shame Shame
08 Mar 2022 // A review by Ben Ruegg
The new single from Phil Stoodley, Shame Shame, is a fantastic track that is not only catchy but has such a vibe to it that you will be hitting repeat over and over. With a solid bass line propping up the main guitar riff, the drums hold it all together and allow for Phil's vocals to sit neatly in place, which by the way sound real and authentic.
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Ekko Park - Single Review: Breakdown
08 Mar 2022 // A review by [email protected]
After a phenomenal-yet-pandemic-maligned album release cycle with Horizon, Ekko Park are back with a new single, Breakdown. Ekko Park (Joe Walsh (lead vocals, guitar), Bryan Bell (bass), Nick Douch (drums) and newest addition Jessie Booth (guitar, backing vocals)), are a well-established Auckland rock quartet with an international pedigree and a penchant for hooky tracks of the highest order of quality.
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Nuggiez - Single Review: The Creeps
08 Mar 2022 // A review by Paul Goddard
Zeitgeist.One of my favourite words.
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Ella Minehan - Single Review: Lavender Hearts
07 Mar 2022 // A review by Danica Bryant
A despondent story of lost love boldly released the week of Valentine's Day, Christchurch pop-R&B singer Ella Minehan shines on her latest single Lavender Hearts. The track is an easy yet affecting tune, which somehow sounds exactly like its titular colour, lavender, if colours could be heard.
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Sidewinder - Album Review: Vines
05 Mar 2022 // A review by Kris Raven
Wellington's Sidewinder have just dropped their debut album Vines and coinciding NZ tour. The five-piece formed in 2020, have already made a mark on the rock NZ scene, releasing three singles (featuring on the Vines), along with national and international radio play and playing extensively in their home town and beyond.
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Jamie McDell - Album Review: Jamie McDell
04 Mar 2022 // A review by roger.bowie
What a year it has been for Kiwis in Nashville. Just last month we had Cy Winstanley from Tattletale Saints pass through (on holiday), South for Winter play a few cameo gigs supporting the release of their great little record Luxumbra, and then Jackie Bristow releases her 5th album, recorded in Nashville, while she stayed locked down here in New Zealand.
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AJSCeleste Music - Single Review: Celeste
03 Mar 2022 // A review by Steve Shyu
Though the album was released last year, it’s not uncommon for artists to retroactively release songs or submit to publications. The song of choice, interestingly, is the final song off the LP Let's Go, simply entitled Celeste.
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Daniel Hayles - Album Review: Other Futures
03 Mar 2022 // A review by Callum Wagstaff
Daniel Hayles is a piano and keyboard player, performing regularly in a variety of styles and settings. He also writes and arranges music for local and international artists, bands and shows.
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Tarn PK - Single Review: Street Noise
03 Mar 2022 // A review by Gaby Ivanov-Giraldo
Singer songwriter and producer Tarn PK has been emerging in New Zealand's music scene. He is a Wellington-based artist who, so far, has released two EP’s, received over 500 thousand streams on Spotify, and has landed himself in various Apple and Spotify playlists.
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Jackie Bristow - Album Review: Outsider
03 Mar 2022 // A review by roger.bowie
Jackie Bristow has travelled a long, rough-hewn road. It’s nearly seven years since her last album, the gentle and sweet Shot of Gold.
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Metrosideros - Single Review: If This Be Love
02 Mar 2022 // A review by Steve Shyu
Steve S AKA Paul T Gheist was honoured to be invited into the Metrosideros camp for a hearty sample of their newest single If This be Love. Having not sat down with a cup of tea and some electro-dub music in years, Steve was completely and utterly all ears as he delved in.
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One Dead Man - Album Review: The Deal
27 Feb 2022 // A 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.
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Gig Review: Beauty and the Bogans @ Dead Witch, Auckland - 26/02/2022
26 Feb 2022 // A review by Kev Rowland
I have lost count of the number of times I have been to Dead Witch, but I do know that tonight is my third visit of 2022, and definitely the very first time I have been here when everyone had to be seated. For those outside New Zealand, the current rules are that there are set maximums which venues have to work with, everyone must be seated, and wearing masks with spacing between seats.
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26 Feb 2022 // A review by Kev Rowland
I have lost count of the number of times I have been to Dead Witch, but I do know that tonight is my third visit of 2022, and definitely the very first time I have been here when everyone had to be seated. For those outside New Zealand, the current rules are that there are set maximums which venues have to work with, everyone must be seated, and wearing masks with spacing between seats.
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Die! Die! Die! - Album Review: This Is Not An Island Anymore
26 Feb 2022 // A review by darryl baser
Die! Die!
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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.
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Glad Rabbit - EP Review: Pophits & Coffee
24 Feb 2022 // A review by Kev Rowland
You must give this Dunedin quartet plenty of kudos for their name, as I don’t think I have smiled so much on seeing one since I came across Mice on Stilts years back. This is the debut release from Jack Ringhand (vocals, guitar), Ayumu Kobayashi (bass, vocals), Tom Corrigan (organ, vocals) and Ryan Finnie (drums, vocals).
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Don McGlashan - Album Review: Bright November Morning
24 Feb 2022 // A review by roger.bowie
Don McGlashan is gliding into iconic, almost patriarchal status in New Zealand’s musical heritage. His narrative is ours, his perspective the everyday, the mundane, the tragic and the joyful; snapshots of Kiwi normal, and occasionally not so.
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The Barry Holt Cohort - Single Review: 21st Century Rant
24 Feb 2022 // A review by Kev Rowland
Wellington band The Barry Holt Cohort comprises of Barry on guitars and vocals, Chris Coad on fretless bass and Louie Levin on drum machine. Hailing from Liverpool, Barry grew up when that city was going through a period of austerity, and it is no surprise to hear punk and post punk in his style as well as The Beatles (of course) and T-Rex.
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Greta O'Leary - Single Review: Outnumbered
24 Feb 2022 // A review by Kev Rowland
Outnumbered is the debut single from Poneke alt-folk artist Greta O’Leary, and from the first delicate picked notes on guitar, violin and double bass, the listener is being brought into an incredibly atmospheric world. Her voice belies her age, as one can never believe that anyone as young as this could have suffered the pain this voice brings us.
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Lee Martin - Album Review: Gypsy Soul
24 Feb 2022 // A review by Kev Rowland
I think I need to start this review with a series of statements. I first came across South African born Lee Martin when she signed to AAA Records for her debut NZ EP Lost Girl back in 2019, and my good friend TeMatera Smith asked me to write the press release.
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Ezra Phoenix - Single Review: Storm
24 Feb 2022 // A review by madeleinehoward
Wellington based R&B artist Ezra Phoenix returns with his dreamy single Storm. Released on the 18th of February, Storm follows on from Ezra’s debut self-titled album, which was released in February of 2021, as well as the November release of Diamond Dress.
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Darryl Baser - Album Review: Voicemails to my Fiancee
23 Feb 2022 // A review by Kev Rowland
There are some albums where the listener feels they are intruding way too much on something which is incredibly private. Back in 1979 Dennis DeYoung had a major argument with the rest of Styx as he felt that even though he had played them Babe it was way too private for it ever to be recorded and made available, but we all know he lost and even though it only made it to #3 here in NZ, it did top the charts in plenty of other countries.
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Little Ripples - Single Review: Little Bee
23 Feb 2022 // A review by Corinne Rutherford
Little Ripples are a children's music act from Whangarei Heads comprising of Sam and Emily Benges, plus their youngest son Arlo. The trio have recently released the first song from their album In My Garden.
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Human Susan - EP Review: Fun Is Fun
20 Feb 2022 // A review by Kev Rowland
According to their Bandcamp page, Human Susan is an alien trying to assimilate herself into the world, navigating the absurdity and mundanity of human embodiment. A crunchy and sparkly cosmic soup.
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Viices - Single Review: Coffee
20 Feb 2022 // A review by Epitomised_Drummer
Something a little different landed on my desk this morning, a new release from a Wellington rock trio Viices featuring Jake, Geordie, and Will. I’ve not heard Viices before, so I thought I’d read a few of their previous reviews and see if I could form a picture of what they might sound like.
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Sean Bodley - Album Review: Past Present Future: Vol. 1
20 Feb 2022 // A review by HazzaMakingNoise
The electric guitar may have faded in its pre-eminence as the foundation of popular music, but New Zealand’s own Joe Satriani Sean Bodley won’t let that get in the way of producing the most delectable and technically mesmerising instrumental guitar music in Aotearoa. His first release since 2020’s full length album Neon Daydreams; Past Present Future: Vol.
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Kendall Elise - Gig Review: Kendall Elise @ Kumeu Live, Kumeu - 19/02/2022
20 Feb 2022 // A review by roger.bowie
It’s an easy drive out west on this balmy February evening because everyone must be somewhere else or dodging aerosol missiles at home or flinching at the news from Ukraine. Kumeu Live is a small venue fashioned out of the Arts Centre with seating for 40-50 inside and an open flow outside to benches on a concrete court.
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Looking For Alaska - Gig Review: Looking For Alaska & Albi & The Wolves @ Nivara Lounge, Hamilton - 18/02/2022
19 Feb 2022 // A review by Kev Rowland
Last Friday saw me drive more than 100 km north to the middle of nowhere to see Looking For Alaska and Albi & The Wolves on their A Little Less Space tour which sees them share the stage throughout the night. They were just so good that tonight I drove a little further in the other direction down to Hamilton to see them all over again, with the added bonus that South For Winter were tonight’s support.
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Rewind Fields - Album Review: Rewind Fields
19 Feb 2022 // A review by Kev Rowland
Rewind Fields is the experimental pop recording project of Auckland singer-songwriter Callum Lee, who discovered some previously unfinished and abandoned songs on an old laptop and revisited them to make an album. When one understands where the songs originated from, this makes far more sense as it feels exactly as if it has been recovered from somewhere, as opposed to something organically pulled together at a single point in time.
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19 Feb 2022 // A review by Kev Rowland
Rewind Fields is the experimental pop recording project of Auckland singer-songwriter Callum Lee, who discovered some previously unfinished and abandoned songs on an old laptop and revisited them to make an album. When one understands where the songs originated from, this makes far more sense as it feels exactly as if it has been recovered from somewhere, as opposed to something organically pulled together at a single point in time.
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South for Winter - Gig Review: South For Winter @ The Ministry of Folk, Auckland - 17/02/2022
19 Feb 2022 // A review by Kev Rowland
I knew tonight was going to be a first for me, although in more ways than I originally expected. We had been asked if we were interested in reviewing an American/Kiwi folk duo, South For Winter, who live in Nashville but were in New Zealand for a couple of months and of course I agreed.
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Saurian - Single Review: Ice Cream Man
18 Feb 2022 // A review by Paul Goddard
I am going to say it. This might be controversial but the best Ice Cream is a simple Vanilla Whip in a cone.
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Boy Virgo - Single Review: Blood and Guts
17 Feb 2022 // A review by Danica Bryant
Ushering in the "villain era" of Kiwi hyperpop artist Boy Virgo, Blood and Guts is a messy, brutal, and endlessly exciting new single, released in collaboration with Old Pup. It’s a defining statement for Boy Virgo’s promising upcoming EP, showing the artist in a more vulnerable light than previous releases, as he makes an effort to delve into the personal whilst maintaining his trademark sound.
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Iveta & Simone - Single Review: Ticking Bomb
16 Feb 2022 // A review by Kev Rowland
Iveta & Simone are back with their latest single, following on from Obsessed which I reviewed back in October. This starts with some gentle piano chords, with a delicate 80’s synth over the top, and then we get some riffing distorted guitars and bass, one of the ladies starts singing gently, with a husky edge to her voice, we get some more guitars and then we are into the chorus which is bouncy and bright.
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Steven Hue - EP Review: Assembly
15 Feb 2022 // A review 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.
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Mild Orange - Album Review: Looking For Space
13 Feb 2022 // A review by bethany_rachell
Mild Orange are back in New Zealand and back on the scene with their new album Looking For Space. Here is a breakdown of the key moments in the album.
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Looking For Alaska - Gig Review: Looking For Alaska & Albi & The Wolves @ Leigh Sawmill, Leigh - 12/02/2022
12 Feb 2022 // A review by Kev Rowland
So, Aotearoa is in the red traffic light setting for Covid 19, gigs are being cancelled left and right, yet somehow, I found myself attending two on consecutive nights. Whereas the Thursday saw me in the middle of Auckland, Friday saw me out in the middle of nowhere.
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Villainy - Gig Review: Villainy & Dead Favours @ Raynham Park, Auckland - 10/02/2022
12 Feb 2022 // A review by Kev Rowland
For those outside New Zealand, you may or may not be aware that we are currently in the red traffic light response setting for Covid 19. There are a whole load of rules and regulations around this, but the largest impact on gigs is that for anyone to attend they must be fully vaccinated and be able to prove that, while indoor limits are set to a maximum of 100 people, and everyone must be seated.
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TUi MAMAKi - EP Review: A L'Aube
11 Feb 2022 // A review by Cathy Elizabeth
What an absolute pleasure to dip my toes into the cool water beneath the pier with TUi MAMAKi, and listen to her beautifully immersive EP A L’Aube. The title track is described by TUi MAMAKi as “inspired by a dream in which I met my animus : we sat together on a pier and, feeling no need to speak, played music til dawn.
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The Wax Birds - Single Review: Kansas
11 Feb 2022 // A review by Corinne Rutherford
Based in Oxford Canterbury, smooth sounding acoustic duo The Wax Birds have just released their latest single Kansas. This is the follow up to their first album Slow Rise released in 2020, which impressed me with a lush country/folk mix of beautiful harmony and gentle flowing guitar.
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Gramsci - Album Review: The Hinterlands
10 Feb 2022 // A review by Kev Rowland
My personal introduction to Gramsci was 2020’s wonderful Inheritance album, and in many ways that was a rebirth as it was the first album Paul McLaney had released under that name for 15 years. He credits the revitalisation with his teaming up with Greg Haver, an award-winning Welsh record producer most renowned for his work with The Manic Street Preachers.
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In The Shallows - Single Review: Let It Go
10 Feb 2022 // A review by Kev Rowland
One can discover pretty much everything they need about the new single from Wellington duo In The Shallows by looking at the cover, as Let It Go is packed full of sunshine, festivals and fun. Although related to their normal folk style, this sees Danni Parsons and Lance Shepherd produce something which is crossing the boundaries of reggae, ska and pop, with some folk in there just for good measure.
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Tryonics - Single Review: Hey
08 Feb 2022 // A review by darryl baser
Tryonics is the solo project of Hap Richardson, formerly of My Little Pony, Go Victim and Freezer Child. And that’s about there is to know about Tryonics, apart from a growing catalogue of tunes.
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Pencarrow - Album Review: Live At San Fran
08 Feb 2022 // A review by Kev Rowland
One of the (dis)advantages of writing about music for so many years is that it is not unusual for other writers to contact me about bands/albums they feel I should be aware of. So it was, that not long after the release of Wellington band Pencarrow’s second album Growth In The Absence of Light a mate of mine in Norway contacted me to ask me if I had heard it?
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Western Dip - Album Review: Warm Ups
08 Feb 2022 // A review by Peter-James Dries
It’s been over a decade since I thought “I might listen to some techno”. Probably longer since EDM was even called techno… And even then, the genre was never the main event.
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Stephen Riddell - Album Review: Acapella
05 Feb 2022 // A review by Kev Rowland
Performing with no instruments or studio trickery to hide behind is not for the fainthearted, so probably it of little surprise that it is unusual to find solo artists willing to put themselves out there like that. Possibly the one form of “popular” music where it can be found is folk, particularly folk from the British Isles where there is a long tradition of performing in that manner, deriving from the times in history when performers did not have instruments and songs were passed from one generation to another not through sheet music or recordings but by one person learning it from another.
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Brody Leigh - Single Review: Sad Club
04 Feb 2022 // A review by Danica Bryant
Sad Club is the debut single from 19-year-old Brody Leigh, a brooding, emotional ballad mourning the loss of a first love. It presents the incredibly intimate musings of a teenage girl on the cusp of adulthood, processing the complexities of real heartbreak in an almost frighteningly honest yet still relatable way.
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Built - Album Review: We've Been Hoping You'd Wake And Now You Have
03 Feb 2022 // A review by Kev Rowland
Dean Young is probably best known in New Zealand for being a radio DJ on stations such as Radio Hauraki and The Rock, but he has also been producing and releasing his own material since 1998 in different bands and guises. He started using the name Built a few years back, with the last release being the 2018 EP Here's To Sweet Sabotage.
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End Boss - Single/Video Review: Punished
03 Feb 2022 // A review by Kev Rowland
Lisa (MNZ) sent me a YouTube link one day and said, “Have you heard this?” I was shortly getting back to her saying no I hadn’t but was going to contact the band directly as I could not quite believe what I was hearing.
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Bevan Mical - Single Review: This Year/Resolution
03 Feb 2022 // A review by Kev Rowland
Thames-based lo-fi alternative indie pop musician Bevan Mical is back with his first single since last year’s Exhausting The Muse album. That was his third album, and following on from the success of that, he is bringing us into 2022 with a song of hope.
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The After - Single Review: Doesn't Matter
01 Feb 2022 // A review by Kev Rowland
Andrew Featherstone has been a mainstay of the New Zealand music scene for years, running his label/studio Intergalactic Records while for more than 25 years he has been running Battle of the Bands in NZ, as well as launching it internationally. If that wasn’t enough, he is also a bassist and songwriter who has performed alongside No Doubt, Collective Soul, Silverchair and Everclear.
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Fathom - Album Review: The World To Breathe
31 Jan 2022 // A review by Kev Rowland
I have often said that to me the purest form of music is when a musician is performing acoustically, with no effects whatsoever, just stood on the stage with no room to hide. There is nothing then between the artist and the listener, just their voice and the unplugged nature of their instrument, relying solely on their songs and performance to make that important connection.
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Motel Midnight - Single Review: Save Me
28 Jan 2022 // A review by Callum Wagstaff
Motel Midnight are Reuben Keeling (vocals, bass guitar), Bruce Ferguson (vocals, guitar) and Ben Stanley (synths, beats, production). Emerging from the smoky neon haze, Motel Midnight have arrived with their new single Save Me.
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Floor Five - EP Review: The Garden
28 Jan 2022 // A review 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.
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East York - EP Review: Origins
28 Jan 2022 // A review by [email protected]
East York (Daz Coppins, Tarquin Keys, Zane Rosanoski, Eric Boucher) are an international amalgam of band members hailing from one part of the world, and living in another, with a Kiwi link. If their Origins EP is anything to go by, the band is certainly blessed with an international calibre.
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Tom Lee-Richards - Single Review: Human
28 Jan 2022 // A review by Gaby Ivanov-Giraldo
Kiwi Alt-Folk artist Tom Lee-Richards is releasing his new single this January 28th. Human is a song about being out of one’s depth, confessing one’s human state of “losing ground”, and accepting their chosen fate.
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The Sam Loveridge Band - Album Review: Recovery
27 Jan 2022 // A review by Kev Rowland
Some albums are intense, some are incredibly hard work and only open up (sometimes, if at all) after a great many plays, and others will never be destined for mainstream radio play as there is nothing there to attract the masses. Then there are albums like this one, where all you need to do is check out the cover to have an idea of what it is going to be like inside.
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Cy Winstanley - Gig Review: Cy Winstanley @ Freida Margolis, Auckland - 26/01/2022
27 Jan 2022 // A review by roger.bowie
Zone red, and everything is being cancelled except the smallest of gigs, and best of all, an impromptu one at that, as Nashville based Cy Winstanley ventures out solo at the suggestion of old covers band mate Dave Khan. Which means of course that he’s not actually solo, just not Tattletale.
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Old Salts - Single Review: Take a Breather
27 Jan 2022 // A review by Ben Ruegg
Old Salts are an alternative rock band that are set to leave listeners buzzed with the release of their debut single Take a Breather.Citing influences as Primus and Them Crooked Vultures, you can definitely hear this in the way the song, not only sounds but how it is written and arranged.
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Bad Llamas - Single Review: Day Dreamer
27 Jan 2022 // A review by HazzaMakingNoise
As someone who suffers from chronic mind wandering during daylight hours, Day Dreamer, the latest track from Otautahi indie rockers Bad Llamas, happens to find a resonant audience.With an almost Oasis-like commitment to the core elements of rock ’n’ roll, Day Dreamer is a fascinating song of two halves that defies conventional song structure.
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Melanie - EP Review: ABCD
25 Jan 2022 // A review by Kev Rowland
Since releasing their debut EP back in 2018, Auckland pop/punk outfit Melanie have been making quite a name for themselves in the old-fashioned way of doing things, namely playing anywhere and everywhere, and having total belief in themselves and their music. When I first saw them, I was impressed that here was an unsigned band who had invested in having their debut album pressed in vinyl and had a few different t-shirts available as well as some other merch including stickers.
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Trip Change - Single Review: Never Seen A Boy Like Me
24 Jan 2022 // A review by Chris Chick
It is not hard to know that I am fan of all music, I think the ability to pick up a musical instrument and compose a song is impressive. The intricacies of bringing many parts together and making the final product sound so good is beyond my capabilities.
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Gig Review: Come Together: The Rolling Stones' Sticky Fingers @ Civic Theatre, Auckland - 21/01/2022
23 Jan 2022 // A review by roger.bowie
Oh man, what a funny old time. Here we are on the brink of climate catastrophe, and another Covid wave which threatens to lock us down if not out, and yet over the past 3 months we have been able to reflect on and enjoy the two song writing partnerships which have arguably defined modern rock.
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23 Jan 2022 // A review by roger.bowie
Oh man, what a funny old time. Here we are on the brink of climate catastrophe, and another Covid wave which threatens to lock us down if not out, and yet over the past 3 months we have been able to reflect on and enjoy the two song writing partnerships which have arguably defined modern rock.
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Checaine - Gig Review: Checaine & After Forever @ Dead Witch, Auckland - 22/01/2022
23 Jan 2022 // A review by Kev Rowland
As normal I got in early to the venue, then soon left again to have a beer up the road with the guys from Checaine. I was mightily impressed as they had brought a bus up from Hamilton with a load of fans onboard – one way of guaranteeing playing in a strange town in front of a friendly crowd.
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Sit Down In Front - EP Review: Fuelling My Rage
20 Jan 2022 // A review by Kris Raven
3-Piece Punk Rockers Sit Down in Front have been consistently cranking out music and gigging nationally since they began in 2017. With two full length albums, a slew of charting radio singles and music videos as well as an impressive gigging resume, they have been making their mark, leaving their statement and creating a solid body of straight up punk hits ever since.
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Wisteria Falls - Single Review: Temperamental
18 Jan 2022 // A review by Kris Raven
Introducing you to Wisteria Falls, the latest project from Auckland musician and songwriter Will Walker. Will is no stranger to the Auckland & NZ music scene or the Australian rock scene for that matter.
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Blindfolded and Led to the Woods - Gig Review: Blindfolded and Led To The Woods @ Dead Witch, Auckland - 15/01/2022
16 Jan 2022 // A review by Kev Rowland
I have been looking forward to tonight for ages, as Auckland went into lockdown in August with all gigs being cancelled until just before Christmas, and even then, that was with limited attendance. This means that tonight was going to be my first gig in five months, and given that I covered more than 30 in the first part of the year, that was some cold turkey.
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Fool's Lagoon - Single Review: Bizarre
13 Jan 2022 // A review by Kev Rowland
Bizarre is the debut single from Auckland-based quintet Fool’s Lagoon. Mark, Connor, Joe, Matt and Joshua have created a bright and summery indie pop jangler which is heavily guitar-based yet is somehow light and airy throughout.
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Powder Chutes - EP Review: Sweet Noise Pollution
11 Jan 2022 // A review by Kev Rowland
There is always that little hint of concern when reading a press release for a new EP and realise it contains a quote from yours truly for the single which was taken from it. How would they take it this time around if I panned this release?
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Tall Folk - Album Review: Wiser
11 Jan 2022 // A review by Kev Rowland
2021 was a wonderful musical adventure for me as I threw myself into the NZ music scene, and towards the end of the year I realised that with nearly 200 reviews of local music I really should work out my Top 10 singles, EP’s, albums and gigs (check out https://www.muzic.
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Pass The Peas - EP Review: Pop
06 Jan 2022 // A review by Kev Rowland
This three-track EP is the latest release from Poneke-based quintet Pass The Peas, who describe their music as Wasabi spicy Rock n' Roll, whatever that means. To my ears it means they play mid-paced alternative pop rock with a strong concentration on the gravelly and emotional vocals of Kurt with loads of space within the arrangements, which are well-produced.
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Tomorrow People - Album Review: 21
02 Jan 2022 // A review by Andrew Smit
Tomorrow People have produced a wonderful assemblage of uplifting reggae tunes that are performed and sung with heart and purpose. All 16 tracks are packed with brilliant harmonies that are propelled along by the glorious uplifting off beat rhythmic delight that reggae music delivers so well.
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Kokomo - Album Review: A Little Something From The Attic
01 Jan 2022 // A review by Chris Chick
16 Blues songs to review was my mission if I chose to accept it, well naturally I did, otherwise you would not be reading this, but let me just tell you something, was I excited? Oh you can bet your bottom dollar I was.
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Night Bus - Single Review: Fine Lines
29 Dec 2021 // A review by Ben Ruegg
The latest track Fine Lines from self-described electronic bedroom pop artist Night Bus is a chill affair. It is a song that builds upon a simple melodic idea and explores it while a consistent beat runs through the background.
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Justin Sane - Album Review: Rising w/ Huz
29 Dec 2021 // A review by Ben Ruegg
Justin Sane has been DJing at clubs and events around the world since 1997, released countless remixes and bootlegs on numerous labels, hosted Party Hard Mix on The Edge for 5 years and had singles in the Top 20 New Zealand Singles Chart. In 2020, Justin Sane again teamed up with fellow singer/Songwriter Huz and began releasing music again, both tracks of which ended up in the #3 dance singles on iTunes and in the Top 30 overall NZ singles, one reaching the #10 spot.
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Stu J - Single Review: Destination Unknown
29 Dec 2021 // A review by Ben Ruegg
A Kiwi-born musician, producer and DJ, Stu J loves to create energetic, up-beat indie-dance songs which have an electronic feel, but still include the best parts of rock and pop. His current music feels similar to artists like MGMT and Empire of the Sun.
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Wubchaser - EP Review: Signal to Noise
29 Dec 2021 // A review by Cathy Elizabeth
Wubchaser is the electronic music project of Auckland-based sound engineer and producer Luke Finlay of Primal Mastering. Hailing from the alternative music scene and having previously played in metal bands, Finlay has more recently been doing live sound at big events such as RnV, Shipwrecked, Aum, and Splore.
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Lady Bonestripper - EP Review: Awaken The Snake Hips
27 Dec 2021 // A review by HazzaMakingNoise
December it a strange time. Truly exasperating month.
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Craig Payne - Album Review: A Long Time Coming
23 Dec 2021 // A review by Paul Goddard
Life's a journey.Different phases, ranging from feeling bulletproof to feeling paranoid to eventually feeling resigned to whatever happens.
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Black Sands - Single Review: Apocalypse of Eden
22 Dec 2021 // A review by Kev Rowland
To my mind this single is long overdue, as I have been lucky enough to catch these guys play live a few times this year and they always put on an amazing show. Comprising Cameron Owens (guitars), Ruaidri Keens (guitars), Matt Hammond (bass) and James Trimmer (drums) they are one of those very rare breeds, a hard-hitting metal act with no need for a singer.
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Kev's Top 10's - 2021
20 Dec 2021 // A review by Kev Rowland
2021 has been a strange year, of that there has been no doubt whatsoever, but although everyone in Auckland is champing at the bit to be let out into the real world, it is probably best to remind ourselves that until we went into lockdown in August we were the envy of the world with festivals, plenty of beer, and the country being totally open (apart from the borders). At that time, I had been to more than 30 gigs, and was on course to hit 50 for the year, never thinking for a minute that August would be the last time I saw a band play live.
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20 Dec 2021 // A review by Kev Rowland
2021 has been a strange year, of that there has been no doubt whatsoever, but although everyone in Auckland is champing at the bit to be let out into the real world, it is probably best to remind ourselves that until we went into lockdown in August we were the envy of the world with festivals, plenty of beer, and the country being totally open (apart from the borders). At that time, I had been to more than 30 gigs, and was on course to hit 50 for the year, never thinking for a minute that August would be the last time I saw a band play live.
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Samantha Josephine - Album Review: The Finished Touch
19 Dec 2021 // A review by Kev Rowland
This is a direct continuation of the work displayed by Samantha on the Fly Bird Fly EP which came out a few months ago, except this time around she has managed to secure the services of drummers Mars Slater Vitai and Olive Konai, who between them share the duties on this 16-track 39-minute-long album. They fit in well with the ethos and spirit of Samantha, not attempting to bring in any finesse of polish, but instead keeping to the very lo-fi and naïve approach demonstrated by the singer/guitarist.
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Mel Parsons - Gig Review: Mel Parsons @ The Tuning Fork, Auckland - 16/12/2021
17 Dec 2021 // A review by roger.bowie
You could hear a pin drop at the Tuning Fork tonight. Not the usual hum and bustle and sometimes annoying back of hall chatter.
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Brent West - Single Review: Run From The Fear
15 Dec 2021 // A review by Kev Rowland
It has been a couple of years since the last release from South Auckland boy Brent West, but he is now back with his latest single. Run From The Fear is fairly lengthy for a single, at more than 5 minutes, and is packed full of emotion and angst.
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Gabriel Bond - Single Review: Lights Burn Low
14 Dec 2021 // A review by Kev Rowland
Class, sheer class. When I first heard this a face kept popping into my head as to who this reminded me of, but it took ages for the synapses to snap and finally it came into focus, Richard Marx.
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Fragile Colours - Album Review: Dancing With The Shadows (In Plato's Cave)
14 Dec 2021 // A review by Cathy Elizabeth
Studio project Fragile Colours released their second album Dancing With The Shadows (In Plato’s Cave) in June 2021, this time featuring Kamaea Harry on vocals. Nine out of the 10 tracks on the album were penned by Tim Julian specifically with Kamaea’s voice in mind after she sang most of the backing vocals on the previous album Southern Utopia.
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Brian Baker - Single Review: Everywhere You Go
13 Dec 2021 // A review by Kev Rowland
Brian Baker left Aotearoa some 40 years ago to find fame and fortune in Australia, and after a successful recording and touring career he has now returned home, setting up a studio and settling in an off-the-grid permaculture farm north of Auckland. His long-time sparring buddy Eddie Rayner (Split Enz, Crowded House) has provided tips and critique on this his new single, but multi-instrumentalist Brian not only produced this, but provided all the instrumentation and vocals.
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Summer Thieves - Album Review: Paradise Down The Road
13 Dec 2021 // A review by LouClementine
As a cyclone bears down on the city, I’m hoping that Summer returns to us… especially with this, what could be the soundtrack to the summer, the second album release from pop-indie outfit Summer Thieves. The opening track Pages straddles a gentle reggae beat and a chorus that cries out for a beach day party.
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Coridian - Single Review: Endless War
12 Dec 2021 // A review by Kev Rowland
If you had told me at the beginning of the year that we would be ending 2021 and I had only seen Coridian play a few times I would have laughed at you. Mind you, we also expected the full-length album, Hava, as well but COVID 19 has a way of messing up the best laid plans.
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Channeled - Single Review: Breathe
12 Dec 2021 // A review by Kev Rowland
Multi-instrumentalist Ben Ruegg is back with his latest single as Channeled, which also now appears to have a new logo. I have always been impressed with this band, either live or in the studio, but here Ben is moving in a slightly different direction, and I am not sure if it has come off entirely as he would have liked.
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Kaylee Bell - Album Review: Silver Linings
12 Dec 2021 // A review by Kev Rowland
Kaylee Bell is the most streamed female Country artist from Australasia, with more than 30 million to date, with her recent hit single That Summer breaking the million and being the most added song to mainstream radio in New Zealand in the month of release. That is one of the eight songs on this rather short album, which is less than 25 minutes long with every song being just either side of the three-minute mark with the longest being the title cut at 3:33.
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SuperFly Killa - Single Review: Hold I Down
10 Dec 2021 // A review by Ben Ruegg
A vast array of interests, influences, and experiences have come together in an amalgamation of soul, reggae, Dub, and rock. SuperFly Killa are a fresh new sound who reside on the sunny shores of Gisborne, NZHold I Down is a fantastic, fantastic track!
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Investigator - Single Review: Don't Touch Me!
09 Dec 2021 // A review by Kev Rowland
Earlier this year Investigator made it into the official NZ charts for the first time with Lake of Eyes, a wonderful achievement for a fully independent self-funded outfit. Since then, there has been the minor issue of an Auckland lockdown which prevented them from building on that success on the live circuit, but now they are back with the next single.
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Written By Wolves - Single Review: Papercut
09 Dec 2021 // A review by Kev Rowland
There is no doubt that 2021 has been a hard ride emotionally for Written By Wolves. They went through the process of re-recording tracks from their ‘Secrets’ album and putting them out as The Collab Project//Secrets, baring their soul to get people talking about mental illness.
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In The Shallows - Single/Video Review: There You Are
09 Dec 2021 // A review by Kev Rowland
2021 has been a voyage of discovery for me in the NZ Music scene, and it may have taken a lengthy road trip, but earlier in the year I finally managed to catch up with In The Shallows who have the temerity to live in the capital as opposed to Auckland. I fell in love with their debut album last year, which includes the wonderful singles Hold On and Take It Easy, and here they are now back with new music.
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Ayla Gold - Single Review: Salamanders
09 Dec 2021 // A review by Kev Rowland
This is the debut single from Ayla Wesley, a young alt folk/indie artist who has been playing gigs in Tauranga and Auckland over the last few years. It commences with a few electric guitars combining to set an ambience until it settles down to just one guitar being gently played as if it were acoustic, just strummed to accompany Ayla’s fresh and inviting voice.
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Aro - Single Review: Muramura
09 Dec 2021 // A review by Kev Rowland
At this time of the year, it is common to look back and think about what we have experienced, and while anyone living in Auckland will happily complain about the last 3+ months (with good reason), we were all able to experience live music earlier in the year if we so wished. One of the highlights of 2021 for me was seeing Aro at Auckland Folk Festival, and since then I have been busy discovering their music.
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Neutrikk - EP Review: E-P 2
08 Dec 2021 // A review by Corinne Rutherford
Auckland duo Neutrikk have just released their second EP. Cleverly called E-P 2, I must admit to spending longer than I should have trying to find the name of the EP in the Bio.
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Tony Lee - Single Review: Closer
08 Dec 2021 // A review by Peter-James Dries
Here is yet another track that takes me back to the early-90;s. The days of our family following Vince Leatherby, the Happy Wanderer, around the Kiwi country music circuit.
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Lee Martin - Single/Video Review: Finally Going My Way
07 Dec 2021 // A review by Kev Rowland
One of the sheer delights of Lee Martin’s new album, Gypsy Soul, which is due out in February, is the incredible amount of diversity contained within it. During the recording process, songs were rearranged, many discussions were had, and the album ended up being taken in some directions which probably were not in anyone’s minds at the beginning of the process.
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Pass The Peas - Single Review: Too Much Touch
07 Dec 2021 // A review by Investigator
Right from the off Too Much Touch roars into life, Pass The Peas are back with a big sound and massive hooks... I'm hooked.
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Ella Pollett - Single Review: Hold On
07 Dec 2021 // A review by madeleinehoward
Hawkes Bay singer songwriter Ella Pollett released her second single Hold On on the 20th of November.The 16 year old songwriter has already celebrated success with Hold On, with the song taking out the top prize in the solo category at this year's regional Smokefree Rockquest competition.
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Solo Ono - EP Review: Lavender
06 Dec 2021 // A review by Steve Shyu
Poneke/Wellington three-piece garage rock act Solo Ono recently unveiled their newest effort, the EP Lavender. Recorded in Newtown, Wellington by Warwick Donald, mastered by Mike Gibson, and boasting a dazzling cover art by Tristam Sparks, the collection of tunes is set out to be the group’s best effort yet.
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Steven Hue - Double Single Review: Brainstare / Mantorquim
06 Dec 2021 // A review 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.
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One Dead Man - Single Review: Angeline
05 Dec 2021 // A review by Kev Rowland
One Dead Man is Michael Baxter from Tauranga bands The Dead Man 6 and The Knids, who came up with the idea during lockdown of putting together a collection of songs which would work together as a rock opera or concept album, and he settled on the idea of relationships and making deals with the devil (both metaphorically and spiritually) to satisfy your own needs and wants. The Deal will be released by the end of the year, so for now here is the single, Angeline, which is sung by the character of Gabriel, played by Kingsley Smith (Knightshade) who also provides piano on the track.
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Nigel Parry - Single Review: One Word War
02 Dec 2021 // A review by darryl baser
“Me job to pick off the Hun, In the sights a lad like me, One shot, and I’m alone;” just a few of the lines of this stunning, beautiful and at times harrowing poem based on Nigel Parry’s family history of relations serving in World War I. 7:56 is typically too long for a single, Queen found that out when they first tried to release Bohemian Rhapsody.
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Mahoney Harris - Single Review: Band in Town
02 Dec 2021 // A review by Kev Rowland
Band In Town is the latest single from folk/pop singer Mahoney Harris. Inspired by memories of her mum and friends getting ready for nights out, the cover actually features both her mother (on the left) and her godmother.
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SWEATR - Single Review: Every Time Feat. teens
02 Dec 2021 // A review by Danica Bryant
Music producer Will Henderson, known for efforts with Janine, CHAII and Foley, launches his own artist project SWEATR with the release of single Every Time, in collaboration with teens. It's an electronic fanfare booming with bass, 808s and distinct personality.
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Lazy Fifty - Album Review: 2021: A Lazy Odyssey
01 Dec 2021 // A review by Kev Rowland
Lazy Fifty are Adrian Athy (vocals, guitar), Ryan Raggett (bass), and Ali Sochacki (drums), and they play traditional solid Seventies-style melodic hard rock. This is their fourth album, and to put is simple is an absolute blast from start to finish and a load of fun.
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How To Escape Reality - Single Review: Not Another Pop Punk Christmas
30 Nov 2021 // A review by Kev Rowland
How To Escape Reality were formed in 2020, by songwriter Samuel Fistonich with the help of his brothers and his wife to create music which was heavily influenced from the Emo and pop punk movement. Samuel and his family grew up in China, and this song was written with Mason May, a friend of the band from those days.
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The Treasury - EP Review: It's Warm Now
30 Nov 2021 // A review by Callum Wagstaff
The Treasury had exactly the genre of sound I expected from the bio, but with a presence and rich darkness to the tone thatI wasn't anticipating. Not dark like the musings of a goth rock icon destined to die at 23 but dark like a sexy old vampire.
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Dylan Storey - Single/Video Review: Foreign Sands
30 Nov 2021 // A review by Trevor Faville
Dylan Storey is based in Auckland and is the kind of musician who steadfastly treads his own path, be it as a contributing guitarist for the likes of Reb Fountain and Fleur Jack, or working in a variety of pro bands- as well as writing and releasing his own work. Storey maintains an impressive work rate and eclectic output.
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Rei - Album Review: Enjoy The Ride
29 Nov 2021 // A review by Ben Ruegg
Enjoy The Ride showcases Rei’s diversity and prowess as a musician and producer with its mix of rap, pop, R&B and UK flavour, it’s a fusion of innovative styles. Written over the past 2 years, mixed and mastered by Kog Studio’s Chris Chetland and supported by NZ On Air, this project is a musical ride in itself.
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A Radical Sun - Single Review: Love Shakes
28 Nov 2021 // A review by Kev Rowland
Everyone in Auckland has been incredibly frustrated with the lockdown which has now stretched past 100 days, impacting everyone inside the borders. Obviously one group which have been unable to work are the gigging musicians, which has seen some of them go into the studio or even start new projects.
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The Not Okays - Single/Video Review: Bite Me
28 Nov 2021 // A review by Kev Rowland
The Not Okays are a band who originally formed a few years ago just to have some fun at the Emo nights put on at Ding Dong Lounge. They comprise Noriel Wong (guitar), Aaron Prictor (guitar, vocals), Lauren Kate Borhani (vocals), Caitlin Clark (bass) and Bahador Borhani (drums).
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Ellery Daines - Single Review: No-One
27 Nov 2021 // A review by Kev Rowland
Ellery Daines is a multi-instrumentalist, songwriter, producer, and mixing engineer from Nelson, now based in the Norwegian Arctic city of Tromsø. Over the last five years he wrote, recorded, and mixed his debut album, Failure Thirty Minutes Deep, scheduled for release in 2022 and No-One is the first single and is a truly solo affair as Ellery performed all instruments and vocal parts, as well as producing and mixing the song.
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Fathom - Single Review: Mother Star
26 Nov 2021 // A review by Cathy Elizabeth
Mother Star is the debut single that introduces Fathom, solo project of Auckland-based Nancy Howie, to the world, with an extravagant and emphatic throwing back of the curtains, and a celebratory sense of letting the sun shine in. I suspect the incredibly creative and resourceful Howie has single-handedly ushered in the Age of Aquarius with this wholesome and uplifting alt-folk anthem.
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Cloudy - Single Review: Worth It
25 Nov 2021 // A review by Cathy Elizabeth
Kiwi-Austrian artist Cloudy’s new single Worth It ushers in a new sound and a new era for the Auckland-based singer/songwriter. Now accompanied by a full band, the vibe and the energy of the material has been lifted, and this has opened up exciting new songwriting territory for Claudia Paine and her upcoming EP.
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Jaz Paterson - EP Review: Ache
25 Nov 2021 // A review by madeleinehoward
Emerging pop artist Jaz Paterson launches her debut EP Ache today, Friday 26th November. The Geraldine raised, Christchurch based artist has proved she is one to watch with previously released singles Lonely, Ache and NZ On Air funded LA.
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Radius Kink - Album Review: Orange Room
24 Nov 2021 // A review by Kerry MB
Radius Kink have been around for a while now with a few releases up their sleeve, so it’s hard to believe this ‘new’ release of theirs is actually ten years old. The five piece hailing from Christchurch is made up of father and daughter, Dawn Hendriske (vocals, guitar) Gary Hendriske (vocals, bass), a next door neighbour and couple of mates (in no particular order) Gordon Goodinson (vocals, guitar) and Simon Gemmill (drums, keyboard, guitar).
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Street Georges - Single Review: Different Kind of Girl Feat. Aung Zin
24 Nov 2021 // A review by Chris Poipoi
Street Georges' front man maestro Richard Beckmannflay brings us his third single Different Kind of Girl, another lockdown song hot off the press following on from previous 2020 lockdown project which was fittingly entitled Last Lockdown. My initial reaction brought back memories of 70's funk band Parliament.
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Aidan Ripley - Single Review: Let Us Bloom
24 Nov 2021 // A review by darryl baser
Teenage singer-songwriter Aidan Ripley released his new single Let Us Bloom on all platforms October 2021. The song is a stripped back acoustic guitar song which sounds like a solo love ballad, until Ripley’s partner Caspian Wilder adds her voice.
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The Sam Loveridge Band - Single/Video Review: I Wanna Dance
21 Nov 2021 // A review by Kev Rowland
Sam and the guys are back with the second single from the forthcoming album, Recovery, and if ever they were looking for radio play I can pretty much guarantee this will not be getting it with this one. The simple reason is that in the key part of the chorus, people get asked to go forth and multiply, and somehow, I don’t think the mainstream are quite ready for that yet.
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Gramsci - Single/Video Review: Ourselves
18 Nov 2021 // A review by Kev Rowland
I first came across Gramsci last year when they released the amazing album Inheritance, which was then followed up with a theatre performance which was stunning by all accounts (I was gutted not to be able to make it). But I am very late to the piece indeed, as Gramsci are the brainchild of Paul McLaney who is so productive that he has lost count of the works he has undertaken to date.
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Pervertor - Album Review: Putrid Dominion
18 Nov 2021 // A review by Kev Rowland
Wellington-based blackened thrash outfit Pervertor are back with their third-full length album, Putrid Dominion, some four years since Perverted Tales of Depravity. Since they released their first demo back in 2009 the band have had the same line-up throughout of Necroar (vocals), Inebriator (guitar), Carnage (bass), and Rots (drums).
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Adam Hattaway & The Haunters - Album Review: Rooster
18 Nov 2021 // A review by roger.bowie
There’s a rooster down south, hiding out in Woolston, Christchurch and this rooster struts around like Jagger, high kicks Van Morrison out of the henhouse, and wakes you up in the morning with a raucous squawk. Why won’t that rooster shut the fuck up?
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On Tick - Album Review: Nothing New
18 Nov 2021 // A review by Kev Rowland
On Tick was formed by brothers Brendan (vocals and drums) and Aidan O'Loughlin (vocals, guitar), out of the ashes of their previous band, Evil Tomato. They decided to work as a rough and raw punk duo, adapting some of the older songs to their new style, a few of which can be heard here.
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Ladyhawke - Album Review: Time Flies
18 Nov 2021 // A review by madeleinehoward
Ladyhawke returns with her highly anticipated fourth studio album Time Flies. Her first album in four years since 2016's Wild Things, Time Flies is a shift away from Ladyhawke's more pop rock sound, and a return to her 80's synth pop roots.
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Goodspace - Single Review: Kicking Stones
18 Nov 2021 // A review by HazzaMakingNoise
"Catchiness" is a strange creature sometimes. It can lurk in places unexpected, or even uninvited.
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Neverwoz - EP Review: The Elysian EP
18 Nov 2021 // A review by Investigator
Neverwoz - The Elysian EP, is the follow up to the 2018 Minor Words and Major Thirds album. The album was recorded towards the end of 2019 and the beginning of 2020 on the Kapiti Coast by Karl and Charlie Wootton (Merrin).
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Powder Chutes - Single Review: Take It Or Leave It
17 Nov 2021 // A review by Kev Rowland
I must confess to doing a little bit of a double take when I first saw a photo of these guys, as it looked like none of them were old enough to shave! A check of their bio and I was able to see that the band comprises Archie Orbell (16), Clarke West (16), Henry McConnell (16) & Otis Murphy (14) – when a group put their age into their bio you know they are young.
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SOL3 MIO - Album Review: Coming Home
17 Nov 2021 // A review by Kev Rowland
Earlier this year I was fortunate enough to catch these guys at Spark Arena and it was truly one of the greatest concerts I have ever attended. Given that my idea of a great night often consists of high energy metal of one type or another, I would not normally say that about an evening of light opera.
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DeLaye - EP Review: Blankspace.
17 Nov 2021 // A review by Gwarden
20 year old producer DeLaye creates music that defies easy description. Inhabiting the experimental electronic space pioneered by the likes of Aphex Twin and championed by modern masters such as Flying Lotus and Four Tet, his music features fat glitch-hop bass kicks and chopped beats anchoring sonic explorations that ebb and flow with intent.
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Henika - Album Review: Strange Creatures
16 Nov 2021 // A review by Kev Rowland
It is safe to say that I listen to more varied music than the average person, and I have no idea how many albums I have reviewed over the last 30+ years but it is many thousands, and I have written well in excess of a million words on the subject. This means I am rarely surprised, and it is not often I come across something and can honestly say I have never heard anything quite like it before, but this is one of those times.
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Charles Aston - Single Review: Pedestal
16 Nov 2021 // A review by LouClementine
Pedestal appears to be a song about doubt. Self-criticism is one of those things that many wrestle with, and listening to Charles Aston’s new single is a chance to hear a perceptive lyricist with a hearty country-esque vocal tone tackle the subject.
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Mac Summer - Single Review: Web of Life
16 Nov 2021 // A review by Gwarden
Mac Summer may be a brand new name to drum & bass fans, but this new alter ego comes from Malcolm Welsford, who has been involved in the NZ music scene for over 30 years, most famously as the man behind the legendary York Street Recording Studios. Having produced a range of guitar-based Kiwi bands from Shihad to Supergroove, he has perhaps surprisingly turned to electronic music production with this foray into the saturated drum & bass market.
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Sabreen Islam - Single Review: Like A Movie
16 Nov 2021 // A review by Corinne Rutherford
Auckland based young singer-songwriter Sabreen Islam has just released her follow up single to Glow in the trilogy of pop-oriented singles. Like A Movie is a track firmly aimed at the youth market "capturing the rift between romcoms and real life".
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Alba Rose - EP Review: Silhouette
12 Nov 2021 // A review by Corinne Rutherford
Wellington based singer songwriter Alba Rose has released her lush four track EP, Silhouette. A beautifully rich collection of soulful jazz, contemporary in its delivery incorporating an indie-pop and neo-soul sound wrapped around playful harmonious lyrics.
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Sit Down In Front - Single/Video Review: Pixie Caramel Feat. Tiki Taane
11 Nov 2021 // A review by Kev Rowland
When punk hit the UK in 1976, I loved the high-octane high energy music which came out of the scene and was quite surprised when the adults around me said there was no melody, and it was just a load of noise. The first wave of the new punk scene was made up of musicians who had been part of the earlier pub rock craze, so they knew what they were doing, and were far more musically inclined than many gave them credit for.
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NOVA - EP Review: NOVA
11 Nov 2021 // A review by Cathy Elizabeth
A pleasure to review this debut self-titled EP from NOVA; the new musical project of Wellington locals Bryn van Vliet and Eliza Pickard, joined by Jeremy Richardson and Phoebe Johnson. The vibe is soothing, relaxed, and calming, and is a very nice listen indeed.
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Abby Wolfe - EP Review: Lose Myself
10 Nov 2021 // A review by Danica Bryant
Abby Wolfe’s Lose Myself collects three previously released singles alongside the all-new titular track into an empowered EP, blending sweet acoustics with vibrant pop into a distinctive debut for the Dunedin-raised pop artist.Enthralling opener Lose Myself boasts credits from heavyweights like Djeisan Suskov, Nik Brinkman, Ciaran McMeeken, and Ambian & Sleo, thanks to its creation at APRA Songhubs.
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Before The Snooze - Album Review: Wipe The Slate
09 Nov 2021 // A review by Kev Rowland
Dunedin alt rock jangly indie pop heroes Before The Snooze are back with their debut album, following from the EP which was released a few years back. The lead track of that set, That’s A Fact!
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French For Rabbits - Album Review: The Overflow
09 Nov 2021 // A review by Kev Rowland
French For Rabbits are back with their eagerly awaited third album, which is their first for AAA Records (home of Troy Kingi, Lee Martin etc.).
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Graham Candy - EP Review: Keep On Smiling
09 Nov 2021 // A review by madeleinehoward
If you’re looking for the perfect sound track to summer, Graham Candy has got you covered with his latest release, EP Keep On Smiling, released on October 22nd. After relocating to Berlin to begin his music career, New Zealand born Graham Candy has enjoyed success collaborating with popular German DJ Alle Farben on the international hit She Moves.
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Scalper - Single Review: Toxicity Toxifies
08 Nov 2021 // A review by Steve Shyu
There appears to be no down-time for artists like Scalper. Album after album, one impressive single after another.
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Will McClean - EP Review: Will McClean and The Zooks - Live At The Surgery
06 Nov 2021 // A review by Ben Ruegg
Will McClean and The Zooks - Live At The Surgery EP is a hat tip to live hip-hop. The band is super tight with wonderful guitar licks working wonderfully over top of the rhythm section.
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Jackie Bristow - Single/Video Review: Without You
06 Nov 2021 // A review by Kev Rowland
Here we have the latest single from Nashville-based Jackie Bristow, and no-one coming across this for the first time would realise that she hails not from America but from Gore, a small town towards the bottom of the South Island with a population in the district of just 13,000. Mind you, one of Gore’s claims to fame is that it is the centre of Country & Western music in Aotearoa (New Zealand), which obviously had a huge impact on Jackie in her formative years.
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Imperial Slave - Album Review: Imperial Slave
04 Nov 2021 // A review by Kev Rowland
Sam Sheppard is probably best thought of as the powering drummer for the likes of 8 Foot Sativa and Sinate, and now he is back with his latest project, Imperial Slave. This time around, as well as providing drums on the album, he is also the lead singer and main songwriter.
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Lee Martin - Single/Video Review: What If I Die
04 Nov 2021 // A review by Kev Rowland
I guess I really ought to disclose that as well as writing the press release for Lee Martin’s last EP, and for the album from which this song is taken from (called Gypsy Soul, it is out in February!), but I was also in the studio when some of the album was being recorded.
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Marianne Leigh - EP Review: Simple Things
04 Nov 2021 // A review by Kev Rowland
A few months ago, I came across the debut single from young Auckland-based singer-songwriter Marianne Leigh, Sweet Goodbyes, and now she is back with a six-track EP titled Simple Things. I thoroughly enjoyed her release gig, and at the time I said I would have enjoyed it more if she had utilized an acoustic more, but on that night, there were some technical problems, so she played electric, but the acoustic is well to the fore in this set.
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Bediquette - EP Review: Not Now
04 Nov 2021 // A review by Callum Wagstaff
If somebody decided to make an EP out of samples they ripped from a pirate alien distress beacon it might sound like Not Now. It feels like somebody's beaming a scrambled signal from a haunted bunker.
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Something Zesty - Single / Video Review: Footprintz
03 Nov 2021 // A review by Kev Rowland
Something Zesty are back with their fifth single, Footprintz, which sees the vocal debut of Isaac Chamberlain. This sees the duo of Isaac and Andrew Conlon move away from heavy funk they have become renowned for, and instead strip their music down to its most basic, guitar and voice.
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False Heights - Single Review: Inhale
03 Nov 2021 // A review by Kev Rowland
Inhale is the third single from Taupo based duo False Heights, April Pirie (vocals, keyboards) and Ashley Pirie (drums, guitars, vocals). They say they are inspired by a wide range of artists (Jimmy Eat World, The Cranberries, Taylor Swift, Bring Me The Horizon, Sigrid, Blink 182, Lorde etc.
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On Tick - Single Review: Rats
03 Nov 2021 // A review by Kev Rowland
The On Tick trio are back with the next single, Rats, from their forthcoming album, Nothing New, which will be out later in November. I don’t know how many times I have seen guitarist/singer Aidan, his brother Brendan (drums) and 5-string bassist Matt play over the last 12 months, but it has been a few, and each and every time it is a blast.
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EM/FM - Album Review - Quixote
03 Nov 2021 // A review by Gwarden
Fitting snugly into the still-relatively underground retrowave sound (an umbrella term loosely used to describe the synthwave/vaporwave microgenres), EM/FM’s debut LP Quixote taps directly into the 80’s nostalgia vein and mines it for woozy pathos and dreamy yearning. Utilising many of the hallmarks of 80’s synth-heavy composers and movie soundtracks, from Phil Collins-esque reverbed drums, plucked bass twang, and all the analog synth tones you could dream of, it’s a fascinating re-composition of elements elevated to pastiche by focusing on real emotion and modern songwriting.
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Head Like A Hole - Single Review: Goliath
03 Nov 2021 // A review by Epitomised_Drummer
Head Like A Hole, arguably one of the greatest and most influential kiwi rock bands of our time. These guys have been around since longer than I’ve been listening to Rock!
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Jazz Night at the Aquarium - EP Review: Tabula Rasa
02 Nov 2021 // A review by Kev Rowland
Tabula Rasa is the first of three EPs being released by Julian van der Krogt under the name Jazz Night at the Aquarium, who wrote the songs, provided the vocals and guitars (and the artwork) while James Cartwright played bass and drums. Originally, he was planning to release a single 12-track album, but when he was working on the songs, he realized that they were better grouped in three sets of four, which is why he is releasing them in this format.
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Mini Simmons - Single Review: Railroad For Two
01 Nov 2021 // A review by Chris Chick
I had the privilege of listening to another cracking song by Mini Simmons. Their latest release Railroad For Two hit my ears and I am happy to say, my heart was warmed by such a melodic and poignant song that is perfect for any setting where peace and calm are the order of the day.
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Harry Hodgman - EP Review: Puzzle
01 Nov 2021 // A review by roger.bowie
Harry Hodgman plays the piano. He sings a little as well, a bit like Rufus Wainwright or Perfume Genius.
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This Silent Divide - EP Review: Tall Stories
31 Oct 2021 // A review by Kev Rowland
I first came across Wellington-based melodic rock band This Silent Divide last month when they released the excellent single Lucinda, so when I heard they would be playing in Auckland and also releasing an EP I of course signed up for both. While the gig may have been postponed due to a certain lockdown (hopefully they will make it up here next year), the 4-track EP has still been released, which is what I am now listening to.
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Jacquie Walters - Album Review: The Forest
31 Oct 2021 // A review by Kev Rowland
Jacquie Walters has been active in the folk scene for more than 30 years, firstly as part of the group Pounamu before turning solo, and now performs regularly with bassist/guitarist James Wilkinson. James appears on the final track of this album, and harp player Maria Oxnam also makes an appearance - both James and Maria played on Jacquie’s first album all the way back in 1993.
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31 Oct 2021 // A review by Kev Rowland
Jacquie Walters has been active in the folk scene for more than 30 years, firstly as part of the group Pounamu before turning solo, and now performs regularly with bassist/guitarist James Wilkinson. James appears on the final track of this album, and harp player Maria Oxnam also makes an appearance - both James and Maria played on Jacquie’s first album all the way back in 1993.
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Older - Album Review: HUMAN+
31 Oct 2021 // A review by Corinne Rutherford
Waikato based British producer Jel Legg and Kiwi singer Julie Legg are Post Punk band Older. Following on from their debut album Silence (2019) is their anticipated second album HUMAN+, which is due for release 1st November 2021.
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Bundy Lore - Album Review: Failures Peach
30 Oct 2021 // A review by darryl baser
Duncan Harwood (Dumb Dumb Head, Happy Hearse) releases his debut solo album Failures Peach under the moniker Bundy Lore. I’ve heard a lot of great first albums and Failures Peach sits nicely amongst them.
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Samuel Philip Cooper - Single Review: A Perfect Vision
28 Oct 2021 // A review by Kev Rowland
Wellington-based pianist Samuel Philip Cooper released his debut album in 2020 to raise awareness around mental health and raise funds for the Voices of Hope Mental Health Charity through a Givealittle fundraiser and physical CD sales. In January of this year, he was sat at home one night reflecting on what had happened so far and what the future may hold, and in that quiet time he sat and gently improvised some music which has now become the basis for this, his new single.
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Voodoo Bloo - Single Review: Skin
28 Oct 2021 // A review by Kev Rowland
I first came across Voodoo Bloo at the time of their debut album, Jacobus, which was released towards the end of last year. Back then the band was pretty much ex-Lucifer Gunne frontman Rory McDonald, but now he has been joined by Daniel Maslen (guitars), Oli Cass (bass) and Jackson Kidd (drums) while still providing guitar and vocals himself.
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Rain - EP Review: No Promises
28 Oct 2021 // A review by Kev Rowland
I first came across Rain in August last year with the release of the debut single Forget About You, since when there has been a string of singles, all of which have been thoroughly enjoyable. Rain came to fruition when Cathy Elizabeth, lead singer of Wellington-based band No Surrender found herself in lockdown and decided to form a studio-based project with sound engineer and producer Thomas Te Taite.
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Mat Gat - Single Review: Washed Away
27 Oct 2021 // A review by Kev Rowland
There are times when some music is so personal that the listener feels they are intruding in an area they have no right to be involved with. That is the case here, as Mat Gat and his fiancée suffered the heartbreak of a miscarriage at 3 months.
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Oh Indigo - Single Review: Wondering
27 Oct 2021 // A review by LouClementine
Oh Indigo are a new electronic musical duo composed of Sofia Machray and Connor Taumoepeau, based in Wellington, both with their own significant musical projects behind them. Their debut single Wondering was released on 22 October, 2021.
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Curlys Jewels - Single Review: Liberate
26 Oct 2021 // A review by Kev Rowland
Curlys Jewels are a Wellington-based hard rock band comprising singer person, Jel Pollock, Aaron Ludlow (guitar), Andy van der Heyden (bass) and Corey Bell (drums). Over the years they have played with some of the heavyweights of the NZ scene such as Villainy, Devilskin and The Feelers as well as supporting international acts such as Living Color and have also had success in the NZ Top 40 Singles chart.
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Apollo SteamTrain - Album Review: Generation Overload
25 Oct 2021 // A review by Kev Rowland
It is safe to say that the debut album from Apollo SteamTrain, which is guitarist/singer/songwriter Brendan McCarthy plus assorted musicians from the Tauranga area, has been quite some time coming. I can count at least 7 singles which have been released from this 11-track album over the last five years, but a project which started in 2014 and took in 3 studios has finally been completed and we should all be grateful for that.
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Claemus - Album Review: Daydream
21 Oct 2021 // A review by Kev Rowland
When I heard that Hutt Valley band Claemus had released their debut album I was immediately intrigued, as I came across the single Hedonist a few months ago, and given the number of influences and styles they had managed to ram into 5 minutes what could they do with a full album? These guys have managed to secure support slots with bands as diverse as P.
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Belladonna - Single Review: Wide Awake
21 Oct 2021 // A review by Danica Bryant
Indie-pop darling Belladonna offers a blissful new musical fantasy with her latest release, Wide Awake. Musing on the great questions of life that keep her up at night, the song finds Belladonna “starting to take comfort” in her curiosities, creating a spacious, tranquil number ideal for late-night meditation.
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Kevin Posey - EP Review: The Story of Francis
21 Oct 2021 // A review by Kev Rowland
Oklahoma native Kevin Posey lives in Auckland these days, and throughout his musical career he has investigated different types and styles of music, and for this EP he has moved into yet another area, as what we have here is classical music that has been inspired by Halloween and psychological thrillers. Some, such as Fog Forest No.
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Jolandi Ford - Single Review: I'm Ready
21 Oct 2021 // A review by Kev Rowland
This is Jolandi Ford’s third single since moving to Aotearoa from her native South Africa, and right from the first note one can why she has already been making a dent in international Country music charts. Although her voice is lighter in some ways, with a nice twang, her approach is quite reminiscent to the more rock-based approach of the likes of Shania Twain.
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Cking - Single/Video Review: No Snakes Feat. Dilz
21 Oct 2021 // A review by Ben Ruegg
Cking is the Brisbane-based, New Zealand-bred rapper who’s eclectic catalogue of hits has seen him share the stage with everyone from T-Pain to Kerser, and now, he’s linked up with fellow NZ emcee Dilz for a hard-hitting banger, No Snakes. Cking and Dilz each come lyrically strapped with passionate and emotive verses, matching the energy of the rapid-fire, earth-rattling production alongside them.
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Khailana - Single Review: The Gnome King
20 Oct 2021 // A review by Cathy Elizabeth
The delicate ringing of a single piano chord, like the rhythmic tolling of a funeral bell, seems fitting for a song about the potential ending of a relationship … stark in its simplicity, yet beautiful in its tragedy. An ethereal choir of voices are the only other accompaniment for Khailana’s poignant and resolute opening lines, concluding with the single strum of a tremolo-heavy electric guitar.
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Dallas Harvey - Single Review: Patience
20 Oct 2021 // A review by Ben Ruegg
Auckland City’s up and coming Hip-Hop artist Dallas Harvey is a breath of fresh air with his honest lyricism, piecing his life together through story-telling and music. Mentored by the likes of Church from Church & AP, Chris RL and Melodownz, Dallas has built a well-versed understanding of self throughout his development at Te Karanga Navigators songwriting and production sessions.
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Comf - EP Review: Water
20 Oct 2021 // A review by Callum Wagstaff
Comf is the solo project of sonic artist and electronic music lover Jazz Kane. With an appreciation and fascination for a diversity of genre, Comf connects their own personal experiences with manipulated samples of anything and everything, to tell a story that is a constant state of re-evaluation.
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Eurenza - EP Review: Good Luck... You're Gonna Need It
19 Oct 2021 // A review by Kev Rowland
Eurenza were originally formed seven years ago as Timeless, but eventually decided to go with a more uncommon name, and now have delivered their first five-track EP. Interestingly, much of this was recorded some time ago in preparation for an album, but they instead decided to go with the strongest tracks instead and cut it back.
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Stewart Allan - Album Review: 9 Rooms
18 Oct 2021 // A review by roger.bowie
Oh my goodness, how many more hidden talents do we have in this lockdown land? Stewart Allan has been a musician for over 20 years and first made a name for himself in a forest in Poland before the wall came down.
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Sam Bartells - Single Review: Bring You Down
17 Oct 2021 // A review by Kev Rowland
Sam Bartells is back with his new single Bring You Down, which finds him taking quite a different approach to Where We'll Go, which also featured Mema Wilda. Whereas he normally sits quite happily within alt country, here we see him using that as a base and then moving in a much rockier direction.
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Bingo Fighter - Single Review: Hobbits
17 Oct 2021 // A review by Steve Shyu
From the get-go, you knew this wouldn’t really be a ballad on social issues or an ode to unrequited love. No, the track is titled Hobbits, so if it wasn’t themed around fictitious, village-dwelling humanoids of short stature then confiscate my second breakfast and call a fool of a Took.
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Danica Bryant - Single Review: Ready To Bite
16 Oct 2021 // A review by Cathy Elizabeth
I'm loving this dynamic pop explosion from Danica Bryant! The rock edge is really working for you, girl!
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Michael Llewellyn - Album Review: Oh My Darling
14 Oct 2021 // A review by darryl baser
Even though the press for Michael Llewellyn’s Oh My Darling album describe it as "a break up album in its purest", it seems he may have worked through some of the heartache and misery by the time he recorded it. It begins with the up-tempo Doolie, which sounds like a new romance beginning, full of love and hope.
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Jessica Leigh - EP Review: Summerland
14 Oct 2021 // A review by Danica Bryant
Following her popular June release Summer Royalty, Jessica Leigh proudly offers her second EP Summerland, a sweltering collection of songs telling the story of a doomed summer romance through synth-pop and singer-songwriter stylings.Summerland opens subtly, with gentle guitar and quiet synths on Met Him At A Party, where Leigh introduces the EP’s vital romance with utmost sincerity.
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Jenny Mitchell - Single Review: Trouble Finds A Girl with Tami Neilson
14 Oct 2021 // A review by Kev Rowland
The Auckland Folk Festival earlier this year was an embarrassment of riches, with so many great Kiwi artists playing multiple sets, and I spent the weekend trying to soak in as much as possible. There is no doubt that one of the highlights was Jenny Mitchell, who with her sisters Nicola and Maegan, provided warm and emotional country music in a style which seemed very much at odds with her age.
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Bianca Rae - Single Review: Flower
14 Oct 2021 // A review by Kev Rowland
There are times when the music world is very small indeed, which is why earlier this year I found myself at The Portland Public House in Auckland to see a singer-songwriter, having been put in contact by a fellow reviewer who is in the UK. Even though Bianca Rae was the support, and everything was running late, she refused to let anything get to her, and I thoroughly enjoyed her set.
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Blue River Baby - Single Review: Green Cones
14 Oct 2021 // A review by Kev Rowland
Following on from the single Pay, which I reviewed a few months back, Blue River Baby (BRBB) are back with the second single from their second album, which is due next year. We find them moving much more into a dub style, with Ree Thomson’s wonderfully clear vocals very much the centre of attention.
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Slow Rage - Album Review: The Low-Down
14 Oct 2021 // A review by River Tucker
Every once in a while a release comes along that is just oozing with originality and that’s the case with Slow Rage’s debut album The Low-Down. Eleven tracks of pure musical goodness integrate a number of diverse styles that you cannot help but appreciate.
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Solo Ono - Single Review: Domesticated
13 Oct 2021 // A 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.
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Darryn Harkness - Album Review: Rare Grooves And Tone Research Volume 1
13 Oct 2021 // A review by roger.bowie
I met Darryn Harkness a few weeks ago when he supported Andrew Fagan in a little gig in a little bar called The St Heliers Bay Pigeon Racing Club. Yes.
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The Hopkinsville Goblins - Album Review: Mundivagrants
12 Oct 2021 // A review by Peter-James Dries
Mundivagrants is a weird release. Probably one of the strangest I’ve had to review.
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The Jesse Wilde Band - Album Review: Headin' South
12 Oct 2021 // A review by roger.bowie
With a name like Jesse Wilde you’d be sure he must be an outlaw. Especially when he looks a lot like Duane Allman in his cover photo.
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Ms.Take - Single Review: Maybe That's Just What I Am
11 Oct 2021 // A review by Ben Ruegg
The dystopian Trap Jam Maybe That's Just What I Am is the second official single from Ms.Take, a follow up to 2018's Silver & Gold, and a 2020 lockdown collaboration with Melbourne-based artist F.
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Downfall of Humanity - EP Review: Deceit
10 Oct 2021 // A review by Kev Rowland
It is not often that a band can say they have had the same line-up for more than 10 years, but Auckland metal act Downfall of Humanity can claim just that. Daniel Carleton (lead vocals), Alex Carleton (guitars, backing vocals), Bryce Patten (guitars, backing vocals), Ben Pegman (bass) and Ben Bakker (drums) have a reputation for always delivering the goods, and I count myself lucky to have caught them a few times in the last year.
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The Rocky Bay Midnights - Album Review: Songs About People We Know
10 Oct 2021 // A review by Kev Rowland
The Rocky Bay Midnights are a Waiheke Island-based group who first started some three years ago when Meredith Wilkie (vocals, percussion) and Kyla Dyresen (keyboard/piano) were both independently looking for musicians, to work with, and decided to form a band together. It took quite a while for them to settle on the current line-up of Simon McDowell (drums), Dione Denize (bass) and Julion Wright (guitar, saxophone) and now they have just released their debut album.
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Iveta & Simone - Single Review: Obsessed
07 Oct 2021 // A review by Kev Rowland
Although Iveta & Simone have been around for a few years, this single is the first time I have come across them. When it commenced, I felt we were in for some sort of electronic dance music, but I soon realized that in many ways they remind me much more of the Eighties band Yazoo.
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Shihad - Album Review: Old Gods
07 Oct 2021 // A review by Kev Rowland
There is no doubt that Shihad are the Kiwi rock band who should have broken America 20 years ago, and if it wasn’t for a series of unfortunate events such as the attack on the Twin Towers, which caused the band to change their name (Shihad being too close to Jihad, but while Pacifier may have seemed a good idea on paper, it wasn’t and they eventually switched back), or accidently upsetting virtually every record label at a showcase gig, then they would have been. The first time I saw Shihad was at Western Springs opening for AC/DC, and there is no doubt that the guys were blown away by the reaction, as it seemed that although everyone was there for the main event, they were all diehard Shihad fans as well, singing along to every song.
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Stray Theories - Album Review: This Light
07 Oct 2021 // A review 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.
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Vera Ellen - Album Review: It's Your Birthday
07 Oct 2021 // A review by Kev Rowland
Vera Ellen (Girl Friday, Maple Syrup) is back in Wellington after some time in Los Angeles, where she wrote most of the material which can now be found on her debut for Flying Nun Records. Written over the space of a few years, the album captures a time in Vera’s early Twenties where she was going through extremes of emotions.
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Finger Tight - Double Single Review: ineedsomespace vs. Polar Bears & Party Chairs
07 Oct 2021 // A review by Kev Rowland
The other night I got a notification to say there was a new episode of The Distortion Transmission available on YouTube (subscribe to the Muzic.net.
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Bevan Mical - Album Review: Exhausting The Muse
07 Oct 2021 // A review by Kev Rowland
For anyone who has come across Bevan Mical’s single, Weekend, we now have an album which is very similar in style and approach to that song, which is one of the 11 songs in the set. When I reviewed that previously, I said it needed repeated playing to get the most out of it, but somewhat strangely the familiarity throughout the album works in the same way, so that the more one gets through this the more there is to enjoy.
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Arjuna Oakes - EP Review: First Nights
07 Oct 2021 // A review by Gaby Ivanov-Giraldo
Arjuna Oakes & Serebii have just released their collaborative EP, First Nights. Arjuna Oakes is a singer-songwriter, producer and multi-instrumentalist.
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Moonflower - Single Review: Karma
05 Oct 2021 // A review by Kev Rowland
Moonflower are one of those really rare bands, where the drummer is also the lead singer. They are normally described as being an incredibly tight outfit heavily inspired by 60's and 70's soul/rock and blues, but to be honest that is not what I am listening to.
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Y$O - EP Review: Young And Slept On
05 Oct 2021 // A review by Ben Ruegg
Y$O. Note that down.
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Lake South - Album Review: The Light You Throw
03 Oct 2021 // A review by Danica Bryant
“Let’s talk about politics, let’s talk about feelings”, sings Lake South on his latest album The Light You Throw, an excellent thesis statement for an album which covers such a spectrum of thought. It’s an astoundingly innovative album, melding electronic synth-pop with introspective folk, and resulting in a record I cannot call anything but pure magic.
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Aoturoa - Single/Video Review: Brothers Part I: Spirit
01 Oct 2021 // A review by Kev Rowland
Aoturoa is a new project from Tom Scrase, one of Aotearoa's leading drummers, who performs with the likes of dDub, Corrella and in the percussion ensemble Strike! Percussion.
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Reb Fountain - Album Review: Iris
01 Oct 2021 // A review by roger.bowie
Psyche emerges from an opening string sequence which evokes a western movie soundtrack before simplifying to a naked piano behind a barrage of poetry and sailing under a vast star….”who are we in this life?
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Renee Millner - Single Review: So Much
01 Oct 2021 // A review by LouClementine
Taranaki-based artist, Renee Millner, brings substantial quality to her music – it’s effortlessly sung, lyrically modest and full of emotional impact, because of her unique and skillful talent. Her new single So Much was self-penned and produced by Sam Johnson.
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OdESSA - Single Review: It's Gonna Get Better
30 Sep 2021 // A review by Kev Rowland
They may have disbanded in 2009 after seven years and three albums, but Wellington-based OdESSA are back. Given that lyricist/vocalist Matthew Pender had been living in London for an extended period, it was never thought that this would ever happen, but he returned from overseas just two days before New Zealand went into lockdown last year.
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DarkWater - Single Review: While the World is Bleeding
30 Sep 2021 // A review by Callum Wagstaff
Dark Water are a New Plymouth based alternative rock band formed in 2009. While the World is Bleeding is their new single, mixed and mastered by Crazy Daisy Productions, USA.
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Jeiel - Single Review: 360
29 Sep 2021 // A review by Peter-James Dries
Take some heartbreak. Write it down.
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This Silent Divide - Single Review: Lucinda
28 Sep 2021 // A review by Kev Rowland
Formed in 2018, Wellington-based melodic rock band This Silent Divide comprise Shaun Jones (vocals, guitar), Kieran Williams (lead guitar, backing vocals), Peter Stitt (bass, backing vocals), and Sunil Jolly (drums). Lucinda is the first single from their forthcoming EP, Tall Stories, which they will be promoting with a North Island tour, and I am definitely looking forward to catching them in Auckland.
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Louis Ross - Single Review: Here To Help
27 Sep 2021 // A review by Ben Ruegg
Local Tauranga DJ and Producer Louis Ross has created a new song Here to Help to bring awareness to mental health issues ahead of Mental Health Awareness Week. After losing his father and Grandma within a few months of each other and navigating his way through loss and grief, Louis is combining his own mental health struggles with his love of music to help others.
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Jason Parker - Single Review: This Is My Year
26 Sep 2021 // A review by Danica Bryant
On his latest release This Is My Year, pop newcomer Jason Parker calls back to the cheerful anthems of early 2000s pop, firmly announcing 2021 as his moment to be “happy again”. After appearances with TVNZ’s Popstars and Wellington’s Peachy Keen festival, Parker now sets out to shape his own brave, colourful identity in Aotearoa’s bustling music landscape.
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Plum Green - Album Review: Somnambulist
25 Sep 2021 // A review by Kev Rowland
Born in a squat in England, raised in New Zealand, and presently residing in Melbourne, here we have the latest release from dream folk artist Plum Green. I have not previously come across any of her other albums, but somehow, I can see I need to undertake some investigations as this is a very special album indeed.
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Diehards of Deep Dish - Album Review: Traditional Speciality Guaranteed
25 Sep 2021 // A review by Kev Rowland
There is a long history of band members using pseudonyms, with Ramones probably being the most famous, and here we have a band who use pseudonyms for their pseudonyms, so we have Cheese (Joey Provolone), Tomato (Ryley Base), Wheat (Beef Richards), Mushrooms (Mattzarella Gibson) and Herbs (Herbie Handcooked). I thought Cafe Fistfight had probably taken the foodie elements to the extreme with songs such as King Hit Quiche, but here we have six songs all aimed at the pizza lovers among us.
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Power The Light - Single Review: Snowing
23 Sep 2021 // A review by Kev Rowland
Power The Light is Max Roskilly, an 18-year-old musician who is based in Auckland , and has been self-releasing music for the last four years already, including the album Blueprints a while back. This is his second single in recent months, following on from Skys where he showed an interest more in krautrock than in is normal indie-jazz style.
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Glass Throne - Single Review: Glass Throne
23 Sep 2021 // A review by Kev Rowland
Glass Throne are an Auckland-based power trio comprising Justin Robinson (lead vocals, bass, guitar), Owen McKibbin (guitar, organ, backing vocals) and Daniel Cutfield (drums, percussion, backing vocals). I have managed to catch them play live a few times over the last year, and what always strikes me is just how different they are to the rest of the local scene, coming through as a mix of classic Seventies hard rock, progressive and modern alt rock.
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Sofia Machray - Single Review: The Untold
23 Sep 2021 // A review by Danica Bryant
Wellington’s “singer-songwriter gone rogue”, Sofia Machray, crafts a spacious indie ballad with her latest release, The Untold. The track is highly reminiscent of bands like Daughter and Placebo, the former of which Machray cites as an influence.
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YAHYAH - Single Review: Little Joy
23 Sep 2021 // A review by Danica Bryant
Named after a beloved bar in Los Angeles, Little Joy is the latest from pop singer-songwriter YAHYAH, reminiscing on the girls’ nights of her four-year stint living overseas. After writing professionally for other artists with Genuine Music Group, YAHYAH turns her eye back to her own artistry with this track.
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On Tick - Single Review: Nothing New
21 Sep 2021 // A review by Kev Rowland
On Tick is the brainchild of brothers Brendan (vocals and drums) and Aidan O'Loughlin (vocals, guitar), and was formed from the ashes of their previous musical outfit, Evil Tomato, who began as a band in 2012. They came across 5-string bassist Matt Hammond when they heard the demoes for Black Sands, which he not only produced but played on, and he joined forces to work with them on the album and to allow them to play in the Ding Dong Battle of the Bands.
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Ravenhall - EP Review: The Coming Storm
21 Sep 2021 // A review by Kev Rowland
Ravenhall were formed by guitarist Joe Ravenhall and singer Chris Brebner in 2015. They were both already veterans of the Auckland scene, and wanted to perform music which concentrated on the power of acoustic guitar, wonderful vocals, plus some gentle electronic backing, and that is certainly what we have here.
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Lunavela - Single Review: Six-Out-Of-Ten Friend
21 Sep 2021 // A review by bethany_rachell
I'm not gonna lie; Six-Out-Of-Ten Friend was stuck in my head for a solid week after I listened to it for the first time – so be warned. Perhaps the reason it stuck so solidly in my head was that I kept finding myself in the painfully mundane and tricky situations that it laments.
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FRE3DOM - Single Review: On and On
20 Sep 2021 // A review by Paul Goddard
Who is pissed off right now? No?
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Black Alpine - Album Review: Black Alpine
19 Sep 2021 // A review by Kev Rowland
The very first time I looked at the cover of this album I was reminded of Deep Purple’s In Rock, as even though that was a stylised version of Mount Rushmore, there we had dudes with long hair playing Seventies hard rock and that is the same here. I mean, we even have aviator sunglasses!
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Secrets Of The Sun - Album Review: Obon
19 Sep 2021 // A review by Kev Rowland
Obon is the debut album from alternative metal band Secrets of the Sun, a quartet based in Wellington. It has been a while in the making, in that the first single, Suffer With The Moon, was actually released a year ago while Wretched Tracks came out in February: both are included here.
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Montgomery - Single Review: Lonely, Only
17 Sep 2021 // A review by darryl baser
George Manning AKA Montgomery releases Lonely, Only today, and, oh my gosh, it’s a hauntingly beautiful song. In a world where for many artists their next single release has to be even more of a banger than their last, Montgomery’s Lonely, Only is packed full of heart and gentle charm.
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Written By Wolves - EP Review: Secrets - The Collab Project
16 Sep 2021 // A review by Kev Rowland
Since I started writing for New Zealand’s #1 music site, https://www.muzic.
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VÏKÆ - Single Review: Moon City
16 Sep 2021 // A review by Danica Bryant
Vikae melds pulsating commercial pop with the climatic reach of drum and bass on latest release Moon City. Produced by Will Henderson and written during the March 2020 nationwide lockdown, the song is an emotionally charged ode to the end of a relationship, mourning physical separation and filtering through feelings needing to be “put to rest”.
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Alien Weaponry - Album Review: Tangaroa
16 Sep 2021 // A review by Kev Rowland
There is no doubt whatsoever that Alien Weaponry have captured the imagination not only of the New Zealand public, but metalheads worldwide, with their combination of groove and thrash metal mixing with their Maori heritage to create something very special indeed. There really is no other band quite like them, although I do sometimes find myself thinking of the impact of Sepultura and their Roots album, but one does need to remember that was Sepultura’s sixth album, some 12 years after their first release.
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Domingo Candelario - EP Review: Sin Palabras
16 Sep 2021 // A review by Kev Rowland
Although there is always a very Cuban base to his music, Domingo has covered many different styles, as he transcends culture and language: music is about expressing emotions honestly and he tries to be as unique as he can. As a child, his parents listened to a lot of Brazilian music, and he was fascinated by the way they used harmonies: it was so beautifully put together, so soft and in connection with the soul.
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16 Sep 2021 // A review by Kev Rowland
Although there is always a very Cuban base to his music, Domingo has covered many different styles, as he transcends culture and language: music is about expressing emotions honestly and he tries to be as unique as he can. As a child, his parents listened to a lot of Brazilian music, and he was fascinated by the way they used harmonies: it was so beautifully put together, so soft and in connection with the soul.
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Glenn Bodger - Album Review: I'll Leave The Light On
16 Sep 2021 // A review by Kev Rowland
Here we have the debut solo album from Glenn Bodger, who provided most of the instrumentation himself, although he has also been assisted by former Braintree bandmate Darryn Harkness, who helped with additional guitar, bass and keyboards where required. From the gentle, almost cautiously picked acoustic guitar notes on opener I’ll Leave The Light On, we are brought carefully into a world which is dated yet fresh, comfortable but new, as he mixes together different musical elements in an independent, alternative style which is often somehow commercial and others when they are definitely not.
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Samantha Josephine - EP Review: Fly Bird Fly
15 Sep 2021 // A review by Kev Rowland
Samantha Josephine's six-track Fly Bird Fly EP is less than 13 minutes long, but in many ways that makes total sense, as there is a feeling within this that we are being allowed into a secret and very personal world and that it would be intrusive to stay for too long. One can imagine Samantha performing in a corner, hoping that no-one will see or hear her, and when I read in her bio that only her girlfriend has seen her perform in the last year, and that even she is not allowed to be around when Samantha is writing, then it makes perfect sense.
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BrokeBoi Ace - Single Review: Watered Down Dreamz
15 Sep 2021 // A review by Ben Ruegg
Oh man. I like this.
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NahBo - Album Review: Ruptured
14 Sep 2021 // A review by Cathy Elizabeth
NahBo (Taranaki Ah Young-Grace) is breaking down creative barriers with their new album Ruptured. The intro track Download is a futuristic video game-esque prelude which sets the scene for what can only be described as the creation of a new genre (perhaps?
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John Martin - Album Review: Zealander
14 Sep 2021 // A review by Corinne Rutherford
Wellington based Drummer/Singer and multi-instrumentalist; John Martin has just released his third album Zealander. His love of strong pop melodies and James Brown covers shine through on this album mingling with his uniquely upbeat sound.
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Comf - Single Review: Do You Feat. Ilena
12 Sep 2021 // A review by Peter-James Dries
Water, Clay, and Ceramic. If the sonic possibilities of these three textures are the question, then Comf’s triptych of EPs, The Texture Tapes, are the proposed hypothesis.
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The Night - Single Review: Untouchable
12 Sep 2021 // A review by Kev Rowland
This cannot be right. According to the information I have in front of me, this Wellington-based band was formed from a group of music students in 2017, started performing live in 2018, and their ages now range from 15 to 18!
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Channeled - EP Review: Perception
12 Sep 2021 // A review by Kev Rowland
As I have said previously, 2020 was a breakthrough year for Channeled, as Ben Ruegg recorded the second album and formed an operational live band to make it more than just a studio project. They made it through to the final of the Ding Dong Lounge Battle of the Bands and set up a headline show at the same venue with Cafe Fistfight and Mariner as support to celebrate the release of I Heard Penelope Sing, but then disaster struck with Ben being rushed to hospital following a Grand Mal seizure.
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Torn Chorus - Single/Video Review: This City Floats
10 Sep 2021 // A review by Andrew Smit
From a simple opening beat to a wonderful flourish of acoustic guitars layered with luscious chorus and flange effects, the new single from Torn Chorus, This City Floats, is brought to life with wailing electric lead guitar licks and slides that sound melodically precise and emotive. Crisp vocals tell you about the labour and reward that you get for following the beaten path to the top, which as the video shows so well, is Auckland’s remnant volcanic cones, but the metaphor could be used for any journey in life.
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D.Matthews - Single Review: Africa
10 Sep 2021 // A review by bethany_rachell
One thing is for sure. Wellington is not warm enough to do this song justice.
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Hotel Death Star - Single Review: The Daylight
10 Sep 2021 // A review by Gwarden
Hotel Death Star are a relatively new duo, finding life in 2020 when singer-songwriter Phil Stoodley collaborated with composer-producer Andreas Arianto to craft their interpretation of melodic deep-house blended with more traditional songwriting elements. Fans of electronic genres will find plenty to like here, but crossover appeal might be limited.
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SKRAM - Single Review: Freaking Me Out
10 Sep 2021 // A review by madeleinehoward
Wellington based pop trio SKRAM released their debut single Freaking Me Out today, September 10th. Just in time for the warmer weather, the track is a fresh, uplifting pop tune, sure to be a crowd favourite this summer.
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Sam V - Single/Video Review: Wired
10 Sep 2021 // A review by Ben Ruegg
Sam V's newest track Wired is another demonstration of how Sam keeps refining his sound. His vision has been getting more focused over time, based on his previous tracks like Cotton Candy which is actually a Y$O track, and Up Up Down.
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Empress - EP Review: Trash Dynasty
10 Sep 2021 // A review by Kev Rowland
Empress were formed by guitarist/singer Lora Thompson and drummer Craig Gilliver after the demise of their previous project, Cheshire Grimm with whom they toured the length of NZ, played with international acts and local superstars, as well as releasing material along the way. The lead track from this EP, Sailing the Seas of Grease, was actually released towards the end of 2020 but it has taken until now for their six-track 23-minute-long debut EP to made available.
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Seas of Conflict - Single Review: XII.IX
09 Sep 2021 // A review by Kris Raven
Hamilton heavy hitters Seas of Conflict are back and mark their return with one of their most emotionally charged, progressively beautiful and heavily sombre tracks to date, entitled XII.IX.
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Venom Dolls - Venom Dolls - EP Review: Venom Dolls
08 Sep 2021 // A review by Kev Rowland
Venom Dolls are an all-female indie punk trio who formed at the end of last year, and comprise lead guitarist Carawai Gao, drummer Summah Auvae, and vocalist/bassist Jessica Frank. From looking at their photos I can see they have played Dead Witch, so I am going to have to pay closer attention to the gig listings as I have been to that venue a lot this past year, but somehow have missed these guys.
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Roulettes - Album Review: Demosphere
08 Sep 2021 // A review by Kev Rowland
One may be able to discern from the title that the latest release from Roulettes (they dropped the “The” a while back) is taken from a series of demos and home recordings. Since forming the band in the early 2000’s there have been some additional musicians here and there, but the core has always been Justin McLean (guitars, vox, bass, piano and drum sequencing) with Ben Grant (bass, vox, drum sequencing, synths, and mixing).
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InDuna - Single Review: Strange Fruits
08 Sep 2021 // A review by Ben Ruegg
InDuna's approach to Hip-Hop/Rap is something that listeners should pay attention to. It fits into what kind of feels as almost progressive in regards to the styles it compasses.
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Tempist Fujit - Single Review: Fallen
07 Sep 2021 // A review by Kev Rowland
It has been a few years since Northland quartet Tempist Fujit (yes, the spelling is quite deliberate) have released a single, but they are back with Fallen, which is a great introduction to the band for anyone who has yet to come across them. The band are a hard rock outfit with a kick ass singer in Lisa Walters, who has a great ability to hit long notes and keep them pure and on pitch, yet also has plenty of emotion and breadth in her range.
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Captain Festus McBoyle's Travellin' Variety Show - Single/Video Review: Love Song 4 Lucy
06 Sep 2021 // A review by Paul Goddard
Sometimes we need a distraction, and a reminder of the basic core reasons as to why we exist.Sometimes, perhaps now more than ever, we need to be reminded of the simple joy that comes with being who we are and of the love that we share with other people.
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Soda - EP Review: Nineteen Ninety Seven
05 Sep 2021 // A review by Kev Rowland
In the Nineties, guitarist and singer Scott Pilgrim had a band in Melbourne called Soda, who released the Pan EP. Fast forward 23 years and he walked into Warwick Donald’s control room and saw a multi-track tape deck which could play the original tape of that recording.
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Malachim - Album Review: Vitasphere
05 Sep 2021 // A review by Kev Rowland
I was sat working away at my desk one evening recently, when I had a message come through from TeMatera Smith, asking if I would be interested in hearing a brand-new album which he had literally just finished mixing. Of course, I said yes, and he provided me with a Soundcloud link to this release, which immediately blew me away.
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05 Sep 2021 // A review by Kev Rowland
I was sat working away at my desk one evening recently, when I had a message come through from TeMatera Smith, asking if I would be interested in hearing a brand-new album which he had literally just finished mixing. Of course, I said yes, and he provided me with a Soundcloud link to this release, which immediately blew me away.
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Hazza Making Noise - EP Review: Vengeful Millennial
05 Sep 2021 // A review by Peter-James Dries
You’re sitting in an average suburban home. A family is sitting at the dinner table in front of you.
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2Fly Ty - Single Review: That Track Feat. Dilz
03 Sep 2021 // A review by Ben Ruegg
2FLY TY's newest track entitled That Track is out now and features bars from Dilz. Both Ty and Dilz perform well here with TY’s flow being delivered on a rather flat way; not hyped and not like he’s not trying.
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Stephen Galvin - Album Review: Modal Behaviour
02 Sep 2021 // A review by Kev Rowland
Stephen Galvin is a multi-instrumentalist who was invited to teach at the New Zealand Guitar Academy at the tender age of 23, before opening his own teaching studio in 1984. Since then, he has performed in bands of different genres, as well as teaching music to thousands of Aucklanders.
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Anderson Rocio - EP Review: We're Fine
02 Sep 2021 // A review by Kev Rowland
Earlier this year I was fortunate enough to see Sol3 Mio at Spark Arena, and I came away as suitably impressed as one would expect, not only from the main act, but also by the support who impressed everyone with her wonderful vocals and delicate touch on the piano. Anderson Rocio was not someone I had come across prior to that night, although one of her songs, Paradise, had previously featured on an episode of Lucifer, but I came away incredibly impressed and said how much I would be looking forward to hearing more of her material.
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Aro - EP Review: He Wai
02 Sep 2021 // A review by Kev Rowland
One of the absolute highlights of the Auckland Folk Festival this year were Aro, the husband-and-wife team of Charles (Ngapuhi, Te Rarawa, Ngati Te Ata, Te Ati Awa) and Emily Looker (nee Rice). At that event Charles provided vocals and guitar, while Emily “just” vocals, and I was blown away by the mingling of their voices, in both Te Reo and English, and how they made their stories so wonderful and real.
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Jaz Paterson - Single Review: Lonely
02 Sep 2021 // A review by madeleinehoward
Alternative Singer-Songwriter Jaz Paterson released her debut single Lonely on the 13th of August. Produced by Will McGillivray (nomad, There’s A Tuesday, Bexy) and mastered by Kamandi, Lonely is the first of three singles to be released from Jaz’s anticipated debut EP Ache, set to be released in November.
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Oceanspace - Single Review: Silver City Rain
01 Sep 2021 // A review by Chris Chick
Now and again a song comes around that makes you stop and think "well that certainly surprised me". This is in no way a negative connotation, I would hate to think that my initial perspective was one of which, when I was given the task to review this song, I was already looking to the one-star rating.
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Odds & Ends - Single Review: Picture
31 Aug 2021 // A review by Kev Rowland
The picture on the album cover is a picture, neat! That got me thinking the guys probably had a sense of humour and when I saw they describe themselves as a perfect fruit salad; filled with juicy melodies, tasty songs, and sweet, sweet harmonies, then I was sure of it.
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Lilith NZ - Single Review: Tears of Blood
31 Aug 2021 // A review by Kev Rowland
Just one look at the band name, song, and font, and one knows that here we have an act aiming to be on the heavy side. A quick look at Encylopaedia Metallum and one can see they have another nine bands listed with the same name, while this Lilith isn’t even the only one operating in New Zealand.
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Bevan Mical - Single Review: Weekend
31 Aug 2021 // A review by Kev Rowland
Bevan Mical is a lo-fi alternative indie pop musician from Thames, and Weekend is taken from his third full-length album, which is due out later this year. He says he is inspired by all forms of music from Fraggle Rock to Eminem, Crowded House to Pink, and it must be said that anyone who finds a way to reference Fraggle Rock is always going to be interesting.
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Samuel Gaskin - Single/Video Review: Reckoning
31 Aug 2021 // A review by bethany_rachell
Reckoning is a new single and video release from Samuel Gaskin that follows in the wake of his stage production by the same name. New Zealand born and now based in Melbourne, Gaskin intertwines his own roots and the roots of his current placing in this video, with a cast of 20 First Nations Aboriginal and Maori performers.
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Crying Club - Single/Video Review: Taxi Man
29 Aug 2021 // A review by Kev Rowland
Crying Club were formed in Wellington at the start of 2021 by friends Sean Beales (drums), Chrissy Pantelakis (bass) and Datu Beech (vocals/guitar), with the stated intention of starting a new emo movement in the capital! They have been gigging over the last few months, mainly in community halls and house shows, but of course that has now stopped with NZ back in lockdown, so it is somehow fitting that their debut single was written after the first lockdown and is about feeling anxiety on a night going out to town, and the taxi drive has them wondering if they should just go back home.
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EM/FM - Single Review: Close Enough
28 Aug 2021 // A review by Danica Bryant
From the library of mysterious Kaitaia artist EM/FM, Close Enough is a synth-filled slow jam, introduced by its bright retro wave artwork which visually represents the track’s creative blend of machine-generated instrumentation with traditional jazz.Close Enough offers a unique song structure, with its groovy chorus not hitting until just before the two minute mark, and a lengthy final chorus section.
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The Human Kind - Single Review: Ready To Live
27 Aug 2021 // A review by Cathy Elizabeth
Ready To Live is a beautiful inspirational track from The Human Kind; a collective with a focus on health and wellbeing. The song features a diverse array of instrumentation including strings, flute, synths, and something that sounds to me like maybe a Gudok or similar?
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Kendall Elise - Album Review: Let The Night In
26 Aug 2021 // A review by roger.bowie
The new album from Kendall Elise is out today. It’s called Let The Night In, and once again Kendall recorded at Roundhead.
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Alba Rose - Single Review: Eve
26 Aug 2021 // A review by Danica Bryant
The captivating hook of Alba Rose’s debut single, Eve, warns listeners of the likelihood that they will be “swept away”. It’s a truthful mission statement for a track which introduces Rose as a soloist, outside of her performances in Wellington band Corduroy.
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WHITE NØISE MAFIA - Single Review: Let It End
25 Aug 2021 // A review by Kev Rowland
The boys are back with their second single, continuing from where the last one left off. This was again recorded in sessions with the mighty David Rhodes (Blindspott, Stylus, These Four Walls etc.
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Gig Review: Loserpalooza Festival 2021 @ Tauranga - 21/08/2021
24 Aug 2021 // A review by Mattmyth
What’s everyone bitching about with level-4-lockdown and cancelled shows? This one ruled.
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24 Aug 2021 // A review by Mattmyth
What’s everyone bitching about with level-4-lockdown and cancelled shows? This one ruled.
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Club Classic - EP Review: Greetings From Club Classic
23 Aug 2021 // A review by Kev Rowland
Club Classic like to portray themselves in photos as being an interesting bunch of jokers, and indeed their Facebook page says, “Welly’s favourite grass roots sports club + indie-funk band hybrid”, but don’t let any of that fool you, as when it is time to start playing music these guys are serious, and seriously good. This 13-minute-long 3-track EP finds them demonstrating just how slick and powerful they are, with different styles of funk and soul.
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Henika - Single/Video Review: The Future of the Species
23 Aug 2021 // A review by Callum Wagstaff
Henika is the moniker of Slovak born multi-instrumentalist Henrieta Tornyai. Her self-titled EP won Best Independent Debut at the Taite Music Awards in 2017.
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SOG - Album Review: Blooming Buzzing Confusion
19 Aug 2021 // A review by Kev Rowland
Wellington quartet SOG are back with their third album, with a somewhat unusual but very Kiwi cover photo. There has just been the one line-up change since their 2018 Slate Clean debut, as Bianca Bailey (vocals, drums) joined in time for 2019’s, alongside James Shanly (vocals, bass), Ethan Roberts (guitar, vocals) and Luke Cox (guitar).
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Arjuna Oakes - Single Review: Satellites w/ Serebii
19 Aug 2021 // A review by Cathy Elizabeth
Satellites launches with a bump and instantly draws you into its gravitational pull by way of smooth lo-fi synth tones and spacey beat. Percussion floats in, further enticing us into its dreamy orbit, while deep fuzzy bass and envelope-filtered guitar play in parallel, setting up melody lines which become the anchor of the song.
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Louis TM - Single Review: Mercedes Car
19 Aug 2021 // A review by Danica Bryant
After years backing other artists on the keys, Louis TM is out to make his own mark on the musical world as a soloist. The resulting track, Mercedes Car, is a biting track directed at wasted wealth, carefully crafted with the help of Tiny Triumph Recordings, JJ Golden and Diver Records.
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HATT - EP Review: Vol.1 - Emulate + Dissipate
19 Aug 2021 // A review by Kev Rowland
HATT are a new band on the scene, but they are already here with their debut 5-track EP. Mind you, although HATT are a new name, those behind it are definitely not, as anyone who has been involved with the Auckland music scene will recognize all those taking part.
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19 Aug 2021 // A review by Kev Rowland
HATT are a new band on the scene, but they are already here with their debut 5-track EP. Mind you, although HATT are a new name, those behind it are definitely not, as anyone who has been involved with the Auckland music scene will recognize all those taking part.
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Disciple Pati - Single/Video Review: Serious
19 Aug 2021 // A review by Corinne Rutherford
Auckland’s newest pop/RnB powerhouse Disciple Pati has just released her latest single Serious, along with a “revenge fantasy” style music video which the artist explains as “channeled my violent inner sadist for this moment so y’all don’t have to”. The video ultimately is about getting payback after a production meeting doesn’t go according to plan.
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19 Aug 2021 // A review by Corinne Rutherford
Auckland’s newest pop/RnB powerhouse Disciple Pati has just released her latest single Serious, along with a “revenge fantasy” style music video which the artist explains as “channeled my violent inner sadist for this moment so y’all don’t have to”. The video ultimately is about getting payback after a production meeting doesn’t go according to plan.
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Kerryn Fields - Album Review: Water
19 Aug 2021 // A review by roger.bowie
At last, some 2 ½ years after seeing her for the first time and hearing some new songs, Kerryn Field’s sophomore album, Water hit my inbox (thanks Kerryn) and is now firmly ensconced in my hard drive. Now I can listen to the whole collection, and from the opening unaccompanied courageously operatic shrill, Atlantis emerges… we’ve heard this song before, the one which pays homage to Rust Never Sleeps and Pocahontas and the death wish which surges in response to the way Kerryn’s partner loves that song.
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GiGi Genie - Single Review: The Phoenix
19 Aug 2021 // A review by bethany_rachell
Wow! I knew this track would be something else before I even listened to it.
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Villainy - EP Review: Dead Sides (The Lost EP)
18 Aug 2021 // A review by Andrew Smit
How wonderful it is to hear 5 new Villainy songs of rip roaring rock tunes that coalesce intimately in this EP format. There is a so much more spice added to this rock pot than the standard rock fare that you might consume from mainstream radio, and while comparisons to Shihad are apparent with their sound influenced by previous Tom Larkin produced material, but these tracks are self-produced and is a touch more raw and edgy.
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Sophie Gibson - Single Review: Deeper Waters
17 Aug 2021 // A review by madeleinehoward
Singer-songwriter Sophie Gibson will be releasing her single Deeper Waters on 20 August. The hauntingly beautiful acoustic folk track is a tribute to Gibson’s brother who she lost to suicide in 2015.
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Shapeshifter - Album Review: Rituals
17 Aug 2021 // A review by Gwarden
Shapeshifter (affectionately known as ‘Shapies’ by fans) are a New Zealand music institution. With over 2 decades of live shows, 4 EPs, 5 full-length studio albums, a handful of music awards and a reputation as the best live Drum & Bass act in the world, they’re both revered locally and ambassadors of the sound worldwide.
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Graeme James - Gig Review: Graeme James @ The Tuning Fork, Auckland - 13/08/2021
15 Aug 2021 // A review by roger.bowie
On a cool spring evening (spring always started in August where I grew up, down south) the Tuning Fork is nicely staged with a clutch of instruments neatly arranged in anticipation. The modest crowd bunches up to form an intimate cluster and a familiar face takes the stage in the form of Chris/Albi without the Wolves, or at least half of them because the willowy, billowy puppet-like figure of Pascal Roggen also joins him on half a dozen instruments more commonly known as the violin.
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The After - Gig Review: The After @ Anthology, Auckland - 12/08/2021
14 Aug 2021 // A review by roger.bowie
It’s a year and a bit on and here we are again at Anthology for a night of rock curated by Andrew Featherstone and featuring his band The After. Last year we were left a bit muddled about promises of things to come and whether it would be the hereafter, but no, it’s more like an AfterFest.
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French For Rabbits - Single/Video Review: Ouija Board
12 Aug 2021 // A review by Kev Rowland
French For Rabbits started life as the duo of Brooke Singer and John Fitzgerald some ten years ago, but by the time of their last album, 2017’s The Weight of Melted Snow they had become a quartet with the addition of Ben Lemi and Hikurangi Schaverien-Kaa, while Penelope Esplin (Grawlixes) has joined since then. The quintet has just released the second single from their forthcoming album, and based on Ouija Board I am definitely looking forward to hearing that when it is available.
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Mako Road - Album Review: Stranger Days
12 Aug 2021 // A review by Cathy Elizabeth
4-piece indie rock band Mako Road are back once again, this time with their first full-length album. Their sound is an interesting blend of indie and funk, layered with reverb and delay-heavy guitars, creating that classic kiwi “dub” feel, but with a live-jammed garage-band twist.
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Dillastrate - EP Review: Narrative
12 Aug 2021 // A review by Cathy Elizabeth
I was excited to review Dillastrate after I saw them play live in Wellington recently and absolutely loved their energy and musicianship. I must admit I was playing catch-up from there, and after having had a quick listen to their previous album, I have to say that Narrative is definitely a step up; both in production value and over-all song crafting.
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Lauren Gin - Single Review: Say No
12 Aug 2021 // A review by Cathy Elizabeth
25 year old Lauren Gin has been DJing for some 5 years now, playing popular shows and festivals in and around New Zealand, as well as internationally. 2021 marks the third year of making her own music, releasing her first single in 2019, and debut EP Supernova in 2020, effectively establishing herself as an electronic music producer in her own right.
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Valentina - Album Review: Renaissance
10 Aug 2021 // A review by Corinne Rutherford
Wellington based Transgressive vocalist and producer Valentina, has just released her debut album Renaissance. Described as a "Hyperpop album", it is filled with wonder, exploring a diverse range of genres such as Bubblegum Pop, UK Garage, Techno, 90's House with elements of Classical and Baroque.
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Goodlynx - Single/Video Review: Purple Blue
10 Aug 2021 // A review by Ben Ruegg
Starting Purple Blue off with a real honest vibe is the sound of a major 7th on a guitar. This interval sets a tone and mood that allows Goodlynx to be direct and honest with his audience.
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Speech Act Theory - Single/Video Review: Holding Out
08 Aug 2021 // A review by Kev Rowland
Speech Act Theory is a new project by producer and musician Pete Hickman which allows him to explore his vulnerable side, putting his insecurities out there for all to see. Musically this is bringing together elements of Alternative, Shoegaze, Electronica and pop, with the focus on keyboards and vocals, although special mention should be made here of the drums (and I still cannot make up my mind if they are programmed or real), which provide cut through.
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Cafe Fistfight - Cafe Fistfight @ The Ding Dong Lounge, Auckland - 07/08/2021
08 Aug 2021 // A review by Kev Rowland
Back to DD for the second night in a row, but tonight was going to be a very different crowd and musical experience to what had been happening here only 24 hours earlier. First up tonight was Green, which features three members of Big Tasty and in some ways is quite a similar band.
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Marianne Leigh - Gig Review: Marianne Leigh @ Dead Witch, Auckland - 06/08/2021
06 Aug 2021 // A review by Kev Rowland
I am pretty sure this is my first time at Dead Witch for a gig which is non-metal or at least hard rock, and that combined with the fact that most of the people playing were younger than my children meant that I was in for quite a strange night indeed. They were planning for the gig to end long before the headline band normally starts, so it was promising to be a nice early night to gently ease me into the weekend.
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No Broadcast - Single Review: Lie In Orbit
05 Aug 2021 // A review by Kev Rowland
When I was back in Christchurch a few months ago, I went to The Dark Room to experience the mighty Dead Favours in concert, and that night the support act was No Broadcast. They were a band new to me, but they have been around in one form or another since 2004, and the current line-up has been together since 2007.
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Edge Of The Woods - EP Review: Lookin' For Somethin'
05 Aug 2021 // A review by Kev Rowland
This six-track EP from West Coast trio Edge of The Woods shows there is still plenty of room in this musical world for well thought out and delivered music with real soul and heart. They bring together folk, alt-blues.
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TOOMS - Single Review: Dead Birds
04 Aug 2021 // A review by Kerry MB
TOOMS is possible the most unique two piece I have recently had the pleasure of reviewing. With a nebulous genre that seems to fit where things aren’t supposed to fit, I like it a lot and so should you.
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Marianne Leigh - Single Review: Sweet Goodbyes
03 Aug 2021 // A review by Kev Rowland
Marianne Leigh may only be 18 years of age, but she has already won Smokefree Rockquest, has been on TV and Radio NZ, is a three-time finalist of the Play It Strange songwriting competitions as well as being mentored by Bic Runga, so perhaps it should be no surprise that her new single Sweet Goodbyes is like a breath of fresh air in a market that often over-produces young singers. This is indie-pop, and is annoyingly catchy and infectious, so much so that I have been finding myself walking along absentmindedly humming the tune.
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Simp Vader - Single Review: All The Time
03 Aug 2021 // A review by Kev Rowland
Simp Vader are a South Auckland alternative rock band, heavily influenced by the Shoegaze movement, who were formed by Rory Maddren (vocals, guitar) and Josh Banning-Taylor (lead guitar) towards the end of 2020. With the arrival of Branden Pritchard (drums) and Scott Parker (bass, backing vocals) they have been working on recording their debut EP this year, and this is the first track to be released.
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The Sam Loveridge Band - Single Review: Run Into You
02 Aug 2021 // A review by Kev Rowland
It has been a couple of years since I last came across Sam Loveridge and his excellent album, Clarity, and in the intervening time he has turned himself into a full band. At the time of that album release, AAA label boss TeMatera Smith could not stop talking about it, so it is no surprise at all that the new single, Run Into You, was recorded at Red Room Studio by Jamie Crerar, mastered by Chris Chetland at Kog, and again released by AAA.
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Capital Theatre - Single/Video Review: Fire
02 Aug 2021 // A review by Kev Rowland
Capital Theatre are back with the most recent single, Fire, from the forthcoming album (which is due out in October), following on from the incredible People, which has been on constant repeat at my place. Given just how much I have been playing that, I did have some concerns that Fire may not live up to the same level, but these were soon blown away.
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Underscore - Single Review: Never Coming Back
02 Aug 2021 // A review by Investigator
Never Coming Back is the second single release from Auckland alternative rock band, Underscore. The relatively new band in town consists of; Jonathan Meyer - guitars/vocals, Hon Manawangphiphat - bass and Josh Johnston - drums.
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Shapeshifter - Gig Review: Shapeshifter @ Christchurch Town Hall - 30/07/2021
02 Aug 2021 // A review by Gwarden
Back on the road after a few months of downtime, Shapeshifter return for a national tour in support of their seventh studio album Rituals. Kicking things off in their hometown Otautahi, the Christchurch Town Hall was host to another explosive, uplifting performance by one of NZs most treasured and traveled live acts.
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Sidewinder - Single Review: Walk of Ishi
01 Aug 2021 // A review by Kev Rowland
Sidewinder are back with their third single Walk of Ishi, which follows on from the powerful Mississippi Fire, which came out a few months ago. Again, what we have here is stoner rock, with very strong links to QOTSA, which are based around the vocals of Jason Curtis.
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Capital Theatre - Gig Review: Capital Theatre @ Botany Commons, Auckland - 31/07/2021
01 Aug 2021 // A review by Kev Rowland
I was fortunate enough to catch Capital Theatre earlier this year at The Tuning Fork, and hearing that they were playing Botany, which is not too far from me, meant a trip to a pub venue situated in a shopping complex, not the sort of place I normally visit. Still, it is always good to come to a place which has a nice permanent stage and lighting and walking in I could see the CT drumkit on stage, along with multiple guitars and Marshall amps – the guys certainly know how to make an impression even when they are not performing.
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Andrew Fagan - Gig Review: Andrew Fagan and the Person @ Pigeon Racing Club, St Heliers Bay - 31/07/2021
01 Aug 2021 // A review by roger.bowie
Down on the St Heliers strip, just a stone’s throw away from the Village Hall captured in the late 70's by the punk rockers, there sits a little hole-in-the-wall bar which is also the HQ for the St Heliers Bay Pigeon Racing Club. Pigeon Racing is an ancient sport which carries on to this day.
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PRINS - Gig Review: PRINS @ Dog With Two Tails, Dunedin - 31/07/2021
01 Aug 2021 // A review by darryl baser
Solo guy Alex Dykes opens up the evening using a kick drum trigger for a regular thump, an acoustic guitar, and a voice which is well-worn beyond his years. As he begins playing those who were hanging out in the cafe come through.
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Julia Belle - Single Review: No Way I Can Sleep
31 Jul 2021 // A review by Danica Bryant
No Way I Can Sleep is an indie pop dream come true. With the release of her debut single, Wellington's Julia Belle blossoms onto the music scene, exploring a hazy world of late-night loneliness in the modern age.
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Dianne Swann - Gig Review: Dianne Swann @ Mt Eden Village Hall, Auckland - 30/07/2021
31 Jul 2021 // A review by Kev Rowland
Friday night had me out to yet another “new” (to me) venue, namely the village hall in Mount Eden. I stood in the doorway and was stunned by what I saw, as the hall had been filled with long tables covered in black cloth, all with tealight candles.
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Salt Rock - Single Review: Six Appeal
30 Jul 2021 // A review by Chris Chick
Any song that has a sultry baseline and some trumpets are always going to grab my listening ear and have me easily fall in love with, that is just how I roll. Salt Rock are a funk-dub group based in Christchurch made up of seven pals doing their thing to the wonderful New Zealand music scene.
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Skank Bandit - Album Review: Blood, Sweat and Beers
29 Jul 2021 // A review by Kev Rowland
Blood, Sweat and Beers is the second album by Skank Bandit, a quartet who describe their music as an explosive combination of reggae, rock, ska, funk, metal, and punk, and to be honest they have hit the nail right on the head. When people think of punk, particularly British punk, they tend to focus on the out and out aggression of Sex Pistols and the like and tend to forget that some of the bands had far broader tastes and influences, and such was the case of The Clash.
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D.Matthews - Single Review: Suffer
29 Jul 2021 // A review by Gaby Ivanov-Giraldo
Nigerian vocalist and songwriter D.Matthews (Aka David Matthews) is making his way in New Zealand music with his captivating character of sound and entertainment style.
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Graeme James - EP Review: Field Notes on an Endless Day
29 Jul 2021 // A review by roger.bowie
Graeme James wasn’t planning on becoming a folk singer. Yes, he trained as a violinist from the age of seven, gradually extending his prowess to include other instruments, most prominently the guitar, and other genres, specifically folk, because the family had a band.
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Sweet Mix Kids - Album Review: Radio With Pictures
27 Jul 2021 // A review by Danica Bryant
Sweet Mix Kids are just as flamboyant as the cover of their debut album, Radio With Pictures, would have you believe. Stepping off stages at Coachella, Peachy Keen and Rhythm and Vines, the DJ and production duo have created a record of sensual experience, bending genre and sound to their will.
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Something Zesty - Single/Video Review: Fishtank
27 Jul 2021 // A review by LouClementine
Something Zesty have launched their new video for Fishtank, their latest single which was released earlier this year. The track itself is catchy with warm electric guitar chords framing the laidback lyrics - dare I say it – it’s refreshing.
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Tablefox - Album Review: Battles
26 Jul 2021 // A review by Kev Rowland
What strikes one most about the third album from Tablefox is the sheer diversity of styles on display. True, they are very much rooted in the Eighties and their style is also often very Kiwi, but after that they move all over the place.
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Hazza Making Noise - Gig Review: Hazza Making Noise w/ Mikaela Cougar @ The Thirsty Dog, Auckland - 23/07/2021
26 Jul 2021 // A review by IslaMusic
Another Friday, another epic gig at local favourite The Thirsty Dog.Mikaela Cougar warmed up the audience with a haunting rendition of Seven Nation Army.
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Shepherds Reign - Gig Review: Shepherds Reign w/ Coridian and Just One Fix @ Whammy Bar, Auckland - 22/07/2021
25 Jul 2021 // A review by Kev Rowland
As soon as I heard this gig was taking place, I knew I was going to be there, as with three of NZ’s best bands in attendance it was going to be a “must see” event for any serious metalhead living in Auckland, but on a Thursday night guys? Really?
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Scalper - Single Review: Silence Speaks
24 Jul 2021 // A review by Peter-James Dries
Hard to believe it’s been seven years since I heard my first Scalper track My Blood Your Blood. Harder to believe it was only last year I reviewed Scalper’s The Beast & The Beauty.
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Truth - Album Review: Acceptance
23 Jul 2021 // A review by Gwarden
Low-tempo maestros Truth return to their Deep, Dark and Dangerous imprint with a long-player of sublime electronica. Billed as their most personal album to date, Acceptance captures the duo at their most introspective, a response to a world in crisis evoked as nostalgia-inducing reveries and cavernous meditations.
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Miss Leading - Album Review: Minor Thing
23 Jul 2021 // A review by darryl baser
When reviewing albums by artists you’ve never heard of can be a lottery, sometimes you don’t quite ‘get’ the album, and sometimes you’re like ‘wow’. Minor Thing by Miss Leading is totally in the ‘wow’ category.
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Lizard Prom - EP Review: Unusual Pain
22 Jul 2021 // A review by Andrew Smit
The alternative sound force is strong in this one! With its hypnotic mystical sound Lizard Prom have produced a 3-song EP that is full of compelling transcendent power.
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Lisa Crawley - EP Review: Looking For Love - (In A Major)
22 Jul 2021 // A review by madeleinehoward
Indie pop singer-songwriter Lisa Crawley launches her new EP Looking For Love - In "A Major" today. Enjoying success with the release of multiple albums, EP’s and singles, the four time APRA Silver Scroll nominee has also been selected twice for the prestigious Banff Centre Songwriters residency.
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Dilz - Single Review: Resurrection Feat. He Ra
22 Jul 2021 // A review by Ben Ruegg
Dilz is real. He is authentic.
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Sarah Valintine - Single Review: Flown Away
21 Jul 2021 // A review by Chris Poipoi
Spotify App - SelectSearch - Sarah Valintine - SelectFlown Away - SelectRecline Close eyes Float!!!As I listen to Sarah Valintine's recently released single, Flown Away, I can't help but float off to a lovely place, prompted by a beautiful melody and artfully descriptive lyrics.
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Souldrop - EP Review: Gypsy Lizard King
21 Jul 2021 // A review by Ben Ruegg
Kiwi new-wave indie-soul 4-piece Souldrop have released their brand new and much-anticipated EP Gypsy Lizard King via label Meow. Featuring the stunningly smooth singles Cadet and Jive, and new single/ title track Gypsy Lizard King, this latest EP release furthers their reputation as a talented band on the rise.
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False Heights - Single Review: Caught Up
21 Jul 2021 // A review by Chris Chick
The Taupo based pop duo False Heights have released their new single Caught Up and it is a corker. From the get go, the song takes me from the mid-winter blues (as I write this review) to the yearning of a wonderful sun filled summer on its way.
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Grawlixes - Album Review: Love You To Death
20 Jul 2021 // A review by Kev Rowland
I have been reviewing music for more than 30 years and estimate I have written something like 2 million words on the subject, and I have often been asked the question, “Why?”.
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Blue River Baby - Single/Video Review: Pay
20 Jul 2021 // A review by Kev Rowland
Blue River Baby, AKA BRBB, are back with the first single from their second album, which will be due out next year. They created quite a stir with their debut release in 2019, hitting the Top Ten on the Official NZ Music charts as well as topping the NZ Indie (IMNZ) charts.
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Compilation Review: Blood And Wires Volume Two
20 Jul 2021 // A review by Corinne Rutherford
Independent record label Tauranga based Blood And Wires have released Volume Two, the second instalment in a series of original electronic and experimental tracks which takes the listener on a journey through distorted synths through to serene ambient instrumentation. Blood And Wires Volume Two combines the talent of 8 talented New Zealand artists united by the idea of an experimental approach to creating music.
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20 Jul 2021 // A review by Corinne Rutherford
Independent record label Tauranga based Blood And Wires have released Volume Two, the second instalment in a series of original electronic and experimental tracks which takes the listener on a journey through distorted synths through to serene ambient instrumentation. Blood And Wires Volume Two combines the talent of 8 talented New Zealand artists united by the idea of an experimental approach to creating music.
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Tall Folk - EP Review: Live From Martin's
19 Jul 2021 // A review by Kev Rowland
Tall Folk are a relatively new band, only coming together at the end of last year and feature Dunedin singer/songwriter Lara Robertson and mid-Western import Jack Ringhand, with both providing lead and harmony vocals and acoustic guitar. It really is a coming together of styles as Lara is obviously more from the folk end of the spectrum, while Jack’s gravellier rasp is far more set in Americana.
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Shihad - Single / Video Review: Tear Down Those Names
19 Jul 2021 // A review by Kev Rowland
It is probably hard for anyone outside Aotearoa to realise just how important Shihad have been to the NZ music scene, but they have had five #1 albums, including the most recent, 2014’s FVEY, and hold the record for the most Top 40 singles entries by a local band. The first time I saw them play was at Western Springs supporting AC/DC, and the way the crowd reacted and sang along to all the words was one heck of an experience, and now at long last they are back with their tenth studio album.
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Rain - Single Review: Pretty
19 Jul 2021 // A review by Callum Wagstaff
Rain is the music making moniker of Wellington artist Cathy Elizabeth. She has been active since 2018, collaborating with producer Thomas Te Taite to create songs that are genre fluid, but all wrapped around the singer songwriter heart.
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Investigator - Gig Review: Investigator @ Cupid Bar, Auckland - 17/07/2021
18 Jul 2021 // A review by Kev Rowland
This was a gig I thought I would have to miss, as I had been invited to a wedding, but after the ceremony I realised I could still make it, so it was back into Auckland for another venue which is new to me. Cupid Bar is situated in the foyer of the old Ambassador Theatre, and with the bar on the right-hand side, there is quite a narrow entrance which then opens into a small space where bands can set up.
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Louis Baker - Gig Review: Louis Baker @ The Opera House, Wellington - 17/07/2021
18 Jul 2021 // A review by Danica Bryant
“It’s been a crazy day”, Louis Baker laughs, in front of a captive audience at Wellington’s Opera House. Indeed, it’s been one of the capital’s stormiest in recent memory.
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Gig Review: Come Together: Goodbye Yellow Brick Road - Civic Theatre, Auckland - 17/07/2021
18 Jul 2021 // A review by roger.bowie
Goodbye Yellow Brick Road was never my favourite Elton John record, even though it turns out to be everyone else’s. At 76 minutes, it was long for its day, a ramshackle, mixed metaphor affair which reflected the prolific nature of the John/Taupin creative partnership in the early 70s, seven albums in five years, too many songs and too much excitement to attempt to cull and reject.
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18 Jul 2021 // A review by roger.bowie
Goodbye Yellow Brick Road was never my favourite Elton John record, even though it turns out to be everyone else’s. At 76 minutes, it was long for its day, a ramshackle, mixed metaphor affair which reflected the prolific nature of the John/Taupin creative partnership in the early 70s, seven albums in five years, too many songs and too much excitement to attempt to cull and reject.
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The Gemini Effect - Single Review: Gridlock Party
17 Jul 2021 // A review by Kev Rowland
There are some songs which are infectious from the start, with a sense of humour coming through the vocals even before listening to the lyrics, all combined with great hooks and Summer joy. Here we have a number which has been released in the middle of winter, which I am listening to on yet another rainy day in Auckland but is full of the joys of Summer – even if those joys are constrained to being stuck in overheating tin boxes as people make their way out of the city to the beaches or far North.
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Amos/Anon - Album Review: The Empty Afterwards
13 Jul 2021 // A review by Kev Rowland
Amos/Anon are a Wellington-based project who have been releasing music for more than a decade now. Mind you, if you have not heard of them then that is probably more by design that you may expect, given that on the Bandcamp page it states If you haven't heard of [amos/anon] then the system is working.
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Boy Virgo - Single Review: Dirty Company
12 Jul 2021 // A review by Danica Bryant
Hyperpop is a revolutionary genre, and with his latest single Dirty Company, Boy Virgo and collaborator Thayerperiod prove they understand its every element. Equally satirising, paying tribute to and experimenting with the vast array of conventions in popular music, Dirty Company is a bubbling, bright ode to gay desire, exploding with exciting electronic sounds.
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Viices - Single Review: Breath
11 Jul 2021 // A review by Kev Rowland
Viices have been around the Wellington scene for a few years now, but up until now it has always been the work of Jake McComb, but towards the end of last year the band turned into a trio with the arrival of Liam Crawford on drums, Will Jakicevich on bass. Not only has this meant there has been a change in personnel but also a move in musical direction, which has seen them embrace the punk end of the indie genre.
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Burn the Bridges - Gig Review: Burn The Bridges w/ Bianca Rae @ The Portland, Auckland - 10/07/2021
11 Jul 2021 // A review by Kev Rowland
The world of reviewers is a small one, and many of us are in touch with others in all parts of the world, and it is through this network that I know Nick Hudson, a Dunedin lad who writes for The Progressive Aspect and now resides in the UK. He in turn introduced me to Linz Eel, a well-known musician who is back in NZ after spending some time overseas, and at the beginning of the week he in turn contacted me to ask would it be possible for me to go and review a young singer-songwriter?
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Stonehurst - Gig Review: Stonehurst @ Whammy Bar, Auckland - 09/07/2021
11 Jul 2021 // A review by Kev Rowland
Friday night saw me yet again in central Auckland for a gig, this time to catch Stonehurst and Elidi who were both up from Christchurch, my neck of the woods. I had been looking forward to this for months, ever since I reviewed the last single by Elidi, Witches Brew.
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Shivers - Single Review: Runaway
09 Jul 2021 // A review by Trevor Faville
This is the second release from Shivers since the group evolved in Wellington in 2018. Founders Adrian Win and Timmy Porter are at the heart of the sound, but Runaway involves a larger cast of contributors-notably drummer Rick Cranson.
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Bluey Green - EP Review: Bluey Green
08 Jul 2021 // A review by bethany_rachell
July 9, 2021, sees the first ever release of Bluey Green – the self-titled EP. As I sometimes do with reviews, I dived right into this EP before reading about, or even having heard of Bluey Green, and nothing could have been a more fitting description than the wavering, reflective shine of the ocean that the name alone evokes.
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James Constable - Album Review: Tui
06 Jul 2021 // A review by madeleinehoward
Indie singer/songwriter James Constable has launched his debut album, Tui. The 17-year-old from Rangiora showcases an incredible knack for writing mature lyrics and catchy melodies.
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The Knids - Album Review: One Small Step for Man, One Giant Leap for Manknid
06 Jul 2021 // A review by Kev Rowland
I must confess that when punk first started rearing its ugly head in 1976, I was not a huge fan, as while the energy was interesting, too many songs sounded as if they had been created by people who had no musical ability or ideas whatsoever. What was way more fascinating to me was what came out slightly afterwards, the independent alternative scene, where the only commonality between bands was the DIY ethic.
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Louis Baker - EP Review: Love Levitates
06 Jul 2021 // A review by Danica Bryant
Love Levitates is a triumph for Aotearoa soul star Louis Baker. Merging a diverse range of genres including funk, pop, soul and R&B, Baker's assured sense of identity grounds each song as a cohesive whole.
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Star Control - Gig Review: Star Control & PolarisRadio @ The Wine Cellar, Auckland - 03/07/2021
05 Jul 2021 // A review by Kev Rowland
Yet again I find myself heading into central Auckland for the second consecutive night on my way to a gig, this time to a two-band bill at The Wine Cellar featuring Star Control and PolarisRadio. A few months ago, I bumped into Felix Lun at a gig where he was guesting, and while our discussion of course concentrated on the mighty and much-missed Shepherds of Cassini (where he played violin), he told me that he and drummer Omar Al-Hashimi were now two thirds of a totally different outfit called Star Control.
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Lakius - Single/Video Review: Here We Are Still
05 Jul 2021 // A 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.
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Drax Project - Gig Review: Drax Project @ Dunedin Town Hall, Dunedin - 02/06/2021
04 Jul 2021 // A review by darryl baser
Auckland based singer AACACIA was onstage and singing with her band as many people walked in at 7:25pm ahead of the advertised start time. In 2019 AACACIA posted a clip asking to play support to Drax Project, and last night she did.
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WHITE NØISE MAFIA - Gig Review: White Nøise Mafia @ Dead Witch, Auckland - 02/07/2021
03 Jul 2021 // A review by Kev Rowland
So, it was back down to my favourite venue for another night of great music as it was the launch gig for White Nøise Mafia’s debut single, The Divide. Last year they won the battle of the bands competition, and the prize was a recording session with Dave Rhodes and a video shoot with Francis Wheeler, who was there in the audience tonight.
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Jessica Leigh - Single Review: Summer Royalty
02 Jul 2021 // A review by Danica Bryant
Introducing her upcoming second EP, Summerland, Jessica Leigh's new single Summer Royalty paints a picture of a white-hot seasonal romance. The track is a road trip anthem produced by Leigh's long-time musical collaborator, Jules Evans.
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Bingo Fighter - Single Review: On My Guard
02 Jul 2021 // A review by Andrew Smit
The latest release from Bingo Fighter, On My Guard, is a very cool song with vivid pulsating guitar which is driven along by stomping drums, that pump through the song with outstanding clarity. The chorus is simple enough with its straightforward repeated phrase "on a far-king train", delivered in a unique singing style from vocalist Hayden, which is strikingly distinct with a clear enunciated style that makes the track sound super sublime.
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The Infinity Chamber - Various Artists - Reflections of the Infinity Chamber
01 Jul 2021 // A review by Kev Rowland
Dylan Paul Ware was born and raised in New Zealand, and was exposed to music from a young age as his father was a radio rock journalist who interviewed the likes of Chuck Berry. At home there was a massive record collection, and consequently his tastes in music are very broad indeed (I read a fascinating interview where he lists his favourite albums as Dire Straits’ debut album, NIN’s The Downward Spiral, The Beatle’s Abbey Road, CCR’s Bayou Country, ACDC’s Powerage, Simon & Garfunkle’s The Sounds of Silence, Bob Dylan’s Bootleg Series #4 1966 Royal Albert Hall Concert 1966 Disk: 1.
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Personal Igloo - Single Review: Material Girl
01 Jul 2021 // A review by Peter-James Dries
No. This is not a Madonna cover.
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freya - EP Review: Wildest Creatures I've Dreamed
01 Jul 2021 // A review by Danica Bryant
Auckland songwriter freya storms into July with her debut studio EP, the beautifully titled Wildest Creatures I’ve Dreamed. Recorded with Harry Charles and Morgan Allen at The Depot, this EP does a fantastic job at taking its listener to the poetic realm of a sleepy, nostalgia-filled seaside town like Devonport.
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Orphic Decor - EP Review: Overcross
01 Jul 2021 // A review by Kev Rowland
This five-track 14-minute-long EP is the latest release by multi-instrumentalist Jacob Tait, who goes under the name of Orphic Decor. He released his debut EP, Ida, in 2020 and this is the follow-up.
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Sam Bartells - Single Review: Where We'll Go Feat. Mema Wilda
29 Jun 2021 // A review by Kev Rowland
A few weeks ago, I was fortunate enough to be able to attend the Rock The Folk event at The Tuning Fork, and two of the three artists there that night can now be heard on this single. Sam Bartells is closer to alt country than he is to alt folk, and has been studying his craft in Nashville, but like many Kiwis he has been in his home country again for quite some time.
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WHITE NØISE MAFIA - Single/Video Review: The Divide
29 Jun 2021 // A review by Kev Rowland
Last year I was fortunate enough to see all the heats and one of the semi-finals for the Ding Dong Lounge Battle of the Bands competition and came away incredibly impressed with a band who had formed just in time to play a gig at the venue, and to be then allowed to enter the competition. When they played their heat, I was immediately impressed, as were the judges, and I came away wondering if they were like that at their second ever gig what on earth would they be doing in a few years’ time.
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Rachel Leo - Single Review: Conversation
28 Jun 2021 // A review by Danica Bryant
Everything about Rachel Leo's debut single, Conversation, is picture perfect. A collaboration between Leo and some of Kiwi's pop greats, Joseph Corban-Banks, Em Basa and Simon Gooding, Conversation sees the 22-year-old stepping out with an incredibly well-thought-out release, one which will undoubtedly see her bringing audiences to their feet in hundreds of summer festivals to come.
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Troy Kingi - Album Review: Black Sea Golden Ladder
28 Jun 2021 // A review by Kev Rowland
I was first introduced to the music of Troy Kingi when I was over at Red Room Studios one day at the invitation of TeMatera Smith some years back, who told me I just had to hear the person he was currently working with. I was fortunate enough to be there for some of the sessions of Shake That Skinny Ass All The Way To Zygertron, and I was blown away by the sheer musicality and ear of Troy who was able to listen to a track for a few seconds and then say, “it needs this” and then go back into the studio and record it.
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Alien Weaponry - Single Review: Tangaroa
26 Jun 2021 // A review by Kev Rowland
It has been a long three years since debut album Tu, but at long last Alien Weaponry are back with the first track taken from the new album of the same name, Tangaroa. The album is not due to hit for another few months, so until then we will have to satisfy ourselves with this track which sees the sound moving in a more mature, deeper, and more produced aspect than what we have heard in the past.
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And$um - Single Review: Ride The Wave Feat. Valle
26 Jun 2021 // A review by Ben Ruegg
I’m a big fan of Hip-Hop - I teach it at school to my students. Hip-Hop is about being real and it has an honest vibe to it.
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Melanie - Gig Review: Tsunami Warning @ The Wine Cellar, Auckland - 25/06/2021
26 Jun 2021 // A review by Kev Rowland
Tonight was my first trip to The Wine Cellar in the centre of Auckland, a venue of which I was aware but just hadn’t been to, and is exactly as it sounds. I had also been told that lighting would be incredibly dark, which was also correct, and given tonight was a sell-out I really didn’t want to fight my way through to take a couple of photos on my phone and then fight my way back to where I was perching to write the review, so I have no shots of the night.
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Black Gravel City - Single Review: Internal Fix
24 Jun 2021 // A review by Kev Rowland
Internal Fix is the debut release from Auckland-based trio Black Gravel City, who describe themselves as metal/rock/metal which in terms of this song definitely makes sense. Formed just a year ago, the band comprise Hemi Sachin (drums, formerly Broken Season, Lakius, Order of Mammal), Kerry Cooper (guitars, vocals, formerly Djen, Order of Mammal, various cover bands) and Caz (bass and backing vocals, past groups Tegan, Sairalei, Madame Youth, Lakius).
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Capital Theatre - Single/Video Review: People
24 Jun 2021 // A review by Kev Rowland
Earlier this year I was lucky enough to catch Capital Theatre in concert, and their catchy, layered, art rock approach to music certainly struck a chord. Since then, I have eagerly been awaiting the release of the album, but until that comes to fruition, we will instead just have to play this single, People.
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Danica Bryant - Single Review: Heart Eyes
24 Jun 2021 // A review by madeleinehoward
Hawkes Bay born, now Wellington based singer-songwriter Danica Bryant returns with her latest offering - Heart Eyes. A bold, catchy track about young girls being obsessed with male celebrities, Heart Eyes is sugar coated and sweet, but with an underlying darkness oozing through its cynical lyrics and distorted melodies.
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James Hunter and The Gatherers - Single Review: Suburban Dystopia
24 Jun 2021 // A review by Callum Wagstaff
James Hunter is an alt folk musician from Poneke. He writes, records, and produces records that are minimal in scope, but intimate through his vocal delivery.
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Tony Daunt & The Dauntless - Gig Review: Tony Daunt & The Dauntless @ The Wallace Arts Centre, Auckland - 20/06/2021
22 Jun 2021 // A review by Kev Rowland
Whoever thought of holding an evening concert at The Wallace Arts Centre is a genius, as not only is it just 20 minutes from my flat, and a wonderful venue, but the start time was 6:00 with an aim to be finished by 8:30! I mean, that is almost civilized!
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Aanvi S - Single Review: Music Is My Religion
22 Jun 2021 // A review by Corinne Rutherford
Aanvi S is possibly New Zealand’s youngest singer / songwriter, who at just nine has released her debut single Music Is My Religion. Encouragement from her family and friends has seen her blossom into a prolific songwriter inspired by her poetry.
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Jason Kerrison - Single Review: The Timing
22 Jun 2021 // A review by Investigator
Jason Kerrison, the prodigal pop rock son returns with the lead single from his upcoming debut solo album, The Timing. This is four years in the making and the (ahem) timing couldn't be better, released the day after becoming the inaugural winner of the Masked Singer NZ.
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Molly Devine - Single Review: Because I Love You
21 Jun 2021 // A review by Danica Bryant
Molly Devine estimates her latest track, Because I Love You, has seen at least seven versions prior to its release last week, having been written over five years ago. It is the second in a series of self-produced works Devine plans to share throughout 2021, setting up an incredibly emotional soundscape for her music.
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Daniel Armstrong & The Monsoons - Album Review: Everything Is As It Shouldn't Be
21 Jun 2021 // A review by bethany_rachell
Everything Is As It Shouldn’t Be is the latest release from Daniel Armstrong & The Monsoons, and boy it is a wild ride. The album takes self-proclaimed inspiration from “Bob-Dylan, Talking Heads, Claude Debussy, Velvet Underground and Radiohead,” so I went in with eclectic expectations.
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The Jordan Luck Band - Gig Review: Jordan Luck Band with Ekko Park @ The Mangawhai Tavern, Mangawhai - 19/06/2021
20 Jun 2021 // A review by Investigator
I'll start with an admission; I was well up for this gig! A Kiwi icon, at an iconic venue, with a superstar rock opening act...
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Wax Chattels - Gig Review: Wax Chattels @ San Fran, Wellington - 18/06/2021
20 Jun 2021 // A review by dmcgurk
Starting almost right on time – not quite as precise as the militant time slots enforced at the now-closed ‘Puppies’ but closer than you would normally expect in Wellington – Soft Plastics took the stage. It took me a little while to get it.
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Albi & The Wolves - Gig Review: Rock The Folk @ The Tuning Fork, Auckland - 18/06/2021
20 Jun 2021 // A review by Kev Rowland
So, it was back to the lovely little venue which is The Tuning Fork. It is somewhere I always enjoy going to, as not only is the food and beer very good indeed, but there is a good sound and everyone can see.
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LearningToDive - Single Review: You Said It Best
17 Jun 2021 // A review by Kev Rowland
Learningtodive is one of a series of projects from Bravo Bonez, a musician and producer currently based in Wellington, New Zealand. He released his first single under this name back in November last year, since when he has followed it up with more singles and his debut album Norwegian Pop, which came out in April.
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Lisa Crawley - Single Review: The Right Way
17 Jun 2021 // A review by Danica Bryant
The Right Way is an absolute delicacy. Introducing her new EP due out later this year, Lisa Crawley’s latest single explores the feeling of frustration and awkwardness in the struggle to impress others.
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TOI - EP Review: TOI
17 Jun 2021 // A review by Corinne Rutherford
Award winning seven-piece Wellington band TOI (Tunes of I), are releasing their highly anticipated self-titled EP. Accompanying the release is a four date nationwide tour of Wellington, Christchurch, Auckland and Raglan.
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Y$O - Single Review: Cotton Candy
16 Jun 2021 // A review by Ben Ruegg
Tracks like this deserve a good amount of attention. It's funky, groovy and makes you feel good.
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Gig Review: Blitz Metal Fest @ Dead Witch, Auckland - 12/06/2021
13 Jun 2021 // A review by Kev Rowland
Well, today was a first for me, coming to Ding Dong in the daylight! This was because it was time for Metal Blitz, a 13-band event being held which was planned to run for 10 hours but we all thought was probably going to take longer.
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13 Jun 2021 // A review by Kev Rowland
Well, today was a first for me, coming to Ding Dong in the daylight! This was because it was time for Metal Blitz, a 13-band event being held which was planned to run for 10 hours but we all thought was probably going to take longer.
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Justin Sane - Single Review: You Bout That
10 Jun 2021 // A review by JamieDenton
Ex-UK, now Auckland-based DJ/producer, Justin Sanehas a long history in the music industry. He has been releasing music for over 15 years, both within Aotearoa New Zealand and the UK, and has a long list of collaborations with a wide range of artists (including Dane Rumble, Kids in Space, {3Oh!
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Gatekeepers - Single Review: Always a Rebel, Never a Rogue
09 Jun 2021 // A review by Kev Rowland
Gatekeepers may be a new name to most of you, but this New Plymouth quartet have managed to secure the opening slot in Hamilton for the Devilskin and Kora show, so they have already started to gain some attention and based on this single one can hear why. The band was only formed earlier this year by guitarist/singer Jeremy Donoghue, rhythm guitarist Sean Phillips and bassist Mat Pipe, since when they have been writing and recording tracks before sending them to the UK to be mixed by Adam Wain.
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Investigator - Single Review: Lake of Eyes
09 Jun 2021 // A review by Kev Rowland
Adrian Drew and his band of merry men are back with the third single from their forthcoming album and given what I have heard to date I am really looking forward to that when it comes out. While Adrian provides guitar and vocals, the band is now firmly settled with David Crowhen (bass) Undercut, Craig van Kan (drums), The Couch, and lead guitarist Adam Morton-Mason, These Fine Galleons.
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Oh Sweet Nothings - Gig Review: Oh Sweet Nothings @ Valhalla, Wellington - 06/06/2021
09 Jun 2021 // A review by bethany_rachell
I’m not sure what I expected, but last Sunday’s Oh Sweet Nothings album release party painted a very interesting scene at Valhalla. The following day, Monday, was to be Queen’s birthday bank holiday and town was consequently busier than the usual Sunday, littered with drunkards and litter.
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Turkey The Bird - Album Review: Turkey The Bird
07 Jun 2021 // A review by Chris Chick
The self-professed ‘Simon & Garfunkel’ of Aotearoa bring their first album to the listening ears of all New Zealanders and let us not beat around the bush, this is a corker of epic proportions. From the steadfast sound of the banjo piercing your ears delightful receptacles, to some rather incredibly smooth harmonies backed up by some rasping bass lines.
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Mudbelly - Single Review: Baby U No Good
07 Jun 2021 // A review by Kev Rowland
Last weekend I was fortunate enough to both survive the ravages of Canterbury’s wild weather and experience the force of nature which is Mudbelly, with the latter more than making up for going out in the driving rain to get to the gig. This means I am in the somewhat unusual position of having heard this song played in concert prior to coming across the recorded version, and it is interesting to hear just how different it is in this setting.
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DRXNES - Single Review: Junkie
07 Jun 2021 // A review by Kev Rowland
Prior to hearing this single I had heard only positive things about Whanganui band DRXNES and having now played this I can see exactly why. This is a highly polished, highly produced number which sounds as if it has come out of a top American band and studio as opposed to little old Aotearoa.
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Dead Favours - Gig Review: Dead Favours @ Darkroom, Christchurch - 04/06/2021
07 Jun 2021 // A review by Kev Rowland
For the second time in less than a week it was back into the centre of Christchurch and St. Asaph Street, but whereas last time it was to the 12 Bar, this week it was next door, to Darkroom.
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Dead Favours - Gig Review: Dead Favours @ Valhalla, Wellington - 03/06/2021
06 Jun 2021 // A review by tonymcdonald
In the sweaty snake pit that is Valhalla I was ordering a Fireball when two feet appeared next to me at the bar. Looking up I discover it’s the one and only Jared from Dead Favours.
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Max Earnshaw - Single Review: What We Made
04 Jun 2021 // A review by Steve Shyu
Renowned Auckland pop-rock musician Max Earnshaw is back again with the new single What We Made, released just last week. Muzic.
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Kaela - Single Review: Obsessions
04 Jun 2021 // A review by Danica Bryant
Kaela is not one to let herself be forgotten. Returning from a brief hiatus, her new single Obsessions delivers an otherworldly exploration of her struggle with OCD.
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OddJive - Album Review: Hell Yeah Nah
31 May 2021 // A review by LouClementine
Multi-genre mining act OddJive released their second album in May 2021, and the release is accompanied by vibrant, beautiful artwork by Alex Hoare. Titled Hell Yeah Nah, it is birthed by the five members of the band and promoted as a work created with the ongoing support of friends and family.
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Iris Zhang - Single Review: Castle
31 May 2021 // A review by madeleinehoward
Auckland based indie artist Iris Zhang launched her second single Castle on the 28th of May. The track is a delicate, intricate song that touches on isolation, desire and self-sabotage.
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Oh Sweet Nothings - Album Review: The Math
31 May 2021 // A review by Callum Wagstaff
"Completely DIY and 8 years in the making, “a tribute to the pipe dreams of the struggling indie artist”.The tagline for The Math by Wellington based indie post-everything band Oh Sweet Nothings is a likeable description.
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Mudbelly - Gig Review: Mudbelly @ 12 Bar, Christchurch - 29/05/2021
30 May 2021 // A review by Kev Rowland
In the middle of a red alert weather warning, I trekked from Oxford into Christchurch to attend Mudbelly’s album launch. It has been a while since I last went to a gig down here, but I have been to some real killers in the past (Sepultura, Death Angel and Blindfolded And Led To The Woods at Canterbury University’s The Foundry will long stick in my mind), so was looking forward to this.
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Lorenzo Hazelwood - Single Review: Same Mistake
28 May 2021 // A review by Kev Rowland
Lorenzo Hazlewood is probably best known as front man for Auckland hard rock band Close To The Bone, but he also released some solo singles last year in slightly different fashion, and now he has returned with his first for 2021, Same Mistake. This is reminiscent in some ways of classic ballad-style grunge like good Alice In Chains or Soundgarden, with his vocals very much to the fore.
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Dead Favours - Album Review: Riffing & Yelling Part 1
28 May 2021 // A review by Kev Rowland
A few weeks ago Dead Favours released the single Move On and now they have released Side A of Riffing & Yelling, six songs determined to grab hold of your brain and never let go. When I reviewed the single, I attempted to describe it as possibly Kyuss mixed with Foo Fighters, My Chemical Romance, and The Darkness and here we have 22 minutes which makes me think that comparison still mostly holds true.
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Keeley Shade - EP Review: Give Me Time
27 May 2021 // A review by dmcgurk
While researching this review I was baffled to see that Keeley Shade’s Facebook page only had ~160 likes. I find it hard to understand why somebody with this much talent doesn’t command legions of fans, but I expect that her gorgeous new 5-track EP Give Me Time will win her a few more.
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KITA - Album Review: KITA
27 May 2021 // A review by IslaMusic
KITA are a vision straight from a synth-pop dream. Hailing from art capital Wellington, the three-piece sew elements of modern jazz, vintage rock, polished pop and grounding soul into a sonic tapestry.
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Michèle Ducray - Single Review: Midnight
27 May 2021 // A review by Danica Bryant
As a self-professed “fan of the peculiar”, it’s somewhat surprising that Michele Ducray’s first single Midnight is such a carefully cut pop song. Midnight is an unusual but not unwelcome match to her intriguing magic and circus-themed branding.
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Daniel Armstrong & The Monsoons - Single Review: Just Shut Up for a Minute
27 May 2021 // A review by HazzaMakingNoise
Just shut up for a minute.A sentiment I can fully endorse.
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Swerve City - Single Review: Moving Pictures
23 May 2021 // A review by Kerry MB
If the name of Swerve City sounds familiar to you, you’re probably right in thinking that yes, it is in fact borrowed from a Deftones song. You might also recognize some of the line-up of Swerve City that were formally of/currently in bands like Fire at Will, Saints of Taboo and Armed in Advance (or for those that can remember way back, AKA, Stitches) Having just had the pleasure of reviewing Swerve City’s recent third single, Moving Pictures, I can tell listeners are in for a treat, especially if you’re a fan of alternative rock, metal undertones and pop sensibilities.
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Reuben Hudson - Single Review: Baby Bedside
23 May 2021 // A review by darryl baser
There are many things which can derail a musician’s career, although Reuben Hudson’s reasoning may be a little less common than most. He had kidney transplant surgery in 2020.
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Y$O - Single Review: M.I.A
23 May 2021 // A review by Ben Ruegg
Combining the forces of artists Sam V, Aidan Fine, JARNA, Brokeboi Ace and producers EDY, CreationKit & M4, Young & $lept On (Y$O) is New Zealand's newest supergroup. This stable of talent is set to disrupt airwaves and social media with their eclectic sense of style, talent and vision - demonstrated by the group's first release M.
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DateMonthYear - EP Review: The Exodus Suite
22 May 2021 // A review by malexa
The metamorphosis of the genesis of Exodus into The Exodus Suite while not quite of Biblical proportions is nevertheless on a grand scale. These five degrees of separation, with accompanying videos (the final installment – which is on its way) might share the same source material but, as always, DateMonthYear founder Trevor Faville twists and shape-shifts with an informed sense of musical invention.
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Ryan Farrell - Single Review: Teenage Dreamer
22 May 2021 // A review by Ben Ruegg
I love it when these sorts of things happen. At just 18, the new track Teenage Dreamer from Ryan Farrell is another example of a young artist who had a vision for their sound and delivers on it.
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Scizzorhands - EP Review: Iron Flowerz with Kevin Posey
21 May 2021 // A review by Gaby Ivanov-Giraldo
Kevin Posey and Scizzorhands have released their very own collaborative EP. This is a 4 track relic-themed project with some darker, heart-felt content.
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Merk - Gig Review: Merk @ Cassette 9, Auckland - 15/05/2021
18 May 2021 // A review by LouClementine
Merk is Mark Perkins and he played alongside four accompanying musicians for this his first headline tour, celebrating the recent release of his second album Infinite Youth.The first date of his tour was at Auckland’s Cassette 9, nestled above Vulcan Lane on a busy Saturday night.
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Rose Lubransky - Single Review: Head Over Heels
18 May 2021 // A review by Danica Bryant
Wellington’s indie dream girl Rose Lubransky’s latest bedroom pop single, Head Over Heels, is another unique production with home producer and frequent collaborator BushJungle. The song is undoubtedly catchy, with a more anthemic structure and sound than their preceding work.
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Dead Favours - Single Review: Move On
16 May 2021 // A review by Kev Rowland
There has been a slight shuffling in the ranks since the last album from Dead Favours, and Skinny Hobos frontman Alex Elvis has come in on bass, joining frontman Jared Wrennall, drummer Charlie Smith and guitarist Kyle Wetton. Their new album, Riffing & Yelling, which has been produced by Six60’s Chris Mac, is being released in two parts.
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Hunter Davison - EP Review: Headspins
15 May 2021 // A review by Danica Bryant
Hunter Davison’s debut EP, Head Spins, explores the love, lust and mental health struggles of young people today. It is a vulnerable collection of songs with a knack for interesting rhythmic and melodic ideas.
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Mad Cow - Single Review: Alone
15 May 2021 // A review by Kev Rowland
Mad Cow are a Taranaki band who formed way back in the 1990’s and have been going one way or another ever since, releasing their debut EP in 2000 and following it up just 10 years later with the next one. Then in 2013 guitarist Joe Smither returned to Aotearoa after living for a while in Melbourne and made contact again with original singer Jon Churchill (who also provides bass) which resulted in the third EP, Disturbing The Peace.
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Claemus - Single Review: Hedonist
13 May 2021 // A review by Kev Rowland
Hutt Valley quartet Claemus are back with their latest single, Hedonist, which puts them firmly in the prog metal scene, but possibly not quite in the area one might imagine just from that alone. Most people tend to think of prog metal as being typified by the likes of Dream Theater or Threshold, but as with many of the sub genres, itself covers a multitude of different styles and Claemus are musically all over the place - truly progressing and blending as opposed to attempting to sound like anyone else.
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Album Review: Blood & Wires Volume One
13 May 2021 // A review by malexa
It’s still very much a brave new world when it comes to releasing music with its ever diminishing returns for physical product and the pecuniary stranglehold the major streaming services have on the industry. That’s why Tauranga-based boutique label Blood & Wires deserves a huge thumbs-up for its innovative and down-to-earth but wildly musically ambitious launch.
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13 May 2021 // A review by malexa
It’s still very much a brave new world when it comes to releasing music with its ever diminishing returns for physical product and the pecuniary stranglehold the major streaming services have on the industry. That’s why Tauranga-based boutique label Blood & Wires deserves a huge thumbs-up for its innovative and down-to-earth but wildly musically ambitious launch.
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Metanoia - Single Review: Sonder
13 May 2021 // A review by malexa
It’s always handy for a reviewer to have a bit of background information about an artist to get a creative context of where they have come from and where they might be heading. Metanoia is a bit of a mystery in this respect.
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Simon Hirst - Single Review: No Turning Back
13 May 2021 // A review by Trevor Faville
Hamilton Singer-songwriter Simon Hirst has released a new single No Turning Back. This is his first new material since the Feet of God collection from 2018.
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Barnaby Weir - Gig Review: Laughton Kora and Barnaby Weir @ Auckland Museum, Auckland - 10/05/2021
12 May 2021 // A review by Kev Rowland
Up until tonight, I am sure the most unusual venue I attended for a gig was the Canadian Embassy in London, when they put on a media showcase for a Canadian rock act. I remember then looking at the walls and candelabra, trying not to spill my wine on the posh carpet, wondering what I was doing there.
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Saurian - Single Review: Tyre Tracks (In The Sky) – Acoustic Version
11 May 2021 // A review by Corinne Rutherford
Alternative rock band from Dunedin, Saurian (meaning “lizard-like”), have recently re-released a new single of an old favourite, Tyre Tracks (In The Sky) as an acoustic version. Removing the loud distorted guitars, drums and big vocals, resulting in a restrained sound consisting of acoustic guitar, strings, percussion and softer vocals.
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Georgia Lines - Gig Review: Georgia Lines @ Grater Goods, Christchurch - 07/05/2021
10 May 2021 // A review by madeleinehoward
On the 7th of May, Christchurch was treated to an evening with pop artist Georgia Lines, at the intimate vegan eatery Grater Goods. The final show in her first nationwide tour, Georgia had been touring alongside pop duo LAIIKA, playing shows in Auckland, Tauranga and Wellington.
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Beastwars - Gig Review: Beastwars with Earth Tongue and Demons of Noon @ Powerstation, Auckland - 08/05/2021
09 May 2021 // A review by Kev Rowland
I was a little concerned when I made my way to the Powerstation just 15 minutes before the doors were due to open, as there was no-one else there! A quick check of the billboard confirmed I was in the right place on the right date, but possibly this was somewhat indicative of the poor weather combined with so many great gigs on tonight.
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Coridian - Single/Video Review: Wicked Game
09 May 2021 // A review by Epitomised_Drummer
Well well well, the boys in Coridian have been at it again. Their new release is an absolute banger!
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The Flaming Bridges - EP Review: Water/Sand
09 May 2021 // A review by dmcgurk
It only took two weeks for Matt Schobs to write and record Water/Sand, a collection of sombre folk songs that walk a line between past defeats and unknown futures. It’s Schobs’ second release under the name The Flaming Bridges and was written at the point where his life as steam punk in Oamaru collapsed and, in his own words, “lay in ruins.
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Vann Dizon - Single/Video Review: Let You Go
08 May 2021 // A review by darryl baser
Wow. Beautifully written, lyrics with heart, the composition is top form, and the production sets this song as a potential chart topper.
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Hummucide - Single Review: Exothermic Feat. Luca Sturny
06 May 2021 // A review by dmcgurk
Hummucide’s 2020 self-titled EP was a collection of older pieces written by the group in high school. It highlighted the quality of the musicianship but felt more like a collection of reigned-in jam sessions than precise compositions.
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Emily Rice - EP Review: Auhua
06 May 2021 // A review by Kev Rowland
Over the last few months Emily Rice has been building up to the release of this EP, and of the six songs included on Auaha (which means to shape, create, form, fashion), four have already been released as singles, and I have reviewed three of them myself, so the EP feels already very much like an old friend, but for anyone yet to come across Emily and her work then this is a wonderful place to start. I first came across Emily and her husband in the wonderful folk duo Aro, but here her music is far more dance oriented as she brings in lots of different styles such as soft jazz, RnB, dub, and even a little touch of folk, but always with her wonderful vocals front and centre.
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House Of Downtown - Album Review: Re-Release
06 May 2021 // A review by JamieDenton
Electronica/house music legends House of Downtown return from a near-twenty-year hiatus with a new album entitled Re-Release that revisits, remixes, remasters, and reconceptualises 2001’s critically and commercially successful debut album Release. Having been very familiar with House of Downtown during their original heyday and having spent a lot of time listening to their previous releases (the aforementioned Release and 2003’s Mutha Funkin’ Earth), I was nervously excited to check this new album out.
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Reshma - Single Review: Loneliest Girl
05 May 2021 // A review by Danica Bryant
Reshma’s enchanting new single Loneliest Girl takes a dark approach to the story of a collapsed romance. Having previously built a career in her birthplace of Kuala Lumpur, Loneliest Girl serves as Reshma’s debut musical endeavour into the English language, answering her ambition to release a song in New Zealand, where she grew up.
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Alice Tozer - Single Review: Pink & Blue
05 May 2021 // A review by madeleinehoward
Christchurch pop artist Alice Tozer released their debut single Pink & Blue on the 26th of April. A groove tinged, jazz infused tune about gender identity, the track is a strong introduction to this brand new artist.
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Living State - Single Review: One Sided
04 May 2021 // A review by Kev Rowland
Whenever I hear anyone bemoaning the state of music on the radio, I tell them to get out to places like Ding Dong and actually live and breathe what is really going on in the scene, not what some people just want to tell you. Last Saturday I was there at yet another gig, and while I was having a chat with one of the musicians a guy came up and joined in.
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Stealphish - Single Review: Auri
04 May 2021 // A review by Kev Rowland
Here we have the latest single from Cafe Fistfight guitarist Josh Barker in his alter ego as Stealphish. The only other person involved on this recording is his wife Nicole who provides piano for the first 35 seconds of the nearly 7-minute-long song.
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Dan Sharp - EP Review: Water Went Away
03 May 2021 // A review by Kev Rowland
Proud Coromandel boy Dan Sharp is back with his latest EP, Water Went Away, and I can only concur with Corinne’s review of his last EP, Slack Tide, in that we really need an album! This collection of five songs loosely follows through the various stages of a breakup and the significant life changes that happen as part of that such as moving to a new house, moving town, being unable to access certain things, wondering what was going to happen next etc.
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Pencarrow - Gig Review: Pencarrow @ Dead Witch, Auckland - 01/05/2021
02 May 2021 // A review by Kev Rowland
I have lost count of how many times I have been to Ding Dong in the last year, I think it is somewhere between “lots” and “loads”, so consequently it is starting to feel very much like a place where every barman knows my name (and what I drink). I have been looking forward to catching Pencarrow since I came across their debut album Growth In The Absence of Light which was released last year.
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Big Tasty - Gig Review: BOTB Winners Tour with Big Tasty & guests @ Anthology Lounge, Auckland - 30/04/2021
01 May 2021 // A review by Kev Rowland
Back off to the Anthology Lounge for a 4-band bill, which I was really looking forward to. It was going to be the first time I had seen Cafe Fistfight in a while, I had heard good things about The Minnehahas (and I know drummer Neo from White Noise Mafia), I had reviewed the album by The RVMES while this was the last night of the tour for BOTB winners Big Tasty so it was all set for a great session.
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Metrosideros - EP Review: Var.
30 Apr 2021 // A review by Corinne Rutherford
From the south coast of Wellington, Metrosideros' Matt Dalzell and Ellie Rose have created somewhat of a cool and funky trip hop sound with swirling’s of dub and journeys into backbeats. Their latest EP, Var.
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JoshDannMusic - Single Review: Just For A Moment
29 Apr 2021 // A review by Kev Rowland
Josh Dann is a Hamilton-based multi-instrumentalist whose musical journey started at the age of eleven when he was inspired to pick up an instrument when he heard someone playing a clarinet. Since then, he has also taken up other instruments such as saxophone, piano and bass, and his latest single finds him playing all instruments apart from drums, which are provided by Luke Rodgers.
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Banana Mundo - EP Review: Hola
29 Apr 2021 // A review by Chris Chick
You just know with a name like Banana Mundo that you are in for a good time, as my old man once said to me "Chris, I am short and so is life, we are here for a good time, not a long time". It's a shame he did not have this EP at hand to use it in his timely philosophical saying.
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D.Matthews - Single Review: Melanin Skin
29 Apr 2021 // A review by Ben Ruegg
Melanin Skin is a new single from Auckland-based Nigerian singer-songwriter, D.Matthews (aka David Matthews) who has curated his own brand of energetic calm Afrobeat/Afropop.
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Marsha - Single Review: Last Night
28 Apr 2021 // A review by Trevor Faville
Marsha’s history dates from 2018 or so, and Last Night is the latest release for these "four dudes from Christchurch". It's an accomplished track - a considered melody and thoughtful vocal arrangements are an early and immediate take-away.
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House Of Downtown - Single Review: Rise Above (OOJ Remix)
27 Apr 2021 // A review by JamieDenton
Auckland-based electronic scene-legends House of Downtown break a near twenty-year hiatus with new single Rise Above (OOJ Remix). Coming from their forthcoming album entitled Re-Release (an album that revisits, remixes, remasters, and re-conceptualises their debut album Release for its twentieth anniversary – my review for that is also coming soon!
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Street Georges - Gig Review: Street Georges @ The Portland Public House, Auckland - 22/04/2021
27 Apr 2021 // A review by Chris Poipoi
THE PARTING WORDS from the mouth of a truly understated musician genius, Richard Beckmannflay bids goodnight to a grateful crowd of followers, who had been treated to a Masterclass performance from his band Street Georges (yes, that's his BAND's name!!)As one of those grateful followers I found myself Engulfed, Enthralled and Enspired!
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Age of Destitute - Single Review: Voiceless
26 Apr 2021 // A review by Kev Rowland
Age of Destitute are a new band formed by Rezwan Ashraf (vocals, lead guitar) and Sammy Iqbal (rhythm guitar, bass). The duo are both originally from Bangladesh, and only met by chance here in New Zealand, and were soon jamming and trying out different ideas.
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Plague of the Fallen - EP Review: Bleeding and Vehement
25 Apr 2021 // A review by Kev Rowland
It has been a long road for Plague of the Fallen who released their debut EP Unleash the Vermin some 10 years ago, but the intervening years have seen line-up changes and even a hiatus, but now they are back with a six-track 15-minute-long EP, Bleeding and Vehement. This is brutal death metal, making for a wonderful attack on the senses.
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Grumblewood - Album Review: Stories of Strangers
25 Apr 2021 // A review by Kev Rowland
A friend of mine in Cyprus put me onto this Wellington quartet who are signed to an English label, so I checked in with a Norwegian prog reviewer I work with to see if he had heard of them, and when he responded in the negative, I did not feel quite so bad. But I must confess to taking it personally if there is a progressive rock band in this part of the world of which I am unaware, given that I have spent more than 30 years singing the praises of the genre and bands within it.
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Renée Therése - Single Review: The Train Man
22 Apr 2021 // A review by bethany_rachell
The Train Man is the third single from the album Better With Friends by Renée Therése, due to be released in May. The song tells the tale of a passionate train driver, dutiful and modest, a real working-class man.
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Silas Futura - EP Review: Pluto
21 Apr 2021 // A review by Ben Ruegg
The new EP Pluto from Silas Futura feels like a tip of the hat to Hip-Hop, with its roots coming from Jazz and all the breaks that bought together that style.On the opening track Care, the time signature plays games with you but that is fine because you won't really notice.
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Hawkins - Album Review: Hawkins
21 Apr 2021 // A review by Ben Ruegg
Yep. I knew that voice immediately.
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Sidewinder - Single Review: Sirens
19 Apr 2021 // A review by dmcgurk
"It feels like I’m dying" is a heavy statement to open your band’s first recorded song with; the lyric hangs momentarily in a swamp of muted guitar before the big opening riff of Sirens confirms that heaviness is what Sidewinder are all about. Singer Jason Curtis unleashes a throaty “Heyeah” as a fuzz of guitar somewhere between grunge and stoner rock hammers down.
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Dr. Reknaw - Gig Review: Dr.Reknaw @ Anthology Lounge, Auckland - 16/04/2021
19 Apr 2021 // A review by LouClementine
Epic eight-piece, Dr.Reknaw, took to the stage at Anthology Lounge on a wet Friday evening for their only Auckland gig.
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Personal Igloo - Single Review: Shades of Blue
19 Apr 2021 // A review by Callum Wagstaff
Personal Igloo is the solo project of Auckland based song writer/producer, Hamish Nixon. Following the release of the début EP Phone-in Serotonin, Shades of Blue takes on a new-found energy on top of Nixon's signature laid-back delivery.
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Jiahu Symbols - Single Review: Northern Exposure
17 Apr 2021 // A review by darryl baser
An interesting song, Jiahu Symbols' Northern Exposure opens with a guitar swathed in chorus, maybe a little tremolo, with a couple of bars before the song crashes into life. The verse structure is played a couple of times, before Andrew Murray-Brown begins singing.
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Mark de Clive-Lowe - EP Review: Midnight Snacks Vol.1
16 Apr 2021 // A review by malexa
Mark de Clive-Lowe’s musical palette has always been so refreshing engaging and diverse that each new release is like receiving a care package – you don’t know what’s inside but you know you’ll find comfort in it. The Los Angeles-based Kiwi musician, DJ and night club and record label owner has been particularly busy in the last few years with albums and EPs ranging from the chillingly melodious jazz quartet outing Live At The Blue Whale, the steamingly funky club party Church Sessions with various cohorts and the conceptual Heritage I and II, which celebrated his bi-cultural heritage (he is half-Japanese).
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Magnalith - EP Review: Instrumentality
15 Apr 2021 // A review by River Tucker
If you ever had the inclination to record some music, heading over to Auckland’s LAB studios to lay down some drums is a good way to begin. Not only have they provided Mathew Bosher’s solo release with the depth of sound his chosen genres demand but they also ensure the contagious rhythms on Instrumentality, his debut EP under the moniker Magnalith, have the cut through required to get listener’s fully engaged.
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Oh Sweet Nothings - Single Review: Shinbone
15 Apr 2021 // A review by bethany_rachell
Poneke based Oh Sweet Nothings' new track Shinbone is exciting from the start. It is the first release to follow their debut EP Emergency Procedures, released in 2019.
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The RVMES - Album Review: Lifetime
14 Apr 2021 // A review by Kev Rowland
The RVMES (pronounced “rooms”) are back with a ten-track release entitled Lifetime, following from their 9-track self-titled EP in 2019, plus numerous singles. Here we have a band who are determined not to sit within any particular genre, and while much of what they perform could fall under the banners of indie, alternative, pop and/or psychedelic, they bring much more than that into the mix.
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Dr. Reknaw - Album Review: Rektified
14 Apr 2021 // A review by LouClementine
Dr.Reknaw are an eight-piece psychedelic group who happily straddle genres: funk, soul, hip-hop and dub.
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Merk - Album Review: Infinite Youth
13 Apr 2021 // A review by Callum Wagstaff
Merk has been up and running since 2016, collecting a few accolades and getting some attention in that time. He is a Red Bull Music Academy alumni and winner of the Auckland Live Best Independent Debut award in 2017.
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FYVEYES - Album Review: Elephant Room
12 Apr 2021 // A review by Kev Rowland
FYVEYES, a young Hawkes Bay trio were formed by Harry Champion (guitar, lead vocals) with Harry Young (bass) and Harper Champion (drums) to play some gigs which had already been booked by Harry C prior to his previous band breaking up. The Champion brothers had already been in a band together called Elephant Room and loved the idea of picking out an elephant in the room when you are in a room full of elephants, so this time around they used it as an album title.
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Written By Wolves - Gig Review: Written By Wolves @ Dead Witch, Auckland - 09/04/2021
11 Apr 2021 // A review by Kev Rowland
Tonight was going to be a few firsts for me, including that this was going to be my first time at Ding Dong for a sell-out gig, as well as the first time I had seen Written By Wolves in concert. For the latter, I had been told I was a WBW virgin, while a certain photographer commented he must be a WBW slut!
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Serpent Dream - EP Review: Nova
11 Apr 2021 // A review by malexa
Serpent Dream's Nova is the debut release on Blood & Wires. The Tauranga-based boutique label was founded by Scott Brown last year with the express aim of raising the “profile of New Zealand based electronic and experimental artists.
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The Veils - Gig Review: The Veils @ Dive, Dunedin - 08/04/2021
10 Apr 2021 // A review by darryl baser
Purple Pilgrims take to the stage. There's a round of polite applause after their first song, and half way through their second, I start to hear a very 4AD sound; think Cocteau Twins, circa the Iceblink Luck period.
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Eden Iris - Album Review: The Fuchsia & The Grey
07 Apr 2021 // A review by Corinne Rutherford
LA based New Zealand musical artist Eden Iris has just released her debut album The Fuchsia &The Grey; an evocative eleven track album of beautifully crafted indie-folk songs, which "showcases the evolution of an artist who is highly dedicated to her craft". Eden has been growing her fanbase with a steady release of singles in between major projects, ever since moving to Los Angeles when she was nineteen.
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Elidi - Single Review: Witches Brew
06 Apr 2021 // A review by Kev Rowland
Christchurch quintet Elidi are back with their latest single, released just in time for their South Island gigs with Pull Down the Sun in April, before they head out on a NZ-wide tour with Stonehurst in a few months’ time. They describe themselves as progressive, but before you start thinking these guys are Genesis or Pink Floyd clones, understand they are talking progressive in its truest sense, which is blending together different styles and types of music into something which refuses to sit sedately within any particular sub-genre and instead goes wherever it leads, being taken on a journey in the same way as the listener.
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Album Review: The New Blue - Pixie Williams Reimagined
06 Apr 2021 // A review by Kev Rowland
Before starting on the music on this tribute album, we first need to understand who Pixie Williams was and the impact she had on NZ music. Pixie was the first wahine Maori vocalist to reach number one on the New Zealand singles chart, with the song Blue Smoke in 1949.
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06 Apr 2021 // A review by Kev Rowland
Before starting on the music on this tribute album, we first need to understand who Pixie Williams was and the impact she had on NZ music. Pixie was the first wahine Maori vocalist to reach number one on the New Zealand singles chart, with the song Blue Smoke in 1949.
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KITA - Single Review: Private Lives
06 Apr 2021 // A review by IslaMusic
2020's nation-wide lockdown was a time of creativity and motivation for some. Six weeks at home allowed for more time spent on passion projects, and an opportunity to spend time with family.
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LBFRmikey - EP Review: Aim & Fire
05 Apr 2021 // A review by Gaby Ivanov-Giraldo
LBFRmikey is a Wellington-based artist who just released a new EP called Aim & Fire in March 2021. Music to this artist is the stepping stone in their life that helped create a sense of new beginning, as well as a sense of hope; being a part of something greater than the past.
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STATES - Single/Video Review: Relentless
03 Apr 2021 // A review by [email protected]
Auckland band States have been around the local scene for some time, in various incarnations. Through changes in the band line-up and direction in sound, the band has settled on a roster in which there is vision and optimism to invest deeply in their music and visuals.
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SOL3 MIO - Gig Review: Sol3 Mio @ Spark Arena, Auckland - 30/03/2021
02 Apr 2021 // A review by Kev Rowland
Tonight was always going to be interesting, as this was the first time myself and my eldest daughter had been to a concert together for more than 16 years. The last time was for Bowling For Soup, and one of her achievements that night was reducing the average age of the audience, something she did again this evening.
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Bridge Burner - Album Review: Disempath
30 Mar 2021 // A review by Kev Rowland
Following on from 2018’s Null Apostle, Auckland’s Bridge Burner are back with their second album, Disempath. Featuring guitarist Josh Hughes (Vassafor, Graves), vocalist Ben Read (ex-Ulcerate, In Dread Response), bassist Gary Brown, drummer Louis Malloy (ex-Anabyss) and guitarist Maxwell Gravelle (ex-Hexis, Setentis), here we have a group who are determined to push their music and their listeners to the very limits.
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Gig Review: Biscuits, Cootie Cuties & Fuzzies @ UFO, Auckland - 26/03/2021
30 Mar 2021 // A review by Mattmyth
The flat mate parks up outside a mechanics which is still open, dudes are lying on their backs under the bodies of cars twisting tools, fiddling with socket sets, or hanging around the door outside drinking Woodstocks and smoking cigarettes. We walk awkwardly past them, stepping over potholes and erosion, the concrete being eaten away by weather and heavy vehicles.
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30 Mar 2021 // A review by Mattmyth
The flat mate parks up outside a mechanics which is still open, dudes are lying on their backs under the bodies of cars twisting tools, fiddling with socket sets, or hanging around the door outside drinking Woodstocks and smoking cigarettes. We walk awkwardly past them, stepping over potholes and erosion, the concrete being eaten away by weather and heavy vehicles.
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East York - Single Review: Damned Anthem
29 Mar 2021 // A 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.
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Elemeno P - Gig Review: Elemeno P @ Mornington Tap House, Dunedin - 25/03/2021
27 Mar 2021 // A review by darryl baser
The opening act Marlin's Dreaming slide into a well-chosen opening number. Opening with gently strummed chords, and a drum machine, which the drummer synced with well when he came in.
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Blindfolded and Led to the Woods - Album Review: Nightmare Withdrawals
25 Mar 2021 // A review by Kev Rowland
I first came across Christchurch-based band Blindfolded and Led to the Woods some four years back when they released their second album, Modern Adoxography. It had a huge impact on me, and I described it as having a musical foundation built upon brutal death metal, elements of demented grindcore and bizarre sci-fi tones weaving their way into the complex structures, resulting in an engaging and damaging listening experience.
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Danny McCrum - Gig Review: Noise Play @ Vic Theatre, Devonport - 18/03/2021
24 Mar 2021 // A review by Gaby Ivanov-Giraldo
Noise Play are a collaborative band and recording blueprint; a match-up of experience, talent, as well as friendship. The band co-writes and produces together, having released their first single Just A Little Bit during lockdown in Auckland, New Zealand.
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La Coco - Single Review: Another Feat. Hawkins
24 Mar 2021 // A review by samv1010
La Coco is no stranger to captivating an audience with her prolific vocal talent, piercing lyricism and tasteful delivery. A frequent flyer at the Pacific Music Awards and recipient of the 2019 Waiata Maori Music Award for Best R&B album; the proud Mangere reping talent is one worth keeping your eyes and ears firmly locked onto.
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Wells* - EP Review: Tape 3
24 Mar 2021 // A review by Corinne Rutherford
Auckland based singer, song writer and producer Wells* (Josh Naley) has just released the latest and final instalment in a three part series of mini EPs. Tape 3 concludes his unique personal project.
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Crowded House - Gig Review: Crowded House @ Claudelands Arena, Hamilton - 23/03/2021
24 Mar 2021 // A review by ApolloSteamTrain
The Crowded House To The Island tour strolled into Hamilton last night and took a seat at Claudelands Arena. A strong crowd of 4000 fans, comfortably arranged in a theatre style setting waited patiently for this long overdue performance from our favourite sons.
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The Wake Up - Single Review: House of Cards
23 Mar 2021 // A review by Kev Rowland
Back in October I reviewed Palmerston North outfit The Wake Up's latest single, Worthy, which introduced new bassist Nathan Charles, and now here they are back with the seventh single of their career, and this time around they have a new guitarist in Trent Fairhurst. It sounds as if he has made an immediate impact as this is much heavier than their last one, and drummer Caleb Hickmott says, “it is the demon love child of Devilskin, Billie Eilish and Motley Crue”.
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Alders - Single Review: Hounds
23 Mar 2021 // A review by Ben Ruegg
The new track from Alders, Hounds, is quite a fun time alright! With a feel that seems inspired by the likes of Smash Mouth's Astro Lounge, The Dandy Warhols and 60's psychedelic pop-rock.
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Capital Theatre - Gig Review: Capital Theatre, Cherry Blind & White Noise Mafia @ The Tuning Fork, Auckland - 20/03/2021
22 Mar 2021 // A review by Kev Rowland
On Saturday night it was back to The Tuning Fork, at an ungodly hour as this was an All Ages show. It was only from looking at White Noise Mafia’s Facebook page in the afternoon that I realised they were going to be onstage at 7:15pm, so if I had not seen that I would have missed their complete set!
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Steffany Beck - Gig Review: Steffany Beck @ Made in Canterbury Festival, Isaac Theatre Royal, Christchurch - 20/02/2021
22 Mar 2021 // A review by madeleinehoward
On the evening of Saturday the 21st of March, I had the pleasure of seeing Christchurch based singer songwriter Steffany Beck perform at the famous Isaac Theatre Royal, as part of the first ever Made in Canterbury Festival. Originally from the United States, Steffany released her debut EP Blue Eyed Girl back in 2019.
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The Infinity Chamber - Single Review: No Honey (Anymore)
22 Mar 2021 // A review by darryl baser
For those of you who aren’t amongst the 1340 subscribers to his YouTube, or the nearly 47,000 who follow his Facebook page, The Infinity Chamber is Dylan Paul Ware. PC, or Pre-Covid, he travelled in the true style of a troubadour, spending time in many countries across Europe, which is kind of documented in one of the lyrics in the song; "…it’s just my old guitar and me..
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The RVMES - Gig Review: The RVMES @ Pumphouse Theatre, Auckland - 19/03/2021
21 Mar 2021 // A review by IslaMusic
The magic began when I ducked under a fallen tree to reach the venue. Dimly lit by street lamps, the path held mystery in its stones.
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Aidan Fine - Single Review: CLV
21 Mar 2021 // A review by Ben Ruegg
Quick fire rapid lyrics. That’s what I like here.
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Fanfickk - Single Review: Everything's On Fire (Feat Wellie)
20 Mar 2021 // A review by bethany_rachell
Everything’s on Fire is a fresh, synth-heavy, cynically futuristic track – new from Fanfickk and featuring Korean rapper Wellie. The song itself is immediately engaging, but it has proved to only get more interesting the more I listen to and read about it.
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Tim Allen - Single Review: Love is a Pill
20 Mar 2021 // A review by Callum Wagstaff
UK born New Zealand artist Tim Allen has been a mainstay in the NZ music scene for the last decade. You might have seen one of his songs with Stormporter on New Zealand music TV or caught one of his shows on tour with Hangar 18.
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In The Shallows - Gig Review: In The Shallows @ Earth Beat Festival, Kaipara - 18/03/2021
20 Mar 2021 // A review by Kev Rowland
I have been trying to catch up with In The Shallows for ages, but even though they have been touring nationally, I have somehow managed to always be in another part of the country so kept missing them. We were going to meet up at Spirit Festival a few weeks back, but thanks to COVID that was postponed, and then I heard they would be playing at another Auckland festival, so I contacted Danni and we agreed Earth Beat was going to be the one.
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Native Soul Project - Single Review: Time
19 Mar 2021 // A review by Gaby Ivanov-Giraldo
The groove of Native Soul's new track Time sets off with a kicking swing from the bass drum. The vocals are deep, calm and persuasive.
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Soul Circle - Single Review: Y.O.U.
19 Mar 2021 // A review by Kev Rowland
Soul Circle describe themselves as a group of musicians dedicated to making music that touches the soul, and at least in this instance include Rhonda Hofmans (vocals), Chris Fish (guitars, keyboards, noises) and MPhatic (bass). The cover credits this release as featuring Moofish and Mphatic, so I really not much the wiser as to who Soul Circle actually are.
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Little Fang - Album Review: Violence
19 Mar 2021 // A review by bethany_rachell
Picture: You’re in your beat up first car, girlfriend in the passenger seat. It’s late and raining.
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Lunah - Single Review: Good Man
18 Mar 2021 // A review by madeleinehoward
Pop singer-songwriter Lunah has released her soulful, sassy single, Good Man. Lunah is Nika Januszkiewicz, an Auckland based musician heavily influenced by R&B and Soul.
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Thunderground - Album Review: Thunderground
18 Mar 2021 // A review by Paul Goddard
Headphones in, let's go.So the drummer keeps beat, guitars wail and scream, the singer....
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Indie Soull - Album Review: The Book of Angels
17 Mar 2021 // A review by Trevor Faville
Indie Soull is the working name for much-travelled author and musician Mutch Katsonga and The Book of Angels is his latest release and forms part of an extensive catalogue of work that stretches back to 2016.The Book of Angels is an eight-track album including two versions of the final song The Lord Taketh Away that projects the voice of an experienced, mature and considered singer-songwriter.
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The Saddleblasters - Single Review: Aupouri Ange
16 Mar 2021 // A review by Kev Rowland
There cannot be many acts who can say they kept The Beatles off the number one slot in their heyday, but when John Grenell aka John Hore released Encore back in 1965, he did just that, outselling Help! and going into the charts straight at number one.
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Max Merritt & The Meteors - Album Review: i can dream
16 Mar 2021 // A review by Kev Rowland
There is no doubt that Max Merritt is a Kiwi icon, seen as one of the region’s most important musicians to come out of the Fifties, with his impact on soul, rock and R'n'B meaning he was inducted into both the ARIA Hall of Fame and the New Zealand Music Hall of Fame. Sadly, he was diagnosed with a rare auto immune disease in 2007, and died in Los Angeles, California, on 24th September 2020, at the age of 79.
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Hazza Making Noise - Single Review: NoMoreGaps
16 Mar 2021 // A review by Peter-James Dries
I sometimes wonder what would have happened if Kurt Cobain survived. Would he have kept making music and what would it sound like?
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Mecuzine - Single Review: Blue Skies
15 Mar 2021 // A review by malexa
The slim-line edition of Mecuzine - brothers Joseph and Tony Johns – seems to have gained more than it might have seemingly lost. Blues Skies is the second single released since five became two and it’s another brooding, sonic masterpiece with an but almost tragically self-effacing punch line: “She wanted him to stay/Instead she got me/What an unlucky break”.
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Swerve City - Swerve City @ Dead Witch, Auckland - 13/03/2021
14 Mar 2021 // A review by Ben Ruegg
It's a packed house. That's for sure.
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Foley - EP Review: Vacation
14 Mar 2021 // A review by IslaMusic
Tamaki Makaurau's Foley are at the heart of New Zealand indie pop. The duo consistently release polished and infectious music that's lovable from the first listen.
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MARY. - Single Review: Day To Day
12 Mar 2021 // A review by Chris Chick
MARY. is the ‘dreamy’ alter ego of the songs creator Stef T, a robust and staunch woman making her way in what can be perceived as a very male orientated world in many aspects.
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FRE3DOM - Single Review: Back To The Beginning
12 Mar 2021 // A review by Paul Goddard
Looking back to move forward. Musicians have done this from the beginning.
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Crowded House - Gig Review: Crowded House & Reb Fountain @ Dunedin Town Hall, Dunedin - 11/03/2021
12 Mar 2021 // A review by darryl baser
The exquisite Reb Fountain opens up with Hawks and Doves, and it's game on right from the get go. Sliding into the second tune, Fountain's dramatic songwriting style really suits opening this sell-out show at Dunedin's Town Hall.
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Cloudy - EP Review: Good Grief
11 Mar 2021 // A review by madeleinehoward
Auckland based alternative pop artist Cloudy launches her debut EP Good Grief today, 12 March 2021. Kiwi-Austrian singer songwriter Claudia Paine has previously released four singles, three of which are featured on Good Grief.
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Keeley Shade - Single Review: On My Mind
11 Mar 2021 // A review by Ben Ruegg
On My Mind is a perfect example of how simple ideas can become fleshed out to provide the listener an experience worth repeating.Keeley Shade, a Canadian-born New Zealand-based singer-songwriter is releasing her debut single On My Mind.
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Mirrors - Single Review: Love In My Own Time
11 Mar 2021 // A review by madeleinehoward
Christchurch pop act Mirrors return with their third single Love In My Own Time. Mirrors are no strangers to the local music scene.
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Scorn Of Creation - Album Review: Annihilation Cult
11 Mar 2021 // A review by Kerry MB
Following the success of their debut album released in 2018, Scorn of Creation are back with another explosive piece of their unforgettable doom death metal with an edge, Annihilation Cult. With ten tracks full of creativity, guttural screams and intensity there is no mistaking the high energy chaos that descends upon your ears and sends you into oblivion.
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Chores - EP Review: Working From Home
10 Mar 2021 // A review by HazzaMakingNoise
Fresh off the back of a string of Summer festival shows and several years of stand-alone singles, Electronic Pop duo Chores have landed their debut EP, the aptly named, Working From Home. Recorded in the Melbourne lockdown of 2020, WFH features 6 exquisitely put together dancefloor epics and showcases why Chores are en-route to becoming certified royalty in the Australasian electronic scene.
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MCK - EP Review: Hot Sounds
10 Mar 2021 // A review by bethany_rachell
Hot Sounds brings a sinuous step up from MCK’s Confessions EP released last year. The new four track EP keeps the silky lo-fi base, which has foregrounded previous tracks, and builds on it with a new energy.
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James Loan - EP Review: The Loan To Society
10 Mar 2021 // A review by Ben Ruegg
James Loan is a new young Rap/Drill artist that at only age 16 has just released his EP, The Loan To Society. I commend this effort.
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Emily Rice - Single Review: Arise
09 Mar 2021 // A review by Kev Rowland
Arise is the second single from Emily’s upcoming EP, Auaha. During the first lockdown, Emily set herself a challenge of being creative everyday in April, and at the end of the month she had 26 songs, of which Arise is one of her favourites.
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Ezra Phoenix - Album Review: Ezra Phoenix
09 Mar 2021 // A review by Kev Rowland
Ezra Phoenix is the alter-ego of Solomon Esera, who began songwriting some ten years ago when he attended Excel School of Performing Arts in Auckland. Some of the seven songs on this his debut album stretch back nearly as far, all inspired by what has been happening in his life, telling the story as he connects with listeners to have a real conversation.
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Ant Tarrant - Single Review: Candle Lights
09 Mar 2021 // A review by malexa
Ant Tarrant has served his apprenticeship and it shows. Now back in New Zealand after following his muse to Central America and the US, where he was mentored in the art of song-writing and production, he’s settled in Kare Kare and opened up a music studio.
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Evan Rhys - EP Review: Flickering Stars
08 Mar 2021 // A review by Kev Rowland
Evan Rhys first came to public attention when he was front man for Somersault, and after working on other people’s material and also with Maori Television, he is now back with an EP of four of his own songs. Recorded with Sam Johnson at Rhythm Ace Studios with drummer Ben Payne and bassist Nate Betteridge, this is a release where the music is brutally honest, and the singer wears his heart on his sleeve.
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Aro - Single Review: Baby Beat
08 Mar 2021 // A review by Kev Rowland
Any parent will say that the feeling of hearing their baby’s heartbeat for the very first time is an overwhelming experience, but there cannot be many who turn that sound into the basis for a song. Less than three weeks after their appearances at Auckland Folk Festival, Charles and Emily Looker celebrated the birth of Olive Koanui Terangioteata Looker, who took the words of the chorus, "kaua e aukumea" (don't take too long) to heart and appeared three weeks before due date.
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Something Zesty - Album Review: Funk’t Up
06 Mar 2021 // A review by LouClementine
Something Zesty is a musical project from solo-artist Iain Chamberlain and Funk’t Up, released in early 2021, is his debut album. It offers a mix of easy going funk riffs and enjoyable guitar-infused tracks overlaid with urban vocals.
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JAN - Single Review: Wud?
06 Mar 2021 // A review by Ben Ruegg
Wud? is a new track from JAN featuring Anna Bennetto and Sam Higham.
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Elmo Strauss - Album Review: Light and Dark
02 Mar 2021 // A review by Kev Rowland
Elmo Strauss began his musical career on Waiheke Island with the B Squared Blues Band which he formed with Louie Bo Charles IV. Eventually they morphed into Vessel, making the Battle of the Bands final in 2012.
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Polaroids of Polarbears - EP Review: This Is What I Heard
02 Mar 2021 // A review by Kev Rowland
This 22-minute-long 5-track EP is the latest release from Daniel Brown, proudly recorded in his shed, in Feilding with Daniel providing guitars, drums and vocals. For those who have previously not come across Polaroids of Polarbears, this is lo-fi which combines shoegaze, post punk, Simple Minds and ambient styles in a way that is naively engaging.
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Louis Baker - Single Review: Overdrive
02 Mar 2021 // A review by IslaMusic
Louis Baker has one of the most distinctive voices in modern Aotearoa music. He has gathered a loyal following worldwide.
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Primacy - Gig Review: Primacy @ Ding Dong Lounge, Auckland - 27/02/2021
28 Feb 2021 // A review by Kev Rowland
Saturday at the Ding Dong is always guaranteed to be a good night, and tonight was to be no exception with Primacy finally launching their album Seeds of Change. I say “finally” as previous gigs had been cancelled due to lockdown, and in fact this was going to be their first gig since 2019!
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Lasair - Single Review: Running
27 Feb 2021 // A review by Callum Wagstaff
After years making music constrained by labels and opinions, Lasair's musical approach is "genre fluid" and built from the inspiration he finds around him wherever it happens to come from. Rather than talk about his persona, Lasair prefers to let his music speak for him.
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Elemeno P - Gig Review: Elemeno P @ San Fan, Wellington - 25/02/2021
27 Feb 2021 // A review by tonymcdonald
New Zealand’s very own Blink 182, Elemeno P, with support from Fruit Juice Parade and Valentina hit San Fran, on a fantastic warm Wellington evening. It was packed out; beers were flowing, and the sticky smell of the low-ceilinged venue was absolutely buzzing.
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Big Scout - Single Review: Mr. Slice
27 Feb 2021 // A review by darryl baser
Straight Outta Blenheim, noisy angular post-punk band Big Scout have released an addictive new song, Mr. Slice.
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SHAYNA - Single Review: Alchemy Feat. Rei
26 Feb 2021 // A review by Corinne Rutherford
Christchurch singer-songwriter SHAYNA has teamed up with Wellingtonian hip-hop artist Rei to create a slick new single Alchemy. Described as "Pop & RnB hooks over a progressive bass line & glittery high-level production", this is a track which flows seamlessly.
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Jericho - EP Review: Rhythm
26 Feb 2021 // A review by Ben Ruegg
Jericho are a 3-piece band made up of people who obviously love music. I say this because on their opening track Silence Won't Last, I kind of think it went through a lot of different styles and ideas that I actually didn't expect.
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Grace Duncan - EP Review: Ruminations
25 Feb 2021 // A review by Corinne Rutherford
Originally from Hawkes Bay and currently residing in Wellington is composer and singer-songwriter Grace Duncan who has just released her eight track EP, Ruminations. Offering delicate layers of sound and graceful vocals, making this a haunting yet serenely beautiful collection of previously released singles.
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Revulva - Single Review: Sniffly Lady
25 Feb 2021 // A review by Chris Chick
I had the privilege and honour to review the debut single from Revulva, Sniffly Lady, a song all about the grand boogie on a Saturday night. No matter how old or young you are, the intense anticipation of getting out and amongst the people for a boogie, especially in this day and age, is the great equalizer to the capitalistic machine we all find ourselves under.
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The May Project - Single Review: The Last Waltz of Summer
23 Feb 2021 // A review by madeleinehoward
On the 2nd of February, Auckland based dream pop act The May Project launched their new single The Last Waltz of Summer, a swirling, dreamy track that says goodbye to past journeys and hello to new beginnings.The May Project is the work of vocalist and multi-instrumentalist Katie Brown.
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Raw Collective - Album Review: The Good Things
18 Feb 2021 // A review by Ben Ruegg
The Good Things is the latest LP from the 10-piece live hip-hop band Raw Collective from Wellington. The album is quite something that showcases the versatility of the group's ability to swing from different styles of hip-hop, funk and soul.
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Jed Parsons - Album Review: Brunch
17 Feb 2021 // A review by HazzaMakingNoise
Otautahi indie-pop groover and purveyor of 'Seriously Engaging Social Media Content', Jed Parsons, has returned with his sophomore effort Brunch. A smorgasbord of bouncy, 60’s inspired, guitar-pop complete with tasty mimosa melodies.
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EJ Barrett - EP Review: Call Me EJ
17 Feb 2021 // A review by Andrew Smit
EJ Barrett creates a very fresh and vibrant sound thanks mostly to the organically produced backing loops of breaths and whispers, creating a very emotive ambiance, EJ’s voice and style are comparative to other Kiwi artists like Lorde and Gin Wigmore, but is also quite worldly like Adele and Enya. The backing loops that EJ performs provide a unique kind if organic beat that is full of soulful expression.
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Cafe Fistfight - Single Review: Pocket Change
16 Feb 2021 // A review by Kev Rowland
Cafe Fistfight describe themselves as New Zealand's premiere Acoustic-driven Progressive Rock band, with their music fitting in somewhere between John Mayer/Six60 and Incubus/Tool. To be honest, that is probably as good a description as any, but before someone expects to see the latest Yes, Genesis or Pink Floyd clone, be aware that when they describe themselves as progressive, they mean it in the true sense of the word, in that they are blending and mixing genres and pushing the music in unusual directions.
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Fire For Glory - EP Review: Life Of The Party
16 Feb 2021 // A review by Ben Ruegg
Yeah, bro. Get that punk-pop/rock vibe.
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You, Me, Everybody - Album Review: Southern Sky
16 Feb 2021 // A review by Peter-James Dries
Deep within the matryoshka doll that is the country genre is a bluegrass doll in cosplay. Sitting on the fire escape of a rundown apartment building, dry buck wheat stem between its teeth, and a rock band shirt, progressive bluegrass is the genre that ran away from its home in the Appalachians and fell in with a different crowd.
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Jadukor - Single Review: King of the Ring
14 Feb 2021 // A review by JamieDenton
Originally hailing from Bangladesh, Jadukor (which literally means magician in Bengali) is a global citizen who now calls Aotearoa, New Zealand home. The previous sentence is about all that is known about this mysterious solo act, and that is exactly how he wants it.
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Craig Payne - Album Review: I'm Not Giving The Game Away
10 Feb 2021 // A review by Ben Ruegg
Ah. That's refreshing.
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Loud Ghost - Album Review: All In A Day
06 Feb 2021 // A review by darryl baser
Loud Ghost are a self-described "Rock n Roll trio from Auckland, New Zealand." It’s been 4 years since the first Loud Ghost record, and band members say they’re looking forward to getting All In A Day out and available to the public.
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Channeled - EP Review: Interpretation
05 Feb 2021 // A review by Kev Rowland
2020 was a breakthrough year for Channeled. Instead of just being a studio project, multi-instrumentalist Ben Ruegg was convinced to turn it into a full operational live band which quickly gelled into an incredibly tight unit which grew with experience and confidence each time they gigged.
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Swerve City - Single Review: Sink Like Stones
05 Feb 2021 // A review by Ben Ruegg
Right now, across New Zealand, there is a storm that keeps getting bigger and stronger. That storm is made up of an incredible group of artists and bands who are working to get more exposure to and notice from what I would call 'the mainstream'.
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David Sutton - Album Review: Planet B
04 Feb 2021 // A review by Kev Rowland
This is the ninth album from David, and while he wrote all the songs, he was assisted in the performances by his son Joseph, and between them we get plenty of keyboards, electronic drums, acoustic, bass, Stratocaster, harmonica and vocals. The result is something that does not really sound like a multi-instrumentalist performance, but rather a band, and even before putting it on I had to smile as while the CD booklet itself is low key, I cannot remember before seeing a track listing for Side A and Side B for a CD, plus the album is less than 45 minutes long so it really is harkening back to the 70’s.
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Dragon - Gig Review: Dragon @ The Tuning Fork, Auckland - 3/02/21
04 Feb 2021 // A review by Kev Rowland
When The Biggest Pub Gig In The World took place at the end of last year, I truly felt there was a band missing from the bill who would have made the line-up complete, Dragon. Not only are they an iconic New Zealand band, with countless hit singles and songs to their name, but they have been a solid gigging unit since their rebirth around bassist Todd Hunter in 2006.
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The Butlers - Single/Video Review: One Flew
04 Feb 2021 // A review by bethany_rachell
The Butlers are continuing the momentum of their festival filled summer with a new single - One Flew. Bonus: there’s a music video too.
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Naircol - Single Review: Turbo Outrun
04 Feb 2021 // A review by malexa
In an interview with Naircol, following the release of his debut album Isolate late last year, he put collaborative ventures at the top of his wish list. It seems Santa Claus came calling in the form of Canadian producer Tokyo Rat, the result of which is the dynamic driving anthem Turbo Outrun.
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Festival Review: Auckland Folk Festival 2021 - 31/01/2021
02 Feb 2021 // A review by Kev Rowland
The final day of the Auckland Folk Festival 2021 started up, and I headed over in time to catch Being. at Midday.
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02 Feb 2021 // A review by Kev Rowland
The final day of the Auckland Folk Festival 2021 started up, and I headed over in time to catch Being. at Midday.
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Festival Review: Auckland Folk Festival 2021 - 30/01/2021
01 Feb 2021 // A review by Kev Rowland
The last folk festival I went to prior to this one was when I flew to the other side of the world, attending Fairport Convention’s 50th Anniversary Cropredy Festival in 2017, but for some reason I had never been just down the road to Kumeu to attend the Auckland Folk Festival, which has been running for a great many years. However, based on this weekend’s experience, I know I will be back.
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01 Feb 2021 // A review by Kev Rowland
The last folk festival I went to prior to this one was when I flew to the other side of the world, attending Fairport Convention’s 50th Anniversary Cropredy Festival in 2017, but for some reason I had never been just down the road to Kumeu to attend the Auckland Folk Festival, which has been running for a great many years. However, based on this weekend’s experience, I know I will be back.
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Bad Llamas - EP Review: Wunderlane
31 Jan 2021 // A review by Chris Chick
The new 6 track EP Wunderlane by Bad Llamas is a breath of fresh air when it comes to NZ music. Situated down in the depths of Christchurch, this is the band's second EP release after their debut 2019 EP What Even is Bad Llamas.
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JANG - EP Review: COPS
31 Jan 2021 // A review by Corinne Rutherford
Auckland based, energetic three piece punk outfit JANG have just released their debut EP COPS. The band’s sound described as "Surf Punk Slam" is summed up in this catchy tumultuous wave of five tracks, which took almost two years to complete.
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Dilz - Single Review: Don't Trip
30 Jan 2021 // A review by Ben Ruegg
Don't Trip is the latest track from Dilz, and slick production with a catchy chorus kicks this song off. In what I would classify as pop-rap (this isn't a negative), it captivates the audience with a catchy hook.
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Will McClean - Single Review: One Way Road
30 Jan 2021 // A review by Ben Ruegg
Will McClean's new track One Way Road is a stunner. The way the beat starts with backwards loops and trap style beats that have a hip-hip feel all work well.
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WHITE NØISE MAFIA - Gig Review: White Noise Mafia @ The Thirsty, Auckland - 28/01/2021
29 Jan 2021 // A review by Kev Rowland
So, it was back to The Thirsty, who are starting to put on more metal gigs, and if they are all like this one then I am sure they are going to be deemed to be a raging success. Tonight, it was a three-band bill and a sensible finishing time, which made something of a pleasant change, especially as many of us would be working on the Friday.
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Cloudy - Single Review: I'll Stay
28 Jan 2021 // A review by bethany_rachell
Claudia Paine AKA Cloudy is an alternative-pop singer songwriter from Auckland. I’ll Stay is the first single to be released from her upcoming EP, titled Good Grief.
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Magnalith - Single Review: Intimacy's End
27 Jan 2021 // A review by Callum Wagstaff
Magnalith is the brain child of Mathew Bosher (Decortica, Domes). Intimacy's End is a two-and-a-half minute monster mixed by Dave Holmes (Jakob, Saint Agnes, Maisha).
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Kev Rowland - Book Review: The Progressive Underground vol 1 - 3
27 Jan 2021 // A review by Peter-James Dries
It is an odd circumstance, to be in the position of reviewing reviews. Reviews are one person’s personal, subjective opinion.
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27 Jan 2021 // A review by Peter-James Dries
It is an odd circumstance, to be in the position of reviewing reviews. Reviews are one person’s personal, subjective opinion.
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Etheran - EP Review: Doppelganger
26 Jan 2021 // A 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.
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The First Child - Gig Review: The First Child @ The Ding Dong Lounge, Auckland - 22/01/2021
24 Jan 2021 // A review by Kev Rowland
When I sent Mariner the review of their gig the previous week, singer Adam told me they were playing Ding Dong again on the Friday, so I thought to myself why not? So, for the second consecutive Friday I made my way into central Auckland to everyone’s favourite rock dive.
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Achilles Complex - Single Review: Vice
22 Jan 2021 // A review by Kev Rowland
Achilles Complex started life in Hamilton as a 3-piece power trio in 2019, releasing their debut single Shut It in September of that year, and are now back with their new song Vice having transformed themselves into a quartet of Harley Flynn (guitar, vocals), Jordan Carpenter (bass), Zak Cole (drums) and Reece Gielen (guitar, vocals). They describe themselves as a progressive rock band with roots in rock, funk, indie and metal while also exploring ambient textures such as synthwave, trap, pop and more.
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James Hunter and The Gatherers - EP Review: You
21 Jan 2021 // A review by darryl baser
There are tough days and good days in all aspects of life. In music reviewing there are recording which don’t grab you and professionalism is necessary.
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Mema Wilda - Single Review: How I Long
21 Jan 2021 // A review by Ben Ruegg
Mema Wilda's newest track How I Long starts off with a simple acoustic guitar and vocal, but it's quick to showcase a track full of plenty of goodness. It's the type of song I would want to hear on modern pop radio; it's catchy and you can easily sing-a-long to it.
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DarkWater - Single Review: Seas of Fallen Concern
21 Jan 2021 // A review by Paul Goddard
I like to be transported. Moved to a different place.
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Pale Lady - Single Review: Lost and Found
19 Jan 2021 // A review by Callum Wagstaff
Pale Lady formed in 2016 when a bunch of guys with a love for rock and roll found themselves in the same music degree. By 2017 they had won that years Battle of the Bands competition.
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JANG - Gig Review: Jang @ DIY Anarcho Backyard Fest, Auckland - 16/01/2021
18 Jan 2021 // A review by Mattmyth
Jimmy stands at the gate of the festival site, in black boots, black shirt, and a black dress, swinging a machete. "Hey bro.
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Six60 - Gig Review: Six60 @ Waitangi Sports Ground, Waitangi - 16/01/2021
18 Jan 2021 // A review by Gaby Ivanov-Giraldo
The very start of the Six60 Summer Tour began in the heart of Waitangi, the birthplace of Aotearoa, on the land where it all began. January 16th marked a very special time; a time where no other country could host an event of this kind.
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Anthony Coulter - Album Review: Memories
18 Jan 2021 // A review by Corinne Rutherford
Tauranga based singer, song writer and musician Anthony Coulter has just released his debut album Memories. Twelve tracks resplendent in smooth melodic vocal style and theatrical wonder.
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Cafe Fistfight - Gig Review: Cafe Fistfight @ The Ding Dong Lounge, Auckland - 15/01/2021
16 Jan 2021 // A review by Kev Rowland
After going back home to Canterbury for Christmas, it was back up to Auckland last weekend and looking forward to my first gig of the year. When I realised that Cafe Fistfight had organised a 4-band bill at the Ding Dong Lounge on the Friday then of course that was the only place to be.
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Colette Rivers - Album Review: Memory Lake
12 Jan 2021 // A review by Kev Rowland
Colette Rivers is an American-born, New-Zealand raised, self-proclaimed 'Kiwi', with a deep connection to the earth and sea and has named her album after "the bonny, bonny banks of Lake Taupo" where she moved when she was just 11 years old. Her roots are in folk and singer-songwriter, yet while the acoustic guitar is always very important to the sound, she is not averse to bringing in other electric instruments to create soundscapes which mean the songs are very different to each other.
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Grant Haua - Album Review: Awa Blues
12 Jan 2021 // A review by Kev Rowland
2020 saw me write more than 650 reviews of all manner of music, but the one song which for me really stood head and shoulders above the rest was This is the Place - Tenei Te Ao. It has a raw simplicity and passion which is hard to describe, yet is incredibly effective and grabs me each and every time I play it, and I still enjoy listening to it now as much as I did the very first time.
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Ignatia : Rising - Single Review: Don’t Know For Sure
12 Jan 2021 // A review by Ben Ruegg
Ignatia : Rising are a 4-piece, occasional more piece, pop/rock group who crafted their style in the Wild West (Auckland, NZ) party and club circuit in the mid 90's. Their newest track, Don't Know For Sure brings about a sense of nostalgia.
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Jon Toogood - Gig Review: Jon Toogood @ Waihi Beach Hotel, Waihi Beach - 04/01/2021
05 Jan 2021 // A review by ApolloSteamTrain
The Jon Toogood Solo, Acoustic tour rolled into the Waihi Beach Hotel last night and I was indeed an eager attendee. Jon has been regularly performing in this format for the last few years but the stars have not always been aligned to allow me to catch the gig, so I wanted to make sure that I did not let this opportunity pass by again.
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Jon Toogood - Gig Review: Jon Toogood @ Leigh Sawmill, Leigh - 03/01/2021
04 Jan 2021 // A review by TheMechanism
I’ve enjoyed many Shihad shows over the years. Visceral guitars and bass, thunderous drums, and powerful vocals are the hallmark of Shihad’s sound… But, what happens when you strip it all back to just Jon Toogood, and an acoustic guitar?
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Anna Wild - EP Review: WOOL
22 Dec 2020 // A review by Gwarden
WOOL is the first project from Wellington-based artist Anna Wild, and it comprises 3 ambient/electronic instrumental tracks in conjunction with a 10 minute short film providing visual accompaniment. This visual EP was created to go hand-in-hand; while the music can certainly be absorbed on its own, it’s through the film (directed and animated by Taizan Yamada) that the depth of meaning shines through.
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Michael Morris - Single Review: Pseudoephedrine
20 Dec 2020 // A review by ApolloSteamTrain
Dunedin based Alternative Pop/Rock/Punk musician Michael Morris returns home following an extensive journey throughout Europe while based in France. The first single from his upcoming sophomore album is called Pseudoephedrine and is a nice example of what is shaping up to be a noteworthy body of work.
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Claire Cowan - Composition Review: Hansel and Gretel
16 Dec 2020 // A review by malexa
The Brothers Grimm fairy tale Hansel and Gretel is, ah, rather 'grim' to say the least. It’s the story of a brother and sister who get lost in the woods and are befriended by a cannibalistic witch who lives in a house made out of sweet things, most notably gingerbread.
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16 Dec 2020 // A review by malexa
The Brothers Grimm fairy tale Hansel and Gretel is, ah, rather 'grim' to say the least. It’s the story of a brother and sister who get lost in the woods and are befriended by a cannibalistic witch who lives in a house made out of sweet things, most notably gingerbread.
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Cherry Blind - Single Review: Cherry Blind
16 Dec 2020 // A review by LouClementine
Cherry Blind's new single; a pace, energy and a dash of screamo. I recently attended a punk-weekender: two days of what seemed like seven minute sets, where there were really only fans and no bystanders and bands that moved from one song to the next as quickly as the flip of a pancake.
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Farandicus - Album Review: It Doesn't Make Sense
15 Dec 2020 // A review by madeleinehoward
Northland six piece Farandicus have released their debut album It Doesn’t Make Sense. Launching on the 27th of November, the twelve track album is a funk infused, soulful collection of songs.
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Voodoo Bloo - Album Review: Jacobus
14 Dec 2020 // A review by Kev Rowland
Voodoo Bloo is the new project from ex-Lucifer Gunne frontman Rory McDonald who has decided to take his music in a new direction, and consequently has created a new entity, where for this album he recorded it all himself. Mind you, he hasn’t totally left his old band behind, as the opening song on the album was also the opening number on the last Lucifer Gunne EP, One Day You'll Be The Best Thing That's Ever Happened To Someone, but here Pigs On Antibiotics (Exploding Song) is far more dramatic with the song being way more edgy.
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Dr. Reknaw - Single Review: Bassline Meditation
14 Dec 2020 // A review by IslaMusic
Dr.Reknaw is a psychedelic super group with roots in soul, hip-hop and dub.
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Solo Ono - EP Review: Now We Know Who to Blame
14 Dec 2020 // A review by Kev Rowland
Wellington’s Solo Ono are currently operating as a trio, with guitarist/singer Frank Eggleton (Tidal Rave, Echo Beach, Kittentank) and drummer Jordan Stewart (Pleasant Surprise) now joined by bassist Birgit Bachler. It has been two years since their last EP Rogue Planet, which was released as a duo, and these three songs were all partially written that same year, being completed during the 2020 NZ lockdown.
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The Knids - Single Review: Habit
14 Dec 2020 // A review by KevinLakius
The Knids are a Tauranga based alternative rock band. At first listen this is a very low-fi recording, although I get the impression that is on purpose.
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Iris Zhang - Single Review: Small Ache
14 Dec 2020 // A review by Corinne Rutherford
Iris Zhang is a lawyer by qualification, but a musician by heart. She is an incredibly talented young lady, not only academically but also in the musical arts.
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Hateseeker - Album Review: Let's Talk About Death
13 Dec 2020 // A review by Kerry MB
Formed in 2013 in New Plymouth, Hateseeker is a hybrid punk rock metal outfit with a twist. While they have been described as sounding a bit like Motorhead and The Ramones they are uniquely their own and bring their versions of hard and heavy riffs with a relentless energy.
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Gig Review: The Biggest Pub Gig In The World @ Spark Arena, Auckland - 11/12/2020
13 Dec 2020 // A review by Kev Rowland
On Friday evening Spark Arena took us all back in time, to a period when many of the punters there that night were going out and having a blast. When I picked up my tickets, I was a little surprised to see they were General Admission, and then as we made our way inside, we had our wrists stamped (with a little guitar).
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13 Dec 2020 // A review by Kev Rowland
On Friday evening Spark Arena took us all back in time, to a period when many of the punters there that night were going out and having a blast. When I picked up my tickets, I was a little surprised to see they were General Admission, and then as we made our way inside, we had our wrists stamped (with a little guitar).
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Imugi - Gig Review: Imugi @ Meow, Wellington - 19/12/2020
11 Dec 2020 // A review by bethany_rachell
Wednesday. Mid-week.
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The Big Lawn - Album Review: Silverspoon
10 Dec 2020 // A review by darryl baser
Dunedin band The Big Lawn have just released their first album, Silverspoon. The album following on from the success of their debut EP Help Myself.
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LearningToDive - Single Review: Falling Leaves
10 Dec 2020 // A review by Kev Rowland
This is the second single released by Learning To Dive, the alter ego for musician, producer, vocalist and composer Bravo Bonez. By creating a new persona he is able to create music in a different style to what might be expected from him if he had released it in his normal style, allowing him a great deal of artistic freedom.
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James Hunter and The Gatherers - Single Review: You
10 Dec 2020 // A review by Gaby Ivanov-Giraldo
James Hunter is a singer songwriter based in Wellington. He’s been an enthusiastic musician for some time, writing songs throughout his childhood, and also having a big interest in acting and theatre.
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Emily Rice - Single Review: Over Time
10 Dec 2020 // A review by Trevor Faville
Emily Rice is an experienced singer/songwriter with considerable international experience and perspective. Working with We Stole The Sun, New Jungle Order and Aro among others, her prior work has garnered the stamp of approval from artists of the calibre of Kimbra-no-mean-feat.
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Downtown Shakedown @ Waitangi Park, Wellington - 5/12/2020
10 Dec 2020 // A review by thenelbc
Who would’ve thought while most of the world is in isolation the one place that would have a festival during a global pandemic is Poneke, Aotearoa. Downtown Shakedown turned Waitangi Park into the largest festival in the world right now.
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10 Dec 2020 // A review by thenelbc
Who would’ve thought while most of the world is in isolation the one place that would have a festival during a global pandemic is Poneke, Aotearoa. Downtown Shakedown turned Waitangi Park into the largest festival in the world right now.
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VÏKÆ - Single Review: Angry Girl
09 Dec 2020 // A review by Gaby Ivanov-Giraldo
Auckland based songwriter and vocalist VïKÆ was originally born in Ukraine, and post-Chernobyl sought refuge here in New Zealand. She has an interesting backstory and brings forth her unique life experience to give a voice to important themes surrounding mental health, growth and expression.
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Paul The Kid - Single Review: Palm Trees & Ciggies
08 Dec 2020 // A review by Chris Chick
If you were wondering what you Summer song was going to be for this year, the year of the 'what the hell just happened' Palm Trees and Ciggies could well be your winner to take you through to the next Winter. Any song that drops a humdinger of a ska/reggae beat is a sure fire way to get noticed by this reviewer, especially as the temperature starts to warm up and the stock of cold ones increases in the fridge.
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Alien Weaponry - Gig Review: Alien Weaponry @ The Powerstation, Auckland - 5/12/2020
07 Dec 2020 // A review by Kev Rowland
Saturday evening saw me head towards The Powerstation for the first time in years, and I must confess to really looking forward to the gig as although I interviewed the boys from Waipu a few years ago, this was the first time I was seeing them in concert. I bumped into Matt Holden from White Nøise Mafia outside the venue, perhaps unsurprisingly given he is acting as guitar tech on this tour and was soon chatting with Henry de Jong who really is still very down to earth, even though he has achieved more in his mere 20 years than many metalheads can even comprehend.
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The Response - Single Review: New Pair of Pants (Coming Collapse)
07 Dec 2020 // A review by bethany_rachell
The new single New Pair of Pants (Coming Collapse) from Christchurch's The Response seemed a little common. This may be owing to the fact that the song was created as part of a challenge set out by American band, Deep Sea Diver, to use a drum beat that they created to write a song.
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Jennifer K. Austin - Album Review: Journey
07 Dec 2020 // A review by Corinne Rutherford
American born Kiwi singer Jennifer K. Austin has recently released her second studio album Journey, following on from the release of the first three singles (Shadow, Misery and Old Gin), this beautiful ten track album is highly influenced by her life story.
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Manzo - Single Review: Working Class Hero (John Lennon Cover)
05 Dec 2020 // A review by Paul Goddard
In 1946 John Lennon almost became a Kiwi. His estranged father took him to Blackpool with the intention of heading over with John to start a new life in NZ.
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theajsound - theajsound and NEEKOH - Single Review: Minefield
04 Dec 2020 // A review by JamieDenton
Collaborations are inherently risky propositions; how will two distinct and strong personalities work together? Will their visions of the output align?
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The Finalists - Album Review: First
03 Dec 2020 // A review by Kev Rowland
The Finalists may be currently based in Sydney, but ¾ of the guys are actually from prominent Auckland bands with guitarist Robert Young (Semi Lemon Kola), bassist Chris Familton (Fontanelle, Thorazine Shuffle) and drummer Matt Brown (Shaft, {SLK)) joining forces with singer/guitarist and songwriter Mark Tobin (Scarlet, Panic Syndrome, The Black Halo). The coming together of these musicians has resulted in jangly guitar-based indie rock, with elements of psychedelia, power pop, shoegaze and post-punk.
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Max Earnshaw - Single Review: Love It When You Hate Me
03 Dec 2020 // A review by Kev Rowland
Love It When You Hate Me is the latest single from young Auckland singer Max Earnshaw, who has already received from recognition and radio airplay for his last release, Lonely Love. What we have this time around is a pop/rock number which is incredibly infectious and annoyingly catchy.
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Imperial April - EP Review: An April Christmas
03 Dec 2020 // A review by IslaMusic
I was dubious at the thought of reviewing a Christmas album. It’s not often that modern holiday tracks dodge the danger of cheesy cheer and forced rhyme.
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Corduroy. - Single Review: I'm So Bored
03 Dec 2020 // A review by bethany_rachell
I’m So Bored is the first single release from Corduroy.’s upcoming EP Poor Man’s Velvet.
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Cafe Fistfight - Single Review: King Hit Quiche
03 Dec 2020 // A review by Kev Rowland
For anyone who has yet to catch these guys in concert, they are probably best summed up by how they describe their debut single, "An oven baked heavy hitter packed full of protein and sprinkled with cheese." Here we have a band who refuse to take themselves or their music too seriously, yet are producing incredibly complex arrangements, and are a stunning live act.
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Dolphin Friendly - Single Review: Killing Silence
01 Dec 2020 // A review by HazzaMakingNoise
I don’t think anyone would argue Aotearoa’s music scene is lacking in contribution to the indie rock sphere. The country seems to be inundated with surfy looking Pakeha parading shimmery single-coil guitar tones.
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Viices - Single Review: Viices: Double Denim 7”
01 Dec 2020 // A review by darryl baser
Viices, known to his mum as Jake McComb, has been making music for a number of years, releasing the Toxic EP in 2017. Double Denim is released on a grey marble 7", which was lovingly packed well in a box.
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Earth Tongue - Gig Review: Earth Tongue @ Whammy Bar, Auckland - 27/11/2020
30 Nov 2020 // A review by Mattmyth
Earth Tongue is a psychedelic stoner rock band, they’re playing Whammy, and everyone’s going. This is what The Flatmate says a week ago.
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Stealphish - Single Review: Procidens
28 Nov 2020 // A review by Kev Rowland
I was chatting with the guys from Cafe Fistfight before their recent gig at Ding Dong, when guitarist Josh Barker asked if I would be interested in his brand-new solo release, and I was definitely intrigued. Apart from classical pianist Caitlyn Abbot, and some assistance from Dan Barker who assisted in programming the hi hat rolls at the start and some of the fills, everything on this instrumental release is by Josh.
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French For Rabbits - Gig Review: French for Rabbits @ Bark, Dunedin - 27/11/2020
28 Nov 2020 // A review by darryl baser
Port Chalmers songwriter Lucy Hunter opened up the evening with Please Just Break My Heart and Let Me Go. Announcing to the rapidly filling Bark space at Dunedin’s Dog With Two Tails "this is my first [piano] gig standing up".
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Cafe Fistfight - Gig Review: Cafe Fistfight @ The Ding Dong Lounge, Auckland - 27/11/2020
28 Nov 2020 // A review by Kev Rowland
Today was set to be the launch party for the second album by Channeled, I Heard Penelope Sing, but unfortunately singer and songwriter Ben Ruegg was rushed into hospital on Tuesday, only being allowed home on the Friday itself. The thoughts of everyone at Muzic.
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Jolandi Ford - Single Review: You Ain’t In The Picture
28 Nov 2020 // A review by darryl baser
I love me a good break up song, and You Ain’t In The Picture is such a song with a good dose of ‘don’t let the door hit you in the ass on the way out’. The joy in the subject of the song comes across in the lyrics; it's in the way you can hear the smile on her face as she delivers the lines, and also in the song’s composition, especially in the lift to the leading note of the chord, when Jolandi sings; "…will I cry a million tears?
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Samantha Jane - Single Review: Alaska
27 Nov 2020 // A review by IslaMusic
After years of "scribbling lyrics and humming melodies", Samantha Heart is ready to "call herself a musician". She's taken on this new identity with the goal of staying honest, especially when it's difficult.
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Lady Larisa - Single Review: Four Walls
27 Nov 2020 // A review by Corinne Rutherford
Aotearoa born jazz artist and songwriter Lady Larisa has just released Four Walls, her latest single from the yet to be released up and coming debut EP Honeychild. Currently based in Hawkes Bay, Lady Larissa has learned a lot from her time in LA, New Orleans and New York.
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Miss Used - EP Review: Paraland
26 Nov 2020 // A review by KevinLakius
Miss Used are a four-piece psychedelic blues/grunge band from Auckland, New Zealand. These guys get the big tick from me!
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The Solomon Cole Band - Single Review: Lucifer's Rising
26 Nov 2020 // A review by Kev Rowland
The Solomon Cole Band comprise Solomon (vocals, guitar), Fonnie Jo Davies (vocals), Lee Catlin (bass) and Loujean (LJ) Philander (drums), and one has to ask the question as to when did Waiheke Island become part of the Deep South and go back in time? Their latest release, Lucifer’s Rising, is taken from their second album, A Little South Of Heaven, and takes us almost 100 years into the past and geographically into the Southern states of America.
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Anna Coddington - Album Review: Beams
26 Nov 2020 // A review by madeleinehoward
Anna Coddington returns with her fourth album Beams - a collection of personal and emotive indie pop songs. Produced by Kiwi duo LIPS (Steph Brown and Fen Ikner), Beams is Coddington’s most personal piece of work to date, touching on themes of identity, self-reflection and Coddington’s place in the world as a woman, Maori and a mother.
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Samuel Philip Cooper - Album Review: Breaking The Silence
26 Nov 2020 // A review by Kev Rowland
Young Wellington-based pianist Samuel Philip Cooper is now releasing his debut album, which contains both of his earlier singles, Broken Heart Recovery and Hope In Your Heart. One of the problems I had with Samuel’s work is that it was too short, but hearing the 18 songs on this album (47 minutes long) it makes far more sense as here the different songs become part of one much larger work.
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Album Review: It's Already Tomorrow
25 Nov 2020 // A review by Kev Rowland
This compilation is the brainchild of leading New Zealand composer, John Psathas, and past-student guitarist, electronic musician and composer, Jack Hooker. With everyone in bubbles around the world, the idea was to create a collaborative environment for New Zealand artists, where John and Jack created nuggets for others to amend and use as a base for their own musical adventures.
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25 Nov 2020 // A review by Kev Rowland
This compilation is the brainchild of leading New Zealand composer, John Psathas, and past-student guitarist, electronic musician and composer, Jack Hooker. With everyone in bubbles around the world, the idea was to create a collaborative environment for New Zealand artists, where John and Jack created nuggets for others to amend and use as a base for their own musical adventures.
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Channeled - Album Review: I Heard Penelope Sing
25 Nov 2020 // A review by Kev Rowland
I was at a gig the other night and bumped into Channeled's main man Ben Ruegg, and of course we soon started up a conversation. I introduced him to some other friends of mine and tried to think how long I had actually known him, and Ben promptly said, "Six weeks".
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Arrays - Album Review: Light Years
25 Nov 2020 // A review by Kris Raven
Arrays, the all in one independent vision of Auckland musician JP Carroll (ex-Armed in Advance, Swerve City) has grown from strength to strength, consistently putting out material over the last few years and imprinting the Arrays name as its own unique force in the NZ music community. While earlier material may have been a little reminiscent of previous outfits, the new album Light Years, which is all produced, written and played by Carroll himself has become its own defined musical machine, weaving influences of modern metal, post hardcore, grunge and alternative rock, among others.
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Garden Party Riot - Album Review: Garden Party Riot
24 Nov 2020 // A review by River Tucker
Garden Party Riot’s self-titled debut album is full of intense energy, odd time signatures and cohesiveness often only found in three-piece bands. But above anything else these nine original tracks are party inducing, which is exactly what we need in this time of doom and gloom.
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Na Noise - Album Review: Waiting For You
24 Nov 2020 // A review by Corinne Rutherford
Low-fi Duo-wop group from Auckland Na Noise have just released their debut album Waiting For You, giving us an insight into their sonic, original approach to music. Described as the "Thelma and Louise of modern DIY guitar based music", they have created a sound which is a unique blend of organ, percussion, call and response vocals and a whole lot of fuzzy dark carnivalesque attitude.
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City of Souls - Gig Review: City of Souls @ The Tuning Fork, Auckland - 21/11/2020
22 Nov 2020 // A review by Kev Rowland
Tonight it was off to one of my favourite venues, The Tuning Fork, to see recent Aotearoa Music Award winners for Te Kaipuoro Rakapioi Toa (Best Rock Artist), City of Souls, at the launch party for their debut album, Synæsthesia. Outside the venue I bumped into Ben Reugg (Channeled) who had brought some of his music students from Waiuku College to see what a proper rock show is like while I spent the evening in the company of Jodie (Miss Peach and The Travellin Bones) and Te Matera Smith (AAA Records), also bumped into Chris Webb (White Nøise Mafia), Francis Wheeler (SIS Studios, a judge at the recent Ding Dong competition), and so many others from the local scene.
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On Tick - Gig Review: On Tick @ Ding Dong Lounge, Auckland - 20/11/2020
21 Nov 2020 // A review by Kev Rowland
When everyone at Ding Dong greeted me by name, and soundman Dave asked why I wasn’t at the final of the bands battle the previous week, it made me realise that possibly I have been attending the venue quite a lot in recent times. But when they have bands playing who are as good as these, where else would I be on a Friday night?
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Th' Dudes - Gig Review: Th' Dudes @ Town Hall, Auckland - 19/11/2020
21 Nov 2020 // A review by Ben Ruegg
Arriving at the Auckland Town Hall and subsequently finding parking was a lot easier than I had anticipated. The town seems very quiet at around 7:30 pm, although there is a large gathering of people around the Town Hall, an indication that something big is happening.
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Scalper - Album Review: The Beast and The Beauty
20 Nov 2020 // A review by Peter-James Dries
I have reviewed more releases than I have patience to count. Many of the musicians I’ve heard have disappeared from my consciousness and the scene soon after, but there are a few that make such an impression that they stick with me.
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Kendall Elise - Album Review: Red Earth
19 Nov 2020 // A review by Kev Rowland
A few weeks ago, I was fortunate enough to see Looking For Alaska at their album launch, and the opening act that night was Kendall Elise accompanying herself on an acoustic guitar. I enjoyed her set a great deal and was intrigued enough to seek out her debut album, Red Earth, which was released in 2019.
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Russell Harrison - EP Review: Something Over Me
19 Nov 2020 // A review by Kev Rowland
This four-track seventeen-minute-long EP, Something Over Me, is the debut EP from Russell Harrison, who has been performing on stage since the age of nine. Listening to this is like stepping back in time, to a period where singers had no use for auto tune, and it was all about the voice and the performance.
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Geoff Ong - Album Review: Maybe It’ll Be Alright
19 Nov 2020 // A review by TheMechanism
It was a hot Summer’s night, and I was crammed into the King’s Arms, waiting to see Animals as Leaders opening for Periphery, back in 2014. Suddenly, there was an announcement over the PA.
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Mahoney Harris - Single Review: The Shifting of the Light
19 Nov 2020 // A review by malexa
There's an evocative image conjured up early on in The Shifting of the Light that beautifully illustrates the underlying theme of letting go. In referring to "paradise ducks made for life returning to their bowers time after time" singer-songwriter Mahoney Harris might well be talking about 'soul-mates' or a similarly intimate relationship that felt as if it was meant to last but didn't.
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Madie - EP Review: Modern Mind
18 Nov 2020 // A review by Gaby Ivanov-Giraldo
Wellington-based singer songwriter Madie is releasing her debut EP titled The Modern Mind. She has been passionate about music from a young age, and has finally released something with a lot of talent, and a lot of depth.
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Oakley Grenell - EP Review: Style Dem Ripe
18 Nov 2020 // A review by Gwarden
Oakley Grenell caps off 2020 with a wicked dancefloor-oriented EP showcasing a range of vocalists over bouncy, bass-fuelled tunes with a trademark reggae flair. A few years in the making, it’s another solid addition to an already impressive discography.
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Personal Igloo - EP Review: Phone-in Serotonin
17 Nov 2020 // A review by ApolloSteamTrain
For the last couple of days I have driven home with my windows down to allow the beautiful Bay of Plenty sunshine to stream into my life and for these journeys I have chilled to the most excellent musical sounds of Phone-in Serotonin by Personal Igloo. This has been perfect timing all round and a joyful reminder of how privileged we are as kiwis to live in paradise and be able to consume our own unique culture.
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Ida Lune - Album Review: Ida Lune
17 Nov 2020 // A review by Corinne Rutherford
In 2013 Deanne Krieg (WHIM, Dawn Diver), Rose Blake (Blaek, Dawn Diver) and Anna Wooles formed Poneke/Wellington avant-folk trio Ida Lune, forming a strong bond over their shared love of harmony. The trio have released their self-titled debut album which promises to be a lush blend of three part harmonies, yet each bringing to the fore their own unique style of vocals.
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Gig Review: Ding Dong Lounge Bands Competition Grand Final @ Ding Dong, Auckland - 14/11/2020
17 Nov 2020 // A review by Mattmyth
Wanna know a secret?Bands that write their own music, record and tour their own albums, book their own shows, play every or almost every weekend, they don't play a Battle of the Bands.
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17 Nov 2020 // A review by Mattmyth
Wanna know a secret?Bands that write their own music, record and tour their own albums, book their own shows, play every or almost every weekend, they don't play a Battle of the Bands.
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Looking For Alaska - Album Review: Light and Shadow
16 Nov 2020 // A review by Kev Rowland
A few weeks ago, I was fortunate enough to see Looking For Alaska in concert promoting their new album, Light and Shadow. It was a very special event indeed, as while Aaron Gott and Amy Maynard were joined that night by a full band, there was no doubt indeed that the evening was all about the magic created by just the two of them.
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Alice Foulds - EP Review: The Quieter Ones
16 Nov 2020 // A review by Kev Rowland
The Quieter Ones is the second EP from singer-songwriter Alice Foulds, following on from her 2018 debut Oxygen. This time around she has partnered with Emily Riordan who produced it as well as providing piano and backing vocals, while Noah Goddard is on guitars and bass.
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Boy Virgo - Single Review: Psycho
15 Nov 2020 // A review by Ben Ruegg
Here is a track that takes what you think you know about genres of music and says, "Nope, you are wrong". On the new track Psycho from Boy Virgo, I think this is the one thing I really enjoyed.
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Devilskin - Devilskin @ The Brownzy, Auckland - 14/11/2020
15 Nov 2020 // A review by Steve Shyu
Being one of few live hard rock shows in Aotearoa at this point of 2020, it would have been hard for any Kiwi fans to pass up this gig. Considering 24 hours ago, no one was sure if this event would even happen should another lockdown occur!
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Sean Bodley - Album Review: Neon Daydreams
15 Nov 2020 // A review by Kev Rowland
Sean Bodley was first inspired to pick up the guitar at the age of thirteen, being heavily influenced and inspired by Joe Satriani. He followed the normal route of playing in different bands, including cover outfits, and released his self-titled debut album as long ago as 1999.
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Superturtle - Album Review: Wait For It
13 Nov 2020 // A review by HazzaMakingNoise
Superturtle have returned! The Auckland post-punk four piece’s fifth album Wait For It is self-described as branching out with a fresh direction "but still firmly grounded in their post-punk roots".
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Moonflower - Single Review: Poison
13 Nov 2020 // A review by IslaMusic
Moonflower is a smooth Christchurch three piece releasing music riddled with dark twists and societal narratives. Comprised of singer/ songwriter/ drummer Nicole Schaap, and accompanying musicians Josh Fairless and Hamish Ellis, this band is not to be missed.
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Gabriel Bond - Single Review: History
12 Nov 2020 // A review by darryl baser
First thing; wow what a voice. Gabriel Bond has a stunning voice, I would frankly amazed if he hasn’t had a bunch of formal vocal training.
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Eden Iris - Single Review: I Just Can't Turn It Off
12 Nov 2020 // A review by malexa
Having exorcised a few ghosts, so to speak, on her soul stirring 2018 EP Demons, Eden Iris is finally set to release her debut album next year. It’s been an age since the now LA-based, singer-songwriter first came to national attention through Mike Chunn’s Play It Strange competition.
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Redwoods - Single Review: Redwoods
11 Nov 2020 // A review by darryl baser
In their brief blurb, Redwoods describe themselves as "a Kiwi band formed on the Jurassic lake of Tarawera, featuring members of Fire at Will and Dead Favours". The band comprising of members Josh Dillner, Will Kearney and Hannah Kearney have recently released their debut single, which is self-titled.
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Motel Midnight - Single Review: Closer
11 Nov 2020 // A review by Kev Rowland
Motel Midnight are Reuben Keeling (vocals, bass guitar), Bruce Ferguson (vocals, guitar), Ben Stanley (synths, beats, production) and they have just produced their debut single, Closer. When asked to describe their music they say they draw their influences from house, hip hop and indie rock, while combining shimmering synths with screaming guitars, fuzzed-out bass and stomping beats.
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Pinn Tweaks - Single Review: Tear The Walls Down
11 Nov 2020 // A review by samv1010
Drummer and producer Jason Peters is no stranger to the NZ Music Industry with a career spanning over 20 years. With a decorated catalogue that includes grunge Rock band; Pumpkinhead and funk/disco fusion Kong Fooey, he’s a man armed with experience and savvy.
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In The Shallows - Album Review: In The Shallows
10 Nov 2020 // A review by Kev Rowland
I was mightily impressed with the single Hold On, so of course jumped at the opportunity to hear the debut album by Wellington-based duo In The Shallows before the official release date. This finds Danni Parsons (vocals, guitar, percussion) and Lance Shepherd (vocals, guitar, percussion) on a musical journey; sometimes it is just the two of them while at others it can be a full band, or any combination with the likes of bassist Andy Bain (Fur Patrol), drummer Nick Brown (Eb & Sparrow, Vorn), cellist Bonnie Schwarz (Good Habits), Steve Rokosh (keyboards), Chris Winter (trumpet), Chris Peirce (sax), Pete Shaw (accordion), Davie Dubman (keyboards) and Matiu Te Huki (guitar).
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Sam V - Single Review: Up Up Down
10 Nov 2020 // A review by JamieDenton
Earlier this month, Auckland-based hip-hop/R&B artist Sam V dropped his latest single entitled Up Up Down. Continuing his productive and prolific collaboration with producer EDY, Up Up Down retains many of the stylistic qualities and signature sound that was established in Sam V’s previous outputs.
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Fat Freddy's Drop - Gig Review: Fat Freddy's Drop @ Spark Arena, Auckland - 7/11/2020
10 Nov 2020 // A review by Gaby Ivanov-Giraldo
On November 7th, Fat Freddy’s Drop at Spark Arena was an ultimate highlight to the year of 2020, playing with opening act Avantdale Bowling Club. Avantdale Bowling Club kicks off with a symphony of percussion, keys, horns, and a big double bass.
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Spook The Horses - Gig Review: Spook The Horses @ The Thirsty Dog, Auckland - 7/11/2020
08 Nov 2020 // A review by Kev Rowland
I had been waiting for this gig for months, but eventually it arrived so just before heading out I checked what time they were playing, which is when I got a shock, as Spook The Horses were no longer playing at The Whammy Bar, but at The Thirsty. As I was on the guestlist I never received a notification that there had been a change, but a few minutes googling made it clear that there was indeed a venue change, which made me glad I had indeed checked what was going on.
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East York - Single Review: Outsiders
08 Nov 2020 // A 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.
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The Jordan Luck Band - Gig Review: The Jordan Luck Band @ Pukekohe Cosmopolitan Club, Pukekohe - 6/11/2020
08 Nov 2020 // A review by Ben Ruegg
It’s a Friday night in Pukekohe and as I walk into the Pukekohe Cosmopolitan Club just before 8 pm you can feel the anticipation in the air. Looking like a high school ball, there is a large dance floor in front of the stage while the rest of the venue is lined vertically with tables.
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Looking For Alaska - Gig Review: Looking for Alaska @ Anthology, Auckland - 6/11/2020
07 Nov 2020 // A review by Kev Rowland
This was my first trip to the famous Anthology in K Road, and I soon found a spot at the bar to be able to see and perch my notebook, which was immediately improved when the barman grabbed a stool and asked me if I wanted to sit inside the barrier. From there I could see Kendall Elise tuning her guitar and it was obvious she was incredibly nervous, due to this being her first live show in ages.
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Gig Review: Ding Dong Lounge Bands Competition Semi Final 1 @ Ding Dong, Auckland - 5/11/2020
07 Nov 2020 // A review by Kev Rowland
For the second consecutive night it was back to Ding Dong, this time for the first semi-final of the Bands competition, which is being sponsored by Dave Rhodes Productions, SIS Studios, Real Groovy Auckland and Muzic.net.
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07 Nov 2020 // A review by Kev Rowland
For the second consecutive night it was back to Ding Dong, this time for the first semi-final of the Bands competition, which is being sponsored by Dave Rhodes Productions, SIS Studios, Real Groovy Auckland and Muzic.net.
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Gig Review: Ding Dong Lounge Bands Competition Heat 4 @ Ding Dong, Auckland - 04/11/2020
07 Nov 2020 // A review by Kev Rowland
So, it was back to Ding Dong for the final heat of the Bands competition, which is being sponsored by Dave Rhodes Productions, SIS Studios, Real Groovy Auckland and Muzic.net.
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07 Nov 2020 // A review by Kev Rowland
So, it was back to Ding Dong for the final heat of the Bands competition, which is being sponsored by Dave Rhodes Productions, SIS Studios, Real Groovy Auckland and Muzic.net.
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Die! Die! Die! - Gig Review: Die! Die! Die! @ Pioneer Hall, Port Chalmers - 06/11/2020
07 Nov 2020 // A review by darryl baser
Bliss Point are a Dunedin based high school band with musical lineage including drummer Tane Cotton, son of audio engineer Dale Cotton, and nephew of Shayne P Carter. Bliss Point take to the end of the room which is used as a stage to a quarter full room of their parents, school pals and unfashionably early concert goers, your humble scribe included.
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Imugi - EP Review: Dragonfruit
06 Nov 2020 // A review by Steve Shyu
One of Auckland’s most-talked about indie hip-hop acts is Imugi. Consisting of producer and synth-player Carl Ruwhiu and singer Yery Cho, the duo have wowed crowds around Auckland.
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3000AD - Album Review: The Void
06 Nov 2020 // A review by River Tucker
For a debut, The Void by 3000 AD is one hell of a kick arse release. Not only does it deliver everything you could ever want from a metal album, elements of punk and thrash will also satisfy the most hardcore head bangers amongst us.
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Krispy & The Pooch - EP Review Drop The Needle
06 Nov 2020 // A review by Ben Ruegg
Wow. Krispy & The Pooch have quite the EP here.
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In The Shallows - Single Review: Hold On
05 Nov 2020 // A review by Kev Rowland
Over the last few years, I have been fortunate enough to have come across some wonderful female singers and folk/acoustic acts, and now I have just stumbled onto the Wellington duo In The Shallows which is Danni Parsons (vocals, guitar, percussion) and Lance Shepherd (vocals, guitar, percussion). This song also features bassist Andy Bain (Fur Patrol) and drummer Nick Brown (Eb & Sparrow, Vorn) and guest cellist Bonnie Schwarz (Good Habits, Manchester – UK).
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The Avondale Spiders - Single Review: Black Magik Pills
05 Nov 2020 // A review by Paul Goddard
Do you miss anything at the moment?The world is in a crazy place and it is easy to not want to look forward when the future doesn’t look so bright.
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Delaney Davidson - Gig Review: Delaney Davidson @ ADJO, Dunedin - 3/11/2020
04 Nov 2020 // A review by darryl baser
Cantabrian entertainer Delaney Davidson is on a smaller venues tour which saw him play in Ophir this week, along with shows at Dunedin’s boutique venue ADJO and at The Galley in Port Chalmers. A mostly seated crowd of around 30 people waited, looking at the stage set up in the corner of ADJO, before Delaney Davidson swaggered his way through the crowd from the back area.
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Emma Rose - Single Review: Happy
03 Nov 2020 // A review by Corinne Rutherford
Talented young native of Nelson, Emma Common (Emma Rose) has forged ahead with her music recently creating an EP of three songs for the final project in her degree in Bachelor of Commercial Music at Massey University. Happy is the opening track to her Elderflower EP, which due our early 2021.
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Hotel Death Star - Single Review: You're Not Jesus
03 Nov 2020 // A review by JamieDenton
Bali based Hotel Death Star is a collaborative EDM project between expat singer-songwriter Phil Stoodley (perhaps best known for his solo work and his early rock band Stoods) and Bali-national producer-composer-multi-instrumentalist Andreas Arianto. In contrast to the guitar-based rock and pop that dominated Phil Stoodley’s earlier projects, Hotel Death Star’s first single, You’re Not Jesus, sees the pair dive into electronica, especially deep house territory.
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Sir Dave Dobbyn - Gig Review: Dave Dobbyn @ Spark Arena, Auckland - 01/11/2020
02 Nov 2020 // A review by Kev Rowland
One thing I have never understood about attending a concert is why so many people turn up in time for the main act, but not for the support. True, sometimes they are dire, but there have also been times when for me they have shown up the main act so badly that I have the left the gig.
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Bravo Bonez - EP Review: Love Blast Lounge
01 Nov 2020 // A review by Corinne Rutherford
Wellington based musician, songwriter, and producer Bravo Bonez has just released his latest lo-fi offering, reminiscent of old school lounge music which is ironic because the title of his five track EP is called Love Blast Lounge.With the intention of spreading a message of "music, hope and love", Bravo Bonez music is a mix of post-punk, ambient, shoegaze and perhaps dreampop.
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Gig Review: Ding Dong Lounge Bands Competition Heat 3 @ Ding Dong, Auckland - 29/10/2020
30 Oct 2020 // A review by Kev Rowland
For the second consecutive night it was back to Ding Dong for the third heat of the Bands competition, which is being sponsored by Dave Rhodes Productions, SIS Studios, Real Groovy Auckland & Muzic.net.
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30 Oct 2020 // A review by Kev Rowland
For the second consecutive night it was back to Ding Dong for the third heat of the Bands competition, which is being sponsored by Dave Rhodes Productions, SIS Studios, Real Groovy Auckland & Muzic.net.
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Gig Review: Ding Dong Lounge Bands Competition Heat 2 @ Ding Dong, Auckland - 28/10/2020
30 Oct 2020 // A review by Kev Rowland
Midweek saw me back at the Ding Dong Lounge, this time for the second heat of the Bands competition, which is being sponsored by Dave Rhodes Productions, SIS Studios, Real Groovy Auckland & Muzic.net.
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30 Oct 2020 // A review by Kev Rowland
Midweek saw me back at the Ding Dong Lounge, this time for the second heat of the Bands competition, which is being sponsored by Dave Rhodes Productions, SIS Studios, Real Groovy Auckland & Muzic.net.
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The Wake Up - Single Review: Worthy
30 Oct 2020 // A review by Kev Rowland
Caleb, Chris and Laura are back with new recruit Nathan, and their latest single as The Wake Up: if there is any justice in the world here is a song which is going to be blasting out of radio stations all over Aotearoa for the next few months.Written by fellow Palmerston North musician Adam Lee, Worthy hits so many sweet spots it is actually quite hard to know where to begin.
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Mecuzine - Single Review: Same Boat
30 Oct 2020 // A review by darryl baser
Same Boat is Mecuzine’s first release in two years, showcasing a new direction for brothers Joseph and Tony Johns. Lyrically it reflects the global climate situation, "we’re all in the same boat and it’s sinking" from the chorus, spells it out pretty well.
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Lou'ana - Album Review: Moonlight Madness
29 Oct 2020 // A review by malexa
The official release date for Lou'ana's debut album is October 30. Whether by design or accident, it’s serendipitous.
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J Plates - Album Review: Seven Days Of Fire
29 Oct 2020 // A review by Gwarden
2020 has been a big year for J Plates, releasing a string of heavyweight DnB alongside a side project offering ambient and lower-BPM electronic stylings. Dropping just in time for Halloween, Seven Days Of Fire marks his debut, self-released LP, and it’s a fitting collection for the spooky season - massive stabbing bass, crunching breakbeats and haunting atmospheres abound.
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And$um - EP Review: Late Nights
29 Oct 2020 // A review by Ben Ruegg
And$um has returned with a new EP. Made up of six tracks, this is yet another collection of songs that demonstrate the sound Sam brings to this project.
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Tablefox - Single Review: Battles
29 Oct 2020 // A review by Kerry MB
Since releasing their debut EP in 2013, Auckland alternative band, Tablefox have gone from strength to strength over the years and continued to broaden their horizons musically. 2020 has been no exception and on the eve of releasing their third album, Desire or Love, they’ve just dropped their fourth single, titled, Battles.
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Justin Sane - Justin Sane and Huz - Single Review: Days With You
29 Oct 2020 // A review by Corinne Rutherford
Based in Auckland, electronic dance duo Justin Sane and Huz have recently released their latest single Days With You which follows on from the feel good message of hope It’s Not Over. Keeping on with spreading the good vibes, these guys have given us another easy to listen to tune with a dance element, creating that slight edge.
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SOJØURN - Single Review: How It Grows
28 Oct 2020 // A review by Steve Shyu
Based in Mangawhai, SOJØURN is a six-piece surf-pop unit bringing some organic sounds to the aural landscape of Aotearoa. SOJØURN pride themselves with being able to carve out reggae-infused summertime music with ease, having brought indie-rock sensibilities on songs like Still a Mess, and Sons of Zion-esque reggae tones on Follow Me.
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Treenurse - Single Review: Pyjamas
26 Oct 2020 // A review by Gaby Ivanov-Giraldo
The new single release by Treenurse is here! Entitled Pyjamas, this is a snappy little indie/alt-rock number about giving life a full go; trying.
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Avantdale Bowling Club - Gig Review: Avantdale Bowling Club @ Hollywood Avondale, Auckland - 23/10/2020
25 Oct 2020 // A review by LouClementine
Multi-genre bending Avantdale Bowling Club played to a sold out crowd, breaking in, what seemed like the first long weekend in a very long time, at them Hollywood Avondale. Their most recent release, earlier in 2020 was LIVE, it does what it says on the tin.
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Gig Review: Ding Dong Lounge Bands Competition Heat 1 @ Ding Dong, Auckland - 24/10/2020
25 Oct 2020 // A review by Kev Rowland
Saturday night saw me back at the Ding Dong Lounge, this time for the first heat of the Bands competition, which is being sponsored by Dave Rhodes Productions, SIS Studios, Real Groovy Auckland and Muzic.net.
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25 Oct 2020 // A review by Kev Rowland
Saturday night saw me back at the Ding Dong Lounge, this time for the first heat of the Bands competition, which is being sponsored by Dave Rhodes Productions, SIS Studios, Real Groovy Auckland and Muzic.net.
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The Hopkinsville Goblins - Album Review: Hit The # Key
24 Oct 2020 // A review by Peter-James Dries
“Little Green Men Harass Kentucky Farm Family”. A headline that captured the imaginations of a nation, coined the term for extra-terrestrial visitors, and inspiring Pokemon, films, and musicals.
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Miss Used - Single Review: Collapsing Building
23 Oct 2020 // A review by bethany_rachell
Collapsing Building is the second single of the upcoming 5-track EP from Miss Used. It’s the louder, uglier younger brother of the band’s first single Depraved, that will surely follow in the same success of over 15,700 streams on Spotify.
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Jolandi Ford - Single Review: Torn Jeans
22 Oct 2020 // A review by darryl baser
Toe-tapping pop country at its best, with a good dose of sass. Jolandi Ford’s sound is unashamedly aimed at the commercial country music industry.
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Raw Collective - Single Review: Good Things (All We Need)
22 Oct 2020 // A review by malexa
Feel-good grooves are part of Raw Collective’s DNA. The Wellington-based 10-piece have been sowing sunflower seeds of optimism and cheerfulness for many a year now and it seems the well of goodness never dries.
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Valleyside Boys - EP Review: 3 Pack
21 Oct 2020 // A review by samv1010
I do enjoy collaborations - I’m a firm advocate for their power and ability to bring together different flavours, fan-bases and ultimately, different worlds. Valleyside Boys are one of these collectives, in an era which is seeing an increase in such collectives (YGB, 0800, BLKCITY, Y$O, YKK).
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Coridian - Single Review: Seed II
21 Oct 2020 // A review by Shade
There's an implicit line in Rock music between the head-banging craze that makes you want to raid the mosh pit, and the refined preciseness of a subtle yet powerful tune. Very few bands can master both.
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Lainey - EP Review: Balloons
21 Oct 2020 // A review by IslaMusic
South Island native Lainey is bursting into the music scene after her debut singles You Should Stay and Wanted To Tell You dropped. Taking inspiration from Billie Eilish, Elliot Smith and Dodie, Lainey’s music is sure to impact you.
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Miles Calder - Single Review: Take Me Back To How It Was
19 Oct 2020 // A review by Chris Chick
I think I just found the band that I really want to jam with; Miles Calder's new song Take Me Back To How It Was is a sound that really does what it says on the tin, it takes you back to the way it was. This late 60's and 70's psychedelic number really softens the soul and enables one to really re-live by gone days that many of us did not even have the opportunity to experience.
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Cut Off Your Hands - Album Review: HLLH (Higher Lows Lower Highs)
19 Oct 2020 // A review by Investigator
Cut Off Your Hands long awaited third and final album HLLH (Higher Lows Lower Highs) is exactly that; full of highs and lows. Throughout the listen, I found myself wanting to both; hate and love somebody for everything this album is about.
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Shapeshifter - Gig Review: Shapeshifter @ Christchurch Town Hall - 18/10/2020
19 Oct 2020 // A review by Gwarden
Two decades deep and showing no signs of slowing down, veteran live act Shapeshifter jetted into Christchurch on the back of a sold out Auckland show and a global pandemic causing havoc for the events industry. Showcasing their incredible musical prowess with a powerhouse performance, they created a special vibe for those in attendance in a celebration of music, dance, and togetherness.
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Empress - Single Review: Sailing the Seas of Grease
19 Oct 2020 // A review by Gaby Ivanov-Giraldo
Empress have just released their debut single Sailing the Seas of Grease, with an incredibly artistic music video that accompanies the track. Empress are a heavy two-piece band, originally from Auckland and Hamilton.
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Andrew Masseurs - Album Review: Fuzz Bomb
18 Oct 2020 // A review by River Tucker
If you like your music with prominent soaring vocals and driving rhythms that are sure to get you on the dance floor, Fuzz Bomb is the album for you. As well as playing all the instruments, Wellington based musician Andrew Masseurs, formally of New Zealand band Ammp, has also recorded and mixed the entire album.
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Gramsci - Gig Review: Gramsci @ ASB Waterfront Theatre, Auckland - 16/10/2020
18 Oct 2020 // A review 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.
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BENEE - Gig Review: BENEE @ Spark Arena, Auckland - 16/10/2020
17 Oct 2020 // A review by Ben Ruegg
As I got to Spark Arena for the first time since February this year, I couldn't help but notice how many families were there with smiling kids, and parents alike, all waiting for doors to open. BENEE has become quite a superstar over this past year which has been awesome to see.
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Naircol - Album Review: Isolate
16 Oct 2020 // A review by malexa
Naircol is Tauranga-based synthesiser whizz Matt Hennessey. I like that it is an anagram of clarion because this is quite the impressive calling card.
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Dharmarat - Album Review: Belial
16 Oct 2020 // A review by samv1010
Southside based artist, producer, lyricist, utility creative, prolific output man AKA Dharmarat (Adam Tukiri) is a name worth entangling yourself with. He’s prolific in every sense of the word.
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Pass The Peas - EP Review: Strange Favours
15 Oct 2020 // A review by KevinLakius
Pass The Peas are a 5-piece alternative rock band, comprising of Kurt (vocals, guitar), Alice (lead guitar, backing vocals), Ben (keyboards, backing vocals), Jamie (bass) and Tiho (drums). Strange Favours is their new EP - let's get into it!
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Keeltys - Single Review: Humans of Hanrahan
15 Oct 2020 // A review by darryl baser
Keeltys, a new five piece indie/garage rock band recently formed in Christchurch. The band members are all studying music in some way; front man Samuel Keelty is in his second year at ARA, Ben Townshend is also in his second year at ARA, Liam Makinson is in his second year studying jazz guitar, Ben Henderson is also in his second year studying bass, and Josh Derwahl is in his first year studying the noble art of jazz drumming.
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Hummucide - EP Review: Hummucide
15 Oct 2020 // A review by Kev Rowland
The debut studio EP from Wellington-based jazz quartet Hummucide is the latest release in what has been quite a busy period for the band, as this is their fourth release in recent months. Both 8 Mullups (which has had more than 30,000 plays on Spotify) and Reacher have been released as singles, and this 23-minute-long EP finds them joined by I’m Just A Bag of Bones and The Mothership Left Without Me.
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Jan Preston - Album Review: Piano Boogie Woman
13 Oct 2020 // A review by Kev Rowland
Jan Preston was born in Greymouth, and after discovering the piano at an early age she went the normal route of classical music exams and ended up taking a 5-year classical piano degree at Auckland university. Having determined she did not want to become a concert pianist or teacher she tried out various different musical styles, moving first to Wellington and then to Sydney where she still resides.
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Curlys Jewels - Single Review: Blinders
13 Oct 2020 // A review by Kris Raven
Wellington's Curlys Jewels have gone from strength to strength over the last few years, out lasting many a fallen Wellington scene rock bands and delivering their third Greg Haver (Ekko Park, The Feelers, OpShop) produced rock anthem Blinders. The core line up has remained solid since their first few EP’s and ever since dropping their 2019 single Absentee which saw them debut on mainstream radio and touring NZ, they have become a heavy hitting staple in the independent rock community.
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Arrays - Single Review: No Way Out
13 Oct 2020 // A review by Shade
Arrays is JP Carroll, a multi-instrumentalist man of many talents, and here we have his new single No Way Out in all its foot-stomping, head-banging and dance-inducing quality.From the very first drop of sound, it's evident that this song is not going to disappoint.
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Coridian - Gig Review: Coridian w/ Channeled & Mudshark @ Ding Dong Lounge, Auckland - 10/10/2020
12 Oct 2020 // A review by Kev Rowland
First time at the Ding Dong Lounge since we went back into lockdown, and tonight was set to be a special night with Coridian and Outside In back from their wonderful sets on 11th July at the same venue. Unfortunately, Mikey Brown from Outside In was struck down with a lurgy and was unable to perform (although he valiantly attended tonight at least for a while, boy did he look crook) but Channeled stepped in at the last minute, having played The Thirsty Dog the night before, and were up for being part of the Dead Witch Relaunch.
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theajsound - Single Review: Sorrow
12 Oct 2020 // A review by Ben Ruegg
Auckland based Indian born singer and songwriter theajsound (AKA AJ) has released a string of singles this year which have amassed hundreds of thousands stream on Spotify, and his latest, Sorrow is a catchy new tune that instantly catches your ear.The guitar sound is clean and an instant classic.
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Devilskin - Gig Review: Devilskin with Shepherds Reign @ San Fran, Wellington - 08/10/2020
11 Oct 2020 // A review by tonymcdonald
Even during a period of uncertainty in New Zealand with Covid-19, Devilskin and support act Shepherds Reign managed to fill San Francisco Bath House in Wellington. In fact, I have not seen a queue outside on the street for quite some time.
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State Of Mind - Single Review: Fateful Hour
09 Oct 2020 // A review by TheMechanism
Auckland Drum and Bass duo State of Mind have come a long way over the years, with 6 albums and many high profile collaborations under their belt. Their latest release Fateful Hour with Black Sun Empire, is yet another fine example of this outfit’s world class production prowess.
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Imperial April - Single Review: Release Me
08 Oct 2020 // A review by Chris Chick
Imperial April are releasing their new single Release Me on 9 October 2020, and by golly it's an absolute corker, and I will not let anyone else say different. This song has so much going for it, from its production, to the wonderfully enchanting singing, to the 80's summer vibe that will just keep the summer of 2020 a positive time considering the rest of the garbage we have all had to deal with.
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Sam V - EP Review: Cruisin'
08 Oct 2020 // A review by Ben Ruegg
The new EP from Sam V, bKidd and EDY is a blast. With a few skits interwoven into the EP, the whole package feels well thought out and it sounds great.
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Jessy & The Volunteers - Single Review: Time Is Laughing
08 Oct 2020 // A review by Shade
Some songs stand out more than others, cementing themselves in your mind for days on end. This is one such song.
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Samuel Philip Cooper - Single Review: Hope In Your Heart
08 Oct 2020 // A review by Kev Rowland
Here we have the second single from Samuel Philip Cooper, the Wellington-based pianist who will be releasing his debut album Breaking The Silence next month. This was originally inspired when a friend of his told him he was suffering from cancer and was having to undergo chemotherapy.
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Sam Bartells - EP Review: Let's Go
08 Oct 2020 // A review by malexa
Sam Bartells has a way with words. In an interview with Darryl Baser from Muzic.
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Coffin Club - Single Review: Gaslight
08 Oct 2020 // A review by Paul Goddard
Gaslight (or rather Gaslighting) has become a bit of a buzz word recently and sits perfectly as the title for this short sharp shock of fuzzed up punk from Auckland three piece Coffin Club.Unlike a real Gaslight, this song is no slow burner.
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Mat Gat - Single Review: Magnetic
08 Oct 2020 // A review by Epitomised_Drummer
With some pretty famous initials you might confuse MJK with Maynard James Keenan from Tool, but in fact, residing in NZ is our own professional muso MJK ‘Mathew King’ born in the ‘Naki. Performing under MJK, Mathew has just released a brand new single Magnetic, and it’s a pretty slick tune!
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Jan Preston - Gig Review: Jan Preston @ Auckland Blues & Jazz Club, Auckland - 06/10/2020
07 Oct 2020 // A review by Kev Rowland
I must confess that until this week I had never heard of the Auckland Jazz and Blues Club, but somehow, I do not think this will be the last time I attend. Situated at the rear of the Pt Chevalier RSA, I walked into a warm welcome, and was given a copy of the latest newsletter which detailed the acts they have coming in October.
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The Vibes - Album Review: Saucery
07 Oct 2020 // A review by Steve Shyu
Formerly called 'Brendon Thomas and The Vibes', this rock trio from Auckland consists of Tim on drums, Michael on bass guitar, and Brendon on the six-string. Touted as "a traversal through the psychedelic musical minds of Brendon Thomas, Timothee Nolier and Michael Anderson", the group boldly bring back the best sounds of the 60’s on every release.
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Gareth Thomas - Single Review: Wake Up
07 Oct 2020 // A review by Corinne Rutherford
Kiwi artist, Gareth Thomas well known for his past endeavours with iconic New Zealand band Goodshirt, has released his latest single following on from My Dog on the upcoming 2021 album Bits. Wake Up is described as the "morning anthem for sleepyheads everywhere".
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DRXNES - Single Review: The Machine
06 Oct 2020 // A review by Kris Raven
There must be something in the water, brewing magic in Whanganui. Eclectic rock/metal 5-piece DRXNES have just dropped their new single The Machine and it is HUGE.
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An Electric Heart - Album Review: Otiose Me
06 Oct 2020 // A review by Ben Ruegg
As you press play, the prologue hits you hard and it is obvious that Luke Pell, known as An Electric Heart, has a great understanding on sonics and dynamics on his new album Otiose Me.Luke Pell describes the An Electric Heart sound as 'alternative pop'.
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Matt Bizzle - Single Review: Just Let Me Know with Kevin Posey Feat. Lily Jackson
05 Oct 2020 // A review by Ben Ruegg
The reggaeton beat has been quite the staple in music trends for some time now, and with the new track Just Let Me Know from Matt Bizzle, it isn't the main feature. Instead, it is used in the right places to give this track a different vibe at the exact moment it is needed.
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In The Shallows - Single Review: Take It Easy
03 Oct 2020 // A review by Shade
The opening lyrics set the scene well for this charming little number - "I can't help but wonder is this the only way? Get so caught up in the drama that we forget to play.
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Threat.Meet.Protocol - Single/Video Review: The Witch Trials
02 Oct 2020 // A review by Corinne Rutherford
Lurking in the shadows since 2011, Tauranga based Threat.Meet.
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Domes - Single Review: R
02 Oct 2020 // A review by [email protected]
Domes are a three piece space metal band based somewhere between London, Australia and New Zealand. Their sound is atmospheric and doomy yet ethereal and melodic - the band describes it as "Heavy music that is forward looking".
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Jam Fish - Single Review: Jane’s The Name
01 Oct 2020 // A review by darryl baser
Jam Fish, AKA Sam Higham, takes a step back from his usual full band arrangements to bring you an emotional stripped back song titled Jane's the Name. Featuring just acoustic guitar and vocals, this song portrays 4 different aspects that could control one's life, represented by different names.
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Casey Evans - Single Review: Wild & Free
01 Oct 2020 // A review by darryl baser
Casey Evans is as contemporary pop country as they come - if that’s your jam, this is a track for you. Wild & Free was #1 on the NZ country Charts, and #7 on all genres on iTunes upon release, which is no mean trick for an independent artist from The Catlins coast, currently spending time in Dunedin.
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Valere - Album Review: Colours
01 Oct 2020 // A review by Corinne Rutherford
Auckland based songwriter and producer Shana Llorando is electro-pop, RnB musical artist Valere. Recently releasing her luscious debut 13 track original album Colours, full of delightfully fresh and funky tracks, each one flowing harmoniously with warmth and honesty.
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Turkey The Bird - Single Review: Everybody Needs A Little Sunshine
01 Oct 2020 // A review by Chris Chick
I was promised a happy little number when handed this assignment, and I was not let down, I think happy might be an understatement, elated, ecstatic, maybe even nirvanic, which I believe is a word I just made up. This is a timely release what with summer banging on the door, a great reminder to us all to put a smile on our faces, and be thankful for the simple things in life, like a little sunshine, especially if you are on the West Coast of the South Island, according to the rumours.
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Your Indigo - Single Review: Higher
01 Oct 2020 // A review by Investigator
Christchurch based alt-pop band Your Indigo have released their new single Higher. After releasing their debut EP December 2019, Your Indigo explores new ideas with Higher, wrapping their 'rich tapestry' of sound around a pulsating kick drum in this thought-provoking club track.
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Darren Watson - Album Review: Getting Sober For The End of the World
30 Sep 2020 // A review by Kev Rowland
Darren Watson originally became known in the Eighties as principal songwriter and frontman for rhythm and blues outfit Chicago Smoke Shop, with whom he recorded two albums. Since going solo he has released six studio albums, with his last, 2018’s Too Many Millionaires being his most successful, reaching #3 on the official NZ Albums Chart.
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Stretch - Album Review: Our Dreams Are Changing
30 Sep 2020 // A review by malexa
Anthony Stretch’s debut album Bury All Horses was one of the most poignant, lyrically honest and captivating albums of 2017. It was a 'dark horse', so to speak, forged in loss and loneliness, and at times a sense of anguish as he contemplated the direction of his life beyond the clouds that seemed as if they would never lift.
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Scalper - Single Review: Dust
30 Sep 2020 // A review by Steve Shyu
Nadeem Shafi, better known by his stage name Scalper, has been in and around the United Kingdom and Aotearoa hip-hop circuits for nearly three decades. Having performed under numerous rap groups and continuously releasing solo albums under his own moniker, he has not stopped creating.
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Mini Simmons - Single Review: Silver Cigarette Case
30 Sep 2020 // A review by malexa
A defining moment for Mini Simmons occurred almost a year ago to the day when they performed a version of Benee’s Soaked at the 2019 Silver Scroll Awards. The New Zealand charting No 1 single made the cut when the 20 finalists were whittled down to five and, as has become tradition, it was covered by another artist on the night.
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Lester - Single Review: Sometimes Feat. Aunty Rae
29 Sep 2020 // A review by Ben Ruegg
On Lester's latest track Sometimes, featuring Aunty Rae, the New Zealand Hip-Hop artist turns his focus inward and discusses the things that we miss when we are away from home; which in his case is a list of memories that make home what it is. And yet, the real meaning of home is blurred and put to question.
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Social Shun - Album Review: 7/10 of A Fridge
29 Sep 2020 // A review by malexa
It’s always eye-opening when you come across an artist for the first time and discover that they already have a body of work that’s never been on your radar. Such is the case with Waikato-based sound explorer and experimentalist Jason Longhurst aka Social Shun, who has released a steady stream of albums – five in all – since The Garden of Sweden in 2014.
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PRINS - Gig Review: PRINS & Vikae @ Dive Bar, Dunedin - 26/09/2020
27 Sep 2020 // A review by darryl baser
With most of New Zealand at Covid alert level 1, dancing is allowed at bars and clubs, and a good number of those who came along to see Auckland-based musicians PRINS and Vikae with local support from Molly Devine and Bryn Massey. Bryn Massey is the first of four women with amazing voices for the evening.
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Sola Rosa - Album Review: Chasing The Sun
25 Sep 2020 // A review by Gaby Ivanov-Giraldo
The architect of Sola Rosa is Andrew Spraggon, a musician/producer based in Auckland, New Zealand. Spraggon has created his next major chapter, Chasing The Sun, which took a decent stretch of time in the making.
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Animalhead - Album Review: Blood, Sweat & Beers
24 Sep 2020 // A review by Kris Raven
After five years of blood, sweat and beers, notorious West Auckland 3-piece Animalhead are dropping their debut album. For those who have followed the band over the last half decade, this album represents a culmination of all their hard work laid out over ten diverse, mega tunes, as well as their previously released epic singles including 2018 runaway hit Rabbit Hole.
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Molly Devine - Single Review: Wanderer
24 Sep 2020 // A review by madeleinehoward
Following on from her previous single Call Me Up, Dunedin artist Molly Devine returns with her new single Wanderer. A stark contrast from her previous release, Call Me Up was an uplifting, toe tapping pop track, whereas Wanderer is a mystical pop ballad, set over a dreamy soundscape.
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The Response - Single Review: All Of My Flaws
24 Sep 2020 // A review by Paul Goddard
Smooth.A word that sounds just as good as it looks.
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Club Classic - Single Review: Richie Whiskey
24 Sep 2020 // A review by IslaMusic
Club Classic are an energetic indie-funk band from Wellington looking to make their mark on the Aotearoa music scene by making people dance. Inspired by legends Parcels, Sticky Fingers and Red Hot Chilli Peppers, the four piece specialise in dynamic and groovy jams.
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Diggy Dupe - Album Review: That's Me, That's Team
24 Sep 2020 // A review by Peter-James Dries
Why is this considered underground, while American ear trash is this nation’s soundtrack? We’re so busy looking for an escape in a world that we aren’t a part of, that we neglect what is unique here at home.
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Ravenhall - Single Review: Wild Hearts
23 Sep 2020 // A review by malexa
It’s slightly surprising that Ravenhall have been so exacting of their own standards, dating back to the release of their 2015 debut single Everything To Me, given that vocalist Chris Brebner and guitarist Joe Ravenhall are seasoned musicians, who had already shown they’ve got what it takes. Wild Hearts is a classic, edgy, muscular rock song – that’s about seven singles on the trot now – that’s ripped in all the right places.
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Banana Mundo - Single Review: Bananas of the World
23 Sep 2020 // A review by JamieDenton
The intriguingly named Banana Mundo is an 8-piece musical collective from New Plymouth. Boasting members from around the world, the collective includes musicians from France, Argentina, Venezuela, Switzerland, England, Uruguay, and our own little piece of paradise, Aotearoa New Zealand.
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Velvet Arrow - EP Review: Songs of Solitude
22 Sep 2020 // A review by Kev Rowland
Velvet Arrow are creative musician/producer Dan Stenhouse and songwriter Hannah Jane, who both hail from Northland and came together as a duo in 2017. This four-track EP demonstrates that here is a band who approaches music with an unusual mix of Alt-Folk and Dark Country, capturing the listener from the beginning and rarely letting them go.
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Seralynne - Album Review: What Love Is
21 Sep 2020 // A review by Corinne Rutherford
Wellington based singer-songwriter Seralynne has just released a sleek new nine-track album What Love Is. This is a surprisingly heartfelt and mature mix of haunting yet beautifully written pop ballads.
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For The Wolves - Single Review: Parable
20 Sep 2020 // A review by [email protected]
For The Wolves are a Brisbane based Kiwi/Aussie Rock outfit carving out a place for their brand of aggressive psychedelic rock in the Australian scene. They have had the help of some of the best in the business on their new single Parable, with Luke Palmer from Dead Letter Circus at the production helm, and Forrester Savell mixing.
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Andrew Masseurs - EP Review: She’s So Nasty
19 Sep 2020 // A review by darryl baser
Well, being either a PC softy or a bit of a feminist, I didn’t warm to the title track She’s So Nasty, but being a professional I opened my ears and had a listen to Andrew Masseurs’ new EP. And I’m glad I did.
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Kovan - Single Review: Permanent
19 Sep 2020 // A review by Freecell
Here's the latest single from Hip-Hop / RnB artist Kovan.Titled Permanent, this track goes straight into the beat and rapping after a short intro.
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Lakius - Single Review: This Tension
18 Sep 2020 // A 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.
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Khemikal - Single Review: Unity
18 Sep 2020 // A review by Epitomised_Drummer
Back in the early to mid-2000’s I was a huge fan of POD, Alterbridge, Incubus and Disturbed, and to some extent I still am. The beginning of the DJ era within rock music.
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Repairs - Album Review: Repeat Repeat
18 Sep 2020 // A review by HazzaMakingNoise
33 minutes. 14 tracks.
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Arli Liberman - Soundtrack Review: Savage
17 Sep 2020 // A review by malexa
Arli Liberman is a natural fit for a movie score. As anyone who has listened to his three solo albums - Arli Liberman, Fata Morgana and Allegra will have noted, the Israel-born guitarist has a flair for visceral, beautifully textured and other-worldly soundscapes.
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17 Sep 2020 // A review by malexa
Arli Liberman is a natural fit for a movie score. As anyone who has listened to his three solo albums - Arli Liberman, Fata Morgana and Allegra will have noted, the Israel-born guitarist has a flair for visceral, beautifully textured and other-worldly soundscapes.
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Strangely Arousing - Single Review: Airplanes
16 Sep 2020 // A review by Steve Shyu
Ska and reggae specialists Strangely Arousing hail from Rotorua, and the five lads have been making plenty of waves in the Aotearoa music scene over half a dozen years. They won SmokeFree Pacifica Beats in 2013, went on to perform at numerous Raggamuffin and Rhythm & Vines festivals, and even toured South Korea and China.
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VÏKÆ - EP Review: Finelines
16 Sep 2020 // A review by madeleinehoward
Ukrainian born, now Auckland based pop artist VïKÆ has arrived with her debut EP Finelines, released on the 4th of September. Finelines is the result of a fierce partnership between VïKÆ, real name Veronika Bell and Abigail Knudson Missy.
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Researchintospeed - Single Review: Anode
15 Sep 2020 // A review by Corinne Rutherford
Papaioea’s own proponent of live electronic dance music Researchintospeed has just dropped a new track and accompanying video, Anode. As part of the stand-alone electronic work of Craig Black, Anode was added to his expanding electro catalog over lock down.
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The RVMES - Single Review: Big Bam Boom
14 Sep 2020 // A review by Ben Ruegg
The RVMES newest track Big Bam Boom is a good time that deserves your attention.The rawness and realness of this track cannot be denied.
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Empasse - EP Review: Ultraviolet
13 Sep 2020 // A review by malexa
Ultraviolet has history – literally. As its composer Nick Johnston explains in the press release accompanying the EP, his first under the moniker Empasse , it is a “soundtrack to a story that is not well known in New Zealand outside the Waikato region where I live.
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Pull Down The Sun - Album Review: Of Valleys and Mountains
11 Sep 2020 // A review by Kris Raven
Whanganui's Pull Down The Sun are about to drop one of the best progressive metal albums of the year Of Valleys and Mountains. While not necessarily a ‘concept album’ the album as a whole, feels very cohesive, with every song having a point and place and the way the songs flow, taking the listener on an emotive journey that is both brutal and beautiful.
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Troy Kingi - Album Review: The Ghost of Freddie Cesar
10 Sep 2020 // A review by Ben Ruegg
Genius. Honestly.
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Hazza Making Noise - Single Review: Boomers In Disguise
10 Sep 2020 // A review by Corinne Rutherford
Auckland based Cantabrian, disillusioned architect and sausage roll enthusiast Harry Platt who goes under the pseudonym Hazza Making Noise, has just released a new single called Boomers In Disguise. Cross a football chant with a rock opera and inject it with punk-rave then you will have a fair idea about the unique concept which Harry describes as having "an early Arctic Monkeys – Brianstormesque nature to it".
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Dub Boys - EP Review: Fortune Favours The Bold
10 Sep 2020 // A review by Ben Ruegg
The newest EP from the Dub Boys is fantastic. As someone who appreciates all styles of music, Hip-Hop continues to be one I stay fascinated with due to the current climate and success of certain artists.
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Mirrors - Single Review: Got This Feeling
09 Sep 2020 // A review by Corinne Rutherford
Originally starting out as a covers band in 2017, Christchurch based acoustic pop duo Mirrors expanded their repertoire this year during lockdown, taking the opportunity to write and record seven original songs in their home studio. Got This Feeling is their catchy brand-new second single release.
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Sonar.Suite - Single Review: Flip Siide
09 Sep 2020 // A review 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.
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Dick Raine - EP Review: Dick Raine and Dick’s Guns
08 Sep 2020 // A review by Paul Goddard
Lockdowns are shit. A few months ago, we didn’t even know what a lockdown was nor social distancing and let’s face it the world is pretty fucked at the moment.
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The Settlers - Single Review: Love
06 Sep 2020 // A review by Ben Ruegg
Driven by a catchy guitar loop and backed up with a beat that ebbs and flows, the new track Love from The Settlers really puts its focus on its lyrics and delivery.Keeping the vocal effects to the minimum here allows the verses to sound authentic and real.
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Julie Lamb - Album Review: How Humans Think
04 Sep 2020 // A review by Corinne Rutherford
The first thing I noticed when I was blessed with a physical copy of Julie Lamb Outfit’s brand new eight track album How Humans Think, was the outstanding amount of work and love which has gone into the packaging of the CD. It is a creative thing of beauty to which I will elaborate further on.
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Bingo Fighter - Single Review: Kama Sutra
03 Sep 2020 // A review by darryl baser
Well, as bloody obvious things to write go, music is in the entertainment industry should be fun and entertaining. With that premise in mind, Bingo Fighter go to the top of the class with their new single Kama Sutra.
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Grant Haua - Single Review: This Is The Place
03 Sep 2020 // A review by Kev Rowland
Grant Haua is probably best known for being half of the two-man blues roots band Swamp Thing, but in January 2019 he made the decision to leave the band after 9 years, countless tours and numerous acclaimed albums. He locked himself away with producer and engineer Tim Julian from Colour Field Studios for several months, with the end result being the album Awa Blues.
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Madeleine Howard - EP Review: Just Reaching Out
02 Sep 2020 // A review by IslaMusic
Following the success of her singles No More and Missing Pieces, Madeleine Howard has released her much anticipated debut EP Just Reaching Out. Howard describes the EP as "a long time coming".
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Alae - EP Review: Lucy's Mix Tape
01 Sep 2020 // A review by madeleinehoward
Indie-pop quartet Alae return with their EP Lucy’s Mix Tape, which was launched on the 26th of August. Featuring three previously released singles; Hit Me Where It Hurts, Summer Thing and Lucy, the EP also features the new single Please, as well as collaborations and re-works.
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Lou'ana - Single Review: Feel This
01 Sep 2020 // A review by malexa
It’s no surprise that Lou’ana has been nominated in three categories at the Pacific Music Awards. What would surprise is if she didn’t scoop up the two main ones – Best Soul/RnB artist and Best Female Artist.
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Echo Children - Single Review: Our Parents Fixed It All
01 Sep 2020 // A review by malexa
With the beguiling This Was Our Fault EP and the bitter-sweetness of Flowers still lingering, Echo Children are proving as alluring as they are elusive to define on their latest single, Our Parents Fixed It All. That might be because of the melting pot of nationalities – Amanda Larsson (Sweden), Niamh O'Flynn (Canada) and Oliver Young (Scotland) – that gives them such a sense of other-worldiness, beautifully infused in songs that sparkle like rare pop gems tinged with the earthiness of country and folk.
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Superturtle - Single Review: Dress the Same
01 Sep 2020 // A review by HazzaMakingNoise
Stomping garage Rock n Roll. Iggy Pop like vocals preach at me; "WE ALL DRESS THE SAME!
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End of an Empire - Album Review: Within Without
31 Aug 2020 // A review by Kerry MB
End of an Empire is a Wellington four-piece who know a thing or two about creating good music, especially for a band that has just released their debut album. With an experimental thrash, hardcore metal sound, Within Without contains ten tracks that has thought, balance and integrity all rolled into its twenty-five minutes.
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Darryl Baser - Album Review: #Second Selfie
31 Aug 2020 // A review by Corinne Rutherford
In true Darryl Baser fashion, his latest album has taken a few years to develop. Following on from his 2016 LP Raw Selfie, the album #Second Selfie has taken flight, once again from his Dunedin based living room.
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Aro - EP Review: He Manu Ano
28 Aug 2020 // A review by IslaMusic
Aro are a husband and wife duo who share a passion for the power of language and music to tell stories and remind us of our cultural identity. In celebration of Aotearoa’s magical wildlife, Aro have released a five track EP inspired by native birds.
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Samuel Philip Cooper - Single Review: Broken Heart Recovery
27 Aug 2020 // A review by Kev Rowland
Here we have Samuel Philip Cooper, a 25-year-old Wellington-based solo-pianist, who releases his first single, Broken Heart Recovery on Saturday 29th August. Cooper is planning to release this and one more tune as singles prior to the release of the album, Breaking The Silence, in November.
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Animalhead - Single Review: Follow Blind feat. Rory Howard
27 Aug 2020 // A review by Steve Shyu
For those who haven’t yet experienced Animalhead, the three-piece rock act is based in Auckland, and play energetic fusions of punk, rock & roll, with hard-grooves that nod at the likes of Black Sabbath and Audioslave. They’ve released three singles, have earned airplay on major radio stations The Rock and Hauraki, performed live at Muzic.
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Spook The Horses - Album Review: Empty Body
27 Aug 2020 // A review by Kris Raven
Eclectic post metallers Spook the Horses have released their 4th full length album Empty Body. Formed in 2009, this Wellington based 6-piece have spent the last 11 years creating artistically diverse and genre bending music, whether it be 2017's beautifully haunting and a little more chill album People Used To Live Here or their recent single releases where they have delivered unrelenting, progressively heavy soundscapes, shaping their impending new album.
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Torn Chorus - Single Review: Letting Go
27 Aug 2020 // A review by malexa
Franklin Davis doesn’t have a pure voice. It’s on the slightly brittle side of melodious, more the kind that would blend in well with others.
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Taylor Roche - Single Review: Never Like That
26 Aug 2020 // A review by Gaby Ivanov-Giraldo
Emerging pop artist Taylor Roche has just released his latest single Never Like That. Roche is Auckland-based and full of flame.
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Riqi Harawira - Single Review: Suffering
25 Aug 2020 // A review by malexa
Riqi Harawira has made his calling an open book that has dealt with his personal experience of addiction and mental health challenges. His latest single Suffering, is his most powerful statement yet, precisely and eloquently encapsulating aspects of the recovery journey.
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Big Scout - Single Review: Nothing Ever Happens
25 Aug 2020 // A review by Paul Goddard
There are ear worms.Then there is this little snaky bastard of a tune from Big Scout.
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Jam Fish - Single Review: The Hermits Red Balloon
24 Aug 2020 // A review by Chris Chick
Jam Fish’s new single The Hermit’s Red Balloon was released on the 14th August 2020. This song can only be described through golfing metaphors, the experience of listening to this song was like playing a shot beyond the horizon and hoping you make the green.
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Ekko Park - Album Review: Horizon
24 Aug 2020 // A review by Ben Ruegg
The latest album from Ekko Park is an absolute blast of a time to listen to from beginning to end.All Eyes On Me sets the scene by just giving it everything.
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Hadees Drudge - Album Review: On Your Knees
23 Aug 2020 // A review by Kev Rowland
Hadees Drudge came together in Wellington in 2018, after a covers band featuring guitarist/songwriter Jason Keeler and drummer Jordan Hotton (previously in Bloodshot) disbanded. Hotton liked the songs he heard from Keeler, so they reached out on social media to find some musicians to form a new band and convinced singer Duane Frew (who had previously released some albums as Nort) and bassist Chris Ewers to come along for the ride.
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The Sixteenth - EP Review: The 16th EP
22 Aug 2020 // A review by Peter-James Dries
When you work as a data quality analyst, you need something to unwind. I chose animation.
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Stars and the Underground - Single Review: Nosferatu Upon Tyne
22 Aug 2020 // A review by darryl baser
Being an OG (old goth or original goth) from the 1980's I love me a bit of goth. Stars and the Underground are a nice bit of goth who have just released a 7" single.
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Marlin's Dreaming - Album Review: Quotidian
21 Aug 2020 // A review by darryl baser
Having been a reviewer of life and recorded music since the late 1980's, it is a rare and wonderful feeling to discover a band from my hometown who I haven’t heard of, until they drop a recording that takes my head clean off. Dunedin band Marlin’s Dreaming have released Quotidian, and are about to (Covid willing) head off on a NZ tour in late September and early October.
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Imperial April - Single Review: Tonic For Your Boredom
21 Aug 2020 // A review by Trevor Faville
This is the second release from Christchurch combo Imperial April, that has evolved in a new direction from their origins as The Response, with Victoria Ropp taking an upfront role on vocals. As such, Tonic for Your Boredom is a further refinement - and step up from- previous release Peachy.
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Lee Martin - Single/Video Review: Falling Down
20 Aug 2020 // A review by malexa
Now is the time Lee Martin was due to take a trip to the US.Covid has scuttled those plans and, instead, she’s released the stunning single Falling Down (and 360-degree music video) from her Lost Girl EP, which came out last year.
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Valere - Single Review: Undercover
20 Aug 2020 // A review by IslaMusic
Following the success of her earlier releases Like That and Make Believe, Valere is back with her most sincere piece of work to date. Undercover begins with a choir of synths and swells into the questions "Do you know if your minds made up yet?
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The Vibes - Single Review: Funk Blaster
20 Aug 2020 // A review 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.
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Samantha Josephine - Album Review: Feeling In The Strange
20 Aug 2020 // A review by IslaMusic
Hailing from Ladysmith, South Africa, Samantha Josephine is the mastermind behind the Feeling In The Strange album. Her sound is crisp and enchanting, and her lyrics feel as though they were written in another universe.
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SOJØURN - Single Review: Stand Up
20 Aug 2020 // A review 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.
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Maciek Hrybowicz - Single Review: Mr Ponsonby
17 Aug 2020 // A review by malexa
As far as introductions go, Poland-born composer and guitarist Maciek Hrybowicz has left quite the impression with this calling card. Mr Ponsonby is taken from his 2019 album AWA, a collection of pieces inspired by the beauty of his adopted home land New Zealand.
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Investigator - Single Review: Bad Luck Shoebox
17 Aug 2020 // A review by Ben Ruegg
Classic rock vibes crossed with modern rock sound drives this new track from Investigator. Driven by Adrian Drew, Investigator has a sound that is clear and defined and Bad Luck Shoebox adds another track to an ever-growing catalogue that showcases his ideas and sounds that make up Investigator.
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Chris Bates - Single Review: Find A Way Feat. Jarna
15 Aug 2020 // A review by malexa
Big ups to the multi-genre production team of EDY for this inventive, crisp and clear production take on contemporary RnB. They’ve already hit the sweet spot with rising star and recent university graduate Chris Bates, with Say The Word and have done it again on his latest single Find A Way, featuring Jarna.
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NEEKOH - Single Review: Falling
15 Aug 2020 // A review by malexa
It’s a delightful rarity to have a Finnish pop idol move to New Zealand and re-boot what was once a burgeoning career in his home land. That’s the back story of NEEKOH, a Finland Pop Idol finalist in 2014, and Falling, his second New Zealand single from the soon to be released EP Dark Light.
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Biobird - Album Review: Riders
13 Aug 2020 // A review by Gwarden
Crisp production, organic drums, layered percussion and gritty, overdriven bass are hallmarks of Biobird's work: presented here for the first time in LP format, it’s a chance to draw together the specific vibe and tone (developed to great success on 2019’s Count to Ten EP) into a cohesive whole. Title track Riders opens with ominous swells before plunging into a dark, techy workout reminiscent of early-2000’s Drum & Bass staples such as Universal Project and Keaton; the second drop change-up bounces along on a half-time beat.
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Raw Collective - Single Review: Waiting for Sunrise
13 Aug 2020 // A review by IslaMusic
Raw Collective are the snowball of a ten-piece whose name gathers interest with each turn. The Wellington Hip-Hop collective spent the past few years bring their music to the world through headlining tours and festivals in New Zealand and overseas.
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Voodoo Bloo - Single Review: Her Name Was Human
13 Aug 2020 // A 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.
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Churlington - EP Review: ...Or That The Hummingbird Is So Seldom Seen
13 Aug 2020 // A review by Paul Goddard
Why?Why is music so important?
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Jeramiah Ross / Module - Album Review: Infinity Forever Part 1 – Time (The Studio Sessions)
12 Aug 2020 // A review by malexa
For a time, it appeared Jeramiah Ross might have put Module into permanent hibernation after the release of his last official album Imagineering in 2013. The arrival of the first instalment in the Infinity Forever trilogy puts paid to that theory in no uncertain terms.
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Biobird - EP Review: Count to Ten
10 Aug 2020 // A review by Gwarden
Biobird has been quietly amassing a solid body of work and growing recognition amongst the New Zealand bass music community, sliding between low and high BPM subgenres with ease. The 2019 EP release Count to Ten leans toward 170+ but retains enough Trap/Dubstep elements to distinguish itself from your usual release.
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Festival Review: Good Vibes @ Logan Campbell Centre, Auckland - 7/08/2020
09 Aug 2020 // A review by Gaby Ivanov-Giraldo
On Friday the 7th of August, Good Vibes, Pato Entertainment and Mai FM presented to us the best line-up our Auckland Winter has seen to date! The Good Vibes Winter Festival is here; brought to us on a chilly Winter's night with no delay in action.
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09 Aug 2020 // A review by Gaby Ivanov-Giraldo
On Friday the 7th of August, Good Vibes, Pato Entertainment and Mai FM presented to us the best line-up our Auckland Winter has seen to date! The Good Vibes Winter Festival is here; brought to us on a chilly Winter's night with no delay in action.
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Antipodeans - Single Review: Lights Out
09 Aug 2020 // A review by malexa
In the not so distant past, a Kiwi – Sam Shirley - and a mate from across the ditch – Paul Hutton - teamed up to form Antipodeans and were last heard of signing off in Singapore. At first, I thought they had finally resurfaced but it turns out these Antipodeans, are both Kiwis – Dave Hodgson and Guy McIndoe - who played together in Palmerston North’s infamous Noddy On The Cross (props to the brashly delightful F@ck Off Rugbyhead), but now live on either side of the world.
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Gareth Thomas - Single Review: My Dog
09 Aug 2020 // A review by malexa
Gareth Thomas has always had a knack with words and a persuasive way of weaving them into appealingly off-kilter pop songs. Think back to the days of Goodshirt and the delicately spun and woozy Sophie, and Fazerdaze's churning guitar epic Misread or the gentle rush of The Google Song from his 2010 debut solo album Lady Alien.
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Swerve City - Single/Video Review: Dangerous
08 Aug 2020 // A review by Kris Raven
My first initial thoughts after hearing & viewing the debut single by alternative rock collective Swerve City was how lead vocalist JP Carroll (Arrays, ex-Armed in Advance) has further elevated his frontman persona and status in a relatively new (2019) band full of strong and diverse musicians. His vocal approach particularly in the chorus I found was a big take away from previous known material and he is singing a little out of his comfort zone which is very cool to hear (and see).
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Grant Duncan - Album Review: Contemplate
07 Aug 2020 // A review by darryl baser
Grant Duncan is a well-seasoned singer-songwriter based in Auckland, New Zealand, who’s just released his new 12 song album, Contemplate. The album is available on Duncan’s Bandcamp page as is the modern way of doing things.
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Will McClean - Album Review: Can't Sleep I'm Dreaming
07 Aug 2020 // A review by Ben Ruegg
The new album from Will McClean takes a lot of well-produced beats and combines them with his flow and lyrics. It's a smooth ride most of the time as is demonstrated in the opening track Front Desk featuring JClean.
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Fornax Chemica - Album Review: Audio Vision
06 Aug 2020 // A review by Chris Chick
Let’s get one thing straight right off the bat, creating, producing, and performing an album is a massive undertaking in itself. I am always impressed by any musician who is able to accomplish this, no matter the genre or the instruments they play (the more the better I say) this is why longevity within the music industry is not to be ignored when embracing all aspects of artists you love, and those you find hard to love.
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Valkyrie - Single Review: Good Thing
06 Aug 2020 // A review by IslaMusic
Valkyrie is back with the catchy bop to end all catchy bops: Good Thing. This South Auckland based three piece produce famously groovy music that touches on elements of arena rock, pop and RnB.
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Laura-mae - Single Review: Rug of Numbers
06 Aug 2020 // A review by madeleinehoward
Following the release of her debut single Betsy, Indie Pop Singer-Songwriter Laura-mae has returned with her second single Rug of Numbers. The Golden Bay native has competed in the famous Smokefree Rockquest and made it to the boot camp round of The New Zealand X Factor during its second season.
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EJ Barrett - Single Review: Paint Me A Picture
06 Aug 2020 // A review by Corinne Rutherford
It didn’t take me long to warm to EJ Barrett and her sultry, husky vocals. The New Zealand musical artist based in New Plymouth has taken flight with the debut single Paint Me A Picture.
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Something Zesty - Single/Video Review: Pipz
05 Aug 2020 // A review by Corinne Rutherford
Something Zesty is a Whanganui based musical artist who captured my attention first by the bold claim that the latest offering is "an unmistakable dance-floor hit" and secondly by the vibrant and appropriately spaced out animated video which turned out to be the perfect accompaniment to his latest release; Pipz. The music video is the second animated adventure for two curious looking characters, Chambzy and Zestro, following on from Something Zesty’s first single Mad About It.
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Saurian - Album Review: Brooding
04 Aug 2020 // A review by Investigator
Dunedin-based band Saurian have been playing live gigs for five years, so it is terrific to see them now release their debut album Brooding. With a mixture of older and more recent songs, Brooding is a true labour of love, with the band recording, producing and mastering it themselves.
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Impostor Syndrome - Single Review: The Shrink
04 Aug 2020 // A review by Peter-James Dries
Chameleons: Imposters of the reptile world. Imposter Syndrome: Chameleons of the music world.
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PRINS - EP Review: Magnetic
03 Aug 2020 // A review by malexa
If 2019 was the year when BENEE ruled the New Zealand pop charts, then 2020 could well be the year of another emerging talent, PRINS. It’s would be a bit cute to add an -ess, as in PRINC-ess, but, nevertheless, the Christchurch based singer and songwriter has the style and substance to wear the mantle of dance pop princess and wear it well.
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Racing - Gig Review: Racing @ Whammy Bar, Auckland - 31/07/2020
02 Aug 2020 // A review by LouClementine
Racing took to the stage on the penultimate date of their Flashback tour. The four-date stop off comes ahead of their highly-anticipated second album release.
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TheOpHilus - Single Review: My Little Rugrat
02 Aug 2020 // A review by Ben Ruegg
Authentic and real; that’s the best way to describe the new track My Little Rugrat from TheOpHilus. True Hip-Hop has always been, in my mind, sampling and talking about how things are where you are right now.
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Konarucchi - EP Review: Stuck In Daydreams
31 Jul 2020 // A review by Gaby Ivanov-Giraldo
Konarucchi is a multi-genre solo artist and composer from Wainuiomata. He is talented at mixing and recording, and has many versatile skills he brings to the table.
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Geoff Ong - Gig Review: Geoff Ong @ Cassette Nine, Auckland - 24/07/2020
31 Jul 2020 // A review by Gaby Ivanov-Giraldo
I said my bygones to the week behind me. The global climate is still heavy in the background of what we all miss doing and seeing.
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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.
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Danica Bryant - EP Review: Cider
30 Jul 2020 // A review by Corinne Rutherford
Napier’s young singer-songwriter Danica Bryant showcases powerful vocals on her debut 4 track EP, Cider. Currently based in Wellington, this is one lady who is not afraid to express herself through strong powerful lyrics and fierce emotion, and boy…does she have the lungs to pull it off.
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InDuna - Single Review: Black Man Running
30 Jul 2020 // A review by Ben Ruegg
Black Man Running is the new single from InDuna. It is a personal illustration of InDuna's racial experiences both here in New Zealand and South Africa.
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Mirror Ritual - Single Review: Nothing New
30 Jul 2020 // A review by Paul Goddard
New single Nothing New from Wellington-based Transistor is a tricky, trippy, psychedelic aural beast. A snarly bastard of a song.
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Oscar LaDell - Album Review: Gone Away
29 Jul 2020 // A review by Kerry MB
Gone Away is the debut album of electric blues up and coming Dunedinite, Oscar LaDell. Despite his twenty one years of age, he’s a second generation bluesman and knows his way around a fretboard or two.
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Eli Moore - EP Review: Home Skillet
29 Jul 2020 // A review by Callum Wagstaff
In 2017 Eli Moore released his first full length album. Ship Life revolved around his experience as a cruise ship musician and referenced his appreciation of the harmonies and forms of jazz music within a classic pop context.
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A Straw Assembly - Album Review: A Little More Life
28 Jul 2020 // A review by darryl baser
Right the get go this isn’t an album for the musically faint-hearted. The opening song A Saint Is Divided builds gently and beautifully into a maelstrom.
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Ben Hazlewood - Album Review: Bloodline
27 Jul 2020 // A review by malexa
Ben Hazlewood is a songwriter for those big moments that we all encounter when we fall in and out of love. For all the potential for joy, intimacy, belonging and fulfilment, when things fall apart there’s also the potential for deception, heartbreak, bewilderment and sadness.
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Nadia Reid - Gig Review: Nadia Reid @ Grainstore Gallery, Oamaru - 24/07/2020
25 Jul 2020 // A review by darryl baser
Flora Knight is first up, beginning with saying "Hi, I'm not Nadia". Her solo set on fiddle and singing begins with an Appalachian mountain tune about Bow weevils destroying crops, it’s a classic piece of mountain music, and a great way to open her set.
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Reignmaker - EP Review: Demos from Uranus
23 Jul 2020 // A review by JamieDenton
Reignmaker, who identify themselves as a "brutal aliencore duo … from the Swamp and from the Hutt", have just released their first two-track EP, entitled Demos from Uranus. With a total run time of just 3-minutes, the EP blasts out of the gate and past the listener as a lightning-bolt of uncontrollable, frenetic, schizophrenic energy.
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Farandicus - Single Review: CSM
23 Jul 2020 // A review by IslaMusic
Farandicus is a six-piece from Northland. Their rich harmonies and complex instrumental arrangements allow for an impressive discography of engaging releases.
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Repairs - Single Review: Pop Song
21 Jul 2020 // A review by HazzaMakingNoise
Pop music may be an often maligned art form, but it’s creative ideal is something that to many, holds unattainable allure. It’s this captivation that Tamaki Makaurau post-punk 3-piece Repairs’ channel into their off-kilter new single Pop Song.
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East of Queen - Single Review: Crickets
19 Jul 2020 // A review by madeleinehoward
East of Queen is Katherine Parsons, an indie-pop singer-songwriter based in Auckland. She launched her dreamy second single Crickets on the 10th of July.
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Steve Hutchinson - Single Review: pfmcfnc
16 Jul 2020 // A review by Steve Shyu
Residing in Nelson, Steve Hutchinson creates rock and heavy metal music as a means of expressing himself, and to leave a mark on Aotearoa’s music scene. Though disabled, this has not deterred Steve from venturing forth and making some noise on guitar.
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Vajra God - EP Review: Linkages
16 Jul 2020 // A review by jck2
Vajra God as far as I can make out is the alter ego and sexual side of David Patterson aka Esoligh. This EP is about sex and the songs are sexually explicit.
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16 Jul 2020 // A review by jck2
Vajra God as far as I can make out is the alter ego and sexual side of David Patterson aka Esoligh. This EP is about sex and the songs are sexually explicit.
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The Traditional Aliens - Album Review: Icy Blue Planet
16 Jul 2020 // A review by malexa
Infinity suggests the probability of all possibilities and the possibility of all probabilities. It's an apt name for this Hawke's Bay duo - multi instrumentalist Pateriki Hura and drummer Cameron Budge - who have now shown on two albums that their musical sweep is broad and astonishingly expansive for a duo.
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Iveta & Simone - Single Review: I'm Only Focused On You
15 Jul 2020 // A review by Chris Chick
Intense and full of bravado, as soon as the first piano chord hammered over my speakers, I jumped to attention like a well drilled private awaiting his first taste of action. Without any hesitation this private felt the need to start running towards the battle with no second thought for my own safety, willed on by the heavy baseline that accompanies the just as strong willed lyrical content.
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Yasamin - Single Review: Baghdad Boy
15 Jul 2020 // A review by Corinne Rutherford
Singer/songwriter, activist and former scientist Yasamin has just released the latest single from her upcoming album. Baghdad Boy is the second release from her anticipated album Songs Over Baghdad.
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Oakley Grenell - Single Review: Chimbambaira (OG Remix)
14 Jul 2020 // A review by Gaby Ivanov-Giraldo
Melbourne-based Cantabrian producer Oakley Grenell has ignited the Shottaz’ (Zimbabwe born artists Max and Hlats) new release Chimbambaira, which also features Nutty O. From the 2019 EP afro dancehall project Chimbambaira Reloaded sees the dynamic Shottaz team pair-up with various artists, DJs and producers to make way for some glorious remixes and riddims, including this steaming track with Oakley Grenell.
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Rei - Album Review: Hoea
14 Jul 2020 // A review by Steve Shyu
Over the past five years, Rei has worked his way to become arguably Wellington’s new king of Hip-Hop, on top of which he is also one of many in the rising tide of Rap artists writing in both English and Te Reo. Ever since I saw Rei open for Sons of Zion at The Powerstation two years ago, my interests have piqued further every time his name is mentioned on air or shows up billed on a music event.
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Fear Not Want - Album Review: Return To The Source
14 Jul 2020 // A review by Gwarden
Fear Not Want (stylised as FnW) is off to a strong start, with this LP dropping hot on the heels of debut release The Waiting last month. While that was an entirely ambient affair, Return To The Source finds Jeremy Graham (aka J Plates) exploring new terrain in the form of classic House music, mixed in with some downtempo and ambient bits.
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Steffany Beck - Single Review: I Have A Dream
13 Jul 2020 // A review by Ben Ruegg
The new track I Have a Dream from Steffany Beck is a wonderfully uplifting song that feels authentic and honest. The mix and overall sound of the track allow for the recording to feel natural and heart-warming.
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Lee Mvtthews - Single Review: Turning Back
13 Jul 2020 // A review by Gwarden
Lee Mvtthews are one of the biggest names among a new breed of NZ Drum & Bass producers making a mark on the global stage. Fresh off a big 2019 which saw the release of their debut LP Bones, a slew of awards at the Georgies as well regular appearances on club and festival line-ups, their latest single is a perfect distillation of their powerful, upbeat sound.
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Lauren Gin - EP Review: Supernova
13 Jul 2020 // A review by Ben Ruegg
The EP Supernova from Lauren Gin is subtle and done so elegantly. The opening track Need To Know showcases a more thoughtful and relaxed, almost conversational like vocal that bucks the trend for the big vocal you would typically expect from a track like this.
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Phil and Lana Doublet - Album Review: Play Nice
12 Jul 2020 // A review by darryl baser
Multi award winning Christchurch based musicians Phil and Lana Doublet have teamed up to write, record, and release the stunning album Play Nice. The pair wrote all but one of the songs on the album.
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Mini Simmons - Single Review: Travelling Show
12 Jul 2020 // A review by Chris Chick
With a skip in my step, bounding my way through Trafalgar Square making my way to the center of the world as I knew it, London Town, this brand new single by Mini Simmons is, as they say in London, ruddy bloody good. I love songs that take me back to bygone days of freedom and an ignorance that only a young 20 year old called entangle into his swagger.
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Coridian - Gig Review: Coridian with Outside In and Hospital Sports @ Ding Dong Lounge, Auckland - 11/07/2020
12 Jul 2020 // A review by Kev Rowland
Tonight’s gig was a series of firsts for me; it was my first visit to the Ding Dong Lounge, my first gig of the year, the first time I had seen any of these bands play live, and my first ever gig review for Muzic.net.
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The Beths - Gig Review: The Beths @ The Powerstation, Auckland - 11/07/2020
12 Jul 2020 // A review by Ben Ruegg
The Beths truly showcased why they are so beloved by so many people. The way Elizabeth Stokes and her band, made up of Jonathan Pearce, Benjamin Sinclair and Tristan Deck, commanded the stage so effortlessly was refreshing.
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Internet Death - Album Review: Not Your Dog!
09 Jul 2020 // A review by Callum Wagstaff
Mild mannered billionaire journalist (citation needed) 17-year-old Christchurch musician by day, Finlay Anderson dons the Internet Death undies by night to slap us in the ass-face with the cyber hardcore anti-hero anarchist justice of Not Your Dog!Christchurch in 2020 is a Petri dish of physical isolation and the chaos of the entire world being beamed directly into the brains of the population potentially 24/7.
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theajsound - Single Review: Promise
08 Jul 2020 // A review by Corinne Rutherford
Auckland based singer-songwriter Theajsound has just released his latest track Promise, a sentimental love song which he describes as an "ode to the beginning of a budding love". Gaining popularity on YouTube with his cover hits, he quickly rose to social media fame when he had 11 million views around the world on his cover with Shirley Setia.
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Boy Virgo - Single Review: Lock Me Up
08 Jul 2020 // A review by JamieDenton
Palmerston North-based Boy Virgo — the pseudonym of singer, songwriter, producer, and pianist Michael Dermer — is a relative newcomer to the New Zealand music scene. Having started releasing his music via Soundcloud in 2018, he released his official debut single to wider platforms in 2019.
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Bulletbelt - Album Review: Warlords
07 Jul 2020 // A 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.
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Gramsci - Album Review: Inheritance
06 Jul 2020 // A review by malexa
Paul McLaney has, metaphorically speaking, found his voice again. After a series of largely conceptual electronic albums as The Impending Adorations, he has rebooted Gramsci, the songwriting alias that has lain dormant since the release of Like Stray Voltage in 2005.
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L.A.B. - Gig Review: L.A.B. @ Spark Arena, Auckland - 3/07/2020
05 Jul 2020 // A review by kongfooey
First off, congrats to L.A.
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PolarisRadio - Album Review: Deadline
03 Jul 2020 // A review by Steve Shyu
Dean Moroney, under his stage name PolarisRadio, is on track to becoming Aotearoa’s finest retro-synth music producer. Over the past six years, from his home-base in the Hawke’s Bay, he has released numerous one-off singles and full-length releases, including Virtual Paradise.
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Screw Jack - EP Review: Back in the Saddle
02 Jul 2020 // A review by Callum Wagstaff
Screw-Jack is a musical duo separated by the cook straight and brought together by the wonders of modern technology. The inciting incident that brought Matt Schobs and Mark Tupuhi together happened back in 2007 and somewhere along the way the post-pop electro freakbeat sounds of Screw-Jack were conceived.
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Compilation Review: Home Alone: Winter 2020
02 Jul 2020 // A review by malexa
Wellington boutique label Home Alone has developed an exceptional roster of artists since it announced itself to the world in 2006. And while the creative backbone of the label has always been the triumvirate of Timothy Blackman, who actually launched the label in Dunedin with his debut EP, Lake South and French For Rabbits' Brooke Singer, it has expanded its repertoire and reach with such as internationalists Helena Massey and Shenondoah Davis.
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02 Jul 2020 // A review by malexa
Wellington boutique label Home Alone has developed an exceptional roster of artists since it announced itself to the world in 2006. And while the creative backbone of the label has always been the triumvirate of Timothy Blackman, who actually launched the label in Dunedin with his debut EP, Lake South and French For Rabbits' Brooke Singer, it has expanded its repertoire and reach with such as internationalists Helena Massey and Shenondoah Davis.
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Truth - EP Review: Without You
02 Jul 2020 // A review by Gwarden
Truth, predominantly known for their prolific output in the Dubstep scene via their own Deep, Dark & Dangerous label, now turn their attention to 170BPM on the stellar EP Without You. This is a substantial EP utilising classic Drum & Bass motifs, it retains enough of a connection to the vibe of deep Dubstep as to not alienate fans of previous works, while still crafting something truly unique.
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Sola Rosa - Single Review: For The Mighty Dollar Feat. Kevin Mark Trail
01 Jul 2020 // A review 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.
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Sebo - Single Review: Good Vibes
01 Jul 2020 // A review by Freecell
Upcoming Christchurch artist Sebo has recently released a brand-new single entitled Good Vibes. This track has a modern Hip-Hop style to it.
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Madeleine Howard - Single Review: Missing Pieces
30 Jun 2020 // A review by IslaMusic
From a young age Madeleine Howard was inspired by female New Zealand artists. Brooke Fraser, Anika Moa and Lorde resonated with her.
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Zero Plussed - EP Review: I'll Stay For One More Song And Then It's Bedtime
30 Jun 2020 // A review by Investigator
Zero Plussed's I'll Stay For One More Song And Then It's Bedtime is the first EP from newly created Aotearoa DIY electronic label, Acoldplace. Arguably one of NZ's best outdoor festivals was The Gathering, where you could wander aimlessly around a forest in the dark and stumble upon a clearing of fellow Gatherers.
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Alae - Single Review: Lucy
29 Jun 2020 // A review by madeleinehoward
Following on from the success of their previous single Summer Thing, Indie Pop four piece Alae are back with Lucy, an infectious, groove-tinged pop tune that’s sure to get listeners through the dreary winter.Lucy is the work of vocalist Alex Farrell-Davey and Dunedin musician Max Gunn (formerly of The Shambles) The pair met at an Auckland Song Hubs session in 2019.
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And$um - Album Review: Volume 1
26 Jun 2020 // A review by Ben Ruegg
And$um's album entitled Volume 1 is a trip through a whole range of ideas and concepts.Armed with an idea, a sound and a vision, And$um takes ownership of his sound and runs with it.
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Sit Down In Front - Album Review: Confessions of a Pie Thief
26 Jun 2020 // A review by Paul Goddard
Punk music means different things to different people. Over the years like most genres it has morphed, been watered down, kicked about and spat out.
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Hummucide - Single Review: Reacher
25 Jun 2020 // A review by Chris Chick
Picture a wonderfully blissful day, slow wanderings around the park as it blooms fully into the start of a new creation, beckoning good will and tidings to all that seek it. With that picture in mind, now listen to the new single from Hummucide Reacher and transcend the only way possible from the vibe that jazz music can only touch.
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Ekko Park - Single Review: All On Eyes On Me
24 Jun 2020 // A review by Ben Ruegg
Wow! Hit repeat.
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Something Zesty - Single Review: Mad About It
24 Jun 2020 // A review by Callum Wagstaff
'All Zest, No Stress' is the catchphrase for Whanganui-based one-man cartoon band Something Zesty. If it were on a cereal box it would be the bit written in a big spiked speech balloon.
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Repairs - Single Review: Cut To The Chase
23 Jun 2020 // A review by Paul Goddard
You know that feeling you get when you discover something you weren’t expecting? Not in a bad way, fuck that - we have all discovered too much badness lately.
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Sola Rosa - Single Review: Searching For Love Feat. Kiko Bun
23 Jun 2020 // A review by Gaby Ivanov-Giraldo
If you love music, Sola Rosa is a Kiwi band that you really should know about. The founder of this powerhouse is Andrew Spraggon; the man behind the band’s "near 20-year labour of love".
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Roonie - Single Review: My Heart
22 Jun 2020 // A review by IslaMusic
Taupo born Michaela Pointon started songwriting when she was 12, and released her debut EP Human Nature in her final year of high school. In 2019 the young artist adopted the moniker Roonie, and chased her musical dreams to Auckland.
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Dream State Empire - EP Review: Why Fight It
22 Jun 2020 // A review by Kerry MB
Hailing from our cool little capital, Dream State Empire is a five-piece high energy kind of noise you wish you heard about yesterday. The five Wellingtonians have been kicking about since 2018 and have just released their stunning debut EP, Why Fight It.
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Kevin Posey - Album Review: Breathe
19 Jun 2020 // A review by Gaby Ivanov-Giraldo
US-born producer, rapper, and singer-songwriter Kevin Posey has just released his latest album Breathe. Posey is an international artist who has recently been thriving in the Aotearoa music scene.
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Alan Brown - Album Review: Wind And Wire
18 Jun 2020 // A review by Corinne Rutherford
Alan Brown’s name is entrenched in the New Zealand Jazz scene as not only an established Jazz keyboardist, but also from his highly successful Jazz-funk band in the 1990’s, Blue Train. While reputed for his keyboard and Hammond organ skills his recent work, following on from his past solo creations is titled Wind And Wire, an instrumental, atmospheric electronica based album offering up a brooding sonic soundscape.
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Sean Bodley - Single Review: Sunday Drive
17 Jun 2020 // A review by ApolloSteamTrain
In the world of lead guitar and instrumental offerings, Sean Bodley needs no introduction. Over the last 10 years, Sean has established a catalogue of six albums that display his dedication to the Guitar as an instrument of creation and clearly highlight his talent; therefore, one could correctly state that his latest single Sunday Drive is not his first rodeo.
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For The Wolves - Single Review: The Devil You Know
17 Jun 2020 // A review by Paul Goddard
This was just what I needed today. Pandemic lockdown here in the UK has me climbing the walls and wanting to quite frankly rip someone's head off.
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Sunny Ray - Album Review: Sentient Compass
16 Jun 2020 // A review by malexa
The transformation in Sunny Ray has always seemed inevitable since she made her debut in 2010 with the delightfully visionary EP Mindlessness. Here was a voice that spoke to us of the journey of the soul and the process of its awakening.
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Mojo Crow - EP Review: The Badlands
15 Jun 2020 // A review by darryl baser
Auckland’s Mojo Crow have been around since 2012 in one form or another, and have just released their brand new EP, The Badlands. Right from the start of the opening track, High Plains Drifter, Mojo Crew’s up tempo country sound is to the fore.
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Matt Bizzle - Single Review: Ride
15 Jun 2020 // A review by JamieDenton
Auckland based musician/DJ/producer/saxophonist, Matt Bizzle has been active within the New Zealand music scene for many years (including stints with Cornerstone Roots, Strangely Arousing and Jupiter Project among others) before more recently branching out on his own. Through 2018 and 2019, Matt Bizzle has released a number of singles culminating in the most recent release Ride, which also features Emily Rice (Aro).
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Torn Chorus - Single Review: Brave New World
14 Jun 2020 // A review by Peter-James Dries
Lockdown was a true test of one’s fight-or-flight instinct, a show of one’s character. For some, it was an artist’s paradise.
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Voodoo Bloo - Single Review: MMA
11 Jun 2020 // A review by Steve Shyu
With lockdown officially over, here comes the time to see live some of the music that’s been recorded or released while Aotearoa has been in isolation. Out of the now indefinitely-shelved Wellington band Lucifer Gunne comes Voodoo Bloo, the new project of the musical mastermind Rory McDonald.
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Last Nights Dream - Single Review: North Star
11 Jun 2020 // A review by Chris Chick
Whenever anyone makes the plunge into Reggae style music, you just know you are in for a treat, and there is no difference here with Whaea Stylz latest single North Star; an infused reggae beat that is guaranteed to get you moving even those muscles you never knew existed. I was really drawn in by the range of instruments, especially the piano, I thought its use really added to the song.
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Kevin Posey - Single Review: Your Shine Feat. Mazbou Q & Kirsten
11 Jun 2020 // A review by Gaby Ivanov-Giraldo
Kevin Posey is an international artist and native from Oklahoma, USA. Posey is a music producer, publisher and songwriter that has also graduated from an associates degree in Music Production from the Academy of Contemporary Music at the University of Central Oklahoma.
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Fear Not Want - Album Review: The Waiting
11 Jun 2020 // A review by Gwarden
Fear Not Want is a new project from Jeremy Graham aka J Plates, an electronic producer most well-known for his Drum & Bass output but who also dabbles in styles as diverse as House, Downtempo, and now Ambient. This carefully assembled collection boasts compelling arrangements that provide for an introspective journey and reveal a musician capable of bringing genuine warmth using a digital palette.
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Riqi Harawira - Single Review: Ruapekapeka
11 Jun 2020 // A review 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).
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Darryl Baser - EP Review: #SecondSelfie
11 Jun 2020 // A review by Ben Ruegg
The room sound really comes through in the opening track of the new EP, #SecondSelfie, from Darryl Baser. It brings a real sense of honesty to recordings.
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Banks Arcade - EP Review: Fever Dreams
10 Jun 2020 // A review by Kris Raven
NZ/Aussie 5-piece Banks Arcade recently released their game changing second EP and follow up to their debut EP, 2018’s Endnote. A lot has changed for the band in three years, members have come and gone, a move across the ditch and an incredible evolution in their sound and focus.
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Jadukor - Single Review: Always Yours
09 Jun 2020 // A review by [email protected]
Jadukor describes himself as "A mysterious magician who is pulling music out of his hat". Working the angle of intrigue can often pay dividends, and this solo artist is attracting plenty of attention with his particular brand of swaggering, alternative rock metal.
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Monty Willers - Single Review: Play No More
07 Jun 2020 // A review by Freecell
Here's the latest tune by upcoming Hip-Hop/RnB artist Monty Willers - Play No More.The song starts off with some lush guitar strings on the intro, which kind of reminds me of Fade to Black by Metallica.
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Valere - Single Review: Like That
05 Jun 2020 // A review by Gaby Ivanov-Giraldo
Singer songwriter Shana Llorando, AKA Valere, has just released her latest single Like That. She brings blossom to our generation of music with her diversity and versatility of sound.
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Marshmellow - Album Review: Secrets of the Universe
04 Jun 2020 // A review by Callum Wagstaff
From a world of bottomless resilience and optimism comes Marshmellow's Secrets of the Universe. A Eurovision wet dream forged in environmental hope and poverty-stricken despair with a solid gold, true-love center.
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Channeled - Single Review: Isolation
04 Jun 2020 // A review by Steve Shyu
Just by reading the title you’d be forgiven for thinking this is “just another song about being in lockdown”. Before you dismiss this outright, you’d be relieved to know the songwriter actually composed this years before Covid-19, and in his own words, it’s about "running away from being locked inside your head and turning away from the person you once were".
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J Plates - Single Review: A Cut Above / Strength To Strength
04 Jun 2020 // A review by Gwarden
J Plates comes correct with another nostalgia-infused slice of timeless Drum and Bass, for the debut release on his very own imprint. Originally appearing in 2014 on now-defunct Sonata Recordings, these two singles have been remastered and sound absolutely massive, sitting firmly in the wheelhouse of atmospheric, low-BPM DnB pioneered by the likes of LTJ Bukem.
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Theia - EP Review: 99% Angel
03 Jun 2020 // A review by Gaby Ivanov-Giraldo
Theia is a vibrant songwriter, independent NZ musician and artist who has been releasing music since 2015, when her RnB-fused track Silver Second, produced by Alex Hope, first set foot on the scene. Her stellar debut, self-titled EP was released in 2017 with fervour, sweeping support by number.
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Bridges - Single Review: Weightless Without
03 Jun 2020 // A review by emcqs
Bridges is the indie-pop project of Christchurch-born Rachel Hamilton. Upon moving to Auckland to study music, she diversified her sound and branched out from the acoustic style she performed as a teenager.
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Ignatia : Rising - Single Review: You Found Me Too
03 Jun 2020 // A review by malexa
The retooled Ignatia : Rising continue to surprise with their latest release - a quiet stunner, which is perhaps a reflection of these times when we have all been forced to look deep within ourselves. After three singles that made it almost impossible to pigeon-hole their style or swagger, You Found Me Too is an acoustic ballad "an ode to unconditional love".
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Ten24 - Single Review: Blissful Affliction
01 Jun 2020 // A review by Steve Shyu
One of the newest and most brilliant acts to come out of Wellington recently is Ten24, the alternative rock four-piece that took out the Smokefree Rockquest People’s Choice Award of 2019. Steadily gaining traction and attention from throughout the capital, the band have recorded and released their very first single, entitled Blissful Affliction.
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Michael Ferriss and Hedley Marks - Album Review: Interlude In The House Of Life
01 Jun 2020 // A review by Peter-James Dries
When released, Ghosts I – IV was one of the more obscure Nine Inch Nails releases in an expansive discography. Instrumental and cinematic, lacking the abrasive angst and grit of all that came before, it felt out of step compared to their previous releases.
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Big Scout - Single Review: Flung
30 May 2020 // A review by Callum Wagstaff
At times dizzying and sometimes catastrophically frenetic, Flung descends into chaos.Flung is the first of four singles set for release over the coming months from Blenheim's guitar bashing wastrels Big Scout.
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Marina Bloom and Moving Stuff - Single Review: Let's Pretend
29 May 2020 // A review by IslaMusic
Russian singer-songwriter Marina Bloom has embraced lockdown as a time of creativity and expression through releasing a series of singles entitled Songs of Isolation. Ordinarily influenced by the likes of Celine Dion and Fleetwood Mac, her latest single Let’s Pretend is a grungier offering than her listeners may have expected.
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Grace - Single Review: Echo Thoughts
29 May 2020 // A review by Corinne Rutherford
Young bedroom music producer from Auckland, Grace has just released the first track from her EP Music From The Cupboard. Echo Thoughts is a captivating track of ethereal vocals enveloped in a luscious techno beat.
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Venice Qin - EP Review: Dreamboy
29 May 2020 // A review by Trevor Faville
Venice Qin is an Auckland based singer and Songwriter. Dreamboy is a four-song collection and is her first release.
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Roulettes - EP Review: Rocket To You
29 May 2020 // A review by darryl baser
The Rocket To You EP is dedicated to Dunedin musician Andrew Brough (Straitjacket Fits, Bike) who passed away at his Dunedin home in February this year. Two members of this three-piece have close ties with Andrew Brough, Justin McLean is Andrew’s stepbrother, and Ben Grant was (along with Justin) played in the band Funhouse, for whom Andrew was a mentor.
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She Loves You - Single Review: Devout
28 May 2020 // A review by Ben Ruegg
Devout is the latest single from She Loves You, a 4-piece Auckland-based fast-talking all-action girl group.The track starts off quietly but quickly builds in a dance-rock song in the chorus.
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Found Family - Single Review: Alive
27 May 2020 // A review by Chris Chick
Again, New Zealand music goes and surprises me, and in a good way. It reminds me of my trip to a well-known hot pool resort in the South Island; I arrived there with my little buddy that I mentor and saw the price of entrance.
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Hannah in the Wars - Single Review: Animal
27 May 2020 // A review by Corinne Rutherford
New Zealand alternative post-punk inspired (Or lovelorn vet nurse shadow-pop) songwriter Hannah Curwood from Hannah In The Wars has just released a new single Animal. A unique and totally enjoyable song, which is as bizarre as it is loveable.
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Andy Snadden - Album Review: The River
27 May 2020 // A review by ApolloSteamTrain
The River is the debut album by Japan-based Kiwi singer/songwriter Andy Snadden. Displaying clear influences from some of the greats, one can instantly hear many hours of devotion to the likes of Lennon, McCartney, Dylan, Simon and Garfunkel have gone into the development of Andy's music.
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Laura-mae - Single Review: Betsy
26 May 2020 // A review by emcqs
Laura-mae is an indie-pop singer-songwriter from Golden Bay. Betsy is her first release.
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Ryan Fisherman - Album Review: Vibe
26 May 2020 // A review by Corinne Rutherford
Christchurch musician and singer-writer Ryan Chin, goes under the name of Ryan Fisherman. He has just released his first album Vibe.
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Known Associates - Album Review: Ride the Wave
26 May 2020 // A review by Callum Wagstaff
Known Associates have had a successful 2019 opening for big acts like Living Colour, The Feelers and The Jordan Luck Band. Ride the Wave is their second full length outing, following Penny Love and the Rebound EP.
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Buda - EP Review: Days of Colour
25 May 2020 // A review by tomashman
The latest EP release from Dunedin’s Buda is an orgy of space rock pandemonium that sounds as if it could have come straight from 1974. The EP Days of Colour draws inspiration from the likes of Hawkwind, David Bowie, T-rex and early ‘Quo all through the modern filter of Buda’s own unique and spellbinding sound.
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MEDaL - Album Review: Replica
25 May 2020 // A review by darryl baser
When it comes to bands having quality pedigree, Lyttelton based MEDaL are the equivalent of a top quality show cat. Dave Mulcahy (JPSE, Superette), with Mark Whyte and John Billows who have been in bands like Into The Void and The Renderers, among others.
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Sofia Machray - Single Review: Handstands
25 May 2020 // A review by IslaMusic
“Indie-pop fantasizer” Sofia Machray is stirring up the music scene with her debut single Handstands. Having made a name for herself performing at festivals and opening for indie-rock band Racing, it’s exciting to see her step into the studio.
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Lorenzo Hazelwood - Single Review: Pharos
21 May 2020 // A review by Steve Shyu
Having performed lead vocal duties with Auckland hard rock band Close to the Bone, Lorenzo Hazelwood has added another entry to his musical repertoire by going solo. Known for his guitar playing, bold vocal range, and an uncanny resemblance to Incubus’s Brandon Boyd, Lorenzo beavered away at this home studio, recording all parts himself.
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Superturtle - Single Review: WTFRU
21 May 2020 // A review by darryl baser
WTFRU, or, Who The Fuck Are You is the new single by Superturtle. It’s not often that the scant information in a release about a band’s single is so spot on.
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Mazbou Q - EP Review: Afroternity
20 May 2020 // A review by Ben Ruegg
The debut EP from Mazbou Q is a powerful statement. Not only musically in the world of the now trap dominated rap and hip-hop scene, but also through the lyrical ideas that make up the 6-tracks of Afroternity.
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Mudbelly - Album Review: MudBelly
20 May 2020 // A review by tonymcdonald
I'm glad we are on lockdown, as its time to really put my speakers to the test and turn them up loud (but not too loud, my health & safety hat is on).MudBelly (what a great name) are fairly new, but this debut album will ensure that they are going to be well-known from now on!
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Madeleine Howard - Single Review: No More
18 May 2020 // A review by Corinne Rutherford
Christchurch based singer-songwriter Madeleine Howard, has just released her catchy new single No More, The first off the ranks of consecutive single releases as she prepares to launch her debut EP, Just Reaching Out. Originally from the Hawke’s Bay, Madeleine went on to study at the University Of Otago Contemporary Performance Programme for four years, developing a characteristic Kiwi sound which shines through strongly on this single.
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Outside In - Album Review: Karmatrain
17 May 2020 // A review by Ben Ruegg
The debut release from Outside In is incredible, and it's currently up there as of the greatest debuts from a New Zealand band. Ok, let me explain.
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The Nighthawk Experience - Album Review: Current Lies
14 May 2020 // A review by tomashman
The Nighthawk Experience’s latest EP Current Lies is a 5-track roundhouse kick of alt-rock mayhem. The EP and accompanying animated material is the latest output from Auckland multi-instrumentalist and singer songwriter Scott McDonald-Bull.
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Primacy - Album Review: Seeds of Change
14 May 2020 // A review by Steve Shyu
Auckland’s groove/alternative-metal quintet Primacy are primed for great things. Consisting of vocalist Rhys, bass player Sid, drummer Will and axe-wielding duo Jared and Adrian, their debut EP Failure & Sacrifice peaked at Number 13 on the Official New Zealand Album Charts.
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Justin Sane - Single/Video Review: It’s Not Over with Huz
14 May 2020 // A review by Corinne Rutherford
NZ electronic dance duo from Auckland, Justin Sane & Huz have recently released their brand new single It’s Not Over accompanied by a high energy bittersweet music video which is like an accelerated timeline of C-19 NZ Lockdown 2020. Justin Sane has been around for a few years, a DJ from the UK; he immigrated to New Zealand in 2001 and exploded into the public eye in 2003 by being identified as one of the hottest young properties within the NZ hardhouse scene.
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Goodspace - Album Review: Under the Loquat Tree
14 May 2020 // A review by Callum Wagstaff
Goodspace started life in 2017 as a more grunge influenced band called Restless Electric before refining their line-up and reconvening their efforts in a more lo-fi indie Britpop capacity. In 2019 they emerged as Goodspace, dedicated to helping listeners feel present and providing a more connected experience; "from our goodspace to yours".
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Darryl Baser - Single Review: Wood, I’ve Found You A Seeker
14 May 2020 // A review by Corinne Rutherford
Dunedin based musician and purveyor of the Dunedin Sound and indie folk genres Darryl Baser, has just released the first single from his up and coming sophomore album Second Selfie. Wood, I’ve Found You A Seeker is an unusually named release based on a “bunch of experiences”.
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Lost Tribe Aotearoa - Album Review: Lost Tribe Aotearoa
14 May 2020 // A review by Gaby Ivanov-Giraldo
Lost Tribe Aotearoa are a group of musicians bubbling from various spots in the North Island, having formed in Raglan in December 2017. Their debut single Irie won the 2018 Mai FM Big Break competition and made the NZ music charts at #8.
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Phil Stoodley - Single Review: Undercover
13 May 2020 // A review by Chris Chick
I was pleasantly surprised when I was reminded that I also reviewed Phil Stoodley's work 7 years ago. This was like a coming of age moment and having recently returned to the duties of music reviewing, I thoroughly enjoyed the nostalgia of that memory.
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Repairs - Single Review: Last Chances
13 May 2020 // A review by Callum Wagstaff
Repairs are kind of like the band next door. I get the same bro-hang vibes from their mission statement as I did watching Sex Bob-omb rehearse in the movie Scott Pilgrim vs the World.
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Coridian - EP Review: Eldur
13 May 2020 // A review by JamieDenton
Auckland-based four-piece alternative rock band Coridian are a name that is, or should be, familiar to many within the New Zealand music scene. Having released two previous EP’s, Coridian are one of the hardest working bands in the country right now.
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Imperial April - Single Review: Peachy
13 May 2020 // A review by IslaMusic
While Imperial April’s debut single was released this May, they are no strangers to the music scene. Victoria and Andy Knopp have worked on various projects over the years, including electro-pop band The Response and a handmade CD for Mother’s Day.
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J Plates - EP Review: Brain Drain
13 May 2020 // A review by Gwarden
NZ-born, UK-based producer J Plates surfaces for another killer EP following a brace of releases last November on Omni Music UK. This time around he lands on London label In-Reach Records with 5 cuts of old school Drum n Bass that will please fans of intelligent, rugged beats.
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Dharma Dan - EP Review: Sotapatti
12 May 2020 // A review by Ben Ruegg
On the latest release, Sotapatti, from Dharma Dan, the artist finds himself with a set of beats reminiscent of the early New York hip-hop scene. Over the top, Dharma Dan lays down cool, chilled and thoughtful lyrics; "Just a drop of h2o just trying to find its way home to the ocean".
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Bad Jones - EP Review: You Are All Animals
12 May 2020 // A review by Epitomised_Drummer
During these uncertain and unique times, all the self-isolation days at home trawling old music videos and posting my favourite album every day on Facebook has had me reminiscing about better times when rock was still king, and people who played live instruments were admired. By better times, I mean the days when we all used to be allowed out, get dieseled up on JD’s and coke, and watch an epic live band rip life a new one, so Bad Jones brand new EP You Are All Animals was the antidote I’ve been looking for.
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Holly Afoa - EP Review: Sister
11 May 2020 // A review by Corinne Rutherford
Auckland based Neo-Soul singer/songwriter Holly Afoa has recently released her debut EP Sister. Five tracks of soulful, heartfelt music.
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Ralphe - Double Single Review: Never Enough & What You Want
11 May 2020 // A review by Corinne Rutherford
Auckland based musician and audio-engineer Ralph Engle has been busy over the lockdown period, collaborating on a couple of songs remotely. He's just released two singles from a "work in progress" EP entitled Souvenirs.
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Tim Allen - Album Review: The Last Bastion of A Lad
10 May 2020 // A review by darryl baser
‘Lad’ culture has its roots in Northern England, just like recently transplanted musician Tim Allen. The Last Bastion of A Lad is the sophomore album from now New Zealand resident Tim Allen, and he’s got some high-calibre Kiwi musicians on board.
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The Kendals - Single Review: Vines (Dear Will Remix)
08 May 2020 // A review by Gaby Ivanov-Giraldo
The Kendals are a three-piece pop trio from Auckland. The band have been releasing music since their debut single Passion.
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Terrence & The Optimistics - EP Review: Groovy Baby
07 May 2020 // A review by Chris Chick
As an eternal optimist, the chance to review a band with that term implanted into their vibe was an easy decision. Some would say that this is a recipe for bias reviewing, I would rather see it as a an extra brownie point before I had even cracked open the computer salivating in anticipation for some retro nostalgic soul grooves of the 60’s and 70;s, not that I was there in person, only in spirit.
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Konarucchi - Single Review: They Follow
07 May 2020 // A review by Lexa.Dixon
Picture this: 7am on a Wednesday morning. I'm outside having a vape and checking out Facebook.
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Midnight Manor - Single Review: Save The World
04 May 2020 // A review by Steve Shyu
Auckland’s hard rock stalwarts Midnight Manor are venturing ardently through their music-making journey. Having released a single just last month to great praise, the band are carrying forward the momentum in preparation for the release of their second full-length album Mindful Games.
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Echo Children - Single Review: Flowerbeds
04 May 2020 // A review by IslaMusic
Echo Children are "a band of foreigners formed in the melting pot of Auckland". With members hailing from Scotland, Sweden, the UK and Canada the group pull influences from Springsteen, Ryan Adams and Fleetwood Mac.
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Channeled - Single Review: The Taste Of Blood
03 May 2020 // A review by [email protected]
Channeled is a Kiwi rock act lead by talented guitarist/singer/songwriter Ben Ruegg. The Taste of Blood is the first single from Channeled’s second record, following up 2019’s self-titled debut.
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City of Souls - Album Review: Synaesthesia
30 Apr 2020 // A review by Kris Raven
Alright people, it’s here, it’s finally here!5 years in the making.
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Reb Fountain - Album Review: Reb Fountain
30 Apr 2020 // A review by IslaMusic
Reb Fountain’s latest release is more than an album: it’s a sonic experience. The songs are innovative and varied - there’s reason to give attention to every track.
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Demons of Noon - EP Review: The Summoning
30 Apr 2020 // A review by Ben Ruegg
Doom rock, metal or whatever you want to call it has been a fascination of mine since hearing it on a Guitar Hero game a while ago as a young lad. There was something about that wall of sound guitar and bass sludge sound that was almost hypnotic.
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Kaela - Single Review: Happy To Know You
29 Apr 2020 // A review by Corinne Rutherford
Auckland based indie-pop artist Kaela, AKA Leah Navanua, is relatively fresh on the NZ musical scene, having only released her debut single Set Me Free in 2018, despite playing acoustic sets for a number of years. Her intimate new single Happy To Know You (HTKY), which is being released on May 1st, is a dreamy offering of lush harmonies.
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Tricks & Sleeves - Single Review: Raelene
28 Apr 2020 // A review by Gaby Ivanov-Giraldo
Auckland-based indie band Tricks & Sleeves have recently released their latest single Raelene. These lads have drawn various inspiration from other alternative/indie bands of the last couple of decades, as well inspiration from 70’s folk artists like Paul Simon and Neil Young.
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Swallow the Rat - Album Review: Leaving Room
28 Apr 2020 // A review by Callum Wagstaff
Swallow the Rat sound like if a tornado became sentient and could communicate that it just wants to shoot the shit and have a chat.Swallow the Rat formed in Auckland in 2017 when Texan guitarist Brian Purington moved to New Zealand and started jamming with Sam Vercoe.
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Chris Bates - Single Review: Focus
22 Apr 2020 // A review by Ben Ruegg
Focus is a stunning track showcasing the combined efforts of Luan and Chris Bates. The production quality here from Luan is outstanding.
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General Vibe - EP Review: California Rocket Fuel
22 Apr 2020 // A review by Ben Ruegg
From the low-fi sound that kicks off with the opening track Secondhand, the jazzy elements are right there interwoven amongst beat and pulsing beat. And then, so subtly the vocals transition out of the low-fi realm into crystal clear, as does the rest of the band.
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Vox Venus - EP Review: Rise & Shine
20 Apr 2020 // A review by darryl baser
Rise & Shine is from the first phase of Vox Venus.The four song EP was recorded with Heather Bolton 's brother Geoff 'Paddy' Bolton on drums.
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Desbot - EP Review: Occult Tapes
20 Apr 2020 // A review by Callum Wagstaff
Desbot: One who sits at his computer all night trolling political forums for politically incorrect posts and spamming those posts with left-wing idiocy. - Urban Dictionary.
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Iveta & Simone - Single Review: Psycho Baby
20 Apr 2020 // A review by Callum Wagstaff
Iveta and Simone are a duo that cut their teeth singing covers all over the world. They describe their original material as new age, contemporary alternative rock.
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LA Thompson - Single Review: Don’t Take Me Back
19 Apr 2020 // A review by darryl baser
LA Thompson is a seasoned campaigner, with a solid history in the music industry and her newest single Don’t Take Me Back is another well-crafted song, which has been recorded and produced suitably. Her voice sits on top of a lush but sparse mix of rhythm and melodic guitars, electronic drums and subtle bass, and her vocal line begins after a couple of bars.
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Thousand Limbs - EP Review: Mara
19 Apr 2020 // A 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.
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Alders - Single Review: Lost In Your Colours
18 Apr 2020 // A review by Gaby Ivanov-Giraldo
Alders, the solo project of Mitch Alderlieste, has just released his latest single Lost In Your Colours. Mitch Alderlieste is an independent singer songwriter and multi-instrumentalist based in Wellington.
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Needless Cane - Album Review: The Red Masquerade
16 Apr 2020 // A review by Peter-James Dries
Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery. Fan fiction.
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Parabola West - Single Review: New Moon
16 Apr 2020 // A review by Corinne Rutherford
Raglan based musical artist Parabola West is back with an enchanting new single New Moon. Given the state of the world at this time, the release of this track is perfect timing inspired by “the idea of a deep and ancient wisdom within each of us.
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These Four Walls - Album Review: This Is Not A Future
15 Apr 2020 // A review by Kris Raven
These Four Walls, a household name in NZ rock since the mid 2000's, the now Australian-based alt rock four piece are about to release their third album This Is Not A Future and the timing feels eerily perfect, an album name never seemed more real right now. Beginning with The Sound, the opening lyric "All my life I've lived this song" is a hauntingly introverted revelation that gives you an indication on where this album will take you.
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Papercity - Single Review: Feel
14 Apr 2020 // A review by Chris Chick
Feel is the second single from Papercity since their debut track Plastic and this one is a rasper. I came into this review on a very neutral playing field and as soon as the song started I was hooked.
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SkeletonCrew - Album Review: It's Better I Don't Know
13 Apr 2020 // A review by tomashman
SkeletonCrew are a fairly new arrival on the NZ music scene but they’re already off to a flying start with their debut album It’s Better I Don’t Know released on the 10th of April. SkeletonCrew is a partnership between Felix Danilo and Nicole Obren, both from Northland.
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Coridian - Single Review: The Witness
13 Apr 2020 // A review by [email protected]
Auckland four-piece Coridian have well and truly earned their stripes as one of NZ’s highest quality rock acts. With two records, multiple music videos, high profile tours and plenty of streams under their belts, The Witness proves to be yet another worthy addition to their catalogue.
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Investigator - Single Review: Lovers & Loners Feat. Barker
11 Apr 2020 // A review by Callum Wagstaff
Adrian Drew left his commercial radio career to make music as Investigator. Johnny Barker left New Zealand to get away from his reputation as Shortland Street's Ferndale Strangler.
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Apollo SteamTrain - Single Review: Nothing Stupid
10 Apr 2020 // A review by Ben Ruegg
Starting an acoustic guitar and then adding texture through melodic lead guitar and powerful drums and bass, the new track from Apollo SteamTrain, Nothing Stupid, starts off strong and solid. And from there it only builds and gets stronger.
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Farandicus - Double Single Review: Shame On You / Throwaway Youth
10 Apr 2020 // A review by IslaMusic
Farandicus’ style is an amalgamation of the varied musical backgrounds of its members. Their latest dual release of Shame on You and Throwaway Youth will make you move.
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Midnight Manor - Single Review: Space Monkey
06 Apr 2020 // A review by Steve Shyu
Auckland quartet Midnight Manor have been kicking around the rock scene for nearly eight years. Sporting a healthy number of singles under their belts, plus a full-length album to boot, the band have not rested on laurels, and released a brand new sophomore LP, named Mindful Games.
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CampbellMack - Single Review: Second Self
04 Apr 2020 // A review by Gaby Ivanov-Giraldo
Singer songwriter CampbellMack, alias of Campbell MacKenzie, has just released his new single Second Self. As a guitar player himself from the age of six, also having released now six streamable singles with viably different influences, you can really hear the “thinking and feeling” aspect of musicianship in this song.
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Social Shun - Album Review: What Is Music
04 Apr 2020 // A review by Callum Wagstaff
What is music? It's kind of a rhetorical question.
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Cashek - Single Review: Ciel d’Amour (feat. Lorenzo Pradel)
02 Apr 2020 // A review by Gaby Ivanov-Giraldo
Floyd Pepper, aka Cashek, just released his latest single Ciel d’Amour featuring the smooth voice of Lorenzo Pradel. This is a 'post-summer', sensual track for those that enjoy electronic, RnB, soul, house, cinematic EDM and the like.
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DRXNES - Video Review: Zero
02 Apr 2020 // A review by Ben Ruegg
Wow. This video is an incredible insight into the life of DRXNES.
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Afterlight - Album Review: Sovereignty
01 Apr 2020 // A review by Kerry MB
Antebellum are a three piece, metal infused rock band from Tauranga. This is their debut album, Sovereignty, and it’s clear they have a lot to say for a band with no vocalist (that we know of), but with no shortage of really cool riffs and insane talent.
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Foley - EP Review: On My Conscience
01 Apr 2020 // A review by IslaMusic
The infectiously fun Foley are back with the five track EP to keep you grooving through your isolation. On My Conscience offers insight into the buzzing minds of Ash Wallace and Gabriel Everett.
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Devilskin - Album Review: Red
01 Apr 2020 // A review by Kris Raven
On album number four, RED is both a warning and a statement and Devilskin are here to deliver it in their most diverse and creative outing yet. Four years have passed since the release of their 2016 award-winning second album Be Like The River and as they come off the back of heavy national and international touring; Devilskin, one of NZ’s most beloved Rock/Metal bands is about to release their highly anticipated album in amongst the chaos of 2020.
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Yumi Zouma - Album Review: Truth or Consequences
30 Mar 2020 // A review by LouClementine
Yumi Zouma are a four-piece band who formed in New Zealand and have seen international success with their brand of dreamy beach pop – effortlessly upbeat and post-party feels. It’s music that I can always put on my playlist repeat loop.
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Junus Orca - EP Review: One Arm Pack
29 Mar 2020 // A review by JamieDenton
Junus Orca’s debut EP, One Arm Pack, is a collection of four dark, ethereal, glacial, and emotive soundscapes. A quick bit of searching identifies Junus Orca to be the alias of Josh Holmes, Christchurch DJ, producer, experimentalist, sonic innovator, and member of Your Indigo.
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Horror Story - Album Review: Return of the Strange
29 Mar 2020 // A review by Peter-James Dries
Following 20 years of providing an essential service to the New Zealand Punk scene, Horror Story are back with fresh fruit for rotting ear holes. Return of the Strange is another hard, fast, and heavy zombie-stomp into the Horror Punk genre.
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Sycophant - EP Review: Pop Frog
28 Mar 2020 // A review by Epitomised_Drummer
Today I'm on Covid-19 lockdown, which has given me the opportunity to give you my spin on Sycophant's brand new EP Pop Frog. I've been listening to this EP on and off for a week to find the accurate words to describe, and here's my thoughts.
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Georgia Lines - EP Review: Georgia Lines
27 Mar 2020 // A review by Gaby Ivanov-Giraldo
Today on the 27th of March, Georgia Lines is releasing her debut EP. Since the start of Georgia’s journey with music, she has been on an upward rise.
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Enter Venus - EP Review: Enter Venus
26 Mar 2020 // A review by Ben Ruegg
The explosive start of Throw It Away is hard to ignore. Right away, the guitar and bass smashes you in the face with a killer riff, accentuated further by the pounding drums.
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The Grand Bazaar - Single Review: The Gunslinger
25 Mar 2020 // A review by Callum Wagstaff
The Gunslinger is the debut single by brand new band The Grand Bazaar. Formed in November 30th of 2019, very littleinformation is yet known about this mysterious entity other than two of its members: Mama Hollywood and Hound McFox.
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Belladonna - Single Review: Calling Out Your Name
25 Mar 2020 // A review by jacquiew
Wellington-based singer-songwriter Belladonna’s second single Calling Out Your Name is a refreshing and surprisingly upbeat piece of work, especially given its topic of clinging on to the past. Belladonna has a gift for writing a catchy hook, and she employs that talent to great effect here.
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Yasamin - Single Review: October
24 Mar 2020 // A review by IslaMusic
Activist and musician Yasamin’s single October was written about the ongoing anti-government protests in Iraq and inspired by the hideousness of the Christchurch mosque shooting. She used the song as an outlet, and in an attempt to bring more attention to the “ongoing brutality being used against peaceful protestors in Iraq”.
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Amos/Anon - Album Review: VHMET
24 Mar 2020 // A review by Callum Wagstaff
Amos/Anon have been around in the margins of music society for over a decade now, occupying space around buzz words like Gothic, Acoustic, Industrial, Doom and Progressive. People used to find Amos/Anon CD's and USB's hidden in university libraries.
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Tony Lee - Single Review: Taking A Chance
22 Mar 2020 // A review by darryl baser
Taking a Chance is the third single from Tony Lee's upcoming new album Man on Mars. Lyrically the song is about getting out and making the most of things and taking necessary risks to get ahead.
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Murmur Tooth - Album Review: A Fault In This Machine
20 Mar 2020 // A review by tomashman
Murmur Tooth is the brainchild of NZ musician and producer Leah Hinton. As founding member and guitarist for metal band El Schlong she has toured Australasia and Europe for many years, eventually moving to Berlin.
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Levi Patel - Album Review: A Shifting Lightness
19 Mar 2020 // A review by malexa
There is a place within all of us where our darkness gives way to the light and our sorrows become our rejoicing. It is elusive but wearies not as we journey through life with all of its disappointments.
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Crooked Royals - Single Review: Copacetic
19 Mar 2020 // A review by Kris Raven
Crooked Royals are back! With brand new single Copacetic about to be released, Auckland progressive metalcore five-piece Crooked Royals are continuing their meteoric rise and adding to an already brilliant 2020 of music (and its only March!
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Column of Sand - EP Review: Head Damage
18 Mar 2020 // A review by Ben Ruegg
Wide-open space greets the ear from the opening track Head Damage. In the modern world of music, sometimes I forget just how much has changed so it is so nice to hear reverb-soaked guitar lead lines over the top of a driving rhythm section.
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Like A Storm - Gig Review: Like A Storm @ Galatos, Auckland - 14/03/2020
17 Mar 2020 // A review by donna.m
Kiwi rock was alive and well in Auckland on Saturday night. Performing at Galatos Bar was outstanding rock band Like A Storm, who were playing their first ever headline show with huge support from up and coming rockers Black Smoke Trigger.
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Radio Coma - Single Review: Fight Night
17 Mar 2020 // A review by [email protected]
Radio Coma are a syndicate of musicians, audio engineers, and producers with Ozan Turan at the core of it, along with drummer Aycan Firatli, And Johann De Guigne on bass duties. Radio Coma are here to create a community around them of like-minded people.
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Blindspott - Gig Review: Blindspott @ Powerstation, Auckland - 14/03/2020
16 Mar 2020 // A review by Steve Shyu
Way back in 2007, on the exact same stage, was the last time I witnessed Blindspott deliver the goods – And it certainly was a night to remember. Little did I know then, I was still in my formative years dabbling in heavy music, and Blindspott sat atop a high podium of reverence in my mind, as I’m sure many Aucklanders of my age did.
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The Slider - Album Review: He Calls Your Name
16 Mar 2020 // A review 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.
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Shady Brain Farm - EP Review: Orange to Red
13 Mar 2020 // A review by Chris Chick
Shady Brain Farm have played together as a group off and on for the last 20 years, with all the members living in the Northwest Auckland area of Kumeu, Waimauku and Muriwai Beach. The music they make reflects this West Coast beach vibe.
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Kong Fooey - Single Review: Charade
13 Mar 2020 // A review by Ben Ruegg
The new single from Kong Fooey, Charade, has got a lot going for it. Full of detail and a mash-up of genres I am blown away by how authentic this track is, coupled with its catchy melodies and tasty lead lines sprinkled all over the place.
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Bianca Isabel - Single Review: Will It Be Enough?
13 Mar 2020 // A review by IslaMusic
Singer-songwriter Bianca Isabel is prolific and talented. Her Instagram is riddled with song ideas and pictures of her performing at local venues.
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Michael Signal - Single Review: Who U R
12 Mar 2020 // A review by darryl baser
For a starter, I’ve got to say 80's and 90's inspired hair metal really isn’t my thing, however, just with any other genre, when it’s done incredibly well, it is always going to be good. Michael Signal is an extremely talented composer and player, and on his latest single Who U R his abilities shine like polished diamonds on fine bone china.
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Reb Fountain - Single Review: When Gods Lie
12 Mar 2020 // A review by tomashman
Reb Fountain’s urgent vocals and the deep harmony of the piano weave together like silver threads; her rhythmic lyrical changes play out like an intricate dance over the subtle backing. When Gods Lie is Reb Fountain’s latest release and first single from her upcoming self-titled album.
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Lexytron - Album Review: Something Blue
12 Mar 2020 // A review by Callum Wagstaff
Something Blue is an Album by half Greek, half Persian, half English Lexytron. It's the debut album from Lexy, mixed and mastered in London by Marco Meloni.
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Jen Turner - Single Review: Singing With Whales
12 Mar 2020 // A review by jacquiew
Singing with Whales by Jen Turner is a real gem of a single. Reflective and introspective in the particular way that break up songs tend to be, it’s also seriously catchy.
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Juliet McLean - Album Review: Unlash the Boats
12 Mar 2020 // A review by IslaMusic
New Plymouth based band O Juliet have released their debut album, the mystical and mysterious Unlash the Boats. The album begins with a shuffling rhythm section and smooth electric keyboard as Juliet herself laments the pain of losing what she mistook for love.
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Georgia Lines - Single Review: Same Things
10 Mar 2020 // A review by Gaby Ivanov-Giraldo
Singer songwriter Georgia Lines, previously known as George, just released her single Same Things. From the beginnings of her exposure, Georgia’s music has had nothing but an upward flight.
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QUALMS - Double Single Review: Hank Scorpio and Thrown
10 Mar 2020 // A review by Steve Shyu
Auckland’s newest rock trio Qualms have brought forth their latest offering – TWO, in fact – in the form of a double-single, entitled Hank Scorpio and Thrown, respectively. Immediately after two drumstick clicks, vocals and guitar chords kick off to a pleasantly cool, upbeat first tune Hank Scorpio.
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Deprivacy - EP Review: N/A (Never Accepted)
10 Mar 2020 // A 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.
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Kate Owen - Album Review: Not A Proper Girl
09 Mar 2020 // A review by Corinne Rutherford
Lyttelton based singer-songwriter Kate Owen has just recorded her first album despite being on the NZ music scene for twenty years. Described as a singer with a “poetic, restrained intensity” the debut album Not A Proper Girl, which has been released by her own label Spin Star Records, showcases Kate’s strong profound vocals.
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isunray - EP Review: Balancing Act
09 Mar 2020 // A review by Trevor Faville
isunray essentially consists of multi-instrumentalist Jeremy Hay, who has quite an extensive history of songwriting, arranging and producing. For this release, he is joined by vocalist Jade Eru, who makes a powerful and significant contribution.
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Gig Review: Music in Parks: Fresh Takes @ Walmsley Park, Auckland - 01/03/2020
09 Mar 2020 // A review by Gaby Ivanov-Giraldo
Another humid Auckland day, yet, a cheerful turnout still showed up to support our local artists. A free event run by council to get everyone out of the house: Music in Parks - Fresh Takes kicked off at 1pm at Walmsley Park.
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09 Mar 2020 // A review by Gaby Ivanov-Giraldo
Another humid Auckland day, yet, a cheerful turnout still showed up to support our local artists. A free event run by council to get everyone out of the house: Music in Parks - Fresh Takes kicked off at 1pm at Walmsley Park.
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The Wake Up - Single Review: Dark Horse
06 Mar 2020 // A review by Ben Ruegg
This new single from The Wake Up is a solid pop rock/pop punk track with a fantastic chorus. From the moment Dark Horse starts, you can tell you are about to have a rocking good time and I certainly wasn't disappointed.
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The Nighthawk Experience - Single Review: Current Lies
05 Mar 2020 // A review by [email protected]
The Nighthawk Experience is the intriguing new project from Scott McDonald-Bull (Anemoia, Scott MCB), which combines music and animation to create an immersive listening and viewing experience. The first track, Current Lies, introduces us to a huge post-rock sound, for fans of bands like Jakob and even Shihad.
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Arrays - Single Review: Too Late
03 Mar 2020 // A review by Ben Ruegg
Array's newest single Too Late is a solid track that continues the rock sound that JP Carroll is exploring through this solo studio project.From the chugging guitar part that sets up the verse, the focus here is on the lyric with a mantra like 'over and over' repeated after each line.
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EmRiver - Album Review: Heart to Heart
03 Mar 2020 // A review by IslaMusic
This album begins with the mellow and mystical Heart to Heart. EmRiver uses beautiful counter melodies and a tambourine to make the listener feel like they are walking into a clearing in the forest.
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Alae - Single Review: Summer Thing
02 Mar 2020 // A review by Callum Wagstaff
Alae have been working solidly since 2016, going from strength to strength, garnering radio play both in NZ and abroad and making Spotify playlists internationally. Summer Thing is the second single from an upcoming EP due out in June and it's the perfect song to have playing in the lounge while you hang your body half outside onto the deck and half inside because it's so nice and sunny but so hot; your beer sitting just out of reach of your lazily extended, slightly burned arm.
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Apollo SteamTrain - Single Review: Phone Box of Life
02 Mar 2020 // A review by tonymcdonald
This upbeat Summer rock song really took me by surprise, and in a very good way.The latest single from Apollo SteamTrain takes the listener on a journey back to the 80’s.
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Polaroids of Polarbears - Album Review: Breathe In
01 Mar 2020 // A review by tomashman
The newest release from DIY artist extraordinaire Daniel Brown AKA Polaroids of Polarbears is essential listening for any fans of lo-fi and noise rock. The ten track album Breathe In swirls through reverb drenched peaks and troughs like a tumultuous sonic ocean of expression emanating from an unassuming shed in Feilding.
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Wendyhouse - Album Review: Born To Be Alive and Killed By Death
01 Mar 2020 // A review by Peter-James Dries
For my next trick, I will be approaching Wendyhouse's album and zine, Born to be Alive and Killed by Death. To me, this is a novel concept.
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Ria Hall - Album Review: Manawa Wera
27 Feb 2020 // A review by jacquiew
Ria Hall’s new collection of songs Manawa Wera is everything anyone could want from a new release. Hall is without doubt one of Aotearoa’s finest female vocalists and her material is thought-provoking and moving without ever being strident or preachy.
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City of Souls - Single Review: Shimmer
27 Feb 2020 // A review by Kris Raven
The time is drawing ever closer to the impending, highly anticipated release of NZ Prog/Alt Rock Metal legends City of Souls debut album Synaesthesia. Off the back of several (SIX) epic single releases in the last five years, we received not one, but two brand new singles this week, the beautifully haunting White Ghost and the groove inducing heavy banger Shimmer, which is out today!
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VÏKÆ - Single Review: Liar
27 Feb 2020 // A review by Callum Wagstaff
Liar is the third in a trio of narratively linked singles by Ukrainian born artist VïKÆ. Like the two songs preceding it, last September's Truth and November's Rumours, Liar deals with the issue of integrity within the context of relationships.
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Molly Devine - Single Review: Call Me Up
27 Feb 2020 // A review by IslaMusic
Dunedin pop singer Molly Devine has just released the perfect song for your honeymoon phase. Call Me Up is uplifting and hopeful.
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Swallow the Rat - Single Review: Bird Of Ill
27 Feb 2020 // A review by Corinne Rutherford
Perennial live favourites, Auckland based Swallow The Rat have released their latest single Bird Of Ill. A grungy psychedelic track, heavy with Surf Punk guitar riffs and repetitive yet dark lyrics telling a tale of self-loathing, addiction and relationships.
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Holloway - Single Review: Please Hold (An Operator Will Be With You Indefinitely)
27 Feb 2020 // A review by Callum Wagstaff
A fire siren boots up as a clap-along snare cracks its way across a crushed up vocal telling some barely indecipherable story about talking to an operator who's either gonna get murdered or is coming to murder you or something but then it all cuts out leaving a whispered "already dead."The song launches back into the chorus with the slanted scribbly voice half chanting half crooning the catch phrase lyrics over the naked crunch of punk riffing chords: "It's the way you've got me wrapped around your little finger.
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Skedaeddle - Album Review: Nuevo Direccion
26 Feb 2020 // A review by darryl baser
Skedaeddle is a music project performing the original folk pop music of Barry Holt. Wellington based, he also writes and performs on the classical guitar.
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Grace Duncan - Single Review: Time Will Tell
26 Feb 2020 // A review by Gaby Ivanov-Giraldo
Originally from Hawke’s Bay, singer-songwriter and composer Grace Duncan will be releasing her new single Time Will Tell on February 28th.Grace is exploring her musical identity through the likes of her alluring vocals and choice of calming, natural harmonies and melodies.
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Charlotte Kerrigan - Album Review: Paper Lanterns
26 Feb 2020 // A review by Gaby Ivanov-Giraldo
Charlotte Kerrigan is releasing her new 9 track album Paper Lanterns on 28 March 2020. The album is a collection of soulful, bluesy ballads with melodious jazz influence, and weighty compassion in her lyrics.
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Gravel Pit - EP Review: Black Arts
25 Feb 2020 // A review by Kerry MB
Gravel Pit are a four piece assault of adrenaline, intensity and speed, but if you thought they were just another hardcore punk band, you need to take another listen. They formed in 2018, having released their debut EP the same year and they hail from Wellington which is definitely a great thing.
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The Vibes - Single Review: Golden City
25 Feb 2020 // A review by Steve Shyu
Since 2015, Auckland alt-blues rock group The Vibes (formerly named Brendon Thomas & The Vibes) have been gradually building a foundation, and now find themselves making tremendous waves across Aotearoa. Consisting of a trio of talented multi-instrumentalists Brendon Thomas, Timothee Nolier and Michael Anderson, the group have opened for international alt-rock legends Wolfmother, as well as recently wrapping up a nationwide circuit of tours.
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The Settlers - Single Review: Swimming
25 Feb 2020 // A review by Ben Ruegg
New Zealand hip-hop is a thriving collection of artists who bring who we are and present it in musical form. The latest track Swimming from The Settlers is a fine example of what NZ can do.
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Six60 - Gig Review: Six60 @ Western Springs, Auckland - 22/02/2020
24 Feb 2020 // A review by Ben Ruegg
"We are the mighty, mighty Six60", proclaims Maitu Walters, lead singer of Six60. And he is in right to say so.
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Domes - Single Review: Time and Relative Dimension in Space
22 Feb 2020 // A review by Ben Ruegg
Domes newest release, Time And Relative Dimension in Space, is an incredibly deep track that offers so much to the listener. It interweaves soaring melodies and harmonies into what you would be forgiven in thinking was a thrash metal song from the explosive introduction.
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Serious Happiness - EP Review: Serious Happiness
22 Feb 2020 // A review by Paul Goddard
The ocean is amazing. Just about everyone in New Zealand has a connection with it.
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Konarucchi - Single Review: Her Glow
20 Feb 2020 // A review by Callum Wagstaff
Her Glow is the very first single on the very first EP from Konarucchi; whose moniker is a nickname given to him during his high school exchange in Japan. Though he has his hands in many different pots such as production, game music, and his band Pale Lady; the Stuck in Daydreams EP is a chance for him to explore his philosophy that the cohesion in a musical work comes from the artist and not from staying close to one musical genre.
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2 a.m. Orchestra - Album Review: Trading Graves
20 Feb 2020 // A review by Paul Goddard
I am sitting in a bar in rainy Manchester, UK.Storm Dennis is about to hit.
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DarkWater - Single Review: Presence Of Fear
19 Feb 2020 // A review by Epitomised_Drummer
Ever heard of Dark Water? I’ve been lucky enough to play on the bill with these guys in their home town of The 'Naki and they sure know how to put a massive amount of energy into their set.
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Album Review: Various Artists - Mansfield
18 Feb 2020 // A review by Peter-James Dries
As an English major, it is my duty to know Mansfield. She sits on my shelf, somewhere between Lawrence and Woolf.
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18 Feb 2020 // A review by Peter-James Dries
As an English major, it is my duty to know Mansfield. She sits on my shelf, somewhere between Lawrence and Woolf.
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Jackie Bristow - Gig Review: Jackie Bristow @ The Boathouse, Nelson - 14/02/2020
15 Feb 2020 // A review by jacquiew
There was a lot to love about Jackie Bristow’s performance at The Boathouse in Nelson. The Boathouse has got to be one of the most spectacular settings in New Zealand for a music venue.
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Secrets Of The Sun - Single Review: Wretched Tracks
13 Feb 2020 // A review by Kris Raven
It’s always a good thing to hear of new music coming from the nation's capital, having been the hub of such huge and varying artists. However, in recent years there seems to have been a steady increase in bands and artists calling it a day.
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Jackie Bristow - Single Review: Blue Moon Rising
11 Feb 2020 // A review by malexa
For those who have followed the career of Stateside-based, but born and bred in New Zealand, songwriter Jackie Bristow there's an unintentional (as far as I am aware) poignancy about the release of her latest single Blue Moon Rising. It signals a slight wind shift, a change in musical direction, bought about by the musical influences she's been surrounded by since moving from Austin, Texas, to Nashville, Tennessee, in 2017.
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LA Thompson - Album Review: New Sun Rising
10 Feb 2020 // A review by darryl baser
The two opening tracks of LA Thompson's 2017 LP New Sun Rising, titled Changed My Life and You Said have a particular Country feel, being driven by guitars and her voice. Song three Divided has a dance music feel and is really quite ‘boppy’ for want of a word that doesn’t make me sound like I’m 90 years old.
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And$um - Single Review: Look At Me
10 Feb 2020 // A review by Ben Ruegg
The beginning of Look At Me confused me at first. The vocal delivery seemed dull and with low energy, but by the time the raps kick in, it has definitely picked up and raised the level.
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Sam V - Single Review: Shawty
10 Feb 2020 // A review by Ben Ruegg
The production is very slick on Shawty, the new track from Sam V. The vibe and the melodic idea captures you right from the get-go; and there's a real middle eastern vibe to it.
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Robbie Scott - Single Review: Gaze
10 Feb 2020 // A review by Ben Ruegg
One of the most inspiring things about songwriting is it allows for the listener to hear into the world of another artist. Such is the experience of new song Gaze from Robbie Scott.
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Impostor Syndrome - Single Review: The Hole in Your Head
08 Feb 2020 // A review by Callum Wagstaff
Shannon Coulomb, Scott Nicolson and Ryan Culleton form the components of Imposter Syndrome. Coulomb chose the name as a kind of pact that nothing will get in the way of releasing music.
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Chris Bates - Single Review: Minute
06 Feb 2020 // A review by emcqs
Minute is the third in a series of singles released by up and coming Aucklander, Chris Bates, and produced by long-time collaborator EDY. Both have been making waves in the local scene, with sell out shows and highly streamed tracks.
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The Robba - Album Review: Rob Arthur
06 Feb 2020 // A review by jck2
Rob Arthur by The Robba is an 11-track album of synth heavy rap songs dripping in The Robba’s very unique sound and style. The Robba is infinitely talented, taking credits for beats, guitar, rapping, singing, mixing, mastering and even making the music videos.
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The Tacks - Single Review: One Last Goodbye
05 Feb 2020 // A 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.
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CoReZ - Single Review: CTRL
02 Feb 2020 // A review by JamieDenton
Auckland-based musician Corey Friedlander has had a long and impressive musical career to date. He has been the drummer/percussionist for some of the best bands to come out of Auckland for a long time.
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Festival Review: Bay Of Islands Music Festival @ Waitangi - 25/01/2020
02 Feb 2020 // A review by donna.m
On a beautiful Saturday afternoon on the grounds of Waitangi, music fans young and old poured into the venue ready for an afternoon and evening of hip-hop, roots, rock and reggae at the Bay of Islands Music Festival. The festival was already buzzing as the gates opened, families came with young children and soon the grounds filled up with people sitting on blankets and chairs, using umbrellas to keep cool in the hot sun.
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02 Feb 2020 // A review by donna.m
On a beautiful Saturday afternoon on the grounds of Waitangi, music fans young and old poured into the venue ready for an afternoon and evening of hip-hop, roots, rock and reggae at the Bay of Islands Music Festival. The festival was already buzzing as the gates opened, families came with young children and soon the grounds filled up with people sitting on blankets and chairs, using umbrellas to keep cool in the hot sun.
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Raylee Bradfield - Album Review: Where Wildflowers Grow
01 Feb 2020 // A review by IslaMusic
South Island singer-songwriter Raylee Bradfield has always felt connected to nature. For five generations, her family has lived in the rugged edge of Aotearoa, surrounded by rolling hills and immersed in the vibrant changing of the seasons.
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George After James - EP Review: Wait For You
31 Jan 2020 // A review by Gaby Ivanov-Giraldo
The date has come, and the release of the new five track EP Wait For You by George After James is out now. George After James is a project by James Fistonich and his band who are Auckland based.
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Government Pest - Album Review: Disengage
30 Jan 2020 // A review by Peter-James Dries
My favourite local album, in both a national and regional sense, is probably 2006’s Dawn of a Grey Winter. The compilation of $lave Recordings bands and beyond is a showcase of the best Palmy had to offer at that point in history.
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Peyton Morete - Single Review: Sky City
30 Jan 2020 // A review by IslaMusic
Kapiti based singer/songwriter Peyton Morete has been writing songs since she was 9. She won “best lyrics” at her regional Rockquest final when she was 10, describing the memory as "not bad for a little kid that was still learning spelling lists for homework".
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Radio Coma - Single Review: River Flows
28 Jan 2020 // A review by Kerry MB
If you’re a fan of the blues and rock n roll grooves, then you’ve come to the right place. Formed in 2016, Radio Coma is a syndicate of musicians, audio engineers, bands and artists, led by a few core members based in Auckland.
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Tony Lee - Single Review: Man On Mars
24 Jan 2020 // A review by Ben Ruegg
Man On Mars is the latest single from Tony Lee.A mix between a sort of country vibe and rock, this song is well written, recorded and arranged.
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Fat Freddy's Drop - Gig Review: Fat Freddy's Drop @ Western Springs, Auckland - 18/01/2020
24 Jan 2020 // A review by Ben Ruegg
If you haven't seen Fat Freddy's Drop before, like I had not, you need to get out and see them.Walking around the crowd it was awesome to see so many parents bring their kids along to it.
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Thomas Brothers - Album Review: Together
24 Jan 2020 // A review by IslaMusic
Four-piece family band Thomas Brothers are starting 2020 with the exciting release of their second album Together. Having played music together since they were learning to walk, forming a band was a natural progression for the talented family.
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Oakley Grenell - Gig Review: Oakley Grenell @ Dux Central, Christchurch - 19/01/2020
20 Jan 2020 // A review by Gwarden
Coming off the back of supporting his latest single Serious Time across a series of NZ dates over the last month, Oakley Grenell graced the Dux Central courtyard alongside brother Redford on drums and Peter Flemming on double bass. Taking a stripped back approach to some staples from his back catalogue, it was the perfect soundtrack to a sunny Sunday afternoon, amid the bubble of a rejuvenated Christchurch inner city.
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Tom Ludvigson and Trevor Reekie - Album Review: Roto
20 Jan 2020 // A review by malexa
Technology without artifice is a rarity in music nowadays – any 'nerd' with an understanding of the various software programmes available for composing music can create something out of nothing without being compelled by an inner muse. Roto, by Tom Ludvigson and Trevor Reekie, is an exception to such mundaneness.
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20 Jan 2020 // A review by malexa
Technology without artifice is a rarity in music nowadays – any 'nerd' with an understanding of the various software programmes available for composing music can create something out of nothing without being compelled by an inner muse. Roto, by Tom Ludvigson and Trevor Reekie, is an exception to such mundaneness.
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Arrays - Single Review: Dead Sea
20 Jan 2020 // A review by Paul Goddard
It’s not easy being in a band. The “it’s Ike being married to three or four other people” often rings true.
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Tattletale Saints - Album Review: Dancing Under The Dogwoods
20 Jan 2020 // A review by malexa
There has always been a simple charm to Tattletale Saints ever since they announced themselves with the release of their debut album How Red Is The Blood in 2013. That album deservedly took out a Tui for best Folk Album at the New Zealand Music Awards the following year and while the duo of Cy Winstanley and Vanessa McGowan no longer call New Zealand home – they are based in Nashville, Tennessee – their OE has certainly broadened their musical horizons and palette.
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The Upbeats - EP Review: No Sleep 'Til... New Zealand
17 Jan 2020 // A review by JamieDenton
Wellington-based drum and bass duo, The Upbeats, have been steadily carving out a place for themselves in the dance music scene both in Aotearoa New Zealand and overseas. Perhaps because of the increased international gigs coming their way, The Upbeats, in what I assume is a generous and potentially cheeky nod to the Beastie Boys, launched their No Sleep ‘Til… E.
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Festival Review: Good Vibes @ Soundshell, Gisborne - 11/01/2020
16 Jan 2020 // A review by kongfooey
Good Vibes was a packed-out festival with lots of very 'happy' people, after soaking up the rays and many beverages and other herbs I suspect the audience was certainly in good vibes alright. We headed over to Three Houses Down featuring General Fiyah (pictured); their brand of soul reggae was received well and their monster hit Love & Affection went over well with the enthusiastic crowd.
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16 Jan 2020 // A review by kongfooey
Good Vibes was a packed-out festival with lots of very 'happy' people, after soaking up the rays and many beverages and other herbs I suspect the audience was certainly in good vibes alright. We headed over to Three Houses Down featuring General Fiyah (pictured); their brand of soul reggae was received well and their monster hit Love & Affection went over well with the enthusiastic crowd.
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Apollo SteamTrain - Single Review: Sail Across The Sky
15 Jan 2020 // A review by Corinne Rutherford
Tauranga based singer/songwriter; Brendan McCarthy from Apollo SteamTrain has just released his first new offering of 2020 with the single Sail Across The Sky. This is a beautiful acoustic love ballad which speaks of the reality of being in a long term relationship.
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Beacon Bloom - Single Review: Little Kingdom
15 Jan 2020 // A review by Chris Chick
The one aspect of music reviewing I love the most, is finding out about new musicians, the depth of talent that New Zealand has is astounding and very exciting. Beacon Bloom, I applaud you and your efforts, and that is not just because you are based in Christchurch, even though that gets extra brownie points.
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Gig Review: Noisia & Kanine @ Riccarton Park Racecourse, Christchurch - 21/12/2019
13 Jan 2020 // A review by Gwarden
When pioneering musicians Noisia announced in September 2019 that they’d be disbanding in 2020, it sent a ripple through the electronic music scene. 20 year's worth of multi-genre dominance, 3 record labels, countless releases - it was understandable that their final appearance on South Island shores would be met with excitement and a tinge of sadness.
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13 Jan 2020 // A review by Gwarden
When pioneering musicians Noisia announced in September 2019 that they’d be disbanding in 2020, it sent a ripple through the electronic music scene. 20 year's worth of multi-genre dominance, 3 record labels, countless releases - it was understandable that their final appearance on South Island shores would be met with excitement and a tinge of sadness.
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Sam Wave - Album Review: Rhetorical What
13 Jan 2020 // A review by LouClementine
Sam Wave is the moniker of musician Sam Mehrtens. Sam's 13-track debut album Rhetorical What was released in late December.
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L.A.B. - Gig Review: L.A.B. @ Black Barn, Hawke's Bay - 22/12/2019
11 Jan 2020 // A review by Ria Loveder
The weather leading to Sunday 22nd of December was unreliably sprinkled with a little bit of unpredictability. Luckily for the people that flocked to the gorgeous Black Barn Amphitheatre in the Hawke’s Bay to the sold-out L.
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Shapeshifter - Gig Review: Shapeshifter @ Trustspower Baypark, Mt Maunganui - 28/12/2019
09 Jan 2020 // A review by kongfooey
After a small hiccup getting into the venue, we arrived to see State Of Mind hitting the stage, unfortunately we had missed Concord Dawn but I heard they had a killer set. State of Mind warmed up the throngs of summer DnB heads nicely with their heavy DnB morsels, their MC hyped the crowd and it was a great set for this mini DnB festival Shapeshifter had compiled on this warm summer night.
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Domes - Single Review: The Futurist
09 Jan 2020 // A review by Kerry MB
The new single from Domes is here. Another slab of brilliance that reaches new heights for the start of 2020.
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Fat Freddy's Drop - Gig Review: Fat Freddy's Drop @ Thames Racecourse, Thames - 28/12/2019
08 Jan 2020 // A review by LouClementine
When Fat Freddy’s Drop announced their Summer Album tour, with dates across New Zealand, I had the feeling of the holiday season beginning. I went along to the first of the tour dates that began their extensive list of stop offs and took place in the lazy in between days of the Christmas-New Year break.
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Black Smoke Trigger - EP Review: Set It Off
07 Jan 2020 // A review by Steve Shyu
Napier hard rock quartet Black Smoke Trigger’s debut EP entitled Set It Off is out now. Released to coincide with their full tour or Aotearoa supporting fellow heavyweights Devilskin, the band have pledged this to be an “energetic” and “unforgettable” debut.
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L.A.B. - Gig Review: L.A.B @ Coroglen Tavern, Coroglen - 28/12/2019
05 Jan 2020 // A review by Gaby Ivanov-Giraldo
It couldn’t have been a better day for it. The sun was radiant, and the energy was high.
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David Sutton - Album Review: Eternal Memory
03 Jan 2020 // A review by darryl baser
Dad, or maybe Granddad, rock is alive and well. Looking on Bandcamp, Eternal Memory appears to be David Sutton’s 8th release, following titles such as Upside-Down World, Binary, V, 40 and more.
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Saurian - Single Review: Tyre Tracks In The Sky
01 Jan 2020 // A review by Ben Ruegg
“You left this world with tyre tracks in the sky.” The new single from Saurian opens with this line and it sets the tone for the song, a story about living life with no regrets.
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Lizard Prom - EP Review: Lizard Prom
01 Jan 2020 // A review by Ben Ruegg
Lizard Prom is visceral. Really.
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Marina Bloom and Moving Stuff - Album Review: Back Where We Started
01 Jan 2020 // A review by Ben Ruegg
Marina Bloom’s newest album, Back Where We Started is a rock solid modern contemporary record.Starting with the title track, the upbeat pop rock creates an upbeat feel with a catch melody, driving electric guitars and a very catchy chorus.
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Jumping The Fucking Shark - EP Review: Jumping The Fucking Shark
31 Dec 2019 // A review by tonymcdonald
Happy New Year everyone, hope you all had a great Christmas. To start the new year off with a bang I had the pleasure of reviewing the debut self-titled EP from Jumping the Fucking Shark.
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Dillastrate - Album Review: Dillastrate
31 Dec 2019 // A review by Ben Ruegg
Smooth is a perfect way to describe the feel of Dillastrate's new album. It has a Kiwi vibe to it while being drenched in a collection of synth sounds that helps to bring an almost 80's feel to this Summer jam collection.
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Bad Llamas - EP Review: What Even Is Bad Llamas
30 Dec 2019 // A review by tomashman
The new EP from Christchurch rockers Bad Llamas is a groovy and melodic morsel of timeless rock n roll, delivering a gut-punch of powerful rhythms, hooky melodies and witty, well-written lyrics. What Even Is Bad Llamas is a collection of four tracks each with its own distinct vibe.
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Dharmarat - Album Review: WLKNZ
24 Dec 2019 // A review by Peter-James Dries
This review took a long time. This isn’t my usual genre.
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Oakley Grenell - Single Review: Serious Time Feat. Rayjah45
23 Dec 2019 // A review by Gwarden
Prolific local lad Oakley Grenell (now based out of Melbourne) returns with a bouncy slice of dancefloor double-time, which contains a serious message from vocalist Rayjah45. Titled Serious Time, the tight production assistance from fellow NZ’ers 10a and Hooves give this release a punchy impact destined for high rotation on Summer sound systems everywhere.
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The Feelers - Gig Review: The Feelers @ Bay Park Arena, Tauranga - 20/12/2019
22 Dec 2019 // A review by ApolloSteamTrain
An enthusiastic crowd of approx. 300 forty-somethings turned out to see Tauranga installment of The Feelers tour with Stellar* and Tablefox.
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Frannkkey - EP Review: Frannkkey
20 Dec 2019 // A review by Callum Wagstaff
Sinister and sexy, Frannkkey contains bass vibes so deep they massage the very marrow in your sternum until it shakes out of your pores.Frank Eggleton is a prolific fixture within the Wellington music scene, being involved in bands and projects like Solo Ono and Tidal Rave.
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Take Hold - Gig Review: Take Hold @ Whammy, Auckland - 12/12/2019
20 Dec 2019 // A review by Gaby Ivanov-Giraldo
On 12 December, Whammy Backroom set it off with a decent turnout for a late mid-week show. Soaking in a familiar aura, I distinguished an overwhelming sense of nostalgia; there were notable remnants of New Zealand hardcore music and its scene which was prolific in its earlier years from the late 90’s, 00’s to 10’s.
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The Feelers - Gig Review: The Feelers @ Manurewa Cosmopolitan Club, Auckland - 19/12/2019
19 Dec 2019 // A review by Ben Ruegg
The Feelers performed tonight to a small but passionate crowd of fans at the Manurewa Cosmopolitan Club. And I was one of them.
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Holloway - Single Review: Hot Pink Paralysis
19 Dec 2019 // A review by Paul Goddard
Pop and punk don’t mix. Just put Simon Cowell in the same room as John Lydon (if you follow pop punk you might not know who that is, but your view of punk will be much better if you do) and ask them to discuss music and see what happens.
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The AJ Crawshaw Band - Single Review: The Lightning
18 Dec 2019 // A review by Corinne Rutherford
Well-established Kapiti based singer and writer, AJ Crawshaw and his band have just released a thought-provoking new single The Lightning. A motivational pop infused rock track about living life and connecting with what makes you feel alive.
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Scizzorhands - EP Review: The Introduction
18 Dec 2019 // A review by Ben Ruegg
Fresh. Like music to my ears (hold on a second.
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Flirting With Disaster - Album Review: Redundant
17 Dec 2019 // A review by Steve Shyu
Auckland’s punk rock scene continues to thrive. Just check out the line-up of gigs happening at live venues throughout the country.
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SOJØURN - EP Review: Summer Tape
17 Dec 2019 // A review by JamieDenton
Hailing from the beautiful, sun-drenched, surf-town of Mangawhai, seven-piece “psychedelic surf rock reggae band” Sojøurn have just released their latest Summer Tape EP. Consisting of two tracks Still a Mess and Take a Drive, the Summer Tape EP aims to capture the sounds, feeling, and overall vibe of an Aotearoa summer.
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Your Indigo - EP Review: Your Indigo
17 Dec 2019 // A review by malexa
What a great surprise and start to a new decade. Your Indigo has all the makings of a 'super group' with three very distinctive talents in their own right – 'electric' electro producer Joshua Holmes and songwriting maidens (they do bear bouquets in their hair on the video to Glass Cloud), Amiria Grenell (Autumn and Three Feathers) and Bryony Matthews (Little Queen).
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Malchicks - Single review: Head to Head
16 Dec 2019 // A review by darryl baser
Auckland band Malchicks were ahead of their time in the early 1990's, riding the wave of sonic charged guitar driven rock and roll genre which would eventually be called ‘shoegaze’. Now around 30 years later, a collection of all of their recorded works called Everything is set to be released.
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Gig Review: Ulterior Motive [UK] @ Hide Club, Christchurch - 23/11/2019
16 Dec 2019 // A review by Gwarden
UK duo Ulterior Motive (JD & Morphex) have been producing intricate, heavyweight music for the better part of a decade now, with early releases on Subtitles before joining the Metalheadz family where they released their debut album Fourth Wall in 2014, and in the last few years forming their own imprint Guidance. Touching down in NZ in late November, read on to discover which Metalheadz classic JD dropped to a stunned and adoring Hide Club crowd… The evening started on the right note driving down to the club listening to a guest mix from James aka JD on the RDU 98.
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16 Dec 2019 // A review by Gwarden
UK duo Ulterior Motive (JD & Morphex) have been producing intricate, heavyweight music for the better part of a decade now, with early releases on Subtitles before joining the Metalheadz family where they released their debut album Fourth Wall in 2014, and in the last few years forming their own imprint Guidance. Touching down in NZ in late November, read on to discover which Metalheadz classic JD dropped to a stunned and adoring Hide Club crowd… The evening started on the right note driving down to the club listening to a guest mix from James aka JD on the RDU 98.
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Scalper - EP Review: Want More
16 Dec 2019 // A review by Steve Shyu
Mr. Nadeem Shafi, commonly known as the hyper-mysterious hip-hop artist Scalper, of Pakistani descent.
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DateMonthYear - Album Review: DateMonthYear
16 Dec 2019 // A review by Corinne Rutherford
Hamilton five-piece self-proclaimed “independent music bohemians” DateMonthYear have just released their ten track self-titled album. A lush atmospheric body of work that moves from one track to the next with graceful fluidity.
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Devils Elbow - EP Review: ID
16 Dec 2019 // A review by malexa
Hawke’s Bay alternative rock band Devils Elbow have been turning heads since their debut single KO in 2010. There’s been a few line-up changes since then and it’s been a five-year wait since their last EP, Golden Flame, but vocalist and guitarist Alec Withers has always had the kind of charisma and stage presence that was never going to remain a state secret for long.
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Unsub - Unsub - Album Review: Heartbreaker
11 Dec 2019 // A review by Gwarden
Prolific producer Unsub delivers the impressive Heartbreaker LP, the fourth on her ‘Pure Heart Dirty Mind’ imprint via mother label ‘NexGen Music’. Sub-genre wise the album could be filed under techstep or neurofunk, but unlike the sometimes cold and emotionless offerings prevalent in this sound, Heartbreaker (like much of Unsub’s output) carries a deeply musical element bringing an analog warmth to every track.
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Rumour City - EP Review: Bury All The Lies
11 Dec 2019 // A review by Callum Wagstaff
Auckland based band Rumour City are a fairly new occurrence. As of 2019 they have a handful of gigs under their belt and a debut EP.
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Iveta & Simone - Single Review: Weeping
07 Dec 2019 // A review by darryl baser
Dueling divas Iveta & Simone have dropped the single Weeping, and it’s a power ballad with production values and a sense of drama which could make Jim Steinman or a drag queen blush. If production values were shoes, this tune would be an 8“ sparkly pink platform stiletto.
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Lexxa - Album Review: Toxic Love
06 Dec 2019 // A review by tomashman
The latest offering from Auckland based twin sisters Maude and Julia Morris AKA Lexxa, is a synth-drooling, bass-wobbling, power-pop adventure that marks this exciting and ingenious band’s debut release. The album title Toxic Love sums up the reflective and emotional subject matter, as well as outlining the juxtaposition between the bouncy pop orientated sound and the darker introspective lyrics.
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Urlwyn and Friends - Album Review: Seascape
06 Dec 2019 // A review by darryl baser
It’s always a joy to hear players with more chops than a butchery. This album features some of the finest musicianship I’ve heard in years, and is like the fillet steak of chops, at the risk of mixing my meaty metaphors.
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The Response - Album Review: Escaping This Cold Rotation
06 Dec 2019 // A review by emcqs
Escaping This Cold Rotation is the fourth album from Christchurch alt-pop duo The Response; multi instrumentalists Andy and Vic Knopp. The album begins with Analyse, a stripped back song with a simple vocal melody before percussion kicks in.
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Annie J - Single Review: Figured Out
05 Dec 2019 // A review by Gaby Ivanov-Giraldo
Annie J has just released her new single Figured Out. Her music so far has made it to the NZ Top 50 Viral Chart, also streaming over 100,000, as well as reaching a semi-final place in the Unsigned Only Worldwide song writing competition.
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Vapour & Shape - EP Review: Nullius
05 Dec 2019 // A review by Gwarden
Hailing from Auckland, duo Vapour & Shape burst onto the electronica scene with Nullius, a refreshing slice of 4/4 that fuses neon-drenched nightclub production with a melodic, nostalgic element making it suitable for both dancefloor and headphones. Opener Catchpool pulses with reverbed melody flickering around a dubbed-out bass reminiscent of classic NZ acts such as Pitch Black or Salmonella Dub.
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Shihad - Gig Review: Shihad @ Thekla Bristol, UK - 30/11/2019
04 Dec 2019 // A review by Paul Goddard
It’s a cold one tonight here in Bristol as we head over to one of the UK’s most iconic and unique venues. Thekla is a ship permanently moored in Bristol’s harbour.
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Lola Sola - Single Review: Tripping
04 Dec 2019 // A 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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04 Dec 2019 // A 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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Sit Down In Front - Single Review: What Comes Around
04 Dec 2019 // A review by Corinne Rutherford
Young four piece breakthrough Kiwi Punk Rock band Sit Down In Front (SDIF) from Gisborne have just released their eagerly anticipated single What Comes Around. The lads who keep it “hard, fast and catchy”, writing about everyday stuff have delivered another gutsy punk number to warm the cockles of NZ punk rockers from one end of the country to the other.
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Peake - EP Review: Fearne
04 Dec 2019 // A review by malexa
I have been a fan of Marigold Music ever since they released their first album, Traces’ Monuments To Souls in 2015. It came with little fanfare and their website reveals little about who is behind the label but, from what I can gather, it’s the "love child" of Chris Van de Geer, a two-time Tui winner with Stellar*,and Joost Langeveld, who some may recall was the bass player for Strawpeople, among other bands.
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Sam V - Single Review: Ain't Slowin' Down
03 Dec 2019 // A review by Freecell
Ain't Slowin' Down is the latest single by Hip-Hop/RnB artist Sam V and it's a brilliant release, especially considering he's only 22.Sam V has been super busy in the studio, having released two albums and nine videos in recent times.
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Grace Duncan - Single Review: Come, We Must Go
03 Dec 2019 // A review by Ben Ruegg
Grace Duncan's new track Come, We Must Go takes sounds from our lands and combines them into a cinematic experience that breathes with dynamics, taking us on a journey that begs to heard again. Te Reo is interwoven into the track, and transitions between languages is smooth and seamless.
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Matthew J.Ruys - Single Review: Rainbows
02 Dec 2019 // A review by Corinne Rutherford
Award winning Kiwi veteran, LA based recording artist Matthew J. Ruys has released the brand new bright and funky single Rainbows, just in time for those feel good summer vibes.
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Fallstate - EP Review: Disorder and Symmetry
02 Dec 2019 // A review by Kerry MB
Well, that didn’t take long. If you haven’t heard a single note of Hardcore, Pop-Punk infused band, Fallstate before, be prepared.
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Andrew Masseurs - Single/Video Review: Days They Come, Days They Go
01 Dec 2019 // A review by Callum Wagstaff
In a world where keeping busy and treating lack of sleep like a badge of honour is a step away from being a religion, watching somebody spend a day lazing in the summer sun might fill a viewer with a sense of discomfort. Perhaps even abject dread.
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Superturtle - Single Review: Wait For It
30 Nov 2019 // A review by malexa
I couldn’t have put it better. In the video that accompanies the release of Wait For It from Darren McShane’s newly invigorated Superturtle, there’s a comment posted by ArapuniWizard: “Another good song from the Birkenhead hit factory!
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Dead Little Penny - Gig Review: Dead Little Penny @ Wine Cellar, Auckland - 15/11/2019
29 Nov 2019 // A review by LouClementine
Dead Little Penny played their album launch gig at the Wine Cellar on K Road. Their debut album, Urge Surfing, was released the week of the gig and received many positive reviews, including my review for Muzic.
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Young Gho$t - Single Review: Weed In My Lungs
29 Nov 2019 // A review by Ben Ruegg
"I got this weed in my lungs. I got this weed in my lungs.
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Ed Waaka - Single Review: Revolution
29 Nov 2019 // A review by malexa
Ed Waaka might ruffle a few redneck feathers with the powerful video and tribute “to early generations of Maori who fought in the name of indigenous rights amid times of social and political conflict” that accompany his latest single Revolution. Old wounds can still fester and the inherited guilt and shame of guiltless generations still has an ugly underbelly in New Zealand.
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The Lite Works - EP Review: 11:11
29 Nov 2019 // A review by Ben Ruegg
The Lite Works newest EP, 11:11, is a prime example of quality rock music that I personally grew up on. It’s like they have taken some of my favourite rock acts from the 90's and early 2000's and captured it in a bottle.
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Shana Grace - Album Review: Rinse And Repeat
28 Nov 2019 // A review by Corinne Rutherford
Auckland based singer-songwriter Shana Grace has just released her debut full length album Rinse And Repeat. With the help from a year long crowd funding campaign, emerges ten beautifully constructed songs of lyrical storytelling.
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TREi - Gig Review: Trei & Jabz MC - 'Locally Sauced' @ The Slate Room, Christchurch - 22/11/2019
28 Nov 2019 // A review by Gwarden
DJ/MC partnerships are a long-standing tradition, especially in Drum & Bass; just think of iconic pairings like Andy C & MC GQ (and later Tonn Piper), Grooverider & MC Flux, and DJ Marky & Stamina MC. On a humid Canterbury evening in late November, long-time NZ-based duo Trei and Jabz MC treated a sweaty Slate Room to an exhibition of that unique chemistry.
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Lasair - Album Review: Lessons
26 Nov 2019 // A review by malexa
Lasair is quite an unusual name so a quick Google search reveals some interesting options. Firstly, it’s old Irish for flame and then there are the various references to a laser diode aerosol particle counter.
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J Plates - EP Reivew: Telepathy
26 Nov 2019 // A review by Freecell
Here's the second EP by DJ Producer J Plates. Riding on the crest of a busy year, J Plates released a single earlier this year on Skalator Music that gained attention from some of the biggest artists and promoters in the scene.
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George After James - Single Review: In Your Hands (You Won’t Let Go)
25 Nov 2019 // A review by Corinne Rutherford
George After James is the project of James Fistonich. Based in Auckland, he is a guitarist and singer who just released his debut single, In Your Hands (You Won’t Let Go) along with an announcement of his self-titled EP due for release in January 2020.
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Daniel McClelland - EP Review: Swallow Fear
24 Nov 2019 // A review by Gaby Ivanov-Giraldo
You want it? Come and get it!
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Jason McIver Collective - Single Review: Black Dogs & Babies
24 Nov 2019 // A review by malexa
Black Dogs & Babies is the second single of 2019 from the Jason McIver Collective, and you shouldn't be fooled by the gentle Cat Stevens guitar intro. For one minute (or close enough to it) you may think you are listening to a lullaby for an adult that transports you into a reminiscing space, but then the drums crank up, a soaring guitar riff kicks in and the vocals soar, taking you to another level, especially with the lyric "sometimes I feel like something’s wrong with me, that’s just me".
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And$um - Single Review: Tell No Lies
23 Nov 2019 // A review by JamieDenton
Earlier this month, Christchurch hip-hop artist And$um dropped Tell No Lies, the first single from his forthcoming debut album. Produced by scene-legend Dera Meelan, this is not your stock-standard approach to hip-hop/rap.
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TOI - Single Review: Get Up
22 Nov 2019 // A review by thenelbc
Today Wellington dub rockers Tunes of I have released their latest single Get Up with a vibing 70's music video directed and produced by Lee Gingold and Mouthfull productions. While we expect the seven piece ensemble to deliver another classic horn line crossed with reggae rock tune.
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Max Earnshaw - Single Review: Lonely Love
22 Nov 2019 // A review by emcqs
Lonely Love, the sophomore single from Max Earnshaw, is an absolute bop. Recorded at Parachute Studios with Daniel Martin, it’s solid a follow up to Temporarily and hopefully just the start of what’s to come from this talented Christchurch-born, Auckland-based song-writer.
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Miloux - EP Review: Blonde (with Haz Beats)
21 Nov 2019 // A review by malexa
Move over Ladi6, there’s a new urban soul voice in town. Miloux is the alter ego of Rebecca Melrose, a sassy still young thing (no sexism intended), who showed her skills on her 2016 EP, cunningly disguised as the amorphous EP1, and 2017’s equally non-descriptive EP2.
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Flowidus - Gig Review: Flowidus with Jabz MC @ Hide Club, Christchurch - 16/11/2019
21 Nov 2019 // A review by Gwarden
Billed as the perfect kick-ons for the Saturday of Canterbury’s Show and Race Day long weekend, hordes of white-shirted, short-skirted punters flooded into Hide Club to get frothy with popular local act Flowidus. Momentum Promotions has been on a roll lately and despite a couple of technical hiccups, this latest event was a continuation of their high quality line-ups and well-run evenings.
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21 Nov 2019 // A review by Gwarden
Billed as the perfect kick-ons for the Saturday of Canterbury’s Show and Race Day long weekend, hordes of white-shirted, short-skirted punters flooded into Hide Club to get frothy with popular local act Flowidus. Momentum Promotions has been on a roll lately and despite a couple of technical hiccups, this latest event was a continuation of their high quality line-ups and well-run evenings.
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Written By Wolves - Gig Review: Written by Wolves @ Raynham Park, Auckland - 16/11/2019
20 Nov 2019 // A review by Steve Shyu
"Guaranteed to be a good time" were the words I posted on my Facebook status, summoning friends to join me as I left for Written by Wolves’ album release performance at Raynham Park. I swore by those words as I’d witnessed them give 110% opening for Devilskin, headlining their own sets at Neck of the Woods, as well as (figuratively) setting fire at Muzic.
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Viices - Single Review: Heresy
20 Nov 2019 // A review by Ben Ruegg
The new single from Viices, Heresy, feels like a mix between low key ska and EDM. It’s a very cool mix.
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Stateside Heroes - Album Review: Echoes and Answers
19 Nov 2019 // A review by JamieDenton
Stateside Heroes is the neo-soul/hip-hop/downbeat project of drummer, percussionist, multi-instrumentalist, vocalist, music-scholar, and producer Tom Pierard (Strike, Amygdala) and second-vocalist Cleavelin Manaena-Cook. Released slightly earlier in 2019, their debut album Echoes and Answers feels tailor-made for the forthcoming Kiwi summer.
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19 Nov 2019 // A review by JamieDenton
Stateside Heroes is the neo-soul/hip-hop/downbeat project of drummer, percussionist, multi-instrumentalist, vocalist, music-scholar, and producer Tom Pierard (Strike, Amygdala) and second-vocalist Cleavelin Manaena-Cook. Released slightly earlier in 2019, their debut album Echoes and Answers feels tailor-made for the forthcoming Kiwi summer.
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Hannah in the Wars - Single Review: Glory
19 Nov 2019 // A review by Corinne Rutherford
New Zealand singer songwriter Hannah Curwood of alternative post-punk band Hannah In The Wars, has released a new single called Glory. Hannah has an impressive body of work, both solo and with her band.
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Chris and the Kingsmen - Album Review: Regular Joe
19 Nov 2019 // A review by malexa
It’s been a while coming but Chris Ward could well be New Zealand’s answer Jimmy Barnes – a genuine working class hero. His debut album is ostensibly a solo record but not without the blood, sweat and tears of the Kingsmen, a band of merry men including Chris Close, David Cloughley, Frankie Daly and Ben Crosson, who co-wrote three of the tracks, boosted by more merry men and women, Aaron Boot, Josh Saville, Ben Lill, producer TeMatera Smith and backing vocalists Jodi Wareing, Tumanako Timirau, Lucy Hiku and Lissel and Magau Stewart.
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Domes - Single Review: Malady
19 Nov 2019 // A 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.
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Pluto - Gig Review: Pluto @ San Fran, Wellington - 15/11/2019
16 Nov 2019 // A review by tomashman
As the sun set on Cuba Street on a Friday night in early summer 2019 the lights came up on the legendary San Fran stage. The venue had been gradually filling up and the decent sized crowd pushed up to the front of the stage to watch as the first silhouettes started to appear, plugging in guitars and fiddling with drum hardware.
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Dr. Reknaw - Single Review: Kereru
15 Nov 2019 // A review by Ben Ruegg
New Zealand dub music is something I feel is rather a special thing to New Zealand. That Reggae sound, shaped into our music, is synonymous for a sunny day on the deck with your mates having a BBQ, or hanging out at the beach.
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Chris Bates - Single Review: Chasing Kites
15 Nov 2019 // A review by Ben Ruegg
Chasing Kites from Chris Bates is song that pulls a lot of different influences and takes the listener on a smooth ride through turbulent times.One thing that is evident from the first vocal lines are how smooth and silky they are.
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Bingo Fighter - Single/Video Review: Sexy Rock
15 Nov 2019 // A review by darryl baser
Well it’s always good to have a little levity in life, and Bingo Fighter’s video and single release fits that brief to a tee. There have been some great piss-taking bands and musicians over the years, from the great Victor Borge, to ‘Weird’ Al Yankovic.
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Solomon Crook - Single Review: The Day I Thought About Dying
14 Nov 2019 // A review by IslaMusic
Following the success of his 2018 EP Abandon Adolescence, Solomon Crook’s The Day I Thought About Dying is just as well produced and complex. The song tip-toes the line between catchy and thought-provoking.
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Anxiety Club - EP Review: Francine
14 Nov 2019 // A review by kongfooey
Well, this is a nice surprise. One of the perks of writing for Muzic.
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Levi Lights On Project - Single Review: Like A Tie
14 Nov 2019 // A review by jacquiew
Levi Lights On Project have a knack for writing material that captures the zeitgeist and their latest single is no exception. Moody, gritty and evocative, Like a Tie is the perfect song for a television or film soundtrack with a Walter Mitty-esque theme of an office worker or corporate executive who dreams of throwing off the shackles of the 9 to 5 and living a more colourful existence.
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Odds & Ends - EP Review: Odds & Ends
14 Nov 2019 // A review by JamieDenton
Earlier this year, I was fortuitous enough to have reviewed the debut single Tasty from Auckland-based genre-defying-‘rock’-band Odds & Ends. Having been impressed with the debut single, I was anxious to hear what else this young band had up their sleeves.
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Makeshift Parachutes - Album Review: The Daily Absurd
14 Nov 2019 // A review by Callum Wagstaff
What started as a jam session in a wine cellar in Houston Texas around 2012 would eventually emerge in Auckland, New Zealand under the name Makeshift Parachutes. Seven years later Makeshift Parachutes are releasing their debut full length album: The Daily Absurd.
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Sad Yeti Society - EP Review: Your Music Sucks
13 Nov 2019 // A review by tomashman
This latest offering from the good folks at Sad Yeti Society gives a whole new to meaning to Drum and Bass. The Auckland duo have a monstrous sound that hits harder than a wrecking ball made entirely of Muhammad Ali’s un-gloved fists!
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Pluto - Album Review: IV
13 Nov 2019 // A review by kongfooey
Before egos ran wild and personalities clashed to derail Pluto or Pipeline Under The Ocean in 2009 they reigned supreme on the local alternative music scene and even hitting the musical jackpot with two killer singles in Dance Stamina and Long White Cross in the mid 2000's. They also released three full-length albums and played a slew of quality live shows and festivals locally and worldwide, but unfortunately it all came unraveled while recording their fourth album.
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Dead Little Penny - Album River: Urge Surfing
13 Nov 2019 // A review by LouClementine
Dead Little Penny released their debut album Urge Surfing on 13 November 2019. It’s nine tracks of electro-industrial, synthesiser-infused melodic, dirge-drifting fun.
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The Crystal Project - EP Review: Love's Dark Ways
13 Nov 2019 // A review by darryl baser
The Crystal Project is a Hawkes Bay based musical collaboration blending pop, rock and folk music with a sneaky, yet well placed, cello. This four-piece released their debut EP, Love’s Dark Ways at the end of October this year, and what a superb release it is.
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Shana Grace - EP Review: Hello, It's Me Again
12 Nov 2019 // A review by IslaMusic
Kiwi singer/songwriter Shana Grace welcomes the listener to her debut EP with the words "Hello, it’s me again". The sound of pages rustling evoke the feeling that you are sitting cross legged on her living room floor as she tells you about her day.
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Gig Review: The 30 Pack: The World's Fastest Festival @ Hide Club, Christchurch - 08/11/2019
11 Nov 2019 // A review by Gwarden
"From the people that usually bring you really good ideas, comes an idea so bad, it might even be good" went the tagline for the ambitious World’s Fastest Festival. A combined venture between Momentum Promotions, Brand+New, and Notion Touring, Hide played host to 20 drum & bass selectas downstairs and 10 DJ’s upstairs offering a range of 4/4 genres.
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11 Nov 2019 // A review by Gwarden
"From the people that usually bring you really good ideas, comes an idea so bad, it might even be good" went the tagline for the ambitious World’s Fastest Festival. A combined venture between Momentum Promotions, Brand+New, and Notion Touring, Hide played host to 20 drum & bass selectas downstairs and 10 DJ’s upstairs offering a range of 4/4 genres.
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Empire To Ashes - Album Review: Sequence Two: Our Secret, Silent Storms
11 Nov 2019 // A review by Ben Ruegg
I remember it vividly. I woke up on the ground, face down, looking directly under my dresser.
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Scizzorhands - Single Review: Money In, Money Out
10 Nov 2019 // A review by Freecell
DJ and producer Scizzorhands has released his debut single, Money In, Money Out, featuring Diggy Dupe and it's a polished release which further cements that Hip-Hop is making a comeback.Starting with an interesting guitar and bass duet which sounds kind of jazzy, it soon morphs into a catchy release when the beat drops.
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Album Review: SoundDome
08 Nov 2019 // A review by malexa
The SoundDome in Wellington is an experimental sound space, fitted out with 25-speakers that act like the audio equivalent of the capital’s famed transmission gully. Compositions whir and reverberate within its structure adding unexpected resonance to what was originally intended.
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08 Nov 2019 // A review by malexa
The SoundDome in Wellington is an experimental sound space, fitted out with 25-speakers that act like the audio equivalent of the capital’s famed transmission gully. Compositions whir and reverberate within its structure adding unexpected resonance to what was originally intended.
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The Vibes - Single Review: Real World
08 Nov 2019 // A review by jacindaeve
When Brendan Thomas and the Vibes hit our television set during the second season of the X Factor NZ, I got caught up in the excitement and rush that the band generated. The fever spread the nation, and New Zealand fell in love with the garage psych trio determined to perpetuate the sound and spirit of the 60's.
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Written By Wolves - Album Review: Secrets
07 Nov 2019 // A review by Steve Shyu
It’s no secret. Written by Wolves have been hard at work for the past two years on their debut, full-length album.
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Radio Coma - Single Review: All Die
07 Nov 2019 // A review by Peter-James Dries
Well that was shocking... ...
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2 a.m. Orchestra - Single Review: Free
07 Nov 2019 // A review by Callum Wagstaff
2 a.m.
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Fanfickk - EP Review: Skull Pocket
07 Nov 2019 // A review by JamieDenton
In a much earlier review that I did for another artist, which had included a remixed Fanfickk track, I was taken aback by the vocals. Wonderfully off-kilter delivery, coupled with a luscious range and tone, that voice, Fanfickk’s voice, was quite simply stunning.
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Casey Evans - Single Review: Somewhere
07 Nov 2019 // A review by Corinne Rutherford
A Southern girl from the Catlins, Casey Evans, formally of energetic pop duo ChanTilly, has gone out on her own with her unique blend of soulful country. Somewhere is her debut single, and it has already been added to the Hatchlings playlist on Spotify.
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Lee Mvtthews - Album Review: Bones
05 Nov 2019 // A review by JamieDenton
Lee Mvtthews, the award-winning Auckland based producer/DJ duo of Graham Matthews and Tom Lee, have been making waves for themselves over the last few years. Self-described as “high energy bass music”, Lee Mvtthews’ debut album, Bones, is solid, slick, lean, hungry, and infectious follow-up to their previous singles and EP.
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Secret Knives - Album Review: Snuff
05 Nov 2019 // A review by malexa
The knives have been sharpened and the secret is out – Ash Smith hasn’t “snuffed” it. He’s just spent the best part of a decade redefining himself as Secret Knives, the alias he uses to channel his creative muse, and refining the follow-up to 2010’s low fi pop high-flier Affection.
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Screw Jack - EP Review: Screw Jack III
04 Nov 2019 // A review by Ben Ruegg
Yes. Christmas is coming.
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Rubine - Album Review: Secret Danger
04 Nov 2019 // A review by butch181
Rubine hail from North Island’s Hamilton and Tauranga, which is ideal placement, as some New Zealand’s best classic rock sounds tend to originate from the Waikato/Bay of Plenty regions. The five-piece consist of Tana Tapri on lead vocals, Afzer Zameer on the drums, Dennis Ben on guitar, and Keith McGlade and Stefan Doll on the bass and guitar respectively, as well backing vocals.
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J Plates - EP Review: New Perspectives
02 Nov 2019 // A review by Freecell
Jungle DnB Producer J Plates has been super busy in the studio, having just finished a new 5-track EP called New Perspectives. He even has another 5-track EP complete and ready to drop at the end of November.
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Pale Lady - EP Review: My New Maze
01 Nov 2019 // A review by kongfooey
Young Wellington 4-piece Pale Lady, winners of the 2017 National Battle Of The Bands, hit us with their latest EP called My New Maze. And 6 tracks of rollicking rock n roll ensue.
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Emily Riordan - Single Review: Breathe
01 Nov 2019 // A review by Corinne Rutherford
It is not often a single stops me in my tracks. But that is what Emily Riordan has done with the acoustic reworking of Breathe from her EP Waves, which was released earlier in 2019.
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Planet Hunter - EP Review: Planet Hunter
01 Nov 2019 // A review by Corinne Rutherford
Wellington four piece Planet Hunter describe themselves as stoner/alternative/prog. Named after the Planet Hunter Satellite which was launched the very same day.
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Lasair - Single Review: House Of Cards
01 Nov 2019 // A review by DemonsDigest
Hailing from Hamilton, the artist known as Lasair (AKA George Dryburgh) has recently released his new single and video for House Of Cards from his upcoming album Lessons. From the very first beat I was instantly reminded of Metro Station, however, the overall 80's synth-pop sound is where the similarities between the two acts end.
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Shakes and the Troublemakers - EP Review: Shakes and the Troublemakers
31 Oct 2019 // A review by darryl baser
Chris ‘Shakes’ Prendergast has been around the Dunedin music scene since before spending time in the city’s punk instigators The Enemy in the late 1970's. He now fronts this combo with Pottley on bass and at times guitar, along with Red on drums.
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Radio Therapy - EP Review: Radio Therapy
31 Oct 2019 // A review by kongfooey
If Pat Benatar and the Foo Fighters had a child it would be called Radio Therapy, that's my first impression of the first couple of tracks on Radio Therapy's second self-titled EP and that's a good thing in my books. Singer Renee Leishman is somewhat of a New Plymouth Rock legend having performed with bands Demon Dolls and 1080 in the past and her vocals in this release are crisp and full of melody, she also helps out the rhythm section by playing bass guitar too, which is impressive.
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Lucifer Gunne - EP Review: One Day You'll Be The Best Thing That's Ever Happened To Someone
30 Oct 2019 // A review by Callum Wagstaff
Lucifer Gunne come out with an EP of acoustic sessions showcasing the dark and pensive songwriting of lead man Rory McDonald. McDonald's unusual voice is an amalgam of influences including Marilyn Manson, Kurt Cobain and Mike Patton.
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ISLA - EP Review: Weirdo
30 Oct 2019 // A review by Corinne Rutherford
Hot on the heels of Isla's single release of Kids Like Me, is her new EP Weirdo. This EP follows through with the fresh and quirky sound that we were recently introduced to.
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Black Velvet Butterfly - Single Review: White Lady
29 Oct 2019 // A review by Peter-James Dries
I did wonder what direction Black Velvet Butterfly would take next. After their first single Oh My Goth (O.
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Devilskin - Gig Review: Devilskin @ Hunter Lounge, Wellington - 24/10/2019
27 Oct 2019 // A review by tonymcdonald
24th October @ The Hunter Lounge in Wellington and Black Smoke Trigger emerge to a packed out venue. Flashing lights, smoke, the smell of alcohol and a vocal crowd were there to greet them.
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Miss Used - Gig Review: Miss Used @ Ophir Street, Auckland - 26/10/2019
26 Oct 2019 // A review by Ben Ruegg
Miss Used is a group that you should take notice of. Powerful, driving rhythms are just one part of their blues rock influenced sound.
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Albi & The Wolves - Gig Review: Albi and the Wolves @ Room Twenty5, Nelson
26 Oct 2019 // A review by jacquiew
Auckland-based trio Albi and the Wolves have made a real impression on the festival scene both here and overseas, especially since their Best Folk Artist of the Year Tui Award win in 2018. Just days ago, the group were named in the line-up for WOMAD 2020, a well-deserved nod for the very hardworking and talented Chris Dent, Micheal Young, and Pascal Roggen.
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The Impending Adorations - Album Review: Alliances 1: A Handful Of Dust
26 Oct 2019 // A review by malexa
Just a month after delivering the latest The Impending Adorations album, Allies, Paul McLaney announced, via Facebook, “a big day in music” with the release of the single Loose Ends by Her Own Medicine, a band of which he is a member, and the EP Alliances 1: A Handful Of Dust, a collaboration with Jakob guitarist Jeff Boyle. The Alliances EP is a game-changer in so far as it is a welcome return to recording for Boyle (he’s apparently working on another Jakob album) and suggests that McLaney will also be working with kindred souls on other collaborations.
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Georgia Lines - Single/Video Review: Never Had Love
24 Oct 2019 // A review by emcqs
Never Had Love is the sophomore single from Tauranga local, George. Co-written by Shannon Fowler (Tom Lark) and Mark Perkins (Merk), it’s another taster of her forthcoming debut EP.
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Coridian - Single Review: Rite of Passage
24 Oct 2019 // A review by Shade
Home.Adverb - deep; to the heart.
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Lexytron - Single Review: Couples
24 Oct 2019 // A review by emilyriordan
Auckland singer-songwriter Lexytron’s fourth single Couples is a catchy, upbeat song about the loneliness that singledom can bring. Lexytron says “sometimes being alone is liberating but sometimes it downright sucks”, and Couples embraces the downright suck side of being alone, in a song with a much lighter feel than her releases to date.
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The Kendals - Single Review: Mistakes
24 Oct 2019 // A review by Corinne Rutherford
Auckland three-piece pop group The Kendals have released their second single Mistakes. An atmospheric analogue sounding track with a distinctive synth-pop sound.
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TOOMS - Single Review: Greatest Hits
23 Oct 2019 // A review by Steve Shyu
The enigmatic two-piece Auckland act TOOMS have been busy. They’ve performed at festivals such as Loserpolooza, Hataitai Homewrecker, and opened for international groups Bench Press and Propagandhi.
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The Impending Adorations - Album Review: Allies
23 Oct 2019 // A review by malexa
Paul McLaney is one of those artists who never fails to get me where I’m most vulnerable, least alive and yet open to the possibility of being transported somewhere beyond myself. I’ve been listening to Allies, his latest release as Impending Adorations, while attempting to rediscover a new purpose in an old life.
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Steve Starke Music - Single Review: Hope is a Universe
23 Oct 2019 // A review by Peter-James Dries
Like Peter Weller’s Buckaroo Banzai - neurosurgeon, rockstar, and experimental hypersonic vehicle pilot - Steve Starke is a man of many talents. Crack realtor by day, hit musician on other days, nights, and probably weekends.
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Tami Neilson - Gig Review: Tami Neilson @ Nelson Arts Festival - 21/10/2019
22 Oct 2019 // A review by jacquiew
Tami Neilson is outrageously excellent. Her voice is full, powerful, nuanced and rich.
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ISLA - Single Review: Kids Like Me
21 Oct 2019 // A review by Corinne Rutherford
Auckland based indie/folk singer songwriter Isla has just released a catchy new single, Kids Like Me. She is the new "kid" on the block adding a fresh funky twist to the NZ indie pop/folk scene.
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Bleeders - Single Review: Darkness Falls
21 Oct 2019 // A review by Paul Goddard
Back in 2003 I was helping out at the now defunct Brewers Bar in Mount Maunganui. Fresh to NZ I was keen to see what music was on offer.
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Devilskin - Gig Review: Devilskin @ Powerstation, Auckland - 19/10/2019
20 Oct 2019 // A review by Ben Ruegg
Rock is alive in well. The sea of black was ready for rock at the Powerstation tonight.
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Ginzu and the Steak Knives - Album Review: Kavanak
19 Oct 2019 // A review by Steve Shyu
Ginzu and the Steak Knives are an Auckland three-piece act that proudly describe their music simply as "Loud And Disgusting". With a handful of EP's and singles under their belts, the band finally got round to carving out a hefty chunk of their latest work, being their debut full-length album, titled Kavanak.
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Pitch Black - Gig Review: Pitch Black @ Neck of the Woods, Auckland - 17/10/2019
18 Oct 2019 // A review by LouClementine
The legendary Christchurch act Pitch Black whipped up an electronica storm at Neck of Woods, Auckland on their Third Light Tour on 17 October 2019. Taking the audience with them on a visual and musical journey, the duo kicked off their international tour, with this, their first date of twelve, which will take them to London, Amsterdam and Berlin over the coming months.
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Ashley Alexander - Single/Video Review: Nicotine
18 Oct 2019 // A review by emilyriordan
Paraparaumu’s Ashley Alexander introduces his second single, Nicotine, a jazzy, slickly produced number accompanied by a delightful music video.Following up from debut single Best Song, Nicotine builds on Ashley’s funky sound with a piano-centric arrangement featuring lush backing vocals and infectious beats.
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Blu Fish - Single Review: Up/Down
18 Oct 2019 // A review by Paul Goddard
We all go through it. The ups and downs of this beautiful thing we call life.
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The Response - Single Review: Picture Undefined
17 Oct 2019 // A review by Ben Ruegg
The Response’s new song Picture Undefined is a blend of pop, alt rock and electronic music that works brilliantly. The guitar tone, the way it’s played and how the effects are layered help build an atmosphere which is wonderfully captured in the video shot by Johnny Knopp.
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ABRZY - Single Review: Isolation
17 Oct 2019 // A review by Freecell
The latest single by hip-hop rapper ABRZY is called Isolation. Starting off with some interesting snyth guitar sounds on the intro, ABRZY's vocals have a clean rapping style, reminiscent of the late 2010's new hip-hop sound.
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Alae - Single/Video Review: Hit Me Where It Hurts
17 Oct 2019 // A review by Corinne Rutherford
Starting out as a two piece in 2016, Alae co-founders Alex Farrell-Davey and Allister Meffan made a big impact on the NZ music industry with their “intimate folk inspired sounds”. Recently adding to the mix are Jayden Lee on drums and bassist Marika Hodgson.
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Oh Sweet Nothings - EP Review: Emergency Procedures
17 Oct 2019 // A review by Corinne Rutherford
Oh Sweet Nothings are a Wellington based student band who describes themselves as “indie/post-alternative/post-post-punk 3-sometimes-4 piece project”. They have just released their debut EP, Emergency Procedures, which took four years in the making; it is a precursor and little teaser to the band’s full length album which will possibly be released mid-2020.
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By A Damn Sight - EP Review: A.I.R 01
16 Oct 2019 // A review by ApolloSteamTrain
Wellington band B.A.
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Proximity - Double Single Review: Odyssey and Picnic at Midnight
16 Oct 2019 // A review by JamieDenton
Fresh-faced talent from Howick College in Auckland’s Eastern suburbs, three-piece rock band Proximity have come out firing on their debut double-single Odyssey and Picnic at Midnight. On these first two tracks, Proximity demonstrate a tight, lean, clear, concise, no-nonsense songwriting maturity that seemingly defies their youth.
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16 Oct 2019 // A review by JamieDenton
Fresh-faced talent from Howick College in Auckland’s Eastern suburbs, three-piece rock band Proximity have come out firing on their debut double-single Odyssey and Picnic at Midnight. On these first two tracks, Proximity demonstrate a tight, lean, clear, concise, no-nonsense songwriting maturity that seemingly defies their youth.
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Goodspace - EP Review: Goodspace
16 Oct 2019 // A review by DemonsDigest
Hailing from Auckland, there isn’t a lot of information online about the lo-fi, indie rock band that calls themselves Goodspace, aside from the fact that it is made up of band members Jeff on vocals and guitar, Lloyd on vocals and bass and Nick on drums. I could see that their lack of an online presence could play into their favour, because it means in order to get to know them you would need to listen to their interviews or go to their shows (smart move), and therefore get to know them on a more personal level.
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Kaosis - Album Review: Hitech - Lowlife
15 Oct 2019 // A review by Steve Shyu
Kaosis is Hamilton's first and only face-painted, mask-wearing industrial dubstep metal band. And they sport that badge with pride.
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15 Oct 2019 // A review by Steve Shyu
Kaosis is Hamilton's first and only face-painted, mask-wearing industrial dubstep metal band. And they sport that badge with pride.
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City of Souls - Single Review: Ferryman
15 Oct 2019 // A review by Lexa.Dixon
The boys from City of Souls have smashed it out of the park again; this time releasing another stunningly epic track Ferryman; and just like their previous releases, Ferryman has its own impressive feel to it.This is a track that you can quite easily get behind right from the very beginning with an instrumental intro that is both captivating and inspiring, while encouraging you to head bang and rock along.
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Streakers - Single Review: Saturated
14 Oct 2019 // A review by Kris Raven
Christchurch 3 Piece Alternative Rock and roll machine Streakers have recently dropped their new single Saturated. The song takes me back to the 90’s, with the sounds of big chunky guitar riffs, pounding Grohl-esque drums and unique vocal stylings.
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Mermaidens - Gig Review: Mermaidens @ The Cook, Dunedin - 12/10/2019
14 Oct 2019 // A review by darryl baser
Soaked Oats took to the stage shortly after 9.30pm, opening with the dreamy tune Don't Chew, which flowed over the half full Captain Cook crowd like a perfect wave, with surfers taking turns dropping into its face.
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Black Pug - Single Review: My Enemies
11 Oct 2019 // A review by JamieDenton
Black Pug, the pseudonym of solo/multi-instrumentalist and vocalist Mo Ackermann, is a one-man punk/rock/metal band from Queenstown. With Mo handling all tracking, singing, and recording duties, the music of Black Pug is a true representation of Mo’s uncompromised vision.
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Repairs - Split EP Review: Repairs & Flogging a Dead One Horse Town
10 Oct 2019 // A review by Callum Wagstaff
Auckland pop-punk trio Repairs have released a split EP with Tauranga purveyors of grunty minimalism Flogging a Dead One Horse Town (or FADOHT for practicality's sake.) The two bands find common ground in the bedrock of noise.
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The Lost Boys - Single Review: Hook, Line And Sinker
08 Oct 2019 // A review by Epitomised_Drummer
I was absolutely gutted this morning to see two of my favourite bands are coming to NZ this December while I'm out of the country; Bad Religion and Frenzal Rhomb. I started hunting through playlists on Spotify and ended up listening to some of my favourite Kiwi punk/pop/rock acts from years gone by.
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08 Oct 2019 // A review by Epitomised_Drummer
I was absolutely gutted this morning to see two of my favourite bands are coming to NZ this December while I'm out of the country; Bad Religion and Frenzal Rhomb. I started hunting through playlists on Spotify and ended up listening to some of my favourite Kiwi punk/pop/rock acts from years gone by.
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The Kendals - Single Review: Passion
08 Oct 2019 // A review by emilyriordan
Auckland three-piece The Kendals have released their debut single Passion, a dreamy synth-pop track looking at the experience of falling in love from a different angle. The Kendals are Lucia Zara, Michael Redwood, and James Dalton.
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Erik Graham - Single Review: If I
07 Oct 2019 // A review by Corinne Rutherford
New Zealand based singer, songwriter, musician and record producer Erik Graham is a man of many talents, who has also been described as a skilled guitar player. His latest single release If I is a heartfelt track with beautiful lyrics and strong vocals, recorded under his own record label Headcage.
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Molly Devine - EP Review: Rain in the River
05 Oct 2019 // A review by darryl baser
Dunedin contemporary vocalist Molly Devine has been entertaining Dunedin crowds for a few years now, sharing stages with Martin Phillipps, Anna Leese, the Dunedin Symphony Orchestra, and more in the Tally Ho series of concerts, as well as playing her own shows at many local bars. She’s just released a four song EP, Rain In The River, which signals a slight shift in musical direction for her.
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Cruddy - Single Review: I Hear Sirens
05 Oct 2019 // A review by Peter-James Dries
September has come and passed, and you know what that means? It’s time to wake up that guy from Green Day, and for the next edition in Cruddy’s song-a-month musical odyssey (of which September brought us two!
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Gold Medal Famous - Album Review: Gold Medal Famous
04 Oct 2019 // A review by Paul Goddard
This is a dark way to start a review but I am sure the members of Gold Medal Famous, and especially Vorn Colgan, who has unfortunately been diagnosed with terminal cancer will understand.After all, this is a band who defies convention and often tackle dark and disturbing subjects with brutal clarity and honesty.
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Troy Kingi - Gig Review: Troy Kingi @ The Tuning Fork, Auckland - 26/09/2019
04 Oct 2019 // A review by LouClementine
Troy Kingi delivered a mash up of reggae, funk and soul as he debuted an album of politically laced tracks and performed for an enthusiastic crowd at the Tuning Fork in Auckland. This was the first of a three date New Zealand tour, following the release of his latest album Holy Colony Burning Acres and tonight he played to a sold out crowd.
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Samuel & Micaela - EP Review: Birdsong
03 Oct 2019 // A review by darryl baser
Lhasa's Birdsong EP is just four songs, but it’s a clear case of 'all killer no filler'. The EP opens with the title track, Birdsong, and right from the get-go the crisp capturing of excellent performances is apparent.
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Corduroy. - EP Review: Good Intentions
03 Oct 2019 // A review by Ben Ruegg
Corduroy.’s new EP is a journey through that demonstrates the bands ability to write catchy songs that are also deep and entertaining.
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Arrays - Single Review: The Enemy
03 Oct 2019 // A review by Ben Ruegg
The Enemy is the new track from Arrays, the studio project headed up by JP Carroll. One of the most important elements of rock is to have a riff that stands out and cuts clear through the mix so you get a feel for the song.
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Violet Highway - Single Review: Shake My Head
03 Oct 2019 // A review by Ben Ruegg
Violet Highway’s new song Shake My Head had me smiling. It’s nice and exciting to hear a band having fun and giving a nod to some of my favourite artists (which will remain anonymous).
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Paige - Single Review: Bloom
03 Oct 2019 // A review by Ben Ruegg
Paige’s new song Bloom is like a throwback to some of the best RnB songs from the 2000's while still maintaining a modern feel to it thanks to its slick production. Tight vocals are front and centre here, but do not let that get in way to hear the exceptional instrumental track in the back.
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James Reid - Gig Review: James Reid @ 4th Wall Theatre, New Plymouth - 18/09/2019
29 Sep 2019 // A review by emilyriordan
On a quiet Wednesday night, singer-songwriter James Reid (best known as the frontman of Kiwi icons The Feelers) brings his Songbook Tour to the 4th Wall Theatre in New Plymouth.The theatre is packed and the stage is set sparsely with a chair, an amp, two guitars, and a songbook on a stand.
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Grey Skies Over Rapture - Album Review: Grey Skies Over Rapture
28 Sep 2019 // A review by River Tucker
If you like your death metal laced with elements of thrash and razor sharp axes merged with unrelenting rhythms, the debut self-titled album Grey Skies Over Rapture is the release you’re looking for. It has a little bit of everything that makes the death metal genre great!
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Odds & Ends - Single Review: City of Sails
28 Sep 2019 // A review by Lexa.Dixon
Odds & Ends have just released their latest breath-taking track, City of Sails, and just like their last track, Tasty, this is another one of those feel good tracks that make you want to groove. These young lads have some remarkable music skills!
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Coridian - Gig Review: Coridian @ Anthology, Auckland - 20/09/2019
27 Sep 2019 // A review by kongfooey
I'd heard about Anthology as a new venue a couple of months back, and any new venues in Auckland that local artists can play after the demise of the legendary Kings Arms are always welcome. My buddy and I were greeted at the door by two friendly bearded characters that turned out to be the drummer and guitarist of the headline act.
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Phil Stoodley - Single Review: Long Way from Home
26 Sep 2019 // A review by Andrew Smit
New Zealand singer-songwriter Phil Stoodley is a travelling Kiwi musician of some note and he has created a most beautiful song and video clip for his new single Long Way From Home, which shows off his singing and song writing skill spectacularly. The track sounds so good, the recording is impressively immaculate yet still warm and full of character.
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Medusa Glare - Single Review: A Mind Reborn
26 Sep 2019 // A review by Ben Ruegg
Medusa Glare. Note that down.
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VÏKÆ - Single Review: Truth
26 Sep 2019 // A review by darryl baser
Ukrainian born New Zealand vocalist and songwriter Vikae, also known as Veronika Bell, was based in Dunedin performing in a duo called VTMNK, until her Auckland home called. Truth is the first single from Vikae, and it opens with atmospheric air noises before Bell’s crystal clear voice chimes in with the first verse: "Run run run, I fall into nothing, dreaming of falling who am I becoming?
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Danny McCrum - Album Review: Hustle Bustle
26 Sep 2019 // A review by ApolloSteamTrain
Reviewing an album is both a pleasure and a responsibility so I wanted to take my time to really listen to this body of work and ensure that I gave it my honest thoughts. The very act of listening to twelve tracks in a row from the same artist is not common behaviour for myself or conceivably any of us these days.
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Lakius - Single Review: Kaos High
25 Sep 2019 // A review by Kris Raven
Auckland 3-piece metal outfit Lakius have recently dropped their second single Kaos High, which is currently available in all the usual places. Formed from the ashes of long standing Kiwi metal act Broken Season, they have delivered a raw, aggressive and pummeling slab of 90’s influenced heavy music in the form of Kaos High.
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Channeled - Album Review: Channeled
24 Sep 2019 // A review by Steve Shyu
Ben Ruegg, a fellow contributor to Muzic.net.
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Tom Ashman - Album Review: Degenerate
24 Sep 2019 // A review by Callum Wagstaff
Tom Ashman is a guitarist, singer-songwriter and music producer from the Orkney Islands in the far north of Scotland. Now based in New Zealand, he has created new material infusing elements of grunge and punk into a folk rock foundation.
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James Reid - Gig Review: James Reid @ Totara St, Mt Maunganui - 21/09/2019
23 Sep 2019 // A review by ApolloSteamTrain
A good size crowd of approximately 150 people resisted the temptation to sit at home and wait for the All Blacks to take over the nation, preferring to populate the magnificent Totara St venue for an intimate show by James Reid on the Tauranga section his solo Songbook Tour. With no need for support acts in this laid back style of event, James was onstage early at a very respectable 9pm and he immediately set the tone of the evening by tweaking with his guitar setup and making random jokes with the audience thus making everyone feel relaxed and welcome.
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JessB - Gig Review: JessB @ Raynham Park, Auckland
22 Sep 2019 // A review by LouClementine
Artist JessB hit Auckland’s Raynham Park late on a Saturday night in September completing the third and final date of her New Views tour, following dates in Wellington and Christchurch. Special guests for the evening were Silva MC, Vayne and {half.
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Ghost Who Walks - Gig Review: Ghost Who Walks @ San Fran, Wellington - 14/09/2019
22 Sep 2019 // A review by LouClementine
The venue was buzzing and continued to fill as the DJ warmed up the Saturday night crowd at Wellington’s famous music venue San Fran. On tonight’s bill was headline homegrown act Ghost Who Walks.
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Tommy and The Fallen Horses - Album Review: OpenHearts
19 Sep 2019 // A review by darryl baser
Wellington band Tommy and the Fallen Horses have just released a new album OpenHearts after a 5-year hiatus. The band is firmly straddling the Alt-Country, and Folk-Rock genres and are being hailed as one of the most compelling groups to emerge from New Zealand’s rich musical landscape in the past decade.
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Ginzu and the Steak Knives - Single/Video Review: Edge Of The Universe
18 Sep 2019 // A review by Epitomised_Drummer
This morning I got the pleasure of being one of the very first people to see the latest release from Ginzu and the Steak Knives – Edge Of The Universe. The second that you see a guy tied up on a chair inside a Pentacle, you know you are in for a treat.
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Sex Beard - Single Review: Undress for Success
18 Sep 2019 // A review by Kris Raven
One of Christchurch’s (possibly the only) most notorious sexiest bearded quartets Sex Beard have just released their follow up single to Hauraki Radio’s Anthem Wakachangi Baby entitled Undress for Success. A song that is perfect for busting out your hip swinging moves, drinking a beer, rocking out and singing loud.
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Miss June - Album Review: Bad Luck Party
17 Sep 2019 // A review by Paul Goddard
Where do I even start? OK let’s start at a Foo Fighters gig where the sound was shite and the atmosphere was way more sterile than the toilets.
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Mudbelly - Single Review: Crooked Magic
17 Sep 2019 // A review by Corinne Rutherford
Christchurch four-piece blues rock band Hypnumb have released a gutsy new single entitled Crooked Magic. A strong grungy, bluesy classic rock number that is indeed magic.
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Al Fraser - Al Fraser, Sam Leamy and Neil Johnstone - Album Review: Panthalassa
17 Sep 2019 // A review by Trevor Faville
This trio of highly experienced creators (aided by an impressive cast of guest contributors) have created a suite of sonic explorations with quite clear ‘‘abstract and impressionist” intent. The attendant press notes explain in detail the scope, intent and process of this work.
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Seismic State - EP Review: State of Things
17 Sep 2019 // A review by Lexa.Dixon
Wellington four-piece band Seismic State have just released their first EP State of Things, and if this is what they sound like, they have a big and bright future ahead of them. State of Things is an outstanding four-track EP, with each and every song giving a little bit more oomph than the previous track.
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Tempist Fujit - Single Review: Home
16 Sep 2019 // A review by JamieDenton
Hailing from Northland, alternative rock four-piece Tempist Fujit—their name a clever play on the Latin phrase tempus fugit, often translated to “time flies” - have been kicking around for a number of years now. Indeed, they have already released their debut album, Time Flies, in 2018.
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Iris - Single Review: Foresight
16 Sep 2019 // A review by Corinne Rutherford
Young singer/songwriter Iris originally from Napier is the dazzling new Kiwi pop star on the scene getting a lot of attention with her latest single release Foresight. Alongside her business partner Charles Lutman, Iris often co-produces her songs which she herself writes.
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16 Sep 2019 // A review by Corinne Rutherford
Young singer/songwriter Iris originally from Napier is the dazzling new Kiwi pop star on the scene getting a lot of attention with her latest single release Foresight. Alongside her business partner Charles Lutman, Iris often co-produces her songs which she herself writes.
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Timothy Blackman - Album Review: Brightest Days
16 Sep 2019 // A review by Corinne Rutherford
Wellington recording artist Timothy Blackman (Home Alone Music) has released his first new album in eight years. Ten tracks of calm contemplation and personal reflection Brightest Days can be described as a Lo-fi Refreshing and honest LP.
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16 Sep 2019 // A review by Corinne Rutherford
Wellington recording artist Timothy Blackman (Home Alone Music) has released his first new album in eight years. Ten tracks of calm contemplation and personal reflection Brightest Days can be described as a Lo-fi Refreshing and honest LP.
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Tiny Ruins - Gig Review: Tiny Ruins with Jen Cloher @ Town Hall, Port Chalmers - 14/09/2019
15 Sep 2019 // A review by darryl baser
Port Chalmers; an industrial port and one-time place to buy cheap real-estate, making it a hub for many a Dunedin musician. One could argue, Port Chalmers is the home of the ‘Dunedin sound’.
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The Echo Ohs - EP Review: Wild Weeds
11 Sep 2019 // A review by Ben Ruegg
Man, I love music. I love how it can take me back to different memories, times in my life and past experiences.
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Marina Bloom and Moving Stuff - Single Review: Greetings from Sydney
11 Sep 2019 // A review by Ben Ruegg
In her latest track, Greetings From Sydney, Marina Bloom paints a delicate picture about the feelings of longing to spending time with another. It is an instant classic that ebbs and flows with dynamic.
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The First Child - Single Review: Vore
11 Sep 2019 // A review by Kris Raven
Auckland 5 piece REI (not to be confused with Rei the NZ Hip-Hop artist) have just released their debut single Vore. Crossing genre lines by blending mathcore and emo is no easy feat but this is an example of original fusion done well and sounding unique.
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Jarni Blair - EP Review: Sparkle In My Eye
10 Sep 2019 // A review by DemonsDigest
Originally hailing from Dunedin Jarni Blair is currently residing in Auckland while trying to further a musical career that started from a young age. Having played in bands throughout his high school career Jarni made the decision (in his last year) to try his hands at a solo career that appears to be drawing a loyal following.
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10 Sep 2019 // A review by DemonsDigest
Originally hailing from Dunedin Jarni Blair is currently residing in Auckland while trying to further a musical career that started from a young age. Having played in bands throughout his high school career Jarni made the decision (in his last year) to try his hands at a solo career that appears to be drawing a loyal following.
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Jam Henderson - Single Review: Rainbow
10 Sep 2019 // A review by Andrew Smit
Rainbow is a cool little track with a nice funky vibe, the pace is urged along by a bright sparkly guitar that produces a nice upbeat feel. The guitar delivers a splash of spritely sound that provides a nice contrast to the laid-back tuneful vocals that flow effortlessly through the track.
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10 Sep 2019 // A review by Andrew Smit
Rainbow is a cool little track with a nice funky vibe, the pace is urged along by a bright sparkly guitar that produces a nice upbeat feel. The guitar delivers a splash of spritely sound that provides a nice contrast to the laid-back tuneful vocals that flow effortlessly through the track.
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Glow Becky - Single Review: Fade Back
10 Sep 2019 // A review by Epitomised_Drummer
For the last couple of years, a previous bandmate and good friend Nate has been telling me about this awesome rock band called Glow Becky that I have to hear. The team at Muzic.
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Bittercup - Single Review: Napkin
09 Sep 2019 // A review by Corinne Rutherford
I am a bit of a Punk Rock fan, so much so I went and joined a Post Punk band. I am not easily offended and pretty much reckon I have heard it all (or close to it), so I rubbed my hands in glee about New Plymouth band Bittercup's single release for Napkin.
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Royal Jackets - EP Review: ...Again
09 Sep 2019 // A review by Paul Goddard
Music should never fit in a box. It should refuse to be pigeon-holed.
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Holloway - Single Review: Here Comes Glitterboy
06 Sep 2019 // A review by tonymcdonald
When something this powerful, upbeat and energetic comes along you have to stand up and take notice. Holloway Holiday have released a fantastic new single called Here Comes Glitterboy, and it comes complete with funky digital sounds and a mix of real and electronic drums which work amazingly well together.
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Avantdale Bowling Club - Gig Review: Avantdale Bowling Club @ Powerstation, Auckland - 24/08/2019
05 Sep 2019 // A review by rupakelly
Avantdale Bowling Club, the project of Homebrew frontman Tom Scott released one of the best records of 2018. A personal, soul rending piece that spoke of West Auckland based Scott’s experiences with getting older, losing friends and the love of his newborn son.
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Katie Thompson - Album Review: Bittersweet
05 Sep 2019 // A review by jacindaeve
Bittersweet represents Katie Thompson’s return to recorded music after an eight-year hiatus - bittersweet in itself. Here Thompson presents a more developed and mature aesthetic than her previous releases.
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Tablefox - Single Review: Always Always
05 Sep 2019 // A review by Trevor Faville
Tablefox have been on a career climb since 2013, steadily building momentum with some notable live gigs and recorded work. Along the way the group has grown from three to five and their sound has evolved in scope and focus as a result.
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Concord Dawn - Gig Review: Concord Dawn @ Yot Club, Raglan - 30/08/2019
04 Sep 2019 // A review by Freecell
NZ Drum and Bass Legends Concord Dawn re-united for a 20th Anniversary tour around NZ and Rarotonga where Evan (Kiljoy) currently resides. Kiljoy has recently released new music on Digital's label Function Records, and it was very exciting to finally hear some new music from Concord Dawn when they released their newest EP 1999 last month in celebration of 20 years of Concord Dawn.
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Odds & Ends - Single Review: Tasty
04 Sep 2019 // A review by JamieDenton
Tasty, the debut single from Auckland-based rock band Odds & Ends is exactly that. Bursting out of the starting line with a confident, tight, phat, and funky groove, it takes literally seconds before I feel my body moving along with it.
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Black Velvet Butterfly - Single Review: O.M.G. (Oh My Goth)
03 Sep 2019 // A review by Peter-James Dries
Do they still have clearly demarcated sub-cultures in this post-Hipster world? Are there still Goths, Nerds, Jocks, and the women who love them?
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Abby Christo - Single Review: Body Language
02 Sep 2019 // A review by Corinne Rutherford
Since finishing seventh on The X Factor New Zealand in 2015, former Mae Valley girl and Singer-Songwriter Abby Christo has been busy establishing her own musical direction and identity. Her latest single release is Body Language, a catchy, emotional Country Pop song.
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02 Sep 2019 // A review by Corinne Rutherford
Since finishing seventh on The X Factor New Zealand in 2015, former Mae Valley girl and Singer-Songwriter Abby Christo has been busy establishing her own musical direction and identity. Her latest single release is Body Language, a catchy, emotional Country Pop song.
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Investigator - Single Review: I Go Crazy
02 Sep 2019 // A review by JamieDenton
Investigator, the pseudonym of Auckland-based singer/songwriter/producer Adrian Drew, has just released I Go Crazy, a collaboration with ex-Fast Crew member Jerome Fortune. This newest single follows up last year’s EP, continuing to highlight an obvious love of retro-infused-rock-guitars, electronic-flourishes, deep-driving-bass, and big-dancey-old-school-hip-hop-inspired beats.
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Gig Review: The Others Way Festival @ K'Road, Auckland - 30/08/2019
01 Sep 2019 // A review by Paul Goddard
K Rd is electric! Even Tesla has opened up its Auckland branch on Auckland’s most (in)famous street.
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01 Sep 2019 // A review by Paul Goddard
K Rd is electric! Even Tesla has opened up its Auckland branch on Auckland’s most (in)famous street.
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The RVMES - Single Review: Callin' My Name
31 Aug 2019 // A review by Ben Ruegg
Context. It is everything.
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Albi & The Wolves - Gig Review: Albi and the Wolves @ Nivara Lounge, Hamilton - 23/08/2019
30 Aug 2019 // A review by Trevor Faville
There is a group of New Zealand musicians who are really putting in some time around the touring circuit at the moment. It's cliche to describe them as ‘hard working’ - that's glib and a redundancy - but certainly, the work is getting done and it is showing in terms of their successes.
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Bianca Isabel - Single Review: Hypocrite
29 Aug 2019 // A review by Steve Shyu
Wellingtonian teen singer-songwriter Bianca Isabel has been creating her own music since she was just twelve. In recent months, she has recorded and released a small handful of original material, turning heads in local indie/alternative pop circles.
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Mojo Alice - Album Review: Liquid Sin
29 Aug 2019 // A review by Peter-James Dries
This is the music that formed me, but I lost my relevance over a decade ago. In the same way the trickle-down model of wealth means those at the bottom get a kick to the teeth with a leather dress shoe, or how topping up your parent’s bourbon with water gradually dilutes the bottle, the music of each generation after the golden age of rock has progressively devolved.
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Seas of Conflict - Single Review: Prometheus/Eventide
28 Aug 2019 // A review by Kris Raven
For anyone familiar with Seas of Conflict’s live shows, you will know that throughout the last year Prometheus has been the song that has been leaving fans in awe, pummelled by its sheer brutality. It is one of their heaviest songs to date and a crowd favourite with many people eagerly waiting for the song to be recorded.
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Raiza Biza - Single Review: Stolen Youth
28 Aug 2019 // A review by Freecell
“I was woken one day by the truth, those demons tried to steal my youth”Here's the latest offering from Raiza Biza - the first track from his upcoming album - Stolen Youth. Beginning with Raiza's vocals and a sweet sounding guitar melody, this song is deep and sung from the soul.
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Pale Lady - Single Review: Never Gonna Be This Way Again
27 Aug 2019 // A review by kongfooey
Winners of the 2017 National Battle Of The Bands Pale Lady hit us with their latest creation called Never Gonna Be This Way Again. I can see why they won that competition because these young fellas know how to craft a tune and they're all kick ass at their chosen instruments.
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Zane Nathan - Single Review: Somethings
26 Aug 2019 // A review by Corinne Rutherford
Malaysian born young New Zealand singer/songwriter Zane Nathan has just released his brand new original single, which is accompanied by a lyric video; Somethings. The song has a somewhat theatrical sound to it, which would not be out of place on a Disney musical soundtrack.
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26 Aug 2019 // A review by Corinne Rutherford
Malaysian born young New Zealand singer/songwriter Zane Nathan has just released his brand new original single, which is accompanied by a lyric video; Somethings. The song has a somewhat theatrical sound to it, which would not be out of place on a Disney musical soundtrack.
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ABRZY - Single Review: For My Dogs
25 Aug 2019 // A review by Freecell
For My Dogs is the latest track from ABRZY, featuring Mather Be. The track starts off with a vibing synth sound with a resounding intro.
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Kings - Gig Review: Kings @ The Tuning Fork, Auckland - 24/08/2019
25 Aug 2019 // A review by Ben Ruegg
If you had told me that the ‘sold out’ Kings show at the Tuning Fork in Auckland was the last date on his very first tour, I would have probably slapped you. Why?
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Hollie Smith - Gig Review: Hollie Smith @ The Playhouse, Nelson - 22/09/2019
23 Aug 2019 // A review by jacquiew
Hollie Smith has a lovely voice and is a highly-regarded singer known to many for her work with TrinityRoots and Fly My Pretties, and for her vocals on the Don McGlashan penned hit Bathe In The River. Smith has also had significant success in her solo career to date.
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Ommeta - EP Review: Precostal
23 Aug 2019 // A review by River Tucker
Ommeta is the solo project of Auckland based musician and audio engineer, Luke Finlay. His debut release Precostal isn’t just about technical death metal.
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Geoff Ong - Single Review: All The Hours
23 Aug 2019 // A review by Ben Ruegg
Geoff Ong's new single and video is a flashback to so much great 80's sounds, but yet it still sounds fresh like it's from Geoff. His unique approach to pop music is commendable.
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Corduroy. - Single Review: Good Intentions
23 Aug 2019 // A review by Ben Ruegg
Corduroy. are releasing their newest single Good Intentions from their upcoming EP.
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Lake South - Album Review: Wellington - Te Upoko O Te Ika
22 Aug 2019 // A review by Peter-James Dries
I seldom review anything with any degree of commercial appeal, on account of my conscious attempts to avoid overt radio-bate. The music consumed by the masses hasn’t spoken to me for over a decade.
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The Echo Ohs - Single Review: Wild Weeds
19 Aug 2019 // A review by Paul Goddard
We live in an age of instant gratification.Wake up.
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n1ghtmar3cat - Album Review: n1ghtmar3cat
19 Aug 2019 // A review by JamieDenton
Better known as the drummer/backing vocalist of Auckland-based rock band Villainy, Dave Johnson has stepped out from behind the kit with his solo electronic music project entitled n1ghtmar3cat. With its sights firmly set on indie-electronica, n1ghtmar3cat’s eponymous debut album is an ambitious, sonically-rewarding, and highly immersive experience.
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Seismic State - Single Review: Since We Last Spoke
19 Aug 2019 // A review by Lexa.Dixon
Wellington is no stranger to the world of rock, and with a slick intro that captivates you from the beginning, Seismic State's new single Since We Last Spoke is nothing short of exceptional.The catchy lyrics and outstanding instrumentals make this one tune that I could listen to over and over again.
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Lil Benjamonious - Single Review: Ride With Me
16 Aug 2019 // A review by Freecell
Ride With Me is the debut release from Lil Benjamonious, and it hits the ground running with some striking keyboards and smooth synth sounds, as well as an old school bicycle bell ringing in the background.Capturing your attention from the very start, Lil Benjamonious takes a 'go large or go home' approach, making the bass stand out from all of the other musical arrangements.
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16 Aug 2019 // A review by Freecell
Ride With Me is the debut release from Lil Benjamonious, and it hits the ground running with some striking keyboards and smooth synth sounds, as well as an old school bicycle bell ringing in the background.Capturing your attention from the very start, Lil Benjamonious takes a 'go large or go home' approach, making the bass stand out from all of the other musical arrangements.
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Dylan Storey - EP Review: Phobos and Deimos
14 Aug 2019 // A review by jacindaeve
Dylan Storey has earned himself a strong reputation playing with and alongside a number of high profile Auckland fixtures including Bond Street Bridge, The Miltones, and The Bads. His most recent EP Phobos and Deimos adds to an already large body of well-crafted songs, mostly accompanied by a band and presented in an appealingly under-produced fashion.
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Shepherds Reign - Single Review: Legend
14 Aug 2019 // A review by Steve Shyu
Shepherds Reign originated in South Auckland, combining essences of classic and contemporary metal with Polynesian influences. Arguably the best-known Pasifika metal band on our side of the globe, this rising name has not stopped recording music and wowing audiences with live performances with their signature sound since starting in 2016.
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Hunt The Witch - Gig Review: Hunt the Witch @ The Mayfair, New Plymouth - 20/07/2019
14 Aug 2019 // A review by emilyriordan
Auckland four-piece rock outfit Hunt the Witch brought their 'Strange Gods' tour to New Plymouth’s Mayfair on July 20th, promoting the album of the same name. Strange Gods is Hunt the Witch’s first full-length release, following 2015’s EP Into the Black and 2017’s single Afterburner.
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Albi & The Wolves - Gig Review: Albi & The Wolves @ Kakaramea Hall - 27/07/2019
14 Aug 2019 // A review by emilyriordan
Alt-folk trio Albi & The Wolves, led by vocalist and guitarist Chris Dent, have been making waves throughout New Zealand in the last several years - and for good reason. They brought their show to Kakaramea Hall, just south of Hawera in Taranaki, supported by Swiss-Kiwi loop artist Sonic Delusion.
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Missrosevalentina - EP Review: Awkwardly Eccentric
13 Aug 2019 // A review by Ben Ruegg
Hybrid Rose’s EP, Awkwardly Eccentric, is an enjoyable ride through different emotions. On the opening track Pearl, featuring Jahleel, the passionate lyrics and delivery take this song through different waves of emotion.
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Amanaki - Single Review: Exit Wounds
12 Aug 2019 // A review by Paul Goddard
Some music should never be played through shitty little speakers. In fact, I would argue that no music should ever be played through them.
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Late Model European - Album Review: It’s Time
11 Aug 2019 // A review by Corinne Rutherford
Life-long best friends John Nelson and Tones Thorburn are a couple of Scottish guys who now live in New Zealand, One in Auckland, the other in Marlborough. Together they make up Late Model European, a band with a sound I would describe as Pop Rock mixed with Classic New Wave.
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Louis Baker - Gig Review: Louis Baker @ Tuning Fork, Auckland - 9/08/2019
09 Aug 2019 // A review by Ben Ruegg
Tight. That would be one of the simplest and most effective ways to describe Louis Baker's sound.
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Mema Wilda - Single Review: Blue
08 Aug 2019 // A review by JamieDenton
Blue, the debut single from singer-songwriter Mema Wilda is an entrancing and intriguing mixture of highly original, yet hauntingly familiar folk-rock. Mema Wilda is a relatively fresh face on the Auckland live-music scene but she has emerged with a mature sound and approach.
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Katie Thompson - Single Review: I Was Once Your Everything
06 Aug 2019 // A review by jacindaeve
Katie Thompson has just released her second single from her upcoming album, Bittersweet. After reviewing the first single, I was intrigued by the potential of the album, which explored a more developed and introspective sound than her past material.
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Rei - Album Review: The Bridge
06 Aug 2019 // A review by jck2
With a music career on a continued upward trajectory, 25 year old musician Rei is reaping the rewards of his hard work and dedication to his craft with his third and latest album The Bridge going to number 1 on the iTunes Hip Hop charts. Self-belief, positivity and connection to his Maori roots is how I would sum up what Rei is all about.
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Jessy & The Volunteers - Single Review: Phone Face
06 Aug 2019 // A review by Ria Loveder
For lovers of blues, funk and everything else in between, you have found yourself in the right place. Created and grown into a sexy meld of soul and RnB in a basement in Auckland, Jessy & The Volunteers’ have debuted their song and video Phone Face.
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Channeled - Single Review: Deeper
06 Aug 2019 // A review by Shade
Sometimes life gets to the point where we can have trouble standing on our own two feet. The headache-inducing stresses of life can knock the breath right out from our lungs, while we struggle to retain some sense of normality.
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Concord Dawn - EP Review: 1999
02 Aug 2019 // A review by Freecell
The mighty Concord Dawn have reunited and have been busy in the studio writing a new EP called 1999. It consists of four new tracks; 1999, Surgeon Wobble, Acres and Fenris.
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Outside In - Single Review: Blue Dragon
01 Aug 2019 // A review by Kris Raven
Auckland 5-piece Outside In have just released their third single Blue Dragon from their upcoming debut album. The progressive rock quintet has been busy this year after taking a lengthy sabbatical, reintroducing NZ audiences to their intellectually crafted brand of alternative prog rock.
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David Kilgour - David Kilgour and the Heavy Eights - Single/Video Review: Smoke You Right Out Of Here
31 Jul 2019 // A review by darryl baser
Dunedin’s David Kilgour has a music career longer than a pro basketballer’s arm. At a guess 90% of you know his backstory, so I’m not going to write it her, just google ‘David Kilgour Clean Dunedin’, and you’ll see he’s been one of the most influential songwriters to come out of Dunedin.
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Villainy - Villany @ The Powerstation, Auckland - 27/07/2019
31 Jul 2019 // A review by LouClementine
The Powerstation was packed and as the clocked ticked on, the anticipation felt almost palpable. Villainy were there to play the last date on their tour, which was named after their new and third album Raised In The Dark, which, four years after the last one, was unleashed into the hands of their fans only three weeks prior.
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Old Loaves - Album Review: Banks
30 Jul 2019 // A review by Paul Goddard
Erm, the name Old Loaves conjures up an image of staleness, decay, the end of things. Apparently it was a name that came about as a friend of the band spotted some old loaves in cupboard.
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Written By Wolves - Single Review: Tell Me What You're Running From?
29 Jul 2019 // A review by Shade
There's a lot of crazy in this world - it can test you, put you through all sorts of hardship and adversity, and drain all your energy within minutes. It can feel defeating, overwhelming and downright scary, and sometimes we can feel a very real need to run away.
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First Move - Single Review: One Hundred Percent
28 Jul 2019 // A review by Peter-James Dries
Palmy is a small town. The six degrees of Kevin Bacon is closer to two steps to your local heroes.
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28 Jul 2019 // A review by Peter-James Dries
Palmy is a small town. The six degrees of Kevin Bacon is closer to two steps to your local heroes.
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Late Model European - Gig Review: Late Model European @ Anthology Lounge, Auckland - 26/07/2019
28 Jul 2019 // A review by ApolloSteamTrain
Earlier this year I had the pleasure of interviewing Late Model European and I was instantly attracted to their professionalism, their genuine love for music and the journey it takes us all on. Following along with the progress of the recording and production of their debut album It’s Time, I jumped at the opportunity to see them perform live.
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Cruddy - Single Review: One Way Please
28 Jul 2019 // A review by Peter-James Dries
It’s been interesting watching this artist explore and develop their style over time. When I last checked in, I think it was around April – the track was Madre Naturaleza, Cruddy was still producing dark industrial sound-scapes.
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Grant Duncan - EP Review: Journey To The High Road
27 Jul 2019 // A review by darryl baser
Grant Duncan’s Journey To The High Road EP follows an album he released a while back. It’s a great follow up, sticking with his style of writing in a country tinged way, while hinting at broadening the styles of music he’s been listening to.
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Quinn The Human - Album Review: Shade Queen
26 Jul 2019 // A review by kongfooey
Following on from their EP Mission Helsinki released in 2018, Quinn The Human release their first full length album Shade Queen and it doesn’t disappoint. A heady mixture of alternative and dessert rock with sprinkles of trademark Quinn humour and some sweet vocal harmonies to boot.
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Makeshift Parachutes - Single Review: Ferrari Gosling
25 Jul 2019 // A review by JamieDenton
Originally formed in 2013 after a jam session in Houston, Texas, Auckland-based ‘psych-rock’ four-piece Makeshift Parachutes have just released the first single from their upcoming debut album. The intriguingly entitled Ferrari Gosling, is an infectious, time-and-mind-bending, hook-laden, gem of a track.
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Pale Flag - EP Review: Emergence
25 Jul 2019 // A review by Kris Raven
Auckland’s Pale Flag are about to release their debut EP Emergence, which is aptly named considering their already stacked gigging CV. Having released their brutal first single In This Moment, their growing fan base can expect to hear 6 brand new heavy af bangers.
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Marina Bloom and Moving Stuff - Single Review: Lions Fighting In A Church
25 Jul 2019 // A review by Corinne Rutherford
Russian born Kiwi singer/songwriter Marina Bloom has just released her extraordinary new single with the impressive title Lions Fighting In A Church. Inspired by epic battles, fairy-tale endings and big love songs such as Bat Out Of Hell by Meatloaf , this is a dramatic and beautiful song which shoots a musical arrow straight to the heart.
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Will Saunders - EP Review: All That Has Ever Been
24 Jul 2019 // A review by darryl baser
Will Saunders’ 5-track EP All That Has Ever Been opens with Come On Down, a raucous indie pop tune, either written from the perspective of a child looking up at a balloon as it floats away, or potentially a person who sees a friend who’s constantly out of it. It’s a ripping song; guitars, drums, words and noises all chugging along at around 100 beats a minute, until the wailing guitar feedback finishes.
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Blue River Baby - Album Review: Blue River Baby
24 Jul 2019 // A review by Steve Shyu
Blue River Baby are a Wellington band that formed in 2016 and they have since captivated countless live audiences with their blend of classic rock, dub, soul, ska and reggae. Last year, they recorded their very first full-length release with Lee Prebble at Surgery Studios in the windy capital.
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Scalper - Scalper x Cisco - EP Review: Tangiers Sessions
23 Jul 2019 // A review by JamieDenton
One of my favourite past-times is ‘crate-digging’, rummaging through the bargain bins for those elusive good albums that sit within. One such day, several years ago, I came across Scalper’s first album Flesh and Bones.
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Troy Kingi - Album Review: Holy Colony Burning Acres
23 Jul 2019 // A review by kongfooey
The third instalment of Troy Kingi’s 10/10/10 challenge has arrived (ten albums in ten genres over ten years) Holy Colony Burning Acres delves into the dark corners of worldly indigenous issues and politics, following in the footsteps of NZ’s politically charged Herbs and infused with empathetic Marley inspired consciousness. Troy has not only drawn upon issues that affect Maori in his homeland but broadened the narrative palette to include stories and challenges from his indigenous friends globally as well.
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Villainy - Gig Review: Villainy @ San Fran, Wellington - 20/07/2019
22 Jul 2019 // A review by Lexa.Dixon
The night was Saturday, 20th July and a crowd was lined up ready to enter San Fran for a night of their lives, because none other than New Zealand rock legends, Villainy, were about to set the roof on fire! Opening with Raised In The Dark, the crowd was full of energy and it was quickly proven that having Raised In The Dark as the first song of the night was a very wise choice!
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Lucifer Gunne - Gig Review: Lucifer Gunne @ Valhalla, Wellington - 19/07/2019
21 Jul 2019 // A review by Lexa.Dixon
Banding Together: Rock and Metal for Christchurch, a charity event for the victims of the Christchurch mosque shootings took place on the 19th of July at a little venue called Valhalla. This event included five of Wellington's most iconic Rock and Metal bands.
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Villainy - Album Review: Raised in the Dark
21 Jul 2019 // A review by Callum Wagstaff
Villainy have been winning awards for their albums since their debut, so you don't need my review to convince you that you're gonna have a good time with Raised In The Dark. Their riffs are as saucy as ever and their crafting has reached a new level: they picked the 10 tracks on this album from a staggering pool of 107.
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Steph Casey - Album Review: The Seats In My Car
21 Jul 2019 // A review by Corinne Rutherford
Steph Casey, the young Kapiti Coast based songwriter and musician has just released her exceptional sophomore album, The Seats In My Car, which is a captivating mix of acoustic guitar and honeyed vocals, backed by an impressive line-up of musicians. Her sound is described as a mix of indie-folk and alt-country.
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Albi & The Wolves - Album Review: This Is War
19 Jul 2019 // A review by jacquiew
This Is War is the second album from Auckland-based, folk-inspired trio Albi and The Wolves and it’s every bit as delightful as you’d expect it to be if you’ve had the pleasure of seeing the group live. Albi and The Wolves have a compelling energy and dynamism to their sound.
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BENEE - EP Review: Fire On Marzz
17 Jul 2019 // A review by Ben Ruegg
Fire On Marzz. This EP is actually on fire.
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Katie Thompson - Single Review: Alcohol and Pills
16 Jul 2019 // A review by jacindaeve
After an 8 year hiatus, folk singer Katie Thompson has returned to recorded music with her soon to be released third album Bittersweet. Teasing the album release, Thompson has released the first single Alcohol and Pills, a cover of a 1997 original by Fred Eaglesmith.
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Grant Haua - Gig Review: Grant Haua Trio @ Jack Dusty's, Tauranga - 03/07/2019
16 Jul 2019 // A review by Corinne Rutherford
Tauranga’s musical landscape is constantly changing and evolving, new bands morph from old bands, they get bigger and they get smaller. Some of the musicians have been around since the 1970's/80's and some are just starting out, many disappear only to re-emerge years later in a different guise.
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Iveta & Simone - Single Review: L.O.V.E
16 Jul 2019 // A review by Epitomised_Drummer
Iveta & Simone have just dropped their hot new single L.O.
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dDub - Derek Browne - Album Review: Dreaming House
16 Jul 2019 // A review by kongfooey
Derek Browne - the talented singer and songwriter for dDub, a roots n rock brass infused collective that dominated festivals and airwaves in previous years with successful tunes Hesitate No, Quicksand and Medicine Man, now presents us with his latest and sadly final solo album called Dreaming House. Derek was tragically diagnosed with terminal cancer in 2018 and was told he had a matter of months to live; devastating news but through pure grit, determination and his unwavering love for music Derek set about recording what would be his departing album.
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Dead Beat Boys - EP Review: Very Live
14 Jul 2019 // A review by tonymcdonald
This five-song live punk EP from the Dead Beat Boys is packed with plenty of talent and energy. I was expecting to hear the crowd clapping and screaming, but there is none of that on this EP which was surprising.
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Stan Walker - Single Review: Give
11 Jul 2019 // A review by Ben Ruegg
Stan Walker’s new single Give is a concrete example of how diverse and powerful his vocal ability is. I can feel him, feel his passion for change in our world, and his message about needing to be better yourself in order to see the change that you want to see.
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The Black Seeds - EP Review: Refabricated: Fabric Remixes and Rarities
10 Jul 2019 // A review by jacindaeve
The Black Seeds are a New Zealand household name synonymous with cruisy summer afternoons. Their dub, roots, and reggae influenced sound has earned them an established reputation as masters of the groove - and their latest offering does not disappoint.
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The Hopkinsville Goblins - Album Review: Pink Orange
10 Jul 2019 // A review by Steve Shyu
The elusive and cryptic Hopkinsville Goblins have reportedly been in existence for nearly five years, yet not too terribly much is known about this mythical little group. Lead by principal songwriter Alvin Impulsive, the Goblins (plus Alvin) have moved on to their third full-album release in about as many years.
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Pluto - Single/Video review: Oh My Lonely
09 Jul 2019 // A review by kongfooey
Just when you thought this band were dead and buried, Pluto once again rise from the ashes and hit us with another sweet slice of Kiwi indie alt rock. These guys had two very successful singles from 2005’s album Pipeline Under The Ocean; Long White Cross and Dance Stamina and it’s great to hear almost 15 years later they still haven’t lost their knack for crafting cool pop sonic tunes that retain a groove.
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Danny McCrum - Single Review: Hustle Bustle
09 Jul 2019 // A review by Paul Goddard
For those of you who don't know Danny McCrum has been around for a while and had a number of releases and worked with a long list is amazing musicians including Eric Clapton, John Butler Trio and John Mayer, to name drop a few.He lives and breathes his music and also works on a podcast with Bobby Kennedy (OpShop) that is worth checking out called Don't Give Up Your Day Job, as well as running his own entertainment and management company Paper Planes.
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Kings - Single Review: Flex
09 Jul 2019 // A review by Ben Ruegg
Flex is the new single from one of New Zealand's foremost hip-hop star, Kings. The Don't Worry 'Bout It hitmaker continues to prove that he is not just a one-hit wonder and his momentum does not seem to be stopping.
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Bad Jones - Single Review: Soul, No Body
05 Jul 2019 // A review by Corinne Rutherford
Bad Jones is a hard rock band from South Auckland aiming to release “the most warped, feral rock n roll record ever to writhe its way out of Aotearoa”, However you will have to contain your excitement until early 2020 for the band’s debut album. In the meantime, check out their first single, Soul, No Body, as it's guaranteed to blast the winter cobwebs away.
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Craig Payne - Album Review: Making History
02 Jul 2019 // A review by Steve Shyu
Christchurch-based singer-songwriter Craig Payne is ready to make history. No kidding, the new album is proudly titled Making History, and it’s loaded, aimed high, and if the title is anything to go by, it should burn an unmissable trail across the sky that is New Zealand music.
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Andrew Masseurs - Album Review: Traveller In The Sky
02 Jul 2019 // A review by jacquiew
Andrew Masseurs’ new album Traveller In The Sky is so good I almost want him to pull a U2-type stunt and add it to everyone’s playlists for free (no just kidding, you need to buy it so Masseurs gets rewarded for his efforts). Masseurs has always had a tremendous voice, but it wasn’t quite matched entirely by his material or production choices on his debut album.
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Louis Baker - Album Review: Open
02 Jul 2019 // A review by jacquiew
Louis Baker’s newest album Open is a lush, sonorous collection of immaculately assembled tracks. Baker’s voice is lovely – it’s clear, poised, and in perfect pitch throughout.
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Manzo - Album Review: Attachment
01 Jul 2019 // A review by Peter-James Dries
The modern music industry has embraced the practice of style over substance for a while now. We could blame streaming, the Netflix generation, or the entitled psychopaths we’ve bred through inattentive parenting, as required by dual income house-holding.
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Manzo - EP Review: Beatniks on Toast
01 Jul 2019 // A review by Peter-James Dries
Like every independent musician, I’ve felt the pain of checking my artist pages to find the first track is still the one with the most plays. I should be reassured that someone has put the effort in to try and listen to something I’ve spend months making.
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The Narcs - Gig Review: The Narcs @ The Jam Factory, Tauranga - 28/06/19
01 Jul 2019 // A review by Corinne Rutherford
It was a chilly evening in Tauranga, but that didn't stop fans of Kiwi music icons, The Narcs from venturing out to what was a sold out performance at The Jam Factory boutique event space in Tauranga. The Narcs have been delivering outstanding pop/rock music since 1980, and still appear to have a dedicated fan base today.
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Troy Kingi - Single Review: Babylon Grows
01 Jul 2019 // A review by kongfooey
The first I’ve heard of this concept 10/10/10 (ten albums in ten genres over ten years) and it’s a very cool challenge for this talented artist to set, the next installment will be called Holy Colony Burning Acres which delves into the dark corners of worldly indigenous issues and politics, weighty subject matter indeed. First cab off the rank is single/video Babylon Grows.
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Shakes and the Troublemakers - Gig Review: Mid-Winter Shin-Dig @ Waitati Hall, Waitati - 29/06/19
30 Jun 2019 // A review by darryl baser
Waitati is a seaside village 30 minutes’ drive north of Dunedin. It’s a melting pot of alternative life-stylers, academics and a plethora of other folk.
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Little Ripples - Album Review: Rise and Fall
30 Jun 2019 // A review by jacindaeve
Little Ripples, a Northland-based acoustic act, have been busy touring their unique brand of child-centred family folk, bringing their first album to many new fans, and becoming something of a staple for the 95bFM kids show. Their relaxed vibe and acoustic tones immediately conjure feelings of a quiet Sunday at home.
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Mitch James - Gig Review: Mitch James @ Theatre Royal, Nelson - 28/06/2019
29 Jun 2019 // A review by jacquiew
A youthful capacity crowd packed out Nelson’s Theatre Royal to welcome Mitch James as part of his national Bright Blue Skies tour. Seating had been cleared to allow for audience members to stand and dance up close to the band, but the ushers took a dim view of the enthusiasm in the room when it got to the point of people being raised on top of their friends’ shoulders – the venue isn’t quite ready for that kind of crowd just yet.
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Hobnail - Album Review: Boots And All
29 Jun 2019 // A review by darryl baser
Wellington band Hobnail is celebrating 25 years of making music with an album called, Boots and All. The LP spanning the band’s first quarter of a century is out this week and the band is set to tour the country in July.
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BENEE - Gig Review: Benee @ The Powerstation, Auckland - 28/06/2019
28 Jun 2019 // A review by Ben Ruegg
Benee knows how to own the stage. Tonight, playing at a sold-out Powerstation, she commands the stage in baggy pants and a light blue t-shirt.
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Bianca Isabel - Single Review: Lovely Day
28 Jun 2019 // A review by jacindaeve
At the tender age of 15, Bianca Isabel is already a formidable singer and songwriter. Watching her singing for her social media videos under a heavy mane of dark hair, it’s hard not to be reminded of Lorde; New Zealand’s sweetheart turned international artpop princess.
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The Response - Single Review: Tallest Walls
28 Jun 2019 // A review by JamieDenton
Christchurch indie-pop duo The Response have launched their latest single; a 3-minute 40-second slice of crisp, catchy, saccharine-sweet, electro-pop. Tallest Walls is a subtle ear-worm of a song, it grows from slender, minimalistic beginnings into a big, hook-laden chorus that will have your head bobbing, and foot tapping.
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Take Hold - EP Review: Disrepair
27 Jun 2019 // A review by Kris Raven
I have seen Take Hold’s name pop in up various social media circles, posters and events but had not had a chance to check them out. Their debut five song EP Disrepair had me instantly hooked from the first listen, reminding me of past and present melodic hardcore bands from the 00's to the 10's and more recently.
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Tony Lee - Single Review: Substitute
27 Jun 2019 // A review by Corinne Rutherford
Tony Lee, originally from Auckland but now residing in Hamilton has delivered some pretty memorable and heartfelt alternative Country Rock tunes over the years. With two albums already under his belt Substitute is the third single to be released from his latest album So Far From The Truth.
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Ahjay Stelino - EP Review: Makes Me Smile
25 Jun 2019 // A review by Ben Ruegg
Ahjay Stelino has written some fantastic songs that require to chill, find a comfy couch and listen to the way the music tells a story in each song. The is a lot of space, dynamically and instrumentally to allow for each song to breath.
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Eyreton Hall - Album Review: Spaces
24 Jun 2019 // A review by DemonsDigest
I’ve been stuck in a music rut as of late. I’ve been finding myself reviewing the same genre of music for a while now so, I figured I was in drastic need of a change, and boy did I find what I was looking for in folk duo Eyreton Hall.
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The Gemini Effect - Album Review: Bad Alien
21 Jun 2019 // A review by JamieDenton
Auckland-based 3-piece alternative-rock band, The Gemini Effect, have dropped their second burst of blues/grunge/classic-rock on their dynamic second album, Bad Alien. Riffy, melodic and highly catchy, Bad Alien is a diverse slice of strangely-familiar yet highly original alt-rock.
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Dead Favours - Album Review: Misbehaviour
21 Jun 2019 // A review by Paul Goddard
Back in 2016 Jared Wrennall stepped out from behind the tub thumping pop/rock masterpiece that was Steriogram, picked up the guitar and got to work on putting together New Zealand’s next chart bothering Rock n Roll machine. Now after 3 years and 3 singles we finally have the full-blown debut album Misbehaviour.
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Levi Lights On Project - Single Review: Eyes of a Child
20 Jun 2019 // A review by jacquiew
Levi Sesega's Lights On Project's new single Eyes of a Child is a refreshing antidote to toxic masculinity. It's got a fantastic message about a man with the strength to face himself and his demons so that he can be reborn and experience redemption as a result.
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Myele Manzanza - Album Review: A Love Requited
19 Jun 2019 // A review by jacquiew
A Love Requited is the third album from drummer and composer Myele Manzanza. Having shared many concert bills with Myele’s Dad, well know percussionist Sam Manzanza, I approached Myele’s album with a high level of interest.
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Sons Of Zion - Single Review: Come Home
19 Jun 2019 // A review by kongfooey
Come Home is the latest single by rising stars Sons Of Zion, coming off the huge success of previous single Drift Away. This new track sounds a lot like the rambunctious older sister to Drift Away.
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Older - Album Review: Silence
18 Jun 2019 // A review by Corinne Rutherford
It may have taken a few years in the making (four to be exact), but the band from the Waikato with a tight post-punk sound, Older have finally released their original fifteen track debut album Silence. This has been a culmination of years of experience in song writing and producing.
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Alien Weaponry - Gig Review: Alien Weaponry @ Underworld, London -16/06/2019
18 Jun 2019 // A review by Paul Goddard
You have got to admire Alien Weaponry’s dedication and commitment. Back in 2016 they said “there is no plan B and that is good as it means we have to deliver on plan A” And deliver is just what they have done.
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ErnieJ White - Album Review: I Know (You Don’t Know Me)
15 Jun 2019 // A review by darryl baser
If modern soulful electric blues is your thing, this is your album. Right from the first track, it’s different – but it’s still the blues.
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The Snake Behaviour - Album Review: Serpent Psychology
15 Jun 2019 // A review by JamieDenton
Christchurch-based rock band The Snake Behaviour have recently released their debut full-length album entitled Serpent Psychology. Having been familiar with the band’s name, but not their music, I was nervously excited to check this out.
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Randa - Single/Video Review: Rock Bottom
14 Jun 2019 // A review by Ben Ruegg
Randa is back! The new track Rock Bottom is a funky track that will catch you off guard with its catchy hook in the chorus.
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14 Jun 2019 // A review by Ben Ruegg
Randa is back! The new track Rock Bottom is a funky track that will catch you off guard with its catchy hook in the chorus.
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Missy - EP Review: Strange
13 Jun 2019 // A review by Ben Ruegg
At 25, Missy is someone that you must keep on your radar. From the moment the EP starts, it is evident that Missy means business.
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Soaked Oats - EP Review: Sludge Pop
13 Jun 2019 // A review by kongfooey
Soaked Oats are a quirky four headed indie beast hailing from the great southern city of Dunedin, a city that’s very well known for its plethora of fine alternative bands over the years, these guys carry on that tradition with their latest offering a 5 track EP called Sludge Pop.Sludge Pop kicks off with opening track Shuggah Doom, I really dig the dreamy guitar tones and laid back vocal delivery on this tune, this one reminds me of the band Pavement, with cool and witty lyrics like “Well it’s no wonder there’s thunder but don’t forget your lighting crew, yes if there’s a film going on then be sure it’s not all about you” the outro picks up the pace and builds into a sweet sonic blast of musical bliss.
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By A Damn Sight - Single Review: How Deep the River Runs
12 Jun 2019 // A review by darryl baser
Wellington’s B.A.
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Miss June - Gig Review: Miss June @ The Old Blue Last, London - 11/06/2019
12 Jun 2019 // A review by Paul Goddard
Tonight just blew my mind.Here I am in London town and just checked into one of the funkiest/quirkiest (usually code word for SHITE on booking.
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Sonic Delusion - Album Review: Anything Goes
11 Jun 2019 // A review by Andrew Smit
What a wonderfully positive experience it was to review Sonic Delusion's new album Anything Goes. 10 tracks of splendidly good tunes that make you feel good, with catchy grooves and upbeat rhythms, the music is best described as a kind of funky folk pop but with extra fizz, and sparkle, that is so easy to enjoy.
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Human Confusion - Single Review: Overwhelmed
07 Jun 2019 // A review by JamieDenton
Human Confusion, a Dunedin-based electronica duo, have recently released three separate, distinct, and musically diverse versions of their first single entitled Overwhelmed. Comprised of seasoned musicians Miriam Leslie (Spinster/Fray) and Elenor Rayner (Robots in Love), Human Confusion describe themselves as a “perfect mix of dance-worthy grooves and rich melodies”.
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Blue River Baby - Single Review: Blue River Baby
06 Jun 2019 // A review by Trevor Faville
The hard working Wellington based 'electric psychedelic soul and funk rock' ensemble Blue River Baby have released their self-titled and third single as a video. Blue River Baby clearly has the same evolution as Walk of Shame and Black Yard Town.
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Tryptofunk - Album Review: Tranzendent Sheeeiit
04 Jun 2019 // A review by kongfooey
Tryptofunk open up their latest offering with album title track Tranzendent Sheeeiit, with a De La Soul vibe, slick production and catchy soul chorus, it guides the listener into this album very nicely and with some trademark Tryptofunk humour thrown in for good measure. Track two Freak The Funk Out steps up the pace with its groovy funky bass line.
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Peyton Morete - Single Review: Am I Blind To Love
04 Jun 2019 // A review by Corinne Rutherford
Sixteen year old Peyton Morete from The Kapiti Coast, is a singer-songwriter who has been making music since she was nine. This is her new single; Am I Blind To Love, and it is a stunning representation of her hard work and dedication to her music.
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Checaine - Single/Video Review: Lead Not Follow
04 Jun 2019 // A review by kongfooey
They may have filmed their video in a garage, but Checaine are definitely not a garage rock band. Their latest single Lead Not Follow opens with a grunty riff and right from the get-go these guys obviously mean business.
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Claudia Jardine - EP Review: North
03 Jun 2019 // A review by jacquiew
North is a literal breath of fresh air from Claudia Jardine, and it's very ably assisted by producer, multi-instrumentalist, and backing vocalist Taavi Paomets.The title track North leads the charge, setting the expectation of clear yet lush production values for the five-track offering from Jardine.
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Bailey Wiley - EP Review: Bailey Wiley
03 Jun 2019 // A review by Ben Ruegg
The Bailey Wiley EP is a fresh sound my ears needed to hear. To me, it feels totally inspired by the 90's soul and funk music of New Zealand.
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SHAYNA - Single Review: I Know
03 Jun 2019 // A review by Ben Ruegg
There is something about modern pop music that seems to resonate with so many people. I'm not entirely sure if it is to do with the general similarity between each pop hit that fills the airwaves that gives the listener that sense of 'having heard it before', or if it the lyrical content that, in most cases, is about getting drunk, regretting it and then singing about it.
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River - EP Review: Endless Winter
03 Jun 2019 // A review by Peter-James Dries
I’m really glad music like this is still getting made. As a former bedroom rock star, borderline agoraphobic, and closet Goth, I appreciate the art form.
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Hallelujah Picassos - Album Review: Voices of Exuberant Hellhounds
01 Jun 2019 // A review by darryl baser
Hailing from the late 1980's, Hallelujah Picassos have a bunch of history, having released a mini album on cassette in 1989. Fast forward to 2019 the band’s 5th album Voices of Exuberant Hellhounds follows reissues in 2011/2012, which saw Hallelujah Picassos returned to the live scene, playing a handful of shows with the likes of The Drab Doo Riffs and Labretta Suede and the Motel Six.
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Beastwars - Album Review: IV
01 Jun 2019 // A review by Matt Mutinous
Sludge bands are few and far between in New Zealand and one of our best and highly regarded have unexpectedly made a return with a brand new eight-track album. Nominated for best rock album at the 2011 New Zealand Music Awards and after an almost a two-year hiatus in which, singer Matt Hyde managed to fight off Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma, Wellington heavyweight's Beastwars are back in 2019 with the release of their fourth studio album aptly titled IV.
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Before The Snooze - EP Review: That’s A Fact!
30 May 2019 // A review by Corinne Rutherford
Dunedin based band Before The Snooze have just released their 4 track debut EP That’s A Fact. A relative newcomer to the NZ music scene, the band formed in early 2018 producing a sound which has been described as indie guitar jangle.
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Kahika - EP Review: Mosaic
27 May 2019 // A review by JamieDenton
Based in Auckland, Melbourne, and London, Kahika is a group of three Kiwi musicians, who have just released their most recent EP entitled Mosaic. Tentatively described as acoustic-electronica, Kahika note that the EP was largely written in snow-covered Denmark, and it is these echoes of a secluded, snow-blanketed cottage that reverberate throughout the EP, providing a sense of warmth, comfort, within a white, snowy vastness.
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Lakius - Single Review: Student Of Fools
24 May 2019 // A review by Epitomised_Drummer
I haven’t reviewed anything heavy for a while, so I was pretty lucky to get handed the brand new single by Lakius. Broken Season has been one of my favourite Kiwi heavy (very heavy) rock/metal acts for ages, and Lakius is the sequel born from what Broken Season used to be.
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Kong Fooey - Album Review: Feel The Love
24 May 2019 // A review by Corinne Rutherford
Auckland based group Kong Fooey have just dropped Feel The Love, an epic new eleven track album jammed full of sweet electro beats and cracking Funky House. How many bands can say their first gig was playing for 12,000 people before Supergroove hit the stage?
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Jason McIver Collective - Single Review: We Change
23 May 2019 // A review by Epitomised_Drummer
I’ve been following The Jason McIver Collective for a few years now; I met Jason a few years ago at one of my own gigs, and then had the privilege of reviewing another project of his If He Dies He Dies, then got finally got to see him play solo at the Lake Taupo Cycle Challenge last year. This latest release from The JMC is titled We Change and it’s a bloody solid tune.
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AceTones - EP Review: More Ace!
22 May 2019 // A review by J_Plates
Veteran eight-piece Ska ensemble AceTones follow up from their 2015 self-titled debut with their latest 6 track EP aptly titled More Ace!, and it’s filled to the brim with skank’n grooves and crunchy horn lines.
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Animalhead - Single Review: Stone Face Killer
22 May 2019 // A review by Kris Raven
Auckland’s favourite lads Animalhead on the lash are back with their massive third single Stone Face Killer. The ferocious trio are known for their chunky and funky riffs, massive groove, dabs of rap and blues, soaking it in rock and roll and turning out the party bangers for a throw down.
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Marina Bloom and Moving Stuff - Single Release: Not Another Ballad
22 May 2019 // A review by Corinne Rutherford
Russian-born Kiwi singer/songwriter Marina Bloom has just released a brand new single Not Another Ballad - an energetic and cheery number, guaranteed to get you moving your booty across the dance floor. Conceived from the willingness to placate her band with the promise of “not another ballad”, the song of the same name was born.
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Ben Ruegg - Album Review: The Road (Remastered)
22 May 2019 // A review by LouClementine
Auckland-based musician Ben Ruegg’s album The Road, frets through emotion-laden lyrics and surges from an acoustic-indie tone to a rockier bent with nostalgic guitar solos and drums. The album is stitched together with Ruegg’s refined and considered vocals.
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Young Lyre - EP Review: Providence
21 May 2019 // A review by kongfooey
Following on from 2015’s popular EP Weekend, Young Lyre have delivered another gorgeous slice of indie pop rock, reminiscent of Future Islands and Two Door Cinema Club these Auckland lads have crafted a cohesive catchy sound that hooks you in right from the get-go. The opening track and single Astore opens with catchy synths and a groovy bass line that propels the chorus along nicely, lyrically an autobiographical account of lead singer Jordan Curtis’s trip to Pakistan, a fantastic opening track with some really sweet vocal harmonies to boot.
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Freaky Meat - Gig Review: Freaky Meat @ Backbeat, Auckland - 18/05/2019
20 May 2019 // A review by Shade
Wordcore at its finest: Freaky Meat Fugu EP Release Party, Saturday 18th May 2019, Backbeat, Auckland. I have never regretted going to see a band play live, especially when it’s to celebrate a new release, and one band I consistently make an effort for are local Wordcore masters: Freaky Meat, and the release of their new EP, Fugu, was no exception.
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Broods - Gig Review: Broods @ Auckland Town Hall, Auckland - 16/05/2019
19 May 2019 // A review by LouClementine
Broods have found international fame and success and welcoming them back to home turf was an enthusiastic crowd at the grand setting of Auckland Town Hall. Well known sister and brother duo, Georgia and Caleb Nott are Broods, and for this gig they were joined on stage by other musicians to accompany their set.
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Graeme James - Gig Review: Graeme James @ The Boathouse, Nelson - 17/05/2019
17 May 2019 // A review by jacquiew
Every once in a while you happen to have the very good fortune to attend a truly remarkable concert. Graeme James' gig at The Boathouse in Nelson was one such event.
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Bittercup - EP Review: Negative Space
16 May 2019 // A review by DemonsDigest
Hailing from New Plymouth, Bittercup is made up of one man by the name of Callum Wagstaff - although Callum did originally front a band of the same name. Negative Space is the debut EP from Bittercup and let me tell you, the one word that sprang to my mind once I had finished listening to it simply was; wow.
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The Gemini Effect - Single Review: Oh Yeah Oh No
16 May 2019 // A review by DemonsDigest
Hailing from Auckland The Gemini Effect have been involved in the local scene since before the release of their debut album Atomic Blues, during which time the band has gained a very solid backing and it’s very easy to understand why. Their latest single Oh Yeah Oh No is another incredible chapter in their story, and I'm sure it will be very well received.
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Hunt The Witch - Album Review: Strange Gods
16 May 2019 // A review by Ben Ruegg
Stop what you are doing. Put down those headphones.
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Claemus - Singles Review: 'Rule of Two' and 'Progenitor'
16 May 2019 // A review by Kris Raven
Hutt Valley's finest, Claemus, have just dropped the first two singles from their forthcoming EP. If the singles and previous works are anything to go by then our ears are in for some of the finest progressive rock/metal this year.
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Bailey Wiley - Single Review: Between The Lines
15 May 2019 // A review by Corinne Rutherford
Auckland based RnB sensation with the breath-taking soulful voice; Bailey Wiley has just released her latest single Between The Lines. This track gives fans a glimpse inside Bailey's mind as she falls in love.
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Emily Riordan - EP Review: Waves
14 May 2019 // A review by darryl baser
Waves is a brand new 4-song EP from Emily Riordan. Waves was mastered beautifully by Sam Johnson at Rhythm Ace Studio.
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Andrew Masseurs - Single/Video Review: Everyone Wants To Be Your Love
12 May 2019 // A review by jacquiew
Everyone Wants To Be Your Love is the second single from Andrew Masseurs' album Traveller In The Sky, and it's another on-form offering from this talented artist. Masseurs' voice is powerful and rich, and his vocal sound is stunning in the chorus in particular, reaching towards the epic heights of Bono or Keane in the final third of the track.
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Beth Danelle - Single Review: Hold On
12 May 2019 // A review by jacquiew
Beth Danelle's new single Hold On is a balanced and well-produced pop track. It has a good hook in the chorus and it will appeal to anyone who is feeling out of sync with their current life situation.
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Sophie Mashlan - Gig Review: Sophie Mashlan @ Room Twenty5, Nelson - 11/05/2019
12 May 2019 // A review by jacquiew
Sophie Mashlan wowed the room last night at Room Twenty5, an intimate house concert venue near Nelson. Her talent was immediately evident with her rich, resonant voice commanding attention, complemented beautifully by her accomplished finger-style guitar playing.
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Escape - Album Review: Take Me To The Field
11 May 2019 // A review by darryl baser
This album is excellently engineered and produced very well, with each instrument captured and tweaked to perfection. Ben Ruegg has done an incredible job, and it's a job he should be praised for.
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The BackChat - Single Review: Read My Mind
11 May 2019 // A review by Paul Goddard
Relationships are a complex beast. The title of this debut single from Auckland based The Backchat is going to be familiar with anyone who has ever had a relationship that lasted more than 5 mins.
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Will Saunders - EP Review: Oh It's A Sound
09 May 2019 // A review by Ben Ruegg
Will Saunders EP Oh, It's A Sound is an experience from start to finish.Beginning with the title track, machine-like drums reverberate and create a landscape in which guitars start to play all over.
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Outside In - Single Review - The Garden of Light
07 May 2019 // A review by Steve Shyu
Outside In is the progressive rock project from Aucklanders Jonnie Barnard on guitar, singer/keyboardist/guitarist Mikey Brown, drummer Adam Tobeck, and Elliott Park on bass. Whilst the group have been making waves in Aotearoa’s alt-rock communities for years and years, admittedly, I had not yet properly listened to Outside In before, only experiencing them live once.
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Leighton Fairlie - EP Review: Distant
07 May 2019 // A review by JamieDenton
Loop Recording artist and multi-instrumentalist Leighton Fairlie, who was originally from Mount Maunganui but now based in Auckland, has been busy opening for some of the best NZ dub/roots bands such as Knights of the Dub Table, Salmonella Dub and The Black Seeds. On Distant, his debut EP, Leighton demonstrates an ability to forge a sonically interesting, and coherent sound from a wide range of genres, such as dub, roots, and drum and bass, and proves how well he can stand up next to those bands.
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Jan Hellriegel - Album Review: Sportsman Of The Year
06 May 2019 // A review by Corinne Rutherford
Jan Hellriegel is somewhat of an NZ musical icon, Songwriter, performer, producer, music publisher, copyright expert, mother and now author she has a name many of us of a certain age would have heard of. Her latest body of work Sportsman Of The Year appears to be a defining moment in not only her musical life, but also her personal one.
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Lee Martin - EP Review: Lost Girl
06 May 2019 // A review by Epitomised_Drummer
This morning I had the privilege of being one of the first to hear Lee Martin’s brand new EP Lost Girl.For those of you who know my tastes in music, this is a little bit removed from my normal mixtape of rock, pop, and classics, and to do a review on something more folk influenced is quite a pleasure.
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Caroline Easther and the Cinnamon Girls - Gig Review: Caroline Easther and The Cinnamon Girls @ Fairfield House, Nelson - 3/05/2019
04 May 2019 // A review by jacquiew
Caroline Easther seems like a completely lovely person which must have made last night’s experience at Fairfield House all the more difficult for her. Despite her best efforts to push through, with the support of her band The Cinnamon Girls (Alan Galloway, Hamish Graham and Murray Costello), her voice was just not playing the game.
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Late Model European - Single Review: Moments
03 May 2019 // A review by jacquiew
Moments is the second single from the upcoming debut album from Late Model European collaborators Tones Thorburn and John Nelson, and there’s plenty to enjoy about this track.With a lovely, delicate piano intro heralding a well-produced and well-balanced offering, the musicianship on Moments is enjoyable throughout, especially the feature string section which provides the epic feel that Late Model European are reaching for.
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The Echo Ohs - Single Review: Fool
03 May 2019 // A review by Paul Goddard
Check out some of the ways that have been used to describe the sound Auckland three piece The Echo Ohs create. It is pretty entertaining, psych cowboy, Psych Spaghetti surf?
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Kingsland - Single Review: The Motto
30 Apr 2019 // A review by Andrew Smit
A very groovy pop rock sound is the first thing that strikes you when listening to Kingsland’s latest single The Motto. Driven by a very upbeat vibe that seizes you wholeheartedly, this tuneful track is packed with chunky guitar licks that are wonderfully bluesy and soulful.
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30 Apr 2019 // A review by Andrew Smit
A very groovy pop rock sound is the first thing that strikes you when listening to Kingsland’s latest single The Motto. Driven by a very upbeat vibe that seizes you wholeheartedly, this tuneful track is packed with chunky guitar licks that are wonderfully bluesy and soulful.
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Second Prize - Album Review: The Heel Turn
30 Apr 2019 // A review by Peter-James Dries
My next review may seem ill-placed, in that Second Prize are a Melbourne-based band, and this is a New Zealand Music site. But what is Wellington if not a waiting area for emigration to the land of more money and better weather.
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Sean Bodley - Album Review: I Am Human
26 Apr 2019 // A review by Paul Goddard
Instrumental music is a concept that I have often struggled with. The first time I really connected with it was when I first heard the brick in your face abrasiveness of Mogwai.
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Sit Down In Front - Single Review: Rain
26 Apr 2019 // A review by Paul Goddard
It is pissing down. London Town, it’s Spring 2019 and a storm named Hannah has decided to make herself known in all her howling wind and icy rain glory.
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Cheshire Grimm - Single Review: Shadows
26 Apr 2019 // A review by JamieDenton
Originally formed in 2012 as a three-piece alternative-rock band in Hamilton, Cheshire Grimm have released a series of EP's and singles, while completing a number of high-profile gigs and tours (including touring Australia twice), before more recently evolving into a two-piece after the departure of founding bassist/vocalist Kat Waswo. Shadows, the first single released as a two-piece, sees guitarist/vocalist Lora Thompson and drummer Craig Gilliver continue to evolve the trademark Cheshire Grimm sound.
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Jacquie Walters and James Wilkinson - Single Review: Spaces Between Words
25 Apr 2019 // A review by Corinne Rutherford
Nelson based singer songwriter Jacquie Walters is about to release an alluring new single Spaces Between Words, featuring James Wilkinson on bass and Jacquie on guitar and vocals. Jacquie and James have shared many musical memories spanning over 25 years.
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25 Apr 2019 // A review by Corinne Rutherford
Nelson based singer songwriter Jacquie Walters is about to release an alluring new single Spaces Between Words, featuring James Wilkinson on bass and Jacquie on guitar and vocals. Jacquie and James have shared many musical memories spanning over 25 years.
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Neutrikk - EP Review: Neutrikk
24 Apr 2019 // A review by JamieDenton
Neutrikk are a relatively new duo from the musical hotbed of Waiheke-Island. Consisting of Nikki Ngatai (Oyawa, Aaron Carpenter & The Revelators) and Lee Catlin (These Automatic Changers, The Solomon Cole Band), Neutrikk have recently released their debut eponymous EP.
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City of Souls - Gig Review: Sevendust w/ City of Souls @ Powerstation, Auckland - 23/04/2019
24 Apr 2019 // A 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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Dual - Single Review: You're On Your Own
21 Apr 2019 // A review by J_Plates
Inspired by the Madchester sounds of the late 80’s and early 90’s, Auckland Psychedelic Dance duo Dual deliver their latest euphoric single You’re On Your Own, infusing elements of bands like The Happy Mondays, Primal Scream and The Stone Roses with their own contemporary Pop sensibilities. Officially released late February, the track received fantastic support including ‘Track of the Day’ on White Light/White Heat (IT), a feature on Happymag.
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Geoff Ong - Single Review: Save Me The Weekend
19 Apr 2019 // A review by Ben Ruegg
Geoff Ong returns with a new pop banger, Save Me The Weekend. From the moment the track starts you are welcomed with all sorts of goodies for your ear if you choose to pay attention to the little details.
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Pale Lady - Single Review: Fear the Fun
18 Apr 2019 // A review by Kris Raven
From the first listen of Pale Lady’s latest single Fear The Fun it instantly reminded me of Medieval times, with the harpsichord keys playing a little jig which is the intro theme to the whole song, it's fun and I did not fear it. Then the epicness begins, how can anyone not like duel guitars wailing and soloing melodically together carrying the anthemic tune into the battle.
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Keepingfaka - Album Review: Digilies
18 Apr 2019 // A review by JamieDenton
Information about the background of Keepingfaka is sparse. The official Facebook, YouTube and Spotify pages offer no biographical information, or even the slightest hint of an about section.
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18 Apr 2019 // A review by JamieDenton
Information about the background of Keepingfaka is sparse. The official Facebook, YouTube and Spotify pages offer no biographical information, or even the slightest hint of an about section.
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*JOY* - Album Review: Moonboy
18 Apr 2019 // A review by Ben Ruegg
The opening track A Hard Blow Kiss sounds lo-fi and telephony at first. But it quickly opens up to become a sonic landscape of all sorts of frequency.
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18 Apr 2019 // A review by Ben Ruegg
The opening track A Hard Blow Kiss sounds lo-fi and telephony at first. But it quickly opens up to become a sonic landscape of all sorts of frequency.
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Moonflower - Album Review: Dark Lullabies
17 Apr 2019 // A review by DemonsDigest
Once again it seems that a band/artist I’m reviewing hails from Christchurch (the city has some serious talent I’m telling you). Formed only in 2017 Moonflower is made up of singer/songwriter/drummer Nicole Schaap with accompanying musicians Josh Fairless on guitar, Damon Thurlow on bass and Ethan Bryant on keys.
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Skinny Hobos - EP Review: Lucifer
17 Apr 2019 // A review by Corinne Rutherford
Two-piece NZ Rock sensation Skinny Hobos are back again with another epic offering in the form of a 6 track EP titled Lucifer. I am not sure if these guys ever sleep, consistently releasing top quality recordings of the most excellent kind.
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Zoe Jennings - EP Review: War
17 Apr 2019 // A review by Corinne Rutherford
ZO (Zoe Jennings) is a musical artist from Whangarei but she is currently based in Wellington. She has just released her first EP War.
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Mermaidens - Gig Review: Mermaidens @ Neck of the Woods - 13/04/2019
17 Apr 2019 // A review by LouClementine
It was Record Store Day, and vinyl fans across the country were treated to special events and special releases from musicians who year on year support the event. Across Auckland, independent record stores opened their doors following advertising campaigns on the run up to day.
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Grant Duncan - Album Review: Radiant Sublime
16 Apr 2019 // A review by darryl baser
Grant Duncan is an ex-pat kiwi living and working in Japan. He recorded Radiant Sublime at Momura Studio, in Tokyo.
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Louis Baker - Single/Video Review: The People
15 Apr 2019 // A review by Corinne Rutherford
Wellington based independent singer/songwriter Louis Baker has just released a gorgeous heart-felt single The People. His smooth soulful voice delighting us yet again with a taste of what’s to come from his long-awaited debut album, due to be released later this year.
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Blue River Baby - Single Review: Walk of Shame
15 Apr 2019 // A review by Paul Goddard
Blue River Baby have a goal to get people moving by creating songs that make people move and playing them well to as many people as possible. It is a simple goal but one that they achieve well as they recently showed when they played to 20,000 people on NYE in Nelson.
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Ben Ruegg - EP Review: If I Had A Delorean
15 Apr 2019 // A review by Paul Goddard
Have you ever had those moments where you look back on a time in your life where everything you remember from that those moments just seemed to be great? Of course, those good times can’t be pinned down to a specific moment or era.
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Gig Review: Tally Ho 3 @ Town Hall, Dunedin - 13/04/2019
14 Apr 2019 // A review by darryl baser
The idea of an orchestral concert featuring some of the best known songs from the often debated ‘Dunedin sound’ began with two main drivers: Verlaines founder and music lecturer Graeme Downes, and ‘godfather’ of Dunedin music, Roy (Roi) Colbert, having its first installment in 2015. While Downes again led the evening from the stage, the spirit of Roy who passed away in 2017 was also in the room.
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14 Apr 2019 // A review by darryl baser
The idea of an orchestral concert featuring some of the best known songs from the often debated ‘Dunedin sound’ began with two main drivers: Verlaines founder and music lecturer Graeme Downes, and ‘godfather’ of Dunedin music, Roy (Roi) Colbert, having its first installment in 2015. While Downes again led the evening from the stage, the spirit of Roy who passed away in 2017 was also in the room.
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Missrosevalentina - Single Review: Solitude Featuring Fanfickk
14 Apr 2019 // A review by Ben Ruegg
From the moment this track builds, the imagery matches the synth sound. A familiar chord progression catches my ear.
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Sam Loveridge - Album Review: Clarity
11 Apr 2019 // A review by Corinne Rutherford
Hot on the heels of his single release Better Days, multi-instrumentalist and songwriter Sam Loveridge has revealed to the world his 11 track debut album Clarity. Sam has been around for a while now, on the Auckland folk circuit.
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Andrew Masseurs - Single/Video Review: Set Me Free
10 Apr 2019 // A review by jacquiew
Set Me Free is the first single from Andrew Masseurs' upcoming album Traveller in the Sky, and it’s a real ripper. Masseurs’ vocals are completely on point and the driving beat of the track sets the perfect pace.
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The Wake Up - Single Review: Pretty Little Caption
10 Apr 2019 // A review by tonymcdonald
The Wake Up from Palmerston North have just released their latest upbeat single Pretty Little Caption. This follows on from Castle which was another upbeat poppy number.
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Alae - Single Review: Help You Now
10 Apr 2019 // A review by darryl baser
Alae have released their new single Help You Now. It’s the first track to be issued since the release of the Henry St album last year.
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Unknown - Single/Video Review: Gambling on Love
08 Apr 2019 // A review by emilyriordan
Three Feathers are an Oakura duo established in 2013 and made up of Mike Lee and Mae Silver. Gambling on Love is the third single from their debut album, which is due for release later in 2019.
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Repairs - Single Review: Thanks for the Advice
07 Apr 2019 // A review by darryl baser
Auckland band Repairs have dropped a blistering hot new song Thanks For The Advice. In their press the band describe Thanks For The Advice as “Power-emo-post-pop”.
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DRXNES - Single/Video Review: Rattlesnake
04 Apr 2019 // A review by Paul Goddard
DRXNES have caused quite a stir since forming a few years ago and for good reason. They have worked bloody hard and released some great music accompanied by well-produced videos.
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Eastern Bloc - Single Review: Rich Personality And Notorious Club Girls
04 Apr 2019 // A review by J_Plates
Artur Aldridge aka Eastern Bloc unloads his debut single release via his own imprint, FOH Records. No stranger to the Club and House scene, the Ukrainian Producer / DJ has shared the bill with artists such as Fatboy Slim and Dusky during a string of festival events including Splore, Electric Gardens, and Rhythm and Vines.
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04 Apr 2019 // A review by J_Plates
Artur Aldridge aka Eastern Bloc unloads his debut single release via his own imprint, FOH Records. No stranger to the Club and House scene, the Ukrainian Producer / DJ has shared the bill with artists such as Fatboy Slim and Dusky during a string of festival events including Splore, Electric Gardens, and Rhythm and Vines.
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Kyd X - Single Review: Real Ones Know
03 Apr 2019 // A review by Freecell
Kyd X has produced some new fire! Having just signed up to Rail Records, Kyd X has immersed himself in the Hamilton hip-hop scene as he waited for the right time to make his mark.
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Caroline Easther and the Cinnamon Girls - Album Review: Lucky
03 Apr 2019 // A review by darryl baser
The name Caroline Easther has been in the lexicon of New Zealand’s music industry since the heady Flying Nun days when she drummed with The Chills and the Verlaines. Now after a career behind a drum kit she’s staking a place centre stage as a songwriter with her debut album Lucky.
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Aro - Gig Review: Aro @ The Jam Factory, Tauranga – 30/03/2019
31 Mar 2019 // A review by Corinne Rutherford
It was a glorious evening in Tauranga last night, the sun set in a stunning blaze of glory casting an orange glow over the village. As people started to arrive to see Aro, we all gathered on the deck to watch the beautiful sunset accompanied by Canadian geese in perfect formation flying above us.
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Annie J - Single Review: Whenever You Leave Me
31 Mar 2019 // A review by Ria Loveder
Annie J’s song Whenever You Leave Me is one that all teenagers can relate to; that relationship that you want to be in, but distance seems to come creeping in. The lyrics are mature beyond her years and at the young age of 15; she’s showing that she has the writing capabilities to produce mature, insightful music.
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Crooked Royals - EP Review: Rumination
29 Mar 2019 // A review by Kris Raven
Let's just start off by saying, Ruminations is 5-songs by Crooked Royals, who have leveled up in a big way. It sounds like a band who have found their sound with well-constructed songs that are cohesive, interesting, original and just HUGE.
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Curlys Jewels - Single Review: Absentee
29 Mar 2019 // A review by Shade
The truth can be many things - challenging, concerning, infuriating or even thought-provoking. It may be all of these things, or something completely different.
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The Settlers - EP Review: Speech
29 Mar 2019 // A review by Corinne Rutherford
The Settlers are a thriving hip-hop crew from Lyttleton Harbour in Christchurch. This is the band’s latest body of work, an EP called Speech.
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Alien Weaponry - Gig Review: Alien Weaponry @ Studio, Auckland - 23/03/2019
28 Mar 2019 // A review by Steve Shyu
Just a few days ago, my brother asked "What's Alien Weaponry?", and I was happy to oblige and catch him up on one of the most talked-about bands in New Zealand music.
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J Plates - Single Review: The Relic/Liquid Metal
27 Mar 2019 // A review by Freecell
New Zealand drum n bass/jungle producer J Plates has been busy in the studio working on his brand new single which features two tracks: The Relic and Liquid Metal. Signed to Skalator Music, J Plates is based in the UK these days.
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Undercut - Single Review: Luckily
27 Mar 2019 // A review by Paul Goddard
There is something a little bit different about this track by Undercut. It is hard to put your finger on, it's not one part alone that stands out but the sum of all the parts adds up to something very good indeed.
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27 Mar 2019 // A review by Paul Goddard
There is something a little bit different about this track by Undercut. It is hard to put your finger on, it's not one part alone that stands out but the sum of all the parts adds up to something very good indeed.
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New Telepathics - Single Review: Life On Other Planets
27 Mar 2019 // A review by Trevor Faville
The New Telepathics are an Auckland based ensemble with quite an extensive recording and performing history-and a history that deserves a thorough exploration. This is a refreshingly independently minded ensemble.
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27 Mar 2019 // A review by Trevor Faville
The New Telepathics are an Auckland based ensemble with quite an extensive recording and performing history-and a history that deserves a thorough exploration. This is a refreshingly independently minded ensemble.
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Lou'ana - Single/Video Review: Eye To Eye
27 Mar 2019 // A review by Corinne Rutherford
Lou’ana of Auckland’s popular funk-fusion band the Hipstamatics, has ventured out on her own with a stunning debut solo single Eye To Eye. The result is a mesmerising soulful sound accompanied by a mystical, highly polished music video.
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Gold Medal Famous - EP Review: Five Track
27 Mar 2019 // A review by Peter-James Dries
There once was a band called Gold Medal Famous. This isn't a limerick.
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Cruddy - Single Review: White Polka Dot Dress
27 Mar 2019 // A review by Peter-James Dries
Cruddy by name, not by nature. Cruddy’s White Polka Dot Dress is a smoothly progressive, well-mixed electronic soundscape.
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Sonic Altar - Album Review: Under A Dying Sun
27 Mar 2019 // A review by butch181
In this digital age, it’s not often that you get a full length record anymore. Everything is short and sweet just to get content out there before fans forget your band even exists.
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She Loves You - Single Review: Dirty Orlean
27 Mar 2019 // A review by Paul Goddard
She Loves You are one of the most exciting bands in New Zealand right now. Their first show back in 2014 was a sell out and it has been an upward trajectory for them since then.
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Eyreton Hall - Single Review: Weekend
26 Mar 2019 // A review by Andrew Smit
Another smooth and gratifying song by Eyreton Hall, that soothes the senses with its easy flowing style and melodic grace. With steady rhythmic folk music that rolls along so sweetly and is sprinkled with lovely colour spurts dispensed by a flirting electric guitar and keyboards.
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Armchair Insomniacs - Album Review: Armchair Insomniacs
25 Mar 2019 // A review by darryl baser
Originally released a year ago, this is still a solid and credible album, with the band deciding to put it on 180 gram vinyl.In an age when the word ‘diverse’ is rapidly becoming overused, this is a diverse album.
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Lucifer Gunne - Single Review: Energenetic
25 Mar 2019 // A review by Steve Shyu
Lucifer Gunne is the young but powerful quartet of punk/alternative-rock specialists hailing from the capital city. Fronted by bassist and frontman Rory McDonald, the band have worked hard writing and playing live over the past two years, and just a week ago, the lads unveiled their latest creation.
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Craig Payne - Album Review: One Night Stand
24 Mar 2019 // A review by DemonsDigest
Well, Craig Payne is back at it again with his second album titled One Night Stand. Who would have thought that a young boy born in France, briefly raised in the UK only to end up living in New Zealand (of all places) would have come so far in his music career?
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Cashek - Album Review: Rhythm And Resonance
24 Mar 2019 // A review by J_Plates
Cashek is the alias of Electronic musician Floyd Pepper whose debut album Rhythm And Resonance, presents an array of emotive tracks brought into existence while backpacking throughout the USA, Mexico, and Guatemala towards the end of last year. The seven-track album provides the listener with a lush sonic journey, fusing various elements of Electronica ranging from chilled out down tempo, slices of broken beat, to more atmospheric and laid back arrangements and synth work.
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Taco Joint - Single Review: Burning Bridges
20 Mar 2019 // A review by rupakelly
Taco Joint is a 5 piece Jazz, come blues, come lounge-y act hailing from Auckland, New Zealand. Burning Bridges is their first official release and it shows a clear breadth of musical talent that is available in this project.
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20 Mar 2019 // A review by rupakelly
Taco Joint is a 5 piece Jazz, come blues, come lounge-y act hailing from Auckland, New Zealand. Burning Bridges is their first official release and it shows a clear breadth of musical talent that is available in this project.
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The Diamond Dead - EP Review: Becoming
20 Mar 2019 // A review by tonymcdonald
Having already reviewed the song and video for Track 1 No Revolution, and absolutely loving everything about it, I jumped at the chance to review this small 3-song EP by The Diamond Dead. In my previous review, I described No Revolution as the female equivalent of Marilyn Manson in song sound and video style, an absolute classic and one you must check out.
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Boom! Boom! Deluxe! - Album Review: TeenageJuvenileDelinquentRocknRollHorrorBeachParty
20 Mar 2019 // A review by LouClementine
Boom! Boom!
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Soaked Oats - Gig Review: Soaked Oats @ La Zappa, Auckland - 08/03/2019
19 Mar 2019 // A review by rupakelly
A free gig, especially one of Soaked Oats calibre are rare to come by. Set in the beautiful La Zappa bar, our space shared by the Auckland University Economics Club, the energy in the night was palpable.
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Dead Favours - Single Review: Lost On You
19 Mar 2019 // A review by Shade
Some songs are simply infectious. Lost On You by Dead Favours is unquestionably one of those songs - play it enough times, and it will take up permanent residency in your mind.
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The Polly Johnson Set - Album Review: The Polly Johnson Set
18 Mar 2019 // A review by jacquiew
Get your hands on this self-titled debut album from The Polly Johnson Set as soon as possible. It’s the album you didn’t know you needed.
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18 Mar 2019 // A review by jacquiew
Get your hands on this self-titled debut album from The Polly Johnson Set as soon as possible. It’s the album you didn’t know you needed.
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Gig Review: Judas Priest @ Spark Arena, Auckland - 16/03/2019
18 Mar 2019 // A review by terry666
It was a very sad day when Ozzy Osbourne had to cancel his New Zealand tour, but it came with a silver lining. We had one Judas Priest show, turning them from being a support slot to full headliners.
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18 Mar 2019 // A review by terry666
It was a very sad day when Ozzy Osbourne had to cancel his New Zealand tour, but it came with a silver lining. We had one Judas Priest show, turning them from being a support slot to full headliners.
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Levi Lights On Project - Single Review: Mirror Man
17 Mar 2019 // A 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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The Gemini Effect - Single Review: Little Mouse
17 Mar 2019 // A review by butch181
Little Mouse is the first single from Bad Alien, the upcoming sophomore album of three-piece alt-rock act The Gemini Effect. With some nice consistent snare work, the track jumps right off the bat with a great organic sense of rhythm that has you bobbing your head and tapping your foot along with the beat, accentuated by some gritty power chords.
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Mermaidens - Single Review: You Maintain The Stain
17 Mar 2019 // A 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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Sam Bartells - Single Review: Mistaken
17 Mar 2019 // A review by darryl baser
Auckland’s Sam Bartell, who plays under the name Sam Bartells, is a contemporary singer-songwriter with a country streak as wide as the Mississippi. He’s working towards an Australisian tour next year and is dropping new tunes like leaves drop in Autumn.
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Fallstate - Single/Video Review: Who The Fuck Is Cameron Brookes?
15 Mar 2019 // A review by Paul Goddard
I like Fallstate. Their live show is full of energy and mayhem and mixes a harder edge with the pop rock blast.
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Queen Neptune - Single Review: Edge of the Programmed World
15 Mar 2019 // A review by florencecohen
Your first encounter with Queen Neptune will always be memorable. A polite, older man who could joke about his massive leather briefcase, Karl was the perfect hotel lift companion when we met on Queen Street.
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Carb On Carb - Single/Video Review: Man Says
14 Mar 2019 // A review by florencecohen
The accompanying vid for Carb on Carb’s latest emo single Man Says is intriguing, and yet I feel like I’ve seen it, and lived it, a few times before. An old dog made to try various hats, a bedroom filled with messy New Zealand stationary (the Warwick A5 makes an appearance), gluggy nail polish and Vans checked wristbands.
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Khandallah - Single Review: Never Did with Hunter Davison
14 Mar 2019 // A review by florencecohen
Relationships are tough creatures to manoeuvre at any age, but particularly so when you’ve only just outgrown shopping at Hallensteins and made the bold and impressive move to step up to Barkers menswear. A smile here, a wave there, and a relationship is eagerly blossoming in Khandallah The Musical Artist’s eyes.
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Polaroids of Polarbears - EP Review: Polaroids of Polarbears
13 Mar 2019 // A review by Peter-James Dries
In my middle years, those between the dawn of my consciousness and now, I spent a lot of time equal parts obsessed and jealous of and with Palmerston North’s prodigious Dan Ashcroft (Crackpot Theory, The Rock Shop), even before I knew him as a human. Back when he was just a faint drumming noise across my friend’s paddock on rare windless Oroua Downs nights, and I wondered why my mum hadn't bought me a drumkit.
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Gig Review: Milk & Honey @ Powerstation, Auckland - 08/03/2019
11 Mar 2019 // A review by jacquiew
The line-up at the Powerstation for the inaugural Milk and Honey Festival to mark International Women’s Day was undoubtedly stellar. Ria Hall, Tami Neilson, Julia Deans (with Anna Coddington) and Nadia Reid interspersed with contributions from DJ Sandy Mill - you’d be hard pushed to pack more talent into an evening than that.
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11 Mar 2019 // A review by jacquiew
The line-up at the Powerstation for the inaugural Milk and Honey Festival to mark International Women’s Day was undoubtedly stellar. Ria Hall, Tami Neilson, Julia Deans (with Anna Coddington) and Nadia Reid interspersed with contributions from DJ Sandy Mill - you’d be hard pushed to pack more talent into an evening than that.
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Gig Review: Milk & Honey @ Whammy Bar, Auckland - 08/03/2019
11 Mar 2019 // A review by LouClementine
International Women’s Day, in my experience, is often not marked by celebrations other than something official in the news – something with flowers and over-privileged celebrity-like figures at the mic. It’s the first year I’ve lived in Auckland for it though, and to find that celebrations planned for the occasion with music performances taking place as part of a curated event were exciting.
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11 Mar 2019 // A review by LouClementine
International Women’s Day, in my experience, is often not marked by celebrations other than something official in the news – something with flowers and over-privileged celebrity-like figures at the mic. It’s the first year I’ve lived in Auckland for it though, and to find that celebrations planned for the occasion with music performances taking place as part of a curated event were exciting.
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Amnesia Jones - Album Review: Amnesia Jones
09 Mar 2019 // A review by River Tucker
Relying heavily on the funk gospel, Amnesia Jones’ debut self-titled album is sure to get listeners up and dancing. There’s an endearing lo-fi quality simmering just below the energy and sparkle of the eleven-track release.
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A.U.R.A - Album Review: Secret Intelligent Light
08 Mar 2019 // A review by florencecohen
The first time I listened to this album I was irritated. It felt like everything I had tried to escape from in a yoga class – it oozed smugness, knowing it was both overly woke and melodious, twinkling in all the right places.
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Outside In - Single Review: Pass On The Flag
08 Mar 2019 // A review by Paul Goddard
This new single Pass On The Flag, from Auckland's Outside In is a grower. Produced by Dave Rhodes, it was always going to sound great.
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Amanaki - EP Review: Immutable
08 Mar 2019 // A review by Paul Goddard
What is it with Hamilton and its ability to create some of the best Hardcore bands in New Zealand? Maybe like the way all the hotels and shops turn their backs on the mighty Waikato river, the people who form/join bands there turn their noses up at what is going on with the “I wanna get played on the Rock” mentality of some of the more well-known Auckland acts?
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The Snake Behaviour - Single Review: Ragnarok
07 Mar 2019 // A review by DemonsDigest
Formed in 2002, Christchurch-based The Snake Behaviour are back with a brand-new track titled Ragnarok. While this isn’t the first time I’ve heard of them, this is the first time I’ve heard their music and whilst I’m disappointed that it’s taken me this long I’m actually somewhat pleased that this is my first experience with them.
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Glow Becky - Single/Video Review: Stand Up
06 Mar 2019 // A review by Corinne Rutherford
A five-piece alternative rock band from Auckland originally named after an archaeological find in Turkey (with suspected evidence of extra-terrestrial interaction), have released their new single and music video Stand Up. The now more pronounceable Glow Becky, previously Gobekli Tepe formed in late 2016 and are relative new comers to the NZ rock scene.
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Otium - Single Review: Dollar For The Man
05 Mar 2019 // A review by Freecell
The latest Single by five-piece Reggae/Dub band Otium is named Dollar For The Man. Otium is a popular Northland band, having originated from Whangarei.
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Gig Review: Cross Street Festival @ Cross Street, Auckland - 02/03/2019
05 Mar 2019 // A review by LouClementine
It’s a balmy March day and the sun lit the side streets of central Auckland. I arrived at Cross Street, a road parallel to Karangahape Road.
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05 Mar 2019 // A review by LouClementine
It’s a balmy March day and the sun lit the side streets of central Auckland. I arrived at Cross Street, a road parallel to Karangahape Road.
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Monshi - Single Review: Strange Love
04 Mar 2019 // A review by Steve Shyu
Born in South Africa and now based in Hamilton, Kate Theresa AKA Monshi has been working hard at creating her own sound and style. Making her DJ'ing debut at Hamilton’s Smash the Rails Fest 2 earlier this year, she knew the time to get musically creative was now.
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04 Mar 2019 // A review by Steve Shyu
Born in South Africa and now based in Hamilton, Kate Theresa AKA Monshi has been working hard at creating her own sound and style. Making her DJ'ing debut at Hamilton’s Smash the Rails Fest 2 earlier this year, she knew the time to get musically creative was now.
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Gig Review: The Eagles @ Forsyth Barr Stadium, Dunedin - 2/03/2019
03 Mar 2019 // A review by jacquiew
“There are stars in the Southern sky” sang The Eagles, and even as the first few notes resounded around Forsyth Barr Stadium the audience could not help but think that the constellation was in fact on stage in front of them. The beautiful wash of vocal harmonies from the line-up of original members Don Henley, Joe Walsh and Timothy B Schmidt and additions, Glenn Frey’s son Deacon and singer-songwriter Vince Gill was breath-taking.
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03 Mar 2019 // A review by jacquiew
“There are stars in the Southern sky” sang The Eagles, and even as the first few notes resounded around Forsyth Barr Stadium the audience could not help but think that the constellation was in fact on stage in front of them. The beautiful wash of vocal harmonies from the line-up of original members Don Henley, Joe Walsh and Timothy B Schmidt and additions, Glenn Frey’s son Deacon and singer-songwriter Vince Gill was breath-taking.
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Logic Defies Logic - Single Review: Suits and Ladders
02 Mar 2019 // A review by Steve Shyu
Logic Defies Logic initially began in Hamilton as a funk-prog-metal instrumental group, then relocated to Melbourne, Australia, and found a vocalist to join their ranks. Following their release of LP Magic & Science in 2017, the band have now returned with a new single Suits and Ladders.
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Brendan and Alison Turner - Album Review: Ghost of a Friend
01 Mar 2019 // A review by jacquiew
Ghost of a Friend is an aptly-named exploration of deep grief from soulful Americana duo Brendan and Alison Turner. The couple first met only six years ago and have had a tumultuous time since - falling in love, marrying, performing and touring together and then tragically losing their best man and musical collaborator.
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01 Mar 2019 // A review by jacquiew
Ghost of a Friend is an aptly-named exploration of deep grief from soulful Americana duo Brendan and Alison Turner. The couple first met only six years ago and have had a tumultuous time since - falling in love, marrying, performing and touring together and then tragically losing their best man and musical collaborator.
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The Stungrenades - Album Review: Class War: Fight Back!
01 Mar 2019 // A review by Peter-James Dries
Not many people outside of Taranaki think about the New Plymouth Hard Core scene. Actually, I don’t think New Plymouth itself is thought about by many people outside of Taranaki… It’s a shame really.
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Rob Joass - Album Review: Pencarrow
28 Feb 2019 // A review by darryl baser
Pencarrow is the third album released by musician Rob Joass, who calls the Kapiti Coast home, or Turangawaiwai, if you will. With more than 25 years as a musician under his belt he’s no stranger to writing, playing and recording music to a high standard.
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Jasmine Tilyard - Single Review: Take It To The Grave
28 Feb 2019 // A review by florencecohen
I would not like to hurt Jasmine Tilyard. I’m sure she’s a sweet teenager under all that blonde angst, but honestly, I’d be terrified for my life and/or my reputation if ever we crossed paths.
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The Stungrenades - Album Review: Front Toward Enemy
28 Feb 2019 // A review by Peter-James Dries
Times have changed. In a world where we can say the F word on television, and if used appropriately you can say shit whenever you want, punk doesn’t have the same shock value.
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Gig Review: The Hollies @ Trafalgar Centre, Nelson - 27/02/2019
27 Feb 2019 // A review by jacquiew
The Hollies brought the crowd to their feet at Nelson’s Trafalgar Centre for not one, but two standing ovations – a fitting climax to an evening that delivered on expectations for the predominantly 60 years old plus audience.The Hollies’ concert was a nostalgia trip from the start evoking memories of the band’s heyday in the 1960's and 1970's.
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27 Feb 2019 // A review by jacquiew
The Hollies brought the crowd to their feet at Nelson’s Trafalgar Centre for not one, but two standing ovations – a fitting climax to an evening that delivered on expectations for the predominantly 60 years old plus audience.The Hollies’ concert was a nostalgia trip from the start evoking memories of the band’s heyday in the 1960's and 1970's.
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Mundi - Album Review: The Pale Blue Dot
27 Feb 2019 // A review by voodoobloo
Going into this album I thought I knew what to expect from Mundi. This psychedelic dance project wowed me with their live performance at the Wellington Botanical Gardens earlier this year, but I couldn't help but feel like I'd heard all of the tricks they had hiding up their sleeves.
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27 Feb 2019 // A review by voodoobloo
Going into this album I thought I knew what to expect from Mundi. This psychedelic dance project wowed me with their live performance at the Wellington Botanical Gardens earlier this year, but I couldn't help but feel like I'd heard all of the tricks they had hiding up their sleeves.
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Sam Loveridge - Single/Video Review: Better Days
27 Feb 2019 // A review by Corinne Rutherford
Auckland based multi-instrumentalist Sam Loveridge has released his debut single Better Days, prior to his album Clarity which is due to follow at the end of March. Sam's solo debut is also accompanied by a humorous video written/directed by Loren Black and edited by Jamie Crerar.
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Seafog - Album Review: Animal Lovers
27 Feb 2019 // A review by darryl baser
Dunedin band Seafog have been together through the mists of time in one way, shape, form or another for many years with singer and guitarist Robin Sharma. Animal Lovers is the third album from Seafog and was released by Zelle Records.
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Iris - Single Review: Bold
27 Feb 2019 // A review by emilyriordan
At just twenty years of age, singer/songwriter and producer Iris has burst onto the scene looking and sounding like an almost fully formed pop star. Her debut single, Bold, is part of a collaboration with producer and filmmaker Charles Lutman made of videos that are as much short films in themselves as they are music videos.
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27 Feb 2019 // A review by emilyriordan
At just twenty years of age, singer/songwriter and producer Iris has burst onto the scene looking and sounding like an almost fully formed pop star. Her debut single, Bold, is part of a collaboration with producer and filmmaker Charles Lutman made of videos that are as much short films in themselves as they are music videos.
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Fanfickk - Single Review: Pity Party
27 Feb 2019 // A review by emilyriordan
Fanfickk describes herself as an idealist. Since her debut EP Stay Shy in 2016, she has released a handful of lush, dreamy synth based songs with punchy drums and rich harmonies that let that idealism shine through.
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Cherry Blind - Single Review: Black Sheep
26 Feb 2019 // A review by Kris Raven
Cherry Blind (formally known as Minimal Silence) have recently dropped 1 minute and 25 seconds of adrenaline soaked punk-rock-grunge-noise in the form of brand new single Black Sheep. A name change can always go a few ways but with a new single following afterwards, people can be rest assured they are coming out of the 2019 gates swinging and ready to launch.
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Krispy & The Pooch - EP Review: Something Strange for Change
25 Feb 2019 // A review by Steve Shyu
A music-production duo from Aotearoa but based in Berlin? Which one is Krispy, and which is the Pooch?
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Li'l Chuck the One Man Skiffle Machine - Album Review - Mono
25 Feb 2019 // A review by Corinne Rutherford
Independent Christchurch based multi-instrumentalist Li’l Chuck the One Man Skiffle Machine, has just released his third album Mono. David Thorpe (aka Li’l Chuck) shines on this album, fourteen tracks of pure nostalgic blues, early jazz and ragtime recorded at Sugar Ray’s Vintage Recording Studio, in Essex, UK.
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Polar Extremes - Album Review: Strange Visions 1
25 Feb 2019 // A review by florencecohen
Polar Extremes has nicely packaged your worst fears in their latest album Strange Visions 1. Haunting depictions of the end of the world, madness, sadness and wasted time.
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25 Feb 2019 // A review by florencecohen
Polar Extremes has nicely packaged your worst fears in their latest album Strange Visions 1. Haunting depictions of the end of the world, madness, sadness and wasted time.
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Suckafish - EP Review: Berley Bomb
25 Feb 2019 // A review by Paul Goddard
When this first assaulted my eardrums, I thought fuck no here we go again. Cheesy vocals with equally cheesy lyrics and a punk beat pushing a turd uphill making a noise that could almost make Deja Voodoo sound good.
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Abby Wolfe - Gig Review: Abby Wolfe @ 50 Gorillas, Dunedin - 23/02/2019
24 Feb 2019 // A review by darryl baser
Abby Wolfe, along with her drummer and keyboardist took to the stage about 10.30pm.
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Devaur - Album Review: Product Of A Vision
23 Feb 2019 // A review by jck2
Devaur is a West Auckland Producer and MC who has been dedicated to his craft for over 10 years. Producing numerous projects, music videos and mix tapes including albums for Synteck and Manix not to mention his numerous features and collaborations.
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23 Feb 2019 // A review by jck2
Devaur is a West Auckland Producer and MC who has been dedicated to his craft for over 10 years. Producing numerous projects, music videos and mix tapes including albums for Synteck and Manix not to mention his numerous features and collaborations.
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ManaLion - Album Review: Nothing II Lose
22 Feb 2019 // A review by DemonsDigest
Nothing II Lose is the second full length album from this dynamic duo, hailing from Greytown and Whakatane. ManaLion is made up of Duan Kaka and Craig 'Mondo' Monika and they credit their influences from a wide range of musical styles from soul to funk to rap, even with a little hardcore thrown in for good measure.
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DRXNES - EP Review: Rattlesnake
21 Feb 2019 // A review by Kris Raven
Whanganui 5-piece DRXNES released their latest EP Rattlesnake in January, beginning the year with three incredibly impressive and diverse tracks that take influence from multiple rock and metal sub genres but imprint the DRXNES stamp of solid song craftmanship, complexity and originality. The title track Rattlesnake opens with a hiss and then a roar of an opening riff that is set for the mosh to open up.
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Kaylee Bell - Single Review: Keith
20 Feb 2019 // A review by florencecohen
It’s your classic Sunday ‘treat yourself’ evening – pizza, sweatpants, and a Netflix rom-com. By the time the camera finally pans away from the glossy couple with the perfect teeth, holding hands, walking away, you get this overwhelming big-heart-in-the-throat feeling.
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Blue River Baby - Single Review: Black Yard Town
19 Feb 2019 // A review by Trevor Faville
The Blue River Baby band have been working and evolving in Wellington for the last two years or so, and this tune is a clear representation of the style and sound that they have developed. Black Yard Town moves through a range of tempo and dynamic changes in a funk/ soul context, with an arrangement that is in one way tight and at the same time fluid.
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Hault - EP Review: Brother
19 Feb 2019 // A review by Epitomised_Drummer
The new EP from Hault, Brother, kicks off with a massive amount of energy! Track one Red Dress is all about distorted gats, over a fast, thick drum line at something like 180BPM which just oozes that thrashy feel that all of us rock fans love.
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Georgia Lines - Single Review: Vacant Cities
18 Feb 2019 // A review by Corinne Rutherford
Georgia Lines aka George is a bit of a local treasure I wasn’t aware of. Based in Mt Maunganui, George has just released her catchy debut single Vacant Cities, accompanied by a stunning music video which is a visual work of art.
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Ciaran McMeeken - Gig Review: Ciaran McMeeken & Dan Sharp @ 50 Gorillas, Dunedin - 16/02/2019
17 Feb 2019 // A review by darryl baser
As a disclaimer, I knew absolutely nothing about neither Ciaran McMeeken nor Dan Sharp prior to the gig, so I arranged my +1 to be Dunedin songwriter Bronwyn Halley. She’s in the same generational band as Ciaran, and as it turned out, was a very knowledgeable accomplice.
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Furniss Brothers - Album Review: Cloudwatcher’s Soul
16 Feb 2019 // A review by Shade
The debut album from brothers Matthew & Ben Furniss, is a concept album with a single loosely themed narrative of the kidnapping of the muse 'Cloudwatcher' and the eventual reuniting with the central character. The melody and lyrics manage to tie the theme together quite well.
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Little Dove - EP Review Buried in the Backyard
16 Feb 2019 // A review by darryl baser
Not particularly loquacious, and certainly not overly verbose, are probably the best ways to describe the web pages of an Auckland 17-year-old woman who’s recording music as Little Dove. Her Bandcamp page says “This EP is a collection of music made, entirely and messily in my little sleep out, by myself.
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Streakers - Single Review: Beta
15 Feb 2019 // A review by Steve Shyu
Christchurch has yielded a number of world-famous-in-NZ alternative rock bands throughout the history of the universe, and a new one to keep an eye on is Streakers. It’s unclear if any of the band members have ever disrobed and raced across a rugby stadium, but word has it that they have raised decibels and shaken plenty of ceilings in the South Island.
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Tiny Ruins - Album Review: Olympic Girls
15 Feb 2019 // A review by darryl baser
As a proud owner of the Tiny Ruins mini LP Hurtling Through, which was recorded with Hamish Kilgour (The Clean, The Great Unwashed etc) my anticipation levels for this LP were high. Not quite Johnny Cash eating cake in a bush high, but pretty up there.
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Marshmellow - Album Review: The Feels
13 Feb 2019 // A review by Corinne Rutherford
Once I put the w on the end of Marshmellow, it became clear that the alter-ego of singer-songwriter Marshall Smith based in Auckland definitely was not a DJ/EDM artist masquerading as a soft chewy sugar based confectionery, but a well-established award winning New Zealand based composer and producer, writing music for major international movies, documentaries and commercials. You might know his face from many TV adverts and presenter of Big Wednesday.
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Marlon Williams - Gig Review: Don McGlashan & Marlon Williams @ Neudorf Vineyard, Nelson - 12/02/2019
13 Feb 2019 // A review by jacquiew
A susurration of dust motes in the air in front of the stage at Neudorf Vineyard, heralded the beginning of tonight’s magical and highly-anticipated Marlon Williams concert - an appropriate beginning for an event postponed because of a large fire sparked last week in tinder dry conditions. Tonight’s event was the perfect balm for the soul for rattled Nelson Tasman residents.
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Etheran - Single Review: Let Me Go
12 Feb 2019 // A review by Andrew Smit
Opening with a formidable power riff this debut track from Christchurch based Etheran really grabs you by the throat, and it's a track that has many shades. The strong melodic verses that are sung by the clean voice of lead singer Lita Macabeo is smooth and wholesome, whereas the chorus sections burst with scolding vocals and a burst of drums that lifts the power and emotion with great intensity.
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Beacon Bloom - Single/Video Review: Materia
12 Feb 2019 // A review by J_Plates
After the success of their debut track Jobim, which was picked up by a number of radio stations around the country; electronic explorers Beacon Bloom return with a brand-new production, presented via a live recording and accompanying video that was captured during their sell out launch show in November last year. The proclaimed track that spawned Beacon Bloom into existence, aptly titled Materia, features an array of lush synthesiser arpeggios, layered drums, atmospheric guitar work, and a reverb soaked vocal hook, combined and arranged to create an emotively upbeat, and promisingly expansive track; perfectly showcasing what one can expect from a Beacon Bloom live performance and future studio releases.
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Dan Sharp - EP Review: Slack Tide
11 Feb 2019 // A review by Corinne Rutherford
After releasing two stunning singles, Satellites and Have To Change, Dan Sharp has finally released his five-track EP Slack Tide. I had the honour of reviewing his two single releases prior to this, and as good fortune would have it, I now get to review the entire EP.
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Electric Universe - Album Review: Electric Universe
11 Feb 2019 // A review by darryl baser
Tauranga based band Electric Universe says 2019 is a year of completion for them, with their self-titled album being one of a few projects being completed during the course of the year. The band’s name should give a little away; the first four songs, from City Boy through to Acid Train, all having influence from Hendrix to Santana but with the subtlety and restraint of Hendrix, and not the album length solos of prog rock.
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Plum Green - Gig Review: Plum Green @ Whammy Bar, Auckland - 1/02/2019
08 Feb 2019 // A review by Sass_Metal
Occasionally a show happens where every single performance artist is on fire, performing from the soul, baring everything, connecting with the audience and feeding off the audience, in that magical, etheric zone where performing artist and audience becomes one. Right from the first note of Shoddy the crowd was dancing, their attentions on the various rituals occurring before them.
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Gig Review: The Living End @ Powerstation, Auckland - 6/02/2019
08 Feb 2019 // A review by Steve Shyu
I saw the Living End just once at a Big Day Out, however long ago that was. Unlike so many bands we used to hear a lot of but have now put on backburners, I remembered with deep fondness the fun time I had seeing a spiky-haired punk rock band from Aussie send the crowd around me completely frantic, song after song.
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08 Feb 2019 // A review by Steve Shyu
I saw the Living End just once at a Big Day Out, however long ago that was. Unlike so many bands we used to hear a lot of but have now put on backburners, I remembered with deep fondness the fun time I had seeing a spiky-haired punk rock band from Aussie send the crowd around me completely frantic, song after song.
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Gig Review: The Prodigy @ Trust Arena, Auckland - 5/02/2019
06 Feb 2019 // A review by Paul Goddard
As I walk into the huge hall at Trust Arena a few hundred people are moving front of stage to what I initially thought was just music through the PA. Nope it is Enschway.
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06 Feb 2019 // A review by Paul Goddard
As I walk into the huge hall at Trust Arena a few hundred people are moving front of stage to what I initially thought was just music through the PA. Nope it is Enschway.
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Graeme James - Album Review: The Long Way Home
05 Feb 2019 // A review by jacquiew
The Long Way Home is everything existing Graeme James’ fans and newcomers to his music could hope for. Thoughtful lyrics, beautiful and carefully nuanced production, and enough catchy, foot tapping tracks to satisfy any radio programmer.
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Gig Review: Phil Collins at Christchurch Stadium, Christchurch - 4/02/2019
04 Feb 2019 // A review by jacquiew
Bow down Christchurch, for we have been in the presence of the master. From start to finish this was a concert featuring consummate musicianship and a rich back catalogue of songs to satisfy listeners of all ages.
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04 Feb 2019 // A review by jacquiew
Bow down Christchurch, for we have been in the presence of the master. From start to finish this was a concert featuring consummate musicianship and a rich back catalogue of songs to satisfy listeners of all ages.
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Seas of Conflict - Single Review: Monachopsis
04 Feb 2019 // A review by Kris Raven
Monachopsis"the subtle but persistent feeling of being out of place….”Surrounded but always alone is the statement and message that carries throughout Monachopsis.
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BENEE - Gig Review: Lily Allen with BENEE @ Spark Arena, Auckland - 2/02/2019
03 Feb 2019 // A review by Paul Goddard
Hailing from Grey Lynn and still a teenager I am guessing the nerves were pumping before Bene took the stage at Spark Arena tonight. Making the shift from small venues like Neck of the Woods to this huge hanger is a daunting task but tonight you wouldn't have thought so.
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A.U.R.A - Single/Video Review: Who Decides?
02 Feb 2019 // A review by Paul Goddard
I rarely get the opportunity to describe a piece of music as beautiful. My preference is dark, twisted, loud, abrasive noise that would most often be described as brutal.
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Papercity - Single Review: Plastic
02 Feb 2019 // A review by Paul Goddard
Papercity have been coming up through the ranks for a while now following the well trodden path of Rockquest a few years back. They have matured a lot since 2013 single Time Will Find You and their new single Plastic is pure pop and catchy as hell.
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Lola Sola - Single/Video Review: Get It
01 Feb 2019 // A review by Steve Shyu
Kiwi soul-folk singer-songwriter Lola Sola has toured throughout Australia and New Zealand, now nailed down two EP's and one full-length album, and showed no signs of slowing down. To great anticipation both here and in Aussie, the DIY-songstress finally released her new music video and single, titled Get It.
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01 Feb 2019 // A review by Steve Shyu
Kiwi soul-folk singer-songwriter Lola Sola has toured throughout Australia and New Zealand, now nailed down two EP's and one full-length album, and showed no signs of slowing down. To great anticipation both here and in Aussie, the DIY-songstress finally released her new music video and single, titled Get It.
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Jon Toogood - Gig Review: Jon Toogood @ Anthology Lounge, Auckland - 31/01/2019
01 Feb 2019 // A review by Paul Goddard
It’s pretty apt that Jon Toogood is playing at Anthology Lounge. Kind of sums up the whole vibe of his acoustic tour.
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Gig Review: Florence and The Machine @ Spark Arena, Auckland - 30/01/2019
31 Jan 2019 // A review by Paul Goddard
I caught the tail end of Yellow Days set at Laneway so was pleased to see a full performance at Auckland's Spark Arena tonight. The sunlight was replaced by stage light and the first thing that comes across is that mellow, baritone of a voice.
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31 Jan 2019 // A review by Paul Goddard
I caught the tail end of Yellow Days set at Laneway so was pleased to see a full performance at Auckland's Spark Arena tonight. The sunlight was replaced by stage light and the first thing that comes across is that mellow, baritone of a voice.
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Festival Review: St Jerome's Laneway Festival 2019 @ Albert Park, Auckland - 28/01/2019
31 Jan 2019 // A review by LouClementine
Laneway was a different kind of festival. It’s an international touring event, taking in Australia and Singapore.
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31 Jan 2019 // A review by LouClementine
Laneway was a different kind of festival. It’s an international touring event, taking in Australia and Singapore.
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Factor - EP Review: Champions of the Digital World
30 Jan 2019 // A review by jck2
The west side of Auckland is back in full effect with Factor's latest release Champions of the Digital World, which features many of west Auckland's finest MC’s including heavy hitters Pakkz Tha General, Alpha, Dlar, {K.A.
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30 Jan 2019 // A review by jck2
The west side of Auckland is back in full effect with Factor's latest release Champions of the Digital World, which features many of west Auckland's finest MC’s including heavy hitters Pakkz Tha General, Alpha, Dlar, {K.A.
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Checaine - Single Review: Let Go
30 Jan 2019 // A review by Steve Shyu
Checaine have been rocking out for close to eight years now, gaining local adoration and recognition from some of New Zealand’s most renowned. With not a mention of slowing down, the Hamilton quartet have presented the universe with their latest tune, Let Go.
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Andrew McLennan - Single Review: So Easy
30 Jan 2019 // A review by Corinne Rutherford
When I see the name Andrew McLennan (AKA Andrew Snoid), my mind goes straight to 80's NZ New Wave pop music, when the likes of Pop Mechanix, Blam Blam Blam, The Plague and The Swingers became household names, but it is Coconut Rough with the huge hit Sierra Leone that triggered the light bulb to go off in my head. A song instantly recognisable by people of a certain age.
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30 Jan 2019 // A review by Corinne Rutherford
When I see the name Andrew McLennan (AKA Andrew Snoid), my mind goes straight to 80's NZ New Wave pop music, when the likes of Pop Mechanix, Blam Blam Blam, The Plague and The Swingers became household names, but it is Coconut Rough with the huge hit Sierra Leone that triggered the light bulb to go off in my head. A song instantly recognisable by people of a certain age.
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Dan Sharp - Single Review: Have To Change
29 Jan 2019 // A review by Corinne Rutherford
The dust has barely settled from Dan Sharp's release of Satellites, when he goes and drops another stunning track Have To Change. This is the last stand-alone single to be released from Dan's upcoming 5-track EP Slack Tide, which is due for release in early February.
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Festival Review: St Jerome's Laneway Festival 2019 @ Albert Park, Auckland - 28/01/2019
29 Jan 2019 // A review by Paul Goddard
The grey cloudy humid wet morning opened up into blue skies as I walked up the hill to Albert Park. Thanks to non-existent Auckland transport I did miss seeing Miss June (pictured).
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29 Jan 2019 // A review by Paul Goddard
The grey cloudy humid wet morning opened up into blue skies as I walked up the hill to Albert Park. Thanks to non-existent Auckland transport I did miss seeing Miss June (pictured).
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Dead Little Penny - Gig Review: Dead Little Penny @ Whammy Bar, Auckland - 25/01/2019
27 Jan 2019 // A review by LouClementine
Three-piece Dead Little Penny were the second act on stage and headlining at the Whammy Bar on Friday evening, launching their new single Depression. The venue was packed out and the fans did little to reduce the temperature of the basement venue.
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Devilskin - Gig Review: Slash w/ Myles Kennedy and Devilskin @ Spark Arena, Auckland - 26/01/2019
27 Jan 2019 // A review by Sass_Metal
As per usual I was running late to the show, so I missed the first few opening songs of (not so local, now) legends Devilskin. Writing this now I am so gutted I didn’t get to witness their powerful set in its entirety as, in my opinion, they showed up the headliners and it was clear from the amount of Devilskin merch that fans were wearing around the show and from the crowd response that this was indeed Devilskin’s night.
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Craig Payne - Single Review: Nineteen Sixty-Five
26 Jan 2019 // A review by DemonsDigest
Once again I’ve found myself listening to a track by the ever talented Craig Payne and as always I have loved it from the second I heard the opening guitars - I am honestly just a sucker for a good guitar riff. There’s a reason I’m drawn to Craig's music; he’s able to write in such a way that’s so visually stimulating that you find yourself transported into the song itself.
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Mike Puke - Album Review: The Sound of Puke
25 Jan 2019 // A review by darryl baser
The Sound of Puke is possibly the best, and most fitting, title for an album ever. The album begins with the title track, The Sound of Puke which starts with a sample of The Sound Of Music straight from Julie Andrews' mouth, but don’t worry she’s vocally run over before she can say ‘music’, as Mike sings "Puke" over her singing the word ‘music’…If you’re unsure what I mean, give it a listen.
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Dead Little Penny - Single Review: Depression
25 Jan 2019 // A review by J_Plates
Dead Little Penny rides on the wave of previously released singles U 4 Me and Honeycomb with their brooding new single and supporting video for Depression. With members Hayley Smith and Simon Buxton both originating from England, it is evident that their musical roots have crossed over, taking influence from a range of UK Shoegaze, Dream-Pop, and Post-Punk bands of decades past.
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n1ghtmar3cat - Single Review: Lost And Found
24 Jan 2019 // A review by Steve Shyu
Dave Johnston has become a musical jack-of-all-trades. Commonly known as the drummer for Aotearoa’s alt-rock champions Villainy and the creatively adventurous The Zoup, he is now putting his production and audio engineering skills to the test, creating electronic music as a new notch in his belt.
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Soaked Oats - Gig Review: Soaked Oats @ Whammy Bar, Auckland - 19/01/2019
24 Jan 2019 // A review by LouClementine
Dunedin-based Soaked Oats took the stage on a warm Saturday evening, as part of their Shuggah Doom tour. The four piece are made up of lead vocalist Oscar Mein, guitarist Henry Francis, Max Holmes on bass and Conor Feehly on drums.
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Skinny Hobos - Gig Review: Skinny Hobos @ Valhalla, Wellington - 19/01/2019
22 Jan 2019 // A review by tonymcdonald
One of Wellington's last great venues was kicking out rock odour once more as the Skinny Hobos took to the stage. It's 10:45pm and the murky undertones of Valhalla were ringing out in the streets before I even entered the venue.
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ATU - EP Review: Point of View
22 Jan 2019 // A review by terry666
ATU's Point of View is an instrumental EP mainly focused on the guitar but written, performed, recorded and mastered in its entirety by ATU. It has an amazing cover, which in itself asks a question.
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22 Jan 2019 // A review by terry666
ATU's Point of View is an instrumental EP mainly focused on the guitar but written, performed, recorded and mastered in its entirety by ATU. It has an amazing cover, which in itself asks a question.
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Miss June - Gig Review: Idles with Miss June @ Tuning Fork, Auckland - 20/01/2019
21 Jan 2019 // A review by Paul Goddard
I first came across Idles around 6 months ago. A good friend of mine in the UK posted something on Facebook along the lines of “I have come late to the Idles party but fucking hell....
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The Generation - Single Review: Signs
21 Jan 2019 // A review by Corinne Rutherford
The Generation are a relatively new band to emerge from The Waikato; founded by singer/songwriter ZVI and guitarist Grenville Bell (ex-Katchafire), and they are starting to turn some heads with their smooth blend of original Reggae/Soul and progressive music. They certainly turned mine.
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21 Jan 2019 // A review by Corinne Rutherford
The Generation are a relatively new band to emerge from The Waikato; founded by singer/songwriter ZVI and guitarist Grenville Bell (ex-Katchafire), and they are starting to turn some heads with their smooth blend of original Reggae/Soul and progressive music. They certainly turned mine.
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Alanna Eileen - Single Review: Faded Image
21 Jan 2019 // A review by darryl baser
Alanna Eileen’s new single Faded Image marks a stylistic departure from much of her other work. It wavers between chocolate box and alt country.
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Same Name Confusion - EP Review: In Theory
18 Jan 2019 // A review by J_Plates
Wellington based & self-proclaimed Alternative Dance-Pop act Same Name Confusion present their latest collection of tracks via a compact and brilliantly delivered four track EP titled In Theory.In a world more frequently riddled with unusual chaos and complexity, SNC offer their genuinely unique perspective, incorporating a host of insightful ideas and observations buried within intelligently thought out lyrics, and emphasized by a catchy rhythm section that solidifies each track in its own modest way.
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Anxiety Club - Single Review: Ginger In The Summer
17 Jan 2019 // A review by darryl baser
“Our love burned-up like a Ginger in the Summer, halfway down Dominion Road...” Now if this up-tempo fun and friendly song with the above lyric, amongst many clever turns of phrase, doesn’t become a huge hit, I’ll buy a hat just to eat it.
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The Diamond Dead - Single/Video Review: No Revolution
16 Jan 2019 // A review by tonymcdonald
Wearing little more than a red bra the female equivalent of Marilyn Manson is trapped inside a chaotic room. This crazy thought-provoking video tries and succeeds to crawl under your skin.
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Mundi - Gig Review: Mundi @ Botanical Gardens, Wellington - 10/01/2019
15 Jan 2019 // A review by voodoobloo
Before even arriving at the venue, I knew I was in for a treat. This wasn't my first visit to the Soundshell at the Wellington Botanical Gardens, but it was obvious that Mundi and the venue would go hand in hand after listening to their latest single Still Song Goes On.
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15 Jan 2019 // A review by voodoobloo
Before even arriving at the venue, I knew I was in for a treat. This wasn't my first visit to the Soundshell at the Wellington Botanical Gardens, but it was obvious that Mundi and the venue would go hand in hand after listening to their latest single Still Song Goes On.
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Riqi Harawira - Single Review: Kia ora
15 Jan 2019 // A review by Corinne Rutherford
Riqi Harawira has been performing solo for many years now, following his time as guitarist for The Dead Flowers, and it is clear he has crafted his music to perfection. Kia ora features on his second album Mauri, which is due to be released mid-January 2019 through Waatea Music.
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Dragon - Gig Review: Toto and Jefferson Starship with Dragon @ Hagley Park, Christchurch - 13/01/2019
14 Jan 2019 // A review by jacquiew
The sound of deck chairs being put out, the rustle of picnic baskets, and the popping of corks were good signs that Christchurch was ready for a relaxing summer afternoon of music in North Hagley Park. Rain was forecast (and some did eventuate) but this didn't dampen spirits.
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Ms.Take - Single Review: Silver & Gold
13 Jan 2019 // A review by Shade
New Zealand music has always had a special relationship with summer, whether it be at the beach or on the long roadie us kiwis love to take our music with us. So fitting is the debut single from solo artist {Ms.
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Ben Ruegg - EP Review: The Journey
13 Jan 2019 // A review by Paul Goddard
Wow, where did this beauty come from?Just 66 likes on Ben Ruegg’s Facebook page and little all else to go on.
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Investigator - EP Review: Investigator
13 Jan 2019 // A review by Paul Goddard
I love those old Seventies cops showsThe ones like 'Starsky and Hutch' or 'The Sweeney', and more recently the retro loving politically incorrect 'Life on Mars'. The thing with these shows is they are more memorable for the banter and chemistry between the players than any actual cases or crimes being solved.
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David Edwards - Album Review: Other Islands: 2012-2018
13 Jan 2019 // A review by darryl baser
Fiff Dimension is an umbrella label for audio visual projects by David Edwards (AKA Dave Black), solo or with various collaborators. Other Islands is a collection of work spanning 2012 to 2018, recorded by Edwards and a wide plethora of collaborators, in a myriad of styles.
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The Frank Burkitt Band - Gig Review: The Frank Burkitt Band at The Boathouse, Nelson - 11/01/2019
11 Jan 2019 // A review by jacquiew
The Boathouse welcomed The Frank Burkitt Band with a chocolate box Nelson summer’s evening, complete with a beautiful peach-toned sunset and an audience that had been enjoying an early evening meal on the deck prior to the gig. The general mood was possibly at odds with Frank Burkitt and his partner Kara Filbey’s choice of opening number, a somewhat sombre cover of a Randy Newman song about a hurricane called Louisiana 1927.
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Fat Freddy's Drop - Gig Review: Fat Freddy's Drop @ Neudorf Vineyard, Nelson - 09/01/2019
10 Jan 2019 // A review by jacquiew
If any band epitomises the joy of a summer evening it has to be Fat Freddy's Drop. Neudorf Vineyard near Nelson provided the perfect natural setting for the luscious, relaxed sounds of this seven-member musical institution.
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Dragon - Gig Review: Toto with Jefferson Starship and Dragon @ ASB Baypark, Mount Maunganui - 09/01/2019
10 Jan 2019 // A review by ApolloSteamTrain
The entertainment on offer in Tauranga in the summer of 2018/19 was lined up to be a significant upgrade to previous years when this gig was announced back in August 2017. With other established large events in the area catering to the Reggae and under 25 markets, this event was set to draw out the (genre alert) "Adult Contemporary Fans".
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Album Review: Waiuku College - Our Sound
09 Jan 2019 // A review by Trevor Faville
Changes in secondary education point towards project based and /or big picture learning approaches which attempts, among other things, to replicate ‘real world situations and experiences. The idea being that learning would involve many curriculum linking into a project or experience.
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09 Jan 2019 // A review by Trevor Faville
Changes in secondary education point towards project based and /or big picture learning approaches which attempts, among other things, to replicate ‘real world situations and experiences. The idea being that learning would involve many curriculum linking into a project or experience.
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Namesake - EP Review: 4 Songs
09 Jan 2019 // A review by Steve Shyu
A band named Namesake. An EP simply titled 4 Songs.
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David Sutton - Album Review: Upside-Down World
06 Jan 2019 // A review by Corinne Rutherford
David Sutton, originally from Essex in the UK and now based in Wellington has added another album to his impressive range. Upside-Down World is his latest release proving that the man of few words and very little self-promotion is still “writing and recording songs.
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Gravel Pit - EP Review: Gravel Pit
03 Jan 2019 // A review by Paul Goddard
Speed...... the faster you go, the harder the hit.
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The Jordan Luck Band - Gig Review: Jordan Luck Band @ The Playhouse, Nelson - 28/12/2018
29 Dec 2018 // A review by jacquiew
An amiable capacity crowd gathered at The Playhouse in Mapua for a post-Christmas trip down memory lane with The Jordan Luck Band. The band delivered all that was expected and more in a tight, accomplished, and high-energy set.
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Gig Review: Twenty One Pilots @ Spark Arena, Auckland - 21/12/2018
22 Dec 2018 // A review by Paul Goddard
The last time Twenty One Pilots came to Auckland I wasn’t sure what to expect. Although I enjoyed their music it wasn’t something, I was rushing out to buy.
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22 Dec 2018 // A review by Paul Goddard
The last time Twenty One Pilots came to Auckland I wasn’t sure what to expect. Although I enjoyed their music it wasn’t something, I was rushing out to buy.
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Wendyhouse - Album Review: Banana Wine
22 Dec 2018 // A review by darryl baser
It’s not often you put on an album and there’s no two songs which sound the same, but that is especially true for Wendyhouse’s Banana Wine CD. The 24-track album opens with a brief but wonderful song Lucky.
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Rob Joass - Single Review - Souvenir
19 Dec 2018 // A review by Freecell
Rob Joass has been busy working on his solo project, and his new single Souvenir from his upcoming album Pencarrow will be released early 2019. You can find this single on Rob's Bandcamp page.
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Leighton Fairlie - Single Review: Galaxy
19 Dec 2018 // A review by Freecell
Leighton Fairlie has just released his stunning debut single Galaxy. This track starts off with some nice crisp Reggae style guitars and interesting vocal effects.
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Paper Cranes - Album Review: Voices
19 Dec 2018 // A review by butch181
Due for release January 18, 2019, Voices is the second full-length album from Indie Folk duo Paper Cranes. While comprised of ten tracks, the album has a short overall runtime of just over 35 minutes.
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Beacon Bloom - Single Review: Jobim
18 Dec 2018 // A review by J_Plates
Beacon Bloom is the brainchild of musician Ryan Ferris with supporting member James Allen, drawing on the sonic cultures and experiences collected whilst travelling the globe in search of musical inspiration. Their debut promo single Jobim provides a stable basis of electronica infused with soul, funk, and pop sensibilities going beyond the 03:30 standard, and backed by a fittingly designed cover art which reinforces the tone of the track.
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This Pale Fire - Single Review: Float Out
17 Dec 2018 // A 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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Miller Yule - EP Review: Miller Yule Live
17 Dec 2018 // A review by butch181
Miller Yule Live is a good length EP, consisting of seven tracks with a total runtime of over 30 minutes. Performing a setlist that is mostly sourced from his 2016 EP Shoot Me In The Heart (reviewed here), Miller Yule has also added in his single Diamonds (released in November 2017 and reviewed here), a stripped down adaptation of Six60's Don't Give It Up, and a new track to spice it up further.
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Gig Reivew: Wu Tang Clan @ The Trusts Arena, Auckland - 14/12/2018
16 Dec 2018 // A review by jck2
The most iconic and arguably the best Hip-Hop group of all time graced West Auckland's Trust Arena on Friday night to celebrate 25 years of the Enter the Wu-Tang (36 Chambers) album, which they performed in its entirety. The night started with DJ Sir-Vere and MC JB the War Villain followed by local Hip Hop group SWIDT who dropped tracks from their debut album including Ric Flair and No Emotion In The Wild.
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16 Dec 2018 // A review by jck2
The most iconic and arguably the best Hip-Hop group of all time graced West Auckland's Trust Arena on Friday night to celebrate 25 years of the Enter the Wu-Tang (36 Chambers) album, which they performed in its entirety. The night started with DJ Sir-Vere and MC JB the War Villain followed by local Hip Hop group SWIDT who dropped tracks from their debut album including Ric Flair and No Emotion In The Wild.
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Brendan Pyper - Single Review: Falling For You
14 Dec 2018 // A review by darryl baser
The new track from Brendan Pyper, Falling For You is heavily auto-tuned into the chorus intro. This then fades into the first verse about the 20 second mark, then the chorus hits at 50 seconds, back to verse two at 1:17.
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14 Dec 2018 // A review by darryl baser
The new track from Brendan Pyper, Falling For You is heavily auto-tuned into the chorus intro. This then fades into the first verse about the 20 second mark, then the chorus hits at 50 seconds, back to verse two at 1:17.
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Empire To Ashes - Album Review: Trinity: Complete
14 Dec 2018 // A review by Corinne Rutherford
The final instalment from Auckland based alternative-electronica project Empire To Ashes (Jamie Denton), has just been released. It is an amalgamation of the three previous albums, [In Pieces], Deconstructed [Between The Pieces] and Beneath to create one new, cohesive piece of experimental, electro-drone, alternative-electronica soundscapes and tracks titled Trinity: Complete.
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Trepidations - Single Review: I Can't Go On
13 Dec 2018 // A review by Paul Goddard
To say this is lo-fi is an understatement. The conversation within the band before they recorded this song I imagine sounds something like this,Will Saunders - “Let's get a band together and record a song.
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Feildings Best Dancers - EP Review: Feildings Best Dancers
12 Dec 2018 // A review by Peter-James Dries
In the words of your mum, Feildings Best Dancers is short, hard, and over far too soon. But she also said Thistle Highland Dancers were the best dancers in Feilding, so what does she know.
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The Vazey Collective - Album Review: TVC
11 Dec 2018 // A review by Paul Goddard
If you like your music straight down the middle of the road, no shocks, surprises, twists and turns just good ol’ country/blues rock 'n roll then this album is for you. Rob Vazey has put together an impressive collection of musicians for this debut album which was recorded at Studio 38 in Auckland.
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Congress of Animals - Album Review: Congress of Animals
11 Dec 2018 // A review by eidirbs
Congress of Animals is a New Zealand supergroup bringing together wide branch of talent and friendship, mainly hailing from Wellington. The group mainly consists of Age Pryor (Founder of Wellington International Ukulele Orchestra), Nigel Collins (Actor, Playwright, Flight of the Conchords), Justin 'Firefly' Clarke (Fly My Pretties, Wellington International Ukulele Orchestra, music teacher), Ben Lemi (TrinityRoots), Bret McKenzie (Flight of the Conchords) and Deanne Krieg (Singer, Songwriter).
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North Shore Pony Club - EP Review: Abracadabra
11 Dec 2018 // A review by J_Plates
It’s not too often that an artist such as North Shore Pony Club can seemingly rear its head up from the lurky shadows of the washy underground and swish shot a release that is so on target, it instantly leaves a trail of awe in its wake. Their latest EP Abracadabra achieves such a solid state, delivered via a smooth and consistent package of tracks while retaining the usual comically hyperbolic stylings that NSPC have become synonymous with over the past few years.
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Mako Road - EP Review: Local Safari
10 Dec 2018 // A 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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Kerretta - Single Review: Chroma Queens
10 Dec 2018 // A review by butch181
Chroma Queens is the first single from upcoming LP release Exiscens (due for release on December 14), which is the first release from Auckland experimental rock act Kerretta for over four years. The band are comprised of bass player William Waters; drummer H.
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Sam Bartells - Single/Video Review: Extraordinary Girl
06 Dec 2018 // A review by darryl baser
There’s something pretty cool about the whole DIY ethic, from the early Flying Nun years, and now with many artists producing their own material. Sam Bartells, who creates music under his last name, has just released the single Extraordinary Girl with an accompanying self-filmed video.
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Ghost Who Walks - Gig Review: Ghost Who Walks @ Anthology Lounge, Auckland - 30/11/2018
06 Dec 2018 // A 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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Mudbelly - Single/Video Review: On Fire
06 Dec 2018 // A review by Kris Raven
The whole 'rock is dead thing' is becoming a little painful to hear these days. Sure, we get it, mainstream rock is dead to some, but like the rest of the world, NZ has some incredible rock music!
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Congress of Animals - Gig Review: Congress of Animals @ Leigh Sawmill Cafe, Auckland - 01/12/2018
05 Dec 2018 // A review by Steve Shyu
On a humid and rainy Saturday evening, myself and the gig’s designated photographer drove to the dimly-lit town of Leigh to check out this new band that features the Kiwi household name Bret McKenzie (from Flight of the Conchords) and his mates, Congress of Animals on their Strange Caravan tour. I attended with very little prior knowledge except that Bret is performing with a couple of members of Fly My Pretties.
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Zams Feat Zed Koen - Single/Video Review: New Money
05 Dec 2018 // A review by jck2
New Money is the hot new music video from Zaman Lewis AKA Zams, featuring rapper Zed Koen New Money brings the new school rules to the ring with their contemporary trap styles. Vibrant cinematography makes this video pop with colour and movement.
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05 Dec 2018 // A review by jck2
New Money is the hot new music video from Zaman Lewis AKA Zams, featuring rapper Zed Koen New Money brings the new school rules to the ring with their contemporary trap styles. Vibrant cinematography makes this video pop with colour and movement.
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JCK - Single/Video Review: Headbutt A Spike
05 Dec 2018 // A review by Corinne Rutherford
New Zealand Hip-Hop artist JCK is ending the year with a shocking bang as he releases an animated music video for Headbutt A Spike, this is the third track on his recently released double album Input/Output. No point in beating around the bush or whitewashing the obvious, this is Itchy and Scratchy on acid, it is R18 rated and people will be offended by it “I am not going to lie.
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Apollo SteamTrain - Single Review: Unknown Talent
05 Dec 2018 // A review by Corinne Rutherford
Tauranga rock band Apollo SteamTrain has released another infectious new single, just in time to see out the end of 2018. Unknown Talent was written by front man Brendan McCarthy and is described as a “sonic Pop Rock ditty” and is the result of a scrambled mass of thoughts needing to get out and be heard.
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Dan Sharp - Single Review: Satellites
05 Dec 2018 // A review by Corinne Rutherford
Taupo-based songwriter Dan Sharp has just released a stunning new single called Satellites. This track was an absolute pleasure to my auditory senses, a gorgeous soulful song which “reflects on the trials of being away from loved ones in pursuit of a dream”.
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French For Rabbits - Single Review: Highest Hill
05 Dec 2018 // A review by eidirbs
"You took my high, higher than the highest hill and then you took me low, lower than I’ve ever felt." French for Rabbits are a two-piece dream-pop band from Wellington.
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Plum Green - Album Review: Sound Recordings
04 Dec 2018 // A review by Paul Goddard
Plum Green - remember this name. It is easy to remember and if you listen to this album you will never forget it.
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fleaBITE - Album Review: Bite Me
04 Dec 2018 // A review by Andrew Smit
Finally, there is a children’s album that you can chomp into with glee, fleaBITE are the band and Bite Me is the album, and it's full of surprises, where every song is like a bursting musical festival. As a father of two young ones I have had many hours listening to albums full of standard nursery rhyming fair that after a couple of repeats would start to affect your sanity.
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Gig Review: 2Cellos @The Civic, Auckland - 3/12/2018
04 Dec 2018 // A review by butch181
People were abuzz as they filed into The Civic to get to their seats. Many eyes were enjoying the venue itself as one of Auckland’s last remaining atmospheric theatres, with its soft-top design that floats above the auditorium, with stars and clouds that recreate the Southern Hemisphere sky-scape.
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04 Dec 2018 // A review by butch181
People were abuzz as they filed into The Civic to get to their seats. Many eyes were enjoying the venue itself as one of Auckland’s last remaining atmospheric theatres, with its soft-top design that floats above the auditorium, with stars and clouds that recreate the Southern Hemisphere sky-scape.
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Fire For Glory - Single Review: Falling With Style
02 Dec 2018 // A review by Steve Shyu
Strap in, pop-punk fans of New Zealand – Fire For Glory have a new song out. The metalcore and pop-punk quintet from Auckland reformed after a brief hiatus, and once revitalised with a new line-up, they got straight to recording new tunes.
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Stress - EP Review - Misery Fatigue
02 Dec 2018 // A review by Matt Mutinous
A new addition to the scene, Wellington-based hardcore noise outfit Stress are about to launch their career with their debut release Misery Fatigue. Interested in what exactly that entailed, I was stoked to get a chance to have a sneak peek at this highly anticipated Kiwi band.
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Racing - Gig Review: Racing @ Galatos, Auckland - 30/11/2018
02 Dec 2018 // A review by Paul Goddard
Preparing for this review was hilarious. Do a Google search for Racing and yep everything that involves coming first (nope, not those kind of websites) is there except the band.
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The RVMES - Single Review: Vibrant Pictures
01 Dec 2018 // A review by emilyriordan
The RVMES - pronounced ‘the rooms’, from ‘rum and tunes’ - are a new four-piece outfit based in Auckland, made of Edwin Judd (vocals, guitar), Miro Gibson (guitar), Ronaldo Lima (bass), and Logan Fox (drums). Their debut single, Vibrant Pictures, is the delicious first taste of their EP planned for release in February 2019.
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Lisa Crawley - Single/Video Review: Baby It's Fine
30 Nov 2018 // A 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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Aro - Album Review: Manu
29 Nov 2018 // A review by Corinne Rutherford
Aro; the husband and wife team made up of Charles and Emily Looker, will be releasing their debut album titled Manu (bird) in February 2019. This ten-track album is a bilingual Te Reo Maori and English native bird inspired project.
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Night Bus - Single Review: Korean Restaurant
28 Nov 2018 // A review by butch181
Self-described as a lo-fi electronic bedroom pop from elusive Wellington figure, night bus is definitely an obscure act. With a Facebook page created less than a fortnight ago, only 5 followers to their name, and a moniker that is otherwise impossible to search for due to common use, any further information about the artist is not forthcoming.
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Tempist Fujit - Album Review: Time Flies
27 Nov 2018 // A review by darryl baser
Up until this month 4-piece Northland band Tempist Fujit had released the No More Time EP and a single titled Midnight Train. This month the team of Lisa Walters (vocals, guitar), Douglas Gordon (guitar, backing vocals), Harlen Keepa (bass) and Chris Butler (drums) have finally released their first full length album.
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Ghost Who Walks - Gig Review: Ghost Who Walks @ Butler's Reef, Oakura - 16/11/2018
26 Nov 2018 // A review by emilyriordan
It's a big ask of any band to play their original material to a pub full of punters there to watch the game, but by the end of their hour-long set Ghost Who Walks had their audience in the palm of their hand.Ghost Who Walks is the project of Wellingtonian Sam Fowles, who sets out to "make music that moves the body and touches the soul".
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MELODOWNZ - EP Review: Melo & Blues
26 Nov 2018 // A review by Freecell
NZ Hip-Hop/RNB artist Melodownz has been busy in the studio working on his new 10 track EP Melo & Blues.The first track Get Money featuring Louis Baker has a smooth intro with some lush soft notes from the keys and some true to life lyrics.
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Matthew J.Ruys - Single Review: People X People Feat. Speech
26 Nov 2018 // A review by J_Plates
Those familiar with Matthew J. Ruys’s previous work may remember him best as Matty J; the RnB/Hip Hop vocalist, producer, and writer, whose music career kicked off in the early 90’s through his involvement with groups Houseparty, Fuemana and Strawpeople.
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Baitercell - EP Review: Toka
23 Nov 2018 // A 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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Tom Cunliffe - Gig Review: Tom Cunliffe & Emily Fairlight @ The Cook, Dunedin - 10/11/2018
23 Nov 2018 // A review by darryl baser
The Cook is home to a few music fans, with a few still standing or swaying from the city's craft beer festival, which had people imbibing from mid-morning. Tom Cunliffe opens up the evening's performance with the fantastic song Came My Way.
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Kong Fooey - Double Single Review: Believe Me & Giving Up On Love
23 Nov 2018 // A review by J_Plates
Christchurch collective Kong Fooey comes across as a bit of an enigma.Their 2015 album Final Destination offers a wide range of styles and influences, blending Funk, Hip Hop, and Electronic genres presented under a more traditional band unit of revolving contributors.
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VTMNK - Single Review: Red Wine
20 Nov 2018 // A review by darryl baser
VTMNK ('Vitamin K') are a Dunedin duo, Latham Hunt on guitars and Veronika Bell (VK) on vocals. The pair came together spontaneously at one of Dunedin’s many open mic nights and have been performing regularly in Dunedin with a foray to Christchurch earlier in 2018.
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20 Nov 2018 // A review by darryl baser
VTMNK ('Vitamin K') are a Dunedin duo, Latham Hunt on guitars and Veronika Bell (VK) on vocals. The pair came together spontaneously at one of Dunedin’s many open mic nights and have been performing regularly in Dunedin with a foray to Christchurch earlier in 2018.
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Lexxa - Single Review: Get Out
20 Nov 2018 // A review by rupakelly
Lexxa returns with Get Out, a follow up to their synth pop jam I Got Better Friends Now. After a good year of touring and opening for both local and international heavyweights, Get Out is an excellent second studio release.
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Gig Review: ZM's Friday Night Jams @ Western Springs, Auckland - 18/11/2018
19 Nov 2018 // A review by butch181
Ten minutes before gates open and the entrance way to Western Springs is packed to the brim with excited fans wearing cardboard Burger King Crowns in the hopes of receiving a free upgrade to the BK Stage. With some scattered cloud, the day was humid, but ultimately much more manageable, providing some respite from the intense sun.
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19 Nov 2018 // A review by butch181
Ten minutes before gates open and the entrance way to Western Springs is packed to the brim with excited fans wearing cardboard Burger King Crowns in the hopes of receiving a free upgrade to the BK Stage. With some scattered cloud, the day was humid, but ultimately much more manageable, providing some respite from the intense sun.
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Will Saunders - Album Review: Inside Walking
19 Nov 2018 // A review by emilyriordan
Auckland based musician and visual artist Will Saunders has three solo albums under his belt already. His latest release, Inside Walking, is self-produced and mastered by Dave Hine at The Dank.
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Al Fraser - Album Review: Toitu Te Puoro
18 Nov 2018 // A review by jacquiew
Toitu Te Puoro by Al Fraser is a beautiful creation from beginning to end. It’s exquisitely presented in a well-designed CD case with accompanying booklet, which is important given the narrative it contains about Fraser’s journey with taonga puoro and its photographs and descriptions of the instruments made and played by him.
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Grant Duncan - Album Review: Early Morning Rise
18 Nov 2018 // A review by Paul Goddard
Sometimes music grabs you instantly, some music can be instantly dismissed, and some music deserves to be played over and over before it can be fully appreciated. I have had Early Morning Rise the new album from Grant Duncan for a while.
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Racing - Gig Review: Racing with Dual @ Moon, Wellington - 15/11/2018
16 Nov 2018 // A review by tonymcdonald
Without any warning or announcement, a huge boom blasts through Moon. It's 9:15pm on Thursday night, pizzas and beers are flowing and the atmosphere has just kicked in!
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Cheshire Grimm - Single Review: So Much For The Summer
16 Nov 2018 // A review by Corinne Rutherford
Cheshire Grimm has been through several incarnations since they started out in the beautiful garden city of Hamilton back in 2012. Kat Waswo (vocals/bass) and Lora Thompson (guitar/vocals) now joined by Craig Gilliver on drums have released their latest grungy, gloom rock track So Much For The Summer.
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Superette - Single Review: Pretty Picture
16 Nov 2018 // A review by darryl baser
It’s been a long time between drinks for fans of Superette and Dave Mulcahy’s exceptional songwriting. However, a thirst quencher is being poured in the form of the release of the song Pretty Picture.
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Eight Eyed Orchid - EP Review: One by One & Two by Two
16 Nov 2018 // A review by Sass_Metal
About 10 years ago if I had heard this EP I wouldn’t have been able to appreciate its complex intricacies. As I write this, I’m on my 5th listen and I keep noticing more; more layers, depth, complexities I missed the previous times I’ve listened to it.
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Age Pryor - Single Review: Burning Sun
15 Nov 2018 // A review by Miss_Jukebox
Having built a steady portfolio of compositions since the turn of this century, Age Pryor (Fly My Pretties, The Woolshed Sessions, Wellington International Ukulele Orchestra) has inconspicuously become a pillar amongst New Zealand’s finest artists. And in the same understated way his career has unfolded so far, his new single Burning Sun retains the unassuming charm and placidity of his sound.
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Alice Foulds - EP Review: Oxygen
15 Nov 2018 // A 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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Empire To Ashes - Album Review: Beneath
15 Nov 2018 // A review by Epitomised_Drummer
A few of you may have heard the name Jamie Denton from some of NZ’s most powerful underground rock bands from the last 15 to 20 years. Jamie has always laid down the heavy hitting basslines for rock bands ranging in genre from dark moody metal-based bands, to straight up radio rock, to borderline punk.
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Written By Wolves - EP Review: Prologue
14 Nov 2018 // A review by Kris Raven
Firstly, let’s start by saying, Finally! Written by Wolves have dropped their debut extended play Prologue and I imagine for the band and fans this has been a long time coming.
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Racing - Album Review: Real Dancing
13 Nov 2018 // A review by eidirbs
Racing might as well be noted right now as an ode to everything great about the New Zealand indie music scene. With Ed Knowles and Sven Pettersen from indie rock greats, The Checks, Daniel Barrett of Sherpa and Izaak Houston of Space Creeps they are destined to create a fusion that pleases every sense of your mind, body and power upon listening.
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This Flight Tonight - Single Review: Bender & Lies
13 Nov 2018 // A review by butch181
Bender & Lies is the latest single from This Flight Tonight, and interestingly the fourth track released from the 2018 EP Nothing to Declare, despite being the opening track of the release. The track tows the line between raw Rock 'n Roll, and light-hearted Pop-Rock.
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Sea Mouse - Double Single Review: 'Skeletons' and 'Numbers'
12 Nov 2018 // A review by eidirbs
Sea Mouse are a Wellington trio perfecting the finely tuned blend of blues and rock. They create an audio experience that will leave listeners ears ringing for days thanks to your absolute desire to turn these songs all the way up.
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Shepherds Reign - Gig Review: Shepherds Reign @ Ding Dong Lounge, Auckland - 3/11/2018
11 Nov 2018 // A 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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Anxiety Club - EP Review: Black Heart
11 Nov 2018 // A review by DemonsDigest
The opening track from Anxiety Club's new EP is titled Holes In My Skin, and within an instant I was in love with it and felt a connection from the first line “when the lights went out I said to myself I will never be here again”. Who among us hasn’t felt like that at some point?
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Tali - Album Review: Love & Migration
11 Nov 2018 // A review by J_Plates
Tali releases her first full length Drum n Bass album since 2011’s Dark Days, High Nights, firmly planted on a label fans will undoubtedly know as synonymous with all things Soulful and Deep; Fokuz Recordings via Rotterdam, Netherlands. The “Liquid” Drum n Bass genre has become seemingly instilled with a certain genericism over the past few years; drum tracks often sounding like they’ve been plucked from the same static “sample pack of the moment”, and arrangements & instrumentation rarely taper off into unknown territory.
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The Flaming Mudcats - Album Review: Cut Loose
09 Nov 2018 // A review by jacquiew
The Flaming Mudcats' Cut Loose celebrates the band's tenth anniversary in fine style. This is a solid, rocking blues album from a well-established and well-loved kiwi act.
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Craig Payne - Album Review: Good News
05 Nov 2018 // A review by Peter-James Dries
Come one, come all. Roll up and step inside the time machine of Payne.
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Corduroy. - Single Review: Waiting Game
03 Nov 2018 // A review by Freecell
Corduroy. have just released their 2nd Single Waiting Game.
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Elemeno P - Gig Review: Elemeno P @ Nectar, Auckland
03 Nov 2018 // A review by butch181
Nestled within The Kingslander is the Nectar function area, a lovely warm area, with a wide deep stage area. The only real downside is that the stage area has a step about four metres away from the stage that could become a trip and fall hazard during the night depending on how packed the venue is.
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Investigator - Single Review: Goodbye Car
03 Nov 2018 // A review by eidirbs
"You ran over my heart, I said goodbye to that car" Investigator’s solo frontman, Adrian Drew is back again this month with another new single, building up for his five track EP due for release in December of this year. The raw vocals and classic rock sound of Investigators music pay homage to the Route 66 lifestyle.
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Gig Review: Foreigner & the ANU Orchestra @ Claudelands Arena, Hamilton - 01/11/2018
02 Nov 2018 // A review by butch181
The rain had finally given up for the day, though the wind remained as the scores of patrons headed into Claudelands Arena. Announcements over the speaker system announced the show would be commencing soon, so everyone was rushing around trying to find their seats.
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02 Nov 2018 // A review by butch181
The rain had finally given up for the day, though the wind remained as the scores of patrons headed into Claudelands Arena. Announcements over the speaker system announced the show would be commencing soon, so everyone was rushing around trying to find their seats.
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Superturtle - Album Review: Student Flat Reunion
31 Oct 2018 // A 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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Shihad - Shihad @ Brewers Indoor Arena, Mt Maunganui - 27/10/2018
31 Oct 2018 // A review by River Tucker
Shihad couldn’t have asked for better support acts in the form of Villainy and Kora for their 30th Anniversary Tour gig last weekend at Mt Maunganui. Not only did all the bands bring their A game to the stage, the audience was fully locked, loaded and set to celebrate thirty years of Shihad’s musical success.
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DEAF - EP Review: The DEAF EP
31 Oct 2018 // A review by eidirbs
If you’re feeling reminiscent of the times you let your Joy Division and New Order records be the only thing in your rotation, just wishing there were more great post-punk bands in your life then look no further. Of course, if you’re as big of a fan you’ve probably already heard of Deaf.
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Fire For Glory - Single Review: Stray Dogs
30 Oct 2018 // A review by Steve Shyu
If you’re involved in any way in the rock scene of Auckland, it’s likely you’ll have heard the name Fire For Glory. If you haven’t yet, well, tune in anyway: This pop-punk group has been kicking around Auckland for over half a decade now, and currently consists of Josh on the mic, Brian on bass guitar, Shay on the kit, plus Cam and Elijah on the six-strings.
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Pale Flag - Single/Video Review: In The Moment
30 Oct 2018 // A review by eidirbs
Pale Flag is a 5-piece metal from Auckland, New Zealand. While they are both young and very new on the scene they bring us promise for great things with their first single In This Moment.
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TUi MAMAKi - Album Review: Fly
29 Oct 2018 // A review by jacquiew
Tui Mamaki's album Fly is an ancestral crie du coeur inspired by her time spent living in Bulgaria. Tui was born in France and raised in Aotearoa/New Zealand and there is a certain global transcendence to her music.
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Gig Review: You're The Future Of Music @ Anthology Lounge, Auckland
29 Oct 2018 // A review by butch181
One never knows what to expect from a Wednesday night at a live music venue, but Anthology Lounge has been hosting a series of affordable musical experiences under the name You’re The Future Of Music. Previously focusing on singer-songwriters, Wednesday the 24th was their first night including bands in the series.
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29 Oct 2018 // A review by butch181
One never knows what to expect from a Wednesday night at a live music venue, but Anthology Lounge has been hosting a series of affordable musical experiences under the name You’re The Future Of Music. Previously focusing on singer-songwriters, Wednesday the 24th was their first night including bands in the series.
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Missy - Single/Video Review: Hate Me
29 Oct 2018 // A review by Paul Goddard
I think most of us have been in a relationship at some point that is both toxic and intoxicating. On the surface it seems simple, we like/love each other so we can get through anything right?
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Two Cartoons - Single Review: Less People (Less Traffic)
29 Oct 2018 // A review by Ria Loveder
Back in 2015 I reviewed Two Cartoons EP Lost Boys Club and raved about how they seem to so effortlessly create tunes that need to be sung loud and proud. Three years later, their latest single Less People (Less Traffic) is no exception.
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Ladi6 - Single/Video Review: Diagonals
28 Oct 2018 // A review by eidirbs
Ladi6 is a New Zealand musical icon, there's no denying it. Her sound melts perfectly into the listener's senses.
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Mazroy - Single Review: Ask Me Something
28 Oct 2018 // A review by J_Plates
Electronic beat maker and shed enthusiast Mazroy debuts his latest single Ask Me Something, from an undisclosed location somewhere in Wellington. Although it’s a track oozing unique character and is equally interesting stylistically (fusing wonky Future Garage influenced beats, airy organic vocals, and a lush accompaniment of intelligently arranged pads and keyboards); the one unfortunate let down to the entire production is that it contains some serious “out-of-phase” issues, ultimately distracting from an otherwise brilliantly charming track.
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28 Oct 2018 // A review by J_Plates
Electronic beat maker and shed enthusiast Mazroy debuts his latest single Ask Me Something, from an undisclosed location somewhere in Wellington. Although it’s a track oozing unique character and is equally interesting stylistically (fusing wonky Future Garage influenced beats, airy organic vocals, and a lush accompaniment of intelligently arranged pads and keyboards); the one unfortunate let down to the entire production is that it contains some serious “out-of-phase” issues, ultimately distracting from an otherwise brilliantly charming track.
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Shihad - Gig Review: Shihad @ Auckland Town Hall, Auckland - 26/10/2018
27 Oct 2018 // A review by Paul Goddard
It’s 1999 and I am in the UK, never heard of a band called Shihad. MTV or some other show plays this video with a band all dressed in white looking completely insane and there is this speed driven riff going off.
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Alae - Album Review: Henry St
27 Oct 2018 // A review by rupakelly
Henry St is the debut LP from NZ indie-folk band Alae. After the success of their first self-titled EP Alae and the subsequent tour they undertook coupled with the release of their singles Too Strung Up and Stone Cold, Alae entered the studio to work on their first full length album.
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Strangely Arousing - Gig Review: Strangely Arousing @ Tuning Fork, Auckland - 19/10/2018
24 Oct 2018 // A review by rupakelly
Strangely Arousing, hot off their strangely unconventional 7-date tour of South Korea and China crashed into the Tuning Fork In a hot beat and fantastic fashion. Bringing with them Joe's Van and their own DJ Straw Hat providing enjoyable jams between sets, the night was bursting with potential.
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Tablefox - Single Review: Like A River
24 Oct 2018 // A 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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Coridian - Single/Video Review: Better Off
23 Oct 2018 // A review by Corinne Rutherford
Coridian are back again with a “crushing” new single Better Off . The four-piece Auckland based rock group with impressive energy and a powerful sound are continuing their pursuit for radio domination with yet another stunner of a release.
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Max Jax Relax - EP Review: Max Jax Relax
23 Oct 2018 // A review by J_Plates
Wellington based 3-piece Max Jax Relax debut two moody, stripped back productions oozing melancholy beyond their years. Taking a less is more approach, their first release gives the listener a solid prelude into what the lads are all about.
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Art School - EP Review: Art School
23 Oct 2018 // A review by butch181
Art School is the short two-track self-titled EP from Wellington five-piece, Art School. Beginning with eight seconds of silence, Clown, kicks in with pulsing synths, leading to some jazzy guitar over the top.
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Greg Johnson - Gig Review: Greg Johnson @ The Pumphouse Theatre, Auckland
23 Oct 2018 // A 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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Spawts - Single Review: Blue Light Devil
22 Oct 2018 // A review by eidirbs
Spawts is a duo from Auckland. We last heard them collaborating in 2017 on an EP with Two Cartoons who join them to create a four-piece at most live shows.
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The Jiveniles - EP Review: Boss X Rough Edges
22 Oct 2018 // A review by eidirbs
Wellington based alternative rock band, The Jiveniles are fresh on the scene. A three-piece band with influences tugging in every direction, however, they manage to bring that together to create their own sound.
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22 Oct 2018 // A review by eidirbs
Wellington based alternative rock band, The Jiveniles are fresh on the scene. A three-piece band with influences tugging in every direction, however, they manage to bring that together to create their own sound.
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Dharma Dan - Album Review: Doha
21 Oct 2018 // A review by J_Plates
Dharma Dan drops us into his debut album Doha after years spent exploring meditation and contemplative practices. From the organically drawn self-portrait cover artwork, to the rawness of the production style; it is clear that this is a very honest and personal collection of material.
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Yoko-Zuna - Album review: Voyager
20 Oct 2018 // A review by eidirbs
Yoko-Zuna is an electronica and hip-hop fusion made up of four immensely talented and experienced musicians. Their sound is supported by a diverse range of backgrounds from each member, including the addition of jazz school training which becomes evident in a number of their songs.
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Gig Review: Panic! At The Disco @ Spark Arena, Auckland - 16/10/2018
18 Oct 2018 // A review by Trevor Faville
The backstory of Panic! At the Disco makes for some interesting questions when going to this show.
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18 Oct 2018 // A review by Trevor Faville
The backstory of Panic! At the Disco makes for some interesting questions when going to this show.
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Shepherds Reign - Album Review - Shepherds Reign
15 Oct 2018 // A review by Matt Mutinous
New Zealand is world renown for Polynesian musicians, groups like Deceptikonz, Nesian Mystik and Aaradhna are some of the first to come to mind. So, it was surprising to hear of a band breaking the mould and coming straight outta South Auckland into the Kiwi Metal scene.
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Sticky Filth - Gig Review: Sticky Filth @ Galatos, Auckland
14 Oct 2018 // A review by butch181
Walking into Galatos, the sight looked rather grim; 40 minutes after the doors had opened, and less than 20 people were in the venue. Fingers were crossed that it wouldn’t be a poor turnout, and everyone was turning up fashionably late.
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Gig Review: Harry Lyon @ Galatos, Auckland
14 Oct 2018 // A 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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14 Oct 2018 // A 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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Oakley Grenell - Single Review: Frienemy
14 Oct 2018 // A review by Freecell
Oakley Grenell has just released his new single Frienemy on his own record label, Central Records. It features Silva MC on vocals.
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Animalhead - Single Review: Rabbit Hole
13 Oct 2018 // A review by ApolloSteamTrain
Having been a fan of Animalhead's first release The Devil Told Me So, it was an easy decision to sign on and give the new track a spin. Armed with first-hand knowledge of the massive live sound that these 3 lads from West Auckland can produce, I grabbed myself a beer, strapped into my computer chair and applied headphones.
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Investigator - Single Review: Livin' In A Magazine
12 Oct 2018 // A review by eidirbs
This one is definitely for any retro, old school rock fans. Adrian Drew, better known as Investigator brings us his first single Livin’ in a Magazine, as he prepares for the release of his 5 track EP this December.
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The AJ Crawshaw Band - Video/Single Review: Life's For The Living
12 Oct 2018 // A review by butch181
This Mental Health Awareness Week brings the latest offering from The AJ Crawshaw Band; track that brings light to the artists own struggles with serious depression, to the point that he had planned how he would end it. Life’s For The Living is a living testament that life does get better and passes on the words that helped him through the darkness and back to the light; “Just ‘cos you can’t see it, don’t mean it’s not there.
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Ravenhall - Single/Video Review: Straight Up
12 Oct 2018 // A review by terry666
Straight Up is the latest single and video from Ravenhall - Auckland based duo Chris Brebner and Joe Ravenhall. From my understanding these guys have been in multiple bands together over the years and they have performed as Ravenhall for around 5 years.
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Geoff Ong - Single/Video Review: Don’t Know You No More
12 Oct 2018 // A review by Corinne Rutherford
Not long after his successful single Fingerprints was released and received airplay on actual radio stations, comes Auckland based Geoff Ong’s “banger” of a tune Don’t Know You No More, coinciding with a fun, frolicsome somewhat tongue-in-cheek video directed by Lochana Wijesundera, busting moves reminiscent of the “Carlton” (youngins may have to Google that) and cementing his self-proclaimed status of “pop star for dorks”. He has a wicked sense of humour which has given me a few giggles whilst stalking him for research.
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Sky Canvas - Single Review: Fossil
09 Oct 2018 // A review by Corinne Rutherford
Alternative Soul/hip hop 5 piece band Sky Canvas from Wellington, have released a funky new single Fossil - a rich bluesy beat infused with synth and accompanied by the strong soulful vocals of Katelin Little. Fossil is a jazzy number with a futuristic sound.
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Mel Parsons - Single/Video Review: I Got The Lonely
08 Oct 2018 // A review by jacquiew
Mel Parsons has a gift for writing great hooks - and her latest single I Got The Lonely is an excellent example of that gift in action. I Got The Lonely is a well-executed, clean, and radio-friendly teaser for Parsons' full-length album due to be released later this year.
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Albi & The Wolves - Single Review: It Ain't Easy
08 Oct 2018 // A review by jacquiew
It Ain't Easy is a 'rollicking good time' of a single from Tui Award-winning group Albi and the Wolves. Tight-as-a-drum vocal harmonies pack a punch from the very outset and the perfect pacing of this track as a whole maintains the listener's interest throughout.
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Emma G - Single/Video Review: Superhero
08 Oct 2018 // A review by Corinne Rutherford
I have loved Emma G from the moment I first reviewed her single King For A Day in 2017. She has a powerful voice which has the ability to transcend between genres effortlessly.
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Biobird - EP Review: Counter Productive
05 Oct 2018 // A review by rupakelly
Biobird is a one-man Dubstep project, with the main man Caleb Bird hailing from Hamilton. This is his third release, and his second EP, titled Counter Productive.
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The Upbeats - EP Review: No Sleep 'Til Japan & Iceland
05 Oct 2018 // A review by butch181
No Sleep ‘Til Japan & Iceland is an EP that has been seven months in the making from kiwi Drum and Bass duo The Upbeats. Completed partly in thanks to a crowdfunding effort raising nearly £9,000 for international collaborations to occur.
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Jaggers x Lines - Album Review: Burn Cycle
05 Oct 2018 // A review by darryl baser
Dunedin EDM (Electric Dance Music) duo Jaggers X Lines have been putting in the mahi (work) over a few years; headlining their own shows and playing support slots to some credible touring acts including looping wunderkind Tash Sultana. The pairing of Eliana Gray and Morgan Smilie describe themselves as ‘alt-pop weirdos’, and it’s a fitting description.
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Helen Corry - EP Review: Later For The Real Show
04 Oct 2018 // A 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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04 Oct 2018 // A 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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Hault - Single Review: Red Dress
03 Oct 2018 // A review by butch181
Red Dress is the latest release from Wellington three-piece Hault. A blitz of a song, tracking in at only 1:40; it has that concise and impassioned sound that tells you Hault have emerged from the underground scene.
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Otium - EP Review: You
03 Oct 2018 // A review by Peter-James Dries
I’m usually reluctant to go too deep into music that on the surface seems shallow, or popular. Reading that this was reggae/funk hybrid band that sung on love initially made me shrivel.
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Daffodils - Gig Review: Daffodils @ Tuning Fork, Auckland - 27/09/2018
01 Oct 2018 // A review by rupakelly
I spent the best times of my formative years adventuring into a multitude of venues, gigs, and shows. These gave me many fond memories of meeting up with friends, going out and enjoying our mutual interest: music.
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Craig Payne - Single Review: Just Like Yesterday
01 Oct 2018 // A review by DemonsDigest
There is nothing bad that I can say about Just Like Yesterday, the new single from Christchurch Rock musician Craig Payne - the lyrics are incredibly catchy, and the backing track is light and makes me think of road trips in Summer while listening to this.I know Summer is little while away but with lines like “the times we had, it’s just like yesterday” I’m picking this to be my Summer song, I simply love how well the music and lyrics flow together and I believe it speaks volumes about Craig's experience as a musician.
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Mitch James - Gig Review: Mitch James @ The Powerstation, Auckland - 28/09/2018
29 Sep 2018 // A 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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Hallelujah Picassos - Single Review: Voices of One
27 Sep 2018 // A review by darryl baser
The new single from Auckland indie cult band Hallelujah Picassos, Voices of One, seemed to come from out of the blue. The flip side is a Picassos' tune that anyone who listened to the student radio network in the mid to late 1990's will know that Black Spade Picasso Core was a favourite for many - possibly due to the profanity in the chorus…or maybe that was just me.
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Estère - Single/Video Review: Tokoloshe with Raiza Biza
27 Sep 2018 // A review by Shade
In Zulu mythology, a Tokoloshe is a dwarf-like water sprite. It is considered a mischievous and evil spirit that is called upon by malevolent people to cause trouble for others.
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Social Shun - Album Review: Somewhere Between Hate and Muffins
24 Sep 2018 // A review by Peter-James Dries
Somewhere Between Hate and Muffins: An experiment-like review for an experimental album. Observations Muffins: Warm.
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Don McGlashan - Gig Review: Don McGlashan @ Totara St, Mount Maunganui - 20/09/2018
23 Sep 2018 // A review by Corinne Rutherford
Don McGlashan has a voice which is instantly recognisable to many Kiwis, formerly from bands such as The Mutton Birds, Blam Blam Blam, The Front Lawn and The Bellbirds among others. He is a talented multi-instrumentalist, composer and singer who has now gone solo and is wowing crowds up and down the country with his Free Flight tour.
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The Chills - Gig Review: The Chills @ 50 Gorillas, Dunedin - 21/09/2018
22 Sep 2018 // A review by darryl baser
As I sit here listening to Snow Bound, re-writing this from notes in bed the morning after the gig, while I sip black coffee and eat chocolate and ginger biscuits, I feel life is good. And more importantly, this LP and tour really could be perfect for relaunching The Chills globally.
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Mixed Vege - Single/Video Review: Take Take Take
20 Sep 2018 // A review by Corinne Rutherford
Mixed Vege is an Auckland based band fronted by Goodshirt’s Rodney Fisher. They have just released their debut single Take Take Take .
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Laconic Zephyr - Single Review: Seek A New Day
20 Sep 2018 // A review by butch181
The latest offering from New Plymouth five-piece Laconic Zephyr, Seek A New Day, is an oddly mixed track.The track is a slow builder that doesn't quite pay off in the long run.
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Lookin Up - Single Review: Don't
20 Sep 2018 // A 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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Strangely Arousing - Single Review: Ladeda
20 Sep 2018 // A review by butch181
Ladeda is the latest single from Strangely Arousing due for release on September 28th and is a tranquil piece; cruising and comfortable. Right from the start of the track the vocals are the focal point, with lead singer Lukas Wharekura pulling off a variety of sounds; initially having the gritty crooning vocal styling of Rod Stewart before transitioning through a John Mayer sound, until finding his tone for the remainder of the track in something reminiscent of the style of Arctic Monkeys vocalist, Alex Turner.
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Chris William - EP Review: Out of Sight
18 Sep 2018 // A review by Andrew Smit
Out of Sight is an EP with 10 very easy on the ear compositions, with gentle serenading tunes, accompanied by Chris William's velvet vocals that glide on deft orchestral arrangements. You're struck by the clear and crisp tones of the instrumentation, there is piano, a cello, lots of orchestral keys, and they are all compelled forward nicely with modern beats.
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Levi Lights On Project - Gig Review: Levi with The Free Wind @ Wine Cellar, Auckland
18 Sep 2018 // A review by Sass_Metal
I have seen both Brendon and Levi perform with their Rock bands before – Brendon Thomas & the Vibes and Tribal State and knew how talented and how sonically stunning their voices are but I wasn’t prepared for how these two truly talented musicians would sound with the emphasis being more on their voices, than being backed by full bands. Normally I find myself getting bored with too much clean singing and often prefer death metal growls to clean singing.
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Gaz Coombes @ The Tuning Fork, Auckland - 17/09/2018
18 Sep 2018 // A review by Paul Goddard
Gaz Coombes along with his mates in Supergrass was part of the soundtrack to many of my heady nights out in the UK in the nineties. They were lumped into the whole Britpop scene by the media there but stood out due to in large part to the observational, conversational songwriting and lyrical style that has since been championed by Alex Turner and Arctic Monkeys.
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18 Sep 2018 // A review by Paul Goddard
Gaz Coombes along with his mates in Supergrass was part of the soundtrack to many of my heady nights out in the UK in the nineties. They were lumped into the whole Britpop scene by the media there but stood out due to in large part to the observational, conversational songwriting and lyrical style that has since been championed by Alex Turner and Arctic Monkeys.
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Bailterspace - Gig Review: Bailterspace with Wax Chattels @ The Cook, Dunedin - 15/09/2018
16 Sep 2018 // A review by darryl baser
Wax Chattels: wow, speed and precision. Their first two songs are at a breakneck pace; damn, what a band.
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Devilskin - Gig Review: Devilskin @ Altitude, Hamilton
14 Sep 2018 // A 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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Justin 'Firefly' Clarke - Single Review: Astral Tumbleweed
14 Sep 2018 // A review by Corinne Rutherford
Justin Firefly is a Master's Graduate of the New Zealand School of Music and seasoned guitarist based in Wellington. He has traversed the globe performing with such acts as The Woolshed Sessions, Fly My Pretties, Fat Freddy’s Drop and Jess Chambers and the Firefly Orchestra.
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The Chills - LP Review: Snow Bound
13 Sep 2018 // A review by darryl baser
There's nothing like a little pressure to spur a genius to greatness. Snow Bound could just be the greatest Chills LP yet.
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Pacific Heights - Album Review: A Lost Light
13 Sep 2018 // A review by butch181
A Lost Light is the Pacific Heights album I have been intrigued about ever since I reviewing The Greystone; a single that I described as having “a relaxing, tranquil tone that makes the body want to move gracefully and simultaneously sink into a mass of blankets”. As such, The Greystone is the opening track, which leaves the remainder of the album as exciting, unknown territory.
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Arrays - Album Review: Wreck
13 Sep 2018 // A review by Shade
Wreck is the debut album from talented multi-instrumentalist JP Carroll and follows on from his 2017 EP Motives. Being released under JP's solo heavy rock project Arrays, the title Wreck says so much, yet it says so little.
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Same Name Confusion - Single Review: My Plastic Baby
13 Sep 2018 // A 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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Kong Fooey - Single Review: Just For The Night
13 Sep 2018 // A review by butch181
Just For The Night is the first single to be released in the lead up to the release of Kong Fooey’s second album Feel The Love. Well and truly moving away from the soul and hip-hop specific themes of his debut album, Final Destination, producer Jason Peters has maintained a level of funk while exploring a more pop-infused electronic style of music.
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Tommie - Single Review: Better
12 Sep 2018 // A 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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12 Sep 2018 // A 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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Fables - Gig Review: Fables @ The Wine Cellar, Auckland
11 Sep 2018 // A review by butch181
Stepping through the door of Auckland’s Wine Cellar, I was caught off-guard. Gone was the empty floor space and in its place were several rows of seats, already nearly full with what looks like a number of friends and family.
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Fables - EP Review: Portraits
11 Sep 2018 // A review by Shade
Fables latest release Portraits is absolutely stunning – for a release that was originally meant to be a 4 song EP recorded at Wine Cellar, adding the extra 3 songs may have been a risk in quantity over quality. However, this release definitely doesn’t disappoint.
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If He Dies He Dies - The Medusa
11 Sep 2018 // A review by Epitomised_Drummer
A while back, I had the privilege of reviewing The Jason McIver Collective, and having watched Jason McIver’s movements with music ever since, I jumped at the chance of getting to review his new band If He Dies He Dies single The Medusa. Now first things first, make sure your speakers are set as loud as they will go without distorting.
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Mitch James - Single Review: Old News
10 Sep 2018 // A review by rupakelly
Coming out of the already fantastically robust music scene of Dunedin, Mitch James has released yet another single ahead of his debut album. Titled Old News the song is a heartfelt statement to one you care for, but one you have wronged and one that is leaving; a sentiment that many can relate to.
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Scott MCB - Single Review: That Day
10 Sep 2018 // A review by Corinne Rutherford
Scott MCB is a singer songwriter from Auckland. He has been busy developing his music style and has just released his latest single That Day along with his second video.
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10 Sep 2018 // A review by Corinne Rutherford
Scott MCB is a singer songwriter from Auckland. He has been busy developing his music style and has just released his latest single That Day along with his second video.
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Gearloose - Single Review: Tomorrow At My Fingertips
06 Sep 2018 // A 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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Sons Of Zion - Sons of Zion @ Powerstation, Auckland
05 Sep 2018 // A review by Steve Shyu
Otium The team of five fresh-faced lads from Whangarei wasted no time in setting the pace for the evening by laying out a slow-grooving rhythm and a rolling bassline in that all-familiar sound of Kiwi reggae. After all, this is what the rest of the night is about!
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Gig Review: Pink @ Forsyth Barr Stadium, Dunedin - 01/09/2018
02 Sep 2018 // A review by jacquiew
Pink took Dunedin to heaven tonight, figuratively and literally, with a stellar performance featuring acrobatics, mesmerising dance, theatre, and powerhouse vocals. The crowd came ready for a good time and when Pink took to the stage slightly after 9pm she declared her intention (following a tongue in cheek fanfare on solo recorder) with Get The Party Started, the star herself swinging from a giant chandelier in a black sequined one-piece suit and singing while hanging upside down.
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02 Sep 2018 // A review by jacquiew
Pink took Dunedin to heaven tonight, figuratively and literally, with a stellar performance featuring acrobatics, mesmerising dance, theatre, and powerhouse vocals. The crowd came ready for a good time and when Pink took to the stage slightly after 9pm she declared her intention (following a tongue in cheek fanfare on solo recorder) with Get The Party Started, the star herself swinging from a giant chandelier in a black sequined one-piece suit and singing while hanging upside down.
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Jessy & The Volunteers - Gig Review: Jessy & the Volunteers @ Anthology Lounge, Auckland - 24/08/2018
30 Aug 2018 // A review by butch181
Anthology Lounge is one of the newest kids on the block in regards to gig venues in Auckland City, and the vibe inside is relaxed. Set up with a series of circular booths and tables, the scene is set up more for seated affairs, than jamming people together in the standing area in front of the stage.
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Gig Review: Bob Dylan @ Horncastle Arena, Christchurch - 28/08/2018
29 Aug 2018 // A review by jacquiew
“Expectation is the mother of crisis” as my father is fond of saying. Perhaps no performer visiting New Zealand of late has had the weight of expectation more firmly foisted upon him than Bob Dylan.
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29 Aug 2018 // A review by jacquiew
“Expectation is the mother of crisis” as my father is fond of saying. Perhaps no performer visiting New Zealand of late has had the weight of expectation more firmly foisted upon him than Bob Dylan.
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Gig Review: Courtney Barnett @ The Powerstation, Auckland - 28/08/2018
29 Aug 2018 // A review by Paul Goddard
I love watching support bands. For some people, they are an excuse to stay in whatever bar, house or car they are preloading in for a little bit longer, but I love the unexpected.
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29 Aug 2018 // A review by Paul Goddard
I love watching support bands. For some people, they are an excuse to stay in whatever bar, house or car they are preloading in for a little bit longer, but I love the unexpected.
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Jessy & The Volunteers - Single Review: Night Watch
27 Aug 2018 // A review by Steve Shyu
Formerly performing as a solo project, this brand-new soul-groove band Auckland was put together by lead singer Jessy Wadeson in June 2018. Jessy & The Volunteers wasted no time in premiering this new tune at Karangahape Road’s Anthology Lounge last Friday night and it was embraced with high praise.
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LA Thompson - Single Review: It's Raining
27 Aug 2018 // A review by Epitomised_Drummer
LA Thompson is a very accomplished musician having performed all around the country in various capacities, and this is her latest single release It’s Raining. I’ve never heard LA play before as it’s a completely different genre to what I would normally listen to, but what a pleasant surprise for me - I feel quite honoured to get the opportunity to listen to this brand-new single before the general public do.
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Die! Die! Die! - Gig Review: Die! Die! Die! @ The Captain Cook Tavern, Dunedin - 24/08/2018
26 Aug 2018 // A review by darryl baser
The first band on for the night was Wet Specimen, starting at 9:45pm. Wet Specimen are a three-piece band born from the remnants of Opposite Sex, featuring Lucy on bass and vocals, Reggie on guitar and Chris Schmelz on drums.
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Julia Deans - Gig Review: Julia Deans @ 50 Gorillas, Dunedin - 23/08/2018
25 Aug 2018 // A review by darryl baser
The Broken Heartbreakers front woman Rachael Bailey has the half full, yet filling, venue hanging on her every word. Her second song I'm Happy That You're Not Around leaves the listener in no doubt what it is about.
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Captain Festus McBoyle's Travellin' Variety Show - Captain Festus McBoyle and His Motley Crew - Single Review: The Little Things
25 Aug 2018 // A review by Shade
I first came across Captain Festus McBoyle when he appeared on a television show performing a track Cheeky Little Monkey. Having enjoyed that track immensely, I had a little hunt and came across many other tracks from this hugely talented man.
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JCK - Album Review: Input/Output
25 Aug 2018 // A review by Corinne Rutherford
Kiwi hip-hop artist JCK has just dropped a mean double album. Input/Output is 19 tracks of varying styles of hip-hop and rap which should be enough to satisfy even the most discerning hip-hop connoisseur.
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Unknown - Demo Review: Sins of Eve
24 Aug 2018 // A review by rupakelly
Sins of Eve's demo showcases, overall, their potential and vision for their music to come. A chunky riff-based Rock group hailing from Christchurch, Sins of Eve combines the very unique and honestly thrilling voice of their vocalist, Joy Bantayan with some thoroughly groovy and catchy riffs effortlessly.
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Gig Review: Queens of the Stone Age @ Spark Arena, Auckland 23/08/2018
24 Aug 2018 // A review by butch181
With little fanfare, Australian blues singer C.W.
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24 Aug 2018 // A review by butch181
With little fanfare, Australian blues singer C.W.
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Holly Arrowsmith - Gig Review: Holly Arrowsmith @ Fairfield House, Nelson - 22/08/2018
23 Aug 2018 // A review by jacquiew
A pure voice is hard to find. Such a voice underpinned by a soul that reaches out to mesmerise and enchant an audience is even rarer.
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Bill Direen and The Bilders - LP Review: Cut
23 Aug 2018 // A review by darryl baser
It’s kind of weird reviewing an album which came out 24 years ago. I remember Volt Studios, the enigmatic Brendan Hoffman, he even mastered a cassette release of mine in 1995… but I digress… one wouldn’t want to blather on about a venue and not the music; that would be amateurish… Dunedin, 1994.
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Gig Review: Katy Perry @ Spark Arena, Auckland - 20/08/2018
21 Aug 2018 // A review by Sass_Metal
This is the story of how a heavy metal journalist ended up surprisingly enjoying themselves at a POP show – the amazing extravaganza that is Katy Perry’s ‘Witness’ tour. I knew that as a pop show it would be an amazing show - that’s an understatement!
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21 Aug 2018 // A review by Sass_Metal
This is the story of how a heavy metal journalist ended up surprisingly enjoying themselves at a POP show – the amazing extravaganza that is Katy Perry’s ‘Witness’ tour. I knew that as a pop show it would be an amazing show - that’s an understatement!
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Ghost Who Walks - EP Review: Ghost Who Walks
21 Aug 2018 // A review by Paul Goddard
This debut EP from Wellington’s Ghost Who Walks comes hot on the electro-plasmic coat tails of the latest single released, Walking Talking Blues. Vertigo is the opener here and is a blues 'n' funk-tinged blast with more than a hint of soul that will get you dancing.
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Michael Signal - EP Review: Direct Injection
21 Aug 2018 // A review by Epitomised_Drummer
Take the members of Motley Crue, slide an IV Drip into their veins, fill the bag with pure full caffeinated coffee, then let them write an album. That’s probably the best description I can come up with for this EP.
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Aaron Carpenter and The Revelators - EP Review: Roll with the Punches
20 Aug 2018 // A review by Peter-James Dries
The last bastions of real music in a world that celebrates mediocrity are the minnows swimming against the current of the mainstream. What is the mainstream nowadays?
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Darryl Baser - Gig Review: Darryl Baser @ Moon, Wellington - 18/08/2018
19 Aug 2018 // A review by tonymcdonald
Unfortunately, Moon wasn't rocking this Saturday night in Newtown. The crowds may have been watching the All Blacks in a nearby bar.
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Vallé - Single Review: Love Me
17 Aug 2018 // A review by Andrew Smit
After a short and dreamy musical intro, the rap begins and it’s an assured and clear rap, and Vallé's Love Me sounds sublime. The classic syncopation of rhythm and rhyme is performed with a cool style, but it's also intense and stirring.
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PlasticGroove - Single Review: Me and You
16 Aug 2018 // A review by butch181
Me and You by Wellington's PlasticGroove is a track that you need to be prepared for. Being unprepared will lead to a shock that will have your heart rate elevated for a reasonable length of time to come.
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Corduroy. - Single Review: The Usual
16 Aug 2018 // A review by butch181
Corduroy.'s The Usual starts with such a smooth sound.
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SWIDT - EP Review: The Most Electrifying
15 Aug 2018 // A review by jck2
Onehunga's own SWIDT have released their 6-song EP The Most Electrifying. SWIDT's style is in the same contemporary direction as American Superstars J Cole and Migos, but with SWIDT’s exceptional talent of translating their big personalities, humour, wit and vibe to their records.
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15 Aug 2018 // A review by jck2
Onehunga's own SWIDT have released their 6-song EP The Most Electrifying. SWIDT's style is in the same contemporary direction as American Superstars J Cole and Migos, but with SWIDT’s exceptional talent of translating their big personalities, humour, wit and vibe to their records.
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Vince Harder - EP Review: Colours
15 Aug 2018 // A review by butch181
Vince Harder has had a great impact on the entertainment industry in Australia to date, performing on many occasions with Australian Idol Guy Sebastian, coming third in their X-Factor series, and performing in theatre roles, such as Simba in the Lion King live production. His influence has been ever-present in the New Zealand music scene, working as a producer and songwriter, and this latest release, Colours, is one of his own works.
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Eight Eyed Orchid - Single Review: Petrichor
12 Aug 2018 // A review by terry666
Eight Eyed Orchid have released their first single of the forthcoming EP One By One And Two By Two, Petrichor. This is a solid track brimming with explosive energy.
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Gig Review: Celine Dion @ Spark Arena, Auckland - 11/08/2018
12 Aug 2018 // A review by Reef
After a long spell of 22 years, five-time Grammy award winner Celine Dion hit the stage at Auckland's Spark Arena last night in the first of three shows she will perform in Auckland over the coming four days. I headed along to check out the voice behind the name who is regarded by some as "pop music's most influential voice" among female pop stars.
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12 Aug 2018 // A review by Reef
After a long spell of 22 years, five-time Grammy award winner Celine Dion hit the stage at Auckland's Spark Arena last night in the first of three shows she will perform in Auckland over the coming four days. I headed along to check out the voice behind the name who is regarded by some as "pop music's most influential voice" among female pop stars.
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The Jordan Luck Band - Gig Review: Jordan Luck Band & Ekko Park @ Cosmopolitan Club, Pukekohe - 4/08/2018
11 Aug 2018 // A review by Kerry MB
The last date in The Jordan Luck Band and Ekko Park tour came to a blinding end at Pukekohe’s Cosmopolitan Club. With the average demographic well into the forties and fifties (with a smattering of us in the younger generations) it was a night that rocked, whatever your age was.
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Left Or Right - Gig Review: Left or Right @ Whammy Bar, Auckland - 13/07/2018
10 Aug 2018 // A review by Sass_Metal
After 6 months of traveling Europe and the UK I’ve found it an adjustment coming back to NZ for a number of reasons – one of which being shows not having the first band on till 9pm, when in UK and England 9pm would be the 2nd to last band as most shows finish around 11pm which is AMAZING – especially on a week night, another adjustment is that in New Zealand (well for 4/5 shows I’ve attended, worked or reviewed in the last two weeks) is that there’s hardly anyone at the show for the first band. It’s so hard going first in Auckland, as it’s common to pre-drink and not make it out till 10, but Leighton Fairle did an amazing job.
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Bingo Fighter - Single Review: I’ve Got Zero Attention
10 Aug 2018 // A 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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Blair Jollands - Album Review: 7 Blood
08 Aug 2018 // A review by Kris Raven
I had never heard of Blair Jollands before, and I am always open for artists I have not yet discovered that can blow my mind. When I first heard the first single 7 Blood I was not disappointed.
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Darryl Baser - LP Review: Raw Selfie
08 Aug 2018 // A review by Corinne Rutherford
Dunedin based musician Darryl Baser released the Raw Selfie LP back in 2016 on Zelle Records and Powertool Records. ‘Selfie’ relating to the modern obsession with taking photos of yourself and posting to social straight away.
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Bulletbelt - Single Review: Faster Than Death
07 Aug 2018 // A review by butch181
Their first release since their line-up change and the departure of vocalist Jolene Tempest, Faster Than Death, features the recording debut of new singer Scott Spatcher-Harrison and lead guitarist Josh O'Brien. With these changes, comes a slight change in sound, most noticeably in the vocals, switching from the higher range abrasive style that Tempest was known for, to Spatcher-Harrison naturally low, deep, rolling growls.
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Hive Mind - Album Review: Hive Mind
07 Aug 2018 // A review by Epitomised_Drummer
Hive Mind the five-piece rock act based out of Wellington have just dropped their brand new self-titled 12 track album, and it is quite simply superb. I wasn’t quite sure what I was expecting when I opened the first track War Story.
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Ghost Who Walks - Single Review: Walking Talking Blues
06 Aug 2018 // A review by Paul Goddard
Ghost Who Walks are one of those bands whose mixture of blues, funk and soul could easily fall into the abyss that is mediocrity. Like any band who mix genres, the result can be something that should be tasty but also runs the risk of coming out as bland as the rice crackers I am munching on while writing this.
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Gig Review: World Domination @ The Crown Hotel, Dunedin - 4 August 2018
05 Aug 2018 // A review by darryl baser
The coastal settlement of Waitati just north of Dunedin has been described as a refuge for creative types for generations, like Brunswick in Melbourne, or how Grey Lynn used to be pre-housing boom, or Wellington’s Aro Valley, except Waitati is rural and more 'down home'. The good folks of Waitati wanted to buy a PA system for people to use out there, to encourage bands with talent, but not resources.
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05 Aug 2018 // A review by darryl baser
The coastal settlement of Waitati just north of Dunedin has been described as a refuge for creative types for generations, like Brunswick in Melbourne, or how Grey Lynn used to be pre-housing boom, or Wellington’s Aro Valley, except Waitati is rural and more 'down home'. The good folks of Waitati wanted to buy a PA system for people to use out there, to encourage bands with talent, but not resources.
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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 // A 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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This Sporting Life - Album Review: Alms For Children
03 Aug 2018 // A review by darryl baser
With the postal service in steady decline it's always great when a CD arrives unsolicited. Especially when it is a band you've never hear of from 30 years ago, then you put it on and it sounds as fresh as it would have to the people who grew up with it.
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03 Aug 2018 // A review by darryl baser
With the postal service in steady decline it's always great when a CD arrives unsolicited. Especially when it is a band you've never hear of from 30 years ago, then you put it on and it sounds as fresh as it would have to the people who grew up with it.
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Built - EP Review: Here’s To Sweet Sabotage
03 Aug 2018 // A review by River Tucker
Musician Dean Young has been writing and producing some fantastic music over the last couple of decades. His latest musical work released under the name Built, comes in the form of a stonkingly good 6 track EP entitled Here’s To Sweet Sabotage.
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LatinAotearoa - Album Review: Influecis Et Collabis
01 Aug 2018 // A review by darryl baser
If there’s one word which sums up LatinAotearoa’s newest offering Influecis Et Collabis, it’s collaboration. Every cut on this incredible full-length album features guest artists, and it’s a who’s who of the New Zealand jazz, blues and other similar genres.
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Jed Parsons - Album Review: Midnight Feast
31 Jul 2018 // A 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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Oyawa - EP Review: The Mary Anning EP
31 Jul 2018 // A review by DemonsDigest
Oyawa is a three-piece indie/alternative band hailing from Auckland, although the members come from all over, and is made up of the collective efforts of Brett Garrity, Miles Gillett and Nikki Ngatai. Formed in late 2011, this isn’t the first time I’ve heard of Oyawa and after listening to this EP I’ll be keeping an eye out for their upcoming shows - I suggest you do the same.
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Depths - Gig Review: Depths @ Ding Dong Lounge, Auckland 28/07/2018
30 Jul 2018 // A review by rupakelly
It's been awhile since I found myself at a metal gig, long gone are the days of black clad, sweaty moshing where everything ended in the word ‘core’, deathcore, hardcore, grindcore. Funnelling into the small room that formed Ding Dong Lounge's upstairs gig room, smelling the sweat of closely pressed flannel donner bodies revelling in the burning of energy and joy at the expression of art categorised as metal brought back fond memories of 16-year-old me, Saturday nights spent at my local venue with close friends.
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JCK - Single/Video Review: Super Heavy Rap Shit Feat. Pakkz Tha General & Alpha
28 Jul 2018 // A review by Corinne Rutherford
This is the continuation of a journey for me, delving into the world of Rap. And because I never do anything by half, I have jumped in boots and all.
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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 // A 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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Mecuzine - Album Review: Cutting Strings
27 Jul 2018 // A review by Corinne Rutherford
Mecuzine is a five-piece Indie rock band from Auckland, and they're making a name for themselves in the music world for their dynamic and exciting mix of music genres “Mecuzine doesn’t follow fashion or trends – they write and play by their own rules”. The band has just released their debut album Cutting Strings which was recorded at Silverpoint Studios, Auckland and mastered in Nashville, engineered by Kane Bennett.
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Huia - EP Review: Aio
27 Jul 2018 // A review by Shade
Aio - to be at Peace. Aio is what we strive for in our own minds, Aio is what nature is calling for and Aio is what the world needs Alright first, I'll admit my Te Reo is pretty rough for someone who calls themselves a born and bred Kiwi.
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Outland Sessions - EP Review: Darkness
26 Jul 2018 // A review by Steve Shyu
The Outland Sessions is the result of a large collaborative project between 20 Kiwi musicians who gathered in Pahiatua over February 2018 to jam, write and record songs. The end products are twenty entirely different-sounding songs, mixed and mastered by Mordecai Records and released as three separate EP's.
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26 Jul 2018 // A review by Steve Shyu
The Outland Sessions is the result of a large collaborative project between 20 Kiwi musicians who gathered in Pahiatua over February 2018 to jam, write and record songs. The end products are twenty entirely different-sounding songs, mixed and mastered by Mordecai Records and released as three separate EP's.
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Michael Morris - Album Review: Slow Loris
26 Jul 2018 // A review by darryl baser
Former Dunedin musician Michael Morris has recently moved to Paris, France. He’s always had a talent for the theatrical and flamboyant.
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Outland Sessions - EP Review: Duskfall
24 Jul 2018 // A review by Steve Shyu
The Outland Sessions is the end product of a large collaborative project between 20 Kiwi musicians who gathered in Pahiatua over February 2018 to jam, write and record songs. The end products are twenty entirely different-sounding songs, mixed and mastered by Mordecai Records and released as three separate EP's.
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24 Jul 2018 // A review by Steve Shyu
The Outland Sessions is the end product of a large collaborative project between 20 Kiwi musicians who gathered in Pahiatua over February 2018 to jam, write and record songs. The end products are twenty entirely different-sounding songs, mixed and mastered by Mordecai Records and released as three separate EP's.
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Icepro - Single Review: Last Breath
24 Jul 2018 // A review by jck2
Icepro’s new single Last Breath, featuring Piri Mac, is a tribute to West Coast 90’s Gangster rap with a nod to the hook from the 1997 hit Going Back To Cali by Notorious B.I.
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LA Thompson - Single Review: Reach Out
24 Jul 2018 // A review by Corinne Rutherford
LA Thompson (Shirley Howe), the founder of Local Musicians Music (LMM), has released another beautiful single titled Reach Out, from her album New Sun Rising. This is a song about love and light and it was written for the people she loves.
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Laconic Zephyr - Single Review: Cools You Down
24 Jul 2018 // A review by Corinne Rutherford
Laconic Zephyr have certainly made themselves heard with their release Cools You Down. This five-piece band from New Plymouth have rocketed to a number one spot on the New Zealand iTunes Rock Chart, with a song which only took 20 minutes to write by the bands lead vocalist and bass guitarist Joss Bines.
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Decades - Gig Review: Decades @ Whammy Bar, Auckland - 20/07/18
23 Jul 2018 // A review by Paul Goddard
I love Auckland and I love Whammy Bar. A dive bar by definition, this underground venue has been the staple of underground bands for years and long may it continue.
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Jed Parsons - Gig Review: Jed Parsons w/October @ Neck of the Woods, Auckland - 20/07/2018
22 Jul 2018 // A review by butch181
An early night at Neck of the Woods, with doors open well before 7pm and the night set to end by 10pm. A nice early evening that still leaves the night open for those that like their late nights in town.
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Missrosevalentina - Album Review: Warhol
22 Jul 2018 // A 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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Nadia Reid - Gig Review: Nadia Reid @ 50 Gorillas, Dunedin - 20/07/2018
21 Jul 2018 // A review by darryl baser
The last show of the High and Lonely tour by Nadia Reid and band took place at 50 Gorillas in Dunedin, with newish Dunedin band Die Musikband opening up the evening. Die Musikband are a four-piece of experienced musicians playing a version of what's generally known as Krautrock.
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Decades - Gig Review: Decades @ Empire Bar, Christchurch - 13/07/2018
18 Jul 2018 // A review by ivyxenaxxe
Decades kicked off their The Truth Hurts Tour in Christchurch on Friday the 13th of July at Empire Bar. The venue is fairly new, and they have invested in their stage set up and sound system quite heavily.
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Boycrush - Gig Review: Boycrush @ Whammy Bar Backroom, Auckland 07/07/2018
18 Jul 2018 // A review by butch181
Every time I go to the Backroom at St Kevin's Arcade I feel like I’m wandering around the stairs of Hogwarts; the layout seems to change each time, or a different entrance is used, sometimes there is a bar, sometimes there isn’t. In this case, the entire stage area had been transformed into something I’ve never seen from the Backroom of Whammy before.
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Geoff Horne - Album Review: Love Only You
17 Jul 2018 // A review by Tori Reed
Geoff Horne's album, Love Only You starts solidly. It takes you back to a time (if you're old enough, which I, unfortunately, am) of heavy guitar riffs, simple 4/4 beats and obvious transitions.
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17 Jul 2018 // A review by Tori Reed
Geoff Horne's album, Love Only You starts solidly. It takes you back to a time (if you're old enough, which I, unfortunately, am) of heavy guitar riffs, simple 4/4 beats and obvious transitions.
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These Four Walls - Single Review: Over and Over
17 Jul 2018 // A review by Paul Goddard
These Four Walls have been around a long time. It's because they have a strong foundation built on late 90's, early 2000's rock.
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NRG Rising - Album Review: Say Yes To Life
14 Jul 2018 // A review by darryl baser
Say Yes To Life has been described as a highly anticipated new album from whanau band NRG Rising. This group is a mother and two daughters, and right from the outset the whanau bond is obvious as the three women harmonise very well, with the sort of effortless styles which only comes from a very close family unit.
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Outland Sessions - EP Review: Daylight
13 Jul 2018 // A review by Steve Shyu
The Outland Sessions is the result of a large collaborative project between 20 Kiwi musicians who gathered in Pahiatua over February 2018 to jam, write and record songs. The end products are twenty entirely different-sounding songs, mixed and mastered by Mordecai Records and released as three separate EPs.
Read More...
13 Jul 2018 // A review by Steve Shyu
The Outland Sessions is the result of a large collaborative project between 20 Kiwi musicians who gathered in Pahiatua over February 2018 to jam, write and record songs. The end products are twenty entirely different-sounding songs, mixed and mastered by Mordecai Records and released as three separate EPs.
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LA Thompson - Single Review: Lovelight
12 Jul 2018 // A review by Corinne Rutherford
Prolific supporter and promoter of NZ indie artists and talented song writer / musician LA Thompson has just released a song by Brett Howes. This is collaboration with Brett who is also a member of the LMM Network which LA Thompson (Shirley Howe) founded.
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ABRZY - EP Review: Night Fall
11 Jul 2018 // A review by ShelleySketch
After interviewing ABRZY, I knew I had to be the one to review his brand-new EP Night Fall. This short EP consists of three tracks; his most recent single Top Down, which has been reviewed here, and two new previously unreleased tracks Night Fall kicks off with the enterprising track, Rock Your Body.
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Callum Gentleman - Single/Video Review: Cigarettes
10 Jul 2018 // A 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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Pacific Heights - Single Review: The Greystone
10 Jul 2018 // A review by butch181
Starting with a piano riff that repeats for the first 30 seconds of the song, it has a high note that acts as the metronome and keeps the rhythm flowing until the shift. That high note is a sign of quality in its sound; the way in which it recedes and but still builds as the note is continually struck, gives The Greystone authenticity.
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Fanfickk - Single Review: Cotton Candy
10 Jul 2018 // A 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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Undercut - Single Review: Blue Nurse
10 Jul 2018 // A review by butch181
Undercut’s latest release Blue Nurse is a grungy little number, that has an early 2000’s vibe; encapsulating the energy of albums of the era, such as Hoobastank’s 2004 The Reason, Taking Back Sunday’s 2006 Louder Now, while maintaining that kiwi sound (that track brings back fond memories of when Goodshirt’s Green was released). A simple track, that maintains a good pace during the verses and is reminiscent of Sommerset’s Streets Don’t Close, with hints of the punchy power chords of Villainy’s Ammunition throughout the outro.
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10 Jul 2018 // A review by butch181
Undercut’s latest release Blue Nurse is a grungy little number, that has an early 2000’s vibe; encapsulating the energy of albums of the era, such as Hoobastank’s 2004 The Reason, Taking Back Sunday’s 2006 Louder Now, while maintaining that kiwi sound (that track brings back fond memories of when Goodshirt’s Green was released). A simple track, that maintains a good pace during the verses and is reminiscent of Sommerset’s Streets Don’t Close, with hints of the punchy power chords of Villainy’s Ammunition throughout the outro.
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Holly Arrowsmith - Album Review: A Dawn I Remember
10 Jul 2018 // A review by Trevor Faville
Sometimes it’s good to approach writing a review for a new collection of music by listening to the music first, before reading any of the attendant press, and reviewer info. That way you listen to what you are hearing as opposed to what you are expecting.
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Deathnir - Album Review: Second Sin
09 Jul 2018 // A 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.
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Geoff Ong - Single/Video Review: Fingerprints
09 Jul 2018 // A review by Corinne Rutherford
Auckland-based pop-soul musician Geoff Ong has just released his brand-new track Fingerprints and self-shot video which accompanies it. The video is obviously filmed with a hand-held camera but manages to capture the vibrancy of Tokyo.
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Esoligh - Album Review: Brightness Sparks
08 Jul 2018 // A review by jck2
Brightness Sparks by Esoligh is a 14-track album of conscious boom bap. The album runs for 54 minutes.
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08 Jul 2018 // A review by jck2
Brightness Sparks by Esoligh is a 14-track album of conscious boom bap. The album runs for 54 minutes.
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Brendan Pyper - Single Review: No Strings Attached
07 Jul 2018 // A review by Peter-James Dries
I think we have this decade’s Daniel Bedingfield on our hands. Diversifying his portfolio, The Latest Fallout’s Brendan Pyper has just released his debut single, in the process seemingly leaving his Pop Rock ways behind.
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07 Jul 2018 // A review by Peter-James Dries
I think we have this decade’s Daniel Bedingfield on our hands. Diversifying his portfolio, The Latest Fallout’s Brendan Pyper has just released his debut single, in the process seemingly leaving his Pop Rock ways behind.
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Like A Storm - Album Review: Catacombs
05 Jul 2018 // A 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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Gig Review: The Winter Party 2018 @ Embankment Tavern, Christchurch - 23/06/2018
05 Jul 2018 // A review by ivyxenaxxe
The Winter Party was an astounding Rock gig held at The Embankment Christchurch 23 June 2018 and it was organised by the band Streakers. The line-up was: Sex Beard, A Doubtful Sound, Streakers, Pieces of Molly, Skinny Hobos, No Broadcast and Enfire.
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05 Jul 2018 // A review by ivyxenaxxe
The Winter Party was an astounding Rock gig held at The Embankment Christchurch 23 June 2018 and it was organised by the band Streakers. The line-up was: Sex Beard, A Doubtful Sound, Streakers, Pieces of Molly, Skinny Hobos, No Broadcast and Enfire.
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Pale Lady - EP Review: Told To Fold
04 Jul 2018 // A review by voodoobloo
I’ve been a big fan of Pale Lady right from the first moment I saw them perform live back in 2017. Their solid alt-rock sound infused with so many other flavours makes them a very refreshing yet familiar sounding act.
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ASHY - Single Review: Jersey
01 Jul 2018 // A review by darryl baser
Ashy (Aswini Batchelor) is an exceptional song writer who is currently recording new material in Auckland. Her single Jersey was released at the start of June, and immediately gained traction on mainstream radio.
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Lexxa - Single Review: I Got Better Friends Now
01 Jul 2018 // A review by darryl baser
Lexxa is Maude and Julia Morris, twin sisters - maybe identical, maybe not. Their press says they make "dreamy pop bangers that tear shreds from your heart but still make you smile".
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Lola Sola - Single Review: You Got Me Good
01 Jul 2018 // A review by Tori Reed
Lola Sola has been a busy girl. Consistently releasing an album or EP every two years, a feat that is much harder than it may sound, she does not disappoint with her new track You Got Me Good.
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01 Jul 2018 // A review by Tori Reed
Lola Sola has been a busy girl. Consistently releasing an album or EP every two years, a feat that is much harder than it may sound, she does not disappoint with her new track You Got Me Good.
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Milly Tabak & The Miltones - Gig Review: The Miltones w/ Reb Fountain @ Pt Chevalier Memorial RSA, Auckland 22/06/2018
28 Jun 2018 // A review by butch181
The Pt Chevalier Memorial RSA isn’t a venue that I have been in before, and after entering the venue, the merch stand had me convinced I was at the right place, but the lack of a stage or any instruments had me reasonably confused. Luckily, noticing some music playing behind a large curtain I discovered the larger half of the venue.
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Scott MCB - Single/Video Review: In Your Mind
26 Jun 2018 // A review by Andrew Smit
A tenderly plucked guitar leads to some nice rhythmic strums, which is then united with a suitably soothing vocal, it’s a nice start that presents well the songs musical quality. In your Mind is a beautiful sounding song that also delivers a clear message, a message that many will find heartening to see presented as it is in the music video.
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26 Jun 2018 // A review by Andrew Smit
A tenderly plucked guitar leads to some nice rhythmic strums, which is then united with a suitably soothing vocal, it’s a nice start that presents well the songs musical quality. In your Mind is a beautiful sounding song that also delivers a clear message, a message that many will find heartening to see presented as it is in the music video.
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Times x Two - EP Review: Late Night Legacy
26 Jun 2018 // A review by ShelleySketch
Times x Two have been somewhat of a staple in the New Zealand festival scene for a while, but they have now stepped up and are showing NZ just how big they can be with the release of their new EP Late Night Legacy. The EP cover art is strong and regal, with Cader and Zee against a rich red background; somewhat of a reflection of the objective of the EP itself, as there are some solid tracks that are sure to blow up.
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Thomston - Single & Video Review: Acid Rain
25 Jun 2018 // A review by ShelleySketch
Thomston has been rather absent from the public eye lately but decided to surprise us by releasing a new single and video for Acid Rain. The single cover art has somewhat a very retro feel, thanks to the clothing choices of a metallic button up with cream pants used in the image.
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Racing - Single Review: Devil's Work
25 Jun 2018 // A review by Paul Goddard
My heart is racing. Not sure if that’s a good sign?
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Phat Krunk - EP Review: Whatever You Say
25 Jun 2018 // A 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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Mudbelly - Single/Video Review: Bullet
25 Jun 2018 // A review by butch181
Christchurch alt-rock four-piece Hypnumb come out with their debut single, Bullet, and an accompanying video. Straight off the bat, the opening notes of distorted guitar with reverb and delay effects, announce that we have a blues-infused track on our hands.
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Metaract - Video/Single Review: Never Forget
23 Jun 2018 // A review by Paul Goddard
I was looking forward to hearing this new single from Auckland’s Meteract, after all, the pairing of a band comprising members of Tadpole and Just One Fix with the production skills of Dave Rhodes was never going to result in a sub-par release.I did have some concerns though, Chris was in one of my favourite bands from the early 2000’s, Redline, and Dave has worked with many acts with one most notable being Blindspott.
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Alizarin Lizard - Single Review: No One Could Tell
22 Jun 2018 // A 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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Gig Review: Small Stage, Big Sound @ Ellen Melville Centre, Auckland 15/06/2018
22 Jun 2018 // A review by butch181
I’ve not been in the Ellen Melville Centre before, but it is a really good small-medium sized venue (even if it is a little awkward to find the entrance to). With 10 minutes before the show was set to start there was a feeling of trepidation as I looked around and counted only 20 people are here all lined up against the wall like a high school dance.
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22 Jun 2018 // A review by butch181
I’ve not been in the Ellen Melville Centre before, but it is a really good small-medium sized venue (even if it is a little awkward to find the entrance to). With 10 minutes before the show was set to start there was a feeling of trepidation as I looked around and counted only 20 people are here all lined up against the wall like a high school dance.
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Metaract - Gig Review: Metaract with Remote and Descendants of Dinosaurs @ Ding Dong Lounge, Auckland 15/06/2018
19 Jun 2018 // A 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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Apollo SteamTrain - Single Review: Superstition (Looking In The Mirror)
19 Jun 2018 // A review by River Tucker
Apollo SteamTrain have been hard at work producing solid songs and developing a loyal fan base through gigging and regular recording over the last couple of years, but their latest single Superstition (Looking In The Mirror) is a marked change in musical direction for the Tauranga based rock band.Starting out with a crisp drumbeat on nicely tuned toms, Les Robinson is soon joined by singer songwriter Brendan McCarthy’s crunchy guitar.
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Gig Review: Brian Jonestown Massacre @ Powerstation, Auckland - 16/06/2018
18 Jun 2018 // A review by Paul Goddard
It's a wet and windy night. The All Blacks playing means the bars surrounding Auckland's Powerstation are packed with rugby fans and finding a carpark is murder.
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18 Jun 2018 // A review by Paul Goddard
It's a wet and windy night. The All Blacks playing means the bars surrounding Auckland's Powerstation are packed with rugby fans and finding a carpark is murder.
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The Jordan Luck Band - Gig Review: The Jordan Luck Band @ The Cook, Dunedin - 16/06/2018
17 Jun 2018 // A review by darryl baser
They weren’t listed, but as potentially career making support slots go, Dunedin school band Bark like a Dog scored well getting to open the night for The Jordan Luck Band. 9pm and The Cook is at capacity, the PA sound is lifted, along with the tempo of the pre-show music.
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Running Stitch - EP Review: Brightside
15 Jun 2018 // A review by darryl baser
Auckland three-piece Running Stitch are a high-volume group of experienced musicians.The Brightside EP is a four-song offering which has been independently produced and released.
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Captain Festus McBoyle's Travellin' Variety Show - Captain Festus McBoyle and his Motley Crew - Single/Video Review: Moolah
15 Jun 2018 // A review by Corinne Rutherford
I should have known better then to take on a review which falls under the category of family music genre. Music aimed at kids.
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Coridian - Gig Review: Coridian @ San Fran, Wellington - 9/06/2018
14 Jun 2018 // A review by Shade
I have a bucket list of must-see bands, and right at the top of that list are Auckland Rockers Coridian. I'd heard so many good things about their live performances including; "Dity jumps around the stage with such energy and enthusiasm that it seems to be infectious" (here) and "Mike Raven was fizzing with energy as he carved through his set"(here), and, given what I do here at muzic.
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Knights of the Dub Table - Single Review: The Journey
14 Jun 2018 // A review by Tori Reed
I would like to begin with; I have seen Knights of the Dub Table live on numerous occasions, and thoroughly enjoyed their show, sound and set up. Plus, it must be said that this is not typically my 'type' of music.
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Julian Temple Band - Album Review: Antarctica
12 Jun 2018 // A review by butch181
Frequently described as an alternative rock group, hailing from Dunedin, the Julian Temple Band like to blur the lines between genres; incorporating blues, jazz, surf rock, as well as indie pop into their music. The group have evolved over the years, over five studio albums since their formation in 2004, with Antarctica making it six studio albums.
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Skinny Hobos - Gig Review: Skinny Hobos @ Galatos, Auckland - 25/05/2018
12 Jun 2018 // A review by Andrew Smit
On a cool and wet Auckland night, many faithful rock devotees arrived to experience and enjoy a night of mostly Auckland-made Rock at the inner-city hall that is Galatos. Bam!
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Gig Review: Ska Save The Queen @ The Thirsty Dog, Auckland - 03/06/2018
12 Jun 2018 // A review by Paul Goddard
I grew up in Coventry in the UK. As a kid my first introduction to music was Two Tone the local record label that had Ska bands like The Specials, Selector, The Beat etc.
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12 Jun 2018 // A review by Paul Goddard
I grew up in Coventry in the UK. As a kid my first introduction to music was Two Tone the local record label that had Ska bands like The Specials, Selector, The Beat etc.
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Mecuzine - Single Review: Don’t Fire That Gun
12 Jun 2018 // A review by Corinne Rutherford
Mecuzine are a five-piece rock band from Auckland with a wealth of experience between them. Decades of performing have seen them become accomplished musicians.
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Janine - Album Review: 99
12 Jun 2018 // A review by ShelleySketch
Kiwi songstress Janine has been hustling hard since jumping overseas and it seems to be paying off. After releasing a few singles in the lead up, her debut album 99 is finally here.
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The Bats - Gig Review: The Bats @ The Cook, Dunedin - 09/06/2018
11 Jun 2018 // A review by darryl baser
Jay Clarkson opened her supporting performance to The Bats with Farewell to the Highlands, her contribution to the second Zelle Records compilation of mostly southern NZ musicians’ interpreting Robbie Burns poetry. It was just her and Alan Haig for this gentle beginning to what would become a rollicking night.
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Written By Wolves - Gig Review: Written By Wolves @ Neck of the Woods, Auckland 08/06/2018
09 Jun 2018 // A 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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Valkyrie - Single/Video Review: Runaway Child
09 Jun 2018 // A review by Paul Goddard
South Auckland three-piece Vallkyrie are pure class. Their tendency to switch genres and the mixture of influences they embody has taken them another step forward with this their latest single release Runaway Child.
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Alien Weaponry - Album Review: Tū
08 Jun 2018 // A review by River Tucker
Released on Napalm Records and named in veneration of Tūmatauenga, the Māori god of war, Alien Weaponry’s debut album Tū is a testament to what can be achieved through excellent promotional material and a lot of dedication to their musical craft.Opening track Whaikōrero starts things off with a spoken welcome and warning accompanied by a Kōauau (flute instrument) and a Pūrerehua (wind instrument) guaranteed to send shivers down your spine.
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Kendall Elise - Gig Review: This Way North @ The Wine Cellar, Auckland 07/06/2018
08 Jun 2018 // A review by butch181
Due to a reviewer unfortunately having to pull out of attending this show, I was asked to attend Some Feminist Club Nights #6. As opposed to the original reviewer that was lined up for the show, I have mixed heritage, but am still what would largely be referred to as a white cis male.
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Bernie Griffen and The Thin Men - Gig Review: Bernie Griffen and The Thin Men @ The Incubator, Tauranga - 26/05/2018
07 Jun 2018 // A review by JohnnyBSquid
Patrons are huddled together, braving the weather in a cold red shed, in the heart of Tauranga’s Historic Village. Winter hits hard, but as so many artists overlook the city of Tauranga when they book shows on their tours, the people are happy to turn up and support them.
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This Flight Tonight - Single Review: Nothing To Declare
06 Jun 2018 // A review by Tori Reed
Reminiscent of a very cool bar, opened last week by a very cool couple. The type of place you feel mildly uncomfortable walking into, because you're not in that league.
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Alien Weaponry - Gig Review: Alien Weaponry @ Galatos, Auckland - 02/06/2018
05 Jun 2018 // A review by ShelleySketch
It’s a damp night, it was 8pm and the doors opened. The crowd began to pack in and I’ll admit there was more than I expected.
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Ivy Red - Single Review: Absent
05 Jun 2018 // A review by floorcat
Absent opens the darkest parts of IVY RED's mind, and definitely meets the intent of what he is attempting to portray with his music - emotional, deep and raw. There is no sugar coating in his music or the lyrics, making this a poignant track, which is definitely not for the faint-hearted.
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05 Jun 2018 // A review by floorcat
Absent opens the darkest parts of IVY RED's mind, and definitely meets the intent of what he is attempting to portray with his music - emotional, deep and raw. There is no sugar coating in his music or the lyrics, making this a poignant track, which is definitely not for the faint-hearted.
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Shady Brain Farm - Album Review: 19 Years In The Same House
05 Jun 2018 // A review by Andrew Smit
A most wonderful album full of songs laden with a unique and funky mix of rock and blues. Opening with a most funky bass line, Get Up Get Down pumps up the vibe and demands that you do indeed get up and get down, such is the energy and feeling it generates.
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Soda Boyz - EP Review: By Soda Boyz
05 Jun 2018 // A review by Paul Goddard
So, a young band from Palmy do the norm and go through the "Rockquest" motions. Just another bunch of wannabe talented, wannabe kind of good at what we do but fuck being famous we would rather be cool wannabes, or so I thought until I hit play and turned this music up loud.
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Dead Kid Harvester - Album Review: The First Sign Of Madness
04 Jun 2018 // A review by Paul Goddard
I knew this wasn't going to be an easy listen. With a moniker like Dead Kid Harvester and song titles like Scab Made Out Of Faeces, Paul Harvey isn't aiming for middle of the road chart-bothering, but I love music of all extremes and we all need to be challenged.
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Soda Boyz - Single Review: Home Again
04 Jun 2018 // A review by Paul Goddard
This new single from Soda Boyz simmers and shimmers. Totally instrumental, it's a great example of how music doesn't always need words to get the message across.
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Seth Haapu - Single Review: New Wave
03 Jun 2018 // A review by ShelleySketch
In his first release since Volume II in 2107, Seth Haapu returns with his beautiful new singe New Wave. I’ve noticed Seth sticks to a theme of nature that has been a part of his previous releases and is a part of who he is.
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Mitch James - Single Review: 21
03 Jun 2018 // A review by ShelleySketch
With his most recent single release in 2017, Mitch James has returned with a beautiful acoustic track entitled 21. The music is a simple accompaniment of a piano and a guitar, with what sounds like a finger snap or clap.
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Josh Leys - Gig Review: Josh Leys @ Mt Eden Village Centre, Auckland - 18/05/2018
02 Jun 2018 // A review by ShelleySketch
As part of NZ Music Month, Auckland local Josh Leys played an intimate show at Mt Eden Village Centre. The atmosphere made me feel a bit like I was at a school dance.
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Tami Neilson - Album review: Sassafrass!
01 Jun 2018 // A review by jacquiew
Tami Neilson's latest outing Sassafrass! is the album you didn't realise you desperately needed until you heard it.
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Curlys Jewels - Single Review: Sneaky
01 Jun 2018 // A review by Corinne Rutherford
When asked to describe the music of Curlys Jewels, there are many words out there on the interweb like “hard hitting” and “high energy” but the description I love the most was as follows… “We bring a tight aural mash of lady-lung grungy banshee-esque melodically thumpy hard rock to our beautifully diverse audiences’ earholes”. I can actually hear that coming out of Janelle’s mouth.
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Holloway - EP Review: Psycho-Sensitive
01 Jun 2018 // A 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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Model Train Wreck - EP Review: I Want That Back
01 Jun 2018 // A review by butch181
A long time in the pipe works is Model Train Wreck's new EP I Want That Back. Starting with an odd chord progression and the discord provides an uplifting vibe while still causing a chill to run down the spine.
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Skinny Hobos - Gig Review: Seether w/ Skinny Hobos @ Great Hall, Auckland 31/05/2018
01 Jun 2018 // A 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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Skinny Hobos - Album Review: Skinny Hobos
30 May 2018 // A review by Kerry MB
After what seems like a decade of waiting in anticipation for the debut album from New Zealand’s favourite Rock duo, the wait is no more! Skinny Hobos have been a common house hold name in the world of Rock in the last few years, and unless you live under a rock, they have quite a solid reputation for working themselves ragged gigging around our fine shores to quench the thirst of bogans, rockers, metal heads, and well, pretty much everyone and everything in between, because if you haven’t yet heard the news, Skinny Hobos really are that good.
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Ripple Effect - Single Reviews: Serene Sensation & Peace, Love and Harmony
30 May 2018 // A review by darryl baser
Ripple Effect hail from the North Island of New Zealand, Palmerston North to be exact, and are best described as an uplifting 8-piece reggae band. This fresh band has just released a couple of incredible singles on Spotify.
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30 May 2018 // A review by darryl baser
Ripple Effect hail from the North Island of New Zealand, Palmerston North to be exact, and are best described as an uplifting 8-piece reggae band. This fresh band has just released a couple of incredible singles on Spotify.
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Erik Graham - Single Review: I Don’t Know
30 May 2018 // A review by Corinne Rutherford
Erik Graham is a songwriter, musician and record producer. He owns and operates a record label called Headcage out of the heart of West Auckland where he composed, performed, programmed, mixed and mastered his entire upcoming debut album.
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Hault - Single Review: Into The Light
30 May 2018 // A review by River Tucker
Wellington band Hault is getting ever closer to the quintessential Dunedin sound with their latest single release, Into the Light. There’s a bit less grunge inspired psychedelic influence going on, but essentially this three-piece has retained their core sound first captured on a debut self-titled EP released last year to favourable reviews.
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Vince Harder - Single Review: Sugar Coated
28 May 2018 // A review by floorcat
Vince Harder's new single Sugar Coated is a catchy and relaxing tune throughout. The lyrics indirectly pointing towards the social media which creates fake images and sugar coats what's underneath the surface.
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Thomas Oliver - Gig Review: Thomas Oliver @ The Powerstation, Auckland - 25/05/2018
28 May 2018 // A review by butch181
Last seeing Thomas Oliver at the Tuning Fork, the Powerstation seemed like such a drastic upgrade in venue, when you consider that it has triple the capacity. Yet when I arrived just before the doors opened, less than 20 people were lined up waiting.
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Boycrush - Album Review: Desperate Late Night Energy
28 May 2018 // A review by Corinne Rutherford
Creatively assembling dance-oriented pop music is Alistair Deverick from West Auckland, otherwise known as Boycrush. Producer, drummer and songwriter, Alistair is a multi-talented musician and imaginative visionary, incorporating choreographed dance visuals with electronica.
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Carb On Carb - Gig Review: Carb On Carb @ Portland Public House, Auckland - 18/05/2018
28 May 2018 // A 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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The Adults - Single/Video Review: Bloodlines (feat Estère & JessB)
28 May 2018 // A review by butch181
I remember when The Adults were first announced as the new project for Shihad’s Jon Toogood. The first single released gave the impression that the project would be similar in style to the comparative musical jump that Corey Taylor has between Slipknot and Stone Sour; opting for a change towards the lighter mainstream formula.
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Sons Of Zion - Album Review: Vantage Point
28 May 2018 // A review by ShelleySketch
Sons of Zion have been rather quiet since their 2017 EP, The Jukebox Suite, but after the release of their single Drift Away, you could really sense something great was coming. That something is their new album Vantage Point.
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River - Album Review: Silence Of The Tomb
27 May 2018 // A 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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Jamie McDell - Album Review: Extraordinary Girl
27 May 2018 // A review by jacquiew
Extraordinary Girl by Jamie McDell is a commercial, catchy, and high-quality contemporary country offering. McDell has an appealing voice and the subject matter of the album traverses love and loss using some familiar country music tropes and images - trailers, cars, fishing, tattoos etc...
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PT - Album Review: Goliath
27 May 2018 // A review by ShelleySketch
Pieter T has burst back on to the scene with a new name, PT, and an exciting new album Goliath.The album cover is a collage of red and black with the title dominant in white.
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Marlon Williams - Gig Review: Marlon Williams @ The Town Hall, Auckland - 25/05/2018
26 May 2018 // A review by ShelleySketch
On a wet, dark Friday night, a large crowd descended on the Town Hall in Auckland City. This was the first of two Auckland shows for Marlon Williams, with many of the shows on his tour selling out.
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Darren Watson - Gig Review: Darren Watson @ The Playhouse, Nelson - 24/05/2018
25 May 2018 // A review by jacquiew
I last saw Darren Watson play in early January at The Playhouse near Nelson. He was nervously excited about the upcoming release of his new album and playing at the gig in a support role for Paul Ubana Jones.
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Kody Nielson - Album Review: Birthday Suite
24 May 2018 // A review by darryl baser
Well, it’s certainly a suite based on a singular motif. One could all too easily say the words ‘concept album’.
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Raw Collective - Album Review: For The Ancients
23 May 2018 // A review by Corinne Rutherford
Raw Collective, a twelve-piece Hip-Hop, multi-instrumental extravaganza from Wellington have teamed up with Flight Music Records and released their debut album For the Ancients. Spearheaded by Raw Deezy, Raw Collective is a band of epic proportions which have been attracting people’s attention at gigs and festivals around the country since 2014.
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Seven Zen - EP Review: Dark As Life
23 May 2018 // A review by Corinne Rutherford
Seven Zen is a 14-year-old college student at Mahurangi College in Warkworth. Barely in her teens, she already has a couple of years under her belt as a talented multi-instrumentalist and has been performing covers to impressed audience both live and on YouTube (he can play more than 200 to be exact).
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Lucifer Gunne - Single Review: HRM
22 May 2018 // A review by Andrew Smit
Wellington based 4-piece rock act Lucifer Gunne, fronted by singer/guitarist/songwriter Rory McDonald, have produced a cool track that stands out as something different that's engaging and passionate. This new single HRM is a wonderful mix of bubbly funk rock that is striking and compelling.
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The Recently Deceived - Single Reviews: Misty and Halo
22 May 2018 // A review by Paul Goddard
It's great to see The Recently Deceived are back with a new double single release following on from their excellent Use Your Head EP. They are simply one of the best "punk" bands you will see or hear and this single steps up the attitude on opener Misty.
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Louis Baker - Single Review: Black Crow
18 May 2018 // A review by ShelleySketch
Louis Baker has been rather quiet recently, however he has still been active on social media and is still doing live shows. But now he has given everyone something to be excited about, his new single Black Crow.
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Stray Theories - Album Review: All That Was Lost
18 May 2018 // A review by butch181
This album opens with How Long, and almost displays itself like a tease. A slow burning track that lifts in volume ever so tenderly that you have to fight the urge to increase the volume yourself.
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Solomon Crook - EP Review: Abandon Adolescence
16 May 2018 // A review by Corinne Rutherford
Solomon Crook a young singer-songwriter from the Coromandel (now based in Wellington) has just released a six track EP called Abandon Adolescence. Preceding this by a few weeks was the first single off the EP titled Love Juice a lively and catchy song about love without a heart...
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Drax Project - Gig Review: Drax Project @ The Powerstation, Auckland - 12/05/18
16 May 2018 // A review by ShelleySketch
On Saturday I arrived to The Powerstation, to see Drax Project play to a sold-out crowd, for the second night in a row! Due to this show being all ages, there were 2 long lines reaching out in opposite directions which steadily minimised as crowds made their way in.
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Sola Rosa - EP Review: In Spaces
15 May 2018 // A review by Miss_Jukebox
The highly-acclaimed, genre-fusing artist Sola Rosa is back with a new EP In Spaces - a stellar addition in the artist’s almost two-decade career. In Spaces explores the soundscapes of funk, soul and RnB, pillared by sturdy grooves and commanding vocal performances from a selection of outstanding feature artists.
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Bloodshot - Album Review: Pull The Plug
15 May 2018 // A review by River Tucker
What is it about Wellington that produces such great metal bands? Bloodshot is no exception to the rule and seems ready and rearing to go.
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Sal Valentine and the Babyshakes - Single/Video Review: Cherry Blossom
15 May 2018 // A review by Corinne Rutherford
This is the first time I have heard of charismatic Auckland based musical artist Sal Valentine (Ivan Luketina Jonstone). I think I have fallen just a bit in love with his mix of funk and soul; it is super funky pop music that just makes you smile.
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Dilz - Album Review: Metamorphosis
13 May 2018 // A review by Freecell
Dilz has been busy at it again, and this time he has delivered a 16-track album called Metamorphosis which mainly features the styles of Hip-Hop, RnB and Rap but also with hints of Soul, Trap and EDM. The first track Caterpillar starts off with a nice synth and warm tones.
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Julia Deans - Album Review: We Light Fire
11 May 2018 // A review by jacquiew
The acclaimed Modern Fables was always going to be a tough act to follow and Julia Deans has taken her time to follow it – with a full seven-year gap between album releases. She hasn’t been resting on her laurels in between times, however, with a number of noteworthy ventures filling the space.
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Missrosevalentina - Single Review: Just Press Play
11 May 2018 // A review by Paul Goddard
Hybrid Rose (Rose Muollo-Gray) has done it again. Though this time, she has managed to up the game to another level.
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Empire To Ashes - Album Review: Deconstructed (Between The Pieces)
09 May 2018 // A review by Corinne Rutherford
Jamie Denton, based in Auckland, is the man behind Empire To Ashes, producing mind-bending music which is described as alternative electronica. His latest offering is titled Deconstructed [Between The Pieces], which very cleverly follows on from [In Pieces] which was released in January 2018.
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Heavy Blarney - Album Review - Bog to Swamp
08 May 2018 // A review by Matt Mutinous
Released - 18th May 2018 When I first saw the title Bog to Swamp my imagination could only assume what kind of music was to follow. The second album from Palmerston North Celtic rockers, Heavy Blarney had grabbed my attention from the get-go and I was keen to find out just how this band sounded with such a unique blend of music styles, rarely attempted these days.
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Estère - Album review: My Design, On Other's Lives
07 May 2018 // A review by jacquiew
It’s no surprise that Estère recently opened for Grace Jones. In some ways Estère is a sonic acolyte of the magnificent Jones, particularly in the sense that she is endlessly fascinating and mesmerising.
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Dick Tracy - Album Review: Dick Tracy
07 May 2018 // A 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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Biobird - EP Review: Balance
07 May 2018 // A review by butch181
Hailing from Hamilton is Caleb Bird a.k.
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Unknown - Single Review: Know It Well
07 May 2018 // A 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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Bernie Griffen and The Thin Men - Album Review: Doors Wide Open
06 May 2018 // A review by jacquiew
Doors Wide Open is an album of “sweet sorrow” from Bernie Griffen and the Thin Men. Griffen is a musician who has paid his dues and travelled the miles.
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Jamie McDell - Gig Review: Jamie McDell @ The Tuning Fork, Auckland - 4/5/2018
06 May 2018 // A review by ShelleySketch
On Friday Jamie McDell released her new album Extraordinary Girl and last night she celebrated the release with an intimate show at the Tuning Fork. This show was also the first to kick off her Extraordinary Girl NZ Tour.
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Nicole Andrews - Album Review: A Stranger
04 May 2018 // A review by Ria Loveder
In 2015 I reviewed Nicole Andrews’ album In The Shallows and raved about her rawness and connection with her music. Needless to say, her second album A Stranger has done it again.
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Gig Review: Royal Blood @ Logan Campbell Centre - 01/05/2018
03 May 2018 // A review by Andrew Smit
The Logan Campbell Centre has seen many years of great rock acts like Nirvana and Metallica and tonight the well-worn 70's decor was rocked by Royal Blood's first headline shows in New Zealand. Dead Favours were up first to warm the crowd, which was pretty much at capacity, this four-piece Auckland band have impressed and progressed steadily over the last two years since I saw them at their debut gig back in May 2016.
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03 May 2018 // A review by Andrew Smit
The Logan Campbell Centre has seen many years of great rock acts like Nirvana and Metallica and tonight the well-worn 70's decor was rocked by Royal Blood's first headline shows in New Zealand. Dead Favours were up first to warm the crowd, which was pretty much at capacity, this four-piece Auckland band have impressed and progressed steadily over the last two years since I saw them at their debut gig back in May 2016.
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Openside - Single Review: No Going Back
03 May 2018 // A review by ShelleySketch
Openside seem to constantly be on our radar, opening for bands like All Time Low and Fall Out Boy and just consistently releasing music. They released their EP Push Back, followed by I Feel Nothing and now we have their new single No Going Back.
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Rei - EP Review: Rangatira
03 May 2018 // A review by ShelleySketch
Rei has recently released his new EP, Rangatira, which combines the Māori language with the hip-hop/RnB genre. This combination will help bring Te Reo to a more mainstream audience.
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Emily Fairlight - Album Review: Mother of Gloom
03 May 2018 // A review by Peter-James Dries
Autumn at dusk. Sitting in a bay window, knees to chin, wrapped in sweatered arms.
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Sola Rosa - Single review: Leave a Light On
03 May 2018 // A review by darryl baser
The man behind Sola Rosa, Auckland's Andrew Spraggon, has returned with a tune as strong as anything he's released previously. A steady bass groove wends its way around a thumping kick drum which is off-set by an excellently syncopated high hat, perfectly timed between kick and snare, to be on the 'and' of the phrase.
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ABRZY - ABRZY - Single Review: Top Down
01 May 2018 // A review by jck2
ABRZY is a Wellington based Hip-Hop artist. His style is contemporary Hip Hop/Trap and his new single Top Down is not too dissimilar to Drake.
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Mild Orange - Album Review: Foreplay
01 May 2018 // A 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.
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Boom! Boom! Deluxe! - EP Review: Boom! Boom! Deluxe!
01 May 2018 // A review by Paul Goddard
As a teenager I was really into psychobilly head cases King Kurt. They were the backdrop to many a drunken party.
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Tom Cunliffe - Album Review: Template For Love
01 May 2018 // A review by Paul Goddard
I must admit when I came across this I was put off by the album title Template for Love as I am more of an 'Instructions for Chaos' kind of guy.Life is much richer if you push into the unknown, challenge the preconceptions and explore with an open mind which is exactly what Tom Cunliffe has done on this his second album.
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Gig Review: Sleeping With Sirens @ The Powerstation, Auckland - 29/4/18
01 May 2018 // A review by ShelleySketch
It’s a Sunday night in Auckland and this show was adjusted accordingly, with set times being even earlier than scheduled. 5pm doors was a weird experience but at the same time it was a welcomed one.
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01 May 2018 // A review by ShelleySketch
It’s a Sunday night in Auckland and this show was adjusted accordingly, with set times being even earlier than scheduled. 5pm doors was a weird experience but at the same time it was a welcomed one.
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The Dead C - Gig Review: The Dead C & Bad Sav @ Captain Cook Tavern, Dunedin - 28/04/2018
30 Apr 2018 // A review by darryl baser
I’m unsure if the air of anticipation in the legendary Captain Cook was actually real, or just something I was projecting, but I felt the thrill of the chase, I was going to see The Dead C live for the third time in my life. Dunedin three piece Bad Sav opened proceedings in fine style.
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SHAYNA - Single & Video Review: Miles Away
29 Apr 2018 // A review by floorcat
As the music video for Miles Away started to play, the first word that came to mind was wow! Produced and directed by the incredible Shae Sterling, the quality of this video is amazing, complete with Northland scenery and the beautiful photogenic Shayna in several styles.
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Kimbra - Album review: Primal Heart
29 Apr 2018 // A review by jacquiew
Kimbra's Primal Heart is a fascinating album of many disparate parts. In some ways it’s more a producer’s album than a singer’s, featuring texture and complex production as the artist explores the varied expressions of her undeniable and prodigious talent.
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Tom Cunliffe - Gig Review: Tom Cunliffe @ Pah Homestead, Auckland - 15/04/2018
28 Apr 2018 // A review by butch181
Off from Auckland’s Hillsborough Road, if you can find the sign for Delargey Ave within the trees that line the roadway, you may come across the Pah Homestead. A historic home that houses the James Wallace Art Trust’s collection of New Zealand Art, and on Sundays is also the home of a mini-concert series.
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Sharon Miller - Album Review: Family Secrets
28 Apr 2018 // A 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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Roulettes - Album Review: Venus Burns
27 Apr 2018 // A review by Andrew Smit
Opening with a crash of drums and melodic guitar the ever-fresh sound of The Roulettesannounce their latest album Venus Burns with the rousing opening track Stealing Electricity. Thankfully the band have not strayed from their captivating psychedelic sound with songs that are loaded with glorious guitar chords full of sparkling harmonics and hypnotic stomping rhythms.
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Tempist Fujit - Single Review: Daynes Song
26 Apr 2018 // A review by Peter-James Dries
'Tis a two-headed beast, Daynes Song, the new single from Northland’s Tempist Fujit. On one side it’s jazzy funky 90's Rock riffs, bass licks, and song structure (with complimentary Santana-like solo), the other side modern Rap riffing.
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NRG Rising - Single Review: Take Us High
25 Apr 2018 // A review by Corinne Rutherford
The mother and daughters reggae trio NRG Rising from Hamilton, first entered into the music scene in 2011 with their debut album From Darkness To Light, and have gathered a strong and loyal following ever since. The band’s latest single Take Us High has been described as a “catchy, soulful tune echoing the popular 1990’s style of R&B”.
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False Heights - EP Review: No? Who...?
24 Apr 2018 // A review by butch181
Starting the EP off, In My Memory, begins with some light piano chords and delicate vocals from April Nisbet. With an incredible short vocal hook of a “chorus”, and layers of harmonies and additional backing vocals, the audial performance is so captivating that the gradual addition of instrumentation is almost not noticed until the end of the track.
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Gig Review: The Killers @ Spark Arena, Auckland 20/04/2018
21 Apr 2018 // A 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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21 Apr 2018 // A 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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Ekko Park - Gig Review: Simple Plan with Ekko Park @ The Powerstation, Auckland - 19/04/2018
20 Apr 2018 // A review by butch181
An hour to go before doors open and there is already a group of fans lining up outside of the Powerstation. An impressive feat but considering that it has been 13 years since Simple Plan last performed in the country, one would expect the big fans to be ready to get their spots at the front of the stage.
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Chris the Maker Feat. Christopher Allen Haumaha - Single Review: Project001
17 Apr 2018 // A review by Freecell
This track has no intro, starting off hard, rough and with fuzzy feedback to your ears. It is a continuous loop that starts off quite rough, gradually changing slightly with new arrangements of sounds from time to time.
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Jaggers x Lines - Single Reviews: Come to Rest & Problem Drinking
15 Apr 2018 // A review by butch181
Two tracks from Jaggers x Lines turned up in my email for review today, and while self-described as an eclectic approach to pop, that is an understatement. With a combination of jazzercize audio, piano accents and horned instruments, Problem Drinking is an audibly invigorating mix in an otherwise stale genre.
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Looking For Alaska - Single Review: Calling Out
15 Apr 2018 // A 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 // A 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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Gin Wigmore - Album Review: Ivory
13 Apr 2018 // A review by ShelleySketch
To promote her new music which lead up to the album release, Gin Wigmore created the project #GIRLGANG. She hand-selected five different artists to create original pieces inspired by five singles from Ivory.
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nomad - Album Review: Can You Feel It?
13 Apr 2018 // A review by Ria Loveder
nomad soared into popularity with their catchy infectious pop tune Oh My My in 2016. After their song reached gold sales and they were nominated for Best Newcomers at the NZ Music Awards they are back with their debut album Can You Feel It?
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Unknown Mortal Orchestra - Album Review: Sex & Food
11 Apr 2018 // A review by Paul Goddard
I know it is controversial but I am going to say it anyway. I agree with Taka Waititi - Unknown Mortal Orchestra are the best band on the planet to listen to and the new album is awesome as fuck!
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Festival Review: Homegrown 2018
10 Apr 2018 // A review by LoraThompson
It was a cloudy yet thankfully calm Saturday in beautiful capital city when we arrived at the waterfront at 1pm. After collecting my pass, the first stop was up-and-comers Dead Favours on the Rock Stage.
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10 Apr 2018 // A review by LoraThompson
It was a cloudy yet thankfully calm Saturday in beautiful capital city when we arrived at the waterfront at 1pm. After collecting my pass, the first stop was up-and-comers Dead Favours on the Rock Stage.
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Theia - Single Review: Bye Bye
09 Apr 2018 // A review by floorcat
Christchurch born artist, Theia's single Bye Bye is a song of attitude. Starting with gentle techno notes playing subtly in the background to emphasis the emotion, which was also sung through the lyrics "I don't need your fake ass hanging round me so bye bye".
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Stan Walker - EP Review: Stan
09 Apr 2018 // A review by Corinne Rutherford
To coincide with the live broadcast of Stan Walker’s powerful and moving documentary, which follows his journey to recovery after being given a cancer diagnosis in 2017, is the release of a 6 track EP titled Stan. The EP had barely been out a day, and already it had made it to number one in New Zealand.
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I Am Giant - Gig Review: I Am Giant @ Totara Street, Mount Maunganui - 5/04/2018
09 Apr 2018 // A review by JohnnyBSquid
When you are about to embark on an evening of three bands which kicks off with Coridian, you know you are in for a real treat, despite the fact it marks the end of ten years of one of New Zealand’s finest heavy rock bands, I Am Giant, who are calling it a day with this final tour entitled ‘Life In Captivity’ which is commemorated with the release of their third album of the same name.A headliner in their own right, Coridian take to the stage with rapturous applause of which they deserve every second, having done the hard yards, playing to the local crowd on several occasions in the past year alone, the band kick into their set with the self-assured positivity of a band on top of their game and have onlookers dancing and singing along within seconds.
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Ha the Unclear - Single Review: Wallace Line
08 Apr 2018 // A review by Ria Loveder
My music taste over the past year has changed a wee bit, and I am loving music that harks back to the 80's, and Ha the Unclear do just that. Their eccentric sound is filled with unconventional retro alt-pop music making them the perfect backing track to the New Zealand summer, pity we have just come into Autumn!
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A.U.R.A - Single Review: G.I Wonder
05 Apr 2018 // A review by Paul Goddard
There is something safe about the familiar. It is comfortable.
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Illuminus - Album Review: Endless
04 Apr 2018 // A review by JohnnyBSquid
At a little over 29 minutes this 12-song extravaganza weaves a textural symphony of sounds and feelings. First it will have you lulled into submission with almost ambient passages, then it will shake you awake with full on heavy skull pounding brutality.
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Carnivorous Plant Society - Album Review: The New King
03 Apr 2018 // A review by rebelsoundradio
Sometimes a name just grabs you and demands that you explore it a little bit further. Carnivorous Plant Society is a not just a good name, it’s a damn good name.
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Lunavela - EP Review: Lunavela
03 Apr 2018 // A review by Corinne Rutherford
Lunavela is the current musical project of Steve Mathieson, formerly of Auckland indie outfit Collapsing Cities. The 5 track self-titled EP is described by Lunavela as Shoegaze House, which is a genre I have never heard of before.
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I Am Giant - Album Review: Life in Captivity
02 Apr 2018 // A review by ShelleySketch
I Am Giant are back with a new album, Life in Captivity, which is also their last. It has a simple but strong album cover.
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Simon Hirst - Album Review: Feet of God
02 Apr 2018 // A review by Trevor Faville
This is not quite the first release from Hamilton based artist Simon Hirst. Preceding Feet of God have been two EP’s, Shining in Silver from 2017, and the online-only The Cats Out of the Bag which as well as containing alternative versions of some of the Feet of God tracks, functions as quite an important companion piece.
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Gig Review: Mastodon & Gojira @ Trusts Arena, Auckland 31/03/18
01 Apr 2018 // A 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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01 Apr 2018 // A 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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New Telepathics - Album Review: The End Of War
31 Mar 2018 // A review by River Tucker
The New Telepathics' latest release, wishfully entitled The End of War, explores an amalgamation of Soul, Jazz, Trip Hop, Techno Funk and Calypso genres with inspiring lyrics and tight rhythms sure to get the crowd amped and on the dance floor.Driving bass lines and pared-back drums are sometimes interspersed with unusual sequences and effects that give an edgy disjointed vibe.
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31 Mar 2018 // A review by River Tucker
The New Telepathics' latest release, wishfully entitled The End of War, explores an amalgamation of Soul, Jazz, Trip Hop, Techno Funk and Calypso genres with inspiring lyrics and tight rhythms sure to get the crowd amped and on the dance floor.Driving bass lines and pared-back drums are sometimes interspersed with unusual sequences and effects that give an edgy disjointed vibe.
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MACEY - Single Review: Harry Parsons - Real
30 Mar 2018 // A review by butch181
Starting with a deep reverberating piano, Harry Parsons starts his singing in the lower ranges of his vocal range “Let it all go, let it all out, crying on my shoulder, I’ll be looking over all of your fear, all of your doubt…”, immediately sets the tone of the song, as something contemplative and human. None of the trash that mainstream music has been throwing at us, charged with lyrics about money and “b*tches and hoes”.
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Apollo SteamTrain - Gig Review: Apollo SteamTrain @ Ding Dong Lounge, Auckland 24/03/2018
30 Mar 2018 // A 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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Album Review: Local Musicians Music Vol 4. Compilation Review
30 Mar 2018 // A review by Corinne Rutherford
This is a grassroots original music journey that has been growing from strength to strength while gaining notoriety along the way. Starting in a small music office in the back-roads of Thames in 2014, Shirley Howe (aka LA Thompson) came up with a “little idea”.
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30 Mar 2018 // A review by Corinne Rutherford
This is a grassroots original music journey that has been growing from strength to strength while gaining notoriety along the way. Starting in a small music office in the back-roads of Thames in 2014, Shirley Howe (aka LA Thompson) came up with a “little idea”.
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Hollywoodfun Downstairs - Gig Review: Hollywoodfun Downstairs @ The Wine Cellar, Auckland 23/03/2018
30 Mar 2018 // A review by butch181
On a brisk Friday night at the Wine Cellar, a small crowd milled around the bar awaiting the opening band to set up and complete their soundcheck. Slightly after they were due to begin, the doors were opened and Old Loaves started their set.
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Astro Children - Single Review: Beneath the Visible Surface
30 Mar 2018 // A 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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Solo Ono - EP Review: Rogue Planet
28 Mar 2018 // A review by Kerry MB
Solo Ono are a Wellington two piece (and the occasional three-piece) indulging in some no-frills garage post pop with synth overtones, creating their own sound. Having been six years since their self-titled 2012 debut, Solo Ono have finally broken the drought with a new EP release- Rogue Planet.
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Gig Review: Prophets of Rage @ Spark Arena, Auckland - 20/03/2018
27 Mar 2018 // A review by Paul Goddard
I was lucky enough to see Rage Against the Machine just after they released their debut album. It was a tiny venue in the UK and the energy and anger along with Tom Morello's insane guitar histrionics was a massive influence on me and the music I wanted to create.
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27 Mar 2018 // A review by Paul Goddard
I was lucky enough to see Rage Against the Machine just after they released their debut album. It was a tiny venue in the UK and the energy and anger along with Tom Morello's insane guitar histrionics was a massive influence on me and the music I wanted to create.
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Super Narco Man - EP Review: Dank Mammoth Deluxe EP
27 Mar 2018 // A review by Paul Goddard
So, what is it about Tauranga? This land of the newlyweds and the nearly-deads is fast becoming a hotbed of some serious underground post-punk hardcore goodness.
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Darren Watson - Album review: Too Many Millionaires
26 Mar 2018 // A review by jacquiew
This deeply enjoyable album will warm the hearts of any blues fans, and in fact anyone with an ounce of soul will love it. Darren Watson is a great example of a bluesman at his peak.
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Gig Review: Ed Sheeran @ Mt Smart Stadium, Auckland - 24/03/2018
25 Mar 2018 // A review by Paul Goddard
Walking from the car to Mt Smart Stadium and the heavens open. People are literally flooding in with the standard dress code for outdoor gigs here this year being Ponchos and shorts.
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25 Mar 2018 // A review by Paul Goddard
Walking from the car to Mt Smart Stadium and the heavens open. People are literally flooding in with the standard dress code for outdoor gigs here this year being Ponchos and shorts.
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Thomas Oliver - Album Review: Live at the Crystal Palace
21 Mar 2018 // A 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.
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Apollo SteamTrain - Gig Review: Apollo SteamTrain @ Imbibe Bar, Tauranga - 10/03/2018
20 Mar 2018 // A review by JohnnyBSquid
After kicking off their tour at the Nivara Lounge in Hamilton the much anticipated second night on Apollo SteamTrain’s Brain Bell Jangler Tour is in their home town at Imbibe bar, Mount Maunganui. The tour’s name was taken in support of their newest single and what a toe tapping, feel good song it is.
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Temples on Mars - Album Review: Temples on Mars
19 Mar 2018 // A review by butch181
The self-titled album from Temples of Mars starts us off with a light intro, featuring some Aladdin-esque Arabic sounding instrumentation and distorted recorded dialogue; almost coming off like the soundtrack to Brendan Fraser’s The Mummy franchise. Gradually rising in volume and layers it leads straight into Gods & Kings.
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Gig Review: Storm the Gates Festival @ Trusts Arena, Auckland, 17/03/2018
18 Mar 2018 // A 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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18 Mar 2018 // A 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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Delaney Davidson - Album review - Shining Day
17 Mar 2018 // A review by jacquiew
Compelling from the very first notes, Delaney Davidson harnesses sonic eccentricity and deploys it to magnificent effect across all eleven tracks of this absolute ripper of an album. Impeccable and intriguing production makes this is a fascinating and gratifying listening experience.
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Andrew Masseurs - Album review - Origins
14 Mar 2018 // A review by jacquiew
There’s no denying Andrew Masseurs’ musicianship and the quality of the production of this album. It’s a clever and accomplished piece of work from an artist who is firmly in control of his craft.
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Eb & Sparrow - Album Review - Seeing Things
14 Mar 2018 // A review by Corinne Rutherford
Eb & Sparrow could be described as Alternative Country, or as front person Emily Lamb has described it “New Folk”. “The resulting ‘new-folk’ encompasses a huge variety of sounds and genres, with roots in folk, country and Americana”.
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Stellar* - Gig Review: Stellar* @ The Tuning Fork, Auckland - 09/03/2018
13 Mar 2018 // A review by butch181
It was a mild Friday evening, and the plaza outside Spark Arena was bustling with a mix of people ready to see Stellar* and Mrs Brown's Boys. As Spark Arena’s doors opened, the crowds filed away, leaving the group of Stellar* fans to make the most of the outdoor seating as they waited for the Tuning Fork’s to follow suit and open doors.
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Robby Thorne - Album Review: The White Thorn Track
13 Mar 2018 // A review by Peter-James Dries
There is a time and place for genre pedantry. I get that categorising artists by genre is a way of qualifying if you will like music before trying it.
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Emily Fairlight - Single/Video Review: The Escape
13 Mar 2018 // A review by Miss_Jukebox
Poet and alt-folk singer-songwriter Emily Fairlight has released her latest song The Escape - a bittersweet romantic ballad with plush country/folk vibes. It’s a hauntingly beautiful composition that sinks into you with its heartfelt delivery and writing.
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Dead Favours - Single Review: Better The Weather
13 Mar 2018 // A review by ShelleySketch
Better The Weather is the third single from Auckland rockers Dead Favours. The song is the third in the trio of songs recorded in Melbourne with producer Tom Larkin (Shihad) at the end of 2016.
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Silence The City - Gig Review: Silence The City @ Backbeat, Auckland - 2/3/2018
11 Mar 2018 // A review by ShelleySketch
I arrived at Backbeat on K’Road at the perfect time, the doors have just opened. Heading up the stairs I am surrounded by music memorabilia.
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Depths - Album Review: Endless
10 Mar 2018 // A review by Matt Mutinous
Release Date: April 13th, 2018 Picked up by Deadboy Records in late 2011, Depths have hit the ground running, adding a new angle to the New Zealand Metal scene and bringing a fresh sound to the table. Presumably named after the album from US deathcore band, Oceano, Depths has managed to draw an international style of death metal from the comforts of Palmerston North.
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Jamie McDell - Single Review: Tori Feat. Kasey Chambers
10 Mar 2018 // A review by ShelleySketch
It’s very exciting to have new music from Jamie McDell, and this new track is very her. She has definitely gone back to her country roots rather than stick with her previous Pop elements and it’s a good move.
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So Below - EP Review: So Below
09 Mar 2018 // A review by Corinne Rutherford
I came across a description of Madeline North (AKA So Below), which was very fitting, “A mysterious Goth Pop chanteuse”. I myself have previously reviewed her work and described her as an “enigmatic songbird”.
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Matt Hay - Album Review: Something Blue
08 Mar 2018 // A 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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Festival Review: Auckland City Limits 2018
08 Mar 2018 // A review by Paul Goddard
Here we go again. It's a stunning day and the rain has held off.
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08 Mar 2018 // A review by Paul Goddard
Here we go again. It's a stunning day and the rain has held off.
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Clap Clap Riot - Gig Review: Clap Clap Riot @ Whammy Bar, Auckland - 23/02/2018
08 Mar 2018 // A review by Paul Goddard
Clap Clap Riot have one of the best band names. I knew of them for years without ever hearing any of the music.
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Pale Lady - Single Review: Empty Space
07 Mar 2018 // A 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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Dead Celeb - Album Review: Dead Celeb
07 Mar 2018 // A review by butch181
The debut self-titled album from Wellington’s Dead Celeb, is just as hard to pin down genre-wise as it is to find anything to do with them on Google. Experimental Rock of the 80’s and 90’s is the closest I can come to truly describing their sound; with a combination of potential influences from the likes of The Strokes, Franz Ferdinand, Decortica, Nine Inch Nails, Chris Cornell, The Rolling Stones, Muse, David Bowie, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Deftones, System Of A Down, Villainy, and I Am Giant.
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How To Human - Single Review: Devil in Your Pocket
06 Mar 2018 // A review by Kerry MB
How to Human are a four-piece rock assault hailing from Wellington, ready to unleash their edgy rock on unsuspecting audiences. Pushing the limits musically and lyrically, Devil in Your Pocket is their debut single, and from the first listen, it’s crisp and exciting.
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Tom Lee-Richards - Mini LP Review: Out of the Oddness
05 Mar 2018 // A review by Corinne Rutherford
Tom Lee-Richards is a solo artist described as an emotive storyteller. A native of Whangarei, he began his musical journey at the young age of 4.
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Streakers - Single Review: BDSM
05 Mar 2018 // A review by Trevor Faville
BDSM is a solid first release from New Brighton based three-piece Streakers. For a debut recorded effort, this tune has the focus, clarity, and impact that plainly reflects a fair amount of ‘quality time’, the kind of time spent playing live and allowing a sound to develop.
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The Latest Fallout - Single Review: What Kind Of Person Do You Take Me For
03 Mar 2018 // A review by ShelleySketch
With their new single, The Latest Fallout have taken more of a Pop Rock approach. There are some distinct Punk undertones, but the vocals make it come across as being more of a Pop Rock track.
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03 Mar 2018 // A review by ShelleySketch
With their new single, The Latest Fallout have taken more of a Pop Rock approach. There are some distinct Punk undertones, but the vocals make it come across as being more of a Pop Rock track.
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Boycrush - Single Review: Holy Water
28 Feb 2018 // A 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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Ghost Who Walks - Single Review: Vertigo
28 Feb 2018 // A 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.
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April Fish - Album Review: An Alien Invaded The Circus
28 Feb 2018 // A review by Corinne Rutherford
I rubbed my hands together in glee at the thought of reviewing this CD. Sometimes something so unique and strangely alluring beckons you to it which you are powerless to resist.
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Julia Deans - Single Review: Clandestine
26 Feb 2018 // A review by Corinne Rutherford
One of New Zealand’s most well known 'rock chicks', Julia Deans has released a stunning new single called Clandestine. After performing live performances on both Jesse Mulligan's National Radio Show and Russell Brown's Orcon Sessions at Golden Dawn, Julia was inundated with requests from fans to release the song.
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David Edwards - Album Review: Gleefully Unknown 1997 - 2005
25 Feb 2018 // A review by Peter-James Dries
There is the weird and wonderful. And then there is the weird.
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Summer Underground Tour @ Totara St, Mt Maunganui - 23/02/2018
24 Feb 2018 // A review by Corinne Rutherford
Venturing back into Totara St for the first rock gig of 2018, was like revisiting a familiar friend. A sense of dejavu engulfed me as I was greeted by Coridian at the door, but something was missing.
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24 Feb 2018 // A review by Corinne Rutherford
Venturing back into Totara St for the first rock gig of 2018, was like revisiting a familiar friend. A sense of dejavu engulfed me as I was greeted by Coridian at the door, but something was missing.
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Hollywoodfun Downstairs - Album Review: Tetris
23 Feb 2018 // A review by JohnnyBSquid
Hollywoodfun Downstairs were best described by Singer/Songwriter/Guitarist Kurt Williams as trashy noise pop punk which aptly describes the jaw dropping, face slapping dissonance and tension generated by the music on their latest recording.Comparisons to fellow kiwis Die!
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Scorn Of Creation - Album Review: Scorn of Creation
23 Feb 2018 // A review by terry666
To start with Scorn of Creation's line-up gets you excited. The group is made up of veterans of the NZ Metal scene.
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Happy Hearse - Album Review: Love and Work
22 Feb 2018 // A review by Kerry MB
Happy Hearse are back with their new album, Love and Work. If anyone is familiar with their debut album released last year, Mastering the Shakes, you’ll know how unique Happy Hearse’s sound is and the journey that awaits your ears.
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Gig Review: Cattle Decapitation @ Kings Arms, Auckland - 8/02/2018
21 Feb 2018 // A review by Matt Mutinous
Thursday nights are always a good night to go out if you live in Auckland, with most international acts 'fitting us in' on their Australian tour nowadays, even a show this close to the weekend is a blessing. San Diego death metal giants, Cattle Decapitation had shown up to the iconic Kings Arms and the line to the was stretched out into the street.
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21 Feb 2018 // A review by Matt Mutinous
Thursday nights are always a good night to go out if you live in Auckland, with most international acts 'fitting us in' on their Australian tour nowadays, even a show this close to the weekend is a blessing. San Diego death metal giants, Cattle Decapitation had shown up to the iconic Kings Arms and the line to the was stretched out into the street.
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Callum Gentleman - EP Review: Callum Gentleman
21 Feb 2018 // A review by Corinne Rutherford
I must confess, I have a soft spot for Callum Gentleman, having seen him perform several times at my local intimate gig venue, which is a beacon of light for artists, poets and storytellers, the perfect environment for blues / folk noir (with the odd dash of country). A place where the Nick Caves of NZ can come and be heard by a very appreciative audience.
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Tom Lee-Richards - Single Review: Out Of The Oddness
20 Feb 2018 // A review by Ria Loveder
An experimenter of music from a young age, Tom Lee-Richards' passion for songs and composition is evident in his array of work. His latest single Out Of The Oddness has dropped and it is one track I recommend you listen to.
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Berri Txarrack @ Whammy Bar, Auckland - 18/02/2018
20 Feb 2018 // A review by ShelleySketch
Upon arrival to Whammy Bar, the first thing I noticed is the intimate crowd who were circled around the stage as Lookin Up were setting up. They are currently doing a headline tour around NZ and with a quick intro they dove into their set, hammering out track after track.
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20 Feb 2018 // A review by ShelleySketch
Upon arrival to Whammy Bar, the first thing I noticed is the intimate crowd who were circled around the stage as Lookin Up were setting up. They are currently doing a headline tour around NZ and with a quick intro they dove into their set, hammering out track after track.
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Dead Favours - Gig Review: Rise Against w/ Dead Favours @ Logan Campbell Centre, Auckland - 19/02/2018
20 Feb 2018 // A review by butch181
In a rather unconventional choice, the other international act that was touring with Rise Against, Berri Txarrak, would be opening the night, ahead of the local act, Dead Favours. Berri Txarrak being a band originating from Basque Country (an autonomous community in northern Spain), whose songs are sung completely in the Basque language (which is linguistically unrelated to any other known living language), they undoubtedly had a difficult job ahead of them to warm up the crowd.
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Gig Review: Queen and Adam Lambert @ Spark Arena, Auckland - 17/02/2018
18 Feb 2018 // A review by terry666
I was a very excited man as I headed towards Spark Arena in Auckland, for what is undoubtedly one of the world’s greatest rock bands, Queen and Adam Lambert. Now purists would say it’s not Queen without Freddie, but it's worth going to see the show before making judgements.
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18 Feb 2018 // A review by terry666
I was a very excited man as I headed towards Spark Arena in Auckland, for what is undoubtedly one of the world’s greatest rock bands, Queen and Adam Lambert. Now purists would say it’s not Queen without Freddie, but it's worth going to see the show before making judgements.
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Apollo SteamTrain - Single Review: Brain Bell Jangler
16 Feb 2018 // A review by Andrew Smit
Brain Bell Jangler is a very likeable track full of ripping harmonic guitar strains that heave along to a rock steady rhythm providing a superb foundation for the very catchy vocal tones from lead singer Brendan McCarthy. Apollo SteamTrain are a traditional 3-piece rock Guitar/Bass/Drum ensemble that have produced a killer track with such a crisp guitar sound that bursts with melodic sparkles that combine beautifully with the very Beatle-esque vocal performance.
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Chris Bates - EDY Feat. Chris Bates - Single review: Here 4 U
16 Feb 2018 // A review by Corinne Rutherford
I was slightly perplexed about reviewing the single release Here 4 U by EDY featuring Chris Bates, simply because I could not figure out whom EDY was and I am sure the Chris Bates on Spotify could not be the same Chris Bates I was hearing. Slyly diverting away from the link I was given all in the name of research is not always wise.
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Destructatron - EP Review: Rise of Destructatron
15 Feb 2018 // A review by Matt Mutinous
Countdown... to...
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The Frank Burkitt Band - Album Review: Raconteur
14 Feb 2018 // A review by Miss_Jukebox
Peruse through the gorgeous pages of Frank Burkitt’s storybook in Frank Burkitt Band’s latest album – a beautiful collection of narratives set to folk, jazz, blues and American roots essences. Raconteur is the second full-length album from the band, who formed in Wellington during 2014 after Burkitt, and his partner Kara Filbey (who provides vocals, flute and percussion on the album) moved from Edinburgh.
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Gig Review: Paramore @ Spark Arena, Auckland 13/02/2018
14 Feb 2018 // A 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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14 Feb 2018 // A 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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JCK - Album Review: Glass
12 Feb 2018 // A review by jck2
Beautiful rendition of Bowie's classic Ashes to Ashes exactly note for note to my ear. Can't believe he played every instrument himself!
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Salmonella Dub - Gig Review: Salmonella Dub Feat. Tiki Taane @ Owen Delaney Park, Taupo - 3/02/2018
09 Feb 2018 // A review by Freecell
Salmonella Dub are multiple platinum album sellers and award winners famous for their Dub n' Bass sound an important part of New Zealand's music history. This show was about the band reuniting with Tiki Taane.
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I Am Giant - Single Review: Don't Look Back
08 Feb 2018 // A review by Miss_Jukebox
New Zealand’s rock darlings, I Am Giant have started their 2018 with a bang – releasing their first new single of the year, Don’t Look Back; before they unleash their hotly-anticipated third full-length album, Life in Captivity - which is due out in March. This will be the first full-length release from the band since 2014’s Science and Survival.
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David Sutton - Album Review: Binary
08 Feb 2018 // A review by Corinne Rutherford
All I have to go on David Sutton is that he “writes and records songs”, which is handy to know as I am reviewing his latest 10 track album titled Binary. I had a tip off that his music is somewhat quirky and I would enjoy it.
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Dilz - Single Review: Wait On You Ft. J.Williams & TY
07 Feb 2018 // A review by ShelleySketch
This song is about being in a toxic relationship and what made it so toxic. The music is somewhat what you would expect, a bit of piano and a hip-hop beat.
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Marina Bloom and Moving Stuff - Single Review: This Feeling
07 Feb 2018 // A review by ShelleySketch
If you’ve heard of Marina Bloom and Moving Stuff before then this is not a track you would have expected. This is such an upbeat dance track which is different from the music she has previously released such as Seven Seas and Heroes.
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Omega Levine - Single Review: Stay Connected Ft. Zonny
07 Feb 2018 // A review by ShelleySketch
Listening to the first 10 seconds, you don’t really know what type of track this is going to be. But then the music and Omega’s vocals kick in and it’s a nice surprise.
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07 Feb 2018 // A review by ShelleySketch
Listening to the first 10 seconds, you don’t really know what type of track this is going to be. But then the music and Omega’s vocals kick in and it’s a nice surprise.
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Gig Review: Foo Fighters @ Mount Smart Stadium, Auckland - 03/02/2018
04 Feb 2018 // A review by Paul Goddard
It had been raining on and off for most of the day but just as Wellington band Ayn Randy took the stage the heavens opened. It set the scene for what was going to be an awesome night where the weather played a big part in the memories of the 40,000 people packed into Auckland's Mount Smart Stadium.
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04 Feb 2018 // A review by Paul Goddard
It had been raining on and off for most of the day but just as Wellington band Ayn Randy took the stage the heavens opened. It set the scene for what was going to be an awesome night where the weather played a big part in the memories of the 40,000 people packed into Auckland's Mount Smart Stadium.
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Jed Parsons - Single Review: Get Lost
03 Feb 2018 // A review by butch181
Get Lost is the debut single from Jed Parsons, and makes a heck of an introduction. Composed of an almost mediocre arrangement that has had dissonance and discord purposefully inserted into it, to present a juxtaposition of the normal and the fantasy.
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Jas Josland - Album Review: See What You Did There
03 Feb 2018 // A 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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JCK - Album Review: Glass
01 Feb 2018 // A review by Kerry MB
JCK or James Castady-Kristament, a name familiar to most, especially here at Muzic.net.
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Santa Barbara - Single Review: Marianne's Dark Eyes
01 Feb 2018 // A review by Paul Goddard
I love Santa Barbara. I am lucky enough to visit there once a year and it's a funky little town about two hours from LA LA Land with a laid-back vibe and it also knows how to get down and dirty on a weekend.
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Gig Review: End of an Era Night 2 @ Kings Arms, Auckland - 27/01/2018
30 Jan 2018 // A review by butch181
I wasn't present for the Night 1 performances of the End of an Era shows, but by all accounts from those that had been there, it had been a great night with a good turnout, especially considering it was competing with large international acts performing at other venues (such as Pink Floyd's Roger Waters at Spark Arena). So I was definitely looking forward to the nights' performances.
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30 Jan 2018 // A review by butch181
I wasn't present for the Night 1 performances of the End of an Era shows, but by all accounts from those that had been there, it had been a great night with a good turnout, especially considering it was competing with large international acts performing at other venues (such as Pink Floyd's Roger Waters at Spark Arena). So I was definitely looking forward to the nights' performances.
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Festival Review: Laneway 2018 @ Albert Street Precinct, Auckland - 29/01/2018
30 Jan 2018 // A review by Paul Goddard
2017 was my first time at Laneway. I went for one reason only and that was to see Refused.
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30 Jan 2018 // A review by Paul Goddard
2017 was my first time at Laneway. I went for one reason only and that was to see Refused.
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Bleeders - Gig Review: Bleeders @ House of Vans, Shed 10, Auckland - 20/01/2018
30 Jan 2018 // A review by Paul Goddard
So this event kind of took everyone by surprise. The global entity that is House of Vans announced a music/skate festival to be based at Shed 10 on Auckland's waterfront.
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Gig Review: End of an Era Night 1 @ Kings Arms, Auckland - 26/01/2018
29 Jan 2018 // A review by Paul Goddard
I arrived early for this first of two nights of bands who have come together to say goodbye to iconic Auckland venue the Kings Arms, which will finally close its doors at the end of February. Punters are slowly streaming in for the opening band A Doubtful Sound (isn't that the best name ever for a Kiwi Band) but the band don't care about how many people are in the room and hit the set full tilt.
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29 Jan 2018 // A review by Paul Goddard
I arrived early for this first of two nights of bands who have come together to say goodbye to iconic Auckland venue the Kings Arms, which will finally close its doors at the end of February. Punters are slowly streaming in for the opening band A Doubtful Sound (isn't that the best name ever for a Kiwi Band) but the band don't care about how many people are in the room and hit the set full tilt.
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Will Saunders - Album Review: Covers Four
27 Jan 2018 // A review by Peter-James Dries
Covers Four, formally and sub titled I Know That We Are Not New (a line taken from the contained cover of Cohen’s Hey, That’s No Way To Say Goodbye) is Will Saunders from The Lowest Fidelity’s take on a collection of obscure tracks, which ironically were new to me. It’s the mode now to take on, often poorly, the latest hits of the Billboard charts, posting them to YouTube in the vain hope of riding off the coattails of the song’s fame.
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Empire To Ashes - Album Review: [in pieces]
26 Jan 2018 // A review by Freecell
Empire to Ashes new album [in pieces] is like a soundtrack of ambient alternative art. The music videos that I have seen are amazing and full of surreal visualisations that tells a story.
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Chores - Single Review: Surrender
25 Jan 2018 // A review by Corinne Rutherford
Chores are a multi-talented duo from Auckland specialising in electronic music production, song writing and DJ’ing. They have been described as “one of the most exciting new acts this side of the equator”.
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Festival Review: Bay Dreams 2018
21 Jan 2018 // A review by Freecell
Bay Dreams 2018 was the biggest one yet, from start to finish this was a great day out, great people, great services for drinks and food, rides and a brand new set up this year. The main stage was closer to the other stages so it made it quicker to get around all of the stages to see the artists.
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21 Jan 2018 // A review by Freecell
Bay Dreams 2018 was the biggest one yet, from start to finish this was a great day out, great people, great services for drinks and food, rides and a brand new set up this year. The main stage was closer to the other stages so it made it quicker to get around all of the stages to see the artists.
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Jacquie Walters and James Wilkinson - Jacquie Walters - Album Review: Light For A Broken World
17 Jan 2018 // A review by Corinne Rutherford
Christchurch born and bred, Jacquie Walters recorded her first song Bob Dylan’s Dream when she was six years old. Singing Dylan and Joan Baez songs with her parents from an early age was her introduction to singer-songwriters.
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17 Jan 2018 // A review by Corinne Rutherford
Christchurch born and bred, Jacquie Walters recorded her first song Bob Dylan’s Dream when she was six years old. Singing Dylan and Joan Baez songs with her parents from an early age was her introduction to singer-songwriters.
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Marina Bloom and Moving Stuff - Album Review: When I Am Gone
16 Jan 2018 // A 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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The Vazey Collective - Single Review: Dreamers
16 Jan 2018 // A review by butch181
Dreamers is a well-balanced, light, summery track. While the track feels simplistic in its overall sound, the lead guitar provides properly weighed riffs, that complement the melody and vocals of the track without overpowering the rest of the composition.
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Lincoln Greene - Album Review: The Lincoln Greene Project
16 Jan 2018 // A review by Peter-James Dries
Jimmy Hazelwood, actor and purveyor of acoustic folk, has recently released a new record, but not as himself. This time Jimmy is stepped into the role of Lincoln Greene, bringing you the debut album from this pseudonym, the aptly title The Lincoln Greene Project.
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Psyrok - EP Review: Omega Point Blank
10 Jan 2018 // A review by Corinne Rutherford
Psyrok is a cross-genre electronica producer and songwriter based in Wellington. He also runs his own micro-label Psylince Records.
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Skinny Hobos - Gig Review: Skinny Hobos @ Yot Club, Raglan - 06/01/2018
08 Jan 2018 // A review by Matt Mutinous
The sun finally decided to make an appearance over Raglan on Saturday afternoon, following two days of chaos weather and king tides that flooded most of the country. Tourists returned with the warmth as the campground began to fill up, the sun slipped below the horizon almost as quickly as it appeared.
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SOL3 MIO - Gig Review: Sol3 Mio @ Wharepai Domain, Tauranga - 6/01/2018
07 Jan 2018 // A review by Corinne Rutherford
It was a wet and wild weekend in Tauranga, wild enough for even the most intrepid big name International artist to delay a concert for a few days, so it was not without trepidation that I kept an eye on the skies as the hours ticked ever closer to Sol3 Mio kicking off. I wouldn't have been overly worried had I only had to review the concert, but I also had to photograph, in the standard “three songs and your out of the pit” time frame.
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Hault - EP review: Hault
06 Jan 2018 // A review by Paul Goddard
The 90's will always be my favourite decade for music. It was a time when rock bands took a punk attitude and melded it with face melting heavy 70's style riffs and this is all perfectly summed up in the Sonic Youth doco 1991 the year that punk broke (check it out).
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Intergracia - EP Review: Rise of The Incubus
31 Dec 2017 // A review by Kerry MB
Intergracia are a Kapiti/Wellington band, and as some may remember, formally known as Magnum Opus. They deliver powerful melodic metal that you’ll love from the start.
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Emma G - Album Review: Taking Flight
30 Dec 2017 // A review by Corinne Rutherford
On the back of her whirlwind All Roads Lead To Home tour of New Zealand, Emma Ghaemmaghamy, or Emma G as she is also known, has recently released her debut solo album Taking Flight. Kiwi born but now based in Washington DC, Emma works full time as a street performer and playing music around clubs, bars and community events.
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Troy Kingi - Album Review: Shake That Skinny Ass All The Way To Zygertron
22 Dec 2017 // A review by Peter-James Dries
Where the hell did this come from? Or perhaps the more appropriate question is when?
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The Knee High Socks - EP Review: The Knee High Socks
21 Dec 2017 // A 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.
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21 Dec 2017 // A 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.
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Jonathan Densem - Album Review: I’m Saying It Now
20 Dec 2017 // A review by Corinne Rutherford
Jonathan Densem - Cantabrian singer, composer, musician and teacher has launched his album I’m Saying It Now. It is an album of storytelling and beautiful melody.
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20 Dec 2017 // A review by Corinne Rutherford
Jonathan Densem - Cantabrian singer, composer, musician and teacher has launched his album I’m Saying It Now. It is an album of storytelling and beautiful melody.
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Jas Josland - Single Review: Lie To Yourself
19 Dec 2017 // A review by Corinne Rutherford
Sounding very much like Gin Wigmore, Jas Josland is a multi-talented self-managed indie rock artist from Christchurch, with an interesting life story and a stunning voice. She has described her music to be “almost like a recipe book with strong influences ranging from 60’s to the new artist’s” they are songs with stories to tell.
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Silicon - Future Islands with Silicon @ Powerstation Auckland - 16/12/2017
19 Dec 2017 // A review by Paul Goddard
This dude can dance. He is on another planet.
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Mitch Alderlieste - Single Review: Breathe
18 Dec 2017 // A review by butch181
Mitch Alderlieste’s latest release is a light airy piece, that follows along the lines of Travis’ Why Does It Always Rain On Me? And Robbie William’s Angels.
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Medusa Glare - EP Review: Medusa Glare
18 Dec 2017 // A 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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SoccerPractise - Album Review: SoccerPractise
18 Dec 2017 // A review by butch181
The self-titled debut album by SoccerPractise, is an exquisite, eclectic, perky blend of sound arrangements. This experimental indie electronica has the essence of what could have been if Lorde had aimed for clubs and EDM festivals rather than arena concerts.
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Cricket Farm - Album Review: Bending Spoons
18 Dec 2017 // A review by Corinne Rutherford
Cricket Farm, the Auckland based three-piece indie-folk/jazz band, are proudly releasing their debut album with the enchanting name of Bending Spoons. It has been described by the band as “music for hopeless romantic conspiracy theorists”… a statement such as that is simply intriguing and led me on a wonderful journey through 12 tracks of the bands thoughts and feelings accompanied by a stunning and honest indie-folk, gypsy jazz soundtrack.
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Gig Review: Paul McCartney @ Mt Smart Stadium, Auckland - 16/12/2017
17 Dec 2017 // A review by Kerry MB
Opening with A Hard Day’s Night to thunderous applause and rapture, Paul McCartney didn’t waste any time in appeasing the thirty something thousand crowd that descended upon Mt Smart Stadium in Auckland last night. It was a perfect warm summer’s night with no wind that made for crystal clear acoustics, and a stage that was set up perfectly with two huge live feed screens so everyone, front, side and back got the chance to see Sir McCartney in all his glory.
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17 Dec 2017 // A review by Kerry MB
Opening with A Hard Day’s Night to thunderous applause and rapture, Paul McCartney didn’t waste any time in appeasing the thirty something thousand crowd that descended upon Mt Smart Stadium in Auckland last night. It was a perfect warm summer’s night with no wind that made for crystal clear acoustics, and a stage that was set up perfectly with two huge live feed screens so everyone, front, side and back got the chance to see Sir McCartney in all his glory.
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Armed In Advance - Gig Review: Armed in Advance, Fallstate and AnimalHead @ Backbeat, Auckland - 8/12/2017
16 Dec 2017 // A review by Paul Goddard
Back at Backbeat. Deja vu, is a feeling you get when you see a lot of bands in Auckland.
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Gig Review: Marley: NZ All-Stars @ The Trusts Arena, Auckland - 30/11/2017
13 Dec 2017 // A 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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13 Dec 2017 // A 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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L.A.B. - Album Review: L.A.B
12 Dec 2017 // A review by LoraThompson
Needless to say I have seen these boys play live and had long anticipated the release of the self-title album from L.A.
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Scalper - EP Review: Want
12 Dec 2017 // A review by Paul Goddard
I read a Facebook post from a friend of mine in the UK recently who writes reviews. It went something like this "somebody please send me some music I can feel enough to believe it".
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Gig Review: Paul Kelly @ The Civic, Auckland - 1/12/2017
12 Dec 2017 // A review by Andrew Smit
I last saw Paul Kelly in 1987 at the Dee Why Hotel and was eager to hear him again 30 years later, I was confident he would sound awesome, as he is a proven song writer and musician who has not stopped performing and creating beautiful music since 1978, in a stellar career that continues to impress both at home in Australia and abroad. Mr Kelly simply strode to the large stage and started playing his guitar and sang some new songs from his 21st album Life is Fine, they were 3 new songs that are wonderfully fresh, but still typically Kelly songs with his customary sweet melody flowing under his distinctive lyrical comments on life.
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12 Dec 2017 // A review by Andrew Smit
I last saw Paul Kelly in 1987 at the Dee Why Hotel and was eager to hear him again 30 years later, I was confident he would sound awesome, as he is a proven song writer and musician who has not stopped performing and creating beautiful music since 1978, in a stellar career that continues to impress both at home in Australia and abroad. Mr Kelly simply strode to the large stage and started playing his guitar and sang some new songs from his 21st album Life is Fine, they were 3 new songs that are wonderfully fresh, but still typically Kelly songs with his customary sweet melody flowing under his distinctive lyrical comments on life.
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Imagine This - Single Review: That Wave
12 Dec 2017 // A review by Corinne Rutherford
Rapper and songwriter Imagine This (Khalid El-Shareif), has released a bright and meaningful new single called That Wave. It is totally compatible with the stunning visuals that make you wish you are there in the bright blue ocean; it is what we dream a glorious Kiwi summer should be.
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12 Dec 2017 // A review by Corinne Rutherford
Rapper and songwriter Imagine This (Khalid El-Shareif), has released a bright and meaningful new single called That Wave. It is totally compatible with the stunning visuals that make you wish you are there in the bright blue ocean; it is what we dream a glorious Kiwi summer should be.
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Hallelujah Picassos - Single Review: Happy Smile (Naive In Joy)
11 Dec 2017 // A review by butch181
This is truly one of the more obscure singles I've reviewed. Happy Smile (Naive In Joy) is inspired by The Peasant Dance, an oil-on-panel piece of art created by the Netherlandish Renaissance artist Pieter Bruegel the Elder, painted in c.
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Unknown - Single Review: Waihi Beach
08 Dec 2017 // A review by Corinne Rutherford
Scared Of Girls are a young garage surf punk 4-piece from Auckland with big ambitions and low standards and as such are here for a good time not a long time, their aim is to throw themselves into 2018 by churning out party punk bangers at energetic shows up and down the country. You can’t get more of a summer vibe then this bands single Waihi Beach, which is to be released on Friday 8th December.
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Spook The Horses - Album Review: People Used To Live Here
07 Dec 2017 // A review by terry666
Atmospheric bordering on doom is what encapsulates this somewhat gloomy affair. This has previously been described as post metal, and there is a lot of darkness but this is in by no means a metal release and it wanders down the path of alternative music in my mind.
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DateMonthYear - Single/Video Review: March
07 Dec 2017 // A 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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Primacy - EP Review: III
06 Dec 2017 // A review by butch181
III is Primacy’s offering to the musical gods for 2017. Showcasing the three tracks recorded this year; this is their final release with vocalist Jason McIver, who has recently decided to step down.
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Cheshire Grimm - Gig Review: Cheshire Grimm @ Ding Dong Lounge, Auckland - 24/11/2017
06 Dec 2017 // A 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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Bulletbelt - Album Review: Nine Centuries
05 Dec 2017 // A 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.
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Gig Review: Glen Matlock @ Valhalla, Wellington - 25/11/2017
05 Dec 2017 // A review by voodoobloo
As soon as I saw him walk so casually over from the side of the bar up on stage, I knew that this would be a different kind of gig, and possibly one of the most intimate experiences I would have with one of punks most beloved musicians, Glen Matlock.Throughout the night, Glen took us on an audio tour of his career, belting out songs from the rich kids, Glen Matlock and the Philistines, and what you will recognize him best for, the sex pistols.
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05 Dec 2017 // A review by voodoobloo
As soon as I saw him walk so casually over from the side of the bar up on stage, I knew that this would be a different kind of gig, and possibly one of the most intimate experiences I would have with one of punks most beloved musicians, Glen Matlock.Throughout the night, Glen took us on an audio tour of his career, belting out songs from the rich kids, Glen Matlock and the Philistines, and what you will recognize him best for, the sex pistols.
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Fire For Glory - Single Review: Daughters
05 Dec 2017 // A review by voodoobloo
Two things have always stayed consistent (for me at least) when listening to Fire For Glory:1. The vocal work on every track never fails to impress me2.
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Undercut - EP Review: Take the Wheel
04 Dec 2017 // A review by Kerry MB
Undercut are a recently formed Auckland Rock outfit and have just released their debut four-track EP, Take the Wheel - an EP all about taking back control. Straight off the bat, it’s clear Undercut are seasoned musicians with their concise but sharp four tracks that are punchy and riff laden, with pinches of three genres, Rock, Indie and Metal.
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04 Dec 2017 // A review by Kerry MB
Undercut are a recently formed Auckland Rock outfit and have just released their debut four-track EP, Take the Wheel - an EP all about taking back control. Straight off the bat, it’s clear Undercut are seasoned musicians with their concise but sharp four tracks that are punchy and riff laden, with pinches of three genres, Rock, Indie and Metal.
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Harry Styles @ Spark Arena, Auckland - 2/12/2017
04 Dec 2017 // A review by Paul Goddard
It must be interesting being Harry Styles. Thrown into the limelight to be the focal point for one of the highest selling pop acts ever.
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04 Dec 2017 // A review by Paul Goddard
It must be interesting being Harry Styles. Thrown into the limelight to be the focal point for one of the highest selling pop acts ever.
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Gig Review: Marky Ramone @ The Studio, Auckland - 1/12/2017
02 Dec 2017 // A review by Paul Goddard
Hey Ho Lets Go! The Studio on KRd was filling up nicely when I arrived and as expected the crowd is largely made up of males in their late forties/early fifties.
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02 Dec 2017 // A review by Paul Goddard
Hey Ho Lets Go! The Studio on KRd was filling up nicely when I arrived and as expected the crowd is largely made up of males in their late forties/early fifties.
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Hunt The Witch - Gig Review: Hunt The Witch etc @ The Kings Arms, Auckland 11/11/17
01 Dec 2017 // A review by Andrew Smit
The Kings Arms was a buzz with a wealth of punters keen for a dose of loud heavy rock music, all keen for a good time but regrettably the imminent demise of this entertainment institution was a sad topic of conversation for many, "it's all because of the council's greed and neglect, they change zoning to suit their bottom lines, with no thought to societies true needs", and so we paid our respects to the last Auckland beer garden rock pub, she will be remembered well. Of course, live music will live on and tonight it was alive and well, kicking off impeccably with the energetic pounding rock supplied by West Auckland rock outfit AnimalHead, this threesome gel brilliantly to create a powerful rock grind that could also be described as a bluesy kind of punk.
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Album Review: Waiuku College Music Presents - Our Sound Volume 1
01 Dec 2017 // A review by Trevor Faville
This collection of songs from students at Waiuku College is an example of a new sensibility in music education, motivated by perceptions of industry realities and recognising the strengths and influences of the students themselves. At its best, this makes for an exciting situation where fresh musical energy and ideas grab hold of traditional knowledge benefiting both.
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01 Dec 2017 // A review by Trevor Faville
This collection of songs from students at Waiuku College is an example of a new sensibility in music education, motivated by perceptions of industry realities and recognising the strengths and influences of the students themselves. At its best, this makes for an exciting situation where fresh musical energy and ideas grab hold of traditional knowledge benefiting both.
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Three Islands - Album Review: Sunshine for the Soul
01 Dec 2017 // A review by Peter-James Dries
While I admit I am usually somewhat resistant to exploring outside my chosen genre, though often reluctantly do so, I was surprised to find I had no issue getting into this album - once I finally convinced myself to start it. The Three Islands album Sunshine for the Soul are to Funk and Soul, what Jakob are to Rock.
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01 Dec 2017 // A review by Peter-James Dries
While I admit I am usually somewhat resistant to exploring outside my chosen genre, though often reluctantly do so, I was surprised to find I had no issue getting into this album - once I finally convinced myself to start it. The Three Islands album Sunshine for the Soul are to Funk and Soul, what Jakob are to Rock.
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Cherry Blind - Single Review: House of Flies
29 Nov 2017 // A review by Paul Goddard
Getting ahead in the music business is a competition. You need to give it your all and hope for a bit of luck to get ahead.
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Naught for Nothing - Single Review: Lucid
28 Nov 2017 // A review by Paul Goddard
Talent really does shine. I never really thought about it until now but it does.
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David Edwards - Album Review: The Electricka Zoo
28 Nov 2017 // A review by Corinne Rutherford
If you are on the hunt for a totally original, mind warping album that smacks you across the face with big sound, than this is it. No calming tranquil naval gazing going on here, this self-titled 8 track album may leave you wondering what the heck you are listening to.
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Nation - Single Review: Summer
25 Nov 2017 // A review by butch181
Nation's new track, Summer, instantly hits you with some high notes and some sultry lows on the vocals, reminiscent of Laughton Kora's style, led by some jazzy funky bass and a very Jamiroquai-esque hook in the chorus. With a very basic chorus lyrically (easy to remember which makes it likely to quickly become a crowdpleaser at live shows).
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Gig Review: Take That @ TSB Arena, Wellington - 21/11/2017
24 Nov 2017 // A review by Made2Fade
My first recollection of entering the TSB Arena for UK Pop band Take That, was how classy the place was that night. I'm used to going to beer-soaked, B.
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24 Nov 2017 // A review by Made2Fade
My first recollection of entering the TSB Arena for UK Pop band Take That, was how classy the place was that night. I'm used to going to beer-soaked, B.
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Coridian - Gig Review: Coridian @ The Wine Cellar, Auckland - 10/11/2017
23 Nov 2017 // A 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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Owlet Nightjar - Album Review: The Regenerative Principle
23 Nov 2017 // A review by Ria Loveder
Named after an extinct flightless bird in New Zealand, Owlet-Nightjars' are an amalgamation of unusual and attention-grabbing concepts. Their debut album, The Regenerative Principle is a mixture of sounds, featuring elements of soul, dub, blues, reggae, rock, pop and psychedelic.
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Robby Thorne - Single Review: The White Thorn Track
23 Nov 2017 // A review by butch181
Creating a hybrid of two distinct musical genres is a tightrope act; trying to simultaneously display and maintain the characteristics of both the Rock and Country genres in a way that feels organic to the audience. Robby Thorne strives to achieve this task by the addition of the amplified electric guitar to an otherwise country track.
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Miller Yule - Single Review: Diamonds
23 Nov 2017 // A 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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Cheshire Grimm - Video Review: Slave to the Grind
19 Nov 2017 // A review by butch181
A rather unorthodox request, having already reviewed the EP, but we were asked to review Cheshire Grimm's lyric video for their Slave to the Grind track from their EP Rain or Shine. The video was created by Jesse Wheeler from Cloudfall Media.
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Lorde - Gig Review: Lorde @ Michael Fowler Centre, Wellington - 11/11/2017
16 Nov 2017 // A review by Freecell
A 20 year old Auckland raised girl kicked off a concert named Melodrama at the Michael Fowler Centre in Wellington Central on Saturday the 11th of November. This girl is Ella - also known as Lorde - the popular artist that had turned famous overnight at 16 and had since created 2 successful albums and 1 EP.
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Killing Bear - Album Review: Mysterium Tremendum
16 Nov 2017 // A review by Ria Loveder
Killing Bear - The mystical tribe from Mars who have used psychic powers to poses the minds of four musicians, with their combination of drums, guitars, synths and vocals, this is a psychedelic pop rock band to get your teeth stuck into. I had never listened to any of Killing Bear’s music until now, and what I have heard I love.
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Thirty Years Late - Album Review: Fight On
14 Nov 2017 // A review by Paul Goddard
In 1967 something happened. There was a shift in peoples mindsets and that resulted in a shift in the musical landscape.
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So Below - Single Review: Close
14 Nov 2017 // A review by Corinne Rutherford
New Zealand's very own enigmatic songbird, Madeline North AKA So Below has released a new single called Close. An upbeat lively track accompanied by intense poetic lyrics which don’t match.
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Needless Cane - Album review: Sick World
13 Nov 2017 // A review by jck2
Needles Cane is a name that I’ve heard crop up quite a few times on posters and gig invitations on Facebook and amongst friends in the Auckland Goth scene. Although the most I knew about them before I listened to their album Sick World was that they were gothic rock.
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Valkyrie - EP Review: Vallkyrie
11 Nov 2017 // A review by Paul Goddard
The Goddess Vallkyrie has spoken. She is looking for warriors, people who dare to be different, who want to alter perceptions and stereotypes.
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Written By Wolves - Gig Review: Written By Wolves @ Kings Arms Tavern, Auckland - 3/11/2017
11 Nov 2017 // A 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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Immi Paterson - Single review: Nightingale
10 Nov 2017 // A review by Andrew Smit
Here is a most surrendering and peaceful new single from James Summerfield featuring Kiwi Immi Paterson that can really help you escape. Furnished with delicate vocal harmonies from James and Immi that drift perfectly over the smooth and stylish orchestral music which plays serenely throughout the track.
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10 Nov 2017 // A review by Andrew Smit
Here is a most surrendering and peaceful new single from James Summerfield featuring Kiwi Immi Paterson that can really help you escape. Furnished with delicate vocal harmonies from James and Immi that drift perfectly over the smooth and stylish orchestral music which plays serenely throughout the track.
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Gig Review: Pennywise @ The Studio, Auckland 07/11/2017
09 Nov 2017 // A review by butch181
Turning up to The Studio venue, and you can’t help but be impressed at how well things had been put together to this point. Bringing an international band to NZ, and selling out a venue with a capacity of somewhere around 1000-1200, on a Tuesday night, with the gig announcement only two weeks before the show was penned down to happen.
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09 Nov 2017 // A review by butch181
Turning up to The Studio venue, and you can’t help but be impressed at how well things had been put together to this point. Bringing an international band to NZ, and selling out a venue with a capacity of somewhere around 1000-1200, on a Tuesday night, with the gig announcement only two weeks before the show was penned down to happen.
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Radio Coma - Single Review: Too Young To Die
06 Nov 2017 // A review by tonymcdonald
Head banging on the front row, covered in beer, sweat and waves of pushing & shoving. Too Young To Die instantly transports you to a live venue.
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Gig Review: Roni Size @ The Studio, Auckland - 27/10/2017
05 Nov 2017 // A review by Freecell
V Energy and Audiology brings DnB legend and pioneer Roni Size touring his New Forms Anniversary Live show at The Studio in Auckland. I had arrived early at the entrance I could already hear some drum and bass playing walking down to the stage I realised how long its been since I was last at The Studio, suddenly the memories flow in from previous events of Shift to BSE, the venue had character and a lot of history.
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05 Nov 2017 // A review by Freecell
V Energy and Audiology brings DnB legend and pioneer Roni Size touring his New Forms Anniversary Live show at The Studio in Auckland. I had arrived early at the entrance I could already hear some drum and bass playing walking down to the stage I realised how long its been since I was last at The Studio, suddenly the memories flow in from previous events of Shift to BSE, the venue had character and a lot of history.
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Alice Cooper @ TSB Bank Arena, Wellington - 28/10/2017
05 Nov 2017 // A review by terry666
Alice Cooper, Ace Frehley and Strangers. Wellington, 28 October 2017 Aussie rockers Strangers opened the show to a crowd that had probably never even heard of them but the got the crowd going and I suspect won over a whole new set of fans.
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05 Nov 2017 // A review by terry666
Alice Cooper, Ace Frehley and Strangers. Wellington, 28 October 2017 Aussie rockers Strangers opened the show to a crowd that had probably never even heard of them but the got the crowd going and I suspect won over a whole new set of fans.
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TOI - Single Review: Kiss the Sky
04 Nov 2017 // A review by LoraThompson
Wellington dub-rockers Tunes of I just never stop. After a crazy couple of years touring their debut album Restless, they're back with the first single off what will be their third release, and EP called Wicked Ways – due for release on the 17th November.
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Apollo SteamTrain - Gig Review: Apollo SteamTrain @ RockFest 2017, Totara Street, Mt Maunganui - 28/10/2017
04 Nov 2017 // A 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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Remote - Gig Review: Remote @ RockFest 2017, Totara Street, Mt Maunganui - 28/10/2017
04 Nov 2017 // A 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 // A 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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The Eternal Sea - Gig Review: The Eternal Sea @ RockFest 2017, Totara Street, Mt Maunganui - 28/10/2017
04 Nov 2017 // A 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 // A 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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Deathnir - Gig Review: Deathnir @ RockFest 2017, Totara Street, Mt Maunganui - 28/10/2017
04 Nov 2017 // A 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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Ardijah - Gig Review: Ardijah @ The Oxford Hotel, Levin - 22/10/2017
03 Nov 2017 // A review by Reef
Ardijah are an iconic New Zealand band from Auckland who in the 1980's were popular in the club/pub scene. Their debut single Give Me Your Numba was released in 1986 and since then a string of hits followed.
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Yumi Zouma - Album Review: Willowbank
02 Nov 2017 // A review by Corinne Rutherford
I have crossed the path of Yumi Zouma once before when I reviewed their first track on this album which was released as a single back in August. Willowbank is the sophomore album to Yoncalla, their debut originals LP.
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Paua - Single Review: Play By Your Rules
01 Nov 2017 // A review by Andrew Smit
Paua’s latest single Play By Your Rules is so smooth and catchy, driven along with the hipest reggae beat that warms your heart and gets you bopping along instantly. Loaded with the most soulful and harmonious choral singing you could imagine, it's upbeat and fun with a very island come summer reggae feel.
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The Hopkinsville Goblins - Album Review: The Hopkinsville Goblins
01 Nov 2017 // A 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.
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Gig Review: The Dillinger Escape Plan @ Kings Arms, Auckland - 25/10/2017
28 Oct 2017 // A review by Paul Goddard
There is a real air of anticipation around this gig. The last time The Dillinger Escape Plan played the Kings Arms back in 2015 still has people sharing stories of what it was like to be there and tonight is the last time New Zealand gets to see one of the most innovative and progressive bands of the last 20 years.
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28 Oct 2017 // A review by Paul Goddard
There is a real air of anticipation around this gig. The last time The Dillinger Escape Plan played the Kings Arms back in 2015 still has people sharing stories of what it was like to be there and tonight is the last time New Zealand gets to see one of the most innovative and progressive bands of the last 20 years.
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Radius Kink - Album Review: Peculiar Confessions
27 Oct 2017 // A 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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Great North - Album Review: The Golden Age
27 Oct 2017 // A review by Corinne Rutherford
You know you have stumbled onto a good thing, when you come across a band who reckons that their songs were delivered to them by drunken angels and the music video involves blowing loads of beautifully crafted cakes from the Australian Women’s Weekly Cake Book to smithereens. “Nearly every 90's child in New Zealand would have had a cake from that cookbook or been at a party where one was served.
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Devilskin - Gig Review: Devilskin @ San Fran, Wellington - 13/10/2017
27 Oct 2017 // A review by LilMizCharlie
Devilskin are being seen all over the world in ways that we as New Zealanders should be extremely proud of. You only have to attend one of their shows to see that for yourself.
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Silence The City - Album Review: Resilience
26 Oct 2017 // A review by butch181
In the New Zealand mainstream rock scene, releasing a full-length album is an achievement in itself. The digital age of the music industry and the geographical limitations of the country tends to push most young acts towards either the constant stream of single releases or shorter EPs in order to maintain their relevance in the music scene.
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Devilskin - Gig Review: Devilskin @ Powerstation, Auckland - 21/10/2017
24 Oct 2017 // A 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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Modern Maori Quartet - Gig Review: Modern Maori Quartet @ Powerstation, Auckland - 14/10/2017
23 Oct 2017 // A review by butch181
The weather was timid as I wandered towards the Powerstation. For the first time since I’d ever been to the venue, the doors opened well before 8 pm allowing the crowd to casually enter without the need to queue.
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Sneaky Feelings - Album Review: Progress Junction
22 Oct 2017 // A review by Peter-James Dries
I was sure I’d been sent the wrong album. Pieces of ephemeral memorabilia bookending nostalgic rock didn’t suit my usual shtick.
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Manon Peak - Album Review: Focused
22 Oct 2017 // A review by Made2Fade
Manon Peak, pronounced 'Main-on Peak’ is a musical project formed by Ben Ruegg. The concept of Manon Peak is collaboration.
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Gig Review: The DMA's @ Tuning Fork, Auckland - 20/10/2017
21 Oct 2017 // A review by Paul Goddard
This is my first time at Tuning fork and the smallish room is filling up nicely as we arrive early to catch local band Yukon Era before Aussie headliners The DMA's.I had heard good things about Yukon Era but wasn't sure what to expect.
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21 Oct 2017 // A review by Paul Goddard
This is my first time at Tuning fork and the smallish room is filling up nicely as we arrive early to catch local band Yukon Era before Aussie headliners The DMA's.I had heard good things about Yukon Era but wasn't sure what to expect.
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Parabola West - EP Review: Purity Of Weakness
20 Oct 2017 // A review by Corinne Rutherford
If ever there were a musical artist whose name sparked curiosity, than Parabola West (real name Amy) is it. Sounds somewhat like a complicated scientific description of something or a character from Westside, fortunately it is the former.
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Missrosevalentina - EP Review: Cherry
19 Oct 2017 // A review by Paul Goddard
I have always struggled with instrumental music, be it electronica or the rock soundscapes generated by Mogwai. I can listen and enjoy certain tracks but over an album, I tend to miss the dynamic of a vocal.
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Julia Deans - Single Review: Walking in the Sun
18 Oct 2017 // A review by Paul Goddard
Julia Deans is one of those iconic Kiwi artists who just seems to effortlessly create a beautiful noise. This new release, her first as a solo artist since 2010 is taken from her forthcoming album We Light Fire.
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HeadRoller - Album Review: Headroller
18 Oct 2017 // A review by voodoobloo
"Stay with us now as we cross live to some poor bastard we sent straight to the depths of hell to bring you the exclusive footage you need, Jeff tell me, how much blood is there?"Now, I might have heard that quote wrong (even after multiple run-throughs of the song, Visions), but if I could fit the feeling of this whole album into a few short, simple words, it would definitely be this little skit from the beginning of the 7th track, Visions.
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The Gemini Effect - Album Review: Atomic Blues
16 Oct 2017 // A review by LilMizCharlie
That moment when Tom Petty passes yet something else seems to emerge.It’s was one those days.
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The Whiskey Show - Single Review: Vengeance
12 Oct 2017 // A review by tonymcdonald
This is a classic old school rock song with a modern 'Black Keys' style drum and bass feel thrown in. Dene's vocals are great for this genre, and Scott's guitaring is stunningly good.
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Merrin - Album Review: 1
12 Oct 2017 // A review by LoraThompson
From first listen, Merrin's 1 has evolved in leaps and bounds from their earlier singles Sin and Mr Dominant the band are now bringing a much heavier and refined hard rock feel than their previous work. The Album begins with the newest single Durty Little Secret and quickly and easily segways into the heavier, riffier Burn it Up.
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Beachware - EP Review: Twin Coast Disc Drive
11 Oct 2017 // A review by Kerry MB
Beachware are from Auckland and full of fun with their electric surf pop. Their bubble gum sound is typically Kiwi and has that real beach vibe blended with 80’s synth overtones.
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I Am Giant - Gig Review: I Am Giant @ Islington O2 Academy, London - 26/09/17
11 Oct 2017 // A review by jdiddynz
A surprisingly balmy late September evening in London saw I Am Giant’s first return to the UK for close on a year as part of their Playing with Fire European tour. Hosted at the Islington O2 Academy, the evening was a three band affair featuring Telford’s Grim Fiction, London’s New Volume, and NZ’s own I Am Giant.
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Gig Review: Synthony @ Auckland Town Hall, Auckland - 30/09/2017
10 Oct 2017 // A 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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10 Oct 2017 // A 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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Kimbra - Single Review: Everybody Knows
10 Oct 2017 // A review by Corinne Rutherford
When I hear Kimbra, I still hear Somebody That I Used To Know, a song which Gotye made a killing on in 2012 and shot our lovely kiwi Kimbra from Hamilton into the musical stratosphere. I still hear it because I played it over and over again until I drove myself mad or my cats bonkers, one of the two.
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Killing Bear - Single Review: Milk and Cookies
08 Oct 2017 // A review by Paul Goddard
For me, Wellington will always have a higher ratio of interesting bands compared to Auckland, despite Auckland having one million more people wandering around (well sat in cars, looking at phones). Wellington band Killing Bear are proof of that.
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Play Big - Single Review: Imbecile
08 Oct 2017 // A review by Paul Goddard
Play Big are ANGRY. There's nothing wrong with that, in fact, we need more angry people in the world right now.
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Merrin - Gig Review: Merrin @ Valhalla, Wellington - 23/09/2017
07 Oct 2017 // A review by Reef
Merrin recently released their new album 1 and on Saturday 23rd September I headed along to the album release party at Valhalla in Wellington to review and photograph the show. The two support acts for the night were Darkness Within and Strikemaster.
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Fallstate - Single Review: Epilogue
03 Oct 2017 // A review by rebelsoundradio
Let’s address the elephant in the room straight away. It’s proclaimed on a daily basis that New Zealand has no new “decent” rock music.
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Happy Hearse - Album Review: Mastering the Shakes
03 Oct 2017 // A 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.
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Coridian - EP Review: Caldera
02 Oct 2017 // A review by butch181
Caldera is a short and sweet six-track release adding up to a 21 minute total runtime. Nonetheless sets the pace, with a fast guitar riff and some booming drums.
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Modern Maori Quartet - Album Review: That's Us
01 Oct 2017 // A 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 // A 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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His Masters Voice - EP Review: Woman
29 Sep 2017 // A review by Sass_Metal
This EP is for all the beautiful souls that dance up the front of a His Masters Voice performance, it is for the people that close their eyes and feel the music, for those that loose themselves in the music, the souls that get Goosebumps and go on journeys in their minds when the music hits that perfect note. This is a very clever recording with three songs the band already perform live but the crowning glory in this EP is their new song Woman, although that is a VERY hard call to make as the other three songs all invoke the memories in me of the different times I’ve seen His Masters Voice, in Wellington when I accompanied them down on the mammoth road trip down and back in two days, or Hamilton last year when Az blew my mind with some American Music opportunities, New Plymouth at Brutalitee’s Birthday Bash and of course all the times I’ve seen them in Auckland.
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Dead Favours - Gig Review: RockEnrol @ Whammy Bar, Auckland 21/09/2017
29 Sep 2017 // A review by butch181
It was a reasonably calm evening as I wandered down Karangahape Road towards St Kevin’s Arcade and the Whammy Bar. The streets were not as busy as they usually would be, but it could mostly be chalked up to the ever-changing weather that kept threatening us with intense rainfall without a moment’s notice.
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The Black Seeds - Album Review: Fabric
26 Sep 2017 // A review by LoraThompson
Fabric (Released September 2017) is the 6th Full-length studio offering from Wellington-based band The Black Seeds – and the 12 track album certainly does not disappoint. The band have been around since 1998, with their Global Breakthrough album generally considered to be their 2006 release Enter the Dojo.
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Tidal Rave - EP Review: Tidal Rave
26 Sep 2017 // A review by Peter-James Dries
There’s this book. A novel.
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Sir Dave Dobbyn - Single Review: Nau Mai Ra (Welcome Home)
26 Sep 2017 // A review by Paul Goddard
When the opportunity to review this single came up I almost passed it by. This wasn't about discovering a new song (or so I thought).
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Knightshade - Single Review: U Say
25 Sep 2017 // A review by Corinne Rutherford
Knightshade the iconic rock / hard rock kiwi band that formed in Te Puke back in the early 1980’s, is making a comeback with their new single U Say which is due for release 29/09/17. This is the first of four delicious new songs.
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The Steffan van Soest Smoke Machine - Album Review: Hot Boxin'
19 Sep 2017 // A review by Andrew Smit
Kicking off with the mesmeric HOT!, a track that has hints of Bowie with a bit of Lou Reed, an expressive ditty that is decorated with great vocal harmonies and a very catchy melody.
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Biobird - EP Review: Tribes
19 Sep 2017 // A review by Corinne Rutherford
Tribes is the debut EP from Biobird, it is inspired by all things bass. If my investigative skills are on form, Biobird is Caleb Bird, based in the Waikato and handy on the mixing desk.
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The Rock 1500 Countdown Party @ Powerstation, Auckland - 15/09/2017
18 Sep 2017 // A review by Kerry MB
One of the biggest nights for Rock fans recently came to an end, and while many celebrated with a well-deserved day off work to start their own festivities early, many more were fortunate to attend the place to be; The Rock’s first ever 1500 countdown party at Powerstation, Mount Eden. The beloved venue, no stranger to a Rock gig or two, was ready and waiting.
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18 Sep 2017 // A review by Kerry MB
One of the biggest nights for Rock fans recently came to an end, and while many celebrated with a well-deserved day off work to start their own festivities early, many more were fortunate to attend the place to be; The Rock’s first ever 1500 countdown party at Powerstation, Mount Eden. The beloved venue, no stranger to a Rock gig or two, was ready and waiting.
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Knightshade - Single Review: 'U Say'
17 Sep 2017 // A review by Shade
When we think of Kiwi Hard Rock bands that have shaped our musical landscape over the past 3 decades, survived devastating real life storms, re-united us with graphic memories of the same shaky ground we’ve all stood on before, and been there since the dawn of 1980’s Kiwi Hard Rock… one name does not escape. Knightshade.
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Static Era - Gig Review: Static Era @ Ding Dong Lounge, Auckland - 9/09/2017
16 Sep 2017 // A review by Sass_Metal
I had been looking forward to this show for a good month, if not longer. It was a FREEZING cold night outside with wind and rain and when I first got to the show I wondered if it was going to keep people away but by the time Animalhead took to the stage the venue was filling up nicely and temperatures were rising as everyone jammed in and started rocking out.
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Manzo - Album Review: Outsider
12 Sep 2017 // A review by butch181
With minimal introduction, the new Manzo album begins with St Helens Overture; a lovely, calm, delicate piano piece. A rather impressive beginning, with a gentle crescendo, showing great use of refrain leading into the rest of the album.
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The Dirty Sweets - Single/Video Review: Kick Down The Door
12 Sep 2017 // A review by Corinne Rutherford
Bogan dream band, The Dirty Sweets have released a brand new single Kick Down The Door, which is accompanied by a video featuring 1970’s NZ skateboarding footage from the documentary No More Heroes “A tribute to nostalgia, the '70s & "the asphalt desperadoes of Aotearoa who took skateboarding from a fun pursuit into a full-blown national phenomenon. Uses rare photos, a punk rock/NZ soundtrack.
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Gig Review: Pukekohe High School Compilation Release Gig @ Pukekohe High School - 06/09/2017
11 Sep 2017 // A 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.
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11 Sep 2017 // A 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.
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Killing Bear - Single Review: Lost In Otaki
08 Sep 2017 // A review by Corinne Rutherford
My friends from Pukerua Bay have once again lured me with their psychedelic, futuristic music from the past... from another planet, and seduced me into reviewing the latest cool single with the promise of mind-bending, partytastic sounds.
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Bespin - Single Review: East of Her
07 Sep 2017 // A review by Freecell
Auckland three-piece and Critics Choice prize winners Bespin return with a new track - East of Her.The song intro starts with a synthesised sound and a bass with an Interesting effect drawing you in.
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Daniel McClelland - Album Review: Anxious Heart
07 Sep 2017 // A 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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Fire For Glory - Gig Review: Hawthorne Heights with Fire For Glory @ Kings Arms Tavern, Auckland - 05/09/2017
07 Sep 2017 // A review by butch181
"Listen, Morty, I hate to break it to you, but what people call "love" is just a chemical reaction that compels animals to breed."The quote from the hit American adult animated sci-fi sitcom drew attention, as an early start to the evening had opening act Fire For Glory up on stage well before 8pm.
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New Age Leper - EP Review: The Day The Stranger Came
07 Sep 2017 // A review by Kerry MB
New Age Leper hail from Wellington and are something of a commodity with their eclectic sound of Rock with enough softness, that even small children would enjoy. Expecting the unexpected would sum it up the best.
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King Kapisi - Imagine This - Single/Video Review: Like A Game Feat. King Kapisi
06 Sep 2017 // A review by Corinne Rutherford
Imagine This has once again demonstrated why he is blazing a highly productive music trail by teaming up with one of New Zealand’s top Hip-Hop recording artists King Kapisi, to;make his latest single Like A Game. The prolific collaborator hailing from Auckland with a busy International touring presence has proved again that his highly creative and productive work ethic is paying off.
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Gig Review: The Others Way Festival 2017 @ K.Rd, Auckland - 01/09/2017
06 Sep 2017 // A review by Paul Goddard
If you live in Auckland you can "pay 1.5 for a shitty house on a shitty street" and you can also go to one of the coolest festivals to appear in recent years.
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06 Sep 2017 // A review by Paul Goddard
If you live in Auckland you can "pay 1.5 for a shitty house on a shitty street" and you can also go to one of the coolest festivals to appear in recent years.
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Kimbra - Gig Review: Kimbra @ Town Hall, Auckland - 31/08/2017
05 Sep 2017 // A review by Paul Goddard
I have been struggling to write this review. Much like I have been struggling to put my thoughts together around this gig by one of NZ's most successful and respected artists.
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Reb Fountain - Album Review: Little Arrows
05 Sep 2017 // A review by Corinne Rutherford
My hope is that I can do this album justice and give it the respect it deserves. This has been an emotional journey for Reb Fountain.
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Dreams Are Like Water - EP Review: A Sea-Spell
04 Sep 2017 // A review by Paul Goddard
Growing up in the UK in the eighties I was massively influenced by bands like The Mission, Fields of the Nephilim, Sisters of Mercy and The Cure. I loved the atmospherics, the darkness and also the energy of bands like The Mission.
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Mishap - Gig Review: Mishap @ Thistle Hall, Wellington - 2/09/2017
04 Sep 2017 // A review by tonymcdonald
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Starving Millions - EP Review: V
02 Sep 2017 // A review by Matt Mutinous
Good punk in this country has always been few and far between. Ducking in and out of the spotlight, the well-known acts of the New Zealand scene have been the ones that have powered on.
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Sea Mouse - Album Review: Sea Mouse
01 Sep 2017 // A 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.
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The Brian Hatcher Band - Album Review: Trouble & Worry
01 Sep 2017 // A review by Corinne Rutherford
Brian Hatcher, Craig Hatcher and Jarrod Hooper make up The Brian Hatcher Band, a three piece from New Plymouth with a rock and blues soul. After an extensive time in the New Zealand music scene, guitarist Brian Hatcher has completed Trouble & Worry, his long awaited first album.
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Set on End - Gig Review: Northlane with Set On End @ Kings Arms Tavern, Auckland - 26/08/2017
01 Sep 2017 // A review by butch181
I arrived at the Kings Arms Tavern forty minutes before doors opened in order to avoid traffic, and was surprised to find the carpark already full of cars, and patrons waiting to gain entry to the venue. By the time the doors opened, the crowd that had amassed looked large enough to fill the venue to capacity.
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Cairo Knife Fight - Single Review: A-Eight
29 Aug 2017 // A review by Paul Goddard
Wow, seriously just wow! Cairo Knife Fight have done it again and released a piece of art that hits the soul, mind and makes your heart beat a little faster.
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Ammp - EP Review: This Chaotic Symphony
29 Aug 2017 // A review by Kerry MB
Hailing from Wellington, Ammp is a four-piece, pop-rock, indie outfit full of melody, warmth and eagerly awaiting your listening ears. If you’re familiar with the band’s debut album, From The Back Of The Sun, you’ll recognise the same clear, harmonious vocals from Andrew Masseurs and the effortless musicianship from the rest of the band, Matthew Powell (guitars) Jason Murphy (bass) and Andrew Richardson (drums).
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Openside - Single Review: I Feel Nothing
28 Aug 2017 // A review by tonymcdonald
Thumping bass and drums overlaid with great effects and keyboards make this 80’s retro PowerPop single really stand out. I Feel Nothing is a very catchy tune and it's certain to be a hit especially in the lead up to summer.
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Arrays - EP Review: Motives
25 Aug 2017 // A review by rebelsoundradio
Well, the old adage goes “if you want something done right, do it yourself”. It’s a shame that no one expanded on this and added: “It’s at least ten times better when you do it with heavy riffs”.
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City of Souls - Gig Review: Stone Sour with City of Souls @ Spark Arena, Auckland - 23/08/2017
24 Aug 2017 // A 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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Yumi Zouma - Single Review: Depths (Pt. 1)
23 Aug 2017 // A review by Corinne Rutherford
Yumi Zouma are a four piece synth-pop powerhouse from Christchurch. The music they produce is electronica mixed with pop.
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Gig Review: Auckland City Rockfest @ The Kings Arms Tavern, Auckland 19/08/2017
22 Aug 2017 // A 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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22 Aug 2017 // A 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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Bill Direen and The Bilders - Album Review: Chrysanthemum Storm
22 Aug 2017 // A review by Peter-James Dries
I wasn’t old enough to lament the discontinuation of the vinyl, so I’m not invested enough in the medium to be a part of the resurgence. But I’m not so blind as to know it isn’t happening on the peripheries of my attention span.
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Animal Party - Gig Review: Slaves with Animal Party @ Kings Arms, Auckland - 17/08/2017
18 Aug 2017 // A review by butch181
The night opened with Auckland Alt-Rock act Animal Party. With a sound that could be described as a grungy take on punk rock, they powered through their vocal-centric set.
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Dead Favours - Single Review: High Flying
18 Aug 2017 // A 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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Fallstate - Single Review: Live Forever or Die Trying
16 Aug 2017 // A review by Andrew Smit
A full-on rush of guitars and drums that kick you in the face will stir and arouse you to attention. This new track by Kiwi pop punk rockers Fallstate is a momentous cacophony of harmonics and noise that gloriously spills its guts out without pretentiousness, in fact you could say it’s a track that certainly lives by its name.
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Hangar 18 - Hangar 18 @ Kings Arms, Auckland - 11/08/2017
14 Aug 2017 // A review by butch181
With a list of 5+ bands playing on the bill, it was going to be a marathon session for a Kings Arms Tavern Friday night.First band up was Auckland Rock Funk band, Mudshark.
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Sons Of Zion - EP Release: The Jukebox Suite
14 Aug 2017 // A review by Corinne Rutherford
If you want to be transported away to hot summer days and music festivals, then go no further than Sons Of Zion brand new EP titled The Jukebox Suite, four songs including a new single featuring Aaradhna called Is That Enough. This band is the epitome of smooth balmy summertime sounds.
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Primacy - Gig Review: Primacy, Remote & Pull Down the Sun @ Kings Arms, Auckland - 12/08/2017
14 Aug 2017 // A review by Sass_Metal
Last night's show was one of those really awesome ones where there are all those people you haven’t seen in what feels like a hundred years and it was definitely a night that could have gone on for a few more hours! The bands all added to that excitement though and I’m pretty sure when I see any of these bands again I will be reminded of this night and the people, music, laughter and memories.
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Aaron Carpenter and The Revelators - Album Review: Pretty Lies
13 Aug 2017 // A 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.
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Mermaidens - Album Review: Perfect Body
10 Aug 2017 // A review by Corinne Rutherford
It was never going to be possible for a band called Mermaidens to slip under my radar. I spotted these three with their fanciful, quirky but supper cool band name one day as I was scrolling through Facebook as you do.
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Groove Lagoon - EP Review: Extended Play
09 Aug 2017 // A 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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Radio Therapy - EP Review: Ruby
08 Aug 2017 // A review by Freecell
This EP starts off with a guitar intro and left speaker panning making for some very interesting sound engineering on Light in Darkness, the riff starts off and then the full band starts playing. My first impression is that it reminds me of Pennywise but different with a high energy rock punk feel.
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SWIDT - Album Review: Stoneyhunga
06 Aug 2017 // A review by jck2
SWIDT, which stands for "See what I did there?", broke onto the music scene with their independently produced single & video No More Parties In Onehunga in early 2016.
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06 Aug 2017 // A review by jck2
SWIDT, which stands for "See what I did there?", broke onto the music scene with their independently produced single & video No More Parties In Onehunga in early 2016.
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Grayson Gilmour - Album Review: Otherness
06 Aug 2017 // A review by Corinne Rutherford
I knew this album would be something memorable from the moment I saw that it was to be released on a very limited special edition LP on milky-clear vinyl, to me a vinyl collector from way back those words sounded alluring and intriguing. This was just the beginning of what was to become a musical experience which was captivating from start to finish.
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Gig Review: Angelcorpse @ Whammy Bar, Auckland - 26/07/2017
06 Aug 2017 // A review by Matt Mutinous
Mid week gigs are always the hardest choice for most music fans, but it's not often at all that a band like this comes to town. Angelcorpse had been a big part of the Tampa death metal scene in the late 90's, so I decided to take my good friend and fellow musician, Nik Davies along, to try and catch a glimpse of the good old days of American death metal.
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06 Aug 2017 // A review by Matt Mutinous
Mid week gigs are always the hardest choice for most music fans, but it's not often at all that a band like this comes to town. Angelcorpse had been a big part of the Tampa death metal scene in the late 90's, so I decided to take my good friend and fellow musician, Nik Davies along, to try and catch a glimpse of the good old days of American death metal.
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Broken Season - Single/Video Review: Amandla (Lyric Video)
06 Aug 2017 // A review by Paul Goddard
Music can be anything you want it to be. It can be throw away, whimsical, abrasive, calming and you can choose music to suit your mood or change your mood because music connects on an emotional level.
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The Latest Fallout - Single Review: Love On The Ceiling
04 Aug 2017 // A review by butch181
The Latest Fallout are a Hamilton act that fall along the Alt-Rock/Alt-Pop veins, with a style of music that focuses on the happier, more positive-emotion topics when it comes to their lyrical content. You could quite easily compare their style to the likes of Paramore, AFI, or Fall Out Boy, though their style has moved slightly away from the guitar focus, towards atmospheric keys and synth more recently.
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04 Aug 2017 // A review by butch181
The Latest Fallout are a Hamilton act that fall along the Alt-Rock/Alt-Pop veins, with a style of music that focuses on the happier, more positive-emotion topics when it comes to their lyrical content. You could quite easily compare their style to the likes of Paramore, AFI, or Fall Out Boy, though their style has moved slightly away from the guitar focus, towards atmospheric keys and synth more recently.
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Mishap - Single Review: Hey, Allie!
04 Aug 2017 // A 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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Mitch Alderlieste - Single Review: New Fire
04 Aug 2017 // A review by butch181
Mitch Alderlieste's latest release, New Fire, is a musical mix of rock genres. With an opening verse that is reminiscent of the soundtrack to the 90's and 00's teen coming-of-age movies, the chorus takes on more of a bluesy rock vibe, which goes well with Alderlieste's deep and husky vocals.
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Ciaran McMeeken - Album Review: Ciaran McMeeken
04 Aug 2017 // A review by Ria Loveder
What I love about Ciaran McMeeken’s self-titled album, is how diverse the music is. An album that has been created to encompass his experiences as an artist so far in his career, every track is unique, making this album versatile and attractive to a variety of music tastes.
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Grawlixes - Album Review: Set Free
03 Aug 2017 // A review by Peter-James Dries
I put things in boxes. We all do, deny it though you will; it is an artifact of the human’s quest for knowledge.
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Reb Fountain - EP Review: Hopeful & Hopeless
02 Aug 2017 // A review by Ria Loveder
This beautiful little collection of songs was recorded in my favourite live music venue, The Wine Cellar. I remember many fond times, snuggled into one of their many couches, feet up, mulled wine in hand listening to talented people performing in the intimate space.
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Valen - Single Review: C’mon Over
02 Aug 2017 // A review by Corinne Rutherford
If RnB with a touch of Soul is your thing, then the smooth sound from Auckland musical artist Valen will be something to look forward in the future when she releases her first EP. But for now we get a taste of what is to come, with her first single C’mon Over.
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Tribal State - Gig Review: Tribal State @ Kings Arms, Auckland - 28/07/2017
29 Jul 2017 // A review by Sass_Metal
It was a cold, wet night, my nose was running and I couldn’t stop sneezing and coughing. I wasn’t feeling up to going out on such a miserable night but I’m more than happy that I did.
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Bloodnut - Album Review: St. Ranga
27 Jul 2017 // A review by Sass_Metal
I’ve heard a lot of albums in my time but there’s not many that draws you in from the first note and despite it’s unusual name Space Orangutan it is one of the best opening tracks for an album I’ve heard in a very long time. The levels in this mix capture the live, raw sound of Bloodnut perfectly which is also very rare in NZ Metal recordings (the amount of times I’ve had my music on shuffle and had to turn it up for NZ Metal bands then to have my speakers almost explode when an International band comes on drives me crazy every time!
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Will Saunders - Album Review: Hopeful Objects
27 Jul 2017 // A review by Peter-James Dries
Straight to VHS: a pejorative term to the normals, but a sign of a cult classic for circles too cool for you to be in. I see the negatives of the term.
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Paul McLaney - Album Review: Play On
26 Jul 2017 // A review by Corinne Rutherford
Where do I begin to review a musical imagining of Shakespeare’s most well-known soliloquies? Paul McLaney has taken 400 year old lyrics and created music around them, eleven undeniably theatrical tracks setting some of Shakespeare’s most famous words to music for the first time.
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Decades - Album Review: The Truth And Other People
26 Jul 2017 // A review by Corinne Rutherford
This is a story “about what happens when a girl rips her world apart then puts it all back together”. Looking down at the notebook in front of me one word stands out in bright red pen, and that word is brave.
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Wallace - Gig Review: Wallace @ Meow, Wellington - 11/06/17
24 Jul 2017 // A review by Shade
With a much deprived passion for a live music experience and pushed on by a resemblance of the gigs poster to a singer of the same genre I was at Meow on Sunday night for Wallace. Unaware of the company I'd share the night with, equally anticipating hip hop heads or those on the jazz fest circuit (it was mainly the latter), contemplating my week if I had not gone along is an existence I know I would have been poorer for.
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Tony Daunt & The Dauntless - Gig Review: Tony Daunt And The Dauntless @ The Incubator Jam Factory, Tauranga - 22/07/2017
23 Jul 2017 // A review by Corinne Rutherford
It was a mid winters evening in Tauranga and the scene was set down at Incubator for what promised to be a wonderful evening of music. The rain had cleared and the place had a European cafe vibe about it, with a courtyard outside which had atmosphere for miles and highlighted this intimate venues creative heart.
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Selon Recliner - EP Review: Stories of Later
20 Jul 2017 // A review by Corinne Rutherford
Selon Recliner are a collective of seven musicians based in Auckland, which have been described as “artists and dreamers who have come together to create languid dark-pop”. The group’s latest collaborative wonderland of musical masterpieces are six tracks merging their different styles to create such a beautiful album, that the first track brought tears to my eyes.
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Eli Moore - Album Review: Ship Life
18 Jul 2017 // A review by Corinne Rutherford
Eli Moore's CD Ship Life was the perfect accompaniment to our mid winter travels down to the snowy mountains, although not quite the same, listening to his music was like taking a journey to exotic lands, I actually felt like I was sitting in a piano bar on a cruise ship. This journey also took me back in time sparking memories of some great musicians who were kicking around in the 1970's, Jackson Browne and Steely Dan immediately sprang to mind.
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Decades - Gig Review: Decades with Bakers Eddy, Dead Favours & Skinny Hobos @ Galatos, Auckland - 15/07/2017
17 Jul 2017 // A review by Sass_Metal
This was a well anticipated show for many of the punters there, talking to them between bands around the venue and outside. Despite being moved into the smaller basement room below Galatos instead of being in the ballroom it was the perfect size and created the right atmosphere for the bands and audience to be closer together and almost as one.
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Gig Review: Queens Of The Stone Age @ Logan Campbell, Auckland - 13/07/17
15 Jul 2017 // A review by Paul Goddard
It's somewhere back in the late Nineties and I am in Rock City, Nottingham UK. There is a band on in the small bar downstairs I hadn't heard of them but they had a cool name and the singer just had something going on.
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15 Jul 2017 // A review by Paul Goddard
It's somewhere back in the late Nineties and I am in Rock City, Nottingham UK. There is a band on in the small bar downstairs I hadn't heard of them but they had a cool name and the singer just had something going on.
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Empire To Ashes - Single Review: My Own Phantom Limb
14 Jul 2017 // A review by Freecell
This song starts off with a scratchy eerie sound with a soothing modulated synthesized sound that gradually gets louder. The intro of the video reminds of Japanese horror movie 'The Ring' The visualisations change into random high quality images.
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Rei - Album Review: A Place To Stand
11 Jul 2017 // A review by jck2
A Place To Stand is the sophomore album by New Zealand's very own urban artist Rei. A Place To Stand is an intricate album both in concept and production.
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The AJ Crawshaw Band - EP Review: In Light And Shadow
11 Jul 2017 // A review by Andrew Smit
There is no doubt that this EP is a result of pure commitment to the craft of creating true music, such is the impact of the music, with tunes that are alive and full of earthy tones that simply delight your senses. The bright and real sound of acoustic guitars gratify each track and provide a beautiful sustenance for singer songwriter AJ Crawshaw’s smooth and expressive singing voice, just think James Blunt meets Ed Sheeran, but with even more feeling!
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Alien Weaponry - Gig Review: Alien Weaponry @ Totara St, Mount Maunganui - 8/07/2017
09 Jul 2017 // A review by Corinne Rutherford
I will begin by saying it was great to get the chance to work along side another member of the muzic.net.
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State Of Mind - Gig Review: State of Mind with MC Rolex @ Static, Hamilton - 30/06/17
09 Jul 2017 // A review by Freecell
The Drum & Bass Massive presents: State of Mind with MC Rolex with local support from: Freecell, Hijenkx, Harlan Jones, Califresh, Snead place project and Wilks. This Event was at Static, 5 Hood St, Hamilton.
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Santa Barbara - Single/Video Review: Reptile Lover
08 Jul 2017 // A review by Corinne Rutherford
Fizzing is an excellent word to describe the latest offering from Kiwi band Santa Barbara. Reptile Lover is collaboration between the LA based band and poet Jeffrey Holgate who provided the lyrics; it is like fizzy sherbet or delightful popping candy for your ears.
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Theia - EP Review: Theia
07 Jul 2017 // A review by Corinne Rutherford
I have had a casual eye on Theia for a wee while; she has been floating around in my music filled memory banks since I heard Roam, so I was rather excited to have an opportunity to review her debut self-titled album. Theia’s music, which is described as glitter-pop sent me straight to Google to find out what the fanciful term “glitter-pop” actually means, it had conjured up images of a sparkly, colourful singing princess, then throw ethereal into the mix and my mind went into overdrive with visions of glittering, floating faeries with angelic voices.
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Valedictions - Album Review: Pieces
07 Jul 2017 // A review by Momoko.B
It has been two years since their Debut EP, and three-piece Auckland-based rock outfit Valedictions are back to stir up NZ's rock scene with their new album Pieces. Valedictions have been blessing us with their music since 2008; the talented three-piece including Jarrod Ross on vocals and guitar, Ivan De Los Santos on bass and backing vocals, and Cole Goodely on drums.
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07 Jul 2017 // A review by Momoko.B
It has been two years since their Debut EP, and three-piece Auckland-based rock outfit Valedictions are back to stir up NZ's rock scene with their new album Pieces. Valedictions have been blessing us with their music since 2008; the talented three-piece including Jarrod Ross on vocals and guitar, Ivan De Los Santos on bass and backing vocals, and Cole Goodely on drums.
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Gig Review: Dragonforce @ The Kings Arms, Auckland - 01/07/2017
04 Jul 2017 // A review by butch181
Sitting in the car in the car park, the clouds had let loose a torrent of rain, with 10 minutes until doors open, already there was a line of at least 60 people standing out in the rain waiting to get inside and stake their position up front of the stage.Not long after the crowd has started to filter in, the first opening band takes to the stage, Stormforge.
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04 Jul 2017 // A review by butch181
Sitting in the car in the car park, the clouds had let loose a torrent of rain, with 10 minutes until doors open, already there was a line of at least 60 people standing out in the rain waiting to get inside and stake their position up front of the stage.Not long after the crowd has started to filter in, the first opening band takes to the stage, Stormforge.
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Emma G - Single/Video Review: King For A Day
04 Jul 2017 // A review by Corinne Rutherford
Metaphorically speaking, I have been travelling beyond the fine shores of Aotearoa to check out what some of our expats have been doing musically overseas or more specifically the USA, and I can say without a doubt they are writing, arranging and performing some mighty fine music. Emma G is no exception.
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Oyawa - Album Review: I Don't Recall Ordering Ordinary
03 Jul 2017 // A review by Ria Loveder
Indie/alternative band Oyawa have bought their loud and ambient tones to the New Zealand music scene with their album I Don’t Recall Ordering Ordinary. It is evident to hear that Oyawa are not afraid to experiment with sound.
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Ryan Kershaw - Single Review: Make it Go Away
03 Jul 2017 // A review by Sass_Metal
I’ve known Ryan Kershaw for a long time and have always been a fan of all the music he writes with all the various bands and solo projects he has released music with. His new single Make It Go Away is no exception.
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Anti Matter - Gig Review: Riot Grrrl 3 @ Whammy Bar, Auckland - 30/06/17
01 Jul 2017 // A review by Sass_Metal
Right from when event promoter Courtney took to the stage to introduce the first act and exclaimed excitedly that while it was the 3rd Riot Grrrl event it would be the first all female line up, I knew we would be in for a treat. All through the night and into this morning I’ve been trying to rack my brains trying to think of another music show I’ve been too that had only female musicians play and I honestly don’t think in the 9 or so years of me running, attending, reviewing and working on music events that I can recall ever being at a show with only female performers.
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Animal Party - EP Review: Drifting
01 Jul 2017 // A review by Paul Goddard
Good music takes you somewhere else. It makes your mind wander, changes your mood, makes you feel something.
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Curlys Jewels - Gig Review: Curlys Jewels @ Backbeat, Auckland - 24/06/17
29 Jun 2017 // A review by Paul Goddard
First off I just want to say Backbeat is a great venue, just the right size and always a decent sound. I arrived to catch the last three songs from openers Average Mars Experience as I didn't know they were on the bill.
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Gig Review: Hanson @ Town Hall, Auckland - 27/06/17
28 Jun 2017 // A review by Kerry MB
Celebrating 25 years of Hanson togetherness, and 20 years since the release of their debut, Middle of Nowhere, the official Middle of Everywhere tour finally reached Auckland, and if you’ve ever been curious to hear what a few thousand (mostly female) screaming Hanson fans sounded like, then Auckland Town Hall was the place to be last night. The Town Hall is a majestic, beautiful heritage building with lavish Edwardian Baroque design and plush interior, there is a sense of something special when you see anything in such a spectacular setting and just added an extra touch of class to an outstanding night.
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28 Jun 2017 // A review by Kerry MB
Celebrating 25 years of Hanson togetherness, and 20 years since the release of their debut, Middle of Nowhere, the official Middle of Everywhere tour finally reached Auckland, and if you’ve ever been curious to hear what a few thousand (mostly female) screaming Hanson fans sounded like, then Auckland Town Hall was the place to be last night. The Town Hall is a majestic, beautiful heritage building with lavish Edwardian Baroque design and plush interior, there is a sense of something special when you see anything in such a spectacular setting and just added an extra touch of class to an outstanding night.
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Ravenhall - Single Review: My Love
28 Jun 2017 // A 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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Dirty Pixels - EP Review: Spacesuit
26 Jun 2017 // A review by tonymcdonald
Have you ever imagined MGMT mixed with some Beach boys, then meeting Weezer to beef things up a little?Well here you have it and it is frickin awesome.
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Yasamin - Album Review: L.O.N.D.O.N
24 Jun 2017 // A review by rebelsoundradio
A full disclaimer before we get started on this review; I’m not a huge pop connoisseur... there have been a few Katy Perry-esk songs that have snuck their way onto some of my Spotify playlists but for the main part my musical pyramid is built on a rock base.
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Skinny Hobos - Single/Video Review: Suburban Living
24 Jun 2017 // A review by Paul Goddard
I have never had much time for religion. You know, if you believe in God then by the same logic you might believe in Santa Clause or Fairies.
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Sean Bodley - Album Review: Genesis
23 Jun 2017 // A review by Corinne Rutherford
I am not a Musician, I photograph them, I write about them and I have a heap of Friends who are them, however I know what I know and I know what I like and I have 40 plus years of music listening experience so I am aware when something good drops into my inbox (or in my case from time to time a magical letterbox which seems to conjure up lovely shiny new CD's containing even lovelier shiner brand new music). I really am pretty darn lucky to have this enchanted receptacle of musical goodies at our front gate.
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Gig Review: Ultimate Eagles @ St James Theatre, Wellington - 16/06/2017
19 Jun 2017 // A review by Reef
'Ultimate Eagles' are an 'Eagles' tribute band currently on their History World Tour spanning seven countries. I had an opportunity to catch them half way through their current tour in Wellington at the St James Theatre to a well patronised venue.
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19 Jun 2017 // A review by Reef
'Ultimate Eagles' are an 'Eagles' tribute band currently on their History World Tour spanning seven countries. I had an opportunity to catch them half way through their current tour in Wellington at the St James Theatre to a well patronised venue.
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Gold Medal Famous - Album Review: Activity
19 Jun 2017 // A review by Peter-James Dries
There was this gig in Palmy once. Well there have been a few, but the one I mean was Gold Medal Famous and Mucus Kids.
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The Traditional Aliens - Album Review: Infinity
15 Jun 2017 // A 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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Sub Dude - Album Review: Sister Something
13 Jun 2017 // A review by Corinne Rutherford
Any background detective work I did on Sub Dude came up with nothing, I know they are from Christchurch, but that is all I could find, even the band's Facebook page gives them an aura of aloofness and mystery. The music video I was given to watch did not help, it featured rather young men playing in a backyard band, OK was this them?
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13 Jun 2017 // A review by Corinne Rutherford
Any background detective work I did on Sub Dude came up with nothing, I know they are from Christchurch, but that is all I could find, even the band's Facebook page gives them an aura of aloofness and mystery. The music video I was given to watch did not help, it featured rather young men playing in a backyard band, OK was this them?
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Album Review: While The Swamp Rocks Compilation
13 Jun 2017 // A review by terry666
$lave Collective has been bringing together local talent for a very long time and regularly put out compilations covering all genres. 19 tracks from pop rock to metal down to a country sounding ditty.
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13 Jun 2017 // A review by terry666
$lave Collective has been bringing together local talent for a very long time and regularly put out compilations covering all genres. 19 tracks from pop rock to metal down to a country sounding ditty.
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Sonic Delusion - Album Review: This Material World
12 Jun 2017 // A review by Peter-James Dries
‘Tis the wrong season for Sonic Delusion’s new album, and it is definitely far too early for funk and calypso. Or it was as I trudged up and down those hills on the way to work on that, albeit mild, winter Wellington morning, This Material World in my ears.
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Master Blaster - EP Review: Pass Out
11 Jun 2017 // A review by Matt Mutinous
Released June 16th 2017 Yesterday I knew nothing of Auckland hardcore punks, Master Blaster except for the fact that they probably run Barter Town just like in Mad Max's Beyond Thunder Dome. Being a massive fan of the Mad Max films and heavy music, I was keen to take a look at their brand new E.
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Ryan Kershaw - Single Review: Inspiration
10 Jun 2017 // A review by LoraThompson
As I downloaded this track to begin listening I really had no idea what to expect. Actually that's a lie,I had heard a few of Ryan's previous offerings – Little Green Dragon (2008), The Lunar Sea (2011) and The Buzz Tapes (2012) - So based on this I expected an awesome display of guitar, and that's exactly what I got – one of NZ's best and highly under-rated guitarists.
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The Jordan Luck Band - Gig Review: The Jordan Luck Band @ The Brownzy, Auckland 27/05/2017
09 Jun 2017 // A review by butch181
Heading into the Browns Bays Brownzy Sports Bar, the anticipation in the air was substantial. The venue was full, the bar was jammed; the only area that didn’t look over capacity was the outdoor smoking area.
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Killing Bear - Single Review: Centipede
08 Jun 2017 // A review by Corinne Rutherford
Killing Bear, the experimental rock / alternative rock / cool music 4 piece band from the small seaside community of Pukerua Bay is once again thrilling us with conscious – expanding, mind bending lyrics and sounds “psychedelic futuristic music from the past from another planet”. This trippy little number is titled Centipede, which could be a creature “from the future in a post-apocalyptic world”, or it could just be a song about a centipede.
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No Sky - EP Review: i
05 Jun 2017 // A review by Kerry MB
Indie is an interesting genre of music. I think of it like a seeing an experimental piece of art.
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Barker - Album Review: Sleepwalking
04 Jun 2017 // A review by Corinne Rutherford
I am going to get this out of the way from the start, if you type Johnny Barker's name into Google, it will almost likely be linked to “Joey Henderson the Ferndale strangler" or “formally the Ferndale strangler” (let me make this perfectly clear, this is Barker's character he played on Shortland Street from 2007-08, not actually him). Director of film and TV (including currently Jono and Ben), winner of 2 48 hour short film festivals and actor, did I mention the man of many creative talents from Auckland is also a musician?
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The Eternal Sea - Album Review: The Eternal Sea
02 Jun 2017 // A review by Corinne Rutherford
I am like a magpie when it comes to bright colours and cool graphics, so in the first instance this is what lured me towards The Eternal Sea. Incredible album art that jumps out at you and draws you in.
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Thee Rum Coves - EP Review: Out Tonight
02 Jun 2017 // A review by Andrew Smit
Thee Rum Coves new 4 track EP carves into your ears with an uncompromising rock energy that grabs you wholeheartedly and never relents in its quest to raise your heart beat and fire your soul. From the first track Behind Your Smile you're hit with the energy of the music, it’s a real surprising mix of funky retro style punk, the tight guitar riffs and subtle melodic vocal arrangements gel together so well that your hooked in and never released from its unyielding hold.
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No Sky - Gig Review: No Sky @ The Wine Cellar, Auckland 24/05/2017
30 May 2017 // A 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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Ebola Babies - Album Review: Ebola Babies
30 May 2017 // A review by Paul Goddard
I was really looking forward to this album. I love punk and with a name like EbolaBabies, it was pretty clear that this set of songs should be right up my street.
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Imagine This - Single Review: That Feeling
26 May 2017 // A review by Corinne Rutherford
Auckland Rapper, Songwriter and Producer Imagine This has released his latest single That Feeling from his up coming album The Next Wave. Described as "A perfect blend of Middle Eastern traditional instruments and modern 808-influenced electronica", this is a creative track with an International flavour that flows beautifully (almost trance like), but with rich bass and beats which would be at home on BBC Radio 1 (he has been a regular on their playlist).
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26 May 2017 // A review by Corinne Rutherford
Auckland Rapper, Songwriter and Producer Imagine This has released his latest single That Feeling from his up coming album The Next Wave. Described as "A perfect blend of Middle Eastern traditional instruments and modern 808-influenced electronica", this is a creative track with an International flavour that flows beautifully (almost trance like), but with rich bass and beats which would be at home on BBC Radio 1 (he has been a regular on their playlist).
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Violet Highway - EP Review: Breathe
25 May 2017 // A review by Kerry MB
Auckland band Violet Highway have a new EP, and it’s a punch to the face, in a good way. The 5 track EP, Breathe, is an assault to the senses, making no apologies for its extreme catchiness and superb musicianship.
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Hunt The Witch - Single Review: Afterburner
23 May 2017 // A review by Andrew Smit
The scorching guitar intro commands your attention and declares you better be ready to rock. This superb new song by Hunt the Witch rocks along with a guitar sound that is white hot and feverish, coupled by a potent lead vocal by Sam Whitley that fits the symphonic guitar sound so well, Sam has a smooth and yet powerful and slightly demonic voice, a mix of Eddie Vedder and Marilyn Manson.
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Churlington - EP Review: The Andy Anderson EP
22 May 2017 // A review by Peter-James Dries
Andy/Neville Anderson/James is one of the least-famous famous people in New Zealand. The actor-slash-singer was in the middle distance of film and television from our youth, before, and after, and many of us didn’t even know it.
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Skinny Hobos - Skinny Hobos and Guests @ Ding Dong, Auckland - 20/05/17
21 May 2017 // A review by Sass_Metal
This was my 2nd night at Ding Dong in a row reviewing bands. Ding Dong Lounge is such a cool little community of creative people!
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Bulletbelt - Bulletbelt @ Ding Dong Lounge, Auckland - 19/05/17
20 May 2017 // A review by Sass_Metal
Helgorithms were on stage first, which is always a difficult slot to fill but they get straight into it playing like the room is filled to bursting. They are a Heavy Metal band that every metal head in Auckland has likely seen and I have indeed seen them before, many years ago now.
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Coridian - Gig Review: Coridian and Guests @ Totara St, Mt Maunganui - 19/05/2017
20 May 2017 // A review by Corinne Rutherford
To start of with I was running a tad late to the gig last night and feeling a tad discomboulated as I did not get there to check the lighting, take my photo of the drum kit etc. I ran through the front door quickly introducing myself practically skidding across the dance floor to the stage only to arrive at Legion of Dissent's feet for the very last note played.
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Tablefox - EP Review: Glass Houses
19 May 2017 // A 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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Gig Review: The Pink Floyd Experience @ St James Theatre, Wellington - 05/05/2017
17 May 2017 // A review by Reef
I had the pleasure and privilege of joining "The Pink Floyd Experience" (referred to going forward as PFE) over both nights on the Wellington leg of their New Zealand and Australia tour to celebrate the 40th Anniversary of Pink Floyd's Animals album (23rd Jan 1977).
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17 May 2017 // A review by Reef
I had the pleasure and privilege of joining "The Pink Floyd Experience" (referred to going forward as PFE) over both nights on the Wellington leg of their New Zealand and Australia tour to celebrate the 40th Anniversary of Pink Floyd's Animals album (23rd Jan 1977).
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GRVY - EP Review: Lick O The Spoon
16 May 2017 // A review by jck2
GRVY is Laz Karaka and Mr Pianoman. They’ve just released a 5 song teaser for their forthcoming album called Lick O The Spoon.
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16 May 2017 // A review by jck2
GRVY is Laz Karaka and Mr Pianoman. They’ve just released a 5 song teaser for their forthcoming album called Lick O The Spoon.
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Coridian - Single Review: Reflections
15 May 2017 // A review by Corinne Rutherford
So by now a whole bunch of you probably know who Coridan are, or at least heard a few of their songs but for those of you wondering who the heck I am going on about, they are a tight alternative - progressive rock band from Auckland. I was pretty excited to get the chance to review their latest single, Reflections.
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Clap Clap Riot - Gig Review: Clap Clap Riot @ REC, Auckland, 05/05/2017
14 May 2017 // A review by butch181
It has been many years since I have heard from Clap Clap Riot. Probably a consequence of listening solely to The Rock FM when it comes to the radio, but with a new release, it seemed like I was overdue checking them out.
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Head Like A Hole - Gig Review: Head Like A Hole @ Galatos, Auckland 04/05/2017
14 May 2017 // A 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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Primacy - Single Review: Dissent
11 May 2017 // A review by Corinne Rutherford
"Introducing Dissent, the stunning new single by New Zealand heavy rock act Primacy".These are the opening words of the press release to describe Primacy's, a popular band from West Auckland, up and coming new single release.
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Daniel Ashcroft - Album Review: Daniel Ashcroft
10 May 2017 // A review by terry666
6 EPs of varying style combined as a double album. Daniel Ashcroft is a very talented man and this is not his first release but it is as a solo artist where he truly shines.
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Gig Review: Family of Strangers Tour @ Kings Arms, Auckland - 6/05/17
08 May 2017 // A review by Sass_Metal
The music world for me is one giant crazy dysfunctional family and that was my experience of the Family of Strangers Tour, a huge, giant family reunion. Aside from the bands, it was amazing to see so many of my music family from the last 9 (or so) years of my being involved in the NZ Music Community, the name of the tour encapsulated the spirit of the event 110%.
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08 May 2017 // A review by Sass_Metal
The music world for me is one giant crazy dysfunctional family and that was my experience of the Family of Strangers Tour, a huge, giant family reunion. Aside from the bands, it was amazing to see so many of my music family from the last 9 (or so) years of my being involved in the NZ Music Community, the name of the tour encapsulated the spirit of the event 110%.
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Curlys Jewels - EP Review: The Skin We Shed
08 May 2017 // A review by Paul Goddard
I had heard good things about Curly Jewels from gigs they have played up and done the country and even though I knew nothing about them I had an impression in my mind of a hard hitting heavy rock outfit who put on a great show. So the opening track Internal Cinderella didn't disappoint, it kicks in with a driving riff and the production is great.
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Thomas Oliver - Gig Review: Thomas Oliver @ The Tuning Fork, Auckland 05/05/2017
07 May 2017 // A review by butch181
On a lovely brisk Friday evening I find myself sitting outside of the Tuning Fork, adjacent to the recently renamed Spark Arena in Auckland. The skies dark but clear, as I wait by the gas heaters for the opening artist to take to the stage.
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Kittens of The Internet - Kittens of The Internet EP Review
06 May 2017 // A review by Ria Loveder
Kittens of the Internet have shown the New Zealand music why they are Silver Scroll nominees with their self-titled EP. With its upbeat tracks and vibrant sounds they’re songs are a breath of fresh air for the electronic music scene.
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Head Like A Hole - Gig Review. HLAH @ Totara St, Mount Maunganui 4/05/2017
05 May 2017 // A review by Corinne Rutherford
Head Like A Hole was a new experience for me, I knew they had been around for a few years and had a solid fan base, I also knew that there was a high possibility of stage diving and being flicked in the face by flying hair, as I was also the photographer for the evening I was aware I didn't want to be shoved over holding my camera. First thing I quickly realised talking to people was just how passionate HLAH fans really are, They have people going to every concert they are doing on this 25th anniversary release of the album 13.
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Lucifer Gunne - EP Review: The Red King
04 May 2017 // A 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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Jon Toogood - Gig Review: Jon Toogood @ Leigh Sawmill, Leigh - 28/04/17
02 May 2017 // A review by Sass_Metal
I wasn’t sure what to expect going into this show, but as an old school Shihad fan from the Killjoy album, I was keen to attend and get a different perspective of Jon and his musical background. My normal gigs I go to have a lot of distortion, giant drum kits that take up half the stage and almost ear piercing levels (certainly enough to make your ear’s ring for two days after if you’re not wearing ear plugs!
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Checaine - Gig Review: Checaine @ Nivara Lounge, Hamilton 29/04/2017
01 May 2017 // A review by butch181
Being an EP Release Party, I put in some extra effort and made my way down from Auckland to attend this Hamilton gig. Traffic was light, so the drive was pleasant - perhaps due to the lateness at which I was travelling.
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Mishap - EP Reivew: Not Feeling This
01 May 2017 // A 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).
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Checaine - EP Review: Symbols
01 May 2017 // A review by Kerry MB
Hamilton rock quartet Checaine are back and they're making some noise about it. Their latest slab, Symbols is a follow up EP to their 2014 debut, Turn the Stone and my ears were not disappointed.
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Jon Toogood - Gig Review: Jon Toogood @ The Kings Arms, Auckland - 29/04/17
01 May 2017 // A review by Paul Goddard
Tonight was always going to be special. There are few NZ performers with a legacy like Jon Toogood.
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Skedaeddle - Single Review: Episode 8 in the continuing saga of Donna and Mark
26 Apr 2017 // A review by Made2Fade
Short and sweet…Episode 8 in the continuing saga of Donna and Mark is the follow up from Skadaeddle's first studio single Final Friend. They don’t disappoint, this song is simply beautiful.
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Gig Review: Alcest @ Whammy Bar, Auckland 24/04/2017
25 Apr 2017 // A review by butch181
Alcest is a very recent discovery for me. Hailing all the way from Bagnols-sur-Cèzein France, I discovered their Australia/New Zealand tour by chance.
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25 Apr 2017 // A review by butch181
Alcest is a very recent discovery for me. Hailing all the way from Bagnols-sur-Cèzein France, I discovered their Australia/New Zealand tour by chance.
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Garden Party Riot - Gig Review: Garden Party Riot @ The Dogs Bollix, Auckland 20/04/2017
24 Apr 2017 // A 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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Raw Collective - Single Review: Smash The Grips
22 Apr 2017 // A review by Corinne Rutherford
I had no idea what to expect with this song, I knew it was Hip-Hop from a band in Wellington. Boy was I wrong, it was so much more than that, it had depth and layers galore.
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Gig Review: The Doobie Brothers @ TSB Arena, Wellington - 20/04/2017
21 Apr 2017 // A review by Reef
The Doobie Brothers have toured New Zealand on several previous occasions. Their current tour started a fortnight ago in Adelaide, Australia and ends at the Norsk Hostfest festival five months later in North Dakota.
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21 Apr 2017 // A review by Reef
The Doobie Brothers have toured New Zealand on several previous occasions. Their current tour started a fortnight ago in Adelaide, Australia and ends at the Norsk Hostfest festival five months later in North Dakota.
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Push Push - EP Review - Talk2Me
19 Apr 2017 // A review by Matt Mutinous
Released 13th April 2017 Growing up as a kid In the 90's you had to be living under a rock to have never heard of Auckland band Push Push. After their array of hits including, Trippin' which reached number one on the new Zealand charts in 1992 and front man Mikey Havoc's career transition onto late night television.
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Tempist Fujit - Single Review: Midnight Train
13 Apr 2017 // A review by butch181
This latest single from Tempist Fujit is best classified as an upbeat country pop rock piece. With a vibe that emanates in a similar way to Thirsty Merc's In The Summertime, Midnight Train has a meandering funky beat to it.
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Sir Dave Dobbyn - Album Review: Slice Of Heaven - 40 Years Of Hits
13 Apr 2017 // A review by Corinne Rutherford
How does one begin to review an album which has been the soundtrack of our youth? The backdrop to collective memories of a nation?
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Moisty Atsushi - EP Review: International Sound
12 Apr 2017 // A review by Andrew Smit
The funky upbeat rhythms and the expressive plucking guitar riffs are abundant throughout this vivacious EP, 6 songs with no vocals but furnished with a real vintage guitar sound that is very soulful and melodic, and more than makes up for the lack of vocals. Overall the warm and genuine Jamaican ska sound is so enjoyable, as the recordings have a real warm live sound, sometimes studio recordings can be too clinical and sterile but 'Moisty and the Wheeler-Dealers' have somehow managed to capture a vibrant and raw feel, which is even more surprising given that the backing parts were recorded in Moscow and the lead guitar in Auckland!
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Devilskin - Devilskin @ Underworld, London - 22/03/17
11 Apr 2017 // A review by jdiddynz
It was a typical chilly March evening and being a new dad I still struggle to make it everywhere on time so I unfortunately missed the two opening bands Eva Plays Dead and Canadians Sumo Cyco however the good news for me is that this is a website that writes exclusively about NZ bands so it really couldn't have worked out better. Upon arriving at a busy venue, there was a vibrant atmosphere, and a large number of Kiwi accents to be heard.
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Bryony Matthews - Album Review: Little Queen
10 Apr 2017 // A review by Corinne Rutherford
Christchurch based singer songwriter Bryony Mathews is on the brink of releasing Little Queen, a folk-pop album comprising of nine tracks with a largely upbeat tempo, coinciding with thoughtful compassionate lyrics. The CD contains a booklet and the art is sweet and uncomplicated, capturing the title of her debut album perfectly.
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Arc of Ascent - Album Review: Realms of the Metaphysical
07 Apr 2017 // A review by River Tucker
The third full-length album from Arc of Ascent, Realms of the Metaphysical, is an uplifting release full of dark beauty and stand out vocals. Like their two previous releases, Circle Of The Sun and The Higher Key, these songs will translate well live.
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Madam Tsunami - Album Review: Long Way From Home
06 Apr 2017 // A review by Corinne Rutherford
I have a wee soft spot for Celtic music, so I was excited to get an opportunity to review Long Way From Home by Madam Tsunami. This album did not disappoint.
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Logic Defies Logic - Album Review: Magic And Science
03 Apr 2017 // A review by jck2
Logic Defies Logic's Magic And Science is the 6 track album I’ve been listening to in my car for the last couple of weeks. From the cover to the inlay to the pull out insert to the music itself, the Album screams mastery, perfectionism and quality and has definitely made a fan out of me.
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Logic Defies Logic - Gig Review: Logic Defies Logic @ Ding Dong Lounge, Auckland - 23/03/17
02 Apr 2017 // A review by jck2
Logic Defies Logic are a band of excellent kiwi musicians currently residing in Melbourne, Australia. They’ve been on a 6 date tour through New Zealand and Australia to promote their new album Magic and Science.
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Like A Storm - Gig Review: Alter Bridge @ The Powerstation, Auckland 31/01/2017
01 Apr 2017 // A 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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The Nukes - Album Review: III
01 Apr 2017 // A review by LoraThompson
I have had the pleasure of reviewing the full-length album III by NZ's original Ukulele Trio – The Nukes. Dave Parker, David 'Snapper' Thiele, and Ben Collier are a power-trio of NZ music's finest – former credits include Goldenhorse, Rhythm Cage and The Parker Project – as well as Thiele's extensive contribution to the local music community through Kiwi FM.
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The DeSotos - Album Review: Shadow of Love
01 Apr 2017 // A review by Corinne Rutherford
NZ Country / Blues rocker heavyweights, Paul Gurney with The DeSotos have teamed up to produce their latest album, Shadow of Love. Reminiscent of The Warratahs, with a touch of America and a heavy sprinkling of Neil Young, the warm comforting Americana backdrop which I grew up with exuding from the vinyl in the living room.
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Kenington - Album Review: Going Nowhere (Faster Than You)
27 Mar 2017 // A 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.
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Gig Review: Gorguts and Marduk @ Valhalla, Wellington - 12/03/17
20 Mar 2017 // A review by terry666
Ben from Valhalla has been busy in Wellington for the last few years fulfilling metal heads dreams with the high calibre of acts he has preforming at his venue. I have seen quite a few of my heroes perform there and tonight was another such night.
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20 Mar 2017 // A review by terry666
Ben from Valhalla has been busy in Wellington for the last few years fulfilling metal heads dreams with the high calibre of acts he has preforming at his venue. I have seen quite a few of my heroes perform there and tonight was another such night.
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Lake South - Album Review: If You're Born On An Island The Ocean Heals You
19 Mar 2017 // A review by Corinne Rutherford
Lake South, former of Urbantramper and VNZMA critics choice finalist of 2014 has launched a solo project classified as "sentimental synth - pop" which is perhaps bordering on Indie-pop. As I have a habit of doing, I shall start by mentioning the the album cover, it jumped out at me from Lake Souths Bandcamp page, the vision was nothing short of hypnotic not pretentious, but emanating a raw emotive vibe.
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Naught for Nothing - Album Review: Naught For Nothing
16 Mar 2017 // A review by Paul Goddard
Every now and then a band seems to come out of the blue and you just wonder where they have been hiding and what they have been doing to get so damn good. Naught For Nothing formed in 2015 and are based in Northcote.
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Ginzu and the Steak Knives - EP Review: Final Form
16 Mar 2017 // A review by Shade
One of the shortest extended play (EP) releases I have had to review so far. The five tracks add up to just under nine minutes of what is undoubtedly a punk length release.
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Cheshire Grimm - Gig Review: Cheshire Grimm @ REC, Auckland - 10/03/17
13 Mar 2017 // A review by Sass_Metal
It was a night everyone had to battle the leave the house with thunder, lighting, flash flooding and torrential rain but the crowds still came out in force to experience four of New Zealand’s best and upcoming Rock n Roll bands: Brendan Thomas and the Vibes, Skinny Hobos, Bakers Eddy and Cheshire Grimm. I was also keen to check out the show to check out the newest venue in Auckland, Rec.
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Hiboux - Album Review: Command the Earth to Swallow Me Up
12 Mar 2017 // A review by butch181
With a similar style to such acts as Explosions in the Sky, Mono, and Jakob, Hiboux (pronounced ee-boo) are an instrumental post-rock group hailing from Wellington. Command the Earth to Swallow Me Up is an alluring release, with layers of instruments that provide a greater flexibility to adapt a track without disruption of the flow.
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I Am Giant - Gig Review: I Am Giant @ King Arms Tavern, Auckland - 09/03/2017
10 Mar 2017 // A 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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Cheshire Grimm - EP Review: Rain or Shine
10 Mar 2017 // A review by butch181
Cheshire Grimm provide quite an eclectic mix of sounds in their Rain or Shine EP release. Their opening track, Slave to the Grind starts with a grungy bassy riff, which swiftly switches to some jazzy saxophone with some clean distorted guitars.
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The Map Room - Album Review: Weatherless
10 Mar 2017 // A review by Corinne Rutherford
As soon as I saw the CD the album artwork jumped out at me, a brilliant vivid and vibrant display reflecting the bands unconventional, slightly bohemian yet spiritually uplifting sound. The artwork is the creation of UK artist Mathew Cooper (Caribou, Franz Ferdinand), it certainly is a visual treat.
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Seas of Conflict - EP Review: Vestige
09 Mar 2017 // A review by terry666
Vestige is the second EP from Hamilton based Metal band Seas of Conflict. These guys are not new to the scene, having been around since 2011, and have been consistently releasing material independently while still in high school through till now.
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The Vibes - EP Review: Wrap You In The Sun
09 Mar 2017 // A 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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The Vibes - Gig Review: Brendon Thomas & The Vibes @ Cabana, Napier - 11/02/17
07 Mar 2017 // A review by Ria Loveder
With their Rock n Roll sound and psychedelic feel, there is nothing I don’t like about Auckland based Trio Brendan Thomas and The Vibes. I have to admit, I didn’t watch X Factor, but one of my best mates is a huge fan.
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Gig Review: Jim Beam Homegrown @ TSB Arena, Wellington - 04/03/2017
07 Mar 2017 // A review by butch181
For the tenth year, Homegrown has graced the Wellington waterfront providing punters with a glut of musical acts from around the country. This year, 45 Kiwi groups graced the six various stages performing to another sold out crowd on what turned out to be a beautiful day, both musically and weather-wise.
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07 Mar 2017 // A review by butch181
For the tenth year, Homegrown has graced the Wellington waterfront providing punters with a glut of musical acts from around the country. This year, 45 Kiwi groups graced the six various stages performing to another sold out crowd on what turned out to be a beautiful day, both musically and weather-wise.
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Miss Peach and The Travellin Bones - Album Review: Sand
04 Mar 2017 // A review by Photographer
Miss Peach and the Travellin’ Bones have released an album called Sand. This album is beyond stunning.
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Social Shun - Album Review: Songs For Sea Lions
03 Mar 2017 // A review by Peter-James Dries
“This album was not intended to be listened to by humans. To my Sea Lion friends, I know your struggles, I know your pain.
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Skedaeddle - Single Review: Final Friend
02 Mar 2017 // A review by Made2Fade
Skedaeddle a Folk/Pop trio from Napier with band members Barry Holt, Glen Kilmister and Pete Bagley, and they have released their debut single Final Friend.This is a simply put together and beautifully arranged song, with hints of The Beatles and Cat Stevens.
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Stefan Wolf - EP Review: Creep No. 1
01 Mar 2017 // A review by LilMizCharlie
When I first listened to this EP, I felt that Stefan Wolf was opening up a personal diary and sharing a piece of his mind with me. Creep No.
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Seafog - EP Review: Dig It On Up
28 Feb 2017 // A review by Peter-James Dries
Just in time for this review, destiny gave me what slowly turned into two seven hour bus trips to and from Napier, the annual Art Deco weekend on the agenda, and fresh music from a band I've been keeping an eye on loaded on my iPod. But fate had other plans...
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Li'l Chuck the One Man Skiffle Machine - Album Review: Utility Blues
27 Feb 2017 // A review by Corinne Rutherford
As I opened the package containing this CD, I saw Li'l Chuck peering out at me from the back of a ute with his instruments surrounding him and the beautiful Port Hills of Christchurch in the background. The compact disc case was a well put together package containing a wee booklet inside the front cover, with the lyrics to his music and accompanying photography.
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Julie Lamb - Album Review: Ordinary Days
14 Feb 2017 // A review by Corinne Rutherford
Ordinary Days - launch date 11 March 2017. Julie Lamb (Band) is a 11 piece funky - blues rock band "with a 70's vibe", from Wellington.
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Decades - Single Review: I Was With Him
14 Feb 2017 // A 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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Curlys Jewels - Single Review: Bastard Fate
14 Feb 2017 // A review by tonymcdonald
I must say it as absolutely fantastic to hear a fabulous female rock artist. There aren't enough talented rock ladies in my opinion.
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Godzilla Takes New York - EP Review: Godzilla Takes New York
08 Feb 2017 // A review by butch181
Many a famous star has said that Rock and Metal are dead, but releases like this are capable of reigniting that flame of passion. Godzilla Takes New York is an Auckland metalcore quintet, which despite having the common band arrangement (rhythm, lead, bass, drums, and vocals), their sound has a refreshing zeal.
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Into Orbit - Album Review: Unearthing
07 Feb 2017 // A 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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MarineVille - Album Review: Penguins Ate My Chips
05 Feb 2017 // A review by Corinne Rutherford
I simply could not go past the name of this album without wanting to give it a listen, something about penguins eating chips appealed to me.First off, as a band photographer my eyes immediately went to the album cover, it took me back to the days when the Young Ones ruled and I picked my music based on the album art and band name, the best way to discover new music!
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Play Big - EP Review: Fuck Work
05 Feb 2017 // A review by Paul Goddard
When I first heard the name Play Big it reminded me of those T-Shirts Wham used to wear in the eighties with CHOOSE LIFE emblazoned on them. That image was blown away by the opening riff on Fuck Work which hit harder than Joseph Parker when he hasn't been eating too many Burger Kings.
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Gig Review: Opeth @ The Powerstation, Auckland 02/02/2017
03 Feb 2017 // A review by butch181
Credit where credit is due, the night was well executed. I arrived on site half an hour before doors opened, and the lines of fans waiting to get in stretched as far as the eye could see (and presumably around the corner too).
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03 Feb 2017 // A review by butch181
Credit where credit is due, the night was well executed. I arrived on site half an hour before doors opened, and the lines of fans waiting to get in stretched as far as the eye could see (and presumably around the corner too).
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Disjecta Membra - Album Review: Songs To Scattered Symbols
03 Feb 2017 // A 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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Tony Daunt & The Dauntless - Album Review: The Gypsy
02 Feb 2017 // A review by Peter-James Dries
They don't make music like they used to. Or at least they didn't before Tony Daunt and the Dauntless hit the scene.
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Starving Millions - Gig Review: Starving Millions @ Whammy Bar, Auckland 28/01/2017
29 Jan 2017 // A review by butch181
It has been several years since I last attended a punk concert, so I was pleased to have the opportunity come up to see what hardcore punk was being churned out these days. The show ended up being quite an intimate affair in a lower floor beneath St Kevin’s Arcade on Karangahape Road.
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Silent Torture - EP Review: Torn to Pieces
25 Jan 2017 // A review by Matt Mutinous
Released January 28th, 2017 Back in October, we saw the release of a brand new single entitled Torn to Pieces said to be the title track off of the upcoming EP from Auckland death thrashers Silent Torture. After unveiling the gruesome and equally as awesome cover a couple of weeks ago from artist Tata Kumislizer, the wait was finally over and I was lucky enough to be one of the first to check it out.
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The Naked And Famous - The Naked And Famous @ Logan Campbell Centre, Auckland - 10/01/17
23 Jan 2017 // A review by Paul Goddard
These radio promo gigs are a strange thing. I have been to a few now and like a good portion of the people tonight, I am not here necessarily as a fan of the band.
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Devilskin - Devilskin @ Stampede Bar and Grill, Papakura - 16/12/2016
23 Jan 2017 // A review by Kerry MB
For the first time, Stampede Bar and Grill in Papakura hosted its first Rock gig. The unlikely establishment, known more for its BBQ style cuisine and Friday night DJ’s, stepped out of the box with a night of difference.
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King Fin - Single Review: Finding Hate in Yogurt
16 Jan 2017 // A review by Matt Mutinous
Released December 28, 2016 Back in 2014, we saw the emergence of conceptual prog-rock/metal instrumental EP Empty House by Auckland artist/producer Luke Finlay. Just when you thought he wasn't serious, King Fin is back at it again.
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The Bing Turkby Ensemble - Album Review: Atlantean Night Tourists
15 Jan 2017 // A review by jdiddynz
After first hearing of Bing Turkby years ago back in good old NZ, I already knew him to be a talented multi-instrumentalist and with such an eccentric album title I was very interested to hear what this record had to offer. Released on 1st December 2016, Atlantean Night Tourists features Bing Turkby (guitar, vocals, trombone, sax, tenor banjo, accordion), Tyrone T.
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Drax Project - Gig Review: Drax Project @ Rec Bar, Auckland - 17/12/16
13 Jan 2017 // A review by jck2
Wellington's Drax Project came to the Rec Bar in the heart of Auckland City for a one off show. I was invited to review the gig.
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Shapeshifter - Album Review: Stars
11 Jan 2017 // A review by Sass_Metal
Stars is the latest offering from New Zealand Drum and Bass heavyweights Shapeshifter and it is their much anticipated release since their 2013 offering Delta. Shapeshifter is famous for their multi-layering of different sound effects and instruments and Stars is no different showing their love for pushing the boundaries and trying new sounds and effects.
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Devilskin - Gig Review: Devilskin, Halestorm & City of Souls @ Logan Campbell Centre, Auckland - 7/01/2017
11 Jan 2017 // A review by Sass_Metal
What an EPIC gig to kick start my 2017 year of gig attendance! Being on the first weekend of January I didn’t expect a very big turn out as Auckland is a ghost town normally at this time of year, but I was proven wrong with over 1000 Rockers in attendance at the Devilskin, Halestorm and City of Souls Gig at the Logan Campbell Centre in Auckland on the 7th January.
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Festival Review: Bay Dreams 2017
10 Jan 2017 // A review by Freecell
Bay Dreams from start to finish was one tight gig. From the security, to the food staff, AWOP, bars and musicians down to the audience.
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10 Jan 2017 // A review by Freecell
Bay Dreams from start to finish was one tight gig. From the security, to the food staff, AWOP, bars and musicians down to the audience.
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Devilskin - Gig Review: Devilskin & Halestorm @ Great Lakes, Taupo - 8/01/17
10 Jan 2017 // A review by mciver29
Taupo is a funny wee place, being smack dab in the centre of the North Island you might think a few bands would come through but the reality is that it's the polar opposite. The only real exception is UB40, Icehouse, Bonnie Tyler and The Alan Parsons Project.....
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Capsul - EP Review: Clarity
08 Jan 2017 // A review by Peter-James Dries
An experiment in personal expression and music for coming on ten years, Capsul, is the semi-solo project of James, who forms half of indie darlings Carb on Carb. With his latest release, Clarity, James has taken some musical direction from his more famous band and released an album almost devoid of the sombre tone and existential despair of previous releases.
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08 Jan 2017 // A review by Peter-James Dries
An experiment in personal expression and music for coming on ten years, Capsul, is the semi-solo project of James, who forms half of indie darlings Carb on Carb. With his latest release, Clarity, James has taken some musical direction from his more famous band and released an album almost devoid of the sombre tone and existential despair of previous releases.
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Medusa Glare - Single Review: Take the Fall
06 Jan 2017 // A review by rebelsoundradio
Take the Fall is the third single from Hamilton Rocker's Medusa Glare and it takes me straight to a riff soaked, crunchy, grooving happy place. It’s a slice of pure classic rock sprinkled with funk and lashings of (dare I say it) soul.
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Killing Bear - Album Review - Killing Bear
05 Jan 2017 // A review by Matt Mutinous
- Released - December 16, 2016 I hadn't planned on taking a trip into outer space before pressing play on this album from Pukerua Bay four piece, Killing Bear. Knowing absolutely nothing about them, I gladly jumped on board and strapped myself in like an unsuspecting hitchhiker.
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Mo Etc. - Album Review: Platonic/Romantic (Live At Bats)
05 Jan 2017 // A review by Trevor Faville
This is the first full outing from the Wellington ‘electronic R’n’B’ combo of Moana Ete, Slade Butler and Marcus Gurtner. Those familiar with the latest Fly My Pretties excursion will recognise the distinctive voice that sings Mud & Stardust, a version of which is presented here in quite a different frame.
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Head Like A Hole - Gig Review: Head Like A Hole NYE @ Totara Street, Mt Maunganui - 31/12/2016
05 Jan 2017 // A review by River Tucker
New Years Eve at the Mount reminded me a lot of the high-octane gigs from back in the day when Head Like A Hole (HLAH) first started touring the metal scene up in Auckland, which was a bit dead at the time. Of course there’s not as much nakedness going on these days, but HLAH still helps people to get over their inhibitions with rip-roaring performances that will blow your mind.
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Will Saunders - EP Review: Nothing Wrong
01 Jan 2017 // A review by Paul Goddard
I am on a train journey into Auckland today with Will Saunders' (from The Lowest Fidelity) latest collection of songs as co-passenger. Pulling out of Papakura and the first track, Nothing Wrong, has a drum beat to match the rhythm of the train on the track.
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Chazz Valentine - Album Review: Generation Y
28 Dec 2016 // A review by Epitomised_Drummer
Remember when bands such as Blink 182, Sum 41, Frenzal Rhomb, Mighty Mighty Bosstones and Reel Big Fish were the epitome of summer? Throwing the surfboards in the back of the wagon, cranking the tunes, and heading to the beach for an epic day in the sun with the boys and even the occasional girl?
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Government Pest - Album Review: Government Pest
24 Dec 2016 // A review by Peter-James Dries
For me there's something about Palmy music, both the live shows and the records they produce, and works from the $lave Collective especially. They remind me of home.
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Ignite The Helix - EP Review: Ignite the Helix
21 Dec 2016 // A review by terry666
This 4 track EP opens with the track Blur The Line which in my mind to an extent describes the song perfectly in that it cannot really be genre cast. Grunting growly grinding goodness.
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David Sutton - Album Review: V
18 Dec 2016 // A review by Peter-James Dries
V. The letter that plagued the unnamed anti-hero in Alan Moore's V for Vendetta, and whose shape was illustrated through narrative structure by author Thomas Pynchon (whom keen observers would know thrice appeared in The Simpsons wearing a paper bag with question mark mask).
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Broods - Broods Acoustic Set @ Clarence St Theatre, Hamilton - 6/12/16
18 Dec 2016 // A review by Freecell
Upon arrival to see the Broods there was a huge presence of the Sponsors - iHeartRadio, ZM and 2Degrees. My Fiancé and I were offered a free photo from iHeartRadio and soon after went to the bar and was offered a free Maputo ice cream, which was a nice gift.
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Fallstate - EP Review: Friends
14 Dec 2016 // A review by Paul Goddard
I played this new EP from Fallstate once and the sticky bugger got stuck in my brain instantly. I tried to wash it out with copious amounts of alcohol.
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Both Sides of the Line - Album Review: Party Line!
14 Dec 2016 // A review by Andrew Smit
Five-piece alt pop country band Both Sides of the Line have produced an album which is easy to listen to and a pleasure to experience, with 12 songs that tantalise you with smooth and vibrant tones, guided by gentle but upbeat country rhythms and a sound that is earthy and real. Opening with Hanging Out For Love your presented with bright and clean guitar licks and a sparkling vocal that guides the bright and melodious tune, it's kinda country and kinda folk, but it’s all good.
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Bolt42 - Album Review: Nights on Earth
12 Dec 2016 // A review by Freecell
Very cool and eccentric sounding album Nights on Earth by Bolt42 from Wellington. The release starts off with Voodoo Thursday with brass instruments and random atmospheric sounds, with cool sounding guitar riffs and vocals that remind me of Beck and Pluto.
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Cheshire Grimm - Gig Review: Cheshire Grimm @ Backbeat, Auckland - 2/12/2016
11 Dec 2016 // A review by Paul Goddard
There was always going to be a good crowd at this Cheshire Grimm single release party with support from Skinny Hobos, Armed in Advance and She Loves You. The room is already nearly full as She Loves You take the stage.
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Yukon Era - EP Review: Consume & Scratch
10 Dec 2016 // A review by Peter-James Dries
For a handful of barely post-pubescent middle class bogans who don't seem to give a f**k, Yukon Era display a musical maturity beyond their years. It's enough to piss you off.
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The Recently Deceived - The Recently Deceived @ Nivara Lounge, Hamilton - 3/12/16
06 Dec 2016 // A review by rebelsoundradio
The Recently Deceived – EP Launch @ Nivara Lounge Hamilton. Reviewed by “is this year still going??
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Albi & The Wolves - Album Review: One Eye Open
06 Dec 2016 // A review by Momoko.B
In bustling cities and the ever-changing world of westernization and gentrification, we often find ourselves too caught up in time, unable to appreciate the more peaceful moments in life. Well, it just so happened that it was luckily a sunny day on Auckland's west coast, when I decided to listen to an album that seemed to slow down time itself and allowed me to fully immerse myself in the nature around me.
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Bic Runga - Album Review: Close Your Eyes
05 Dec 2016 // A review by Epitomised_Drummer
There isn’t many people in New Zealand that have had have stood out as solo artists with such finesse or success as our very own Bic Runga. After many years of waiting and reminiscing about her earlier singles such as Sway and Good Morning Baby from her massively successful debut album Drive Bic has finally delivered an exceptional new album on the year of her 40th birthday titled Close Your Eyes.
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Earth Tiger - Album Review: Holiday
04 Dec 2016 // A review by jck2
Earth Tiger creates songs that swirl together the electrifying textures of hip-hop, big pop, rock and electro dance music into a brand-new sound. Masterminded by artists Cruz Mathews and Tom Taylor, the group spins out clever lyrics, infectious hooks and energetic, inventive grooves that intertwine with bold bass and playful synth layers.
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Thomas Brothers - Album Review: Thomas Brothers
30 Nov 2016 // A review by Momoko.B
New Zealand has been legendary for having sibling-based bands, with the likes of prolific musicians The Finn Brothers way back and more recently The Nielson Brothers. And as 2016 comes to a close, it seems like a new set of brothers is taking New Zealand’s Indie-Pop scene by storm: The Thomas Brothers.
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Downfall of Humanity - Gig Review: The Silence of the Wolves Tour @ Kings Arms, Auckland - 17/11/2016
28 Nov 2016 // A review by Matt Mutinous
The weather was miserable across Auckland city, the wind was blowing and the sky was dark, a perfect night to get out of the rain, grab a beer and see some live music at the famous Kings Arms Tavern. A couple of touring Australian metalcore acts; Lycanthrope and The Weight of Silence supported by two local heavyweights including my own band, HeadRoller I couldn't help but be attentive.
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Bleeders - Gig Review: Bleeders @ The Kings Arms, Auckland - 25/11/2016
28 Nov 2016 // A review by Paul Goddard
There is a buzz around tonight's gig. An energy that I can feel when I walk into the Kings Arms.
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Zed Brookes - Album Review: O Sweet Cacophony
27 Nov 2016 // A review by Peter-James Dries
Zed Brookes is a mainstay of the often overlooked Waikato music scene, with a history in music longer than my seemingly endless life. This becomes less profound when you realise that the tween and teen music consumer demographic of today weren't yet born for first outing of System of a Down, never saw the Britney Spears versus Christina Aguilera versus underdog Billie Piper popularity contest, or even In Da Club by 50 cent.
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Album Review: Stir It Up - Aotearoas Tribute to Bob Marley
24 Nov 2016 // A review by Freecell
Stir It Up - Aotearoa's Tribute to Bob Marley on Universal music New Zealand contains 15 songs by various NZ artists. I've got to say I was quite excited to listen / review this album because I knew it was going to be good.
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24 Nov 2016 // A review by Freecell
Stir It Up - Aotearoa's Tribute to Bob Marley on Universal music New Zealand contains 15 songs by various NZ artists. I've got to say I was quite excited to listen / review this album because I knew it was going to be good.
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Tablefox - Single Review: Under A Broken Smile
23 Nov 2016 // A 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.
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Poison Skies - EP Review: Day to Defy
23 Nov 2016 // A review by LoraThompson
The debut EP Day to Defy from Poison Skies delivers a familiar pop-punk kick while nailing their powerful and catchy sound. The EP begins with their upbeat single Eighty Six, leading into the heavier half-time thrash of Stop and Breathe – The catchy, melodic chorus in this second track provides a stark contrast against a well-orchestrated wall of noise.
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His Masters Voice - Gig Review: His Masters Voice @ Whammy Bar, Auckland - 15/10/16
22 Nov 2016 // A review by Andrew Smit
The underground tavern that is the Whammy Bar filled with an attractive blend of young and old to experience 3 bands peel off their rowdy musical sweats. First up was Dead Favours, a relatively new 4 piece from Auckland.
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The Recently Deceived - EP Review: Use Your Head
21 Nov 2016 // A review by Paul Goddard
I have fond memories of Hamilton, having lived there for a few years and hosting a show on the now defunct Backbeat FM. Some people might knock the Tron but throughout the world cities like this, places that people drive through to get somewhere else, constantly throw up great bands.
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DarkWater - Album Review: You're Only As Addicted As You're Willing To Be
21 Nov 2016 // A review by Epitomised_Drummer
Only a few days ago, my band Poison Skies shared a stage in New Plymouth with a band that I have never heard of before called Dark Water. The next night, I heard that they have a brand new album out titled You’re Only As Addicted As You’re Willing To Be so I promptly stuck up my hand and asked if I could be the guy to write a review it.
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Fly My Pretties - Album Review: String Theory
20 Nov 2016 // A review by Trevor Faville
Welcome to the 6th recorded excursion from Barnaby Weir's occasional collective who have certainly become something of a fixture for New Zealand music since 2004. Fly My Pretties is an idea that has proved to have real legs, and not one that is showing any signs of losing momentum.
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Myele Manzanza - Album Review: OnePointOne (Live At The Blue Whale)
20 Nov 2016 // A review by camy3rs
There are very few percussionists I can think of that would be able to pull off a live recorded album that falls even into the same league as OnePointOne (Live At The Blue Whale). From the opening bars of A Love Eclectic and onward throughout, the whole collection draws on many contrasting genres, cultures and aural motifs that somehow harmoniously flow out of and into each other.
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Paige Julia - EP Review: Mechanisms
17 Nov 2016 // A review by Freecell
Paige Julia's Debut EP Mechanisms, on Totally Roasted Digital - Mixed by Paige Julia and Mastered by DnB legend Fanu. Paige was born into a musical generation defined by the rise of digital technology.
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Claemus - EP Review: Claemus
16 Nov 2016 // A review by Matt Mutinous
-Released 11th November 2016-Mordecai Records Hailing from Wellington's Hutt Valley Claemus is a three-piece Progressive Rock/Metal fusion band that has been slowly but surely making themselves very apparent within the local New Zealand music scene. With their 2015 single Stuck in the Fade making waves with a borderline Nu-Metal sound mixed with a clear ballad style rock influence, it is easy to see why these guys are unique and very hard to squeeze into a specific genre.
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Tali - EP Review: Keta
09 Nov 2016 // A review by Freecell
Tali is always busy, non stop producing new music and material of all genres. A singer/songwriter and MC extraordinaire!
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Coridian - Single Review: Blind Faith
07 Nov 2016 // A review by rebelsoundradio
Coridian are a high energy, solid original act from Auckland that blend together a vast array of modern rock. Having played with them several times previously it was a pleasure to be able to sit down and work my way through this review of their latest offering – Blind Faith.
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Apollo SteamTrain - Single Review: The Electric Sun/Streets of Gold
05 Nov 2016 // A review by Photographer
A release by New Zealand based Apollo SteamTrain, the 'Double A Side' single The Electric Sun/Streets Of Gold is a neat way to feature the strengths of the band. Well recorded, these two songs are pleasantly composed with much thought put in to the tones and soundscape used.
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Mishap - EP Review: Toaster
05 Nov 2016 // A review by Photographer
Enthusiastically honest lyrics and a homely, familiar flavour are the initial hits when yourToaster EP pops. Mishap hauls in the spirits of Green Day (Dookie Days) and I’m going to say a smearing of Smash-era Offspring to bring you their musical offering.
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Bonfire Baby - EP Review: Bonfire Baby
05 Nov 2016 // A review by Photographer
Running out to the car, late as usual, I checked the letterbox on the way through, finding this wee gem in there. I was off on a road trip with no-one, giving me plenty of time to conceive the following words that will explain my experience with Bonfire Baby.
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05 Nov 2016 // A review by Photographer
Running out to the car, late as usual, I checked the letterbox on the way through, finding this wee gem in there. I was off on a road trip with no-one, giving me plenty of time to conceive the following words that will explain my experience with Bonfire Baby.
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Sacha Vee - Album Review: Luminous
05 Nov 2016 // A review by Freecell
Returning home after touring and collaborating with some of the top players in the international scene from Europe, Sacha Vee returns with her new 13 track album Luminous, which is being released on the 25 November 2016. Sacha has recently teamed up with Dutch producer Killing Skills and Chef Red recording and releasing EP's and she has also supported G Eazy and Shapeshifter.
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Makeshift Parachutes - EP Review: Mr Happy
03 Nov 2016 // A review by Momoko.B
It was a stressful week in the life of a student, studying for exams, earning enough to stay anchored in the big smoke. When Sunday rolled around and the time came to finally relax, some dream-like tones were needed to smile, sit back, and relax.
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Devilskin - Album Review: Be Like The River
02 Nov 2016 // A review by Kerry MB
Devilskin are back and sounding more ferocious than before. Be Like The River is their new album, due for nationwide release on 11th November.
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Bakers Eddy - Single Review: Big Man
02 Nov 2016 // A 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.
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Cheshire Grimm - Single Review: Awaken
31 Oct 2016 // A review by Matt Mutinous
Released: November 5th, 2016 Two guitars, a drum kit, and a whole stage load of awesomeness, Waikato based alternative grunge pop outfit Cheshire Grimm have been rocking up and down the country, ever since they formed in 2012. Playing numerous shows and recently supporting acts such as Cherie Currie (The Runaways) and Ladi6.
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The Solomon Cole Band - Album Review: Bruises
30 Oct 2016 // A review by jck2
The Solomon Cole Band is a four piece band hailing from Waiheke Island. Their album Bruises is 10 tracks of Classic Rock reminiscent of bands like Lynard Skynard, Fleetwood Mac, The Doobie Brothers, ZZ Top and The Eagles and other such classic rock from that era.
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Lola Sola - Album Review: Walking Back From Hell
29 Oct 2016 // A review by Ria Loveder
Acoustic folk songstress, Lola Sola has graced lovers of all things folkie with her gorgeous album Walking Back From Hell. This album is raw, jam packed full of soul and emotion.
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29 Oct 2016 // A review by Ria Loveder
Acoustic folk songstress, Lola Sola has graced lovers of all things folkie with her gorgeous album Walking Back From Hell. This album is raw, jam packed full of soul and emotion.
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Villainy - Gig Review: Villainy @ The Kings Arms, Auckland - 14/10/16
28 Oct 2016 // A review by Andrew Smit
Auckland's Iconic Kings Arms has witnessed many celebrated nights of rock revelry and this particular performance from Kiwi Rockers Villainy with Skinny Hobos will go down as one of the best. Kicking off with Skinny Hobos the impressive crowd was amped and attentive to the two men on stage, opening with their mesmerizing track Sevenatenine we all were awoken and hurled into the rock frenzy that they create so well.
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Dilz - Album Review: Word Smith
27 Oct 2016 // A review by Freecell
Dilz is a Rapper from Foxton. He started in 2012 with a fresh voice in Hip-Hop and has been continuously working and writing new music.
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Mitch Alderlieste - EP Review: City Calling
27 Oct 2016 // A review by Paul Goddard
I am sitting in a motel in Los Angeles at the moment. It's hot outside and relaxing with a rather strong craft beer seems the perfect time to sit back and check out the latest release from Wellington based Mitch Alderlieste.
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Rebel Sound Radio - EP Review: Regret Nothing
27 Oct 2016 // A review by Sass_Metal
Rebel Sound Radio are a Heavy Rock band who hail from Hamilton and is a 3 piece made up of Jessie James (guitar, vocals) Craig (bass) and Ashley (drums). I was surprised to learn they were a 3 piece, as I had listened to the EP a few times before reading into what they had previously done – their music sounds so much louder and heavier than what you would expect a 3 piece to have.
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Electric Wire Hustle - Album Review: The 11th Sky
22 Oct 2016 // A review by LoraThompson
Wellington Electro-Soul outfit Electric Wire Hustle released their 3rd album The 11th Sky on September 30th2016. EWH first appeared in the public eye with their self titled album in 2009 , and since then have also released Love Can Prevail in 2014 which was a world wide success that saw the band achieve some Cult Fame in the UK and Europe.
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The Blue Grizzly Band - Grizzly Smith - EP Review: Home
21 Oct 2016 // A review by Peter-James Dries
Purveyors of swampy blues, an amalgam of Led Zep and the Delta dwellers, The Blue Grizzly Band is a Palmy institution. You’ve either heard them, heard of them or seen one of their posters shlicked to the decaying walls between the buskers and the beggars of this dirty old town.
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Openside - EP Review: Push Back
21 Oct 2016 // A review by camy3rs
Admittedly, home grown pop-rock has never been a particularly easy sell in New Zealand, but when Openside started turning heads with last year’s single Worth It the group began a rather rapid ascent, opening for various international acts including Twenty One Pilots and Melanie Martinez, selling out their own secret headline show and culminating in the recent release of their debut EP Push Back. The collection opens up with the hook-laden All I Really Want – catchy as all hell, the song initially comes off as the kind of upbeat, self-help anthem you might put on a mix-tape for your best friend who was recently dumped.
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Inhale - Album Review: Ten Cones
19 Oct 2016 // A review by Matt Mutinous
Released - July 23, 2016 Masterton was a relatively quiet place, that is until local band Inhale arose from the smoke in 2015, with the release of their 2 track EP Chuck The Knives On featuring tendencies of slam and death amidst a raw display of core aggression. A little over a year later we see the release of their debut album Ten Cones.
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Amos/Anon - Album Review: Toil On, Poor Heart
13 Oct 2016 // A review by Andrew Smit
A single piano keynote rings like a toiling bell beckoning you to another realm, its haunting and spellbinding sound builds and before long you have entered a dimension where the music conjures imagery and feelings that you may not be prepared to experience. The opening track Toil On introduces you to the transcendent sound of Amos/Anon with its pensive slow rhythms and building ambience that takes you away from your comfort zone.
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Black Fox Trio - EP Review: Rhythm Is Your King
11 Oct 2016 // A review by Jacob Sisson
Young Christchurch locals, Black Fox Trio, have recently released their debut EP titled Rhythm Is Your King, and let me tell you: it is well worth a listen. Jazzy and bluesy drums with plenty of energy, tight bass work, and a great guitarist that knows when to step back, and when to let loose round out a truly unique approach to rock.
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Jake Stokes - EP Review: Before We're All Dead
11 Oct 2016 // A review by Paul Goddard
The thing that strikes me when listening to the tracks on Before We're All Dead is that Jake Stokes is seriously talented. The opening track Classifieds starts as a kind of indie anthem and you can tell Jake has bought some of his influences over from the UK.
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Gig Review: Collins Class @ Kings Arms, Auckland - 23/09/16
11 Oct 2016 // A review by Paul Goddard
I arrived early at the Kings Arms to find a decent crowd building. I hadn't heard much about Aussie band Collins Class.
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11 Oct 2016 // A review by Paul Goddard
I arrived early at the Kings Arms to find a decent crowd building. I hadn't heard much about Aussie band Collins Class.
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Silent Torture - Single Review:Torn to Pieces
10 Oct 2016 // A review by Matt Mutinous
- Released September 1, 2016 2016 has been a massive year for 5-piece Auckland death metal band Silent Torture. With the release of their debut E.
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Anna Coddington - Album Review: Luck/Time
09 Oct 2016 // A review by Ria Loveder
I had the pleasure of interviewing Anna Coddington this time last year. One of the questions I asked her was what was her next music adventure after her tour with Lips, to which she replied ‘ALBUM.
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Armed In Advance - Album Review: Change/Evolve
07 Oct 2016 // A review by rebelsoundradio
Fresh off the Soundcloud link that has been emailed to me is the debut album Change/Evolve by Auckland three-piece Armed In Advance. I have been waiting for a hard rock album to sink my teeth into and AIA have provided 10 tracks of sonic goodness.
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DateMonthYear - Single Review: Spit Out The Sun
04 Oct 2016 // A review by Peter-James Dries
There isn't room in a pop industry for every music taste or genre, and an industry that views music as a product, as a commodity, as a dollar sign can at times stifle artistic integrity and individuality. What then happens is you hear more of the same, repeated and regurgitated over decades.
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Destructatron - Single Review: Stoned to Death
03 Oct 2016 // A review by Matt Mutinous
- Released - September 16 2016- Mordecai Records From the depths of the Waikato this five-piece heavy metal machine, is already making a dent in the New Zealand Metal scene. With their 2015 debut single Castles gaining airtime on various platforms, this much anticipated follow up (Stoned to Death) is set to impress fans and critics alike.
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Gig Review: The Church Tour @ Chapel of Christ The King, Hamilton - 22/09/16
03 Oct 2016 // A review by mciver29
As a 32 year old former Catholic the idea of going to a Church to see 4 artists that found recognition in the early 80's was a strange one, I had a few conflicting feelings but also knew that Churches quite often have fantastic acoustics and have often wondered about playing in grand cathedrals myself. I suppose my first feeling was a little disappointment when we arrived to the venue and it wasn't a cathedral, rather a large Church but still had the big pipe organs etc...
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03 Oct 2016 // A review by mciver29
As a 32 year old former Catholic the idea of going to a Church to see 4 artists that found recognition in the early 80's was a strange one, I had a few conflicting feelings but also knew that Churches quite often have fantastic acoustics and have often wondered about playing in grand cathedrals myself. I suppose my first feeling was a little disappointment when we arrived to the venue and it wasn't a cathedral, rather a large Church but still had the big pipe organs etc...
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Jayson Norris - EP Review: Eroded
29 Sep 2016 // A review by LilMizCharlie
There is something delightfully soothing yet sea-stormy about Adventure It Seems Is Easy from Jayson Norris' new EP Eroded. I found myself listening to this as “cool down” music at the gym.
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John White - Album Review: Henry Green & the Island of Tuliarts
28 Sep 2016 // A review by Ria Loveder
I had read a few articles about John White’s new album Henry Green and the Island of Tuliarts describing it as a listening experience where you succumb to a dream world. This statement I can agree to be very accurate, this album is one filled with ethereal qualities and wondrous themes taking you on a magical journey.
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Stonehurst - Gig Review: Free Yourself Tour @ Darkroom, Christchurch - 20/08/16
26 Sep 2016 // A review by Jacob Sisson
The night was opened by Christchurch newcomers Smokin' Voodoo with a hiss and roar, a great thundering brewing with their high energy, well honed brand of Rock and Roll. While having only stepped onto the scene recently, these boys took out this years local RDU Roundup, proving they aren't mucking around.
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The Zoup - Album Review: Symbiotic
24 Sep 2016 // A review by GrayVickers
My first exposure to The Zoup was about 7 years ago, standing side of stage as they tore up Auckland's “Juice Bar”. Sweating pop sensibilities out of every pore, their infectious Rock and Roll captivated the growing crowd, despite being early on in the night.
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Churlington - EP Review: Act Scared, Get Behind Him, Keep Him Busy, Screw You Bozo
22 Sep 2016 // A review by Peter-James Dries
While I was still up there, Churlington got a lot of airplay on Palmy's Radio Control 99.4FM local show.
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After 'Ours - Album Review: Odyssey
20 Sep 2016 // A review by Ria Loveder
After 'Ours have been working on their album Odyssey for the past five years. It is clear to hear the time, dedication and love that went into creating it.
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20 Sep 2016 // A review by Ria Loveder
After 'Ours have been working on their album Odyssey for the past five years. It is clear to hear the time, dedication and love that went into creating it.
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GT42 - GT42 - Album Review: GT42
19 Sep 2016 // A review by Kerry MB
GT42 is a Wellington duo that deliver a hypnotic blend of edgy melodic rock that is flawless and brilliant. GT42 is their self titled debut album and is comprised of fourteen sublime tracks that defines their 80s and 90s crunchy riff laden melodies, with a tinge of pop.
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Diaz Grimm - Album Review: 2077
16 Sep 2016 // A review by Sass_Metal
When you think of Hip-Hop music it’s easy to say that it’s filled with swearing, derogatory comments towards women and violence – so much violence. If this is what you are looking for with the latest Diaz Grimm release, then you will be disappointed (but it is the only thing that will disappoint you).
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Barracks - EP Review: Lovestay
15 Sep 2016 // A review by Paul Goddard
What a week! I just found out Refused are playing at Laneway and then this lands on my lap, well laptop.
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Bloodnut - Album Review: Blues From The Red Sons
15 Sep 2016 // A review by Jacob Sisson
The debut album by Auckland redheaded sludge rockers, Bloodnut, was released last weekend after much anticipation. A refreshing band, that doesn’t take themselves too seriously.
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Helgorithms - EP Review: To The Mountains
13 Sep 2016 // A review by Jacob Sisson
This small collection of songs were some that shaped the way for one of Auckland’s sweetheart bands, Helgorithms, some of the first they wrote when they formed the band over two years ago. With this being their second release, but comprised of songs from before the first, one would assume they wanted to go back and give life to some of the early material before working on new stuff.
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Left Or Right - Album Review: Trippy
13 Sep 2016 // A review by Jacob Sisson
Right from the get go, this is an album that puts a smile on your face. Tight, thumping bass grooves mixed with sweet sultry guitar riffs bring you into the fold with no messing around.
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Jesse Sheehan - Album Review: Drinking With The Birds
12 Sep 2016 // A review by Ria Loveder
Growing up in Wellington, Jesse Sheehan was immersed in music from a young age. He played gigs with big local names and won Rockquest in 2009, the first solo artist ever to do so.
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Pitch Black - Album Review: Filtered Senses
12 Sep 2016 // A review by tonymcdonald
Pitch Black, the duo from Christchurch are back after nine long years with a brand new dub album, Filtered Senses. It’s dark and mysterious with a laid back lounge club feel.
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Marshmellow - Album Review: Love Is Love
09 Sep 2016 // A review by Peter-James Dries
It's hard to compliment something that knows it's good. It's obvious that a lot has gone into fabricating an album that covers all the bases and ticks all the boxes for turning a collection of ideas into a great album.
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Miller Yule - EP Review: Shoot Me In The Heart
09 Sep 2016 // A review by Ria Loveder
Miller Yule’s Shoot Me In The Heart is an EP containing groovy tunes, good vibes and an abundance of energy and raw talent. This is Miller’s debut EP and with mesmeric songs, an attractive voice and wonderfully played tunes, it is clear to see he is a Kiwi musician on his way to great things.
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Andy Richards - Album Review: Shine On
05 Sep 2016 // A review by mciver29
Shine On is the second album release for Warkworth based singer/song writer Andy Richards and is testament to the NZ DIY ethic. Shine On was recorded over a year at a friend's home studio, free of stress and the pressures of working to a budget and time frame.
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The Hollow Men - Album Review: Shatter the Bones
05 Sep 2016 // A review by Paul Goddard
Apparently, this album was tracked in 24 hours and the result is an energy soaked powerhouse of punk n roll which reflects the pedigree of this Waiheke based band who recently supported The Ruts DC. Guitarist Brendan Mooney has a long musical history in the UK playing with various artists including Dave Vanian and the Phantom Chords who were signed to Polydor.
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05 Sep 2016 // A review by Paul Goddard
Apparently, this album was tracked in 24 hours and the result is an energy soaked powerhouse of punk n roll which reflects the pedigree of this Waiheke based band who recently supported The Ruts DC. Guitarist Brendan Mooney has a long musical history in the UK playing with various artists including Dave Vanian and the Phantom Chords who were signed to Polydor.
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BattleCat - EP Review: BS Live EP
29 Aug 2016 // A review by Peter-James Dries
To the self-proclaimed "antiestablishment" rebel contingent whose minds jump straight to Green Day or Avril Lavigne when I say Punk; instead of berating you I'm going to suggest you watch the Decline of Western Civilization III. Like Hamilton's Battlecat, the film captures the 90's resurgence of the 70's punk aesthetic.
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29 Aug 2016 // A review by Peter-James Dries
To the self-proclaimed "antiestablishment" rebel contingent whose minds jump straight to Green Day or Avril Lavigne when I say Punk; instead of berating you I'm going to suggest you watch the Decline of Western Civilization III. Like Hamilton's Battlecat, the film captures the 90's resurgence of the 70's punk aesthetic.
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The Hopkinsville Goblins - Album Review: Posts From Planet Earth
26 Aug 2016 // A 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.
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Tricks & Sleeves - Album Review: Locked Out Of Space
26 Aug 2016 // A review by Kerry MB
Locked Out Of Space is the debut album from indie rockers, Tricks & Sleeves, showcasing the bands ethereal Pop melodies and infectious hooks. Following on from their self-titled debut EP, Tricks & Sleeves seem to be going from strength to strength, and are a band that I hope are very aware of their talent and future potential.
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Eva Prowse - Album Review: Humid Nights
26 Aug 2016 // A review by Paul Goddard
I first came across Eva Prowse when watching Fly My Pretties, but I haven’t heard her first album I Can’t Keep Secrets, so didn’t know what to expect with this latest release. The first thing that really stands out about Humid Nightsare the song arrangements.
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Illuminus - EP Review: Lost Souls
19 Aug 2016 // A review by Andrew Smit
Illuminus have supplied a very distinctive EP to arouse your ear lobes, and while there is some surprising variety to the music it keeps to a homemade recipe of heavy grinding guitar licks and riffs contrasted with clear vocal tunes that are slightly muffled and not dominant like your usual made for radio mastering. This unique mix generally places the drums clean and upfront while the guitars are slightly muffled with the vocals set more in the background with its heavy reverb and other effects.
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Ceolskog - Album Review: Made In My Bedroom 2
19 Aug 2016 // A 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.
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Ceolskog - Album Review: Made In My Bedroom
02 Aug 2016 // A review by Kerry MB
Ceolskog is the brain child of solo artist Adam Helliwell and Made In My Bedroom, is, as the title suggests, a home made album.I'm always open to listening to genres that not often cross my path and I liked the cross pollination assault that Adam has created.
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Broods - Gig Review: Broods @ Vector Arena 15/07/2016
02 Aug 2016 // A review by camy3rs
It’s a wee bit of a sad state how seldom a full line-up of Kiwi acts take the stage at Vector Arena, but hopefully after the success of Broods’ Conscious tour, we can see the wheels begin to turn a little more in favour of New Zealand bands. The night opened up with Blenheim-based newcomers, October.
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Andrew Keoghan - Album Review: Every Orchid Offering
01 Aug 2016 // A review by Andrew Smit
This album is quite a stylish collection of sophisticated pop music that exudes into your ears and surprises you with its dreamy soundscapes and eclectic rhythms. Each song is subtly different with each possessing a unique and interesting diversion from the overplayed mainstream pop music of today.
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Violet Highway - Single/Video Review: Desire
20 Jul 2016 // A 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!
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Set on End - Album Review: The Dark Beyond
16 Jul 2016 // A review by Matt Henry
There is nothing more pleasing than finding something new out of nowhere that is utterly enjoyable. I will be honest, personally, I have not find anything recent on the NZ metal scene that gives me butterflies in my stomach.
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Broods - Album Review: Conscious
12 Jul 2016 // A review by camy3rs
With the follow up to their 2014 debut album Evergreen, Broods are back again with another collection of the moody, atmospheric, dance-pop that gained them their notoriety. Conscious is a straight up beast of an album.
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Stomping Nick - Album Review: Shake For Your Cake
08 Jul 2016 // A review by Andrew Smit
There is a one-man band with a difference, someone in 2016 who is not utilising technology or even a drum machine to back him, oh no Stomping Nick is all Nick, he sings, plays harmonica, the guitar and drums all at the same time, and his new album Shake Your Cake was even recorded that way! With all but one song on the album recorded "live" in one take, so what you hear is the real sound of Nick's songs as he performs them, the only thing missing is an audience's applause, but he sure does deserve some applause.
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Helen Henderson - Album Review: London
05 Jul 2016 // A review by Ria Loveder
London is an album, created by Helen Henderson and filled to the brim with 70s sounding folk and rock tunes. Arriving as a young kiwi girl to the big city of London with nothing but $50 in her pocket she started her music career when her friends put her in contact with Nigel Grainge from Ensign Records.
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Prizegiving - Album Review: No Harm Done
05 Jul 2016 // A review by tonymcdonald
Don’t think about buying the cassette from Bandcamp because it's sold out. Is that a good thing?
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PlasticGroove - EP Review: Feel
05 Jul 2016 // A review by Peter-James Dries
One of three EPs to be released this year, PlasticGroove’s Feel EP is so far removed from previous PlasticGroove efforts, which in my previous experience have been colourful adventures into a post-futurist 80’s synth-rock soundscape. This is a different set of textures entirely.
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Shihad - Gig Review: Shihad with Grenadiers & The Iron Eye @ The Triffid, Brisbane - 1/07/16
02 Jul 2016 // A review by GrayVickers
Tonight is not my first time seeing Shihad. Not by a long stretch.
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Pacific Heights - Album Review: The Stillness
01 Jul 2016 // A review by Andrew Smit
The Stillness by Pacific Heights is a wonderfully transient modernistic album full of sophisticated electro beats and atmospheric synth laden soundscapes, an ephemeral album that takes you on a pleasurable trip into your own imagination. The term Electro might make you think of dance dub beats but this is definitely not a dance album for this collection of music provides a totally immersive experience that generates a multiple sensory encounter where you see and feel a variety of colours and light, and a vast range of temperature and emotion.
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Dilz - Album Reviews: Three And A Half Seas and Reconstruction
29 Jun 2016 // A review by jck2
Dilz is a rapper from New Zealand with a fresh voice on hip-hop. Working endlessly on collaborations and mixtapes from the start of his career as an amateur rapper, Dilz has grown into a professional ready to break his way into the forefront of underground hip-hop.
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Evangel - EP Review: Sea Of The Dead
29 Jun 2016 // A review by Kerry MB
If you haven't yet heard of Metalcore four-piece, Evangel, keeping read, you're about to find out. The quartet originally hail from Hamilton and formed in 2007.
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Lawrence Arabia - Album Review: Absolute Truth
28 Jun 2016 // A review by Peter-James Dries
The name Lawrence Arabia is a New Zealand institution, at least for me. It’s one of the ten names that come to mind when someone says New Zealand music, though his music itself, unlike his name, has always sat at the fringes of my periphery.
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Gig Review: 28th Annual Gemini Party @ Altitude, Hamilton - 5/06/16
28 Jun 2016 // A review by Epitomised_Drummer
Like many Aucklander's looking to get ahead in life, I made the move down to Hamilton approx. 1 year ago.
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28 Jun 2016 // A review by Epitomised_Drummer
Like many Aucklander's looking to get ahead in life, I made the move down to Hamilton approx. 1 year ago.
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Kaushun - Album Review: Tonight
25 Jun 2016 // A review by camy3rs
Aside from having one of those names that makes fans wary of mispronounciation, Kaushun (pronounced as ‘Caution’), is a electronic music producer based in Auckland, but originally from Leeds in the United Kingdom. Tonight is the producers second album and a decent mix of run-of-the-mill dance/club beats, interesting electronica soundscapes and some high tempo pieces that wouldn’t go amiss on the soundtrack to a futuristic David Fincher film.
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Jackal - EP Review: Jumping Out The Window
22 Jun 2016 // A review by Peter-James Dries
“The report of my death was an exaggeration.” – Samuel Clemens.
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Avalanche City - Gig Review: Avalanche City @ The Powerstation 03/06/16
21 Jun 2016 // A review by camy3rs
Dave Baxter and ilk have become a rather large part of the quilt of Kiwi music – encompassing all of the personality traits that Kiwis seem to love in their icons, modest about his skill, understated in the news, seemingly soft spoken and dedicated to his practice. Avalanche City itself is a bit of a pop wonder - the roots in folk and country that set the band a part from other pop acts should (at least, to Kiwi audiences) be the proverbial bullet in the heart, and yet at every point they defy the odds.
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Rebel Sound Radio - Single Review: Liberation
09 Jun 2016 // A review by mciver29
Reviewing singles is often trickier than reviewing an EP or album as a body of work can help an overall sense of a band as opposed to just one song, in this case, it's the single Liberation by Hamilton based three-piece Rebel Sound Radio. This is all I have heard of the band, and as a first single it's on the right track, it has a hint of The Offspring in the frontman, Jessie Hanright's voice and a strong melodic hooky chorus.....
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Gareth Thomas - Album Review: Fizzy Milk
07 Jun 2016 // A review by GrayVickers
The New Zealand sound is not something expressed in words. It’s an ineffable coat of paint that glosses over much of the music that has shaped our lives.
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Dilz - Album Review: Scrapbook
05 Jun 2016 // A review by jck2
Dillon Lamb aka Dilz is a young rapper from Foxton who has released a new mixtape called Scrapbook. This isn't Dilz first mixtape, his Bandcamp discography shows several mixtapes dating back to 2013.
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Ladyhawke - Album Review: Wild Things
05 Jun 2016 // A review by camy3rs
Pip Brown is the kind of musical artist I forever wish that the world had more of, - intuitive, intentional and innovative. Everytime a new Ladyhawke album is released, the incremental advances towards an even more polished, cohesive and genre defying sound are obvious.
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Drax Project - Gig Review: Drax Project @ Neck Of The Woods, Auckland - 13/05/16
04 Jun 2016 // A review by camy3rs
Roughly three years ago, I remember walking down Courtenay Place in Wellington and stumbling across a three-piece jazz ensemble playing top 40 pop and RnB covers outside of the Reading Cinema. I’ll tell you now, you have not heard Katy Perry until you’ve heard these guys play Hot ‘n Cold with a saxophone covering the entire lyrical line.
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Primacy - EP Review: Failure and Sacrifice
03 Jun 2016 // A review by Peter-James Dries
This album rocks harder than anything I’ve enjoyed lately, local or international. From humble beginnings on these oceanic islands we are generally proud to call home, comes a rock album so much better than most of the smack you hear on those monthly Metal Hammer compilations, which I’m only sometimes proud to admit, is one of my sources for finding new bands these days.
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Jay Clarkson - Album Review: Spur
03 Jun 2016 // A review by Peter-James Dries
It’s been a month of Dunedin music for me, albeit accidentally, though certainly fitting with the month of May being the celebration of New Zealand music. In this listening stint and a moment of clarity, I discovered the “Dunedin” sound, or so I had thought.
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Tokyo Rock Machine - EP Review: New Ink
01 Jun 2016 // A review by Andrew Smit
London-based kiwi hard rockers Tokyo Rock Machine's latest EP New Ink offers four tracks of uncompromising full blown guitar rock, with songs that are full of well-structured riffs leading to hard driven verses furnished with strong vocal lines that build towards glorious choruses full of power chords and explosive rhythms. Each song just bursts with pop in the mouth crunchy guitar grinds from Sam Halen all set to the sharpest of drum beats from Waka the Drummer, and strapping vocal work from the appropriately named lead singer Kevi Metal.
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Lead Us Forth - Album Review: Interlocutor
01 Jun 2016 // A review by jdiddynz
interlocutor ˌɪntəˈlɒkjʊtə/ nounformal noun: interlocutor; plural noun: interlocutors; noun: interlocutrix; plural noun: interlocutrices 1 a person who takes part in a dialogue or conversation. Creating a dialogue is certainly what it feels like Auckland metal outfit Lead Us Forth are trying to achieve right from the outset of their latest album Interlocutor.
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Seafog - Album Review: Raise Your Skinny Fist
30 May 2016 // A review by Peter-James Dries
I came from a world where the unclassifiable sounds were quietly filed away into the Indie genre. While Seafog’s Raise Your Skinny Fist would slide quite nicely into that peg hole, I think the more appropriate label here, and one specific to this country, is the word Dunedin.
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Zen Mantra - Album Review: Zen Mantra
25 May 2016 // A review by camy3rs
Opening with the tumultuous, twangy guitar refrain on Will Disappear, Zen Mantra’s self-titled album is a brilliant, collective cross-section of reedy, jangling guitar dispersed with sporadic synth. As a mainstayer of the Christchurch music scene and a member of currently touring local group Yumi Zouma, Sam Perry curates a pretty formidable reputation, so expectations for this collection were set pretty high.
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Tempist Fujit - EP Review: No More Time
24 May 2016 // A review by rebelsoundradio
Despite the problematic division of labour, word on the street is that two pieces are a thing again. If this trend continues I foresee the next big thing being a union to represent the great masses of displaced musicians roaming the wilderness like a pack of bloodthirsty hyenas.
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Various Artists – Album Review: Ae Fond Kiss
24 May 2016 // A review by Peter-James Dries
“The best laid schemes o'mice an'men gang aft a-gley” Robert Burns - To a Mouse (1786). Perhaps the only line of Robert Burns I can faithfully recite, in small part thanks to the study of Steinbeck’s Of Mice and Men in college.
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24 May 2016 // A review by Peter-James Dries
“The best laid schemes o'mice an'men gang aft a-gley” Robert Burns - To a Mouse (1786). Perhaps the only line of Robert Burns I can faithfully recite, in small part thanks to the study of Steinbeck’s Of Mice and Men in college.
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The Jordan Luck Band - Gig Review: The Jordan Luck Band @ Kings Arms, Auckland - 14/5/16
23 May 2016 // A review by Andrew Smit
The out of season warm night air was inviting and embracing the great crowd that came to Auckland’s best live pub to experience the enduring music of the legendary Jordan Luck and his Band. The eager crowd was warmed up very nicely with a rocking set from brand new rockers Dead Favours who impressed with their broad rock sound and robust look.
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Yumi Zouma - Album Review: Yoncalla
14 May 2016 // A review by Ria Loveder
What can I say… What a beautiful album! Vocals that roll over you like waves, infectious tunes and hypnotic melodies.
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Red Sky Blues - Album Review: Red Sky Blues
13 May 2016 // A review by Peter-James Dries
We’re all quietly insane, some are just louder than the rest. An apt description of the songs on Red Sky Blues’s eponymous album.
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Shihad - Gig Review: Shihad @ Meow, Wellington - 1/05/16
12 May 2016 // A review by LilMizCharlie
Shihad, a force to be reckoned with. There is not a person I have talked with who doesn’t know this familiar name on the streets.
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Nation - EP Review: Nation
08 May 2016 // A review by camy3rs
Invercargill gets a bad rap - it’s cold, it’s far away, the people have stronger accents – but SIT is a becoming a major drawcard for savvy musicians and audio engineers who don’t want to end up in major debt whilst studying. The school is turning out some seriously decent bands with a pretty distinct sound.
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Bailey Wiley - EP Review: S.O.M.M.
07 May 2016 // A review by camy3rs
I get the impression that Bailey Wiley is the kind artist who quietly, meticulously hones their craft and affects the kind of upswell, grassroots change that eventually overhauls the industry. A ‘nose to the grindstone’ kind – the type of which you don’t seem to come across so often in this ‘recorded-in-a-bedroom-and-straight-to-soundcloud’ era.
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Shihad - Gig Review: Shihad @ The Powerstation, Auckland - 1/5/2016
06 May 2016 // A review by Andrew Smit
Unlike the anxiety felt by a congregation waiting for the obligatory late bride, the crowd waiting for Shihad to arrive after a cancelled flight were merely suppressing the energy required to jump through a banging set of "real fucking drum and bass" (quote Jon Toogood). In what was supposed to be a 50 minute set on a Sunday night after two previous gigs earlier in Christchurch and Wellington, our four home-grown heroes ripped the snot out of the Mt Eden night to prove that the NZ music industry is still in good hands.
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Damien Binder - Album Review: A New World
06 May 2016 // A review by Peter-James Dries
NZ Music Month is dead, read a misquoted article. The proliferation of local music has taken it from a niche market of second rate international knock-offs to an over-abundance, removing the novelty and therefore the need to celebrate something so common place.
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The Jordan Luck Band - Album Review: Not Only... But Also
04 May 2016 // A review by Andrew Smit
Jordan Luck and his band have produced an album that is full of energetic and uncompromising rock, fortified with a majestic retro pop rock sound. The feel good up-tempo vibe stands alongside anything you would expect from The Exponents in their heyday.
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Jason McIver Collective - Gig Review: The Jason McIver Collective and The James @ The Kings Arms, Auckland - 22/04/2016
03 May 2016 // A review by camy3rs
The Jason McIver Collective are slowly becoming an Auckland mainstay, their latest release I May No Perf finding credence with a growing local fan base. The Collective’s live show adds another layer to the multi-faceted sound– the heady, driving bass and tight drums develop an almost ‘darker’ feel live, one that is less apparent on the album.
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Pales - Album Review: Don't Be So Nice
01 May 2016 // A review by Ria Loveder
Rose Blake, Mike Isaacs and Scott Maynard are the creators of Pales. The trio have brought their array of skills and broad musical backgrounds to create arrangements heavily sounding of emotive folk.
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The Doqument - Album Review: 509
01 May 2016 // A review by jck2
509 is the new album from Auckland Hip-Hop crew The Doqument. Consisting of $ikeOne (MC), IMAG€ (MC), and Shaqles (Producer/MC), the three-part team have been turning heads for both their solo and group outputs, and between them have performed alongside Bone Thugs n Harmony, KRS One and Mobb Deep, jointly collaborated with bona fide rappers such as David Dallas and PNC and already released two albums: The Rookie Album and Blank Canvas: Wall & Piece.
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Jesse Wilde & The Drive - EP Review: Ghost Town Road
29 Apr 2016 // A review by Andrew Smit
The song, and indeed the whole EP Ghost Town Road, instantly transports you to an American heartland that is full of genuine rock and blues music full of emotive soul and meaning. Each song on this EP is full of catchy melodies and wonderful lyrics, while most are upbeat rhythmic pop songs they are all full of meaning and purpose, like the beautiful story of Juliet's Fallen, set to wonderful piano by multi-instrumentalist Stephen Small, the song sounds so smooth and powerful, and yet it also reminds you of a song you've heard before, maybe something that Bob Seger or John Mellencamp would have produced in their heyday.
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Villainy - Gig Review: Villainy @ Galatos, Auckland - 16/04/2016
29 Apr 2016 // A 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.
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Merrin - Single Review: Mr. Dominant
24 Apr 2016 // A review by GrayVickers
Combining slick bluesy riffs with a solid rock foundation, Wellington's Merrin have hit out with their latest single Mr. Dominant.
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Armed In Advance - Gig Review: Armed In Advance & Bakers Eddy @ Whammy Bar, Auckland - 8/4/2016
24 Apr 2016 // A review by Nicko_Poison
What a better way to showcase some local talent than to have an evening at Whammy Bar with friends and some epic bands right in the heart of Auckland city. Armed In Advance and Bakers Eddy’s singled out tour also saw bands Coridian and Dead Beat Boys joining the Auckland leg.
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Hollie Smith - Gig Review: Hollie Smith @ San Francisco Bathouse, Wellington - 8/04/16
20 Apr 2016 // A review by LilMizCharlie
I have often been in awe over Hollie Smith’s tracks. Her voice comes across as humble yet commanding and at those precious moments, heart-wrenching.
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Street Chant - Album Review: Hauora
20 Apr 2016 // A review by Peter-James Dries
Street Chant are another one of those bands that I’ve heard of, heard the praise, seen the name everywhere yet never quite got around to experiencing for myself. I know.
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Street Chant - Gig Review: Street Chant @ Nivara Lounge, Hamilton - 31/03/2016
19 Apr 2016 // A review by HUPH
A warm Thursday night at Hamilton's Nivara Lounge run by Hamilton Underground Press saw Street Chant play the first show on their album release tour. Seeing vinyl copies of said LP, Hauora, had quite a few punters in a spin as they paid and put them aside.
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Mermaidens - Gig Review: Mermaidens with Kane Strang @ Whammy, Auckland - 08/04/2016
19 Apr 2016 // A review by HUPH
In a hot concrete box deep beneath St. Kevin’s Arcade, two of New Zealand’s hottest young bands were holding an album release party.
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Mice on Stilts - Album Review: Hope For A Mourning
18 Apr 2016 // A review by mciver29
At first glance the name Mice On Stilts doesn't really give any indication of what the band might sound like - I hadn't heard the music before, but had seen the name a lot. To be completely honest, it wasn't until perhaps the third listen to their new album Hope For A Mourning that I started to connect with it, and started hearing the influences more clearly and somewhat understanding the intention.
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Pills For Breakfast - Album Review: Pills For Breakfast
17 Apr 2016 // A review by terry666
Pills For Breakfast have been around since 2012 and this is their first full album. The band consists of two core members Neil Johns and Chris Thorpe but also enlist other musicians to appear throughout as guest musicians.
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Hollie Smith - Album Review: Water Or Gold
15 Apr 2016 // A review by Andrew Smit
The first song begins all mellow and mystic accompanied by the cool strains of Hollie's yearning voice which provokes your ears and then like being catapulted onto a ride you're delivered to the soulful and very funky sound that is Water Or Gold. The title track personifies the whole albums sound, it is real and vibrant and bursting with character and overall is a joyous experience.
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The Datsuns - Gig Review: The Datsuns @ Kings Arms, Auckand - 1/04/2016
15 Apr 2016 // A review by Kerry MB
It’s not easy getting them all in the same country at the same time, but back for the first time since 2014, Kiwi rock n roll pioneers, The Datsuns still know how to put on a damn good show and fill a crowd. Kicking off the night with support from Bloodbags.
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The Boombox Eulogy - EP Review: Crates and Collabs
13 Apr 2016 // A review by jck2
The Boombox Eulogy is a hip hop production collective made up of Simon Townsend, Kriston Batistic and Josh Harvey. Crates and Collabs is a 6 track E.
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13 Apr 2016 // A review by jck2
The Boombox Eulogy is a hip hop production collective made up of Simon Townsend, Kriston Batistic and Josh Harvey. Crates and Collabs is a 6 track E.
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Kora - Gig Review: Kora @ The Zoo, Brisbane Australia - 8/04/2016
11 Apr 2016 // A review by GrayVickers
There's a special aura around The Zoo. This iconic stronghold, right in the heart of Brisbane's Fortitude Valley, has always been viewed a pinnacle of the local scene.
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Andrew Keoghan - Gig Review: Andrew Keoghan @ Q Theatre Loft, Auckland - 24/03/2016
07 Apr 2016 // A review by camy3rs
After a nasty bout of laryngitis lead to the cancelling of his initially scheduled show, Andrew Keoghan put on an amazing performance in Q Theatre Loft on the 24th, the pool of talent that graced the stage over the course of night was formidable and possibly only rivalled by the mass of kiwi songwriters and artists that made up the audience. Andrew Keoghan has got to be the textbook definition of a musician’s musician.
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Festival Review: Homegrown @ Wellington Waterfront - 2/04/2016
06 Apr 2016 // A review by LilMizCharlie
Karl, my partner in crime, and I decided to go and see what all the fuss was about with Homegrown. Over the years, I had musical projects on myself so this was something I often couldn’t afford to throw in the mix.
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06 Apr 2016 // A review by LilMizCharlie
Karl, my partner in crime, and I decided to go and see what all the fuss was about with Homegrown. Over the years, I had musical projects on myself so this was something I often couldn’t afford to throw in the mix.
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The Jordan Luck Band - Gig Review: The Jordan Luck Band @ The Thirsty Dog Auckland 11/3/16
01 Apr 2016 // A review by Andrew Smit
A cosy crowd congregated at K Rd’s The Thirsty Dog, with the promise of rock music from a man we all know, performing songs we all love, with a group simply called the Jordan Luck Band. The air was thick with unspoken anticipation, would Jordan be the man we know from 20 or 30 years ago, and would he sound any different?
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JCK - Album Review: Land of the Wrong White Crowd
31 Mar 2016 // A review by Peter-James Dries
In the words of the song You’re not Tupac “Don’t you ever feel like you wanna do something new?” Well, if you do, this is what happens.
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Steezin' Hawkings - EP Review: Steezin' Hawkings
26 Mar 2016 // A review by Andrew Smit
After a mellow 1 minute intro, the grooves kick off in the opening track We Been Steezin’ and we are introduced to the young funk sounds of the Wellington based Steezin' Hawkins with a tune layered with smooth vocal harmonies and a most soulful melodious tune, and although it's driven by a steady tempo the feel of the song ebbs and flows from groovy to dreamy, with a crafted sound that is very real and expressive. You may not hear the 2nd track Funk up the Radio on the radio, due to the obvious use of funk as a profanity replacement, forget about it, you will dig the funky feel and jive guitar grinds that move to a most gratuitous rock/blues riff, and the lead vocal from Moira Jean is a dramatic performance full character and power not to be missed.
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Marlon Williams - Gig Review: Marlon Williams & The Yarra Benders @ The Powerstation, Auckland 09/03/2016
24 Mar 2016 // A review by camy3rs
I’ll preface this review with the fact that I’ve been seriously out of the loop on Marlon Williams - all I seem to have read about lately is how the future of American Roots music is currently sitting on the shoulders of a Kiwi lad, but I never clicked to the fact that this mantle (whilst obviously exciting) is such a disservice to his talent. As Australian songstress Julia Jacklin opened William’s Sold Out Powerstation headliner, the tone for the night was well set.
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Karl Jensen - Album Review: Flee the Ground
21 Mar 2016 // A review by Peter-James Dries
Flee the Ground is a bag of bitter-sweet bon-bons, each with their own flavour, but all with the same taste. Karl Jensen’s style is a semi-psychedelic, Bowie meets Nick Cave affair.
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Louie Knuxx - Album Review: Tiny Warm Hearts
20 Mar 2016 // A review by jck2
With a husky rapping voice reminiscent of 'The God Father' Louie Knuxx' latest offering Tiny Warm Hearts is a collection of introspective and mellow songs mainly about relationships. I could describe them as love songs but I think that would be a stretch.
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Urban - Album Review: Everything Except Time
19 Mar 2016 // A review by GrayVickers
Taking the DIY approach is something deeply engrained with the New Zealand musical attitude. From creating bedroom pillow forts to baffle guitar cabinets, to creating makeshift studios, It's a point of pride for many musicians to take creative control and allow themselves the freedom to experiment with their art in new and exciting ways.
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Super Narco Man - EP Review: Dank Mammoth
18 Mar 2016 // A review by LilMizCharlie
Will in all instances cause stereos to malfunction... Maybe I was just in the mood for some rough as guts, raw, sweat drenched madness.
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Swamp Dixie - Album Review: Beautiful Forever
17 Mar 2016 // A review by Andrew Smit
The music on this album sounds very “real” with its unrefined home-style recording, which although is a little raw, it does sound very genuine. Swamp Dixie are a duo based on the Kapiti Coast with Tracy Bateman and Steven Hall on vocals and guitars, and you can tell that the music is a craft of their making.
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His Masters Voice - Gig Review: The Forge Of His Masters Downfall @ Kings Arms, Auckland - 5/03/2016
17 Mar 2016 // A 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?
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Jason McIver Collective - Album Review: I May No Perf
15 Mar 2016 // A review by Peter-James Dries
I May No Perf may seem like a strange name for The Jason McIver Collective’s debut album, if you haven’t seen the cover or have never heard a drunken uncle at a Christmas BBQ scoff “I may not be perfect, but parts of me are excellent.” I remember that saying from a bumper sticker in ’92, but it’s been around longer than that and will continue for years to come, in the form of t-shirts and humorous $2 Shop birthday cards.
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Cub Sport - Album Review: This Is Our Vice
10 Mar 2016 // A review by camy3rs
You may or may not be aware of it - but ever since the phenomenon that is Lorde took over the world, overseas eyes have been on New Zealand and Australia waiting for the next of her ilk to arise. Now, I’m not one to attempt to name ‘the next big thing’, but if the Pop revolution is finally on the way and Brisbane-based Cub Sport is not leading the charge, someone has messed up.
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Yukon Era - EP Review: Yukon Era
05 Mar 2016 // A review by HUPH
Auckland’s Yukon Era have released their eponymous debut EP. It contains five tracks and is pretty good.
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These Four Walls - Gig Review: These Four Walls @ Kings Arms 20/02/2016
04 Mar 2016 // A review by Nicko_Poison
It was when Thin White Lines got on stage and cracked into their first track Body & Soul that I knew the evening was going to be an awesome night. Followed up by catchy songs Violence, Chemicals, a nice cover and a torrent of high velocity tracks to finish up the set I struggled to write down anything as I was too busy up the front with ears and eyes fixed on the stage.
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Jason Kerrison - EP Review: JKEP2
02 Mar 2016 // A review by mciver29
The second part to Jason's E.P set is definitely a stronger musical offering than JKEP1 which I found to be a over produced somewhat shallow offering from an otherwise gifted singer/songwriter.
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Broken Season - EP Review: Wake Up The Fallen
28 Feb 2016 // A review by tonymcdonald
The intro features a speech from the film 'The Great Dictator' starring Charlie Chaplin. An interesting speech about war which is a classic, very clever and leads on nicely to Bullets (Fuck The System), the second song which is more like what I was expecting from Broken Season.
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Seth Haapu - EP Review: Volume I
24 Feb 2016 // A review by camy3rs
Off the bat, I’ve got to admit - Seth Haapu is one of my favourite Kiwi musicians, he’s the kind of young artist that makes me excited for the future of New Zealand music, and his ear for melody is amazing. Volume I his latest EP is a slick, wee taste whetter that kicks off with B.
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Beastwars - Album Review: The Death Of All Things
22 Feb 2016 // A review by River Tucker
There’s a real primal feel to the new Beastwars album, The Death Of All Things. Beastwars cut their own sonic path again and this release follows in the footsteps of their previous albums, both of which rated well in the New Zealand album charts.
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Doprah - Album Review: Wasting
22 Feb 2016 // A review by HUPH
Christchurch based trip-hoppers Doprah continue their stellar trajectory with the release of their debut full-length LP Wasting. The six piece band has been hard at it in the studio for over three years and the result is a fine record.
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Jackie Bristow - Album Review: Shot Of Gold
17 Feb 2016 // A review by Ria Loveder
After touring as the opening act for Tommy Emmanuel, Jackie Bristow has returned to New Zealand, releasing her fourth studio album Shot of Gold, and hitting the road for a fourteen date tour. For the dates go and check out Jackie's Facebook page.
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Manzo - Album Review: Ultramarine
07 Feb 2016 // A review by camy3rs
Manzo is the musical brainchild of Wellington based visual artist Alan Hodgetts and Ultramarine is the project’s first album, a conceptual exploration of a futuristic dystopia. The overall sound reads like a mash up of War of The Worlds and Daft Punks soundtrack for Tron; Legacy.
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Armed In Advance - Armed In Advance, Quinn The Human, Coridian & Poison Skies @ Kings Arms, Auckland - 22/01/2016
05 Feb 2016 // A review by Epitomised_Drummer
Editor's Note - Armed In Advance performed at The Kings Arms in Auckland on 22 January 2016 with Quinn The Human, Coridian and Poison Skies. Our reviewer, Carl, is also the drummer for Poison Skies.
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Turbostill - EP Review: Red River
04 Feb 2016 // A review by Peter-James Dries
Turbostill. It’s a name I’ve known since about as long as I’ve known that Pop music doesn’t touch me in the cockles of my heart.
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Born Silenced - EP Review: The Hate Is With You
21 Jan 2016 // A review by Peter-James Dries
Born Silence suffered for their pursuit of art, like many do, losing members to the fight against the weekly 9 to 5. What started as a band, soon devolved into a solo project and sprouted a “d”.
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Lowagrove - EP Review: Aristocrat Barista Cat
20 Jan 2016 // A review by camy3rs
Aristocrat Barista Cat, aside from being super hard to say really fast, is the first release from Kiwi artist, Lowagrove. Information on the artist is hard to come by but the EP speaks well in their stead.
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20 Jan 2016 // A review by camy3rs
Aristocrat Barista Cat, aside from being super hard to say really fast, is the first release from Kiwi artist, Lowagrove. Information on the artist is hard to come by but the EP speaks well in their stead.
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Churlington - EP Review: Now I Have A Machine Gun....Ho Ho Ho
20 Jan 2016 // A review by camy3rs
Churlington are a Christchurch based band, comprised of two dudes who give the impression of being very angry but make no discernable attempt to explain through their music why this is the case. Now I Have A Machine Gun… Ho Ho Ho consists of five pieces and comes in under seven minutes in length, so in terms of ‘bang for your buck’, probably not an especially good investment.
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SOL3 MIO - Gig Review: Christmas in The Vines @ Villa Maria Winery, Auckland - 20/12/15
18 Jan 2016 // A review by Andrew Smit
A near capacity crowd of 8500 gathered at the picturesque Villa Maria Estate for another dose of the much loved musical encounter that is Sol3 Mio. This time the boys were backed by the wonderful Auckland Symphony Orchestra and who warmed their instruments with the perfect intro of Tchaikovsky's Waltz of the Flower Fairies.
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Dead Celeb - EP Review: Urge Empire
13 Jan 2016 // A review by Andrew Smit
Wellington based 3 piece alt rockers Urge Empire have produced a 5 song self-titled EP with a great mix of upbeat high energy rock, where each track has its own character and feel due to clever subtle changes to the arrangements. Every song is full of clear and expressive guitar and vocals from Julian van der Krogt, backed by the solid live sound of Bass and Drums by James Cartwright and Hans Weston.
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Bruno Merz - Album Review: Highways
06 Jan 2016 // A review by camy3rs
Bruno Merz is a soothing, folk singer/songwriter from the Waikato, where his debut album Highways was recorded. Opening with the title-named Highways a brilliant ukulele-based piece that evokes comparisons to both Josh Pyke and Sufjan Stevens – most specifically in the layered vocal build ups and the chorus, the album overall, has very apparent folk-pop sensibilities -similar to Avalanche City, as well as moments of warm, almost complacent vocalisation – in the vein of Justin Vernon.
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06 Jan 2016 // A review by camy3rs
Bruno Merz is a soothing, folk singer/songwriter from the Waikato, where his debut album Highways was recorded. Opening with the title-named Highways a brilliant ukulele-based piece that evokes comparisons to both Josh Pyke and Sufjan Stevens – most specifically in the layered vocal build ups and the chorus, the album overall, has very apparent folk-pop sensibilities -similar to Avalanche City, as well as moments of warm, almost complacent vocalisation – in the vein of Justin Vernon.
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Tokyo Rock Machine - EP Review: Batteries Not Included
06 Jan 2016 // A review by Kerry MB
Tokyo Rock Machine are a three-piece London-based, Kiwi band with straight up and down good old Rock n Roll. This is their first EP, Batteries Not Included.
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Ginny Blackmore - Album Review: Over The Moon
03 Jan 2016 // A review by camy3rs
Ginny Blackmore’s initial single Bones broke onto international radio over two years ago, went platinum and introduced New Zealand audiences to one of our finest unacknowledged songwriting talents. Off the back of that single, we have finally been graced with her debut album.
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Gig Review: Big Ass Tour @ The Logan Campbell Centre, Auckland 10/12/15
31 Dec 2015 // A review by Matt Henry
Antagonist A.D.
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31 Dec 2015 // A review by Matt Henry
Antagonist A.D.
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Helgorithms - Gig Review: Helgorithms @ The Royal, Palmerston North - 14/11/15
23 Dec 2015 // A review by terry666
The only support band I got to see was Porcelain and to be honest I was not that impressed with them. Although technically they were good, they lacked the energy and x factor so to speak in my opinion.
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Outside In - EP Review: The Nature of Dreams
22 Dec 2015 // A review by Andrew Smit
A 5-song EP that is wonderfully alive with a cool mystical sound that is a stimulating mix of modern and traditional music styles. Kicking off with the dreamy electric pop song Sophie’s Ghost with its shimmering guitar and synth, providing an atmospheric sound set to a pulsating beat, and the melodic vocals have just a hint of effect that sounds just right and caps off an impressive trip.
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Kong Fooey - Album Review: Final Destination
21 Dec 2015 // A review by camy3rs
Kong Fooey’s Final Destination is a solid collection of uptempo summer jams, perfect for the oncoming sunshine season. Opening with Kong Fooey 1, a wee instrumental of slick, kung-fu-fight scene reminiscent drums and synths, the album smoothly transitions to the first song Right As Rain; a catchy, infectious funk’n’B/Pop piece.
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The Lowest Fidelity - Album Review: This Is The Life
16 Dec 2015 // A review by Peter-James Dries
Sometimes writing reviews is like Secret Santa, or a box of chocolates, or a Kinder Surprise. In the words of Tom Hanks, you never quite know you’re going to get.
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Jason McIver Collective - Single Review: Stoney Joe
14 Dec 2015 // A review by Peter-James Dries
Jason McIver is one of those prolific, yet relatively unknown homegrown artists that deserve a lot more attention. Rocking the whole Chino Moreno (Deftones) look, it’s one of those cases of animal resembling owner, or in this case, voice resembling famous lookalike.
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Fire At Will - EP Review: Olympus 2.0
11 Dec 2015 // A review by Epitomised_Drummer
Heavy heavy heavy! Olympus 2.
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No Broadcast - Album Review: The Blueprint
09 Dec 2015 // A review by Andrew Smit
Opening with a theatrical instrumental with piano and scorching choral like keys, you are stirred and aroused, the tension builds and you’re curious, where you are headed? but there is no doubt your listening to something different, something that is very powerful and good.
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71 Sunset - Album Review: Bitter Earth
07 Dec 2015 // A review by Peter-James Dries
As promised by the previous outing, the Mule EP, 71 Sunset’s debut LP, Bitter Earth, is a deluge of tight riffage in their signature throw back to old school 70’s Hard Rock and 90’s alternative style. Where Mule was a short, heavy hitting mix of four tracks showcasing the band’s best pieces and techniques, just long enough for a single attention span, Bitter Earth spreads the awesome over an entire album.
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Aron Ottignon - EP Review: Waves
06 Dec 2015 // A review by camy3rs
Aron Ottignon is a Paris-based Kiwi Electronica/Jazz musician, and his new release Waves is a 3 song instrumental EP featuring the production know-how of Berlin-based Kiwi musician, Rodi Kirk (Scratch 22), along with the steel pan drumming expertise of Samuel Dubois. The comparison is probably inescapable, but Ottignon’s new release has aspects that sound like a heavier, more musically dense and less melancholic Yann Tiersen piece.
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Ctrl Freak - Album Review: In Retrospect
06 Dec 2015 // A 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.
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Chambres - EP Review: Rings
06 Dec 2015 // A review by camy3rs
Kevin Spacey is the first song off of Chambres debut EP; Rings. The piece is very reminiscent of work from Chvrches first album, at least up until the vocals come in.
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Ill Semantics - Album review. Ill Semantics- Trillogy
06 Dec 2015 // A review by jck2
Formed in 1993, and hailing from Orakei, East Auckland, Patriarch, Nemesis and DJ CXL are the legendary trio Ill Semantics. After a 9 year hiatus Ill Semantics have released their third full length album Trillogy.
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Bakers Eddy - Gig Review: Bakers Eddy @ Ding Dong Lounge, Auckland 20/11/2015
02 Dec 2015 // A review by camy3rs
It’s beyond disheartening to go and see a live band and recognise that there is obvious talent there that is being completely misrepresented by a bad sound engineer, sadly this was the case for Bakers Eddy at Ding Dong Lounge. The band were hyped, cohesive and interacted well with the crowd.
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Lisa Crawley - Gig Review: Lisa Crawley @ The Tuning Fork, Auckland - 13/11/2015
27 Nov 2015 // A review by camy3rs
As soon as she casually walked out of the audience and on to the stage at the beginning of her set, I had the distinct feeling that this is gig was going to set a high bar. It was obvious from the first song that the effortless integrity that Lisa Crawley exudes live, is a phenomena unto itself.
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Tablefox - Album Review: Objects
26 Nov 2015 // A review by Kerry MB
A superbly crafted album that is emotional and powerful. Tablefox are a five-piece rock band skilfully blending elements of indie, folk and pop to create in what I can only describe as a brilliant debut album.
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BigBomBo - EP Review: BigBomBo
26 Nov 2015 // A 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.
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Tomorrow People - Album Review: Bass & Bassinets
25 Nov 2015 // A review by Ria Loveder
Need tunes to accompany your chilled out summer, look no further my friends, because it is right here! Bass & Bassinets is the second album released by the self-described ‘sunshine reggae’ band, Tomorrow People.
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TOI - Album Review: Restless
25 Nov 2015 // A review by Peter-James Dries
For the supporters, for anyone who has seen Tunes of I perform live or were impressed by their EP, T.O.
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Poison Skies - Single Review: City Streets
20 Nov 2015 // A review by Andrew Smit
City Streets is a full on heart-rate lifting track, starting with a chorus of harmonic guitars that deliver us to a pumping rockabilly beat that’s full of energy and just sounds awesome. Sounding very much like The Living End but with a harder rock edge due to the 3 gritty guitars.
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Mel Parsons - Gig Review: Mel Parsons @ Crystal Palace, Auckland - 31/10/15
16 Nov 2015 // A review by Andrew Smit
A hearty and enthusiastic crowd packed into the grand old Crystal Palace to experience the beautiful Mel Parsons and band, and the audience was won over by the music coming from the stage, a vibrant folk music played to a rhythmic country beat full of warmth and stirring emotive tunes. Many in the crowd eagerly yelled their approval which on most occasions was humorously responded to by Mel, and with each song the positive vibe was lifted as Mel and her band entertained us with beautiful songs with wonderful down to earth themes that were full of delightful melodies and harmonies.
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Devilskin - Gig Review: Devilskin @ The Powerstation, Auckland - 19/09/15
06 Nov 2015 // A review by Andrew Smit
Another eager crowd packed into Auckland's Powerstation ready to be rocked with the promise of live and loud kiwi talent. Starting with City of Souls who filled the stage and the room with their tight metal core sound, it took a song or two to hear the lead vocalist but thankfully the sound and the band improved with every song.
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Churlington - Album Review: Wally Wick... Some Kind Of Rodent
05 Nov 2015 // A review by Photographer
Churlington’s Wally Wick..
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Aaron Carpenter and The Revelators - EP Review: Aaron Carpenter and The Revelators
04 Nov 2015 // A review by camy3rs
Blues music can be a hard sell in todays market; rendering itself as more of a lifestyle than a genre, the blues requires a bit more from its listeners. You need to subscribe to the legends of artists selling their souls to the devil in exchange for guitar mastery.
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Greg Johnson - Album Review: Swing The Lantern
03 Nov 2015 // A review by camy3rs
Greg Johnson is not an artist to be trifled with, the prolific songwriter has a back catalogue of over 300 songs and with the release of Swing the Lantern – his 11th studio album, he proves once again why he is regarded as one of New Zealand’s most transcending, consistent and beloved musicians. Swing the Lantern is Johnson’s own exercise in returning to more traditional recording methods, bringing in a few friends and some long-time cohorts to form a collaborative studio band, rather than hiring various available musicians to record in different studios .
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Helgorithms - EP Review: Realisation // Revelation
03 Nov 2015 // A review by Kerry MB
Helgorithms is a three piece metal assault on New Zealand’s music scene bringing a unique blend of experimental post metal to life. Their debut EP, Realisation // Revelation was released a few months ago but after discovering there had been no review done for this EP, I jumped at the chance.
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K.One - EP Review: Out Of Thin Air
03 Nov 2015 // A review by camy3rs
It has been a wee while since we’ve heard from Masterton native, K.One (Kaleb Vitale) but on the basis of his latest EP release, hopefully it’s not as long again until we hear more.
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Andy Snadden - Single Review: Spin It Wide
02 Nov 2015 // A review by Peter-James Dries
By the time you read this the 2015 Rugby World Cup will be over, though the hype and gripes may continue until the next. Though I neither enjoy partaking nor watching sport, I’ve played along when quizzed about it, having picked up enough information from everyone else to hold half a conversation.
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Tiny Ruins - Gig Review: Laura Marling & Tiny Ruins @ The Powerstation, Auckland - 23/10/15
01 Nov 2015 // A review by camy3rs
Fans frequently talk about favourite musicians who have an ‘Old Soul’, but it’s not often that someone fits the bill so quintessentially as Laura Marling. In her first New Zealand headlining performance, she proved the validity of her fans claims of ‘voice of a generation’ and her range as a songwriter.
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Lisa Crawley - EP Review: Up In The Air
30 Oct 2015 // A review by camy3rs
As a country, we tend to lose a lot of our best talent to Australia and the US, and Lisa Crawley is no exception. Currently Melbourne-based, the songstress has recently released Up In The Air, a collection of retro-pop songs citing the production and mixing skills of Ryan Ritchie (Kimbra).
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Ekko Park - Album Review: Know Hope
29 Oct 2015 // A 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.
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SOL3 MIO - Album Review: On Another Note
29 Oct 2015 // A review by Kerry MB
Sol3 Mio is possibly one of New Zealand’s finest classical music trio at the top of their game. While classical music isn’t my preferred genre I certainly can appreciate the musicianship in it, which is why I decided to take this review on.
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Sound the Ocean - Album Review: Wait For The Morning
29 Oct 2015 // A review by Epitomised_Drummer
Time for a little bit of a review folks .. this time it's on Sound The Ocean's brand new album Wait For The Morning.
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Gig Review: Metalliance - The Paradox Tour 2015 @ Kings Arms, Auckland - 25/10/15
27 Oct 2015 // A 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.
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27 Oct 2015 // A 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.
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Groeni - Gig Review: Groeni @ Wine Cellar, Auckland 16/10/15
26 Oct 2015 // A review by camy3rs
The night’s line-up opened with DJ Martyn Pepperell, followed by 2-piece band Monticola and then Auckland-based Keepsakes. All three were of quite varied genres and there was no apparent cohesion between the opening acts which made the initial tone-set of the EP release a bit disjointed.
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Curlys Jewels - Single Review: Terror in Disguise
20 Oct 2015 // A review by Peter-James Dries
Curlys Jewels, the band behind No Apostrophe and the Fling Flang Flonge EP, are proud to announce (and rightly so) their newest single Terror in Disguise, a song that stands head and shoulders above their back catalogue, in terms of quality and also stylistically. It sounds like Curlys Jewels took a right turn at the 90’s Grunge crossroads and produced, in the words of their PledgeMe page, “a Mint Track.
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Dick Tracy - EP Review: The Red Hand
19 Oct 2015 // A review by Asmith
Right from the intro track Mahjong, I was instantly transported into party mode. Rockin’, groovin’ hard hitting beats that get your heart pumping and ready to go.
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Groeni - EP Review: Hinde
17 Oct 2015 // A review by camy3rs
There’s a lot of buzz going around about Groeni at the moment - Wellington based Alexander Green’s solo studio project turned three piece band has recently been announced as a feature of the 2016 Laneway line-up, were named one of NZ On Air’s Top 15 acts to watch for in 2015, and have just released their third EP. Hinde is a phenomenally well-produced collection of pieces, and the balance of parts within each song is nigh on immaculate.
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B2KDA - Album Review: Rising
17 Oct 2015 // A review by jck2
Rising is the latest full length album from B2KDA (Formerly known as Batucada Sound Machine). In a career spanning 12 years this interesting group of dedicated musicians from diverse backgrounds and ethnicities have travelled the world playing their brand of high energy fusion music.
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Holly Arrowsmith - Gig Review: Holly Arrowsmith @ The Tuning Fork 5/09/15
16 Oct 2015 // A review by Andrew Smit
The evening kicked off with Tom Cunliffe, shining bright and all alone with his guitar and flowing beard where he bravely produced a set of stirring and emotive songs filled with themes of torment, greed and loss. Tom sings with a smooth grit that is tender and expressive and it works well to expose the deep content of his songs subject matter.
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Primacy - Single Review: Shade Black
15 Oct 2015 // A review by Alistar3000
Auckland 5-piece Primacy are one of those bands that don’t try and hide their influences; their new single Shade Black is a healthy blend of all that was good about ‘90s rock, and that’s not a bad thing. Starting out with a Tool-like intro that soon gives way to a heavier, chugging riff, the song maintains a freshness and urgency throughout.
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Amiria Grenell - Album Review: Autumn
14 Oct 2015 // A review by camy3rs
Autumn is the third album from Lyttelton-based musician, Amiria Grenell and it’s a solid addition to a steadily growing and poignant body of work. The first release through Grenell’s own Quiet Bird Records, the album opens with the jazzy, driving Rain, and from there flows seamlessly through its 13 numbers.
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Social Shun - Album Review: Big Gorilla
14 Oct 2015 // A review by Peter-James Dries
There have obviously been a few late nights to account for musical developments in the world of Social Shun since the release of Garden of Sweden, specifically in the technical proficiency and attention to detail departments of their chosen art form. Close to safely being classified as Industrial, Big Gorilla is less of a stew of different kinds of chaos, and more consistently chaotic.
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Hunt The Witch - Gig Review: Hunt The Witch @ Backbeat Bar, Auckland 10/10/15
12 Oct 2015 // A review by Kerry MB
For anyone who hasn’t yet ventured into the small but perfectly formed Backbeat Bar on K Road, be sure to go check it out. For a venue that’s very much blink and you’ll miss it, it’s quickly been added to my list of great music venues around Auckland.
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In Dread Response - Album Review: Heavenshore
12 Oct 2015 // A review by terry666
Heavenshore is In Dread Response's third full length release in their 10 year history and the first for their new singer Ben Read. In the ten years since this band formed a lot of the members have been involved in other projects.
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What Noisy Cats - Album Review: A Different Ocean
12 Oct 2015 // A review by Peter-James Dries
What Noisy Cats; a great band with an incongruous name. I had imagined, upon first hearing the name, a hippy two-piece ukulele orchestra, but was pleasantly surprised to find behind the strange name an amazing debut from this Wellington quartet of the Folk persuasion with occasional deviations into Noise Rock territory.
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Hunt The Witch - EP Review: Into The Black
08 Oct 2015 // A review by Kerry MB
Hunt The Witch are an Auckland quartet who unabashedly make great Rock music. For this I thank them.
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The Phoenix Foundation - Gig Review: The Phoenix Foundation @ Cabana, Napier 19/09/15
05 Oct 2015 // A review by Ria Loveder
I can’t believe since I turned eighteen, which was almost four years ago, I have not taken the opportunity to go to The Cabana in Napier. Walking in, I saw posters on nearly every visible surface showcasing past events.
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Armed In Advance - Single Review: Stay
04 Oct 2015 // A review by Epitomised_Drummer
In the last few years I've been seeing a remarkable decrease in the number of new Rock releases from New Zealand on mainstream TV and Radio. It's certainly not because of a decrease in the number of good bands, in fact if I'm honest, there is probably more rock bands floating around in NZ right now than there ever has been, they just don't seem to be as easy to find due to a big push from the electronic and roots scenes.
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Moumou Timers - Album Review: Sugar Hit
28 Sep 2015 // A review by Peter-James Dries
Paekakariki; an elbow on an otherwise straight drag from here to a capital. To the outsider looking in through the rusted implements surrounding the train station, it’s a town outside of time.
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Rhian Sheehan - Album Review: Live at the Wellington Opera House
23 Sep 2015 // A review by Peter-James Dries
Rhian Sheehan is another one of those big names that’s been floating on the periphery of my music sphere for some time. Someone that I’ve been meaning to check out but yet to have the chance.
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Silicon - Album Review: Personal Computer
22 Sep 2015 // A review by Peter-James Dries
Raygun Gothic is an artistic style, extending mainly to architecture, which is best described as how the past saw the future. It’s the future that never was.
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Lucid Effect - EP Review: I Came From A Dark Place
21 Sep 2015 // A review by Andrew Smit
From the opening sounds of this EP you are treated to folk art beauty that is honest and pure, music that clearly has been crafted from a deep desire to deliver emotive music that is acoustically beautiful yet powerful and meaningful. This EP comprises of 4 stunning songs all of which are written and produced by Declan Ramsey, in fact other than some backing vocals from Rose Ramsey it’s all his work, and the result is majestic music with great fidelity and sentiment.
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Villainy - Album Review: Dead Sight
16 Sep 2015 // A review by Kerry MB
Auckland rock monsters Villainy are back with a follow up to 2012’s debut, Mode. Set.
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Lankino - DVD/CD Review: The Grand Unification by Melodico and Lankino
14 Sep 2015 // A review by jck2
The Grand Unification, Vol.1 by Melodico and Lankino is an album of upbeat Reggaeton fused with elements of New Zealand Hip-Hop and Reggae.
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MAALA - EP Review: Maala
13 Sep 2015 // A review by Ria Loveder
I first heard Maala’s music almost two months ago when I was driving on my way to good ol’ Auckland, ZM was on the radio and I heard a song that immediately caught my attention. I turned up the volume and immediately got my phone out so I could Shazam (what a genius app!
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Stretch to Mould - EP Review: Painting Faces
11 Sep 2015 // A 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.
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Miho Wada - Album Review: Bumpy Road
10 Sep 2015 // A review by Andrew Smit
The Miho Jazz Orchestra (MJO) has produced another album bursting with character and full of vibrant music that is real and alive. With 9 instrumental tracks that take you on a musical journey, where the experience and its meaning is yours to interpret and enjoy, however the linear notes tells you how the inspiration and perspiration behind the songs are from Miho Wada’s “Bumpy” experiences with her pregnancy.
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Brave New Void - Album Review: BNV
08 Sep 2015 // A review by tonymcdonald
I had the pleasure of watching Brave New Void (BNV) live at bar Bodega in Wellington last year supporting Pop Will Eat Itself (P.W.
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Eden Mulholland - Album Review: Hunted Haunted
29 Aug 2015 // A review by Ria Loveder
Hunted Haunted has to be my favourite album that I have been asked to review for Muzic.net!
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Coridian - EP Review: Oceanic
28 Aug 2015 // A review by Peter-James Dries
You know when a band only exists as a vehicle for the lead singer. This is not one of those bands.
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Shady Brain Farm - EP Review: Robot Radio
26 Aug 2015 // A review by Andrew Smit
This new EP from Shady Brain Farm sounds so youthful and alive, with 5 real songs that have a great psychedelic rock sound driven by a feel good up-tempo rock beat. The first two songs lean toward the psychedelic rock form, with tuneful crooning from Ben Furniss, who also supplies superb flangy melodic guitar riffs.
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Gig Review: Deadboy Records 10 Year Anniversary Party @ The Kings Arms, Auckland 08/08/15
22 Aug 2015 // A review by Matt Henry
Celebrating 10 years of hard work and the successful release of 30+ albums, Deadboy Records was able to showcase some of the great talent they have on one stage, defusing the same energy they use in their production, to the Kings Arms attendance. {Out Cold A.
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22 Aug 2015 // A review by Matt Henry
Celebrating 10 years of hard work and the successful release of 30+ albums, Deadboy Records was able to showcase some of the great talent they have on one stage, defusing the same energy they use in their production, to the Kings Arms attendance. {Out Cold A.
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You Barbarians - EP Review: Helioshiva
21 Aug 2015 // A review by mciver29
I'm guessing Wellington alt rock band You Barbarians are a newish band on the Wellington scene though there is quite a mature sense to the song writing featured on their 5 track EP, Helioshiva. The packaging of the EP is very cool and unique with almost a type of greeting card style to it, it looks good and made me want to check out the music and seeing where it was mixed (at STL studios, Wellington) definitely made for some strong appeal.
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AHoriBuzz - Double EP Review: Into The Sunshine
20 Aug 2015 // A review by Andrew Smit
Modern Funk with ballsy riffs and beats are abundant in this double EP, with 5 original songs and 5 remixes. The 1st full length release for the talented singer songwriter Aaron Tokona, and his band AHoriBuzz, Into The Sunshine simply resonates with songs that are a wonderful mix of traditional funk fused with new sounds and percussive beats, like the opening track Turnaround with its thick bass riff, mixed with keys and brass elements that groove to a steady beat and bubbles along for over 8 minutes.
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Head Like A Hole - Gig Review: Head Like A Hole @ Galatos, Auckland - 6/08/2015
19 Aug 2015 // A review by Photographer
The last time I saw Head Like A Hole I was a teenager and I was in no state to form any kind of opinion on what I had just seen, other than knowing that once again I had loved it. Fast forward 20 or so years and I was completely amped to be making my way to Galatos in Auckland to see and photograph Head Like a Hole playing with 8 Foot Sativa.
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Medusa Glare - Single Review: Rock Your World
19 Aug 2015 // A review by Kerry MB
Hamilton Rock outfit Medusa Glare may still be relatively new on the music scene, but they’re quickly gaining a following. Their second single, Rock Your World is good, insanely good.
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I Am Giant - Gig Review: I Am Giant @ The Powerstation, Auckland 1/08/15
18 Aug 2015 // A review by Andrew Smit
The anticipation and expectations were high and thus like me a good crowd rocked up early to experience a night of live rock music that was kicking off with the only X factor “band” finalists in the world Brendon Thomas and the Vibes. Many may have seen and heard of BT and the V from their amazing run on the popular talent exploitation show, and they now could see if they can live up to the hype, I had little doubt they would as I have seen them live twice before and as said many times on the show these guys are real, and they know how to deliver pure blues that rocks, and so it was.
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Like A Storm - Album Review: Awaken The Fire
18 Aug 2015 // A review by Peter-James Dries
This cover was inevitable, and I’m surprised it hadn’t happened before now, twenty years after we first heard it. I know Nu Metal is a dirty word in some circles, but there is no other way to describe Like A Storm’s version of Coolio's Gangster’s Paradise.
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Gin Wigmore - Album Review: Blood To Bone
13 Aug 2015 // A review by Andrew Smit
There is a lot of character in the 10 tracks in this new album, and while it’s unmistakably "Gin Wigmore", it has a fresh modern electronic sound that is delivered with a raw and earthy feel, achieved by its mix of techno sound, powered by a driving tribal rhythm. Like in the opening track New Rush with its deliberate distortion on the drum beats giving it a uniquely gritty and vibrant feel.
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The AJ Crawshaw Band - EP Review: Phoenix Burning
12 Aug 2015 // A review by Andrew Smit
I have just had the pleasure of listening to a 5 Track EP with real music packed with positive themes that just flow with acoustic beauty. Mr Crawshaw's has crafted a modern folk sound with real feeling and his singing is just beautiful, the vocals are crisp and expressive, and the feelings he exposes comes through as very tender and emotive.
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Holly Arrowsmith - Album Review: For The Weary Traveller
11 Aug 2015 // A review by Ria Loveder
Nestled in the Queenstown mountains, Holly Arrowsmith’s debut album For The Weary Traveller was created. This charmingly crafted album is full to the brim with acoustically emotive pieces, beautifully written and thought provoking lyrics and an earthy sounding voice.
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LP Review: Arcee - The Arcee LP
08 Aug 2015 // A review by jck2
The Arcee LP is the full length debut release from female rapper Rona Wignall A.K.
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08 Aug 2015 // A review by jck2
The Arcee LP is the full length debut release from female rapper Rona Wignall A.K.
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The Phoenix Foundation - Album Review: Give Up Your Dreams
03 Aug 2015 // A review by Andrew Smit
From the rather theatrical opening burst of sound you know you’re about to experience something quite dramatic in The Phoenix Foundation’s sixth studio album Give Up Your Dreams. With 10 tracks that offer something to really sink your ears into, with soft techno rhythms and soaring melodies that really take flight.
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Shepherds Of Cassini - Album Review: Helios Forsaken
02 Aug 2015 // A review by tonymcdonald
Helios Forsaken is a 5-and-a-quarter-song album from Auckland's Shepherds of Cassini, and it's going to hit you hard. Mirrors Have No Memory is a 45 second song, hence the quarter.
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Bakers Eddy - EP Review: Plastic Wasteland
01 Aug 2015 // A 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.
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Unknown - Single Review: Up
27 Jul 2015 // A review by Peter-James Dries
Broke: the feeling that most of us in the post-student world will feel for almost the rest of our lives. Also a double bass wielding band from Wellington with a “whatever, we do what we want” attitude.
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Sonic Delusion - Album Review: Without Warning
25 Jul 2015 // A review by Kerry MB
New Plymouth based band Sonic Delusion sound a little unexpected as their band name suggests, but upon listening I was pleasantly surprised by how easy it was to enjoy this album. Without Warning is the band’s not-yet-released third album, and it’s a sensual delight to the ears for anyone who enjoys folk with something a bit different.
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Matt Bodman and the Valentine Grind - Album Review: Hallelujah Circus
21 Jul 2015 // A review by Peter-James Dries
While Mount Maunganui’s main export may be alcohol hazed memories of a mid-summer New Year’s festival well spent, my favourite export is probably Matt Bodman & the Valentine Grind. Released in 2013, Hallelujah Circus might be old news to some.
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Finn Johansson - Album Review: Two Thousand and Fourteen
17 Jul 2015 // A review by Ria Loveder
Wellingtonian musician, Finn Johansson proves with his album Two Thousand and Fourteen, that he is one talented musician. Created in 2014 (funnily enough), Johansson spent last year travelling Europe, living on boats, farms and couches and playing to living rooms, bars and theatres.
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Avalanche City - Album Review: We Are For The Wild Places
16 Jul 2015 // A review by Andrew Smit
A crystal clean acoustic sound that should lift anyone’s spirits is what your ears will be exposed to in this sophomore album by Avalanche City. The creation of Mr Dave Baxter, he has perfected a very radio friendly mainstream sound, the songs have slow and steady beats that flow nicely and provide a very pleasant foundation for his fine tuneful singing.
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Jupiter Project - EP Review: #Get It Boyz
15 Jul 2015 // A review by Andrew Smit
#Get It Boyz is a sparkling EP, with a contemporary and engaging Hip-Hop sound, it’s very tuneful and full of smooth grooves that get your head nodding and body swerving. With the tightest of wraps that are fast and succinct, and although they are generally tough sounding they are littered with lighter moments and insightful commentaries on the world we live in.
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Illuminus - Album Review: Until The End (Remastered)
14 Jul 2015 // A 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.
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Illuminus - Album Review: Fading By Degrees
13 Jul 2015 // A review by Kerry MB
When Auckland band Illuminus released their debut, Until The End in 2012, it was their unique sound that received rave reviews by many. This latest offering, Fading By Degrees has the same progressiveness that will keep the fans happy.
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Dudley Benson - EP Review: Muscles
13 Jul 2015 // A review by Andrew Smit
Music in its many forms can conjure many feelings and atmospheres, it can induce a subconscious desire or dream, and be a welcome escape from reality, well I can tell you I found listening to Dudley Benson's Muscles EP a dreamy trip indeed, he has created a tantalising and atmospheric sound that draws you in and opens your ears and your mind. It’s quite tantric and surreal, a journey that is pleasant and enquiring.
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Wellington Sea Shanty Society - Album review: Now That Is What I Call Sea Shanties Vol. 02
09 Jul 2015 // A review by Andrew Smit
A refreshingly traditional collection of sea faring tunes have set sail and once on board you will be smiling and swaying with its fine sound and rollicking rhythms. This is music that will warm the soul and lift your spirits with its fun and frivolity, but it’s no novelty music, oh no it's real music with strong worldly arrangements and a rich form of melodic storytelling, which the Wellington Sea Shanty Society have achieved so very well with this album.
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New Gum Sarn - Album Review: New Gold Mountain
09 Jul 2015 // A review by Peter-James Dries
A mix of acoustic calm, eclectic psychedelic and nostalgic Kiwiana is what you can expect of New Gold Mountain, the semi-eponymous debut from New Gum Sarn. While rooted in an old world sound, unfamiliar to many pop adherents today, New Gum Sarn’s sound is shaded with moments of playfulness and the experimental.
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Album Review: Off The Radar Compilation Vol. 1
04 Jul 2015 // A review by Peter-James Dries
DIY. It’s in our DNA, as the advertisements say, and it’s in the brains of the crew that organized the Off The Radar festival, which has just completed its sophomore year somewhere north of Auckland.
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04 Jul 2015 // A review by Peter-James Dries
DIY. It’s in our DNA, as the advertisements say, and it’s in the brains of the crew that organized the Off The Radar festival, which has just completed its sophomore year somewhere north of Auckland.
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Album Review: T.13 - Good Things Take Time
04 Jul 2015 // A review by jck2
T.13 aka Ryan Lovins is best known as one half of the hip-hop Group PHD, formerly known as Pot Heads.
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04 Jul 2015 // A review by jck2
T.13 aka Ryan Lovins is best known as one half of the hip-hop Group PHD, formerly known as Pot Heads.
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Elliot Brown - Album Review: Jingles 4
02 Jul 2015 // A review by Andrew Smit
Smooth and stylish music abounds in this cutely titled Jingles 4 album, 10 songs with high quality modern folk arrangements that are accompanied by slick vocal harmonies and melodies that have a very charming quality. Elliot Brown tells stories of life and wonder in a comical but cool way, narrating real world hopes and experiences with an audible and tuneful voice that is engaging and wholesome.
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Psyrok - Single Review: Only Yesterday
29 Jun 2015 // A review by jck2
Psyrok & Li'l Sister Jen aka (LSJ) have put out a new single titled Only Yesterday. Psyrok is a Trip Hop producer from Wellington and Little Sister Jen aka (LSJ) is a vocalist from Sweden.
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Brooke Fraser - Gig Review: Brooke Fraser @ Wellington Opera House - 26/06/2015
27 Jun 2015 // A review by tonymcdonald
There was certainly something in the water at the Wellington opera house on a cold winters tonight. Could Brooke Fraser warm up the packed crowd?
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Tapri - Album Review: Good Mama
25 Jun 2015 // A review by Andrew Smit
Good Mama is loaded with classic rock blues numbers that showcases wonderfully the very expressive vocals of singer songwriter Tapri, she has a very distinctive raspy voice that’s full of earthy character, and she has perfected a great high pitch squeal which she dutifully uses to help accentuate the end of most phrases. She has a Kim Carnes sound that’s delivered with a Bjork dynamism.
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Janine and the Mixtape - EP Review: XX
22 Jun 2015 // A review by Dilemma
2013 was a big year, Lorde released her first EP but she wasn’t our only Singer/Songwriter that got international acclaim that year, there was also Janine Foster otherwise known as Janine and The Mixtape. Described as an electrifying performer that has developed her own unique combination of pop, indie, R&B, and hip hop.
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The Pacific Music Awards 2015
21 Jun 2015 // A review by jck2
The 2015 Vodafone Pacific Music Awards was held at the Vodafone Events Centre on Saturday the 13th of June. The event was a well produced and slick celebration of Pacific Music.
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21 Jun 2015 // A review by jck2
The 2015 Vodafone Pacific Music Awards was held at the Vodafone Events Centre on Saturday the 13th of June. The event was a well produced and slick celebration of Pacific Music.
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Mucus Kids - EP Review: Mosh 4 Jesus
18 Jun 2015 // A 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.
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18 Jun 2015 // A 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.
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Gatherer - Album Review: Heavy Hail
18 Jun 2015 // A review by Kerry MB
Heavy Hail is a delicious album. A sensory overload of everything you want, and the yet undiscovered.
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Dead Teach the Living - EP Review: The Crowning
15 Jun 2015 // A review by Asmith
From the very first track there was one very distinct trait that seemed to stick out for me about Dead Teach The Living's new EP - the ability to seemingly move with ease not only through multiple sub genres of metal (and sometimes influences from other genres entirely), but also to mesh them together in perfect blended harmony. From every single instrument, and as a band, diversity would be the best word to describe this album and there is nothing I like more than artists who can not only diversify but pull it off as well as Dead Teach The Living.
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Cairo Knife Fight - Album review: The Colossus
11 Jun 2015 // A review by Alistar3000
Having seen Cairo Knife Fight perform live many times over the past few years I’d always been under the assumption they were performing songs from a number of prior recordings. So I was a little surprised to discover that The Colossus was actually their first album (they do have a few EPs recorded), and more surprised to find that long time guitarist Aaron Tokona (AHoriBuzz) was no longer a key part of the band, and makes only a small appearance on the album – with that revelation I didn’t know what to expect when I pressed play.
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Ahjay Stelino - Album Review: Music Therapy Songs for Special Kids
09 Jun 2015 // A review by Photographer
It’s not often my two jobs overlap, by night I am a music photographer and reviewer and by day I am an early intervention teacher, supporting preschool children with disabilities in their early education. So I was quite excited to be asked to review Ahjay Stelino’s Music Therapy Songs for Special Kids.
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Tihei - EP Review: For The Fans
09 Jun 2015 // A review by jck2
I caught up with Tihei Harawira on the PTG Code radio show on Rep FM where we both were guests. He had a CD he was selling for $10, so I asked him If I could have one to review.
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09 Jun 2015 // A review by jck2
I caught up with Tihei Harawira on the PTG Code radio show on Rep FM where we both were guests. He had a CD he was selling for $10, so I asked him If I could have one to review.
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Cheshire Grimm - EP Review: Cheshire Grimm
06 Jun 2015 // A 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.
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Jamie McDell - Gig Review: Jamie McDell @ The Crystal Palace, Auckland 16/5/15
29 May 2015 // A review by Andrew Smit
The resplendent Crystal Palace in down town Mt Eden was the venue for the wonderfully talented Jaime McDell, performing the penultimate gig of the nationwide Ask Me Anything tour. The classic old theatre was full of happy young fans and their mums with a few dads too, would this be a night where the parents would have to grin and bear it for their children?
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Tali - Album Review: Wolves
28 May 2015 // A review by Dilemma
Tali AKA Natalia Sheppard is pretty impressive, she paired up with Roni Size to release Lyric on my Lip which smashed the charts in 2002, became the first female MC to release an album in 2004 over 10 years ago. She has won the Best Female DNB MC award a few times (3) and has just released her new album Wolves, which she describes as “electronic soul and gangsta jazz"!
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Unknown Mortal Orchestra - Album Review: Multi-Love
28 May 2015 // A review by Andrew Smit
If you’re ready for something a little different then Multi Love is ready for you, Unknown Mortal Orchestra’s latest collection of dazzling tunes just oozes style, with nine tracks filled with smooth sophisticated grooves and funky rhythms. The synth laden orchestral arrangements are quirky and curious, with synthetic sound effects mixed with traditional brass elements that keep you very interested.
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Album Review: Radioglo - In Between Time
27 May 2015 // A review by Epitomised_Drummer
Back when I was a young muso play drums in the Jazz combo and Big Band at Glenfield College, there was always a few of the older lads that I always looked up to. I followed them a bit when we left school, a few of them went onto form a band called Rubicon, who’s name got around very quickly due to the simple fact that the lead singer had a starring role on NZ’s own Shortland Street.
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27 May 2015 // A review by Epitomised_Drummer
Back when I was a young muso play drums in the Jazz combo and Big Band at Glenfield College, there was always a few of the older lads that I always looked up to. I followed them a bit when we left school, a few of them went onto form a band called Rubicon, who’s name got around very quickly due to the simple fact that the lead singer had a starring role on NZ’s own Shortland Street.
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Six60 - Gig Review: Six60 @ Vector Arena, Auckland 23/5/15
25 May 2015 // A review by Andrew Smit
A sold out Vector Arena was brimming with the fit and feisty young people of Auckland and although very few were sober or in the case of the young ladies adequately dressed they were happy and very amped to see, hear, dance and sing along to their adopted brothers from Dunedin. From the first to the last song the crowd were singing and swaying in joyous union, the audience were so appreciative of every song and they showed it with healthy applause and loud hoots and howls.
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Carb On Carb - Album Review: Carb on Carb
22 May 2015 // A review by Andrew Smit
If you deserve a good pop punk thrashing then Carb on Carb will be the best to administer it with their debut self-titled collection of upbeat emo punk rock. The two piece boy/girl team of James Stuteley and Nicole Gaffney deliver quite a positive style of emo punk where the energy and character of their vocals over the fast and practically funky rhythms really keep your blood flowing.
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Trinity Roots - Album Review: Citizen
20 May 2015 // A review by Andrew Smit
Citizen is a formidable collection of Waiata/Songs that encompasses an amazingly broad range of styles and influences from old and new, it somehow manages to cross cultures and genres without sounding contorted, and thus delivers a compelling presentation of sound that marks new territory for the three piece band from Wellington.Wow where do I start, it’s so broad and colourful, there is surprising classical guitar and jazz piano, also there is piano accordion, saxophones, flutes, funky keyboard sounds and effects, all providing a wide pallet of experiences.
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Armed In Advance - Single Review: Shallow
20 May 2015 // A review by tonymcdonald
The cover for Armed In Advance's (previously known as Stitches) single Shallow is so professionally crafted and polished, I was quite honestly dreading listening to the single in fear that it wouldn't live up to the gloss. I'm extremely happy to report that it is pretty god damn brilliant, and I am now a fan of this Auckland trio.
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Nicole Andrews - Album Review: In the Shallows
15 May 2015 // A review by Ria Loveder
Nicole Andrews' debut album In The Shallows, has shown the New Zealand music scene that she is one talented women. Nicole is a self-taught pianist and has created a collection of songs that are reflective, thoughtful and raw.
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Cian Lynch - EP Review: Away From Here
15 May 2015 // A review by Andrew Smit
A sweet little EP containing 4 uplifting folk songs, with lovely guitar picking, and interesting vocal arrangements, highlighted with subtle harmonies and steady walking rhythm. Irish singer songwriter Cian Lynch has a warm almost spoken vocal sound reminiscent to Nick Cave and/or Peter Garrett, delivering his songs with a mix of subdued authority and dry wit, he sounds a bit raw yet polished at the same.
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Amos/Anon - Album Review: Anomy
15 May 2015 // A review by Andrew Smit
A quite untraditional creation is this Anomy album, best described as an expressive and dark “sound art”, the fluid melodious music has a slow and steady rhythm, with coarse demon vocals. The images and feelings it invokes leave you in no doubt you’re in for a trip, and whether you like it or not you’re going to escape to a place that is dark and gothic.
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Static Era - Album Review: Fit To Fight
15 May 2015 // A review by Epitomised_Drummer
When I saw a message pop up on Facebook asking if anybody from muzic.net.
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Seasons - Album Review: Patriarch
13 May 2015 // A review by mciver29
The first thing I noticed when I graced my eyes upon Patriarch, by Auckland progressive metal band Seasons, is the cover... and as much as they say “don't judge a book by its cover” I judged it right, I love the artwork and the music meets the mark.
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Princess Chelsea - Album Review: The Great Cybernetic Depression
11 May 2015 // A review by Ria Loveder
Before I was asked to review Princess Chelsea’s album, I had heard of her and a few of her songs, but had no idea the fan base the Auckland born singer had behind her. You only need to take a look on her Facebook page or YouTube channel to realise that people love her.
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JCK - Single Review: Cogs 'n' Wheels
11 May 2015 // A review by Peter-James Dries
It’s the return of the Jumpygeusse and once again JCK has shown his artistic ability and individuality, not just as a rapper, but as a music and music video producer. Cogs ‘n’ Wheels is the second track from, Muzic.
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God Bows To Math - Gig Review: God Bows to Math @ Lucha Lounge Auckland 18/4/15
07 May 2015 // A review by Andrew Smit
Newmarket’s Lucha Lounge may have a small stage but it made some big noise when God Bows to Math ripped into recreating their new albumBrighter Futures, with a live and loud performance that left the crowd with just enough breath to yell for more! Martin Phillips looked slightly uncomfortable, stooping over slightly to reach his mic, but it didn’t seem to hinder his ability to play his guitar or provide enthusiastic vocals through the set.
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Mel Parsons - Album Review: Drylands
05 May 2015 // A review by Alistar3000
Back in 2011 I reviewed Mel Parsons' second album Red Grey Blue and enjoyed it – it had some well written songs, was well produced, and was easy to listen to. When I first popped in her latest album Drylands, I thought she’d taken a bit of a different path to the alt-country that dominated her first album.
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Head Like A Hole - Album Review: Narcocorrido
05 May 2015 // A review by Peter-James Dries
Narcocorrido, from the Spanish “Drug Ballad” is a style of music associated with confessions in the life of bat-shit crazy Mexican cartels. Narcocorrido, from New Zealand heavyweights Head Like A Hole, is some of the hardest, sweatiest and grimey music to come out of this overgrown volcano cluster we call a country.
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Tainted - Album Review: Into Temptation
03 May 2015 // A review by River Tucker
Once again Tainted have delivered an outstanding album full of powerful riffs and massive soundscapes with enough subtle nuance to satisfy even the most refined metal connoisseur. Combining solid song construction and excellent engineering, Into Temptation merges all the elements required for a successful release.
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Hannah in the Wars - Gig Review: Hannah and The Wars @ The Wine Cellar, Auckland 18/4/15
30 Apr 2015 // A review by Andrew Smit
A well attired and intelligent looking group settled into the cosy chairs and couches at Auckland’s intimate Wine Cellar to hear the 1st NZ performance of Kiwi girl Hannah Curwood's latest release Hannah and the Wars. Recently I had listened and positively reviewed the album and was now eager to hear her performing live, and here she was armed only with a guitar and a microphone, and so unaided by an band she was laid bare to the audience and we to the influence of her music.
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HEAVY - Album Review: Lock In
28 Apr 2015 // A review by jck2
Reem Nabhani & Liam Dargaville are rap duo HEAVY. Having only been together for a short time Heavy are blazing an impressive trail, playing 2015’s Chronophonium, Laneway & Splore Festivals.
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Hannah in the Wars - Album Review: Hannah in the Wars
24 Apr 2015 // A review by Andrew Smit
A guitar strums its sparkly harmonic tones to an earnest marching rhythm, and then she sings, and what a voice, very pure and expressive, were talking about Singer Songwriter Hannah Curwood from Central Otago and the opening track, Burning Through the Night from her latest project Hannah and The Wars. The repeated refrains of the chorus grow on you as you can hear and feel her breathing and strength intensify with each heartfelt recurrence, and thus from this introduction you know you’re in for a treat.
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God Bows To Math - Album Review: Brighter Futures
22 Apr 2015 // A review by Andrew Smit
God Bows to Math have produced an album that’s delivers hard rock that doesn’t follow any standard rock pop song formula, oh no we are talking a very hard edge 3 piece rock, full of relentless energy and raw power. Think of Queens of the Stone Age meets Pantera!
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Two Cartoons - EP Review: Lost Boys Club
17 Apr 2015 // A review by Ria Loveder
Two Cartoons was formed in 2011 by Isaac McFarlane and Bradley Craig while on holiday in good ol’ Auckland. They had an idea to create music that would channel New Zealand’s beautiful warm weather and create the ultimate feeling of summer.
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Jamie McDell - Album Review: Ask Me Anything
15 Apr 2015 // A review by Andrew Smit
Jamie McDell's sophomore release Ask Me Anything is a wonderfully rhythmic and melodious album, each tuneful track has a very warm melody with strong uplifting choruses and beautiful harmonies. The hit pop tune Dumb makes me want to be a teenager again, a well-crafted pop song with a very engaging tune, filled with the attractive and fun tones of Jamie's sweet singing.
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Antagonist A.D. - Album Review: Haunt Me As I Roam
15 Apr 2015 // A review by terry666
I don’t know why I haven’t listened to this band before, but from the opening track I was hooked. I had seen them in magazines and on websites for years but unfortunately not taken enough notice.
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Anika Moa - Album Review: Queen At The Table
14 Apr 2015 // A review by Andrew Smit
A fresh new collection of smooth and stylish tunes awaits you in the form of Anika Moa’s new album, Queen At The Table. The PR people say she has returned her attention back to her never departing fan base, and I can faithfully say yes she has done that and more, she could have followed a tried and tested pop song formula, but thankfully you can hear a mature artistic creativity at work here.
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SJD - Album Review: Saint John Divine
14 Apr 2015 // A review by Peter-James Dries
Beautiful and at times haunting in the same way Elliott Smith’s voice is haunting, there’s a cinematic quality to SJD’s newest album. Saint John Divine’s palette is subtle shades of sadness on canvas woven from the full spectrum of human emotion.
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Paper Cranes - Album Review: The Road Home
13 Apr 2015 // A review by RodrigoHidalgo
The warm, familiar feeling of serenity surrounded me as I was listening to the newly released album by the incredible Paper Cranes titled The Road Home. I had previously reviewed this band and have been a devoted fan since so when the opportunity to review this album was presented to me I had to take it!
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Tahuna Breaks - Album Review: Tahuna Breaks Live 10
02 Apr 2015 // A review by Alistar3000
It’s hard to believe that Tahuna Breaks is celebrating 10 years making music together, although they do seem to have always been around, and I guess if anyone’s going to be keeping a record of how long they’ve been making their brand of funkified reggae, it’d be them. To celebrate the occasion they’ve release Tahuna Breaks Live 10 – 10 tracks spanning their career, recorded live last year at a one-off concert to celebrate the milestone (so I guess the album should actually be called 10 + 6 months).
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Jason Kerrison - EP Review: #JKEP1
27 Mar 2015 // A review by mciver29
For those new to Jason Kerrison's music, he was also the frontman for platinum selling Kiwi pop/rock band OpShop. To be honest I didn't even know OpShop had disbanded, I wasn't a follower but they had some good catchy songs such as No Ordinary Thing and One Day, so naturally I had some preconceived ideas of what to expect when I came to do this review.
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Ravines - EP Review: Invisible
27 Mar 2015 // A review by Andrew Smit
It only takes one listen to hear that Ophelia’s second EP invisible has a very artistic influence, the stylistic collection of dub/electro pop tunes have a lush orchestral flair, and are well furnished with mellow and moody atmospheres. The song writing team of Patrick Shanahan and Alex Louise have created a persuasive set of tunes, where the instrumentation is a mix of organic and synthetic precision that delivers a perfect platform for a wonderful Lorde meets Adele sounding lead vocal from Alex Louise.
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The Jury & The Saints - Album Review: The Jury and The Saints
26 Mar 2015 // A review by River Tucker
There is no doubt that The Jury & The Saints have once again delivered an outstanding album containing a powerful uplifting message for the youth of today. Striking exactly the right balance, this self-titled release retains a nice raw edge while skillfully delivering a polished performance.
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Festival Review: Homegrown @ Wellington Waterfront - 7 & 8 March 2015
23 Mar 2015 // A review by terry666
Around the start of November I look forward to the announcement of my favourite summer festival of all that is great about New Zealand music. I start off by looking to see what Rock acts are playing and then look to see if my favourite non rock band Kora is playing.
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23 Mar 2015 // A review by terry666
Around the start of November I look forward to the announcement of my favourite summer festival of all that is great about New Zealand music. I start off by looking to see what Rock acts are playing and then look to see if my favourite non rock band Kora is playing.
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Jackal - Album Review: Sparkle
17 Mar 2015 // A review by Peter-James Dries
Five albums in, it shouldn’t be too much to ask for people to love this band and their unique sound. This review could be reduced to three words; “Awesome, Five Stars.
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Flirting With Disaster - Album Review: Live It Up
06 Mar 2015 // A review by Andrew Smit
I put the new Flirting with Disaster album on in the car and turned it up, and BOOM from the opening track, Live It Up, I was struck but the super pumped pop punk rock groove. Sounding very much like Blink 182, but better, as it's more raw and real.
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JCK - Single Review: Tipee Tipee Taa Taa
02 Mar 2015 // A review by Peter-James Dries
I first saw the video for JCK's Tipee Tipee Taa Taa when it was posted on a certain Facebook page for adherents and admirers of a certain subgenre a certain reviewer is part of. "I'm a rapper inspired by Gothic Imagery.
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Rei - Single Review: Peace Pipes
01 Mar 2015 // A review by jck2
Rei is a 21 year old Hip-Hop artist hailing from Wellington. I was first introduced to Rei through Kid n Rei and their music video for their song Bloody Sick Kids.
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Gig Review: Music Is Dead @ The Kings Arms, Auckland 13/02/2015
26 Feb 2015 // A review by Andrew Smit
On a warm summer evening the Kings Arms was the place to be for a prodigious night of metal mayhem, organised by the super dedicated Seb Mackay and his company Music is Dead. With six bands on the bill I knew I was in for big night, and what I night it was.
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26 Feb 2015 // A review by Andrew Smit
On a warm summer evening the Kings Arms was the place to be for a prodigious night of metal mayhem, organised by the super dedicated Seb Mackay and his company Music is Dead. With six bands on the bill I knew I was in for big night, and what I night it was.
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Thy Assassin - Album Review: A World Left Behind
25 Feb 2015 // A review by terry666
Melodic death core is how this band describes their music and they do a damn fine job at it. Coming from Hamilton these guys are fairly new on the scene but with production and content that is at the level of bands many years ahead of them.
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Album Review: Church House Campfire By Dlar Madwar & Borough Kings
23 Feb 2015 // A review by jck2
Church House Campfire is a 15 track Hip-Hop album by West Auckland's very own Dlar Madwar and his crew Borough Kings. I bought this album last year at the release gig.
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23 Feb 2015 // A review by jck2
Church House Campfire is a 15 track Hip-Hop album by West Auckland's very own Dlar Madwar and his crew Borough Kings. I bought this album last year at the release gig.
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Jimmy Bonar - Album Review: Working Class
20 Feb 2015 // A review by Andrew Smit
Working Class is a very polished and clean soft rock album, clearly a work crafted over time and perfected with much care in a recording studio, as the lush sound and clarity of the recordings are of high quality and consistent throughout. Jimmy is clearly influenced by The Beatles and has recreated their sound with a little help of a slight English accent on the vocals, to the point where Jimmy's voice sounds like of a mix of John Lennon and Noel Gallagher.
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Primacy - Gig Review: Primacy @ Bar Eden, Auckland 7/02/2015
20 Feb 2015 // A review by RodrigoHidalgo
The air was thick with excitement outside Bar Eden as everyone knew that tonight three brilliantly picked bands were due to output their musical artform under the category of heavy metal, and heavy it was indeed. Tonight we are graced with instrumental specialists Love Of Chaos who are new to the spotlight, but rest assured are made up of a great selection of experienced, talented musicians from the lands of Auckland..
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Running Stitch - EP Review: It's On
13 Feb 2015 // A review by Andrew Smit
This little EP offers 4 tracks of original material which is the creation of the creative exploits of singer songwriter Aletta Ashdown. The first 3 tracks are delivered in alternative rock folk style with a grinding rhythmic distorted guitar, providing a grungy edge to Aletta’s clean vocals.
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Cairo Knife Fight - EP Review: The Isolator EP
13 Feb 2015 // A review by Peter-James Dries
Debuting at #3 on the New Zealand Chart, Cairo Knife Fight’s The Isolator EP is finally out and Gaffaney (Nick, the man with the band) has done it again. Done what exactly?
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State Of Mind - EP Review: Until The World Ends
12 Feb 2015 // A review by Alistar3000
Auckland drum and bass duo State of Mind are no strangers to collaboration, having worked with the likes of Tiki Taane and PNC to craft some big hitting tracks that achieved a lot of airplay. This time round they’re working with the trio from Black Sun Empire, hailing out of the Netherlands, produce the heavy hitting Until The World Ends EP together.
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Late 80s Mercedes - Album Review: Diamonds
10 Feb 2015 // A review by Andrew Smit
From the opening track Dangerous which sounds very much like a theme from a 70’s TV cop show, you know you’re in for a ride, a ride that will make you smile and dance like you just don’t care. Diamonds is a wonderfully upbeat album full of the most joyful swinging funk songs you could ever hope for.
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Tori Reed - Album Review: Long Nights, Flightless Birds & Coming Home
24 Jan 2015 // A review by Ria Loveder
I was asked to review Tori Reed's album Long Nights, Flightless Birds & Coming Home with knowing nothing about the artist or her music. I am so glad I was given the opportunity to sit down and listen to what I consider to be a very talented and experimental artist with a great work of music.
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Gig Review: Music is Dead @ The Kings Arms, Auckland 15/01/2015
23 Jan 2015 // A review by Andrew Smit
The resplendent Kings Arms hosted the Music is Dead rock festival, a two night event with $4 of every ticket going to charity. A good crowd for a Thursday night filed in to take in the first show with four hot rock bands on the bill.
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23 Jan 2015 // A review by Andrew Smit
The resplendent Kings Arms hosted the Music is Dead rock festival, a two night event with $4 of every ticket going to charity. A good crowd for a Thursday night filed in to take in the first show with four hot rock bands on the bill.
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The Symphony of Screams - Album Review: Live & Unplugged
22 Jan 2015 // A review by terry666
The Symphony of Screams has been around for a fair while now and the first time I personally came across them was at Rock to Wellington back in 2008. That was a huge show with a line-up that put them in front of a plethora of metal and hard rock stars that would have been any 80’s teenager’s wet dream.
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fleaBITE - Album Review: The Jungle is Jumping
21 Jan 2015 // A review by CEOMong
This is one kid’s CD that is unlike any other I’ve heard – The Wiggles they aren’t, unique they are, that’s for sure! My subject matter experts for this album are my wee girls Liz, 7, and Jen, 4½ - after repeated listens I asked them for their opinions on each track … with mixed results … and accompanying their comments are my thoughts.
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Kitsch - Gig Review: Kitsch @ Kings Arms 28/11/2014
21 Jan 2015 // A review by Epitomised_Drummer
A few of you may have read my review a couple of months back for the release of Kitsch's brand new album Plastic Lives. Now it's my chance to give you look through my eyes as to Kitsch's Live show.
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The Diamond Dead - Single Review: Dumb
19 Jan 2015 // A review by Kerry MB
2015 is the start of great music already, and what better way to kick start summer than with a new single from Hawkes Bay’s finest rock-metallers, Diamond Doll. In 2013, this female fronted band released their debut EP, Plus None, a hard hitting assault of heavy noise and the perfect blend of melodic heaviness.
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Shihad - Gig Review: Shihad, The Datsuns, I Am Giant & Cairo Knife Fight @ Matakana Country Park 3/1/2015
16 Jan 2015 // A review by Andrew Smit
On a sparkling day a faithful rock crowd flowed into the picturesque Matakana Country Park and they were ready to rock, the sun was shining and the air was clear, perfect for an outdoor rock event and so at 5.45pm it was a delight to hear the silence broken by a guitar throbbing its distorted beauty - I think it was a just a little sound check but it got our attention, and thus began our very cool warm up as manifested by Cairo Knife Fight.
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Nathan Haines - Album Review: 5 A Day
14 Jan 2015 // A review by Andrew Smit
Nathan Haines' name is on the album but if you have enjoyed previous Nathan Haines recordings you may feel you’ve been given the wrong album! 5 A Day has a striking new contemporary R&B style, where the B stands for beats, not blues, although behind the modern groove lies a smooth blues and funk feel.
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Jackal - Single Review: Funny Side
14 Jan 2015 // A review by tonymcdonald
The Funny Side single by the Auckland band Jackal is very short and sweet at two minutes and thirty seconds. But its upbeat tempo and strangeness reminds of a cross between the Pixies and the Talking Heads.
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Ete - Single(s) Review: the Before Ete Tape
08 Jan 2015 // A review by Peter-James Dries
Moana Ete, also known Ete and A Girl Named Mo, is the embodiment of the word Artist. The industrious Wellington writer, actor, director, playwright, Toi Whaakari alumni and veritable Jane-of-all-trades can now add professional musician to her résumé.
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Miho Wada - Album Review: Miho's Jazz Orchestra - Live at The Lab
23 Dec 2014 // A review by Andrew Smit
This CD and DVD set is packed with the coolest jazz and funk instrumental tracks one could hope for, 13 upbeat songs to enjoy and appreciate, as they were all performed live in one take! Miho Wada is a Japanese born New Zealander who has formed a great little Jazz Orchestra and together they produce the most delightful music, Miho’s flute sounds so sweet and full, it creates a warm kind of 60’s hippy vibe, she also showcases her exceptional saxophone playing and throughout we are taken on a wonderful musical journey.
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SOL3 MIO - Gig Review: Christmas in the Vines @ Villa Maria Winery 21/12/14
23 Dec 2014 // A review by Andrew Smit
It’s safe to say a good percentage of the 7000 odd crowd that had gathered to see Sol3 Mio were not opera buffs but were more mainstream “converts” who had seen and heard a lot of the positive publicity on NZ television and were curious and excited at the prospect of checking them out live. Would the experience meet the heightened expectations?
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Drax Project - EP Review: Drax Project self-titled EP
22 Dec 2014 // A review by Andrew Smit
Drax Project, a 4 piece Hip-Hop/Alternative band from Wellington have produced a superb debut EP with 4 tracks full of groovy beats, loaded with superb vocals from Shaan Singh, whose voice is amazingly smooth yet soulful and full of melodic strength, to the point where its sounds like another instrument, thanks to the occasional addition of some good symphonic sound effects! The not so obvious jazz influences are evident in sections, they appear and reappear around other funk and disco beat elements.
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Alexander Wildwood - EP Review: South of No North
19 Dec 2014 // A review by Peter-James Dries
South of No North; the name of hands-down, Bukowski's best collection of acerbic, misogynist short-stories, and also the debut EP from Alexander Wildwood. Any Bukowski worship beyond the title are thankfully absent or obscure enough not to bring the music down to the level of that drunken, albeit brilliant, curmudgeon.
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Eyreton Hall - Album Review: Featherstitch
19 Dec 2014 // A review by Andrew Smit
Featherstitch is a meticulously crafted debut album with a broad range of musical styles, there is some Country, a little Dixieland, and Gospel too, but the album as a whole is best encapsulated in a single word: “Beautiful”, the whole album is full of beautiful music that is so pleasing to the ears. From the opening track Bellbird with its cool country rhythm and its upbeat message of redemption, you are struck by the serene sound of Toni Randle’s exquisite vocals.
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Jason McIver Collective - EP Review: The Big Blue
18 Dec 2014 // A review by Epitomised_Drummer
It's been ages since I last reviewed an acoustic EP - and to be fair, usually I cringe when someone asks me to have a listen, as the recording quality is sub-standard, and the production value is less than average. The Big Blue from The Jason McIver Collective is far from this to tell you the truth.
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Luger Boa - Gig Review: Luger Boa @ The Kings Arms, Auckland 12/12/14
17 Dec 2014 // A review by Andrew Smit
An evening of rock entertainment was supplied in spades by three bands on a cool Auckland night at the ole faithful Kings Arms! I was keen to experience Luger Boa live, I had heard some of their material played on the radio over the last year or two and made a note to one day check them out, the fact that they are now breaking up made it more intriguing.
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Voe & Pam - Album Review: Paradise
15 Dec 2014 // A review by Peter-James Dries
Psychedelicatessen: a word used by the Squares to describe a head shop. Also, a word that aptly describes Voe’s latest release, Paradise.
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Poison Skies - Gig Review: Poison Skies @ Paddington, Auckland 5/11/14
12 Dec 2014 // A review by Andrew Smit
On a clear Friday night an impressive and good looking crowd gathered for the Video Release Party for Poison Skies' hot new single Victim of Reality. The venue was Parnell's the Paddington and what a cool venue it is with a large temporary stage set up in the main room and great vantage points throughout the bar.
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LatinAotearoa - Album Review: Latinaotearoa in Latinoamerica
09 Dec 2014 // A review by Alistar3000
When I started reading about the concept behind the second Latinaotearoa album it sounded like a good idea and I was quite excited to have a listen to it. If you’re not familiar with the story, Auckland musician Isaac Aesili (Solaa, Opensouls, Eru Dangerspiel, Funkommunity) teamed up once again with Venezualan singer Jennifer Zea, and Brazilian-born DJ Bobby Brazuka, to research and write a bunch of songs in Brazil, then record the album of Latin-influenced tunes in Brazil and Auckland with guest appearances by some great musicians (such as Raiza Biza, Julien Dyne, Riki Gooch and Miguel Fuentes) – what should, on paper, lead to some great experimentation and crossovers of styles.
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Temples on Mars - Gig Review: Agent @ Kings Arms, Auckland 27/11/14
09 Dec 2014 // A review by Andrew Smit
A respectable group of faithful rock devotees assembled at the Kings Arms in Auckland to experience the London based but NZ born Agent perform in NZ for the first time in 6 years. We were treated to an awesome show, Agent were sounding great, full of power and drive, with lead vocalist James Donaldson in fine form, looking and sounding fit and strong - the whole ensemble rocked and drove in determined style.
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Lucid Hiest - Album Review: Absence In Motion
07 Dec 2014 // A review by jck2
Lucid Hiest aka Isiah Ngawaka is a singer/rapper and producer from Hawkes Bay New Zealand who has released his debut album Absence In Motion. I would describe Lucid Hiest’s sound as drum n bass/hip-hop fusion similar in style to Salmonella Dub and Tiki Taane with a dash of Timbaland for good measure.
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Wellington International Ukulele Orchestra - Gig Review: WIUO @ James Cabaret, Wellington 05/12/14
06 Dec 2014 // A review by tonymcdonald
After touring New Zealand, the Wellington International Ukulele Orchestra finished off their trip in the best possible place - Wellington. The venue was James Cabaret, which if you haven’t already been, must be described as; unglamorous, dark, terrible bar selection of food and drinks, and out of town.
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Poison Skies - Single Review: Victim of Reality
05 Dec 2014 // A review by Andrew Smit
Kicking off with a searing hot lead guitar riff which instantly grabs your attention, more guitars then rip in with the drums and bass, leaving you in no doubt that you're about to be delivered to heavy guitar rock heaven, courtesy of Poison Skies! Nick Wilkinson’s vocals are clean and powerful, you can hear the air going in his lungs and returning with cool reverberations attached, the whole song is loaded with great tuneful backing vocals and harmonies that add colour and character.
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Kitsch - Album Review: Plastic Lives
05 Dec 2014 // A review by Epitomised_Drummer
About 4 months ago, I was listening through my playlist on my phone and I threw on what has previously been my favourite release ever from a Kiwi band The Burning Ground from veteran Kiwi punk rockers Kitsch. This got me thinking about whatever happened to Kitsch?
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Holy Serpent - EP Review: Holy Serpent self-titled EP
05 Dec 2014 // A review by Epitomised_Drummer
Holy Serpent dub themselves a Heavy Psych Rock Band based out of Melbourne, Australia and features members from New Zealand. I recently jumped over to their bandcamp page https://holyserpentband.
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Gig Review: Up Your Alley Festival @ Ding Dong Lounge, Auckland 20/11/2014
04 Dec 2014 // A review by Andrew Smit
There may have been thousands of cheering so called music lovers at the Vodafone NZ Music Awards, but I was with 20 odd faithful rock lovers at the Ding Dong Lounge, where we experienced an expose of good hard progressive rock from four young bands at the Up Your Alley Festival. The line-up of acts delivered well the promise of hard-core rock, it was like a relentless battle of distorted guitars and frenetic drumming with respite provided only by band changeovers and fire alarms evacuations.
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04 Dec 2014 // A review by Andrew Smit
There may have been thousands of cheering so called music lovers at the Vodafone NZ Music Awards, but I was with 20 odd faithful rock lovers at the Ding Dong Lounge, where we experienced an expose of good hard progressive rock from four young bands at the Up Your Alley Festival. The line-up of acts delivered well the promise of hard-core rock, it was like a relentless battle of distorted guitars and frenetic drumming with respite provided only by band changeovers and fire alarms evacuations.
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Jason McIver Collective - Gig Review: The Jason McIver Collective @ The Wine Cellar, Auckland 26/11/2014
04 Dec 2014 // A review by Andrew Smit
After numerous listens to the debut EP The Big Blue I eagerly anticipated the first live performance of The Jason McIver Collective at Auckland's Wine Cellar. I was confident I was in for a treat as the effort and passion that had gone into making the EP and then performing it live was evident through Jason's many Facebook posts.
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The Vodafone New Zealand Music Awards 2014 Review
02 Dec 2014 // A review by jck2
Walking in to the Vodafone New Zealand Music Awards I was excited to see a long row of limousines, young woman dressed to the 9’s tottering around on heels like baby Giraffes, photographers cameras flashing away, reporters and TV presenters with microphones interviewing the NZ music stars. I managed to score my wife and my sister tickets, they watched from the GA seats and I watched it on the telly in the media room where we were well fed and watered.
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02 Dec 2014 // A review by jck2
Walking in to the Vodafone New Zealand Music Awards I was excited to see a long row of limousines, young woman dressed to the 9’s tottering around on heels like baby Giraffes, photographers cameras flashing away, reporters and TV presenters with microphones interviewing the NZ music stars. I managed to score my wife and my sister tickets, they watched from the GA seats and I watched it on the telly in the media room where we were well fed and watered.
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Macombee and the Absolute Truth - Macombee and the Absolute Truth - No Man's Land Album Review
29 Nov 2014 // A review by Joel C Blood
When I received this record I had no idea what to expect. The press information describes the sound as a cathartic experience founded on cinematic arrangements wrapped around the lead singer, Sarah Macombee's, exquisite voice, so it all sounded fairly self indulgent.
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29 Nov 2014 // A review by Joel C Blood
When I received this record I had no idea what to expect. The press information describes the sound as a cathartic experience founded on cinematic arrangements wrapped around the lead singer, Sarah Macombee's, exquisite voice, so it all sounded fairly self indulgent.
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Qedric James & Kayleigh Cook - Album Review: When We're Free
28 Nov 2014 // A review by Peter-James Dries
Now, this is an inspiring collaboration. What we know as When We're Free was originally a collection of duets by Qedric James (The New Brides) and Kayleigh Cook recorded somewhere near New Plymouth.
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28 Nov 2014 // A review by Peter-James Dries
Now, this is an inspiring collaboration. What we know as When We're Free was originally a collection of duets by Qedric James (The New Brides) and Kayleigh Cook recorded somewhere near New Plymouth.
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The Glocks - Naughty Boys & Dirty Girls EP Review
28 Nov 2014 // A review by Peter-James Dries
It’s been two years since the pub rocking debut from (The Glocks), Magpie Genocide, but it still sits on my desk at work, in between a collection of CDs I’ve had the pleasure of reviewing over the years and a pile of dodgy Metal Hammer compilations. It’s been two years, but The Glocks haven’t been sitting pretty.
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CuzzyLogic - Ninja Manuvas Album Review
25 Nov 2014 // A review by Andrew Smit
Well the name is different and the music is different too, a good different, Ninja Manuvas is an interesting eclectic acoustic folk ensemble of tunes. If this kind of music doesn’t tweak your interest nothing will, it’s a unique kind of folk “world music” with peculiar rhythms and melodies.
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25 Nov 2014 // A review by Andrew Smit
Well the name is different and the music is different too, a good different, Ninja Manuvas is an interesting eclectic acoustic folk ensemble of tunes. If this kind of music doesn’t tweak your interest nothing will, it’s a unique kind of folk “world music” with peculiar rhythms and melodies.
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Fire At Will - Fire At Will & Ekko Park with Flirting With Disaster & Enercia @ Kings Arms, Auckland 26/10/14
18 Nov 2014 // A review by Nicko_Poison
A great night out thanks to BV Entertainment and crew who put on the event (completing a two show series in Mt Maunganui & Auckland). What a good line-up of bands.
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The Datsuns - Deep Sleep Album Review
13 Nov 2014 // A review by RodrigoHidalgo
So today I'm doing a review on the album Deep Sleep by the legendary 4 piece psychedelic rock outfit The Datsuns, hailing from the depths of Cambridge, New Zealand.This is the sixth full length album they have under their belt, and being a big fan of their previous stuff and having seen them live a number of times I couldn't pass up doing a review for their new album.
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Madam Tsunami - Man In The Middle Album Review
11 Nov 2014 // A review by Andrew Smit
A unique unplugged collection of tunes, which are refreshingly up-tempo, full of character and feeling, presented not in your normal laid back light acoustic mode, but played with a harder edge. It’s not dominated by placid acoustic guitar and vocals, there are drums that are clearly heard, full of rocking fills and driving beats delivered very adeptly by drummer Jonathan Wilson.
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Julie Lamb - When We Hang Out Album Review
10 Nov 2014 // A review by tonymcdonald
I have got to be honest (as always), I didn't want to review this album. Not that I had any predetermined ideas how it would sound, but the fact is I'm good friends with Julie.
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Darren Watson - Introducing Darren Watson Album Review
10 Nov 2014 // A review by blues.bass
These are the facts of the case:Darren Watson should need no introduction. Yet, he and his music were introduced to a whole new audience with the ongoing kerfuffle over his song Planet Key.
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At Peace - The @Peace And The Plutonian Noise Symphony Tour Review 25/10/14
08 Nov 2014 // A review by jck2
Four lunatic space dorks and their anti authority band of banshees, one beat making rapscalion, and a tattooed terrorist aka hip hop group @peace and supporting act Louie Knuxx recently finished a nationwide tour to celebrate the deluxe double vinyl release of their highly-acclaimed debut album @Peace And The Plutonian Noise Symphony released March this year. The nine-date escapade spanned the North and South Island and saw the group joined on the road by special guest Louie Knuxx, who recently released his own sophomore album PGT/GRR after an eight-year wait.
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Jakob - Jakob w/ Heterodox & Moa Belt @ Cabana, Napier 23/10/14
07 Nov 2014 // A review by Peter-James Dries
A thick black jacket isn’t appropriate attire in Napier’s October sun, nor is it ideal in the Cabana at full capacity, but sometimes when you need somewhere to stash a notepad and a collection of pens it’s a necessity. I wasn’t about to make the same mistake as last time.
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Khemikal - Justice EP Review
06 Nov 2014 // A review by Dilemma
Silos feat. Nel Amore have released their debut EP Justice, 5 tracks with thumping base lines, some repetitive hooks and a brit-chick that raps and sings.
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Emily Edrosa - Emily Edrosa EP Review
05 Nov 2014 // A review by Dilemma
Emily Edrosa is Emily Littler, member of Street Chant – an Auckland trio that has played since 2007 and won the inaugural Critics Choice at the 2010 NZ Music Awards. Emily however, has been putting out some new solo stuff as Emily Edrosa, which is the second effort after Body/Christ released in 2013.
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Sal Valentine and the Babyshakes - Live at No.10 South Street EP Review
04 Nov 2014 // A review by Kate Taylor
"You better sink that drink then baby come and fill your cup"...and get tipsy drunk on Sal Valentine & The Babyshakes!
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Man of The World - On Edge Album Review
02 Nov 2014 // A review by Peter-James Dries
Formed as a three piece of music school acquaintances, you can trust Man Of The World to know how to make music right. Wearing their influences on their sleeve, their album On Edge shows that they know just the right progressions to make your ears feel good and are as accomplished at Reggae as they are old school Dire Straits.
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Black River Drive - Quicksand Album Review
31 Oct 2014 // A 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.
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Ezra Vine - Celeste EP Review
28 Oct 2014 // A review by Ria Loveder
I first saw Ezra Vine open up for Stormporter earlier this year, and I have to say, I was mesmerised. If you read that review, I gushed about his performance and how captivating he was.
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Blatant Honesty by L.A.Z
27 Oct 2014 // A review by jck2
Larry Fyntz aka LAZ, real name Laz Karaka is a NZ Hip Hop artist that stands out from the crowd for his share talent and originality. Every time I’ve seen L.
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27 Oct 2014 // A review by jck2
Larry Fyntz aka LAZ, real name Laz Karaka is a NZ Hip Hop artist that stands out from the crowd for his share talent and originality. Every time I’ve seen L.
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Broken Down Doors By Dyslo & Kelly Rose (Beats By Soulchef)
26 Oct 2014 // A review by jck2
Dylan Smiler aka Dyslo came from rough beginnings, including the thug and drug life. His early years were spent watching his parents fight and finally overcome their addictions, later becoming his biggest inspiration.
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26 Oct 2014 // A review by jck2
Dylan Smiler aka Dyslo came from rough beginnings, including the thug and drug life. His early years were spent watching his parents fight and finally overcome their addictions, later becoming his biggest inspiration.
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Scott J Mason - Animal Guilt EP Review
24 Oct 2014 // A review by Andrew Smit
Without delving into the meaning and inspiration behind the songs one would potentially say how pleasant and serene this EP sounds. Each song is well structured with beautiful folk arrangements that are full of feeling and prose.
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Clap Clap Riot - Clap Clap Riot with Buzz Moller and Fazerdaze @ Kings Arms, Auckland - 18/10/2014
22 Oct 2014 // A review by Andrew Smit
The good boys of Clap Clap Riot delivered a show with a startling prodigious beat full of power and drive, I cannot overstate how stimulating the effect the incredible beat that these guys created had on the audience. Clap Clap Riot are a very dynamic ensemble that knows how to play together, sometimes there was three guitars and bass going at it and it never sounded overdone or out of sync.
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Beastwars - Beastwars Live at San Fran, Wellington 10/10/2014
21 Oct 2014 // A review by Alistar3000
I was finding it hard to believe that it’d been over 18 months since I last saw Beastwars play in Wellington as I stumbled on down to the newly refurbished San Fran in Wellington last week. I’m not sure why it’d taken me so long to go back to Wellington’s number one metal (or at least heavy rock) band, especially since they’d never disappointed me before.
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Dragonstone - Dragonstone EP Review
21 Oct 2014 // A review by Kerry MB
Dragonstone is a two piece Wellington duo, exploding with potential in the most primitive way. The three tracked self titled EP doesn’t give enough away.
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Bunnies on Ponies - Heat Death of the Universe Album Review
20 Oct 2014 // A review by tonymcdonald
Bunnies on Ponies is such a cool name I had to review this album. Then when I found out that it’s Samuel Flynn Scott of The Phoenix Foundation, I HAD to review this.
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Benny Tipene - Bricks Album Review
17 Oct 2014 // A review by Andrew Smit
Bricks has a wonderfully modern folk acoustic sound with meaningful songs bursting with Benny’s soulful expressive vocals and loaded with unique funky rhythms, and crafty guitar accompaniment. There are passionate highs and soulful lows with sweet harmonies and expressive pieces.
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Meridian Vibe - Meridian Vibe @ Whammy Bar, Auckland 11/10/14
17 Oct 2014 // A review by Andrew Smit
October 11, Saturday night, 9pm, my mission to review a young band called Meridian Vibe, I listened to their newly recorded single which sounded cool and rocked hard, and so armed only with that knowledge, a date, a time and a venue to find I ventured out to Karangahape Road in uptown Auckland. If you don’t know of it, you wouldn’t find it, but off K’Road in St Kevin’s Arcade through a understated door and down a forgotten scrappy stairwell, then through a dark tunnel devised to let your retina’s adjust to the dark there is the cavernous venue known as The Whammy Bar.
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An Electric Heart - An Electric Heart Album Review
16 Oct 2014 // A review by Peter-James Dries
Once an aspiring Punk band, Napier’s An Electric Heart was born from the scarcity of drummers, though I see little evidence of any Punk origins, save for the power chords of a digitized guitar and the Punk vocal aesthetic that sporadically make an appearance throughout their eponymous debut full length. The music is generally electronic and especially poppy, kind of Pet Shop Boys and The Cure, that eighties vibe.
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Sola Rosa - Magnetics Album Review
14 Oct 2014 // A review by Andrew Smit
Andrew Spraggon and the Sola Rosa team have compiled a fabulous soulful collection of tracks full of groove and sensuous singing from a superb array of “featured” vocalists. There are no less than 9 listed singers, with only Kevin Mark Trail listed as the album/bands vocalist.
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Kitsch - Kitsch @ Lucha Lounge, Auckland - 11/10/2014
13 Oct 2014 // A review by Nicko_Poison
After waiting many years to see this live act again, the show definitely lived up to their stellar reputation as one of New Zealand’s great punk rock bands. I went to this show with a group of friends and straight after walking through the door and securing a refreshing Tiger beer (or two) it was like old times at one of my favourite rock shows.
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Villainy - Gig Review: Villainy @ the Kings Arms, Auckland - 3/10/2014
07 Oct 2014 // A review by Andrew Smit
The 'Full House' sign was up and an appreciative crowd filled the Kings Arms to see the hometown return of Villainy. First up was the unanimous winner of Villainy's 'search for a support band' Brendon Thomas and the Vibes, this eager young trio have been captivating the smaller stages of Auckland and gaining attention for their expressive blues, funk and rock.
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Shapeshifter - SSXUB EP Review - Shapeshifter vs The Upbeats
03 Oct 2014 // A review by Joel C Blood
This 5 track EP has been probably my most highly anticipated NZ release this year and it doesn't disappoint. This is everything that you would expect from this collaboration, the soulful wailing of P-Digsss and melodic lusciousness of Shapeshifter mashed together with the unforgiving, beat driven groove of The Upbeats.
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Tali - Faster Than Sound Single Review
03 Oct 2014 // A review by Joel C Blood
The second tune from Tali's forthcoming record Wolves is a huge departure from the UK drum n bass that made her a worldwide name. Faster Than Sound is a self declared love song and is closer to trip hop than Tali's traditional "Boobs to the Wall" DnB; which is a great departure in my eyes.
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Moana And The Tribe - Rima Album Review
02 Oct 2014 // A review by Joel C Blood
According to the albums publicists, this is Moana and the Tribe's 5th Studio album, and it wasn't what I was expecting. This was primarily a good thing as I like surprises but it did catch me a little off guard.
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Mulholland - Stop & Start Again Album Review
01 Oct 2014 // A review by Peter-James Dries
The Mulhollands make music a family affair. Jol, the one man band behind Mulholland, is the brother of fellow The Mots band members and Motocade alumni Will and Eden, the solo album of the latter, Feed the Beast, I had the pleasure of reviewing last year.
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Mahoney Harris - We Didn't Feel Alone Album Review
28 Sep 2014 // A review by mciver29
I have to admit that it took far too long for me to get around to reviewing Mahoney Harris's newly released album, We Didn't Feel Alone. It kind of stared at me every day with a looming deadline staring me in the face, funnily enough it suited now more than it would have suited then.
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Rachel Dawick - The Boundary Riders Album Review
25 Sep 2014 // A review by Kate Taylor
Wow! What an inspirational woman!
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The Datsuns - Bad Taste Single Review
25 Sep 2014 // A 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.
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Oakley Grenell - The Deep Album Review
19 Sep 2014 // A review by Joel C Blood
Listening to this record for the first time was a breath of fresh air. With so many Kiwi hip hop artists and beat makers writing the same old wannabe American Gangster drivel, it was inspiring to hear a guy construct something uplifting, tasteful and sonically dynamic.
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Electric Wire Hustle - Love Can Prevail Album Review
19 Sep 2014 // A review by Joel C Blood
Electric Wire Hustle do it again with another outstanding record. The dynamic duo strikes back with a fusion of classic soul mixed with slick glitching, well textured futuristic beats.
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Rob Thorne - Toi Puoro - Whāia te Māramatanga Album Review
19 Sep 2014 // A review by Peter-James Dries
While attending Sounds Aotearoa 2012 (http://soundsaotearoa.com/) as a member of the press I had an epiphany.
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Full Code - Telescapes Album Review
15 Sep 2014 // A review by Andrew Smit
This album will blow your mind, a rock symphony that conjures up emotions and atmospheres that were once only in the jurisdictions of Pink Floyd. A bold introduction to some astounding Kiwi talent!
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Paper Cranes - Paper Cranes @ Wine Cellar, Auckland - 13/08/14
12 Sep 2014 // A review by RodrigoHidalgo
Paper Cranes with White Rabbit Black Monkey & Evan Sinton @ Wine Cellar, Auckland on 13 August 2014 The much anticipated August night had arrived, Paper Cranes, White Rabbit Black Monkey & Evan Sinton were playing at the Wine Cellar on K road. I was freaking out a bit because I was running a bit late… when I arrived everyone was outside socializing as if if nothing else was going on so I asked a few people when it starts… Turns out that the event was running a bit late too so essentially I arrived just in time.
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Broods - Evergreen Album Review
11 Sep 2014 // A review by Ria Loveder
I was so excited to be able to review Broods’ debut album Evergreen, which was released on the 22nd of August. Broods are a brother sister duo from Nelson.
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Unknown - The Year of the Horse EP Review
11 Sep 2014 // A review by Joel C Blood
I was impressed with the work that Whistlejacket management have gone to in producing a very stylistic press package. It's not often I get any info on the reviewed band but these guys had a full press kit which used strong alternate imaginary to represent the band.
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Devilskin - We Rise Album Review
06 Sep 2014 // A review by Kerry MB
The long awaited debut from Kiwi rock metallers, Devilskin in all its glory. Finally!
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Stefan Wolf - Album Review: Brand New Life
06 Sep 2014 // A review by Peter-James Dries
Brand New Life is a collection of Stefan Wolf's ballads written between 2008 and 2014. As well as new tracks, the album, Stefan Wolf's first Long Play since 1999's Sailor, includes selected tracks from the trilogy of EPs, 2009's How Much Do I Get For A Fiver?
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Phil Rudd - Head Job Album Review
05 Sep 2014 // A review by Joel C Blood
There are two ways to write this review. One way is looking at the record from Phil's vast and impressive career as the worlds most acclaimed 4/4 drummer, while being wowed by his self indulgent lifestyle.
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05 Sep 2014 // A review by Joel C Blood
There are two ways to write this review. One way is looking at the record from Phil's vast and impressive career as the worlds most acclaimed 4/4 drummer, while being wowed by his self indulgent lifestyle.
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Kerretta - Pirohia Album Review
04 Sep 2014 // A review by Joel C Blood
I am going to do away with the Isis and Mogwai comparisons. Let's focus on how fucking good this record is.
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TOI - T.O.I EP Review
03 Sep 2014 // A review by Joel C Blood
First up, I have to make this clear, Tunes of I are one of my favorite Kiwi bands cracking it at the moment. This review is going to slightly bias.
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Little Bark - USB Album Review
02 Sep 2014 // A review by Ria Loveder
Sophie Burbery, also known as Little Bark first stepped into the spotlight with her debut Hope is Rubbery in 2011. She performs with a 4 piece band, featuring 2 synthesists, a drummer (using an electronic kit), a bassist and vocals.
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Phil Judd - Play It Strange Album Review
02 Sep 2014 // A review by Andrew Smit
Play It Strange is a mind meld of funky pop folk tunes, its what a love child conceived by the pairing of The Beatles and Split Enz would sound like! It’s The Sgt Pepper’s album with amplified eccentric Phil Judd's “Enz” style bohemian theatrics.
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These Automatic Changers - Have Mercy Album Review
02 Sep 2014 // A review by Peter-James Dries
Have Mercy is the kind of music that played in the dark and grimy automotive shops of my childhood. Think of any Hard Rock band you can imagine the stereotypical bogan listening to as they strip back an engine on their front lawn; I’m talking Acca Dacca, Sabbath, Led Zepp, G N’ R, “Smoke on the Water”.
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Voe & Pam - The Khate EP Review
02 Sep 2014 // A review by Peter-James Dries
Voe is a musical project after my own heart; Self-produced and recorded, driven by their own aesthetic, a bit too clever for their own good. After my introduction I set out to find everything I could about Voe.
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Malevolence - Relentless Entropy Album Review
30 Aug 2014 // A review by terry666
New Zealand metal is continually getting more and more recognition and more and more respect nationally and internationally because of the quality of the product we are producing. We have a long history with a growing number of bands bringing out material on regular basis.
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Mi-Sex - Mi-Sex & Eddie Rayner Project @ The Studio, Auckland 28/8/14
29 Aug 2014 // A review by Andrew Smit
A grand crowd turned out to see some prestige Kiwi Rock talent in the form of the Eddie Rayner Project and Mi-Sex, in the perfectly sized chamber of The Studio on K’ Rd. Mr Eddie Rayner kicked off with a wonderful prelude piano concerto which lead brazenly into Give It A Whirl which brought everyone to attention and in no doubt that they were in for a major treat.
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This Flight Tonight - Never After Video/Single Review
29 Aug 2014 // A 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.
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Roulettes - The Roulettes Self Titled Album Review
27 Aug 2014 // A review by Andrew Smit
Here is real independent music worth shouting about, yes Ladies and Gentlemen self-funded and produced The Roulettes have crafted a standout debut album. The Roulettes are a 3 piece indie rock set up, with vivid guitar work and cool singing from front man Justin McLean backed by a sublime rhythm section from Drummer Mark Queenin and Bassist Ben Grant.
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Kimbra - The Golden Echo Album Review
25 Aug 2014 // A review by Andrew Smit
I have been listening, not watching video’s or reading interviews, just listening, and enjoying very much Kimbra's new album The Golden Echo, it's a broad aural explosion, so bear with me as I rundown my impressions of each track. Track 1.
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Parents - Low Life Album Review
25 Aug 2014 // A review by Kerry MB
Gritty, dark and raw best sums up Auckland quartet Parents. Ravaging your ears with full force noise obliteration with opening track Change, Parents are no strangers to a Black Flag/Burzum medley of assault.
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Into Orbit - Caverns Album Review
24 Aug 2014 // A review by Alistar3000
Wellington two piece noisemakers Into Orbit have an appropriate name for the kind of music they’ve created on their new album Caverns; it’s spacey feeling, often out there and is sure to take off. I wasn’t sure exactly what to expect from the album before listening to it (or even if I’d like it at all), but came away a devoted fan after having it on constant repeat for a couple of days while I explored everything it had to offer (I’m still not there yet, not even close).
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Jason McIver Collective - Look To The Stars Single Review
21 Aug 2014 // A review by Andrew Smit
Opening with a pleasant strumming of guitar and percussion we are introduced to Jason McIver’s new single Look To The Stars, a sincere track with a great folk rhythm. Jason has created a tuneful track with an elegant vocal performance that sounds so right.
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Shihad - FVEY Album Review
20 Aug 2014 // A review by CEOMong
I don’t know if it’s all in my head or not, but Jaz Coleman’s influence lends a certain classic element and a brooding depth to this album that breaks away from what has become, in recent times, some would say too radio-friendly jams. There’s a satisfying depth to the album the louder it gets – when isn’t that true for Shihad though, I suppose?
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Devilskin - Devilskin @ The Powerstation, Auckland - 16/08/14
20 Aug 2014 // A review by Epitomised_Drummer
My partner and I arrived at The Powerstation, looked at each other, looked at the crowd, and the first thing I said was 'Everyone's wearing black, did we not get the memo?'.
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Tahuna Breaks - Hold You Single Review
19 Aug 2014 // A review by Andrew Smit
When you feel the groove of the new Tahuna Breaks song Hold You you better be ready to groove to its upbeat boogie jive! With its catchy chorus and funky disco beat you’re sure to bop to its rhythm and crave a clap n’ slide on the dance floor with your besties.
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Die! Die! Die! - Die! Die! Die! @ Willy's Place, Tauranga - 17/08/14
18 Aug 2014 // A review by Joel C Blood
Article Joel Thompson Originally this gig was booked at Major Toms at the Mount and then a couple of days prior to the show the gig was rebooked for a venue in Pyes Pa. At first glance I didn't think much of this but it was a defining factor in what was to become a very unusual gig.
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National Country Music Awards Review
17 Aug 2014 // A review by Joel C Blood
Written by Joel BloodEdited by James FaulknerPhotos by Joel Blood and James Faulkner The evening kicked off with the extremely talented by Kylie Austin doing a fantastic cover of All Jacked Up by Gretchen Wilson. Kylie then went on to host the evening, a role that she grew into as she got progressively more confident.
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17 Aug 2014 // A review by Joel C Blood
Written by Joel BloodEdited by James FaulknerPhotos by Joel Blood and James Faulkner The evening kicked off with the extremely talented by Kylie Austin doing a fantastic cover of All Jacked Up by Gretchen Wilson. Kylie then went on to host the evening, a role that she grew into as she got progressively more confident.
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SHAYNA - Calling You Single Review
15 Aug 2014 // A review by mciver29
It wasn't long ago that I reviewed Shayna King's debut album, The Day Is Young, which showed a young singer/songwriter starting to find her footing as a recording and touring artist. After one listen to her new single, Calling You, I could really see and hear a huge leap forward.
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Amos/Anon - Gothique Doesn't Exist EP Review
12 Aug 2014 // A review by Joel C Blood
Gothique Doesn't ExistReleased 15 July 2014 Written and Produced by Amos/Anon. This is the tenth release that Amos/Anon has recorded in as many years, a massive accomplishment in itself.
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Amos/Anon - Beneath the Pound of Flesh EP Review
12 Aug 2014 // A review by Joel C Blood
Beneath the Pound of Fleshreleased 09 February 2014 written and recorded: Amos/Anon backing vocals: Paraffin cover photography: Jessicka @ Visceral Photography BTPoF is a neurotic journey into one of NZ's great underground doom artist's state of mind at it's darkest. This record is a stripped back 6 song thematic acoustic album that picks up where Amos/Anon's last acoustic work, Songs of a Tortured Soul, left off.
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Cairo Knife Fight - Rezlord Single Review
11 Aug 2014 // A review by Peter-James Dries
The true mystery of Cairo Knife Fight is how one band can manage to make so much noise with only four hands between them. This is no doubt something I'm sure Nick (Gaffaney, band backbone) must be getting sick of hearing, and the answer involves feet, but it's still worth keeping at the back of your mind when you listen to this band, and something you won't forget when you see them live.
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Jeremy Redmore - Clouds Are Alive Album Review
11 Aug 2014 // A review by Andrew Smit
Clouds Are Alive is the excellent debut solo album by Jeremy Redmore, the acclaimed frontman of Midnight Youth. Jeremy has produced a wonderful collection of songs that sound so sweet and soulful, the whole album is easy on the ears and charming in a youthful way, any song would seamlessly slot onto any popular radio playlist around the world.
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Team Dynamite - Coconut Lime Single and Video Review
09 Aug 2014 // A review by jck2
Coconut Lime is the new New Zealand On Air funded music video from Team Dynamite featuring Che Fu. Team Dynamite are Tony Shihamau aka Tony TZ and Lance Fepuleai aka Lucky Lance with production from Haz Huavi aka Haz Beats.
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Golden Curtain - Dream City Album Review
08 Aug 2014 // A review by Andrew Smit
Golden Curtain’s latest album release Dream City is a honest independent rock album with 10 songs that engage with real world themes and unpretentious song structures. The sound throughout stays true to its 3 piece Drums/Bass/Guitar structure, it’s atmospheric and moody, no doubt due to Andrew McKenzie’s 12 string guitar which creates an aural space and a floating psychedelic feel.
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I Am Giant - Science & Survival Album Review
31 Jul 2014 // A review by tonymcdonald
Having just seen I Am Giant live at Bar Bodega and been blown away yet again, I wanted to wait a few days before posting the album review. Could they possibly follow on from the amazing The Horrifying Truth album?
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The Response - North of Nowhere Album Review
30 Jul 2014 // A review by Peter-James Dries
Hailing from Christchurch, The Response, also known as Andrew and Victoria Knopp, have just released their third full length album, North of Nowhere. This is one of those indie acts that do everything themselves, from recording to artwork, and that's a quality I admire in any artist.
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Midnight Gallery - Self-Titled Album Review
30 Jul 2014 // A review by Peter-James Dries
Midnight Gallery, the Kiwi Hip Hop trio from up Auckland ways, have just released their self-titled debut. As well as touring the country with P-Money, their music has been doing the rounds on the local student radio station here in Palmerston North, Radio Control 99.
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I Am Giant - I Am Giant @ Bar Bodega - 25/07/2014
27 Jul 2014 // A review by tonymcdonald
After watching I Am Giant in Wellington at Bar Bodega in January, I simply couldn’t let the opportunity pass me by. In January the gig was amazing as you can tell from my review.
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Ian Jorgensen's 'The Problem with Music in New Zealand...' Book Review
25 Jul 2014 // A review by Peter-James Dries
The problem with music in New Zealand and How to Fix it& Why I started and ran puppies An essay collection by Ian Jorgensen (Blink) Some of the readers from the Wellington scene may remember Puppies, the little indie venue that took the place of Happy. Others of you who follow the music festival circuit will have heard of Camp A Low Hum and the Square Wave festival.
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25 Jul 2014 // A review by Peter-James Dries
The problem with music in New Zealand and How to Fix it& Why I started and ran puppies An essay collection by Ian Jorgensen (Blink) Some of the readers from the Wellington scene may remember Puppies, the little indie venue that took the place of Happy. Others of you who follow the music festival circuit will have heard of Camp A Low Hum and the Square Wave festival.
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PNC - The Codes Album Review
24 Jul 2014 // A review by Dilemma
PNC AKA Sam Hansen released his fifth album less than a month ago and it’s already smashing sales and tearing up the NZ charts. The album titled The Codes is our newest urban success and it seems that PNC has found his stride with his latest offering.
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Luckless - Vindication Blues Album Review
21 Jul 2014 // A review by Ria Loveder
My Dad has always told me ‘Ria, less is more’, and these are the words that came to mind when I opened the parcel containing Luckless’ sophomore album Vindication Blues. The artwork is beautiful with a lone tree seeming to grow over the cover with the title placed in the centre.
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Curlys Jewels - No Apostrophe Album Review
20 Jul 2014 // A review by Peter-James Dries
No, there is no grammatical error. As the title of Curlys Jewels first full length album explains, there is no apostrophe, something I must admit, which makes my English degree writhe in its dusty picture frame.
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Nick Ferretti - Never Leave Your Lover Alone Album Review
20 Jul 2014 // A 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.
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20 Jul 2014 // A 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.
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Checaine - Turn the Stone Album Review
11 Jul 2014 // A review by River Tucker
There's a real solid feel to this Checaine album, Turn the Stone. With a plethora of stonking riffs interspersed by lighter moments, these four guys from Hamilton have pulled a real gem out of the rock n roll bag.
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Glass Owls - Out From The Darkness Album Review
08 Jul 2014 // A review by tonymcdonald
“Let’s take the Road - down memory lane”, is a key line from the second song on the Glass Owls – Out From The Darkness album and it sums the album up perfectly. The Glass Owls are brilliant, and remind me of a combination of Echo and the Bunnymen from the 80’s and the House of Love from the 90’s.
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Like A Storm - Nothing Remains Single Review
07 Jul 2014 // A review by Epitomised_Drummer
Dirty heavy guitar riffs, angry dirty driving drums, gravelly scathing vocals, haunting samples, this all adds to the amazing new single from Kiwi rockers Like A Storm who are now based between Vancouver and Los Angeles, California. I remember way back in the day when two schoolboy bands Fluid and Inertia joined forces and announced that they were calling themselves Like A Storm because that's how they sounded.
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Decades - Music Is Boring EP Review
07 Jul 2014 // A review by Epitomised_Drummer
Ever since my initial review of their debut single Bright Eyes I have developed an ear for Ashei, and have been actively following their movements on radio and TV having caught their awesome NZ On Air funded video on YouTube and on C4. I have been waiting eagerly to catch their well marketed EP titled Music Is Boring which I feel is such a cool title for an EP as it is the exact opposite of what Ashei's music really is.
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Truth - Hollow World Album Review
07 Jul 2014 // A review by RodrigoHidalgo
Truth, an Electronic production-duo from the lands of Christchurch. With their new album, Hollow World.
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Huia Veale - Waiting for You Single Review
06 Jul 2014 // A review by Ria Loveder
Greytown born, Huia Veale's single Waiting For You is a wonderful song to add to her musical career. She was born into a musical family and with it being also being her number one passion, she is now ready to share her sound with the rest of the world.
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The Difference Engine - The World According To The Difference Engine Album Review
02 Jul 2014 // A review by RodrigoHidalgo
The World According To The Difference Engine is an album mainly written and performed by electronic genius Michael Travis who roams the streets of Auckland. The Difference Engine is a mainly instrumental project started by Michael (2005) and is now collaborating with a number of different artists.
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Junelle - Just This Sky EP Review
27 Jun 2014 // A review by Epitomised_Drummer
Junelle recently celebrated her new EP titled Just This Sky. Off to a bit of a rough start the first CD I put in didn't have anything recorded.
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Doprah - Doprah self-titled EP Review
26 Jun 2014 // A review by Peter-James Dries
Like lip balm, Doprah seems to be on everyone’s lips. The name has been popping up everywhere, coupled with Laneway and Lorde, Becks, Kawaii, and Lance Armstrong (unrelated).
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Blacklistt - Blacklistt @ Bodega 24/05/2014
17 Jun 2014 // A review by Asmith
I was quite excited when I got offered this review, it was the first time I had seen Blindspott as their new reincarnation, Blacklistt, and was eager to see if anything had changed since the last time I had seen them, I wasn’t dissapointed. Hell, I think they may have even been BETTER.
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Ghetto Sunrise - Ghetto Sunrise Album Review
15 Jun 2014 // A review by Chris Chick
I was embellished into their music after their first release One Drop Love EP. The mix of reggae, dub, and ska was a delight to the ear.
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Social Shun - The Garden of Sweden Album Review
13 Jun 2014 // A review by Peter-James Dries
With all the advances of modern computer technology, and the growing sophistication of home DAW’s (Digital Audio Workstations) anybody with time and a computer can make music. While this and Radiohead’s wry observation Anyone Can Play Guitar may be romantic notions, don’t forget these philosophies saw the birth of Bieber as “musician” (in very heavy parenthesis).
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Popstrangers - Fortuna Album Review
10 Jun 2014 // A review by tonymcdonald
Firstly, this is one hell of a dreamy powerful indie band. It approaches on rock from time to time, and I love this album.
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Songs From The Inside Vol II Album Review
10 Jun 2014 // A review by Kate Taylor
There’s more out there in the New Zealand media landscape than what’s on your news feed or your particular pay TV channels… Maori Television is an important part of our media landscape and their creation of musical collaboration documentary, Songs from the Inside is a beautiful time capsule of some our most talented and kind musical artists (Anika Moa, Don McGlashan & Laughton Kora to name three), giving life and freedom through musical expression to some of our nation’s incarcerated. A delicate content matter at the best of times; the equivalent of the ‘difficult second album’ is released in Songs from the Inside Vol II which the show’s director and producer Julian Arahanga was concerned would be an undertaking to “recapture the same heart, feeling as the first series”; yet he needn’t worry as it certainly has recapturing that same ol magic and built on it.
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10 Jun 2014 // A review by Kate Taylor
There’s more out there in the New Zealand media landscape than what’s on your news feed or your particular pay TV channels… Maori Television is an important part of our media landscape and their creation of musical collaboration documentary, Songs from the Inside is a beautiful time capsule of some our most talented and kind musical artists (Anika Moa, Don McGlashan & Laughton Kora to name three), giving life and freedom through musical expression to some of our nation’s incarcerated. A delicate content matter at the best of times; the equivalent of the ‘difficult second album’ is released in Songs from the Inside Vol II which the show’s director and producer Julian Arahanga was concerned would be an undertaking to “recapture the same heart, feeling as the first series”; yet he needn’t worry as it certainly has recapturing that same ol magic and built on it.
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Bailey Wiley - IXL EP Review
10 Jun 2014 // A review by Kate Taylor
I've written it once and I'll write it again... the absolute best part of reviewing music is that every so often you're introduced to an artist that you truly love and value, not just as a creative musical entity but also as a contributor to the fabric of what our ‘little’ nation can achieve in an audial realm.
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Beck's New Zealand Music Month 2014 Compilation
07 Jun 2014 // A review by Peter-James Dries
Beck's NZ, the official beer of New Zealand Music Month, offers you a 12 pack for $18.99 at your local supermarket, or ten exclusive tracks from ten up-and-coming New Zealand artists for free.
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07 Jun 2014 // A review by Peter-James Dries
Beck's NZ, the official beer of New Zealand Music Month, offers you a 12 pack for $18.99 at your local supermarket, or ten exclusive tracks from ten up-and-coming New Zealand artists for free.
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Scalper - My Blood Your Blood and Puppets Singles Reviews
02 Jun 2014 // A review by Peter-James Dries
Nadeem Shafi, British ex-pat and former member of Fun-Da-Mental, is Scalper. His solo and pseudonymous act is a known purveyor of underground Alternative Hip-Hop now here in New Zealand, and his previous two releases Flesh & Bones and Butchers Bakers garnered very favourable reviews here and abroad.
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The Naked And Famous - The Naked and Famous @ The Powerstation, Auckland 16/05/14
01 Jun 2014 // A review by Ria Loveder
If you are looking for a critical review, then I am sorry to tell you that you have come to the wrong place. With that said I would like to politely direct you to look at other reviews that may be found on this fantastic website we call muzic.
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Dying Of The Light - Factory (Shihad Cover) Video and Single Review
29 May 2014 // A review by Peter-James Dries
“If you want a vision of the future Imagine a boot stamping on a human face - forever.” George Orwell.
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Jan Hellriegel - Because You Single Review
28 May 2014 // A review by mciver29
I've been guilty of instantly cringing when hearing of artists that usually have guitars in front of them decide to delve into electronic music but as we all know many of these artists have come out the other side with an expansive body of work that transcends them into a new plain of song writing. My first memory of Jan Hellriegel was from Rip It Up magazine in the mid 90's while I was at High School, I always thought she had a underlying darkness to her and her music but some where along the line she stopped releasing music to have a family and settle down for a while.
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Great North - Great North @ Victoria Theatre, Auckland 9/05/2014
25 May 2014 // A review by Ria Loveder
If you have read my previous review for Great North you would know that I absolutely adored their album Up In Smoke. So as you can imagine I was thoroughly looking forward to Friday the 9th of May when I would be able to hear all the wonderful songs played live.
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The Phoenix Foundation - Tom's Lunch EP Review
25 May 2014 // A review by tonymcdonald
Following on from the fantastic album Fandango I had the pleasure of reviewing The Phoenix Foundation's amazing gig in Wellington last year. I then met the gracious bearded wonders at the Vodafone music awards towards the end of 2013.
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Truly Made - For The Summer EP Review
22 May 2014 // A review by Asmith
Surely an odd title for an Autumn release, but 10 seconds in and I can only assume it was a metophor for the general feel of the album as this release is going to be in my playlist all year round for quite a while. I can’t help but feel this album was more than aptly titled, from track to track you get an air of summer throughout, every bbq, every beach getaway, it’s all in there.
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22 May 2014 // A review by Asmith
Surely an odd title for an Autumn release, but 10 seconds in and I can only assume it was a metophor for the general feel of the album as this release is going to be in my playlist all year round for quite a while. I can’t help but feel this album was more than aptly titled, from track to track you get an air of summer throughout, every bbq, every beach getaway, it’s all in there.
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Crash-Scan - Repeat Until False Album Review
21 May 2014 // A review by CEOMong
Mint physical release, a damned fine example of the post-CD era! I’ll admit up-front that even after several listens I couldn’t quite gel with this album ...
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Tiny Ruins - Brightly Painted One Album Review
20 May 2014 // A review by Ria Loveder
Tiny Ruins is the creation of New Zealand musician and songwriter Hollie Fullbrook. It all began when she started writing music for theatre productions through-out Wellington and playing live music at poetry nights.
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Fiona Pears - Swing Driven Thing Album Review
20 May 2014 // A review by RodrigoHidalgo
I don't even know where to begin. I just have to say that simply, I love it!
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Sherpa - Blues & Oranges Album Review
19 May 2014 // A review by Peter-James Dries
Please excuse the drug references in the following review of Sherpa’s Blues & Oranges. Even without drugs this album is a real trip.
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Jayson Norris - Save My Soul EP Review
16 May 2014 // A review by Dilemma
New from Jayson Norris is the Save My Soul EP as part of NZ Music Month. If you are a fan of Kora style rock or Tiki Taane melodies then you will love this five-song EP, cleverly incorporating roots and the groove of mainstream guitar rock’n’soul to blur genres.
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71 Sunset - Mule EP Review
13 May 2014 // A review by Peter-James Dries
The music of Seventy One Sunset has been described by the Rock FM as “great hooks and solid riffs”. An apt description of what can also be described as a throwback to seventies Hard Rock with a modern twist.
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Liam Finn - The Nihilist Album Review
12 May 2014 // A review by mciver29
I've had long standing respect for Liam Finn ever since seeing Betchadupa play at Trafalgar Park on New Years in Nelson when I was 16, and although I'm aware of Liam's growing back catologue, I haven't followed his recent music very much.You will see, no doubt, that I have been quickly taken with this album, as an album in the true sense.
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Estère - Estere Album Review
10 May 2014 // A review by Dilemma
Released as a free download via Bandcamp the debut EP from Wellington singer/songwriter/beatmaker/producer Estere is definitely unique in the NZ music scene. Self-described as “just a girl with an MPC” Estere works her equipment and the product is individualistic, raw and worthy of a listen this NZ Music Month.
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Ill Semantics - You Got It Feat. Scribe and K.One Single Review
09 May 2014 // A review by Dilemma
The Ill Semantic’s are back for 2014 and while it's been over 20 years since they formed they still have the ability to make really good, current hip hop music. Ill Semantics are getting ready to drop their third album and have delivered the first single titled You Got It feat.
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J Williams - Broken Love Single Review
09 May 2014 // A review by Dilemma
Part of New Zealand Music Month is showcasing NZ music and J. Williams is back with another R&B power ballad, Broken Love is the name of his latest release which was co-written with sister Lavina and then mixed and mastered by NOX and Patriarch for their Illegal Muzik label.
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Medusa Glare - No Tomorrow Single Review
08 May 2014 // A review by Kate Taylor
As luck would have it, I've stumbled on the backyard of stunning model and recent nzblokes 'Babe of the Week' - Sophie Burnside. Sophie is absolutely stunning and a quick Google search reveals that Sophie is also a bright, intelligent and health conscious individual...
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Smashproof - Survivors Feat. Pieter T Single Review
06 May 2014 // A review by Kate Taylor
An uplifting tune that I'm sure is going to bring relief to not just a lot of kids; but also adults through the sentiments of Smashproof's new single Survivors which tackles issues of bullying, youth suicide and abuse, head on. It's a beautifully crafted piece of kiwi Hip Hop with a delicious hook sung sweetly by RnB artist Pieter T, sandwiched between thoughtful and thought-provoking MC turns on the mic from each of the Smashproof boys.
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Kimbra - Rock Steady/Wanna Be Startin' Something Single Review
05 May 2014 // A review by Kate Taylor
Oooh girl! This is the epitome of every getting dressed up, dolled up, laced up, heeled up 'get ready' session with your gal pals before a huge night out of being fierce and fabulous.
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David Sutton - Cheese Album Review
03 May 2014 // A review by Peter-James Dries
David Sutton is the kind of artist I've been striving to be with my own project. He's a proven jack of all artistic trades.
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David Sutton - 40 Album Review
03 May 2014 // A review by Peter-James Dries
Hot off the heels of his album, Cheese, David Sutton has released 40, ten tracks of upbeat, catchy and very easy listening songs that sound like a relic from my father's generation. In a world where over produced is a prerequisite of commercial radio play, comes an album with instruments that actually sound real, all performed by David Sutton himself.
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Riqi Harawira - Please Find Me Girl Single Review
02 May 2014 // A review by RodrigoHidalgo
Listening to Riqi Harawira's new song Please Find Me Girl the first thing I noticed is the really well produced clean acoustic guitar playing in harmony to Riqi's voice which is a brilliant way to start a reggae song with a tasty blend of Blues, Jamaican Reggae and solid syncopated rhythms. Riqi seems to be singing to a beautiful woman that he is absolutely infatuated with.
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Great North - Up In Smoke Album Review
30 Apr 2014 // A review by Ria Loveder
I know you shouldn’t judge a band by its name or its album cover, but as soon as I saw the cover art and was graced with the name Great North, you could say something magical happened. I find Great North to be a beautiful title for a group.
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Sora Shima - You Are Surrounded Album Review
27 Apr 2014 // A review by Epitomised_Drummer
Sora Shima have recently dropped their brand new album You Are Surrounded and I stuck my hand up to review this album as it's not very often you get the opportunity to listen to a purely instrumental album. Still a touch jaded, and quite hungover after a big night out, I decided that with a very clear mind it was probably a good opportunity to listen to some of Sora Shima's music having not ever heard them before.
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Ginny Blackmore - Holding You Single Review
18 Apr 2014 // A review by tonymcdonald
This is certainly not the genre that I relish, which is exactly why I wanted to review this EP. I have had the pleasure of meeting Stan Walker on two occasions and he is a charming man.
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Heathen Eyes - You're Gonna Need A God Single Review
18 Apr 2014 // A review by Peter-James Dries
Heathen Eyes are a band I've been keeping an eye on of late, and I suggest you do to. This band is making the music every 90's rocker has been waiting for since Darude's Sandstorm started the drawn-out decline of popular music as we knew it.
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Meridian Vibe - Crash And Burn Single Review
18 Apr 2014 // A review by tonymcdonald
I had not heard of Meridian Vibe until this single landed in my inbox. I would describe their style as alternative pop rock, which I hope doesn’t offend the band too much, but I can see this being in the charts.
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Depths - Depths @ The Powerstation, Auckland 06/03/14
11 Apr 2014 // A review by Kate Taylor
I'm a long-time listener, yet first time viewer of the New Zealand heavy (very heavy) metal, death metal and hard-core band Depths and for me; what a worthy wait it was! I was fortunate to see one of NZ Metal's best and brightest in support to Suicide Silence and the absolutely stunning Down, as fronted by Phil Anselmo; formerly of some really rad metal band from the 90s and earlier, you might of heard of `em...
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Louis Baker - Gig Review: Louis Baker @ The Tuning Fork, Auckland - 28/03/2014
11 Apr 2014 // A review by Shade
On a balmy Autumn night; a collected throng of interested yet relaxed patrons and I gathered at The Tuning Fork (a rad little venue that is nestled into the side of the behemoth that is Vector Arena); and were treated to the EP Release gig for Wellington's lovely bluesy crooner - Louis Baker. This wonderfully talented young fella took minimal time to enchant the crowd and have them eating out of the palm ofhis slide-guitaring hand.
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Jason McIver Collective - The Crystal Pool Single Review
11 Apr 2014 // A review by Peter-James Dries
I always wondered if I would have still liked John Frusciante’s solo work if I didn’t know he was from Red Hot Chili Peppers. Short of a brain injury or amnesia, I’ll never truly know.
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Lightning Bells - Chime EP Review
11 Apr 2014 // A review by Ria Loveder
With this being my first EP reviewed I was a bit worried on how to go about it. Whether to sit down and study the songs while taking notes, or just playing it and seeing what I thought.
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Decades - Bright Eyes Single Review
08 Apr 2014 // A review by Epitomised_Drummer
What's the first thing you think of when I mention a kiwi rock band with a female singer? Probably the most memorable would be Tadpole, followed by the likes of maybe Ivy Lies or Foamy Ed.
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Stormporter - Stormporter EP Release Gig @ Nectar Bar, Auckland 22/03/14
05 Apr 2014 // A review by Ria Loveder
Before I start talking about Stormporter’s wonderful gig, I think I should give a round of applause to the venue in which it was held in. The Nectar Bar was a wonderful place to sit down and relax, with the building inside looking like a renovated barn.
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Lightning Bells - Lightning Bells EP Release Gig @ Juice Bar, Auckland - 21/03/14
02 Apr 2014 // A review by Ria Loveder
I think I can speak for all when I say that the Lightning Bells EP release gig at Juice Bar on the 21th March was nothing but a hoot and a half! Much enjoyment was had by all, artists and audience alike.
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Eli Driftwood - Lies Your Momma Told Me Album Review
02 Apr 2014 // A review by Peter-James Dries
Call you need is an email and vote for “Eli Driftwood” please please! Help me Help him!!
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02 Apr 2014 // A review by Peter-James Dries
Call you need is an email and vote for “Eli Driftwood” please please! Help me Help him!!
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Eden Roberts - Crying Birds EP Review
28 Mar 2014 // A review by RodrigoHidalgo
Already hearing of Eden Roberts through X-Factor last year, I was pretty interested to hear what her EP would sound like and in which direction Eden has decided to take her music. Eden Is an 18 year old X-Factor Contestant hailing from Auckland, New Zealand.
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Louis Baker - EP Review: Louis Baker
24 Mar 2014 // A review by Shade
Having never heard of Louis Baker before I was given this review I was unsure what to expect.This wasn't a bad thing though- have you ever heard an artist for the first time and just sat there going, wow, this is cool.
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Flip Grater - Pigalle Album Review
21 Mar 2014 // A review by Kate Taylor
Gifted Christchurch singer-songwriter Flip Grater brings her yearning, beautiful indie folk to our ears via the sultry Parisian musical base she currently calls home. Pigalle, Flip Grater’s fourth album, is aptly named after the Studio Pigalle Paris, in which these delicious 11 tracks has been recorded; in an area renowned for its artistic soul, creative residents such as Dali or Picasso and its Moulin Rouge adjacency.
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Clap Clap Riot - Nobody/Everybody Album Review
21 Mar 2014 // A review by Kate Taylor
It’s been a pretty rad year for Clap Clap Riot so far; with appearances at the revamped 2014 Big Day Out and just finishing up on a nationwide tour in early March, the release of their second album Nobody/Everybody brings a super polished and completely contagious lo-hi experience. Scrappy punk vibes transmit via a 60s swag that makes you wanna jerk your head around like a Thunderbirds puppet.
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Benny Tipene - Toulouse EP Review
18 Mar 2014 // A review by Kate Taylor
Ahh BENNAAY TIPEENNAAYYY! There’s something about his name that someone I know was never able to pronounce in any fashion other than in the ostentatious X Factor NZ announcer style.
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Like A Storm - Chaos Theory Part 1 Album Review
18 Mar 2014 // A review by Kate Taylor
It’s like a movie isn’t it? A literal band of brothers tinker away at their hard rocking ambitions somewhere in little ol’ New Zealand and then BAM!
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City Oh Sigh - Fragments Fine Album Review
18 Mar 2014 // A review by Kate Taylor
Wellington’s extremely accomplished chamber folk quartet; City Oh Sigh release their first full length album, Fragments Fine - and it’s a breath-taking beauty. Lead songwriter, singer and cellist Kate has a magical way with her beautiful notes; expertly catching and playing with the pitches and tones creating something special and reminding you of what a joy it is to listen to a truly talented vocalist at work.
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The Flaming Mudcats - Mistress Album Review
18 Mar 2014 // A review by Kerry MB
The Flaming Mudcats return with another brilliant slab of their eclectic roots infused tunes, full of toe tapping, good soul feeling stuff. Craig Bracken’s jazzy vocals ring true and clear on their second offering, that makes you turn the volume up that little bit louder.
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SHAYNA - The Day Is Young Album Review
13 Mar 2014 // A review by mciver29
Shayna King is a Christchurch based singer/song writer though perhaps not in the most traditional sense, I was refreshed to find that she has a full backing band that helps add a little grit to the performances on the album.The opening tracks on her debut album, The Day Is Young, are your typical acoustic, melodic, pop songs, they are well written but didnt jump out at me, that being said the production is clear and well balanced, well achieved for a self funded album.
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I Am Giant - I Am Giant @ Kings Arms, Auckland 31/01/14
12 Mar 2014 // A review by Epitomised_Drummer
Two long serving Kiwi rock icons, one of NZ’s best session guitarists, and one of the most unmistakable voices in the English rock scene that you could compile together onto one stage at any one time – this is I Am Giant. With a string of amazing rock numbers such as Purple Heart, Neon Sunrise and their latest single Razor Wire Reality how could I deny the opportunity to see I Am Giant play live at the Kings Arms with support from two of my other favourite bands, Flirting With Disaster and Fire At Will.
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The Mad Crept - Darkling EP Review
12 Mar 2014 // A review by Peter-James Dries
I really hope The Mad Crept’s debut EP Darkling is a taste of things to come. There needs to be more music like this.
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Tiki Taane - With Strings Attached Album Review
10 Mar 2014 // A review by Dilemma
On November 3 2012, Tiki Taane, his whanau and friends came together in Old St Paul's Church in Wellington to record and film the live album With Strings Attached (Alive & Orchestrated) which was released just in time for the end of those long hot summer days and breezy nights. With the help of NZ On Air and TVNZ crew, they were able to capture the power of Tiki who arranged a musically stunning collaboration with backing from The Dub Soldiers, kapahaka group Te Pou O Mangatawhiri and a string orchestra to add depth to a soulful performance.
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The Lowest Fidelity - Love Is For Others Album Review
07 Mar 2014 // A review by Alistar3000
There are three assumptions you'll need to dispel before listening to Will Saunders and the Lowest Fidelity's latest release Love Is For Others. The first is that the Low Fidelity is a band (or at least that they're a band on the recording - there is a live band); Will performs as a solo artist.
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The Naked And Famous - In Rolling Waves Album Review
04 Mar 2014 // A review by Ria Loveder
The television was tuned in to Juice TV as I stood by the sink doing the dishes. The tunes of songs came travelling through when my ears picked up something that both fascinated and puzzled me.
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Saving Grace - The Urgency Album Review
03 Mar 2014 // A review by Kate Taylor
New Zealand's worse kept heavy secret; Saving Grace return with their fourth full length album of solid home-grown metal and hard-core. Squealing 'Wolfenstein' guitar licks, huge rumbling breakdowns, it's all here; and just when it's easy to pile accolade upon accolade down on this album and therefore SG's head; it's a relief that listen after listen it's refreshing to find that it's praise that's all heartily deserved.
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Jim Beam Homegrown 2014 Highlights
03 Mar 2014 // A review by terry666
Jim Beam Homegrown February 15th, Wellington Waterfront I love Homegrown. Where else can you get to see such a brilliant array of New Zealand’s finest musical talent?
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03 Mar 2014 // A review by terry666
Jim Beam Homegrown February 15th, Wellington Waterfront I love Homegrown. Where else can you get to see such a brilliant array of New Zealand’s finest musical talent?
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Dead Teach the Living - Dead Teach The Living with Blackleaf Gardens & Shardsof Sky @ Ding Dong Lounge, Auckland - 15/02/14
03 Mar 2014 // A review by RodrigoHidalgo
The Ding Dong Lounge was packed to the grills on Saturday night for Dead Teach The Living's The Feeding Begins release party. Who could resist going since the incredible Blackleaf Gardens and the Legendary Shardsof Sky were opening guaranteeing the night one to remember.
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Fallen Order - The Age of Kings EP Review
27 Feb 2014 // A review by terry666
From the opening stanza this EP takes off like a bullet. Classic British metal in sound the first bands that come to mind are Iron Maiden and Judas Priest.
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Jake Stokes - Midnight Album Review
26 Feb 2014 // A review by Asmith
When I first pressed play on this release I was pleasantly surprised to hear some very bluesy sounding riffs blasting at me from my speakers. Now I guess I'm a little bias here but I believe the blues and blues influenced genres are underrated, underplayed, and undersold, especially in New Zealand so when I here something like this it always gets me a little excited.
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Devils Elbow - Absolute Domain Album Review
26 Feb 2014 // A review by Peter-James Dries
Managing to give us an EP/Single/Album each year since 2010, February sees the release of Absolute Domain, the sophomore album from Hawkes Bay Alt. Country Punk and aspiring bums, Devils Elbow.
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Koda - Showtime Single Review
25 Feb 2014 // A review by Peter-James Dries
You may know him as Daniel. You may recognise him as half of Auckland's pop-punk crowd pleasing Fire and Glory line-up.
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25 Feb 2014 // A review by Peter-James Dries
You may know him as Daniel. You may recognise him as half of Auckland's pop-punk crowd pleasing Fire and Glory line-up.
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Third3ye - On3ness Album Review
24 Feb 2014 // A review by Dilemma
Third3ye is a collective of like-minded hip hop artists coming together to produce a new-wave, spiritual sound. The music they make exudes a naturalist vibe over 15 tracks that takes the listener on a philosophic journey through mystical and musical vibrations.
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Mamuku - Twigs of Gold Album Review
18 Feb 2014 // A review by tonymcdonald
Twigs of Gold is a very quirky album with an array of brass, bass (deep man), reggae, jazz and space invader type sounds thrown in. The album kicks off with a song called Berlin, which sounds very much like a Kiwi styled James Bond movie theme song.
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Smashproof - Forever Album Review
13 Feb 2014 // A review by Dilemma
It's been 6 long years since Smashproof burst on the scene with Gin Wigmore singing the quintessential south auckland hit Brother. In 2009 they released their first album The Weekend and finally Smashproof have put together a new album called Forever.
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Supermodel - Rimu and Roses Album Review
11 Feb 2014 // A review by Kate Taylor
Splashing into your eardrums comes the delightful and welcomed Rimu and Roses by Supermodel; bringing a swag bag of 70s rock and starry eyed guitar and piano noodling to the party. I'm loathe to float comparisons to a band so magically ambitious in their own right, however it would be only fair to mention that sparkly big stadium feel that Muse and Queen have in spades.
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Broods - Broods EP Review
11 Feb 2014 // A review by Kate Taylor
Get ready to meet the new Kiwi music duo that you'll not only fall in love with; but surely will be scrambling to tell all your friends about as well. Broods aka Georgia and Caleb Nott, are a Nelson born and Auckland musically cultivated brother and sister who will no doubt be in the ears of many international taste-makers before the New Zealand Summer is through.
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Dead Teach the Living - The Feeding Begins Album Review
11 Feb 2014 // A review by RodrigoHidalgo
Dead Teach The Living are a 5 piece Auckland based band that's been injecting fans with their fix of pure heavy metal for the last 3 and a half years and are quickly rising in the New Zealand metal scene with their reputation of hectic, insane music both live and in studio. The Official music video for their first single, Cystic Eyebrosis was released late last year and left me eager to listen to the rest of their self-produced debut album The Feeding Begins which definitely delivers 13 tracks of metal with high energy, solid production and a tasteful blend of progressive metal, thrash metal, extreme metal, hardcore punk with a sense of groove.
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The Shakedown - Next Movement EP review
10 Feb 2014 // A review by Alistar3000
Wellington’s The Shakedown seem to have only been around a short while (or at least since March last year) but have already made a bit of a name for themselves through their live shows and a couple of singles. Next Movement is their first release and is 5 tracks of pretty sweet sounding reggae-laden funk.
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Armed In Advance - Harder Times EP Review
06 Feb 2014 // A review by Epitomised_Drummer
It's already February 2014 and I'm on the hunt for some new music. Sick of listening to the same old bands I've been listening to for the last 10 years give or take a few exceptions, a close friend suggested to me the fresh sound from Auckland band Stitches.
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Coach - Songs For Michelle EP Review
01 Feb 2014 // A review by tonymcdonald
The first track When from Coach's new EP Songs For Michelle opens with such a full warm sound it makes an instant unforgettable impact. It’s a slow tempo track with rich vibrant guitars and deep warm vocals, backed by some haunting ooohs, which makes me, feel like I’m floating on clouds.
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Big Day Out 2014 Review
31 Jan 2014 // A review by terry666
Big Day Out 2014 @ Western Springs, Auckland - 17/01/2014 It was with some trepidation I headed to Western Springs to check out the new venue for the Big Day Out 2014. I have been to about 6 previous Big Day Out's and Western Springs is a quite a different venue than Mt Smart.
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31 Jan 2014 // A review by terry666
Big Day Out 2014 @ Western Springs, Auckland - 17/01/2014 It was with some trepidation I headed to Western Springs to check out the new venue for the Big Day Out 2014. I have been to about 6 previous Big Day Out's and Western Springs is a quite a different venue than Mt Smart.
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Brockaflower - Build It Album Review
30 Jan 2014 // A review by Alistar3000
Wellington’s Brockaflower (or Brockaflowersaurus-Rex and the Blueberry Biscuits to use their full name) have been getting a bit of hype around town lately, as they develop a reputation for a fun-filled live show (although I’m yet to see them live myself). So I was interested to hear what their debut album, Build It, would sound like.
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Parachute 2014 Highlights
29 Jan 2014 // A review by amandashootsbands
Words by Amanda Ratcliffe - AKA amandashootsbands Straight from the mouth of Mr. Mark de Jong himself, I learned that this was the 24th Parachute Music Festival, and it is growing larger every year it’s held at the Mystery Creek venue in Hamilton.
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29 Jan 2014 // A review by amandashootsbands
Words by Amanda Ratcliffe - AKA amandashootsbands Straight from the mouth of Mr. Mark de Jong himself, I learned that this was the 24th Parachute Music Festival, and it is growing larger every year it’s held at the Mystery Creek venue in Hamilton.
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I Am Giant - @ Bar Bodega, Wellington 25/01/14
27 Jan 2014 // A review by tonymcdonald
Razor Wire, City Limits, Purple Heart, Let it Go, And We’ll Defy; were taking control of my inner brain and senses within the first 30 minutes at Bar Bodega. Most of these tracks are from the 2011 album The Horrifying Truth and to be honest even if they don’t release another studio album anytime soon I am more than happy to keep listening to these songs on repeat.
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Jay Killah - Common Ground Single Review
13 Jan 2014 // A review by Dilemma
New upcoming Hip Hop artist Joe Kilgour under the artist alias “Jay Killah” drawing inspiration from many of his favourite lyrical artists , he has created a fresh new sound for himself bringing something new to the New Zealand Hip Hop scene.Common Ground is the debut single from emerging artist Jay Killah.
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13 Jan 2014 // A review by Dilemma
New upcoming Hip Hop artist Joe Kilgour under the artist alias “Jay Killah” drawing inspiration from many of his favourite lyrical artists , he has created a fresh new sound for himself bringing something new to the New Zealand Hip Hop scene.Common Ground is the debut single from emerging artist Jay Killah.
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Eva Prowse - H & Eva Crazy Eyes EP Review
10 Jan 2014 // A review by Peter-James Dries
Ever wondered what happens when you slap together two Kiwi’s sojourning the British motherland? Henry Marks and Eva Prowse, the dynamic duo behind H & Eva, can show you.
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Sky Village - Landfall EP Review
09 Jan 2014 // A review by Alistar3000
Wellington alt-country group Sky Village’s debut EP at first seems quite straightforward but on repeated listens the many subtle nuances and depth contained within its six songs start to become more apparent, and to be honest if you don’t listen to this repeatedly you’re doing yourself, and the recording, a disservice. When you delve into this album with the attention it deserves you’ll uncover a musical richness, which stems from the combined experience of the four talented musicians involved in producing it; although guitarist and vocalist Michael Taylor can take credit for writing the songs on the EP he’s gathered a fine group of musicians to support the songs, with Deane Hunter on guitar, and Craig McDougall and Michael Allen on the rhythm section (drums and bass, respectively).
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Mice on Stilts - An Ocean Held Me EP Review
09 Jan 2014 // A review by Peter-James Dries
If you’re looking for something on the sandy shores of the mainstream, or a soundtrack to your Neo Silent French Film, then look no further than the debut album from Auckland’s Doom-Folk pioneering septet, Mice on Stilts. To some it may seem amazing that Mice on Stilt’s managed to keep An Ocean Held Me afloat.
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Blackleaf Gardens - @ Backbeat Bar, Auckland 13/12/13
07 Jan 2014 // A review by Epitomised_Drummer
As someone who had never really heard of Blackleaf Gardens before, I was really not sure what to expect when I got invited to their latest album release party. I decided not to do any research on them as an artist before heading along to the gig and to let their album release party give me the very first impression of the band.
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Blackleaf Gardens - Key To Infinity Album Review
27 Dec 2013 // A review by Asmith
This is the debut album from West Auckland four piece Blackleaf Gardens, and what a debut it is. All too often I find myself being asked to listen to music and I can't help but hear that one specific musical influence cutting through like a cold shower, this is not one of those albums.
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The Intenders - Wasted on the Masses Album Review
23 Dec 2013 // A review by tonymcdonald
The Wasted on the Masses album kicks off with a self titled song, which being under 3 minutes makes you instantly want to play it again. The happiness of the artists character (assumption by me), and charisma shines through with banjos and spanish sounding guitars over an upbeat Beatles sounding percussion section.
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Fly My Pretties - The Homeland Recordings Album Review
17 Dec 2013 // A review by Dilemma
Going into Summer there is nothing better than finding some new summery tunes to help pass time and make memories, I’m not sure that the newest Fly My Pretties album titled The Homeland Recordings fits into that 'summery' category. It does however, have a country roads and wide open spaces contemplative quality that will get you through the longest road trips, relaxed, heartfelt, and intimate, it reflects the spirit of many of the small kiwi towns FMP visited on their recent Homelands Tour.
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Jackal - Castle in the Air Album Review
17 Dec 2013 // A review by Peter-James Dries
Last September there was a promise that Jackal’s fourth album would be finished before the end of this year. True to their word, Jackal have just released Castle in the Air for free digital download or, as a bit of a novelty and a sign of the times, on Vinyl.
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Breaks Co-op - Sounds Familiar Album Review
15 Dec 2013 // A review by Alistar3000
I’ve had mixed feelings about Breaks Co-op since their second album The Sound Inside was released in 2006. I’d been a big fan of their 1997 debut Roofers and had expected them to continue with that downbeat trip hop sound that worked so well for them.
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Lorde - Pure Heroine Album Review
14 Dec 2013 // A review by RodrigoHidalgo
I was surprised to hear that the artist that has completely dominated the US Charts for the last 9 weeks is a 16 year old girl hailing from Auckland, with the stage name Lorde. Lorde is A singer/songwriter that seems to have become famous overnight with her debut single Royals that was originally released on her first EP The Love Club that was released late last year.
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Megan Sidwell - Forever On A Sunday EP Review
06 Dec 2013 // A review by mciver29
Megan Sidwell is yet another emerging artist that cut their teeth competing in the SmokeFree RockQuest and it seems to be doing NZ well, introducing us to a lot of the kiwi musicians we all enjoy today. Megan won the Female Musicianship award two running in the Tauranga 2007 and 2008 regional RockQuest heats and is now based in Auckland while she studies music at Auckland Uni.
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Tomorrow People - One.5 EP Review
06 Dec 2013 // A review by Asmith
Tomorrow People is one of my favourite kiwi reggae acts. There's something about them that's very genuine, something that (for me at least) really stands out from the sea of other reggae bands (and they're even better live!
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House Of Shem - Harmony Album Review
06 Dec 2013 // A review by Asmith
Upon acquiring the third release from kiwi reggae artists House Of Shem I was filled with anticipation, eager to see what they had in store for me this time, and I wasn't left disappointed! With three part harmonies remaining a heavy base within the music, the switch between vocalists/songwriters is felt throughout the album all while remaining distinctly House Of Shem.
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JCK - The Vampire Trilogy Singles Review
05 Dec 2013 // A review by Alistar3000
JCK (aka Auckland’s James Castady-Kristament) performs alternative hip hop, similar in vein to Wellington’s Tommy Ill, but with more of an electronic/dance feel to it. His latest work, following up from 2011’s The Bees, is The Vampire Trilogy, a set of three songs fittingly released simultaneously on Halloween.
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Fictional Response - Scarred Single Review
02 Dec 2013 // A review by Chris Chick
Wham bam thank you man, this song is a rasper. What do I mean by that?
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Five Mile Town - Other Ghosts EP Review
29 Nov 2013 // A 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.
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The Favoured Few - The Favoured Few EP Review
28 Nov 2013 // A review by tonymcdonald
I have listened to a lot of Kiwi music over the years, however being from the North of England (Sheffield, home of the Arctic Monkeys), I have a great appreciation of different styles. The Favoured Few are a cross between Arctic Monkeys and The Killers and this becomes very apparent on the opening track of this EP, See the Sun.
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The Black Seeds - Black Seeds @ James Cabaret, Wellington 15/11/13
27 Nov 2013 // A review by tonymcdonald
No fuss, no dramas, The Black Seeds walked on stage as though they owned it. There wasn’t the usual glamour or glitz that some of the big bands have, or feel that they need to have.
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April Fish - Blurred Album Review
26 Nov 2013 // A review by Peter-James Dries
The question on the lips of the sheep is not so much a who; we know the dynamic duo behind the masks of April Fish are Wellingtonians Katie Morton and John Costa. After listening to their debut Blurred what the sheep are trying to define is what.
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Beastwars - Beastwars @ Kings Arms, Auckland 22/11/13
24 Nov 2013 // A review by JesseBlackleaf
For me personally, the name Beastwars was not one that held a lot of influence in my life. Over the years my friends, band mates and colleagues had told tales to me of the epicness that Beastwars put into their shows and the power one of their live performances holds.
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David Dallas - Falling Into Place Album Review
17 Nov 2013 // A review by Dilemma
David Dallas' chilled flow, pop culture references, intellectual lyrics and smooth hooks kind of makes him the male version of Lorde. Or since this is his third album and she is only 17, Lorde could be the female version of David Dallas.
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Lucas O'Connell - Songs to Sleep On Album Review
10 Nov 2013 // A review by Miss_Jukebox
Music voyager Lucas O’Connell has released a beautiful debut album, Songs to Sleep On that encapsulates his skills to meaningfully personify all that is around him. The album was recorded primarily in Wellington’s Surgery Studios under the guidance of his main studio engineer Dr.
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Ekko Park - Tomorrow Tomorrow Today album review
08 Nov 2013 // A review by Peter-James Dries
Tomorrow… Tomorrow… Today. The title of Ekko Park’s newest release epitomises the procrastination process behind any project I have ever undertaken, be it a music review or walking to town to get a haircut.
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Heathen Eyes - Blood of Cain Single Release Gig Review @ Kings Arms Tavern, Auckland 01/11/13
02 Nov 2013 // A review by JesseBlackleaf
Rocking up to The Kings Arms Tavern is always a good feeling for me. A lot of the best times of my music career have been in that joint and it holds a lot of special memories.
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Static Era - Dare to Fail EP Review
01 Nov 2013 // A review by Peter-James Dries
I missed out on Static Era’s gig here in Palmerston North, and now that I’ve come across a copy of their sophomore EP, Dare to Fail, I feel like I missed more than just a night out on the town. Although town lacks the facilities to produce a flashy light show as impressive as the one in the band's Fire Away video, Static Era have a massive stage presence and danceable sound to get the crowd going.
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Dead Dreamers - No Closure for Open Ends Album Review
01 Nov 2013 // A review by River Tucker
If you like your metalcore intricately crafted with a hint of punk and a dash of death for good measure, Dead Dreamers latest release No Closure for Open Ends is a must-have for your music collection. Originally hailing from Hamilton and after touring extensively throughout New Zealand, the five piece have recently relocated to the UK to break into the international market, so you will have to wait for their return tour to catch them live.
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8 Foot Sativa - 8 Foot Sativa @ The Royal, Palmerston North 11/10/13
30 Oct 2013 // A review by Peter-James Dries
“I’m going to see 8 Foot Sativa, but my girlfriend won’t let me smoke drugs anymore so the name of the band is unfortunate…” The night was dark and stormy, but that wasn’t going to stop me getting to the most anticipated event this October. 8 Foot Sativa was back in Palmy.
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Static Era - Roy, Static Era, All Dead Superstars, Kavort @ The Royal 19/10/2013
28 Oct 2013 // A review by Asmith
The night was kicked off with a guy named Roy playing an acoustic set of covers from a wide range of styles, Smashing Pumpkins, David Bowie, Red Hot Chilli Peppers, Sublime and my favourite (and the crowds too, as I looked around I could see most of them singing along) - Tool. Next up we had Static Era - this was probably my highlight of the night.
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Sons Of Zion - Universal Love album review
28 Oct 2013 // A review by Asmith
Sons Of Zion have blown onto the scene rather quickly, the self confessed “young guys” of the reggae scene, their music a mixture of all their various influences including rock, blues, R&B, electronic, pop all heavily lathered with a strong base of reggae. Their latest album Universal Love is the kind of album you play to your girl, or the girl you want.
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Blacklistt - Blacklistt @ James Cabaret, Wellington - 10/10/13
27 Oct 2013 // A review by terry666
Blacklistt, as most will know were known previously as Blindspott. I have seen Blindspott heaps of times around the country and always loved their show.
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Koda - Feel Brand New Single Review
26 Oct 2013 // A review by Peter-James Dries
His name is Danny Fitter, but you can call him Koda. Though he may be relatively unknown right now, don’t let that put you off listening to his music.
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26 Oct 2013 // A review by Peter-James Dries
His name is Danny Fitter, but you can call him Koda. Though he may be relatively unknown right now, don’t let that put you off listening to his music.
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8 Foot Sativa - 8 Foot Sativa @ Stellar, Wanganui - 4/10/13
25 Oct 2013 // A review by terry666
I have been extremely lucky and seen 8 Foot Sativa lots of time in the last year in the build up to the release of the new album The Shadow Masters. I was very excited about heading over to Wanganui to see the guys play.
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Heathen Eyes - The Blood of Cain Single Review
23 Oct 2013 // A review by Peter-James Dries
In August ended the Heathen Eyes plea for funding to make a new album on Indiegogo. With incentives ranging from a “hug and a high five” to the “Daft Punk is playing at my house, my house” experience, 23 people reached into their wallets and the $2000 goal was reached, with $205 in spare change.
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Mountaineater - Live @ The San Francisco Bathhouse, Wellington - 11/10/13
17 Oct 2013 // A review by Alistar3000
Mountaineater always put on a good show, and when it’s their album release tour, you know it’s going to be bigger than ever; but not content with just a massive show, this time round they partnered with Wellington heavyweights The Nudge. Kicking off sometime after 10pm, the Nudge were a much different beast from last time I saw them, at their own album release show last year.
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Heavy Metal Ninjas - Interstellar Abduction Album Review
15 Oct 2013 // A review by Asmith
I don't even know where to begin with this. 2013 album of the year for me hands down.
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Stray Theories - Those Who Remain Album Review
15 Oct 2013 // A review by Peter-James Dries
If ever you needed a soundtrack to the world crumbling down around you, then look no further than Those Who Remain. No other album will make you feel more at peace as the world begins to burn than the latest from Stray Theories.
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Blacklistt - Blacklistt Album Review
14 Oct 2013 // A review by terry666
There are two Kiwi albums that I have been waiting for this year with baited breath. The first one was The Shadow Masters from 8 Foot Sativa and this one from Blacklistt.
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Lorde - Pure Heroine Album Review
13 Oct 2013 // A review by Dilemma
Let’s get a few things out of the way, yes Lorde is young, she is from NZ, yes you can compare her to Lana Del Rey or Florence Welsh but you shouldn’t, and yes pretty much everyone has heard her song Royals. Regardless of preference of genre and despite various musical tastes everyone loves Royals, it cuts across boundaries and genres creating a new hybrid of hip-pop mania with dark and brooding alt.
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Mountaineater - Mountaineater Album Review
10 Oct 2013 // A review by Alistar3000
Mountaineater are one of the few bands around that manage to somehow sound like their name. Slowly building up layers of sound, with rumbling bass and relentless rhythms, you can almost imagine a mountain crumbling away at the sheer intensity of this sonic assault.
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Hollywoodfun Downstairs - The Mancunian Swing Album Review
10 Oct 2013 // A review by Alistar3000
I’ve been following Hollywoodfun Downstairs since their first gig a little over 18 months ago in Wellington. Since then they’ve released a demo and an EP, both of which were fine examples of fast-paced psychedelic, spazz out, post-punk.
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Lisa Crawley - Lisa Crawley Live @ Paddington, Auckland 5/10/13
10 Oct 2013 // A review by JesseBlackleaf
Having just finished listening to Lisa Crawley’s brand new album All In My Head only several days before, my expectations for this show were at an all-time high. I was jittery, had butterflies and a sense of pride as I strolled to the venue with my plus one, spoke my name and was granted entry.
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Rose and The Wooden Hearts - Digging Holes Album Review
09 Oct 2013 // A review by Kerry MB
Simple and charming; just a few choice words to sum up the overall vibe, of indie folk rockers, Rose and the Wooden Hearts. A refreshing change from the more male dominated role in Indie; female vocalist, Rose Fischer, bringing a sweet melody that gives the rest of the Wooden Hearts a light, feminine feel.
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Royal Falcon - Heavy Night Album Review
08 Oct 2013 // A review by Peter-James Dries
Back in the early 70s, one band with a defining sound and a lot of patience, buried an album with explicit instructions that the sealed package was not to be opened before the later half of 2013. This is not the official story.
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Monte - Stay Single Review
02 Oct 2013 // A review by Peter-James Dries
Kiwis at heart, Aussies by nation, Sydney based Monte have just released a taster of their eagerly awaited forthcoming debut album in the form of single and video for Stay. Influenced by Thrice, instrumentally Stay has a similar post-hardcore sound and structure, though the vocals bring a more radio friendly alternative rock vibe, setting up Monte to appeal to both traditionalists and neophyte camps alike.
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Lisa Crawley - All In My Head Album Review
30 Sep 2013 // A review by JesseBlackleaf
It’s been a while since my last review and I have been looking forward to this album for quite some time, when suddenly I returned home from work one evening to see a package addressed to me that contained my Lisa Crawley CD. I am writing this review from first impressions so here we go!
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Tankapalooza Festival, Palmerston North - 28/09/13
29 Sep 2013 // A review by CEOMong
12 hours, 27 bands, 3 stages, Willow Park tavern. From the start I was intrigued – “how they gonna make that work?
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29 Sep 2013 // A review by CEOMong
12 hours, 27 bands, 3 stages, Willow Park tavern. From the start I was intrigued – “how they gonna make that work?
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Forsaken Age - Forsaken Age, Fallen Order, Red Dawn, Dick Tracy @ The Royal 06/09/2013
27 Sep 2013 // A review by Asmith
Dick Tracy blows onto the stage with their party rock anthems and I get my first look at the insane lighting rig being used for the night, which was quite a show (and a step up for the usual lighting rig thanks to their manager Tank) but may have been a tad bright for the room at times, making me wish I'd brought my shades along to the gig (although I did wonder if this was just my age and hundreds of gigs catching up with me haha). As the first band on there weren't that many people there but they had people up the front dancing as soon as they started playing, and they still played like the place was packed out.
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The Naked And Famous - In Rolling Waves Album Review
27 Sep 2013 // A review by Dilemma
"There’s nothing left in this place but a reason to leave", and "it’s a hell of a long way to fall just to learn to get up" are lyrics from one of the best song’s I’ve heard this year. The song is called The Mess and the band of course, The Naked and Famous.
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Fat Freddy's Drop - Gig Review: Fat Freddy's Drop @ Opera House, Wellington - 20/09/2013
21 Sep 2013 // A review by tonymcdonald
The bass is humming, the seats are vibrating, the crowds are anticipating something huge. Yes Fat Freddy's Drop are on the stage.
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Prowler - Enter The Night Album Review
19 Sep 2013 // A review by terry666
I don’t know a hell of a lot about punk rock music as I’m more of a metal head than anything else but one of the things that I do like about a good punk rock band is the energy that they have. Prowler are full of energy and the album kicks off with the title track Enter The Night that sets the pace up perfectly.
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Dead Beat Boys - Robotronic Single Review
16 Sep 2013 // A review by tonymcdonald
Pure rock n roll goodness, very reminiscent of The Kooks, The Strokes, The Vines etc...Robotronic is one catchy single by the Dead Beat Boys, filled with edgy guitar riffs and screams of ecstasy/pain from James Fitz.
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Kieran Cooper - Did You Miss Me? EP Review
15 Sep 2013 // A review by Peter-James Dries
Did You Miss Me? asks the title of Kieran Cooper’s newest solo EP, and the answer is a resounding yes.
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SansArcade - Re Entry EP Review
15 Sep 2013 // A review by Alistar3000
About a year ago I interviewed Auckland rockers SansArcade about their campaign to raise funds to record their debut EP. At the time they assured me that it would be out within months.
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The All Seeing Hand - Mechatronics Album Review
15 Sep 2013 // A review by Alistar3000
On paper, The All Seeing Hand seems like an unlikely mix; the combination of hip hop turntable wizard Alphabethead, punk drummer B Michael Knight, and trained Mongolian-throat singer Jonny Marks just seems like it would end in a sonic mess, but their second album Mechatronics shows that, in the hands of skilled musicians, the combination of sounds and influences works. Like New Zealand’s version of avant garde rockers Mr Bungle, The All Seeing Hand’s songs are often experiments in combining various elements in new ways, to create interesting, and often intense, bursts of song, frequently with undecipherable lyrical content.
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Ravenhall - Playing the Victim Single Review
12 Sep 2013 // A review by Peter-James Dries
For those lamenting Rock’s retreat from the mainstream, or the break-up of Miscreant, I suggest Playing the Victim, the newest single from former Miscreant vocalist Chris Brebner’s brainchild Shelter (not to be confused with Ray Cappo’s Hare Krishna Melodic hardcore/Pop punk band). Stylistically different from Miscreant, which was more live crowd-pleasing rock oriented, Playing the Victim is for the crowd that preferred Disturbed to Device and eagerly await the Blacklistt album release.
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Supervillains (RMC) - SVRMC EP Review
09 Sep 2013 // A review by Chris Chick
I love taking on new challenges, I put my head down and meet the oncoming collision without any thought for my well being. When I was given this assignment, I made a few trips to the world of the internet, to research this chaps, to assume the attack position.
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Thomas Oliver - Beneath The Weissenborn Album Review
09 Sep 2013 // A review by blues.bass
Thomas Oliver is one extremely seriously talented bloke.Thomas is perhaps slightly better known for the band that bears his name (The Thomas Oliver Band - who incidentally won the "iTunes Best Blues & Roots Album of 2011" award for their debut album Baby, I'll Play), but he is also an incredible player of the Weissenborn lap-slide guitar.
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8 Foot Sativa - The Shadow Masters Album Review
04 Sep 2013 // A review by terry666
8 Foot Sativa came onto the NZ metal scene just over 10 years ago and gave it an injection which spread like wildfire and inspired thousands of young metal heads to pick up instruments and bang their heads. Kiwi metal heads had their Kings and knew that 8 Foot were the ones to make Kiwi metal an international brand.
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The Glocks - 2013 Singles Reviews
30 Aug 2013 // A review by Peter-James Dries
In October last year, though it doesn’t feel that long ago, I had the pleasure of reviewing Magpie Genocide, the debut from Auckland rock outfit The Glocks. Almost a year and a line-up change later, the Glocks are back with more rock, more swagger and a more refined sound.
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Daniel Bedingfield - Stop the Traffik - Secret Fear (special edition) EP Review
26 Aug 2013 // A review by mciver29
Here we have the third release by UK bred, Kiwi born singer/song writer Daniel Bedingfield titled Stop the Traffik - Secret Fear. We've seen him as a judge on NZ X-Factor and we've heard him crying in the rain on his #1 2001 single If You're Not The One.
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Ladi6 - Automatic Album Review
25 Aug 2013 // A review by Dilemma
Ladi6's new album from the outset is strikingly magnetic, titled Automatic, the moment the intro begins with deep, slowly shifting beats which are flawlessly continued through out the entire album. The sound possesses both a raw and yet smooth quality.
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Shepherds Of Cassini - Shepherds of Cassini Album Review
21 Aug 2013 // A review by Alistar3000
I first came across the Shepherds of Cassini earlier this year when I heard a demo of their track Eyelid on Soundcloud. It was an interesting track, epic in length and full of prog-rock goodness.
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Kingston - Black & Bloom Album Review
21 Aug 2013 // A review by Peter-James Dries
A line from Kingston’s Wikipedia entry reads “Kingston's debut album (title unknown) is set to be released in New Zealand in 2011.” After pulling a Chinese Democracy their album Black & Bloom has finally been released into the world.
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The Sparrow Thieves - The Sparrow Thieves EP Review
21 Aug 2013 // A review by Peter-James Dries
Mate! What was that!?
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Swamp Thing - Swamp Thing Live @ Churchill Tavern, Christchurch 18/08/13
19 Aug 2013 // A review by Chris Chick
50 people certainly became fans of Swamp Thing, if they had not already been fans. The biggest travesty of this memorable evening is the fact that these two master musicians are not playing to larger crowds, and in my mind taking somewhere like the USA by storm with their blues, rockabilly, bluegrass, and rock vibe.
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Head Like A Hole - Head Like A Hole Monsta-X Tour @ The Royal, Palmerston North 17/08/13
18 Aug 2013 // A review by CEOMong
As first experiences go, this was pretty epic. I’d never seen HLAH before live, and honestly had no idea what to expect.
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Bulletproof - #Listen Album Review
15 Aug 2013 // A review by tonymcdonald
After only one week of listening to this album, I will DEFINITELY be keeping it on my iPod. A perfect blend of light drum and bass and pop is a hit with me.
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Datewiththeknife - I Read A Book About A Mountain Album Review
14 Aug 2013 // A review by JesseBlackleaf
Full, original, heartfelt and emotional are all words that could be used to describe the debut album from Palmerston North based band Datewiththeknife. Having not listened to much Indie Rock myself, I've come into this with an open mind and unbiased opinion.
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2 a.m. Orchestra - Working to Divide Album Review
13 Aug 2013 // A review by Peter-James Dries
It was only November last year that I had the chance to review the band’s trippy hand drawn music video Heads & Tails, but the anticipation building around their forthcoming release Working to Divide has extended that nine months by half. Back in April I looked over Live at Lopdell House Theatre, {2 a.
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The Phoenix Foundation - The Phoenix Foundation live at James Caberet, Wellington, 27/07/13
10 Aug 2013 // A review by tonymcdonald
I first watched The Phoenix Foundation live back in 2009 supporting Jarvis Cocker at the Town Hall, they were GREAT! Now they’re back again, ending the tour in their home town of Wellington.
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Swamp Thing - Primordium Album Review
07 Aug 2013 // A review by Chris Chick
If you have never heard of this band, its hard to imagine that it’s a twosome with the full sound they seem to generate. The first thing that struck me was the presence of the singer’s voice.
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Janine and the Mixtape - Dark Mind EP Review
06 Aug 2013 // A review by JesseBlackleaf
The Dark Mind EP by Janine and the Mixtape offers much in the way of contemporary RnB. In an industry such as the RnB scene where it can be quite difficult to produce something fresh, new and exciting, Janine and the Mixtape have succeeded at this very feat.
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Oslo Brown - Through The Storm Single Review
05 Aug 2013 // A review by JesseBlackleaf
Through the Storm is the upcoming single by folk/pop group Oslo Brown from their debut EP 120. On the whole I was impressed by this track that they seemingly produced out of nowhere.
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8 Foot Sativa - The Shadow Masters Single Review
05 Aug 2013 // A review by mciver29
I admit I had been slack picking up the new 8 Foot Sativa tracks, I had seen all the online posts but was skeptical that maybe they had seen their best days after all the line up changes over the years, The Shadow Masters put those worries to rest quickly. With original frontman Jackhammer and Brent Fox (bass and formerly of Sinate) back in the band and with the addition of a new lead guitarist (Nik Davies) 8 Foot is back at what they do best ~ in your face, aggressive metal with plenty to prove.
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Fat Freddy's Drop - Blackbird Album Review
31 Jul 2013 // A review by Dilemma
After 14 years and only 3 albums, it is safe to say that Fat Freddy’s Drop are very focused and direct with what they do. Blackbird is the newest release from the boys of FFD and, while it has taken so long to get here, it was worth the wait.
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The Symphony of Screams - Radio Candy Album Review
31 Jul 2013 // A review by tonymcdonald
Ok, I'm officially scared in this turmoil of hatred. Only joking, or am I?
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Sound the Ocean - Hold On Single Review
29 Jul 2013 // A review by Dilemma
Seven band members usually that would equate to a big brass/heavy beats boys club, but not this time, not with newcomers Sound the Ocean, they have a girl in their band! I feel this is what balances out the big sound, lots of instruments and puts a different spin on it.
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Unknown Mortal Orchestra - Live at Bar Bodega, 20/07/13
29 Jul 2013 // A review by Alistar3000
It’s been pretty hard to ignore all the hype about Unknown Mortal Orchestra (or UMO as all the cool kids are calling them). If you’d managed to ignore music media, failed to read any music blogs, took no interest in SXSW this year, then you might have just pulled it off.
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Ladi6 - Ladi6 Live at The Powerstation, Auckland, 13/07/13
27 Jul 2013 // A review by Dilemma
There is one thing that I look forward to every summer and that is the NZ Music summer tours, and this year I had to wait until July for Ladi6 who is definitely a favourite of mine when she graces us with her definitive presence. She paired with @Peace at Auckland's Powerstation, in an interesting NZ collaboration of low freq beats and impressive rhyming skills.
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Nachur - Cicada Sessions EP Review
26 Jul 2013 // A review by Peter-James Dries
Nachur is not the reversal of the oxymoronic kiwi response to another round “Yeah Nah”. Nachur (pronounced “Nature” not “Nah, Chur”) is the chosen collective name of Isaac Chambers and Prosad.
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Shitripper - Brain Defect Album Review
26 Jul 2013 // A review by River Tucker
There's something very traditionally punk about Shitripper’s latest release Brain Defect. The Auckland based six-piece band isn’t your average three-chord punk outfit though, with a hardcore edge and snappy raucous songs sure to keep you on your toes.
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Splashh - Comfort Album Review
23 Jul 2013 // A review by Peter-James Dries
It’s cold. It’s wet.
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Needless Cane - The Sun Did Not Shine EP Review
23 Jul 2013 // A 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.
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Ghetto Sunrise - One Drop Love EP Review
22 Jul 2013 // A review by Chris Chick
Yes, yes and yes is my new formula for a thing of beauty. This short 6 song EP is a thing of beauty that brought my senses to an almost orgasmic state.
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El Schlong - Live at San Francisco Bathhouse, 13/07/13
22 Jul 2013 // A review by Alistar3000
Wellington seems to be having a good run of metal gigs at the moment; it seems like there are a couple of decent gigs to get to every week, usually with a few bands (at least) on the bill, making them real value for music fans. Mid-July saw one such gig at the San Francisco Bathhouse, when art metallers El Schlong returned from Berlin for a quick tour of New Zealand.
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Shapeshifter - Delta Album Review
22 Jul 2013 // A review by Alistar3000
Shapeshifter have gained a reputation for energetic, upbeat and unique drum and bass since their first release in 1999. Each album saw them achieve greater acclaim and win a wider audience, culminating in 2009’s awesome The System Is A Vampire.
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Sun Bear - High Seas EP Review
17 Jul 2013 // A review by Peter-James Dries
Auckland Post-Rock purveyors Sun Bear (not to be confused with Helarctos malayanus) describe their music as “post-gender anti-modernist anarchic values combined with conservative scriptwriters”. The more green explorer of the Post-Rock genre would perhaps describe Sun Bear’s first offering High Seas a little differently.
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17 Jul 2013 // A review by Peter-James Dries
Auckland Post-Rock purveyors Sun Bear (not to be confused with Helarctos malayanus) describe their music as “post-gender anti-modernist anarchic values combined with conservative scriptwriters”. The more green explorer of the Post-Rock genre would perhaps describe Sun Bear’s first offering High Seas a little differently.
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Concord Dawn - Numbers Will Kill Us All EP Review
16 Jul 2013 // A review by Alistar3000
Concord Dawn seem to have been churning out albums on a pretty regular basis over the past few years, each seemingly heading more towards the mainstream than the last. That wasn’t really anything to complain about, as the quality of the music was still at a high level and it seemed like a natural progression.
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Hera - Live at York St Album Review
13 Jul 2013 // A review by tonymcdonald
Let me start by saying this is not my type of music, however I do appreciate all types of music, and everyone has different tastes.The CD packaging was well detailed and came with a lovely story of Jed & Hera and how they got together.
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Decortica - Decortica And New Way Home @ The Royal - 25/05/13
10 Jul 2013 // A review by terry666
This show had two local acts and two headliners locals Beneath the Heavens and Cephalopod supporting Decortica and New Way Home. For once I turned up fairly close to doors opening because I wanted to catch Beneath the Heavens and I was glad I did as they delivered a great set to watch.
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Lucie Hill - Little Lapin EP Review
09 Jul 2013 // A review by Miss_Jukebox
One look into her bright eyes, Little Lapin will have you mesmerised. Auckland-based Lucy Cioffi in her musical alter-ego Little Lapin has finally released her self-titled debut EP.
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Secret Of Origin - Beyond the Grave Single Review
03 Jul 2013 // A review by Peter-James Dries
In case you hadn’t noticed, the 80’s are back... with a vengeance.
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03 Jul 2013 // A review by Peter-James Dries
In case you hadn’t noticed, the 80’s are back... with a vengeance.
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Suppression - Chained And Dragged EP Review
01 Jul 2013 // A review by Asmith
So much groove in one place, how can you not at the very least get your head nodding to this? My personal thoughts on the groove>metal formula are very similar to my bacon>belly formula- I always want more even if there's no room left to put it, and Suppression have filled me up quite nicely.
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The Adventures Of Mikejoffa - Miss Fortunes Album Review
01 Jul 2013 // A review by Asmith
I'm a 90's kid and I gotta say I'm really feeling it, a strong 90's alt vibe, Seattle and beyond with some kiwi flavor, It's taking me on a magic carpet ride reminiscing back to a place where Dubstep does not exist and Nicky Minaj is not somehow making money in the music industry. I know at some point I will have to come back to reality where these things exist but for now I'm enjoying it while I got it.
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Jesse Sheehan - How The Light Gets In EP
29 Jun 2013 // A review by Kerry MB
Still relativity new in Wellington’s music scene, Jesse Sheehan is fast shedding some light as to why he’s about to become the next big thing in the Capital’s indie scene. This young talent is creating a stir in the indie folk world, just having released his second EP; How The Light Gets In.
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The Drab Doo Riffs - Aquatic Ape Theory EP Review
28 Jun 2013 // A review by Chris Chick
Overall this concept EP left me feeling very flat and not at all inspired, but there were some highlights that perked up that interest. If you’re a fan of the movie Pulp Fiction there is a similar sound radiating from The Drab Doo Riffs.
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Hollywoodfun Downstairs - So Post Modern EP Review
26 Jun 2013 // A review by SamuelJames
Wellington dance-punk trio Hollywoodfun Downstairs have been relentless in their rise to the top of the capital’s rock scene. The boisterous concoction of trampling beats, spooky guitar licks and thunderous bass has been a huge hit across the North Island, attracting both a growing number of fans and noise control complaints.
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Jan Hellriegel - Lost Songs Album Review
16 Jun 2013 // A review by tonymcdonald
Well Jan has definitely uncovered some gems in this Lost Songs album. It is certainly a female classic rock collection and as Jan explains in the CD sleeve the songs were left behind because she didn't want to be pigeon holed into this female rock genre.
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Eden Mulholland - Feed the Beast Album Review
13 Jun 2013 // A review by Peter-James Dries
As soon as I heard about Feed the Beast, debut solo foray of Motocade’s mouth, Eden Mulholland, I was eager to get my hands on it. There comes a time in every young slave to the wage’s life where you’re forced to listen to music you really wouldn’t if you had a choice.
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Three Houses Down - Moon And Back EP review
13 Jun 2013 // A review by Asmith
If you were to listen to Three Houses Down for the very first time it would be easy to hear influences varying from Peter Tosh, UB40, Herbs as well as contemporary modern reggae and an island twist thrown in for good measure. If this doesn’t sound like you then move on, if it does sound like something you would be into then you are definitely in for a treat!
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Sleeping Dogs - Death of a Muse Album Review
12 Jun 2013 // A review by Peter-James Dries
By Jove, they’ve done it again. Three years ago it was my pleasure to cast my discerning ear upon Myth Reducer, the debut from Christchurch based Sleeping Dogs, and it blew my mind.
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Solstate - Solstate Album Review
09 Jun 2013 // A review by Alistar3000
It’s always interesting listening to an album where one person has written and recorded the entire thing. There’s that element of risk involved, with no band mates to bounce ideas off, while at the same time allowing the performer to single-mindedly follow their vision for the album.
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P-Money - Gratitude Album Review
04 Jun 2013 // A review by Peter-James Dries
He’s arguably this country’s biggest DJ and producer. Metallers, Rappers, Popsters and pretty much anyone that’s listened to mainstream music in the past ten years know his stage name.
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The Diamond Dead - Plus None EP Review
03 Jun 2013 // A 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.
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Awa - Heartbeat Album Review
31 May 2013 // A review by Dilemma
Awa has just released his second EP Heartbeat which is perfectly titled encompassing all that Awa found himself feeling as he was working on it. In his own words it was "the happiest and most inspired I'd been in a long time," and as such he chose to pay tribute to this with seven naturalistic new songs written around the themes of, as he puts it, "Love, Aotearoa and enjoying life.
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31 May 2013 // A review by Dilemma
Awa has just released his second EP Heartbeat which is perfectly titled encompassing all that Awa found himself feeling as he was working on it. In his own words it was "the happiest and most inspired I'd been in a long time," and as such he chose to pay tribute to this with seven naturalistic new songs written around the themes of, as he puts it, "Love, Aotearoa and enjoying life.
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Superturtle - Beat Manifesto LP Review
27 May 2013 // A review by tonymcdonald
All I can say is "Wow!".
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Matt Langley - Virginia Avenue Album Review
26 May 2013 // A review by Peter-James Dries
Revisiting Virginia Avenue, the new album from Kiwi Singer-Songwriter Matt Langley, is the perfect activity on a cold autumn afternoon in this nowhere town I call home. This Kiwi Country Rock suits my mood as I try to surgically disassemble my amp with a rusty screwdriver, as it would suit the ambience of a backwater pub in the South Island, or a road trip across the central plateau.
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Soljah - Aotearoa Album Review
25 May 2013 // A review by Dilemma
Kaipara and Auckland based five-piece band Soljah have just released their debut album Aotearoa. Soljah is Ben Ratima, Les Watane, Tawhiri Littlejohn, Raniera Littlejohn and Jacob Nansen.
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Sarah Conlan - Sarah Conlan Singles Review
25 May 2013 // A review by Miss_Jukebox
Sarah Conlan, a young country singer/songwriter is part of a country music resurgence happening before our eyes. I always thought of country music as a self-contained genre.
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Beastwars - Beastwars @ The Royal 18/05/2013
25 May 2013 // A review by Asmith
Turbostill were the first to grace the stage with their dirty grungy swamp rock n roll, with gravelly vocals laid over top. Simple catchy hooks and a steady rhythm section got the crowd off to a good start, and there was a surprising amount of people already there.
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PCP Eagles - I Hate The Mall EP Review
24 May 2013 // A review by Miss_Jukebox
Calling all PURE punk rockers, the REAL DEAL has arrived. Finally a genuine punk band stomps onto the scene ready to rumble against, well, probably anything that gets in their way.
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Amos/Anon - Thanatos Album Review
24 May 2013 // A review by Miss_Jukebox
The initial guitar strings are like wind chimes hanging on the front porch. When the bass guitar steps in the big brass door opens and you enter into the world of Thanatos, the latest album from the shadow king, Amos/Anon.
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The Bats - By Night EP Review
23 May 2013 // A review by tonymcdonald
Already owning two of The Bats albums Fear of God and At The National Grid I was excited to be able to review their latest EP By Night. The Bats fans will remember this as being their first EP released on vinyl in 1984, so it's not exactly a "new" release.
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Newtown Rocksteady - Goin' Steady Album Review
21 May 2013 // A review by Kerry MB
Rewind a month or two back and you’ll feel like its summer all over again, with the new offering from Wellington favourite, Newtown Rocksteady and their second EP release Goin’ Steady. Putting forth some sweet soulful mixes, you can hear the smooth blend that makes these Newtown locals a big name for some of NZ’s finest reggae roots and grooves.
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Bulletbelt - Down In The Cold Of The Grave Album Review
19 May 2013 // A review by terry666
Bulletbelt hails from Wellington and these guys have been touring and establishing themselves in the scene for a few years now having released two EPs and a live album already. They play in a lot of the local shows and have a national tour already under their belt and are about to head out on another excursion in support of their debut album release.
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Temples on Mars - Kingdom of Fear Album Review
17 May 2013 // A review by Peter-James Dries
Hiatus was my introduction to Agent. I first heard it in the background of one of those skate, surf and snow extreme sports shows that were on television before the advent of Emo and fast internet.
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Tiny Ruins - Haunts EP Review
16 May 2013 // A review by tonymcdonald
Holes In My Pockets is the first song from the Tiny Ruins EP and sets the tone extremely well. I must stress that you really need to be in the correct mood for this song and thankfully, I was.
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Penknife Glides - Pleasure Thru Tears Album Review
14 May 2013 // A review by Peter-James Dries
Straight out of 80’s and onto your stereo, Penknife Glides are back and bring you their newest release. Pleasure Thru Tears is a collection of songs written by the band between ’81 and ’85 as punk pulled itself to pieces and began its twenty year hibernation.
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The Phoenix Foundation - Fandango Album Review
12 May 2013 // A review by Chris Chick
No relation to the pro wrestler, The Phoenix Foundation bring us their newest collaboration of music Fandango. The first track Black Mould sets up the whole album, a hypnotic, lazy boy afternoon in the sun experience, preferably with a view of glistening snowy mountain tops, which fortunately is never to far away when you are in the South Island.
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Fire At Will - The Way Out Album Review
12 May 2013 // A review by Peter-James Dries
Rising from the ashes of Auckland’s My Asylum and South Africa’s The Narrow, multinational Hard Rock act Fire at Will are taking New Zealand and South Africa by storm. Citing Lost Prophets and Breaking Benjamin as influences, their sound is a tight, hard hitting mix of the best parts of these two iconic bands.
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Hurricane Kids - Live It Up EP Review
11 May 2013 // A review by JohnS
School holidays for my family almost always involve a decent amount of time traveling via the car and I always use this time to introduce my boys to new music to expand their every growing playlists on their MP3 players. The latest EP from the Hurricane Kids looks as if it may be another enjoyable addition.
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The Hamma - Panzer Tank Album Review
11 May 2013 // A review by terry666
The Hamma play an old school energy driven raw rock n roll with a heavy metal edge. They formed around 1984 and their sound is very reminiscent of that era.
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TREi - Satellites LP Review
30 Apr 2013 // A review by Dilemma
I’ll be honest I didn’t even know NZ had Drum n Bass DJ’s let alone a whole industry and a producer who was on to his second album, but that’s why I love NZ, because of our diversity of amazing music. I’m going to put it out there pretty quick that I’m not usually a fan of the dirty drum n bass thing, but I was given the Album Satellites to take a listen to and I was highly impressed.
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Alizarin Lizard - Do You Just Want Me To Watch You? Album Review
29 Apr 2013 // A review by Chris Chick
The beautiful aspect of music is its charming way of bringing out nostalgic value to the listener. From the first chord, to the Damon Albarn strain radiating across the sound waves, the Lizards hit the right chord.
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Cosmic Road Trip Vol.3 Album Review
29 Apr 2013 // A review by Miss_Jukebox
The mission statement was simple; a collection of the best local tracks to celebrate a beautiful summer of 2013. Cosmic have searched far and wide to collate the best songs to set the mood for Volume 3 of their Road Trip series.
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29 Apr 2013 // A review by Miss_Jukebox
The mission statement was simple; a collection of the best local tracks to celebrate a beautiful summer of 2013. Cosmic have searched far and wide to collate the best songs to set the mood for Volume 3 of their Road Trip series.
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8 Foot Sativa - 10 Years of Sativa Album Review
23 Apr 2013 // A review by terry666
8 Foot Sativa. What can I say, has it only been 10 years?
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The Upbeats - Primitive Technique Album Review
21 Apr 2013 // A review by Alistar3000
Wellington drum and bass duo The Upbeats have forged a reputation over the past 9 years for their hard hitting, dance inducing tracks and they’ve kept to that winning formula on their latest release, Primitive Technique. It’s packed full of 14 huge tracks, ranging from the jaunty One Step, to the almost menacing opening track Beyond Reality, with a few mellower tracks thrown in for good measure.
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Tahuna Breaks - Live @ San Francisco Bathhouse, Wellington - 13/04/2013
14 Apr 2013 // A review by Alistar3000
I’ve been listening to the new Tahuna Breaks album, Shadow Light, a bit lately and got to go see the release show for it at Wellington’s San Francisco Bathhouse on Saturday. I’d enjoyed the album, which is quite energetic, upbeat and fun, so I was expecting a pretty good show from the Auckland 7-piece.
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Tattletale Saints - How Red is the Blood Album Review
11 Apr 2013 // A review by tonymcdonald
The first thing that struck me about the album How Red Is The Blood was the attention to detail on the CD packaging and artwork, very professional and a pleasure to receive. Tattletale Saints have an array of traditional instruments such as Double Bass, Mandolin and Harmonica to name a few and are very old school in performance style.
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Spikenard - MTX MT TUM FULHART EP Review
11 Apr 2013 // A review by tonymcdonald
Spikenard is an Indie band which really lifts my spirits. i.
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11 Apr 2013 // A review by tonymcdonald
Spikenard is an Indie band which really lifts my spirits. i.
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PlasticGroove - Pointless Single Review
10 Apr 2013 // A review by Peter-James Dries
The semi-anonymous masked men in black are back with a new track, though in many ways PlasticGroove never left the scene. Junky Monkey is still doing the rounds, currently sitting at number 40 on the Audience.
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Rules Of Addiction - World Made Of Lies Album Review
10 Apr 2013 // A review by terry666
Rules of Addiction come from Wellington and Queenstown. They have been recording and touring since 2011.
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8 Foot Sativa - 8 Foot Sativa @ The Royal 23/03/2013
08 Apr 2013 // A review by Asmith
Opening up the night was the palmy lads Deaths Door - hard and fast with lots of breakdowns for the moshers, simple catchy vocal rhythms and the song writing riffery contained a lot of tempo changes which helped to build up to all the breakdowns and signature riffs. As more and more people packed in to see 8 Foot Sativa the mosh pit got bigger and bigger with everyone amping to see the headliners all you could hear between songs and bands was people chanting and screaming for 8 Foot Sativa!
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Tahuna Breaks - Shadow Light Album Review
07 Apr 2013 // A review by Alistar3000
Tahuna Breaks were one of those bands that I’d heard mentioned a lot but never got around to listening to, until I got sent a copy of their third album Shadow Light. After listening to it I don’t know why these guys aren’t better known here, or why I hadn’t listened to them earlier.
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Beastwars - Blood Becomes Fire Album Review
07 Apr 2013 // A review by Alistar3000
Beastwars’ debut album in 2011 was an impressive display of sludge that garnered them a lot of attention, so I was a little apprehensive when I found out that I would be reviewing the follow up, Blood Becomes Fire. Would it be as good?
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2 a.m. Orchestra - Live at Lopdell House Theatre Album Review
07 Apr 2013 // A review by Peter-James Dries
It was a while ago that I got the opportunity to look at {2 a.m.
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The Bads - Travel Light Album Review
02 Apr 2013 // A review by Peter-James Dries
Once the Julie Dolphin, then Boom Boom Mancini, dynamic duo Brett Adams and Dianne Swann are back as The Bads and with a brand new album Travel Light. If neither of the previous band names sound very familiar, perhaps I should throw in that Adams and his guitarist skills have been heard alongside Gin Wigmore and Neil Finn, and Swann has recorded duets with Radiohead’s Thom Yorke and OpShop, and was formally a member of kiwi supergroup When the Cat’s Away.
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Urbantramper - Tomorrow We Leave Here EP Review
24 Mar 2013 // A review by Alistar3000
Wellington’s Urbantramper really impressed me with last year’s album Internet Freedom Is Love. I really liked their blend of indie folk and downbeat electronica – it had a dark streak through it that I found interesting, yet they maintained a pop feel to their songs.
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Nathan Haines - Vermillion Skies Album Review
24 Mar 2013 // A review by Miss_Jukebox
On a road of passionate red, the gorgeous and the ever-elegant saxophone dazzles and electrifies the room with a musical charge. This is the weapon of love for Nathan Haines.
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Badd Energy - Underwater Pyramids Album Review
17 Mar 2013 // A review by Alistar3000
When I tried listening to the new Badd Energy album the first time I had to stop it and walk away. There was something about it that just put me off and I couldn’t listen to it.
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Homegrown 2013 Review
11 Mar 2013 // A review by Alistar3000
The 2nd of March brought the annual Homegrown festival to Wellington once more and I headed along to get some photos, check out some bands I hadn’t seen live before and soak up the atmosphere of 17,000 happy music fans enjoying the best of our local talent. Last year I seemed to spend most of my time at the Rock Stage, so this year I thought I’d try and check out the stages where I wouldn’t normally hang out.
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11 Mar 2013 // A review by Alistar3000
The 2nd of March brought the annual Homegrown festival to Wellington once more and I headed along to get some photos, check out some bands I hadn’t seen live before and soak up the atmosphere of 17,000 happy music fans enjoying the best of our local talent. Last year I seemed to spend most of my time at the Rock Stage, so this year I thought I’d try and check out the stages where I wouldn’t normally hang out.
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Maree Sheehan - Chasing The Light Album Review
04 Mar 2013 // A review by Dilemma
In the 1990's Maree Sheehan helped pave the way for women in the New Zealand music industry by bringing homegrown dance-pop to the foreground. Sheehan had a unique style, which blended dance-pop with traditional Maori instrumentals, hip-hop and RnB which broke new musical ground.
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Theseonyas – Extended Pleasures EP Review
03 Mar 2013 // A review by tonymcdonald
Theseonyas are a guitar focused indie rock band which appealed me to straight away and are certainly NOT your run of the mill band. The CD I reviewed was a 7 song EP called Extended Pleasures, which was a nice play on acronyms.
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03 Mar 2013 // A review by tonymcdonald
Theseonyas are a guitar focused indie rock band which appealed me to straight away and are certainly NOT your run of the mill band. The CD I reviewed was a 7 song EP called Extended Pleasures, which was a nice play on acronyms.
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At Peace - Girl Songs EP Review
02 Mar 2013 // A review by Miss_Jukebox
Love in all its varieties; we all have had our unique experiences of love. From the Young Gifted & Broke movement the hip-hop group @Peace, consisting of Home Brew’s Tom Scott and Lui Tuiasau, have released an EP all about the ‘L’ word.
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Phil Stoodley - No Surprise Album Review
25 Feb 2013 // A review by Chris Chick
Phil Stoodley brings his debut album No Surprise via a humble free download from his website http://www.philstoodley.
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Six60 - Six 60 @ The Station Village Complex, Lower Hutt 29/12/12
24 Feb 2013 // A review by tonymcdonald
I turned up to this gig not knowing what to expect. Sure I’d heard the radio hits and a couple of tracks from the album, but what would they be like live?
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Ty - Motivation Album Review
23 Feb 2013 // A review by Dilemma
It's been six long years since Tyree's debut album Now Or Never (2007) and his much anticipated sophomore opus Motivation calls on all of that experience and maturity into a project that encapsulates Tyree and his current struggles to maintain a positive outlook on life and career. "It's got a lot of songs that will motivate you.
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Osmium - Osmium @ The Royal, Palmerston North 07/02/13
22 Feb 2013 // A review by terry666
Robin a two piece self described post rock band opened up the evening with an inspiring set. An instrumental band predominantly it was swirling guitar sounds with almost tribal rhythms.
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Max Merritt & The Meteors - Been Away Too Long Album Review
21 Feb 2013 // A review by Peter-James Dries
"Get a haircut...” A line oft repeated by my father in my earlier days, and even more so now.
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Death In Texas - Fear of the Hundred Single Review
21 Feb 2013 // A review by Peter-James Dries
Death in Texas are another great band that has escaped the chain-like clutches of the New Zealand native music scenes, and for good reason. Their sound is at the dark end of pop, a vine the local bigwigs fear to pluck fruit from, and in whose shade the sheeple fear to tread.
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Killing Bear - Killing Bear and About The Deadlines @ Mighty Mighty, Wellington, 15/02/13
20 Feb 2013 // A review by Alistar3000
Wellington was treated to not one, but two, album releases last Friday at Mighty Mighty. Kapiti duo Killing Bear and Wellington four-piece About The Deadlines both had new recordings to celebrate and where better to do it than at Mighty Mighty.
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Hollywoodfun Downstairs - So Post Modern EP review
17 Feb 2013 // A review by Alistar3000
Hollywoodfun Downstairs are one of Wellington’s hardest working bands. They seem to play live more than most bands in town, and if they’re not gigging then they’re rehearsing four or five times a week to tighten their songs up.
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Killing Bear - The Vine of Souls Album Review
16 Feb 2013 // A review by Alistar3000
Having seen Wellington two-piece Killing Bear perform a few months ago I was looking forward to checking out their newly released second album. Live they came across as dark bluesy rock, at times almost touching on folk, but with this driving drumming that propelled the music along.
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Transistors - Dirty Diver Single Review
14 Feb 2013 // A review by Chris Chick
This song brought about an array of mixed feelings with regards to its total output. The best way to describe this journey is in the shape of a roller coaster that begins with a lengthy climb only for the initial drop and adrenaline rush to be cut short so prematurely.
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Benny Tones - Chrysalis: The Remixes Album Review
13 Feb 2013 // A review by Alistar3000
Benny Tones, star producer and member of Wellington's Electric Wire Hustle, released a pretty solid album of electronica with 2011’s Chrysalis. This year he's looked to follow that success up by releasing an album of remixes.
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Nina McSweeney - The Bitter Sea Album Review
07 Feb 2013 // A review by Alistar3000
The first thing that strikes you when you hear opening track Lost In Translation on Nina McSweeney’s debut solo album is the remarkable similarity to Portishead. It’s not just the downbeat backing track, it’s that Nina’s voice sounds eerily like Portishead’s Beth Gibbons.
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Ekko Park - Becoming The Enemy Single Review
03 Feb 2013 // A review by Chris Chick
If I was able to achieve metamorphosis I would love to transform into a rock chick, stand in the front row of the next Ekko Park show, and portray my love to them in the only way possible, the way Tom Jones was so used to for all those years at the top. Unfortunately for those guys and you male readers I am not a rock chick (I do wish I could wear some of their fashion garments) but a chap who loves his music and is constantly impressed by the level of brilliant music that the New Zealand industry is bringing out.
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Amos/Anon - Songs of a Tortured Soul EP Review
02 Feb 2013 // A review by Miss_Jukebox
Songs of a Tortured Soul is a demonstration of courage in progress. The latest EP from gothic artists [Amos/Anon] is to date their most heartfelt release.
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Pariah - Mass Album Review
31 Jan 2013 // A review by Asmith
It’s been a long time coming for the 2nd full length Pariah album but I’ll be honest, it was fully worth the wait! Starting off with a melodic instrumental piece that warms you up, gets you comfortable, makes you feel safe… Then the brutal onslaught begins with the second track Unholy Disorder filled with mosh heavy riffs, it kinda takes you over and no matter where you are you feel overwhelmed by the pit inside your head (try listening to this album on headphones in public without looking like you’re having a seizure, I dare you).
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Parachute 2013 Review!!!
30 Jan 2013 // A review by amandashootsbands
Today’s review is brought to you by the letter F, and the number 7. The F word...
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30 Jan 2013 // A review by amandashootsbands
Today’s review is brought to you by the letter F, and the number 7. The F word...
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PlasticGroove - Some Groovy PlasticGroove Singles
29 Jan 2013 // A review by Peter-James Dries
PlasticGroove is that band with the black and white cartoon cut out masks and the suits. When asked about the masks, one of the semi-anonymous members explained the masks were to bring the focus back to the music, not the celebrity behind the performers.
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Osmium - The Misery Harvest Album Review
29 Jan 2013 // A review by River Tucker
There’s no escaping Osmium’s awesome metal prowess throughout their second full-length album The Misery Harvest. Stylistically similar to Alice and Chains, what sets the Invercargill based three-piece apart is a harder edge of heavy riffs with a bit more grunge for good measure.
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Unknown - Look Within Single Review
27 Jan 2013 // A review by Alistar3000
J Plates (aka Jeremy Graham) is a Hamilton-based electronic music maker who isn’t that well known here, or known at all outside the club scene, but he seems to be getting plenty of notice abroad. He’s just released a track on a compilation by Russian label Liquid Brilliants.
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George FM Yearbook 2012
19 Jan 2013 // A review by Mmdelai
Dang, this is a bangin' compilation! The George FM Yearbook 2012 is full of super catchy indie electronic tracks.
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19 Jan 2013 // A review by Mmdelai
Dang, this is a bangin' compilation! The George FM Yearbook 2012 is full of super catchy indie electronic tracks.
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Titanium - All For You Album Review
12 Jan 2013 // A review by Jay Kim
Not long ago, The Edge FM said they would set out to manufacture the perfect boy band. Now, they present to us a carefully selected group known as Titanium.
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David Rasmussen - Blue Sky Shining Album Review
10 Jan 2013 // A review by Peter-James Dries
Serve Blue Sky Shining with a sweet cocktail. Best enjoyed in a hammock.
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10 Jan 2013 // A review by Peter-James Dries
Serve Blue Sky Shining with a sweet cocktail. Best enjoyed in a hammock.
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Beyond The Black NYE Festival 31/12/12
08 Jan 2013 // A review by Asmith
Rising Force The first act on the indoor stage to kick things off. The band that has been together for about a year and their sound is quite similar to European power metal, with the vocalists beautiful clean voice surprising everyone when she threw in some screams too!
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08 Jan 2013 // A review by Asmith
Rising Force The first act on the indoor stage to kick things off. The band that has been together for about a year and their sound is quite similar to European power metal, with the vocalists beautiful clean voice surprising everyone when she threw in some screams too!
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Papercity - Time Will Find You Single Review
07 Jan 2013 // A review by Chris Chick
What struck me straight away with this song was its remarkable capabilities to transcend me back into my late teens with only 10 seconds of the song, hours wasted playing Tony Hawks pro skater knowing all the words to such bands as Bad Religion, Papa Roach and more unknown British bands as Kneehigh, Waiting for Taylor, Gash and more recently amongst the American scene, Yellow Card springs to mind. The opening is in your face, very gritty, and makes you stand up and take notice.
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Rhythm and Vines Review
07 Jan 2013 // A review by River Tucker
There’s something very special about the Rhythm and Vines music festival held during New Year at the lovely Waiohika Estate Vineyard, just out of Gisborne. Rhythm and Vines celebrated their ten-year anniversary with an unprecedented level of professionalism and 31,000 music lovers partied with them on New Years Eve.
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07 Jan 2013 // A review by River Tucker
There’s something very special about the Rhythm and Vines music festival held during New Year at the lovely Waiohika Estate Vineyard, just out of Gisborne. Rhythm and Vines celebrated their ten-year anniversary with an unprecedented level of professionalism and 31,000 music lovers partied with them on New Years Eve.
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Jamie McDell - Six Strings and a Sailboat Album Review
03 Jan 2013 // A review by Peter-James Dries
I had never heard the name Jamie McDell, though judging by the volume of buzz and praise Google throws out, I feel like I should have. Her debut album Six Strings and a Sailboat debuted at number eight on the NZ Top 40 and her singles have been dancing around the charts for weeks.
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Villainy - Mode. Set. Clear. Album Review
29 Dec 2012 // A review by River Tucker
The first thing to strike you about Villainy’s debut album Mode Set Clear is the excellent surrealistic graphics designed by legendary designer Storm Thorgerson. Echoing some other great works by the renowned artist such as Muse’s Absolution, Megadeth’s Rude Awakening and Pink Floyd’s A Momentary Lapse Of Reason, the digipac is so good it’s worth framing and mounting to the wall.
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Hurricane Kids - Hurricane Kids @ Kings Arms Tavern 19/12/12
26 Dec 2012 // A review by Jay Kim
CONCERT REVIEWHurricane KidsKings Arms Tavern19/12/12Written by Jay Kim For a band that had a 50 person crowd and a keyboardist with a broken left hand, the Hurricane Kids were surprisingly relaxed for their first ever show. Friends in the crowd were given waves and smiles were exchanged between the band.
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Alizarin Lizard - Alizarin Lizard, Brown & Guests @ The Badcave, Palmerston North, 06/12/12
21 Dec 2012 // A review by Peter-James Dries
Last week I read the following headline in the local Manawatu Standard: “City folk ‘intolerant of noise’ – Musician ‘banned’ from playing music” The picture of Harry Lilley, a well-known busker in Palmerston North, and his white blonde hair, sunglasses and guitar made this annual report for the Environmental Protection Services Noise Control seem like someone else actually cared about Harry’s plight, the plight of many a practicing musician. This article came a week after: “Explicit PN hip-hop video an online hit” The thing I like about this article is it summed up the closed mindedness of this rural town that masquerades as a city.
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Tranzmute - Awakening To The Truth Album Review
21 Dec 2012 // A review by Dilemma
Review of Transmute CD - 3.5/5 Tranzmute is a hip hop artist exploring the social, political and spiritual aspects of the human experience.
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The Ruby Suns - Sea Lion Album Review
18 Dec 2012 // A review by Chris Chick
I entered this assignment blind and was pleasantly surprised by what I encountered. This the second album by The Ruby Suns.
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Silence The City - Holdfast EP review
12 Dec 2012 // A review by Alistar3000
Silence the City claim to be high-energy rock and their debut EP, Holdfast, certainly sets out to live up to their lofty claims, and for the most part does a good job of it. The seven track EP starts out with an intro that in no way represents their music, and misled me at first into thinking that I was about to listen to some sort of poppy retro electronic dance outfit; there was a hint of Kids of 88, mixed with something I can only describe as Baywatch-esque.
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Minuit - Last Night You Saw This Band Album Review
02 Dec 2012 // A review by Miss_Jukebox
Last night I heard the fourth studio album from electronic darlings Minuit. And I will be listening to it again tonight, and the following night, and the consecutive Summer nights coming in to 2013.
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Junica - The Celebration Album Review
30 Nov 2012 // A review by Dilemma
I first remember hearing Junica AKA Nik Brinkman back in 2011 when Living In My House featuring Pip Brown Aka Ladyhawke was released and I thought it was good a bit 80's disco and shiny mirrorballs. Unfortunately that first single was released at the same time as The Naked and Famous were big and I really didn't take a lot of notice because the N&F are so good at what they do.
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The Wendy Morris Band - Entangled Album Review
28 Nov 2012 // A review by Peter-James Dries
Finally, New Zealand has produced the perfect accompaniment for a summer drive around the Whangaparaoa pennisula in a blue Capri. Introducing the Wendy Morris Band and the new album Entangled.
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Ninja Monkey - Anger Management EP Review
27 Nov 2012 // A review by Miss_Jukebox
Pop-rock trio Ninja Monkey have released their debut EP Anger Management, a little taste of their full-throttle rock’n’roll drive. The EP consists of the very classic groove of ‘These Eyes’ with prodding guitar riffs and pounds of the drums, encrusted with dense rock harmonies.
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Evil Mule - Remnants of a Lost Science Album Review
27 Nov 2012 // A review by Alistar3000
A while ago I got to review Evil Mule’s 2008 debut album P-Hood Prophecies. At the time I recall having pretty low expectations for the album yet being completely blown away by how fresh it sounded.
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27 Nov 2012 // A review by Alistar3000
A while ago I got to review Evil Mule’s 2008 debut album P-Hood Prophecies. At the time I recall having pretty low expectations for the album yet being completely blown away by how fresh it sounded.
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Cairo Knife Fight - Cairo Knife Fight Live @ Mighty Mighty, 23/11/12
27 Nov 2012 // A review by Alistar3000
Last Friday seemed to be the busiest night of the year for rock fans in Wellington, with Beastwars, the Bleeders and Cobra Khan, Cairo Knife Fight and Decortica all playing at various venues in the city. I was lucky enough to get along to Mighty Mighty to check out Cairo Knife Fight and Decortica.
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Needless Cane - Hemlock Lemonade Single Video Review
25 Nov 2012 // A review by Asmith
Ok I’ll be honest here, this band is not really the kinda thing I’m into but this video is actually pretty cool! It’s a take on the mad hatters tea party, but there’s definitely a twist.
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Bloodspray for Politics - Blood And Night EP Review
22 Nov 2012 // A review by Asmith
Heavy riffs and screams come straight out to play from the very first song on Bloodspray for Politics debut EP Blood And Night, with wah heavy leads tearing through the first track Blood And Night. I had to assume that with the very first track having the same title as the EP that whatever I got in the first track would continue throughout, and I was right.
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Cephalopod - Materialization Album Review
22 Nov 2012 // A review by Asmith
Cephalopod are for me a band that manages to meld two worlds together, infectious and catchy, groove and technical, brutal and insightful… and all at the same time while still remaining raw and honest, what more can a guy ask for? I can’t find a song on this album I don’t like, but if you were to ask me which are my favourites I would have to say Mechanics Of Deceit and The Grey.
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Cobra Khan - Cobra Khan EP Review
22 Nov 2012 // A review by Asmith
My first thoughts when hearing Cobra Khan’s self-titled EP (and my first time listening to Cobra Khan I might add) had me hearing a big Fear Factory influence, I’m unsure whether it was the vocal style or the dark, deep, heavy riffs that were protruding from every orifice of this EP, lathered in synth back dropping the whole thing to give it a haunting tone overall. The first two tracks Cages and Walking Wires keep to that heavy rock styling as above, then moving into the very electronic rock sounding Ashvin (which reminded me of Fear Factory's album Demanufacture) and then changing pace again to the last track on the EP In Frays (which I’ll be honest actually kinda reminded me a little of Phil Collins, I think that may have been the verb on the vocals) which is a softer, more classic rock styled piece.
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Decortica - 11811 Album Review
21 Nov 2012 // A review by Alistar3000
Decortica's last album, the stunning Love Hotel, showcased their unique sound, drawing on elements of rock and metal to create something that sat somewhere in between, yet almost transcended both genres. It garnered them some attention, through a couple of well-produced videos, but they never really seemed to take off in a big way.
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Young Lyre - Night Swimming EP Review
20 Nov 2012 // A review by Peter-James Dries
Young in name, but not young in years in the band game, Young Lyre (formally Sons of Darragh, Oresund and the Frisk) have stormed into the New Zealand mainstream this month with their distinctively Indie sound and refreshingly bright new EP, Night Swimming. Debuting at number fifteen on the Official New Zealand Music Chart, Night Swimming has been described by those in the know as sounding like Two Door Cinema Club's Tourist History.
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The Adults - Live with the Christchurch Symphony Orchestra Album Review
18 Nov 2012 // A review by Alistar3000
It seems to becoming trendy for NZ bands to perform with an orchestra these days, with some doing it better than others. Shapeshifter’s recording with the Christchurch Symphony Orchestra is one of my favourite live albums, but other bands either haven’t had songs that translate well into an orchestral sound, or have trouble arranging their music to take advantage of the orchestra.
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RIANZ 47th Annual Vodafone New Zealand Music Awards
15 Nov 2012 // A review by Dilemma
When you kick off any kind of ceremony with 3 drummers smashing double kick pedals completely in unison backing NZ’s own rock superstar Gin Wigmore, you would think that there is no actual way that a night could start or end any better! But we wouldn’t expect anything less being that this was the beginning of the 47th Annual Vodafone New Zealand Music Awards held at the Vector Arena earlier this month.
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15 Nov 2012 // A review by Dilemma
When you kick off any kind of ceremony with 3 drummers smashing double kick pedals completely in unison backing NZ’s own rock superstar Gin Wigmore, you would think that there is no actual way that a night could start or end any better! But we wouldn’t expect anything less being that this was the beginning of the 47th Annual Vodafone New Zealand Music Awards held at the Vector Arena earlier this month.
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2 a.m. Orchestra - Heads & Tails Single Video Review
15 Nov 2012 // A review by Peter-James Dries
A devil and an angel, one wonders as the black, devil tailed chap approaches the white, anthropomorphic bird dude. A tussle ensues and these enemies become a rotating yin-yang.
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Aaradhna - Aaradhna Showcase @ Nectar Bar 11/10/12
13 Nov 2012 // A review by Dilemma
About a month ago, I was invited to watch Aaradhna showcase some new songs from her new amazing album Treble and Reverb. It’s been out for about 5 days now, have you heard it?
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8 Foot Sativa - 8 Foot Sativa @ The Royal, Palmerston North 25/10/12
11 Nov 2012 // A review by terry666
I had been lucky enough to witness 8 Foot Sativa in Auckland opening for Fear Factory just a few weeks before they started their nationwide comeback tour. It was an impressive show which left no doubt in people's minds that 8 Foot was back stronger than ever and ready to shred it across the country once again.
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The Datsuns - Death Rattle Boogie Album Review
08 Nov 2012 // A review by Alistar3000
The Datsuns are one of those New Zealand bands who seem to have been around forever, churning out dirty garage rock, releasing well-received albums, but never seeming to do as well at home as they do abroad. Their new album Death Rattle Boogie, the fifth the band has released, may go some way to address that problem.
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Elephant Of The Ocean - Torso Looking For Legs Single Review
06 Nov 2012 // A review by Asmith
Brutal from the very first note, these guys are bringing the standard of kiwi metal to a new level with their first single Torso Looking For Legs. Everything from Production to the music itself is annihilating my ears as I listen to it, over and over again.
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Killing Yourself For Profit - Betrayal Begets Blood Single Review
06 Nov 2012 // A review by Asmith
Killing Yourself For Profit are an up and coming metal band from Auckland merging some of Auckland’s already established metal bands such as Fuelset, Upraw and Burn The Scripture. No matter your preferred style of metal, there is bound to be something you like with their first single Betrayal Begets Blood - Throwing in a bit of everything from grooving, chugging riffs to melodic tech, and of course the breakdown style riffs to get the pit going, there are even vocal harmonies blending growling screams on the track.
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These Four Walls - Living to Write the End Album Review
06 Nov 2012 // A review by Miss_Jukebox
The walls will be reverberating once Living to Write the End hits your stereo. The second album from alternative rockers These Four Walls will be exploding your aural senses and detonating every fibre of your being.
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Kora - Light Years Album Review
05 Nov 2012 // A review by Alistar3000
Kora made a pretty big splash back in 2007 with their self-titled debut, combining funk, metal, electronica and more to create something unique. Following up on that could have been a big ask, but with Light Years Kora have shown that they can evolve their sound and continue to innovate, without compromising what they do best.
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Diving - Synesthesia EP Review
04 Nov 2012 // A review by Peter-James Dries
Some advice for listening to Synesthesia; close your eyes. Especially if you’re one with a fractured mind and vivid dreams like me.
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Maitreya - Āio Album Review
03 Nov 2012 // A review by Miss_Jukebox
Āio is long overdue and an album that had to be made. Maitreya, the moniker of hip-hop MC Jamie Greenslade, has released his second album, a work that incorporates both the English language, and Te Reo Maori.
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Kieran Cooper - Live @ San Francisco Bathhouse, Wellington 30/10/12
01 Nov 2012 // A review by Alistar3000
It takes a brave person to quit their day job and spend months touring New Zealand; an even braver one to play acoustic folk at the San Francisco Bathhouse, traditionally the home of rock music in Wellington, on a Tuesday night. But Kieran Cooper has made the decision to work hard at being a solo artist and that's all part of the journey for him.
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Aaradhna - Treble and Reverb Album Review
31 Oct 2012 // A review by Dilemma
Have you heard about it yet? Undoubtedly the best NZ music album to be released this year?
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Hell-oween in The Swamp @ The Royal, 27/10/12
30 Oct 2012 // A review by Asmith
The very first Hell-oween in the swamp to be run by Cephalopod's Kyle Kenrick (and his first event overall I believe) went down amazingly, everything was organized well and even the stage was in costume! There was plenty of merch on offer and there was a decent turnout too considering all the other events on the same night!
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30 Oct 2012 // A review by Asmith
The very first Hell-oween in the swamp to be run by Cephalopod's Kyle Kenrick (and his first event overall I believe) went down amazingly, everything was organized well and even the stage was in costume! There was plenty of merch on offer and there was a decent turnout too considering all the other events on the same night!
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Rival State - Apollo Me Album Review
29 Oct 2012 // A review by River Tucker
Rival State's album Apollo Me is a solid effort throughout. At times their powerful sound is without compromise.
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Hello Sailor - Surrey Crescent Moon Album Review
28 Oct 2012 // A review by Peter-James Dries
Hello Sailor are one of those bands that need no introduction. They’re a kiwi institution, like L&P and Pav.
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Evermore - Follow the Sun Album Review
25 Oct 2012 // A review by JohnS
It's a long journey to become a household name within Australasia, but Evermore have done exactly that and more. From topping the charts in 2004 with their debut album Dreams to their latest release Follow the Sun, Evermore have established themselves into the indie-rock record books.
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Depths - Revelation Album Review
25 Oct 2012 // A review by terry666
This is an amazing heavy death metal album coming from a band hailing from the swamp; Palmerston North. Depths have been touring hard nationally to brand their name into the metal scene and have just ventured overseas to test the waters.
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Rackets - Could Do Better EP Review
25 Oct 2012 // A review by Peter-James Dries
I only went into Happy the one time during that one year Wellington was my home. There was about a week and a half left of July, I had a crush on Cat Venom and all I wanted was to hold their new record in my hands and breathe in that sweet cardboard and plastic scent.
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Temples on Mars - Made Of Gold Single Review
24 Oct 2012 // A review by terry666
This is Agent's latest single for an album which has been a long time coming. The album Kingdom of Fear is slated for a 2013 release date.
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Cavell - Last Summer EP Review
21 Oct 2012 // A review by Dilemma
Cavell is a surprising new talent to emerge in the NZ music scene. He has gradually developed his own musical sense of style through collaborations and guidance from local super-talented artists such as DLove and Deach, Jae'O and from record-breaking Hip Hop group Smashproof whom he was a support act.
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Danny McCrum - Letters to the Future Album Review
18 Oct 2012 // A review by Alistar3000
Danny McCrum is an Auckland musician with a big reputation and a wide range of influences. He's supported a lot of big names (Eric Clapton and Jeff Beck to name just a couple), plays in the LA-based Magnolia Memoir, and has released 8 albums and EPs over the past decade.
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Donell Lewis - Missing My Love EP Review
17 Oct 2012 // A review by Dilemma
Donell Lewis has recently released a 6 track EP called 'Missing My Love' with the title song being the hottest new tune on YouTube and urban radio. Missing My Love is the third track and it features Fortafy aka Sam Ratumaituvuki.
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The New Brides - The New Brides EP Review
17 Oct 2012 // A review by Miss_Jukebox
Lock up your daughters! A new bunch of heartbreakers are entering the scene.
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The Glocks - Magpie Genocide Album Review
17 Oct 2012 // A review by Peter-James Dries
“To all those that have run the gauntlet to avoid the dive bomber – this is for you.” With apologies to the SPCA, I admit my first time firing a weapon at something other than a stationary target followed an experience running from a pair of those thieving black and white crows.
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Harbour City Electric - Without a Sound Album Review
15 Oct 2012 // A review by Miss_Jukebox
With the Christmas break just around the corner it is time to organise not only your holiday, but more importantly your summer soundtrack! Wellington is renowned for breeding great musical acts born to entertain us for the summer season.
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Home Brew - Home Brew album review
13 Oct 2012 // A review by Alistar3000
Releasing a debut album is a daunting feat for any musician; choosing to make your first release a double album may be bordering on crazy. But Home Brew have proven time and again that they are no ordinary musicians and don't do play by conventional rules.
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Sweet & Irie - Irie Inspiration Album Review
10 Oct 2012 // A review by Dilemma
Local Rasta man Ed Ru is back to deliver Sweet & Irie’s sophomore album Irie Inspiration released on October 12th. Shaping out his organically grown style, Ed show’s the influence of Uncle Bob on the beautiful song ‘Psalms Of Bob Marley,‘ which is an excellent choice for an opening track.
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Moisty Atsushi - Speedo EP Review
09 Oct 2012 // A review by Peter-James Dries
With the passionately played old-school, First Wave Ska and the creatively designed cover of red, green and gold, you’d be forgiven for thinking Moisty Atsushi was leading a reggae band. I mean, most people aren’t aware that Ska preceded Reggae and not the other way around.
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Three Houses Down - Three Houses Down @ The Colosseum, Palmerston North 21/09/2012
08 Oct 2012 // A review by Asmith
Coming onstage proclaiming themselves as “Roots Rock Reggae” and then bringing it full force with a modern twist. With an almost hyperactive stage performance this was a very, very tight 9 piece who showed their professionalism throughout their set, with sound problems plaguing them for the better part of the show they didn’t let it phase them at all and kept on going, and having experienced bad sound myself I know exactly how hard it can be to push through when you’re constantly getting feedback, so big ups on that one boys!
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Tomorrow People - Tomorrow People @ The Colosseum, Palmerston North 21/09/2012
08 Oct 2012 // A review by Asmith
The time had come to see the band I had been waiting to see since the release of their debut album 'One'. The set up took a little longer than expected but that only built up the suspense, as long as you could handle the DJ playing what I believe was reggae but with the bass so loud it actually distorted through the speakers so you really couldn’t hear anything but mud and thump.
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fleaBITE - Circus of Fleas Album Review
08 Oct 2012 // A review by JohnS
Perfect timing for school holidays arrived the new CD from FleaBITE entitled Circus of Fleas. Adult-friendly children’s music made right here in New Zealand that keeps my kids happy for hours.
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Dear Time's Waste - Some Kind of Eden Album Review
07 Oct 2012 // A review by Miss_Jukebox
The mystifying Auckland-based Claire Duncan returns with her musical alter-ego Dear Time’s Waste. Some Kind of Eden is the new album by this introspective artist.
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8 Foot Sativa - 8 Foot Sativa @ Powerstation, Auckland 22/09/12
05 Oct 2012 // A review by terry666
I can’t tell you how excited I was when just after New Year’s this year 8 Foot Sativa announced that they would be back with a greatest hits album, a DVD and a new album. To add to all that was the fact that Jackhammer and Gary Smith were back in the fray and ready to step up once again.
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Nervous Doll Dancing - Eidolon Album Review
05 Oct 2012 // A review by Miss_Jukebox
A web of entrancing strings will ensnare you in the latest album by Nervous Doll Dancing, the solo project cast by enchantress Francesca Mountfort. The cellist is spellbinding in her third album Eidolon.
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Matthew Pickering - Up at the Bunkers EP Review
01 Oct 2012 // A review by blues.bass
While sitting down and looking out of the window on a bleak Auckland day (more suited to autumn than spring), Matthew Pickering’s EP ‘Up at the Bunkers’ brought a welcome ray of sunlight across the table. Matthew’s day gig by all accounts is in Parliament as a Hansard Editor, checking over the report of the proceedings of the House.
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The Neo-Kalashnikovs - She's On Heat Review
19 Sep 2012 // A review by Alistar3000
It's a difficult task trying to describe the Neo-Kalashnikovs, both in terms of a band and their musical output. You could try pinning them to a location, but with the band split between Auckland and California, they're not tied to the musical culture of either place.
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Jackal - Only Everything Album Review
14 Sep 2012 // A review by Peter-James Dries
I confess. I join random things on Facebook whenever people suggest them, and often for no reason other than it was suggested.
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Bailterspace - Strobosphere Album Review
13 Sep 2012 // A review by Peter-James Dries
With embarrassment I admit that until today I had referred to the band in prolonged hipster conversations about music as “Baiterspace.” The word was an earworm at one point, the kind of word that circles around in your brain for no apparent reason, like acetabulum, but that’s another story.
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Nervous Doll Dancing - Eidolon - Album Review
09 Sep 2012 // A review by JohnS
Nervous Doll Dancing is a new name to me, which came as a surprise. I consider myself to have an above average knowledge of kiwi musicians and I’m always a little taken back when I haven’t heard of someone who is this talented before.
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Julie Lamb - Trippin' The Light Album Review
09 Sep 2012 // A review by JohnS
Blues, rock and accounting aren’t something that would normally be put together but Wellingtonian signer Julie Lamb somehow pulls this off. Her second album entitled 'Trippin’ In The Light' displays a range of talent, which is rarely found on the shelfs nowadays.
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Going Global Showcase, 6 September 2012 @ San Francisco Bathhouse, Wellington
08 Sep 2012 // A review by Alistar3000
Unless people are involved in the music industry, or play seriously in a band, they probably wouldn’t know much about the Going Global summit that took place in the first week of September in Wellington and Auckland (and the second week in September in Christchurch). What people might have seen is the music showcases put on as part of the summit.
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08 Sep 2012 // A review by Alistar3000
Unless people are involved in the music industry, or play seriously in a band, they probably wouldn’t know much about the Going Global summit that took place in the first week of September in Wellington and Auckland (and the second week in September in Christchurch). What people might have seen is the music showcases put on as part of the summit.
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Artisan Guns - Coral Album Review
08 Sep 2012 // A review by Alistar3000
Artisan Guns don’t just write songs, they make musical poems where lyrics and instrumentation work in perfect harmony with each other. Each song paints a musical picture telling of heartbreak, longing, loss and frustration.
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L.A. Mitchell - Apple Heart Video Review
06 Sep 2012 // A review by Dilemma
It is only fitting that LA Mitchell's beautiful song 'Apple Heart' have an equally beautiful and contempo cool music video. The song ‘Apple Heart’ is already an aching love ballad and it's not easy to get the right balance of complimentary and interesting in a music video that doesn't take away from the song or completely over power it.
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Darren Watson - Saint Hilda’s Faithless Boy Album Review
04 Sep 2012 // A review by blues.bass
They say good things come to those that wait, and it has been a long wait between albums from one of this country's premier blues men, Darren Watson.There has been more than half a decade between the release of Watson's previous album 'South Pacific Soul' and his latest 'Saint Hilda's Faithless Boy'.
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New Way Home - Mirrors Album Review
03 Sep 2012 // A review by River Tucker
From the outset New Way Home's latest release Mirrors is a rip-roaring beast sure to get the mosh pit pumping. Building on some of the best metal sub genres while forging a truly original sound all of their own, the five piece hailing from Auckland have incorporated the perfect blend of delicate harmonics and unrelenting heaviness.
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Diamond Sutra - Positioning Self EP review
03 Sep 2012 // A review by Asmith
Eerie, haunting, beautiful… Three words that perfectly describe my first impression of this album. Diamond Sutra is a female fronted electronic rock band to rival Evanescence and Lacuna Coil, the riffs are heavier and groovier, the beats are catchier and the vocals give me chills.
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Horror Story - Horror Story @ The Royal 18/08/12
02 Sep 2012 // A review by terry666
What can I say about horror punk maestros Horror Story? Well for starters I love this band.
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Both Sides of the Line - 5 EP Review
28 Aug 2012 // A review by Miss_Jukebox
It is pop. It is folk.
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Trip To The Moon - The Invisible Line Album Review
28 Aug 2012 // A review by Miss_Jukebox
It is a very cool hand played by electronic old hands Trip to the Moon on their fifth album The Invisible Line. The duo has produced an instrumental galaxy across the twelve tracks featured.
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Sola Rosa - Low and Behold, High and Beyond Album Review
25 Aug 2012 // A review by Alistar3000
Sola Rosa seem to be one of those bands that's always been making great music, and forging a sound that has often been imitated but seldom matched. Starting out as the solo project of Andrew Spraggon, Sola Rosa now combines the talents of some of the best local and international musicians to produce their distinctive tunes.
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Nightchoir - See The First Star Album Review
25 Aug 2012 // A review by Alistar3000
It'd be easy to try and compare the new Nightchoir album to Pluto's music. After all, Nightchoir consists of three members of Pluto, so you’d expect there to be some musical similarities and spillover.
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Stray Theories - Even Though We Sleep Album Review
24 Aug 2012 // A review by Peter-James Dries
There is nothing romantic about insomnia. Chuck Palahniuk misled me.
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Amachine - Abrasive Absurd EP Review
20 Aug 2012 // A review by Asmith
Brutal from the start, a rare mix of old school groove and modern prog/tech that leaves you wanting more and more. When the EP finished I was distraught that it was not a full length album, and then I played it again and felt a little better.
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Heathen Eyes - Ocea single review
19 Aug 2012 // A review by Alistar3000
Auckland’s Heathen Eyes have just released their second “official” single - having previously recorded a number of demos with their original line up they now seem to be slowly releasing singles. Ocea is a plea to save our oceans, although it doesn’t sound like your typical environmental ballad.
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Swiss - Mr Slow Wind EP Review
18 Aug 2012 // A review by Alistar3000
There's always been two camps in reggae music - the musicians who just want to make party music and get people dancing, and those who view reggae as a political outlet. Auckland's SWISS is firmly in the former camp, his music imparting no great wisdom, or long lasting message to the listener, but bound to get the dance floor seething.
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Bloodsport – Blackest Darkness Album Review
14 Aug 2012 // A review by CEOMong
Short (sub 2 minute for the most part) grunty songs, strong consistent themes and imagery, all in all a very solid offering. At times predictable but also, therefore, reliable.
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14 Aug 2012 // A review by CEOMong
Short (sub 2 minute for the most part) grunty songs, strong consistent themes and imagery, all in all a very solid offering. At times predictable but also, therefore, reliable.
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Collapsing Cities - Strangers Again Album Review
02 Aug 2012 // A review by Peter-James Dries
This is the future sound of New Zealand music. Strangers Again is destined to be the definitive electro indie pop release of 2012.
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L.A. Mitchell - Apple Heart Single Review
31 Jul 2012 // A review by Dilemma
LA Mitchell has got it made in terms of being a NZ musician. She is working with some of NZ's most amazing bands and our very own favourite superband, Fly My Pretties.
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Amos/Anon - AmosAnon DVD Review
29 Jul 2012 // A review by Alistar3000
There aren’t a whole lot of musicians in New Zealand releasing DVD’s of their work, for whatever reason – cost of production, the hassles of making enough videos to fill a whole DVD, or people aren’t generally into buying DVD’s of local artists. Or probably a combination of all three I suspect.
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Geoff Ong - Implications Single Review
29 Jul 2012 // A review by Miss_Jukebox
Talented is an understatement when it comes to describing the bright, young musician Geoff Ong. Ong is a student from Auckland, who has an evident passion and skill when it comes to songwriting and performing.
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Fuelset - Sounds Of A Dying Seagull Album Review
27 Jul 2012 // A review by Asmith
This is one of those albums that I enjoy more and more every time I listen. Theres just so much going on here but in this case it is very much a good thing, this is one of those few bands that can actually make it work.
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Dr. Monster - Death Devine Album Review
27 Jul 2012 // A review by Asmith
Now I should probably point out first off that I am not a big punk fan, and punk is one genre that I know very little about, but even a bad punk CD is still going to sound a hell of a lot better than my flatmates dubstep collection, fortunatly for me this CD isn't bad at all. I would describe this sound as "horror punk", if you could imagine what that might be.
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The Heathen Collective - JuneFest @ Breakers Bar, Wanganui 30/06/12
27 Jul 2012 // A review by Asmith
The very first thing I noticed about The Heathen Collective when they stared playing was how low they had downtuned, I was actually waiting for them to hit a "brown note" (drop A in case you were wondering). The vocal technique was impressive, making me wonder if he had training or if like many of us he was a "Zen Of Screaming" convert but I never got the chance to ask him myself.
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Gift of Ruin - JuneFest @ Breakers Bar, Wanganui 30/06/12
27 Jul 2012 // A review by Asmith
Now I don't normally like to review a band more than once, but this was a performance that needed to be talked about. During the very first song the vocalist somehow manged to be so clumsy that he stompoed on his own drinks, spilling them everywhere, and as you can imagine the rage that this caused sent the rest of their set into brutal overdrive.
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27 Jul 2012 // A review by Asmith
Now I don't normally like to review a band more than once, but this was a performance that needed to be talked about. During the very first song the vocalist somehow manged to be so clumsy that he stompoed on his own drinks, spilling them everywhere, and as you can imagine the rage that this caused sent the rest of their set into brutal overdrive.
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Reapers Luck - JuneFest @ Breakers Bar, Wanganui 30/06/12
27 Jul 2012 // A review by Asmith
Reapers Luck's style is what I tend to class as "theatrical metal", falling somewhere in that undefined area somewhere between power metal and Iron Maiden, and from the very first song the Iron Maiden influence was very clear. The songwriting itself was a nice mixture from crescending ballads to the very maiden styled "horse metal" which gave their set some variety and made for a good show.
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Fuelset - Fuelset @ The Royal 29/06/12
27 Jul 2012 // A review by Asmith
OK, well what can I say, I DID NOT expect that! When these boys walked out in their stage personas (I had been standing next to the lead singer all night without recognizing him) and started to play a nice slow relaxed bassline, I figured the night was about to mellow out a bit.
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Suppression - Suppression @ The Royal 29/06/12
27 Jul 2012 // A review by Asmith
It's always going to be hard follwing a band like Cage Demise, but I gotta say these guys didn't do too bad! It did take them a little while to get into the groove of their set but once they hit their sweet spot it was all go, pretty good considering they hadn't played a gig in months.
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Bloodspray for Politics - Bloodspray For Politics @ The Royal 29/06/12
27 Jul 2012 // A review by Asmith
First band of the night usually plays to a fairly empty crowd and Bloodspray For Politics were no different, although they did manage to pull in a little more than the norm once they started playing. This four peice from palmy yield a lot of low end groove filled riffs that I will attempt to describe as "what sludge would sound like if it had great big metal balls, infused with a bit of groove to top it all off".
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Cage Demise - Cage Demise @ The Royal 29/06/12
27 Jul 2012 // A review by Asmith
If you happen to be from Palmerston North and you love metal then you will, no doubt, have heard or heard of Cage Demise (if you havn't then may I suggest you knock down whatever is holding up the rock you are currently hiding under). Straight off the bat these boys come outas high energy as ever, so hard in fact that their drummer broke his kick pedal on the very first song!!!
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Zowie - Love Demolition - Album Review
25 Jul 2012 // A review by Miss_Jukebox
Pack your bags and come aboard Love Demolition, the debut album by our electric darling, Zowie. The album is loaded with smouldering synthpop that will have you enslaved.
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The Blue Grizzly Band - Broke Ass EP Review
21 Jul 2012 // A review by terry666
This is the first EP from Palmerston North blues rock group The Blue Grizzly Band. They have been gigging pretty full on for the last year forming in a local music performance class.
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Paul Winders and The Goodness - Boy Dust Album Review
18 Jul 2012 // A review by Miss_Jukebox
Had enough of this Winter? Why not go on a little escapade down memory lane, destination; the Dunedin sound.
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Loop Winter Compilation
17 Jul 2012 // A review by Alistar3000
Over the past decade Loop has forged a strong reputation for releasing the best in New Zealand electronica and roots music, with many of their artists becoming household names, or as close to it as you can get here. Their latest release, Winter, provides a good introduction to some of the more recent releases and signings for those unfamiliar with the label, as well as showcasing some unreleased works if you're already a follower.
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17 Jul 2012 // A review by Alistar3000
Over the past decade Loop has forged a strong reputation for releasing the best in New Zealand electronica and roots music, with many of their artists becoming household names, or as close to it as you can get here. Their latest release, Winter, provides a good introduction to some of the more recent releases and signings for those unfamiliar with the label, as well as showcasing some unreleased works if you're already a follower.
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Stefan Wolf - EP Review: Quiet! Can't You See I'm Dying Here?
17 Jul 2012 // A review by Peter-James Dries
“Perennially unfashionable… “ “Virtually unsaleable…” “Bound to be another shelf sitter…” Reading reviews like the above makes you question the adage “any press is good press.” If you took the reviews seriously that is… A grain of salt is the recommended accompaniment with Stefan Wolf’s latest release, self-described as “the paradox of a happy life tangling with the possibility of death.
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Concord Dawn - Air Chrysalis Album Review
10 Jul 2012 // A review by Alistar3000
Concord Dawn have always seemed to be ahead of the drum and bass game, innovating and pushing the genre with each release, and in the process becoming well known here and around the world. That innovative streak seemed to diminish a little with the departure of Evan Short (who has now returned to his metal roots with Cobra Khan and Subtract) and the last album, The Enemy Within, had more of a commercial/mainstream feel than their earlier work.
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Ladyhawke - Anxiety Album Review
06 Jul 2012 // A review by Miss_Jukebox
All hail our very own electric queen! Ladyhawke has returned and delivered Anxiety, her sophomore album.
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Gatherer - So Be It Album Review
03 Jul 2012 // A review by Alistar3000
Not enough albums come along and, by showing what can happen when a band forges their own unique sound, make you question why so many other bands stick with trying to emulate everyone else. Gatherer manage to force that question home, and make it seem effortless at the same time, with the release of their debut album So Be It.
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Savage - Mayhem and Miracles Album Review
29 Jun 2012 // A review by Dilemma
NZ Hip Hop icon and RIAA Certified Platinum selling artist SAVAGE is back with his third solo album Mayhem & Miracles on 29June. Recorded and Mixed in Hollywood, California, at platinum Hip Hop producer and MC DJ Quik's studio "The Vault", Savage spent time enlisting a group of the greatest Polynesian artists from around the world to help compliment the stories and themes of his captivating new album.
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Gatherer - Live @ Medusa, Wellington 22 June 2012
28 Jun 2012 // A review by Alistar3000
Medusa in Wellington has a bit of a reputation for putting on interesting nights and Friday was no exception. Kicking off the night was local band Spook The Horses, whose album Brighter was one of my favourite New Zealand releases of the past year.
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Urbantramper - Internet Freedom Is Love Album Review
24 Jun 2012 // A review by Alistar3000
Sometime you get an idea about a band without even taking the time to find out what they’re really about. That happened to me with Wellington’s Urbantramper – a band that’s been around town for a while, yet a band that I hadn’t checked out because I had some weird preconceived idea about what I expected them to sound like.
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Crimson Rain - Catastrophe Single Review
21 Jun 2012 // A review by CEOMong
Delicate intro, rolls into a picky soft hook. Nice vox harmonies throughout.
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Deaths Door - Deaths Door @ The Royal, Palmerston North 09/06/2012
13 Jun 2012 // A review by Asmith
As the headlining act for the night came onstage I was unsure what to expect having not seen these boys perform in well over a year, and it didn’t take long for the pub to be filled with the sound of Deaths Door. Breakdowns and death growls filled out the majority of their set, and while there really wasn’t much of a crowd left by the time they went on the whole band moshing in unison helped get a dying crowd going, resulting in a dedicated line of moshers right up the front for the whole performance.
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Cephalopod - Cephalopod @ The Royal, Palmerston North 09/06/2012
13 Jun 2012 // A review by Asmith
After some minor technical difficulties Cephalopod came out with force (I would liken it to being smashed in the face with Thor’s brutal metal hammer). And right off the bat Elise dominated with her energetic performance while still managing to retain some of the best vocal control and vocal projection I’ve seen from somebody in an unsigned band.
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Forsaken - Forsaken @ The Royal, Palmerston North 09/06/2012
13 Jun 2012 // A review by Asmith
When the opening act Forsaken came out I couldn’t help but notice the similarities to early Metallica/Megadeth (the early stuff when they actually made decent music), so safe to say if you are not a fan of Metallica you will not like this band. Their onstage presence consisted of duelling solos and long haired moshing to the old school styled thrash sound they produced, with the odd “metal ballad” thrown in for good measure.
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Great North - Halves Album Review
11 Jun 2012 // A review by Peter-James Dries
Meaningful. Heartfelt.
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Dimmer - Dimmer Final Show @ Bodega, Wellington
10 Jun 2012 // A review by terry666
Shayne Carter is one of my favourite New Zealand musicians. It’s not just his music but also his performance.
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Clap Clap Riot - Counting Spins Album Review
01 Jun 2012 // A review by Alistar3000
You might listen to Clap Clap Riot’s debut album Counting Spins and think that you’ve heard some of the songs before. And you’d probably be right; the band has released four singles from the album over the past year, with the tunes getting airplay all over the place.
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Knives At Noon - Second Skin EP Review
27 May 2012 // A review by Alistar3000
It's always good to see bands trying new ways to get their music out to the masses and Knives at Noon seem to be doing better than most at it. Managing to get their music on Telecom's smartphone ads was a good start and now they're offering an exclusive downloadable EP to everyone who buys a t-shirt from them.
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Autozamm - Autozamm, Invader Cain and November Zulu @ The Royal 19/05/2012
24 May 2012 // A review by Asmith
“The Night That Fender Ruled The World” Invader Cain was first up with the smoke machine pumping out to their “new wave of dirty grungy Rock n Roll”, their set filled with catchy riffs and gang vocal style harmonies. The piss poor turnout didn’t affect their performance at all, if you were judging purely on stage presence you wouldn’t of known there was only a handful of people in the bar and I have to commend them for their professionalism with this.
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Invader Cain - Feeling The Trend But Thinking Again EP Review
24 May 2012 // A review by Asmith
I find myself wondering just how to describe the sound of Invader Cain... Dirty ‘ol Kiwi Rock n Roll is possibly the best I can come up with.
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Depths - Resurgence EP Review
23 May 2012 // A review by River Tucker
Released on Deadboy Records and best described as a cross between Meshuggah and As I Lay Dying with hints of Machine Head thrown into the bubbling cauldron for good measure, Depths' EP Resurgence is sure to quench your desire for head banging mayhem. The CD starts off with a nice atmospheric and spooky intro that soon gives way to Age Of Compromise.
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The Academy Album Review by DNK World Music
22 May 2012 // A review by Dilemma
In April 2012, DNK World Music showcase four main artists on their first compilation album DNK World Music Presents: The Academy, featuring label mates, R&B Singer Donell Lewis, rapper Rickey Okay, producer DLove and label founder Karnel. DNK World Music is an independent record label founded by up-and-comers Nick "Karnel" Williams and producer Daniel "DLove" Love in 2010.
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22 May 2012 // A review by Dilemma
In April 2012, DNK World Music showcase four main artists on their first compilation album DNK World Music Presents: The Academy, featuring label mates, R&B Singer Donell Lewis, rapper Rickey Okay, producer DLove and label founder Karnel. DNK World Music is an independent record label founded by up-and-comers Nick "Karnel" Williams and producer Daniel "DLove" Love in 2010.
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Melic - Nowhere I'd Rather Be EP Review
19 May 2012 // A 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.
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Tomorrow People - One Album Review
16 May 2012 // A review by Asmith
From the very first song I was taken back down memory lane to my childhood growing up listening to The Wailers, UB40, Herbs, and Bob Marley. But there’s something else going on here, something very different and very fresh that you don’t get with that old school reggae sound.
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November Zulu - No More Fun And Games EP Review
16 May 2012 // A review by Asmith
Upon receiving this CD for review I was expecting to hear yet another cliché kiwi “rock” band... You guys know what I mean, that unfortunate kiwi sound that could be described as the deformed love child of pop rock and indie.
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Gunt - From Darkness to Deletion EP Review
16 May 2012 // A review by Peter-James Dries
Gunt is another of those bands I’d heard on the radio before hearing of them and subsequently been asked to review. Little did I know they were a kiwi band.
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Capital Punishment @ Bar Medusa, Wellington 12/05/2012
15 May 2012 // A review by Alistar3000
Medusa in Wellington has been a proud supporter of local metal since day one, continuing a long tradition of bars in that site. 2012 saw the third year of their Capital Punishment festivals, featuring 12 hours of the best of New Zealand (and Australian) metal.
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15 May 2012 // A review by Alistar3000
Medusa in Wellington has been a proud supporter of local metal since day one, continuing a long tradition of bars in that site. 2012 saw the third year of their Capital Punishment festivals, featuring 12 hours of the best of New Zealand (and Australian) metal.
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Gunt - Gunt @ The Royal, Palmerston North - 11/05/2012
15 May 2012 // A review by Asmith
So we get to the last band of the night and it looks like everyone has left, I look around and there’s maybe a handful of people in the bar and it’s not looking good... As GUNT make their way onstage and begin to play I look down to check my phone and by the time I had read my text and looked up again the bar was full...
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Pariah - Pariah @ The Royal, Palmerston North - 11/05/2012
15 May 2012 // A review by Asmith
As the crowd disappeared during intermission I could hear everybody talking about Pariah's new line-up, wondering if they will be as good as they were before... and true to form the boys pulled out all the stops, leaving the doubters in their wake.
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Dirt Box Charlie - Extended Play Album Review
15 May 2012 // A review by Asmith
From the very first moment you pick up the CD you can feel an air of class exuding from this release, and upon playing the first track nothing changes. As I began listening I felt the strong blend of blues, funk and jazz instantly hit me in the face like a fresh cup of coffee first thing in the morning, and I could easily imagine myself sitting in a local cafe listening to this.
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Kasium - Kasium, Jonlo Rain, The Filthy Varmits, Neckstrechers, Cephalopod @ The Royal, PN, 20/04/2012
14 May 2012 // A review by Peter-James Dries
Anticipation was high this cold night in Palmy, as I made my way through the bare streets of our forsaken city. The crap music was already pumping out of the meat markets, but the sluts were yet to put on their alcohol blankets and remove most of their clothes, intelligence and sense of dignity.
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Sound of Amsa - Sound of Amsa Album Review
06 May 2012 // A review by Alistar3000
Sound of Amsa is a difficult album to categorise – it starts out with a dancier track, moves through retro, before settling on being a downbeat hip hop album. But at the end of the day, it’s definitely an interesting album and that’s probably all that matters.
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Arc of Ascent - The Higher Key Album Review
02 May 2012 // A review by River Tucker
Arc Of Ascent’s latest release The Higher Key is an excellent follow-up to their debut album Circle of the Sun (Astral Projection) that received favourable reviews. Hailing from Hamilton, the trio punches well above their weight and epitomizes the wall of sound technique with one of the most commanding and transcending metal albums so far this year.
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This Flight Tonight - Friendly Fire Album Review
01 May 2012 // A review by Mmdelai
This Flight Tonight have coined their own genre as "dynamic rock". As the album progressed I was more and more convinced, started hearing subtle elements of their self proclaimed influences in the vocals and drums (Radiohead, Jeff Buckley).
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Skank Attack - Here on Out Album Review
01 May 2012 // A review by Peter-James Dries
Why the hell have I never heard of Skank Attack? Perhaps, because I spent the first half of the eighties in a womb, well nine months of it at least, and the last half destroying my parents’ cassette tapes with my teeth.
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Sherpa - Lesser Flamingo Album Review
27 Apr 2012 // A review by Peter-James Dries
It’s hard to gauge the success of local Indie bands, but you know Sherpa are making waves in the Indie world when you hear their songs played on one of the obscure niche shows Massey University’s Radio Control has on offer. That’s where I first came across this quirky band and their unique sound.
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The Black Seeds - Dust and Dirt Album Review
26 Apr 2012 // A review by Alistar3000
The Black Seeds are a staple of the New Zealand music scene and could be considered one of the founders of the current Wellington music renaissance. That reputation is a double-edged sword; they garner a lot of respect for what they've achieved but at the same time there's a tendency for some people to take them for granted.
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Sir T - Walk With Me Album Review
25 Apr 2012 // A review by Dilemma
Sir T is a newcomer to New Zealand Hip Hop, signed to Move The Crowd Records, and mentored by NZ Hip Hop’s favourite son Young Sid who also acted as the executive producer on Sir T's debut album Walk With Me. Being mentored by Young Sid has afforded Sir T the benefit of collaborating with himself and other rising stars Tyree, Vince Harder and Pieter T just to name a few.
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Tono & The Finance Company - Up Here For Dancing Album Review
18 Apr 2012 // A review by Miss_Jukebox
Being young is a challenge in itself. It is a purgatory between the sobering moment of adulthood and youthful rebellion.
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Primmers - Durham Lane Album Review
13 Apr 2012 // A review by Peter-James Dries
One can find many pleasures in music. Durham Lane from Primmers satisfies three of my main sources of pleasure; old, obscure, semi-forgotten music, previously unreleased music and true punk rock from the 70s, not that cringe-worthy neo-punk that emerged after the slow death of the boy band era.
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Spook The Horses - Brighter Album Review
09 Apr 2012 // A review by Alistar3000
Spook the Horses may be New Zealand’s answer to seminal post-metal band Isis. They share many similarities – the layers of sound, sparse vocals, driving heaviness.
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PNC - Under The Influence Album Review
08 Apr 2012 // A review by Dilemma
Under The Influence is not your classic Hip-Hop release, spawned from an old school mix-tape concept, PNC and producer Matt Miller have included sample mash-ups on the album including Stranger Part 1 & 2 - featuring a twisted mash-up sample from Gotye’s #1 single Somebody That I Used To Know and Take It All, sampling Adele as the underlying track but featuring local Hip Hop MCs Jordache, David Dallas, Louie Knuxx and Percieve. Other collaborations are provided by the sweet Pieter T on All Day which is a somewhat aggressive track.
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Sounds Aotearoa 2012: Part One - The Seminars
05 Apr 2012 // A review by Peter-James Dries
Part One: The Seminars Wonderful weather in New Plymouth for this, perhaps the last Sounds Aotearoa to be held in the scenic Taranaki. There were mixed responses to whether Sounds would be missed in Taranaki.
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05 Apr 2012 // A review by Peter-James Dries
Part One: The Seminars Wonderful weather in New Plymouth for this, perhaps the last Sounds Aotearoa to be held in the scenic Taranaki. There were mixed responses to whether Sounds would be missed in Taranaki.
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Fly My Pretties - Fly My Pretties IV Album Review
01 Apr 2012 // A review by Alistar3000
Fly My Pretties has become something of a New Zealand institution, a local super group. You know they can always be depended on for high quality entertainment, and their ability to rope in many of our top musicians, as well as the best up and coming artists, means that their sound retains a freshness and that Pretties sound at the same time.
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Kieran Cooper - Yes, No, Sincerely Album Review
25 Mar 2012 // A review by Peter-James Dries
In a rather novel move, over the past month or so Kieran Cooper has been releasing a track a week of Yes, No, Sincerely onto his bandcamp, a move previously employed by Smashing Pumpkins. This serialisation harkens back to the old days before we had unlimited high-speed internet and any album we could ever desire in a couple of clicks and a few minutes.
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Kieran Cooper - Yes, No, Acoustic
25 Mar 2012 // A review by Peter-James Dries
Yes, No, Acoustic is a mix of old and new Kieran Cooper, from his previous release In Search of Reason, including my old favourites Awake and Over Me, as well as from his new release Yes, No, Sincerely, and also tracks from Kieran’s band, Kasium. If you’re the kind of person that would rather rock out to the Foo Fighters’ acoustic performance of Everlongwhen you’re in your growlery than listen to the original studio recording, then keep this album on your MP3 player.
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Jeramiah Ross / Module - Imagineering Album Review
22 Mar 2012 // A review by Alistar3000
Imagineering is the first proper album from Module (aka Wellington – via Canada – musician Jeremiah Ross) since 2005's Remarkable Engines; that’s not to say Module has been idle in the past 6 years – there’s been the 70+ minute, single track Dreams For The Sleepless, and a live album released to keep us, and Module, occupied. Those releases haven’t seemed to garner the attention that Remarkable Engines did though, which is a shame as it’s seen Module sort of disappear from our musical landscape (or perhaps just mine).
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Julien Dyne - Live @ the San Francisco Bathhouse, Wellington - 9 March 2012
18 Mar 2012 // A review by Alistar3000
Julien Dyne has already had a varied career as a musician. From playing in punk/hardcore bands at a young age, to playing jazz (notably with his father, Paul), then to the funky grooves of Opensouls and onto the hip hop/R&B of Ladi6.
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Sinate - To The Death Album Review
14 Mar 2012 // A review by CEOMong
Damn I’m impressed, this is one cool album – especially as loud as I have it right now. I consider myself lucky to have the privilege to hear something like this, and it’s from Kiwis!
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The Johnny Possum Band - Short Summer Album Review 2
05 Mar 2012 // A review by Mmdelai
The Johnny Possum Band (formerly known as "Johnny Possum's Good Time Hootin' Band"):This is their 5th CD 'Short Summer', made up of eight original songs and three covers. The music is based around rock, blue-grass, Americana and folk.
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An Emerald City - Live @ St. Peter's Hall, Paekakariki
05 Mar 2012 // A review by Alistar3000
It starts with a single violin playing an eerie lament, on a stage lit only by antique table lamps on a dark and stormy night in Paekakariki, half an hour out of Wellington. One by one the rest of An Emerald City stroll onto the small stage to take up the tune, in a way reflecting the band's approach to song writing.
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The Johnny Possum Band - Short Summer Album Review
05 Mar 2012 // A review by Kerry MB
A beautiful arrangement featuring mandolins and violins makes The Johnny Possum band stand out in their eclectic mix genre of folk pop rock, with a lots of melody and feel good vibes. Short Summer is the band’s fifth album to date, comprising of vocalist, Bryan Peters, Margaret Pickering, Sean Whitaker, Keith Taylor and Jonathan Rosanowski.
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Burning Embers - Open Road Demo EP Review
05 Mar 2012 // A 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.
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Heavy Metal Ninjas - The Heavy Metal Ninjas EP Review
04 Mar 2012 // A review by River Tucker
The Heavy Metal Ninjas, who formed in 2010 (the year of the ninja), have certainly transcended the mortal realm with their debut EP of the same name. From devastating riffs, synchronised perfectly with meticulous timing, the five Ninjas including Stu and Fran Kora from multi-platinum selling band Kora, look set to completely annihilate the competition.
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Outsiders - Shallow Graves EP Review
01 Mar 2012 // A review by River Tucker
The Outsiders latest release Shallow Graves is a short but sweet EP that builds nicely on their impressive 2010 debut album The Words Will Write Themselves. With obvious similarities, Shallow Graves has a bit more Kiwi flavour and an underground number eight-wire approach.
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Alizarin Lizard - The Weekend Went Without You Album Review
29 Feb 2012 // A review by Peter-James Dries
The Weekend Went Without You is a collection of catchy songs in the key of awesome. The music is an amalgamation of juxtaposed styles and influences; an orgy of pop, punk, jazz, blues and garage rock.
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Derty Sesh - Apology Accepted Album Review
26 Feb 2012 // A review by Dilemma
The sophmore release from Derty Sesh titled 'Apology Accepted' was released on Monday and with no where near the same backlash from his first release 'Sic Love.' In receiving this album I was excited to see the features and listened to I am Here first because Erakah was featured.
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Homegrown 2012
26 Feb 2012 // A review by terry666
Homegrown, Wellington Waterfront, 18 February 2012 Homegrown, New Zealand’s celebration of our culture of music is awesome. This is the day when all our finest talents are on display in a sublime setting of the Wellington waterfront.
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26 Feb 2012 // A review by terry666
Homegrown, Wellington Waterfront, 18 February 2012 Homegrown, New Zealand’s celebration of our culture of music is awesome. This is the day when all our finest talents are on display in a sublime setting of the Wellington waterfront.
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The Lowest Fidelity - Curious Maladies Album Review
26 Feb 2012 // A review by Alistar3000
Will Saunders has been in the New Zealand music scene for a while, playing in Auckland psychedelic rock outift The Quick and The Dead (as well as London trio Siren), and has been releasing material as a solo artist for the past 2 years. His latest effort, Curious Maladies, is released under Will Saunders and the Lowest Fidelity, but don’t let the name fool you; there’s no band here, it’s just Will, a couple of guitars and a microphone.
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JCK - The Bees Album Review
12 Feb 2012 // A review by Alistar3000
JCK (aka James Castady-Kristament) has been producing his brand of hip hop since 2002 with songs being picked up by radio stations and music TV. It’s easy to see why he gets so much interest after listening to his latest album, The Bees.
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Psyrok - Calculus EP Review
12 Feb 2012 // A review by Alistar3000
It’s hard enough getting a bunch of musicians together to write and record songs when they all live in the same city, so it must be an absolute nightmare when they live on opposite sides of the globe. It would become damn near impossible when those musicians haven’t even met and have only spoken once (for a radio interview at that).
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Illuminus - Until The End Album Review
06 Feb 2012 // A review by Alistar3000
Every now and then an album comes along that surprises with its’ fresh sound and bold song writing. Illuminus’ debut album, Until The End, has been the first such surprise of 2012.
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The top ten cool things about Saturday at Parachute 2012
02 Feb 2012 // A review by amandashootsbands
1. I’ve been to a number of Midnight Youth shows over the past few years, so it was rather lovely to sit and enjoy a few snippets from the front-man himself, Jeremy Redmore at Noise.
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02 Feb 2012 // A review by amandashootsbands
1. I’ve been to a number of Midnight Youth shows over the past few years, so it was rather lovely to sit and enjoy a few snippets from the front-man himself, Jeremy Redmore at Noise.
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Beyond The Black Festival, New Years Eve 2011, Wellington
22 Jan 2012 // A review by terry666
Beyond the Black festival, New Years Eve 2011, Trentham Wellington It was a crap rainy day as I hit Upper Hutt early on New Years Eve ready to get my metal on for New Zealand’s first heavy metal and rock New Year’s festival. The beauty of this event unlike many others around the country was that most of this festival was inside.
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22 Jan 2012 // A review by terry666
Beyond the Black festival, New Years Eve 2011, Trentham Wellington It was a crap rainy day as I hit Upper Hutt early on New Years Eve ready to get my metal on for New Zealand’s first heavy metal and rock New Year’s festival. The beauty of this event unlike many others around the country was that most of this festival was inside.
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Throw It To The Fire, Captain Sergeant Major, Force Fields, Hollywoodfun Downstairs @ San Francisco Bathhouse, Wellington, 6 January 2012
10 Jan 2012 // A review by Alistar3000
For some reason live music seems to disappear from our cities every summer and the only way to see a band is to trek to one of the holiday hotspots (or rain spots) for a festival. So it was with great anticipation that I headed to Wellington’s San Francisco Bathhouse for my first gig of the year, featuring up and coming locals Hollywoodfun Downstairs.
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10 Jan 2012 // A review by Alistar3000
For some reason live music seems to disappear from our cities every summer and the only way to see a band is to trek to one of the holiday hotspots (or rain spots) for a festival. So it was with great anticipation that I headed to Wellington’s San Francisco Bathhouse for my first gig of the year, featuring up and coming locals Hollywoodfun Downstairs.
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Pajama Club - Pajama Club Self-titled Album Review
30 Dec 2011 // A review by Miss_Jukebox
Once you have got it, you never lose it. The self-titled debut of Neil Finn’s new outfit, Pajama Club, is testament to this.
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Spartacus R - The View Album Review
20 Dec 2011 // A review by Alistar3000
With their second album, The View, Wellington 6-piece Spartacus R prove that it’s quality, not quantity that matters. In 6 years together they’ve released a couple of EP’s, their debut album (When The Fever Takes Hold) in 2009 and toured a handful of times.
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Geoff Ong - Pictures EP Review
14 Dec 2011 // A review by Kerry MB
If you haven’t yet heard of up and coming talent, Geoff Ong, you will soon, with the release of his first EP, Pictures, making quite a name for himself in pop. Pictures, is a great mix of pop soft rock melody, just in time for summer and those long hot days, giving listeners just a glimpse of what Geoff Ong is capable of musicially as an artist.
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Kasium - Exhale Album Review
12 Dec 2011 // A review by Peter-James Dries
Kasium’s Exhale is the 90s rock album of the year. There are grungy guitars with blazing solos, heavy bass, hard-hitting drums and there is stoic defiance against the norms and the authorities in Kieran’s vocals.
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Cobra Khan - Adversities Album Review
09 Dec 2011 // A review by River Tucker
From the opening riff that will make the hairs on the back of your neck shiver in anticipation, Cobra Khan’s latest release Adversities, never lets up. The quintet had already set the bar high with their previous releases, especially the 2008 album Helgorithms, ensuring many dedicated fans here and abroad.
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Knights of the Dub Table - Way of the Dub Album Review
09 Dec 2011 // A review by Alistar3000
The Knights of the Dub Table attempt to live up to their name with their debut full length and for the most part they succeed. They’re not quite at the head of that table yet, but they come close.
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Mz J - Love Changes Everything Album Review
08 Dec 2011 // A review by Miss_Jukebox
New Zealand music has been going from strength to strength in 2011 with local artists setting sights on the international circuit and being successful in doing so. Here is another album that can comfortably sit alongside some of the chart-topping RnB and Pop albums emerging from the U.
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Photonic - Rif Mountains Album Review
08 Dec 2011 // A review by terry666
Camera Stellata is a very soft opener. This is the third album from the one man army Craig Scott who has also had a track included in the Stoner Doom Vol 1 album with a song from his first release Recorded content.
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Amos/Anon - Darkness From Light Album Review
08 Dec 2011 // A review by Miss_Jukebox
AmosAnon have stomped back onto the scene with a new digital release Darkness from Light. This is a dusky album full of hard-hitting rock songs.
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Sticky Filth - Fourth Domain Album Review
03 Dec 2011 // A review by River Tucker
For starters, Sticky Filth’s latest album demands to be played loud. Fourth Domain is a nicely packaged release that builds on a solid foundation of the tried and true, while not being afraid to explore something new and the darker side of life.
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The Flaming Mudcats - Gave You What You Wanted Album Review
03 Dec 2011 // A 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.
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The House Of Capricorn - In The Devil's Days Album Review
28 Nov 2011 // A review by CEOMong
At first I didn’t know what to say about the newest offering from the cloven hoofed ones, but the more I listen the more I have to say. I really like it, I’m not 100% sure why, there’s lots to like but nothing I can nail down ...
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High Dependency Unit - Live @ the San Francisco Bathhouse, Wellington - 11 November 2011
20 Nov 2011 // A review by Alistar3000
High Dependency Unit (HDU) are one of those bands that just seem to have always been a part of the New Zealand music scene. They were part of the Flying Nun stable in the 90’s until they went their separate ways in 2008 and gained a cult following for their post-rock sound and for their live shows; the latter being remembered for the huge wall of layered sound that the trio would create.
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Vodafone New Zealand Music Awards - November 3rd, 2011. Vector Arena.
11 Nov 2011 // A review by Dilemma
Man, the Vector is massive. Anything staged there needs to be a spectacular just to do the sheer size of the Arena justice.
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11 Nov 2011 // A review by Dilemma
Man, the Vector is massive. Anything staged there needs to be a spectacular just to do the sheer size of the Arena justice.
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Kapabal - No Rest Album Review
09 Nov 2011 // A review by Dilemma
There is so much good NZ music out there lately that it is easy to be subjective when listening to it, because it is all different and yet so good. I am always so excited to listen to something new and fresh, and am open minded to diversity.
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Machete Justice - Reversion Album Review
08 Nov 2011 // A review by River Tucker
Picking up where many metal bands left off, Machete Justice sets the bar high with their most excellent début album Reversion. Hailing from Tauranga in New Zealand, the quintessential four-piece band aims for the sky with an album not for the faint hearted.
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The Bats - Free All The Monsters Album Review
08 Nov 2011 // A review by Kerry MB
The first thing I notice when popping in The Bats new release, Free All The Monsters, is the distinct ‘Dunedin sound’ to which The Bats have been a part of, in their impressive thirty year career to date. Less is more with jingly guitars and loose drumming, summing up the Dunedin Sound perfectly.
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Kenbe La Foundation - Never Give Up Single Review
06 Nov 2011 // A review by Dilemma
Kenbe La [ken-bay lah] – the Haitian phrase for “never give up”, it is a brand new track produced by Paul Dodge from Minuit for The Kenbe La foundation, a charity set up to support childrens education in the earthquake stricken counrty of Haiti. Kenbe La is the title and theme of the track written in response to work being done to rebuild earthquake ravaged Haiti – namely the work of the very inspirational Kiwi Emily Sanson-Rejouis, who lost family in the quake and established the foundation to help support schools in the area.
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06 Nov 2011 // A review by Dilemma
Kenbe La [ken-bay lah] – the Haitian phrase for “never give up”, it is a brand new track produced by Paul Dodge from Minuit for The Kenbe La foundation, a charity set up to support childrens education in the earthquake stricken counrty of Haiti. Kenbe La is the title and theme of the track written in response to work being done to rebuild earthquake ravaged Haiti – namely the work of the very inspirational Kiwi Emily Sanson-Rejouis, who lost family in the quake and established the foundation to help support schools in the area.
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Ria Hall - Ria Hall EP Review
06 Nov 2011 // A review by Dilemma
Ria Hall has had an interesting journey leading up to the release of her debut EP. She has wowed crowds touring with some of NZ's musical elite, backing up Hollie Smith, holding her own beside Anna Coddington in Eru Dangerspiel and singing with TrinityRoots.
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Shotgun Alley - Shotgun Alley Album Review
06 Nov 2011 // A review by Alistar3000
I wanted to like Shotgun Alley, I truly did. Like any other band I felt they deserved a fair go.
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Bannerman - Dearly Departed Album Review
06 Nov 2011 // A review by Alistar3000
I've got a hunch that the new Bannerman album, Dearly Departed, is going to be played a lot in my house. From the first track I was hooked on the richness of the album, the layers of sound, the songwriting, the melancholy yet whimsical tone of the songs.
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Akaname - Akaname Album Review
01 Nov 2011 // A review by CEOMong
I must say it's rather refreshing to hear an album like this, some real inventive action, and not a single word spoken by a vocalist. Amazing.
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Shapeshifter - Live at the Forum, Melbourne - 29/10/2011
01 Nov 2011 // A review by sidvicious
Shapeshifter represents New Zealand to me – festivals, trips to the Coromandel with friends, New Years, Big Day Out, beaches and beer. Hearing Bring Change can, in an instant, remind me of everything I love and miss about New Zealand; they’ve been the soundtrack to years and years worth of summers.
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1814 - Covers Album Review
29 Oct 2011 // A review by Dilemma
New Zealand’s far North premier reggae group 1814 bring the party with their sun-drenched blend of sweet soulful vocals, upbeat grooves and smooth sax lines with strong messages of peace, love and harmony. The Covers Album features 11 solid tracks from artists such as the “father of soul” Sam Cooke, the great Bill Withers, legendary country singer Johnny Cash and so many more, it is sure to impress.
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Midnight Youth - World Comes Calling Album Review
26 Oct 2011 // A review by terry666
Midnight Youth have only been around for a few years and but have already made huge inroads into the Kiwi rock scene. Their debut album 'The Brave Don’t Run' was released two years ago and featured 5 hit singles, making them a must see live act.
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Jeremy Mason - You Will Never Know Everything EP
25 Oct 2011 // A review by Mmdelai
Jeremy Mason's four track EP "You Will Never Know Everything" was self released in September, this his second release after "Distorted Vision". His solo music is subtle acoustic singer song writer stuff, a far cry from his period playing bass in kiwi punk band "Kill the Fake Patient".
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Jackal - Furnace Creek review
25 Oct 2011 // A review by Alistar3000
Auckland's Jackal remind me of a lot of several bands that I've liked since my wayward teenage years. That's not too much of a problem for me - a lot of bands imitate the sound of other bands - but it does make it difficult to describe their sound, or sometimes even determine what that sound is across their songs.
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Kive - Gravitate EP Review
20 Oct 2011 // A review by Alistar3000
Kive are one of those bands that you hear and wonder why you haven't heard them before. Originally a three piece post-rock outfit, the addition of former Brutally Frank vocalist Jeremy Frank has added another dimension to their sound.
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Funkommunity - Chequered Thoughts Album Review
20 Oct 2011 // A review by Alistar3000
Funkommunity slightly misled me, or at least the funk part of their name did. I was expecting something dripping with funk-ness, but instead found an album that was less funk and more soul.
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SINSIN - Layers EP Review
17 Oct 2011 // A review by Alistar3000
I spent a good portion of Sunday afternoon looking for something to listen to that would fit in with a stinking hangover. It takes a special kind of music to slot into a hangover and I wasn’t having much luck; everything was either too loud, or too mellow, or too fast, or too slow.
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Minuit - Live @ the San Francisco Bathhouse, Wellington - 15 October 2011
17 Oct 2011 // A review by Alistar3000
Minuit are one of those bands that people seem to either love or hate, and it was all about the love at a full San Francisco Bathhouse on Saturday. The night began with Wellington beat maker D:UNK, playing some funk heavy tunes that quickly turned an empty dance floor into a writhing mass of people and was the perfect warm-up for the main event.
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Bond Street Bridge - Spring Summer Awesome Winter Album Review
16 Oct 2011 // A 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.
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Darklight Corporation - Eminence/Darklight Corporation Guns of Dawn Tour @ The Royal, Sept 9 2011
16 Oct 2011 // A review by terry666
Eminence/Darklight Corporation Guns of Dawn Tour, The Royal, Palmerston North, Fri Sep 09 2011 Another night at The Royal in Palmy with metal from local executioners Bloodworx, two Wellington bands Evil In Eden and Darklight Corporation, and an international act to boot in Brazilian, Eminence. What a way to spend the night.
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K.One - Far From Home Album Review
14 Oct 2011 // A review by Dilemma
K.One is the future, firmly on the upward climb to his peak as a solo artist.
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DJ Definite - From Hell to Breakfast EP Review
14 Oct 2011 // A review by JohnS
Former dDub bass player Brent Stathdee has got back into making beats since the duo known as Definite & Bling took a hiatus in 2007. After 3 EP’s and an album with hard funk/Rock band Hangman, DJ Definite has turned back to making beats again.
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Mmdelai - Mmdelai Self Titled EP Review
11 Oct 2011 // A review by Dilemma
Mmdelai has newly released a self titled EP, the first song White World sounds more like a dance club anthem with synth and heavy drums filling out the track. Described by the Groove Guild as a mix of "Aphex Twin and P.
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Cybiont - So Much Work For Love To Do Album Review
10 Oct 2011 // A review by Alistar3000
There’s such a proliferation of music being made on the Mac that it almost deserves its own genre. Unfortunately that wouldn’t help anyone trying to describe Cybiont’s fourth album, So Much Work For Love.
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Beltane - Auld Toby Album Review
06 Oct 2011 // A review by Peter-James Dries
My interest in Beltane began as a sideline to my interest in the music of Palmerston North’s $lave Recordings. When people say the name Beltane their tone suggests there is some kind of dark back story, some hidden history I needed to know about.
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Scribe - Not Many Cities Single Review
05 Oct 2011 // A review by Dilemma
There really could have been no better ambassador to raise awareness for Christchurch than Scribe. The Southern born rapper who is known for his own quiet strength, persistence and resilience, has always been proud of his roots.
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Kerretta - Saansilo Album Review
01 Oct 2011 // A review by Kerry MB
Experimental rock from Auckland, Kerretta, has been making quite a scene overseas lately with their powerful live shows and heavy instrumental sound. Anyone familiar with their debut album, 'Vilayer', released in 2009 will be reminded of the potential that inevitably has followed in the shape of their second album, 'Saansilo', released September 18.
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Kasium - So Electric Single Review
30 Sep 2011 // A review by Peter-James Dries
Kasium’s latest single So Electric is crisp production, catchy riffs, catchier lyrics and a healthy dose of wholesome rock and roll. The single couldn’t have come at a better time.
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The Rabble - Life's A Journey Album Review
25 Sep 2011 // A review by Alistar3000
As soon as you start listening to the Rabble it’s hard to not draw comparisons between a bunch of 90’s punk and ska bands; bands like Rancid, Good Riddance, Green Day and so on. Their latest release Life's A Journey would easily sit amongst anything released by any of those bands; while there’s nothing distinctive about the music on the album, the songs are all well written and the recording is first class.
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Mel Parsons - Album Review: Red Grey Blue
25 Sep 2011 // A review by Alistar3000
Mel Parsons may seem young but her latest album Red Grey Blue shows a weariness and a maturity belying her age. Many of the songs on the album have a dark streak running through them that speaks of harsh life experiences, although they’re balanced out by tracks like Things Will Get Good and We Will Find Love Again, both full of optimism for the future.
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Electric Wire Hustle - Little Bushman and Electric Wire Hustle @ San Francisco Bathhouse, Wellington - 24 September 2011
25 Sep 2011 // A review by Alistar3000
Little Bushman and Electric Wire Hustle always manage to draw big crowds and when they decided to play together over two nights at Wellington’s San Francisco Bathhouse it was always going to be huge. From what I’ve heard the Friday night was a pretty amazing affair, so I headed along to the Saturday show with some pretty big expectations.
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Mountaineater - Mountaineater, Left or Right, Full Fucking Moon and Ryan Prebble @ Bar Bodega, Wellington - 16 September 2011
17 Sep 2011 // A review by Alistar3000
Music fans turning up to Wellington’s Bar Bodega on Friday night were lucky to be treated to a wide range of musical styles. The Nudge’s Ryan Prebble kicked things off, playing solo for the night.
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Freaky Meat - Delicatessen Album Review
13 Sep 2011 // A review by Alistar3000
What do you get when you combine the drummer and guitarist of the Tutts with a jazz poet (not to mention a funky as bass player)? It’s not a joke but the punch line is Freaky Meat.
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Head Like A Hole - Head Like a Hole & Cairo Knife Fight @ The Royal, Palmerston North
09 Sep 2011 // A review by Peter-James Dries
A Savage Journey to the Heart of the Rock and Roll Dream. From a block away there is no sign of a crowd, the kind of thing you’d expect to see for a show like this.
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Crimson Rain - Are You Happy Now Single Review
07 Sep 2011 // A review by CEOMong
Nice soft finger pluckin intro, cool reverb. Nice bass thrum.
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Acoustic Gig @ Bar Medusa, 18 August 2011
04 Sep 2011 // A 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.
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04 Sep 2011 // A 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.
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Alphabethead - Alphabethead's Wonderful World of the Weird @ Medusa, Wellington - 3 September 2011
04 Sep 2011 // A review by Alistar3000
When I walked into Medusa last night for Alphabethead’s Wonderful World of the Weird tour to find Hamilton’s DJ Indecline mixing and scratching hip hop and punk records, I knew the night was going to be an interesting one. The colourful circus-like backdrop behind him, and flags hanging around the walls, only added to the atmosphere.
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Sonic Altar - Sonic Altar @ Bar Medusa, Wellington on 1 September 2011
03 Sep 2011 // A review by Alistar3000
A handful of hardy Wellington metal fans turned out on Thursday night at Medusa to witness Auckland retro-metallers Sonic Altar as part of their album release tour. Bringing with them fellow Aucklander's A Beautiful Chaos, and joined for the night by Kapiti Coast band Roadside Theory, we were set for a night of classic metal riffs, headbanging and finely honed stage acts.
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Luger Boa - Luger Boa and Black River Drive @ The Royal, Palmerston North - 19 August 2011
02 Sep 2011 // A review by terry666
Double strength tour with The Rascal kings, Black river drive and Luger Boa 19/08/11 The Royal Palmerston north I was very excited about heading down to The Royal for great night of Rock n Roll lined up for the evening. The line up had locals The Rascal Kings, Black River Drive and Luger Boa a very electric brew to swill down on a winter’s night in Palmy.
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Secondi - Pre-album Release Review
31 Aug 2011 // A review by Miss_Jukebox
The meaning of cool has changed over time. Actually, it is not the meaning of the word that has changed, but rather what defines it.
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Jess Chambers - Hopeful Dreamer Single Review
29 Aug 2011 // A review by Miss_Jukebox
Just as the first buds reveal themselves in our gardens at this time of year, and as the frosty mornings cede to a gentle sun, Jess Chambers has released her single ‘Hopeful Dreamer’ to mark the beginning of what is sure to be a beautiful Spring season. ‘Hopeful Dreamer’ is immaculate in its execution.
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Elliot Brown - Road To Destruction album review
28 Aug 2011 // A review by Alistar3000
At first I didn’t know what to make of Northland’s Elliot Brown. His claims of alt-country put me off, not being a genre I usually get into too much.
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Chess Countess - Who is Chess Countess? Album Review
28 Aug 2011 // A review by Alistar3000
It's always a challenge for a musician to compose outside their genre of choice, something that Auckland's Chess Countess (aka Tamsyn Miller) seems to have struggled with. With a background in musicals and as a backing singer for several big names, as well as being classically trained in violin and voice, this should have been a strong EP.
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Backyard Burial - Backyard Burial Final Show @ San Francisco Bathhouse, Wellington, 26/08/2011
28 Aug 2011 // A review by Alistar3000
The first review I ever had published was of a Backyard Burial gig, so it was a great privilege to be able to photograph and review their farewell show. There were always going to be mixed emotions to this show.
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Head Like A Hole - Head Like a Hole @ San Francisco Bathhouse, Wellington, 25/08/2011
28 Aug 2011 // A review by Alistar3000
The opportunity to review and photograph Head Like A Hole was the culmination of a long history/obsession with the band. I first saw a photo of HLAH when I was 11 and became a fan without even hearing their music; it was back when they were becoming known for their onstage antics - dressing up in plastic yellow tubing, playing naked, the sort of crazy behaviour that is appeals to a pre-teen music fan.
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Adeaze - Rise & Shine Album Review
25 Aug 2011 // A review by Dilemma
Duo Adeaze have released their second album called Rise & Shine, a follow up to the brothers’ double-platinum debut album Always and for Real, which was released in 2004. After taking time to focus on family and song writing, the Adeaze brothers have constructed a beautifully harmonious 12 track album.
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Hanna Grace - Concrete & Roses Album Review
22 Aug 2011 // A review by Dilemma
Singer songwriter Hanna Grace has just released her debut album Concrete & Roses, with a little harmless self-promotion it is based on an Adele-meets-Amy Winehouse sound and just the right balance of rhythm and seduction. Hanna is a true artist in every sense of the word and draws her inspiration from real life experiences.
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In Dread Response - Embers in the Spiritless Void Album Review
16 Aug 2011 // A review by River Tucker
From the outset In Dread Response’s second album, Embers in the Spiritless Void, lays down the gauntlet as an unrelenting and epic release. Musically comparable to international bands like Machine Head and Lamb of God, while defining their sound with a new level of creativity, In Dread Response builds on the theme of vengeful anger that is the basis of all great thrash, doom and melodic death metal.
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The Red Eyes - Red Army Album Review
14 Aug 2011 // A review by Alistar3000
Traditionally reggae has had either religion or politics as its driving force, which is understandable when it’s viewed as an outlet for the oppressed people of Jamaica. Lately though, reggae has tended to be subverted by the middle class and has been churned out in an easy listening format, almost a reggae-lite, more commonly associated with BBQs, beaches and beers.
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The Nudge - Big Nudge Pie Album Review
14 Aug 2011 // A review by Alistar3000
I had the pleasure of seeing The Nudge live a week ago (check out that review here), before hearing their debut album Big Nudge Pie this week, which may have slightly ruined the album for me. Playing live, the band are able to spend time exploring their musical ideas, expanding on them and adapting them.
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Beastwars - Beastwars @ Mighty Mighty, Wellington, 13 August 2011
14 Aug 2011 // A review by Alistar3000
Wellington’s Mighty Mighty last night became a seething mass of metallers, with local sludge fanatics Beastwars providing an apocalyptic soundtrack that nearly left the crowd in a state of physical and mental destruction. Usually catering to the more sedate sounds of indie hipsters, the bar may have been unprepared for the onslaught of bogans, stoners and general weirdoes, my own bad self included, that seem to accompany Beastwars wherever they go.
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Brooklyn State Hospital - The Doctor will Record you Now Album Review
09 Aug 2011 // A review by Peter-James Dries
If you’re a regular listener of Massey University’s Radio Control 99.4fm, or have tuned in at all over the past month you’ve probably heard Pottsy shamelessly plug his band, Brooklyn State Hospital, and their Album Release Gig at the Celtic.
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09 Aug 2011 // A review by Peter-James Dries
If you’re a regular listener of Massey University’s Radio Control 99.4fm, or have tuned in at all over the past month you’ve probably heard Pottsy shamelessly plug his band, Brooklyn State Hospital, and their Album Release Gig at the Celtic.
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The Nudge - The Nudge @ San Francisco Bathhouse, Wellington, 5/08/2011
06 Aug 2011 // A review by Alistar3000
It’s watching a man in a bunny suit bash out a mean five minute drum solo that makes you remember why live music can be so much fun – it's the unpredictable nature of it; no two gigs are ever the same. But that’s the end of the night; let’s start at the beginning.
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Head Like A Hole - Blood Will Out Album Review 2
03 Aug 2011 // A review by Peter-James Dries
If you’ve never heard of Head Like a Hole give yourself a slap. Do it.
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Kieran Cooper - In Search of Reason Album Review
03 Aug 2011 // A review by Peter-James Dries
The solo effort of Kasium vocalist and front man, Kieran Cooper is a relatively dark affair. It’s cut from the same cloth as Marilyn Manson’s acoustic material, for those dedicated fans who have heard that (For those who haven’t, listen to Kieran Cooper instead.
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David Dallas - Take A Picture Single Review
02 Aug 2011 // A review by Dilemma
'Take a Picture' is the most recent release from David Dallas off his new album The Rose Tint. It combines honest lyrics, his rapping talent and soulful singing in the chorus, with a solid hip hop beat in the background.
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Head Like A Hole - Blood Will Out Album Review
02 Aug 2011 // A review by terry666
Head Like A Hole aka HLAH are Kiwi Rock Legends. I have always loved these guys and their live shows were a sight to behold.
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The Slur-Tones, Pirate Sons and the Orphins @ Bar Bodega, Wellington 30/07/2011
31 Jul 2011 // A review by Alistar3000
I don’t know where Wellington’s music lovers were last night, but they sure weren’t at Bar Bodega. And that’s a shame because they missed a good night of rock’n’roll.
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31 Jul 2011 // A review by Alistar3000
I don’t know where Wellington’s music lovers were last night, but they sure weren’t at Bar Bodega. And that’s a shame because they missed a good night of rock’n’roll.
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Outrun the Buffalo - And Now They Live In A Zoo EP Review
31 Jul 2011 // A review by Alistar3000
Wow! Outrun the Buffalo should be the next BIG THING in New Zealand music.
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Temples on Mars - Vondelpark Single Review
28 Jul 2011 // A review by terry666
Agent's newest single Vondelpark Agent was formed in 2003 in Taranaki and were a huge part of local live scene. They were regulars in Palmerston North, with myself witnessing several of their shows.
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Concord Dawn - The Race to Zero EP Review
28 Jul 2011 // A review by sidvicious
The Race to Zero EP is only the second release since Concord Dawn’s two became one in 2008. But within the first few seconds of the opening track 1925, it’s pretty apparent that The Enemy Within was no fluke.
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Kasium - Premonition EP
28 Jul 2011 // A review by Peter-James Dries
I realise that Kasium’s self-produced Premonition EP was released a good three years ago, but it’s a release I thought I needed to draw attention to. I’m not sure why these guys haven't taken off more than they have, they have a lot riding for them; the dark look, the rock angst, the cultural commentary video.
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Hand Me Downs - Void Single Review
27 Jul 2011 // A review by Dilemma
Raglan’s up and coming band, Hand Me Downs have released their debut single ‘Void.’ As the track starts you get the feeling that Raglan influences the sound with the track being very hipster, laid back and folk inspired.
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El Schlong - Time/Place Album Review
27 Jul 2011 // A review by River Tucker
It seems like ages since El Schlong released their groundbreaking album The Baddies Are Coming in 2008. The band described that release as “like Satan in the bath puzzled by the ginger pube on the soap.
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The Adventures Of Mikejoffa - Eventures EP review
26 Jul 2011 // A review by Kerry MB
Upon seeing Adventures of Mikejoffa at their Eventures EP launch gig at Medusa back in May, I wasn’t quite sure what to expect before they took to the stage, as I only had heard snippets of a song or two. An hour and a half later I was grinning from ear to ear at what I had just heard, so I was excited to finally get my hands on their EP.
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Darklight Corporation - Pitchblack Album Review
25 Jul 2011 // A review by CEOMong
Darklight Corporation have packed a fuckload of wicked awesome rocking riffs and varied, yet simple and appropriately-audible lyrics, cool chewy samples and electronic bits strewn in just the right places to keep you guessing – there’s a little bit of everything in here. Not too much of one thing, nor too pushy and repetitive like sooooo many bands these days – varied enough you could listen to this album dozens of times and still not hear everything.
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Knives At Noon - Knives at Noon and The Frisk (Young Lyre) @ Bodega, 22/07/2011
23 Jul 2011 // A review by Alistar3000
You go to a gig by the band that provided the tune for the Telecom Android phone ad, yeah that song, and of course you'll go along with certain preconceived ideas about what you’re going to get for your hard earned dollars. But then when you arrive at Bar Bodega a four piece Irish blues folk rock band, complete with lap guitar, banjo and violin are playing and you don’t even know who they are because they weren’t on the bill originally.
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The Nomad - Perilous Times album review
17 Jul 2011 // A review by JohnS
Yes, after six years The Nomad (Daimon Schwalger) has been working hard and given us 'Perilous Times', a dupstep flavoured blend or reggae, drum and bass, electronica and Jungle to create a thing of absolute bliss. Through the creation and celebration of independent music, The Nomad, shares the story of his journeys.
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The 3Ds - We Bury The Living album review
17 Jul 2011 // A review by Peter-James Dries
“This nation’s Sonic Youth” is the best way to describe the aural orgasm that is the music of The 3Ds. You don’t get music like this anymore.
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The Adults - The Adults Album Review
13 Jul 2011 // A review by Alistar3000
Jon Toogood has long been one of my favourite musicians; from the early days of Shihad he has consistently created strong rock songs, and the energy he has for music is always apparent, whether on record or performing live, so I was interested to see what he’d come up with as the Adults. The Adults is an opportunity for him to show another side of himself, a softer, more melodic side - although there would be some who would argue that Shihad have been heading in that direction themselves over their last two albums.
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Paperscissors - Paperscissors @ Bar Bodega, Wellington, 8/07/2011
10 Jul 2011 // A review by Alistar3000
I missed seeing Paperscissors perform recently with The Checks, a slip up on my part that, having now seen them play, I regret. For Paperscissors rock (I couldn’t resist…), and they do it well.
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Known Associates - Known Associates: Penny Love
05 Jul 2011 // A review by JohnS
It’s hard not to pick an album and solo judge the music inside by its cover. It’s the whole basis of trying something new, Do you like the look of them, are they wearing the latest fashions or even the classic do I know that guy?
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FreeDay - Welcome to the FreeDay Album Review
01 Jul 2011 // A review by Peter-James Dries
This week I have had the pleasure of reviewing FreeDay’s debut, ‘Welcome to the FreeDay.’ FreeDay is the brainchild of the talented husband and wife team Glen and Alex Donaghy and their backing band.
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F In Math - Couch EP Review
30 Jun 2011 // A review by sidvicious
Funk isn’t a term one would typically associated with music born of drum machines and synthesizers. But that’s the first word that came to mind after the opening minute of the opening track of F in Math’s first recorded album, Couch EP.
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Kidz In Space - Ghost Album Release Gig - Palmerston North 17 June 2011
26 Jun 2011 // A review by JohnS
The chilly, cold night is a constant companion as I head into Palmerston North to see Auckland based band Kidz in Space, on their third stop of their nation wide tour. Not only is this an all ages gig but it’s being held at the Palmerston North Convention Centre, a very unusual venue for a band to be playing.
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Ammp - From The Back of the Sun Album Review
20 Jun 2011 // A review by River Tucker
The first thing to strike me about Ammp’s debut album From The Back of the Sun, is the excellent packaging with nice photographs, song lyrics and production notes all stylishly presented in a 12 page foldout booklet. It’s good to see the bands professionalism doesn’t end with their musicianship.
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Jakob - Jakob @ San Francisco Bathhouse - 11/06/2011
19 Jun 2011 // A review by Alistar3000
I have to admit up front that I've never heard much of Jakob before apart from the odd track on the internet, or played at friends’ houses. But I've yet to hear a bad thing from anyone who's ever seen them play and that, along with the fact that Tool chose them to open for them earlier in the year in Australia, is what got me down to the sold out San Francisco Bathhouse in Wellington last Saturday to check them out.
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Sweet Az Soundsystem - Costal Connection album review
12 Jun 2011 // A review by Dilemma
‘Coastal Connection’ has a totally unique and somewhat eccentric style combining the best of dub/dubstep/reggae and fusing a hint of drum n bass into an album created by producer DJ Kina (Simon Boyd) from The Versionaries and MC Extraordinaire RayJah45 (Raymond Te Oranga-Nolan), known as the Sweet Az Sound System. This collaboration can be best described as music with one foot firmly on the dance floor, with the conscious soulful vibes of RayJah and production of DJ Kina coming together to form a sound that appeals to a wide audience.
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Pacific Music Awards 2011
12 Jun 2011 // A review by Dilemma
This is the seventh year in a row that the highly anticipated Pacific Music Awards have descended on South Auckland for a spectacular night of live performance and Pacific pride. The PMA’s are so unique, there is still the flash of photographers, but surrounded by laughter and excitement, not duty.
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12 Jun 2011 // A review by Dilemma
This is the seventh year in a row that the highly anticipated Pacific Music Awards have descended on South Auckland for a spectacular night of live performance and Pacific pride. The PMA’s are so unique, there is still the flash of photographers, but surrounded by laughter and excitement, not duty.
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Crimson Rain - Why Single Review
06 Jun 2011 // A review by CEOMong
Presumably the remixed/revised/newest version of 'Why', as featured on the EP 'One By One'. It’s similar in just about every way; however the original for me is superior.
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Antagonist A.D. - Old Bones Make New Blooms EP Review
06 Jun 2011 // A review by CEOMong
The latest offering from Antagonist A.D at first listen felt like it was missing something vital.
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Aly Cook - Brand New Day album review
06 Jun 2011 // A review by JohnS
Being one of New Zealand’s biggest secrets hasn’t stopped Aly Cook from doing big things. Described as a woman with a petite frame and a big voice her Debut album shows this to be fact rather than fiction.
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Capital Punishment - 28 May 2011 @ Bar Medusa, Wellington
04 Jun 2011 // A review by terry666
Capital Punishment 2, Bar Medusa, Wellington, 28 may 2011 Twelve hours, twelve bands, Heavy Metal heaven if you can handle it. Bar Medusa's Capital Punishment 2 featuring twelve Kiwi Metal bands is in its second year and what a line up.
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04 Jun 2011 // A review by terry666
Capital Punishment 2, Bar Medusa, Wellington, 28 may 2011 Twelve hours, twelve bands, Heavy Metal heaven if you can handle it. Bar Medusa's Capital Punishment 2 featuring twelve Kiwi Metal bands is in its second year and what a line up.
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Mali Mali - Brotherly EP Review
31 May 2011 // A review by sidvicious
Mali Mali is a relatively new Auckland-based three-piece headed by self-described singer/songwriter Ben Tolich. After parting with his band early last year, Tolich decided to focus on music with a rawer, more authentic sound.
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Daniel Ashcroft - Desperation Album Review
29 May 2011 // A review by Peter-James Dries
This is a message for those people who read my Crackpot Theory Black Metal Much? review: I told you so.
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Kyuss Lives! @ Hunter Lounge, Wellington - Sunday May 15 2011
25 May 2011 // A 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.
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25 May 2011 // A 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.
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Last Train To Brockville - Shayne P Carter Tracks Back @ Bar Bodega, Welling - 6 May 2011
25 May 2011 // A review by terry666
LAST TRAIN TO BROCKVILLE…SHAYNE P CARTER TRACKS BACK Friday 6 May - Bodega, Wellington I’m a huge fan of Shayne Carter's from way back. I would have to say I discovered him rather late in the piece being lucky enough to see the last Straitjacket Fits show at the Big Day Out many many moons ago but it was at that time I was converted and that’s where I feel Shayne always shines.
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25 May 2011 // A review by terry666
LAST TRAIN TO BROCKVILLE…SHAYNE P CARTER TRACKS BACK Friday 6 May - Bodega, Wellington I’m a huge fan of Shayne Carter's from way back. I would have to say I discovered him rather late in the piece being lucky enough to see the last Straitjacket Fits show at the Big Day Out many many moons ago but it was at that time I was converted and that’s where I feel Shayne always shines.
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The Adventures Of Mikejoffa - Eventures EP Release Gig @ Bar Medusa, Wellington on 6 May 2011
25 May 2011 // A review by Kerry MB
Making my way to Medusa bar on a freezing Friday night, I arrived with the happy notion of discounted drinks and my long awaited copy of Adventures Of Mikejoffa’s EP, Eventures, thanks to Doug ten Broeke. Familiar to Medusa’s small but perfectly formed size, I was a little taken back at the vacant space I could see all around me, wondering when or if it was going to start filling out by the time metal titans Red Dawn took to the stage.
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Simon Spire - Four Letter Words Album Review
19 May 2011 // A review by Dilemma
Simon Spire releases his second album, 'Four Letter Words'. The Lead single ‘Liberate Your Love’ hints at the slightly edgier direction Spire has taken on his second album, but without losing the alluring melody hooks and ambitious lyrics he is known for.
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Michelle Nadia - 'Firefly' Album Review
17 May 2011 // A review by sidvicious
Michelle Nadia is a singer/songwriter who has been writing and performing music both in New Zealand and overseas for many years. Accompanying her extensive nationwide tour is her long-awaited debut album Firefly.
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The DeSotos - Your Highway for Tonight Album Review
16 May 2011 // A review by Peter-James Dries
For us too young to have been there on that fateful April night in 1968 all that we know of the Wahine Disaster are the grainy black and white photographs of the giant ship on its side and the distraught faces of those rescued from the lifeboats. There is some small feeling of nostalgia, but the whole event is too distant from us to inspire any feeling of what it was like and how it affected our nation.
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Sleepin Brains - All I Want, Lights Out, Rock & Road Single(s) Reviews
15 May 2011 // A review by CEOMong
Very 80s/90s somehow tastes of DragonForce, Lordi and even Motley Crue in some riffs – they’re somehow hair metallie, yet on the radio side of alternative rock, somewhere. All I Want Slow, tweaky intro.
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15 May 2011 // A review by CEOMong
Very 80s/90s somehow tastes of DragonForce, Lordi and even Motley Crue in some riffs – they’re somehow hair metallie, yet on the radio side of alternative rock, somewhere. All I Want Slow, tweaky intro.
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Miss Black & The Light - Black Light Album Review
13 May 2011 // A review by JohnS
The cold breath of winter is whispering at the door, so for me this means spending more time at home, curled in front of the fire with some choice kiwi sounds heating my soul and currently filling the void is the debut album from Miss Black and the Light. Miss Black (aka Ngatapa Black) is a bilingual singer songwriter more commonly found working for Maori television, but thankfully found time to bring us this unique blend of kiwiana entitled Black Light.
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Beastwars - Beastwars Album Review
12 May 2011 // A review by terry666
Beastwars Self-titled album ‘Beastwars’ have been around for some time and seem to be one of the bands I always miss seeing for some odd reason which guts me. They have been playing the Wellington scene with local Heavy metal bands like Razorwyre and Elephant of the Ocean and also played with some bigger names like High on Fire , The Melvin’s and the upcoming Kyuss shows.
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Black Boy Peaches - Company Feel Good Album Review
11 May 2011 // A review by River Tucker
Black Boy Peaches state that their modus operandi is to “write great music, make great records and play amazing gigs.” Clearly they’re well on their way to achieving these goals with the bands debut album ‘Company Feel Good.
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Disturbed @ TSB Bank Arena, Wellington - 4 May 2011
08 May 2011 // A review by CEOMong
Wifey & I made our way south 200Km from wicked sunshiney weather, to Taxman’s in WellieTron, where it was fully hosing down. Lucky the gig was inside!
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08 May 2011 // A review by CEOMong
Wifey & I made our way south 200Km from wicked sunshiney weather, to Taxman’s in WellieTron, where it was fully hosing down. Lucky the gig was inside!
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Avalanche City - Our New Life Above Ground Album Review
07 May 2011 // A review by Trevor Faville
Avalanche City - Our New Life Above The Ground It’s a great story this… musician Dave Baxter, just like another famous Dave (Grohl), records an entire album by himself, said album goes viral, gets picked up by a Big Record Company, gets top ten hit. That Hit, 'Love Love Love' kicks off the album, and is a clear statement of intent, really, a mid tempo sort-of-acoustic number with a big, catchy, feel-good chorus.
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Mr S - Album Review: Get Rough With It
03 May 2011 // A review by Peter-James Dries
In twenty words Get Rough with It is an acoustic blues rock tribute to an eclectic mix of contemporary jazz and blues standards in the key of rockabilly. These giddy high-energy cover tunes are the kind of thing you whip out on a camping trip, but only if the camp fire is a raging bonfire and you remembered to pack your drum kit and bass.
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03 May 2011 // A review by Peter-James Dries
In twenty words Get Rough with It is an acoustic blues rock tribute to an eclectic mix of contemporary jazz and blues standards in the key of rockabilly. These giddy high-energy cover tunes are the kind of thing you whip out on a camping trip, but only if the camp fire is a raging bonfire and you remembered to pack your drum kit and bass.
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Luger Boa - New Hot Nights Album Review
28 Apr 2011 // A review by terry666
Luger Boa – New Hot Nights It was with eager anticipation that I picked up my copy of Luger Boa's 'New Hot Nights'. Coming up to be released just a few weeks after another big rock album from Foo Fighters this album has a lot to live up to and a big ask to distract Rock fans from the Foo's latest effort and we didn't even have to worry cause this album kicks rock n roll arse.
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Amos/Anon - For those who are sleeping awake... AmosAnon Album Review
24 Apr 2011 // A review by Miss_Jukebox
When the gloom of the night creeps in, and the people enter into the realm of dreams, an artist sits awake, in Wellington. In his lack of sleep, without falling into his dreams, he churns out a series of songs that embody his frustration and fatigue.
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Leeches - Self Titled Debut EP
17 Apr 2011 // A review by River Tucker
I had a feeling I would like this CD, even before I put it in the machine and I was not disappointed. There’s something very impressive about the self-titled release by the Leeches with its hardcore, raw quality that will knock your socks off.
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PNC - Man on Wire Album Review
17 Apr 2011 // A review by Dilemma
PNC has really out done himself with his third release ‘Man on Wire,’ collaborating with some of New Zealand’s most innovative musicians and underlying the early tracks with movie sound bites makes for a brilliant sounding unique album. The first track Murder classically showcases PNC’s natural talent for making music and the balance that he is trying to portray hence the album title.
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Crimson Rain - The Mask Within - Single Review
14 Apr 2011 // A review by CEOMong
Single Review – Crimson Rain – The Mask Within (4:58) A gax-heavy gravid hook intro melts on in to somewhat bluesy melodic vox, before a steady, yet short, climb into the first chorus – man I’m getting chills! Coasting on down to the next verse, wicked awesome transitions, no harshness drops, just silk city the whole way through.
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Box Juice - Box Juice - Sunrise Ave Album Review
12 Apr 2011 // A review by Peter-James Dries
Box Juice's Sunrise Ave is a tropical cocktail of the same ilk as Kiwi greats Katchafire; reggae that remains true to its Jamaican roots with a subtle hint of South Pacific flavour. It's peaceful music for peace.
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Computers Want Me Dead - Computers Want Me Dead EP Review
08 Apr 2011 // A review by sidvicious
Electro-synth pop is one of my favourite genres of music and it’s refreshing to see kiwi kids experimenting with it. Computers Want Me Dead, like Kids of 88 and The Naked and Famous, are part of that group of young New Zealanders who are proving that we can make synthpop just as catchy and fun as our British and Germanic counterparts.
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Shapeshifter - System Remix Album Review
08 Apr 2011 // A review by sidvicious
There’s no debating that Shapeshifter are one of New Zealand’s most successful musical exports, and it’s not hard to see why. Shapeshifter are quite simply phenomenal and because they’ve proven it to me so many times before, I’m always expecting amazing things with the release of any new singles, albums or live tours.
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State Of Mind - Nil By Ear Album Review
07 Apr 2011 // A review by sidvicious
I’m not nearly any sort of ‘bass-head’ by any stretch of the imagination, but State of Mind have proven to me once again why I rate them as one of my favourite New Zealand groups. Their new album Nil By Ear is up there with one of the best drum and bass albums to come out of New Zealand, and when you’re among such talent as Shapeshifter and Six60, that’s a pretty impressive accomplishment.
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Minuit - 'I Felt Like a Fight, Alright?' Ruth Carr Book Review
02 Apr 2011 // A review by Miss_Jukebox
This book comes presented to you straight from the mind of Ruth Carr. “I Felt Like a Fight, Alright?
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Blue Blood - Top Shelf Woman Album Review
30 Mar 2011 // A review by River Tucker
Blue Blood’s debut album Top Shelf Woman exudes good times from start to finish. Best described as a rock solid funkadelic escapade into jazzaliscious dynamics, with some stonking blues soul to get your heart pumping, it’s really something you should pick up today.
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The Thomas Oliver Band - Baby I'll Play Album Review
26 Mar 2011 // A review by Dilemma
When you listen to a lot of music it becomes hard to find songs, bands or even musicians that actually capture your attention and where it does not feel like its just a passive listening experience. Listening to the harmonica in the first track Goin Home on ‘Baby, I’ll Play,’ the new release from the Thomas Oliver Band instantly drew me in.
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Crash-Test For Favourite Things - The Powers That Be EP Release Party - March 19 @ Juice Bar, Parnell
24 Mar 2011 // A review by sidvicious
So after having the pleasure of reviewing Crash Test for Favourite Things’ brand spanking EP The Powers That Be, they invited me along to their EP release party on Saturday night at Juice Bar in Parnell. Like I said, before I reviewed the EP, I’d never even heard of Auckland four-piece Crash Test for Favourite Things.
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Ivy Lies - Little Mind Games Album Review
20 Mar 2011 // A review by Dilemma
Ivy Lies recently completed the recording of their debut album Little Mind Games and it seems that listening to this album it will definitely remain on your mind. The girls of Ivy Lies have perfected pop-rock with high energy, aggressive drums and assertive rock guitar, making music that makes you pound your invisible drum sticks.
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George FM Year book 2010 Mixed by Dick 'Magik' Johnson
15 Mar 2011 // A review by JohnS
Newly released George FM Year book 2010, proudly mixed by resident DJ Dick ‘Magik’ Johnson has hit the shelves, putting the biggest and hottest tunes from 2010 from the airwaves and cutting them into shape for your listening pleasure. Dick ‘Magik’ Johnson has been throwing down bass in NZ since he moved over from the UK in early 2000 and has been welcomed by bass heads nationwide.
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15 Mar 2011 // A review by JohnS
Newly released George FM Year book 2010, proudly mixed by resident DJ Dick ‘Magik’ Johnson has hit the shelves, putting the biggest and hottest tunes from 2010 from the airwaves and cutting them into shape for your listening pleasure. Dick ‘Magik’ Johnson has been throwing down bass in NZ since he moved over from the UK in early 2000 and has been welcomed by bass heads nationwide.
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SeaBed - SeaBed Review
15 Mar 2011 // A review by Peter-James Dries
A lot of people, from the average to the more unusual New Zealander, would never have heard of, imagined or ever encountered the obscure ‘music’ that finds it’s home under the umbrellas of the Ambient, Post-Rock genres. To save you the Wikipedia search “Ambient music is a musical genre that focuses largely on the timbral characteristics of sounds, often organized or performed to evoke an "atmospheric", "visual" or "unobtrusive" quality.
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Cern - Terminus Album Review
15 Mar 2011 // A review by sidvicious
Admittedly, drum and bass isn’t something I listen to on a regular basis, but that’s part of the reason I was looking forward to this hearing this album. Personal listening habits aside, New Zealand is a country that continues to produce world class electronica, with giants like Shapeshifter dominating overseas’ drum and bass scenes.
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Nort - Lifestyles of Bleeding Album Review
15 Mar 2011 // A review by River Tucker
Nort’s new nine-track album is obviously a parent free zone but once the lyrics kick in you might need to hold your mammas hand. Best described as an unrelenting audio assault and not for the faint hearted, Lifestyle of Bleeding has crushing guitars, ballistic bass lines and ruthless drums that will render you incapacitated and requiring a medical certificate.
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Phil Edwards Band - Slow Borders Album Review
14 Mar 2011 // A review by Peter-James Dries
What we have here is the peanut slab of New Zealand music; no pretence, just good honest Kiwi music. Unfortunately that leaves out that portion of the audience that are allergic to nuts, but that takes nothing away from Slow Borders.
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Her Make Believe Band - Her Make Believe Band - 6 Feb - Harbourlight, Lyttelton
14 Mar 2011 // A review by Mmdelai
Her Make Believe Band is a talented acoustic duo made up of Cy Winstanley and Vanessa McGowan. Formed in the UK, the band have been touring the country recently - I was lucky enough to catch their Lyttelton performance.
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Wall Of Silents - Wall of Silents and Barbecued Babies, 12 March 2011 @ The Factory, Palmerston North
13 Mar 2011 // A review by terry666
Wall of Silent’s and Barbecued babies, 12/03/2011 the Factory, Palmerston north The Factory really is a cool venue small, but can still get a few people in. Bizarre Punishment was playing their first show and they didn’t do too bad a job.
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Homegrown 2011
13 Mar 2011 // A review by terry666
Homegrown Rock Stage 5 March 2011 @ Wellington Waterfront I have wanted to go to Homegrown for a long time and this year I was not going to miss it. The line up for the Rock Stage was massive with Midnight Youth opening, some of my favourite’s in-between and Blindspott headlining.
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13 Mar 2011 // A review by terry666
Homegrown Rock Stage 5 March 2011 @ Wellington Waterfront I have wanted to go to Homegrown for a long time and this year I was not going to miss it. The line up for the Rock Stage was massive with Midnight Youth opening, some of my favourite’s in-between and Blindspott headlining.
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High on Fire and The Melvins Gig Review
10 Mar 2011 // A review by terry666
High on Fire and The Melvins - 23/02/2011 - Bodega, Wellington The Melvins and High on Fire were checking in at Christchurch Airport when the Earthquake hit. You have to secretly wonder whether it was the show these guys did the night before that triggered it because they were definitely off the Richter scale for their delayed Wellington show.
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10 Mar 2011 // A review by terry666
High on Fire and The Melvins - 23/02/2011 - Bodega, Wellington The Melvins and High on Fire were checking in at Christchurch Airport when the Earthquake hit. You have to secretly wonder whether it was the show these guys did the night before that triggered it because they were definitely off the Richter scale for their delayed Wellington show.
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Ruby Frost - Moonlight EP Review
09 Mar 2011 // A review by Bela
So this is not normally the type of music I would be drawn to. After listening to this 4 track EP numerous times over, I think that it's time to broaden my horizons.
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Horror Story - Horror story 19/02/2011 the Royal, Palmerston North
07 Mar 2011 // A review by terry666
Horror Story 19/02/2011 the Royal, Palmerston North It feels like forever since Horror Story have been to Palmy so I was very excited at the prospect of seeing them again. With three local bands playing support this was looking like another great night of local music and it was a great night we got.
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An Emerald City - The Fourth Album Review
03 Mar 2011 // A review by River Tucker
Haven’t heard of An Emerald City before? That’s OK, I’m here to get you acquainted.
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Osmium - Made in China and Osmium Southern Deliverence Tour 11/02/2011
01 Mar 2011 // A review by terry666
Osmium and Made in China Southern Deliverance Tour 11/02/2011 The Factory, Palmerston North The Factory is a very cool little venue. Enough people know about it to get in a crowd but not too many to ruin the intimacy.
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Unknown - Ulcerate @ Bodega, Wellington - 12/02/2011
01 Mar 2011 // A review by terry666
Ulcerate 12/02/2011 Bodega, Wellington Bodega is an awesome venue with great sound and lighting and I was very excited at the thought of seeing Ulcerate playing tonight. I caught the end of the set from support band Bulletbelt a Black metal act from Wellington.
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NRG Rising - From Darkness to Light
27 Feb 2011 // A review by BrendaF
This is the debut album for a hard working mother and daughter trio from Hamilton with their roots solidly grounded in reggae. Despite only being around for 18 months, they have crammed a lot in including gigs throughout the Auckland/Bay of Plenty/Gisborne/Hawkes Bay areas and headlining a number of festivals and now, an album.
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House Of Shem - Island Vibrations Album Review
24 Feb 2011 // A review by Dilemma
House of Shem could well be the first family of Reggae in New Zealand. Not only are they Whanau, but between all the band members they have played in pioneering New Zealand Reggae bands and built the sound of reggae in our country through their impeccable credentials.
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Crash-Test For Favourite Things - The Powers That Be EP Review
24 Feb 2011 // A review by sidvicious
In the spirit of honesty I want to first admit that upon undertaking this review I had never even heard of Crash Test for Favourite Things. I’m somewhat ashamed of that, as these Auckland boys (with a few changes in the lineup) have been making sounds around my hometown since 2004.
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The Jury & The Saints - Daydreams Album Review
24 Feb 2011 // A review by River Tucker
To look at this CD you might think WTF and not give it a second chance. But if you get past the initial shock at the quirkiness of the eco friendly packaging, you'd be well pleased you did, and a lot more besides.
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Anna Coddington - Cat & Bird Album Review
19 Feb 2011 // A review by JohnS
The second release from Anna Coddington entitled 'Cat & Bird' has just been released two years after her debut album entitled 'The Lake'. Musically grown with a higher focus on a more mainstream sound from the previous album but with the same lyrical talent being showcased.
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Splore-City Festival, Auckland Town Hall. February 11th and 12th.
18 Feb 2011 // A review by Dilemma
SPLOREific, SPLOREtastic, if you ever get the chance to exSplore SPLORE do it!!! Splore is not your average music festival.
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18 Feb 2011 // A review by Dilemma
SPLOREific, SPLOREtastic, if you ever get the chance to exSplore SPLORE do it!!! Splore is not your average music festival.
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Nevernudes - Creepy Crawlies EP Review
16 Feb 2011 // A review by Mmdelai
Nevernudes (ONEWORDPLEASE) are a four piece punk band from Auckland on Mole Music http://www.molemusicltd.
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Jayson Norris - Freedom Twenty Eight Album Review
14 Feb 2011 // A review by Miss_Jukebox
Beyond the golden cast Iron Gate, is situated an expressive and deep lake full of musical magic and melodic histories. When you slip open the card case of Freedom Twenty Eight you will discover a gem of an album by internationally renowned musician Jayson Norris.
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Ruby Fusion - Disciplinary Hearings Album Review
13 Feb 2011 // A review by Trevor Faville
Ruby FusionDisciplinary Hearings Debut full length CD from a Christchurch 4 piece who claim they are “old enough to know better”. It's hard to find much background on this group – A bit of internet digging does reveal links with the Equus record label which appears to be a collective enterprise that has some interesting ideas and which provides a neat phrase describing the sound of the band -“folky-punky blues”.
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2011's Big Day Out
01 Feb 2011 // A review by sidvicious
The line-up for Big Day Out 2011 was completely polarising for most fans of New Zealand’s most beloved festival. While it was obvious the festival was trying to reconnect with its original roots by bringing back acts like Tool, Iggy and the Stooges and Rammstein, a lot of the newer generation fans I spoke to were disgusted by the heavy-rock centric line-up.
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01 Feb 2011 // A review by sidvicious
The line-up for Big Day Out 2011 was completely polarising for most fans of New Zealand’s most beloved festival. While it was obvious the festival was trying to reconnect with its original roots by bringing back acts like Tool, Iggy and the Stooges and Rammstein, a lot of the newer generation fans I spoke to were disgusted by the heavy-rock centric line-up.
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A Day At Parachute 2011
30 Jan 2011 // A review by amandashootsbands
Last week I covered Big Day Out starting off mentioning that I’d been to seven of the Auckland events in seven years, which seemed to go down quite well with readers. So for Parachute this year, I’m going to do the same, but different because Parachute will always be a little different to the rest of the festivals here in New Zealand.
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30 Jan 2011 // A review by amandashootsbands
Last week I covered Big Day Out starting off mentioning that I’d been to seven of the Auckland events in seven years, which seemed to go down quite well with readers. So for Parachute this year, I’m going to do the same, but different because Parachute will always be a little different to the rest of the festivals here in New Zealand.
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The Karrados - A Means to an End EP Review
28 Jan 2011 // A review by River Tucker
There's a lot of really good music around these days and if you want to stand out from the crowd, you need something new. That's exactly what The Karrados are, right down to their original name.
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Big Day Out 2011
25 Jan 2011 // A review by amandashootsbands
Big Day Out 2011 was my seventh in seven years, and if you know a thing or two about numbers and their spiritual meaning, this one is particularly magical. I can’t confirm such beliefs, as my seventh experience definitely had its share of crappy moments, but don’t cry pussycat – there were good times too.
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25 Jan 2011 // A review by amandashootsbands
Big Day Out 2011 was my seventh in seven years, and if you know a thing or two about numbers and their spiritual meaning, this one is particularly magical. I can’t confirm such beliefs, as my seventh experience definitely had its share of crappy moments, but don’t cry pussycat – there were good times too.
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Amos/Anon - TheLachrymist Album Review
24 Jan 2011 // A review by CEOMong
CD review – AmosAnon – The Lachrymist An intensely packaged CD, from very cleverly handwritten CD label to subtle supernatural themed liners beckoning further investigation, this is one entrancing album – even before its inserted in the tray. When you do insert the thing, rip it, seed it, and finally play it, you find it’s diverse yet cohesive, every track is subtly different yet linked so smoothly, it’s really well done.
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Big Day Out 2011
23 Jan 2011 // A review by CEOMong
We rose to a beautifully overcast and slightly breezy morning, a veteran BDO campaigners’ wish come true – no sunburn today, and the mosh might almost be cool for once! A short public transport ride later, and the semi-traditional pre-event carbo loading, we clambered off the train along with veterans and newbies alike, and trekked off to the BDO.
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23 Jan 2011 // A review by CEOMong
We rose to a beautifully overcast and slightly breezy morning, a veteran BDO campaigners’ wish come true – no sunburn today, and the mosh might almost be cool for once! A short public transport ride later, and the semi-traditional pre-event carbo loading, we clambered off the train along with veterans and newbies alike, and trekked off to the BDO.
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Timothy Armstrong - 'Portraits' Album Review
22 Jan 2011 // A review by Miss_Jukebox
Timothy Armstrong’s second solo album Portraits is more vivid than just brush strokes. It is more fluid than snapshots.
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The Midnights - 'Outside' Album Review
14 Jan 2011 // A review by Dilemma
The Midnights are an all-original New Zealand soul roots reggae band that are very well known for their lives shows. They have a very classic approach with slower Roots Reggae reminiscent of old school Marley.
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Recloose - Recloose 'Early Works' Album Review
10 Jan 2011 // A review by Miss_Jukebox
Recloose has revisited some of the works from earlier on his career, and put together his 'Early Works' album. It is a chance for the artist to look back along the musical path he has travelled.
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Detonate Festival 31/12/2010 New years Taranaki
07 Jan 2011 // A review by terry666
Detonate Festival 2010 New Years Taranaki Detonate 2010. Wow.
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07 Jan 2011 // A review by terry666
Detonate Festival 2010 New Years Taranaki Detonate 2010. Wow.
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The Dylan Storey Band - The Power of Suggestion album review
02 Jan 2011 // A review by Peter-James Dries
For those of you that frequent the muzic.net.
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Sleeping Dogs - 'Myth Reducer' Album Review
29 Dec 2010 // A review by Peter-James Dries
Do you feel that ‘Epic’ is a word thrown around with such enthusiasm these days that it has become blocked by the filters of selective hearing and any associated meaning is sucked out of it? Then listen to this album.
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Let The People Speak Compilation album 2010
12 Dec 2010 // A review by terry666
Let the people speak Compilation album 2010 Let the people speak is a compilation of Kiwi artists from all different genres. The album opens with a track from indie rockers Artisan Guns with the rockier of their two featured songs there slower side being shown later with the track 'Autumn'.
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12 Dec 2010 // A review by terry666
Let the people speak Compilation album 2010 Let the people speak is a compilation of Kiwi artists from all different genres. The album opens with a track from indie rockers Artisan Guns with the rockier of their two featured songs there slower side being shown later with the track 'Autumn'.
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Hellborne - Self Titled Album Review
10 Dec 2010 // A review by Peter-James Dries
If you’re from Palmerston North and haven’t been to a Hellborne gig, you’re too late and I pity you. You have missed out on one hell of an experience and you've missed out on witnessing Palmerston North’s fundamental swamp-metal bands and one of the most legendary in action.
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Luger Boa - Rock n Roll Riot @ The Royal, Palmerston North - 26/11/2010
05 Dec 2010 // A review by terry666
The Earlybirds, The Checks and Luger Boa. Rock n Roll Riot.
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Minuit - Dance Music Will Tear Us Apart EP Review
04 Dec 2010 // A review by Miss_Jukebox
‘Creative differences’ are the dreaded words every fan hopes never to hear about their beloved bands. They are the terms for the official split of a band.
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Tainted - Tainted 20/11/2010 Scorpio Party, The Basement, New Plymouth
01 Dec 2010 // A review by terry666
Tainted - 20/11/2010 @ Scorpio Party, The Basement, New Plymouth It's a little drive up from Palmy to the Naki but it was well worth the ride. It was my first venture to the infamous Scorpio Party and I must say I was very excited.
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Turbostill - Liquid Rock n' Roll
30 Nov 2010 // A review by Peter-James Dries
I recently rediscovered Turbostill’s third outing, Liquid Rock n’ Roll, in my music collection and can only conclude that I must have bought the CD at a local show I have no recollection of. This album represents everything your mother discouraged when you were growing up, but secretly did behind your back.
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Steriogram - Taping The Radio | Album Review
25 Nov 2010 // A review by amandashootsbands
Oh dear...it seems I’m showing my age when I say this, but I remember when Steriogram first hit the scene eleven years ago now.
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Cybiont - Review - Music from a Living Universe & Dark Side of my Spoon
24 Nov 2010 // A review by JohnS
Cybiont’s third release was a refreshing album to review. It’s a lot different to everything I have reviewed before but I was looking for a challenge and I found it.
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Cage Demise - Cage Demise - 13/11/2010 @ The Factory, Palmerston North
23 Nov 2010 // A review by terry666
Cage Demise - 13/11/2010 @ The Factory, Palmerston North The Factory was only half full on this night but the crowd that was there were not about to let that stop them having a great time. They still had a pit and there was plenty of moshing.
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The Veils - Sun Gangs Album Review
19 Nov 2010 // A review by Mmdelai
It was a trip to Real Groovy on the first day this album came out for me, I raced back to the car, eager to find inspiration in The Veil's new album "Sun Gangs". I have always been so moved by the sparse, reverb drenched music of The Veils - Finn Andrew's compositions have a mystery about them that leaves me pouring over the tracks repeatedly.
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Svelte - Cat's Paw Album Review
16 Nov 2010 // A review by Peter-James Dries
If you're a contemporary Kiwi you've heard of Supergroove, in which case you've also inadvertently heard of two thirds of Svelte and the other third is usually mentioned in the shadow of his father - any one who's watched Outrageous Fortune has heard the band Hello Sailor before, but they probably did not know it was his father that played bass on track 8 of their 2006 acoustic album. He's also known as the cousin of Nicky Watson's Ex, who is also famous for being the drummer in an underground New Zealand band, Blindspott.
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Barracks - We Are The Lions EP Review
14 Nov 2010 // A review by CEOMong
Well balanced and full of hooks, this is a non-stop piece of work, it could easily be something you’d hear out of the states, somehow a real mature but fresh sound too. I really really like it, and I genuinely like it more the more I hear.
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Eva Prowse - I Can't Keep Secrets Album Review
12 Nov 2010 // A review by Miss_Jukebox
It is difficult to believe that I Can't Keep Secrets is the debut album by Eva Prowse. This album sounds so refined and polished it is hard to believe this is a first effort.
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Brooke Fraser - Flags Album Review
11 Nov 2010 // A review by Dilemma
Putting on the new album Flags by Brooke Fraser surprised me. What I heard was completely unexpected, raw, country maybe even a little bit of bluegrass?
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Ladi6 - Liberation of.... Album Release, Powerstation Nov 5th
09 Nov 2010 // A review by Dilemma
Ladi6 (Karoline Tamati) is no doubt our most talented female MC, with the pedigree she has it's only natural that she would dominate the funk/soul genre in NZ music. On the release of her second album she radiated style and beauty with an overwhelming sense of joy to be back home in NZ.
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Wall Of Silents - Wall of Silents - self titled album review
09 Nov 2010 // A review by terry666
Wall of silent’s self-titled album Hailing from Palmerston North, Wall of Silents is a four piece Doom/Stoner Metal outfit. They were quick to establish themselves on the local pub scene and always put on an energetic performance.
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Daniel Ashcroft - Black Metal Much? CD Review
05 Nov 2010 // A review by Peter-James Dries
It’s hard to believe this is the product of a brooding teenage boy locked in his bedroom. Like all their other releases Crackpot Theory’s Dan Ashcroft records and plays everything on this record by himself, but unlike previous releases it doesn’t show.
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The Black Seeds - Specials: Remixes and Versions from Solid Ground by The Black Seeds
27 Oct 2010 // A review by Miss_Jukebox
From an ice cold refresher on a 31 degrees Celsius afternoon, The Black Seeds Specials: Remixes and Versions from Solid Ground is like swirling around a cube of ice in your glass and watching it melt into the ripples of the drink. Specials features new remixes from The Black Seeds 2008 album Solid Ground.
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Dear Time's Waste - Spells Album Review
25 Oct 2010 // A review by Trevor Faville
Dear Time's Waste operates as a flexible lineup with its focus through singer and main writer Claire Duncan. The sound has been evolving over the last two or so years, and this is and this is their first full length album after the 5 song EP 'Room for Rent'.
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Dam Native - Aotearoa... Nobody Does It Better Album Review
25 Oct 2010 // A review by Dilemma
Dam Native return 15 years after the release of the classic 'Kaupapa Driven Rhymes Uplifted' to blow us away with their second album 'Aotearoa... 'Nobody Does It Better'.
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Emma Paki - Trinity Album Review
25 Oct 2010 // A review by Dilemma
In 1993 Emma Paki was the new fresh face of New Zealand music. 'Trinity' comes to us with the same raw, troubled soul that so beautifully put together 'Oxygen of Love'.
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CHARTDISC Volume 4 New School vs Old School Review
20 Oct 2010 // A review by River Tucker
With a hot pink eco-friendly package, Christchurch's ChartDisc certainly stands out from the crowd. Now onto the music...
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20 Oct 2010 // A review by River Tucker
With a hot pink eco-friendly package, Christchurch's ChartDisc certainly stands out from the crowd. Now onto the music...
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Eru Dangerspiel - Great News for the Modern Man Tour, Auckland Town Hall, October 9th 2010
15 Oct 2010 // A review by Dilemma
Well what can you say about Riki Gooch... the Maharaj of experimental music in New Zealand.
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Vodafone NZ Music Awards 2010
14 Oct 2010 // A review by amandashootsbands
Very much the fan of a pretty frock, I was in heaven at the 45th New Zealand Music Awards last Thursday evening at the Vector Arena. The red carpet was filled with so many beautiful people that it was hard to know where to look, let alone who to shoot.
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14 Oct 2010 // A review by amandashootsbands
Very much the fan of a pretty frock, I was in heaven at the 45th New Zealand Music Awards last Thursday evening at the Vector Arena. The red carpet was filled with so many beautiful people that it was hard to know where to look, let alone who to shoot.
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Surf Friends - Confusion Album Review
13 Oct 2010 // A review by Bela
So with the bright, cartoon album cover of 'Confusion' I wasn't sure what to expect, or even what genre of music this would be. Definitely did not expect not what was delivered.
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Crimson Rain - One By One EP Review
12 Oct 2010 // A review by CEOMong
A tantalisingly short, albeit wickedly sweet, album; laden with choppy bassy rhythmic bits and precise gax, all nicely mixed with some diverse vox. I can’t wait to hear a whole album, or even better, see them live.
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Eva Prowse - Eva Prowse Youngest Child single review
12 Oct 2010 // A review by Miss_Jukebox
With a heaven-sent beginning of an angelic choir, you slowly unravel the golden foil and unveil the goodness waiting inside... ‘Youngest Child’ a single from Eva Prowse’s debut album I Can’t Keep Secrets is a sweet piece of confectionary.
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Stellar* - Stellar* - Best Of album review
12 Oct 2010 // A review by Miss_Jukebox
Looking at this CD, I wish this album never had to come out. The superbly successful group Stellar* have come out with a Best Of album.
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Black River Drive - Black River Drive - Perfect Flaws Album Review
08 Oct 2010 // A review by River Tucker
Black River Drive has clearly put a lot of blood, sweat and tears into their debut album 'Perfect Flaws'. The ten tracks are so cohesive that, as a reviewer, it was difficult pulling them to pieces.
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Bannerman - Bannerman - The Dusty Dream Hole Album Review
01 Oct 2010 // A review by River Tucker
If we could combine the voices of Greg Johnson with a dash of Johnny Cash, Elvis Presley and Jeff Buckley we would be close to the sultry and charismatic voice of Richard Setford. This clever fellow also composed, produced and engineered the fourteen-tracks in conjunction with Olly Harmer, who recorded the drums and did the mastering and mixing at The Lab in Mt Eden.
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Mmdelai - Music for Sleep and Creativity album review (Annemarie Duff)
29 Sep 2010 // A review by Dilemma
Listening to Christchurch downbeat artist Mmdelai (aka Annemarie Duff) is definitely a new experience. The CD called ‘Music for Sleep and Creativity’ was born out of a personal need for the artist, who "was having trouble sleeping so [this sort of music] was what I was listening to at the time.
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Concord Dawn - The Enemy Within album review
29 Sep 2010 // A review by Trevor Faville
Concord Dawn - The Enemy Within For those unfamiliar, lets talk a bit about drum n bass: heavy on repetition, groove, and timbre, melodic lines tend to be short and rhythmically derived, and harmonic progression tends to be limited. Dynamics are achieved through the process of breaking down a piece by removing of instrument lines, and then adding them back in again, either gradually or at once.
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Kids Of 88 - Sugarpills | Album Review
26 Sep 2010 // A review by amandashootsbands
When a band describes their music as 'a cross between a late 80s police drama intro theme and a sophisticated super hussy', it's pretty much impossible to hold onto that curiosity for long, before delving in to find out who and what these people are all about. So did curiosity kill this kitty after getting her paws on Kids of 88's debut album, Sugarpills?
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2 a.m. Orchestra - Fire Escape | EP Review
20 Sep 2010 // A review by amandashootsbands
After listening to and adoring the wondrous tunes of David Kelley’s ‘project’, 2 a.m.
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2 a.m. Orchestra - Gig Review | Go Vino | Hamilton
20 Sep 2010 // A review by amandashootsbands
The 18th September will definitely go down as one of the stormiest days in Hamilton, but I’ll always remember it as the day I finally got to see the lads of 2 a.m.
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Tommy Ill - Tommy Ill self-titled album review
19 Sep 2010 // A review by Dilemma
Apparently, it’s all about Pokemon and if Pokemon talked I’m sure they would say that this LP is the soundtrack to their lives! The first thing that really hit me when listening to Tommy Ill’s lasted release is that I feel like this is something I have not listed to before and was not sure what time I would put it on, just that I knew I needed to listen to it more.
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Devils Elbow - Sand On Chrome Album Review
12 Sep 2010 // A review by Bela
With a name like Devils Elbow, I wasn't too sure what to expect from this album. It left me pleasantly surprised.
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Hellborne - Hellborne Final Gig Review 1 - 3 Sept 10 - The Royal, Palmerston North
07 Sep 2010 // A review by CEOMong
I strolled on in to the Royal on a crisp, expectant, and and oddly sober night, one Friday in dirty ole Swamp Central, to find a dedicated, expectant, and impressive crowd. After making the customary exchange at the door, I was the proud owner of a red stamp, and more importantly, Hellborne's final self-titled CD – one with some stunning artwork and even more stunning content.
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Decortica - Love Hotel Album Review
07 Sep 2010 // A review by amandashootsbands
Words by Amanda Ratcliffe Three-piece alternative-rock act, Decortica have been going strong for the past five years now, and have just ‘given birth’ to their second album titled Love Hotel. I don’t use the term ‘given birth’ lightly by the way, as this release is clearly the result of much love - not only by the band, but the people they have come to know while creating their tunes for the album.
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Cybiont - Cybiont Reviews
29 Aug 2010 // A review by Shade
Angels & Demons2010Musical Bricolage as Metaphor“You see things; and you say, 'Why?' But I dream things that never were; and I say, 'Why not?
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November Zulu - Black Yellow White Album Review
22 Aug 2010 // A review by River Tucker
Something special happens when likeminded musicians get together to make the music they love and this is abundantly clear with November Zulu's debut album entitled 'Black Yellow White'. With a deeply rich sound driving the songs along in a powerful and stirring way and Geordie Meade's charismatic vocals tightly tied together with exquisite compositions, November Zulu display a thorough understanding of what rock n roll is all about.
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Frozen Alice - The Torino Scale Album Review
21 Aug 2010 // A review by River Tucker
From the opening track Everyday with its quieter moments that slowly build into commanding riffs, I knew I was in for something special. This song knocked my socks off!
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Sola Rosa - Sola Rosa - Get It Together; The Remixes
20 Aug 2010 // A review by Dilemma
The first thing I want to say about this CD is GO BUY IT; it is easily the best CD out so far this year. If you liked 'Get It Together', the Remixes album is not just a documentation of life, or a soundtrack to summer that you reminisce with, the more you listen to it, it becomes a way of life.
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Eru Dangerspiel - Eru Dangerspiel - Great News for the Modern Man - Live at the Auckland Town Hall.
20 Aug 2010 // A review by Dilemma
Recorded Live at the Auckland Town Hall. As far as music goes, Eru Dangerspiel is in a fresh new league of its own.
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Late 80s Mercedes - Late 80's @ Juice Bar - 13 August 2010: A Funkin' Good Time
16 Aug 2010 // A review by samxpx
The thing about ska is that it breaks down inhibitions. A guy can be a Genie in a Bottle and sing Toxic Brittney songs like Oops I Did It Again without fear of curious glances.
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Roofdog - Album Review: Roofdog
13 Aug 2010 // A review by River Tucker
Roofdog is a five-piece ska band from West Auckland and this self-titled album is the bands first release since forming in 1998. We really have been waiting a while for this one, however there's a marked difference between a band that is naturally tight because of countless practices and gigs and one that rushes to get something released without finding that X factor in the mix.
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Hangman - Version One Album Review
08 Aug 2010 // A review by River Tucker
The album entitled 'Version One' starts off with the slow driven funk song You Got to Move. A good beginning indicating the bands secure grounding, in established musical structures.
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Cairo Knife Fight - Cairo Knife Fight EP Review
07 Aug 2010 // A review by amandashootsbands
Words by Amanda Ratcliffe What do Anika Moa, Weta and Fat Freddy’s Drop all have in common? Would you be surprised if I said rock?
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Die! Die! Die! - Form Album Review
07 Aug 2010 // A review by amandashootsbands
Words by Amanda Ratcliffe The name {Die! Die!
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Riverblind - Hour of the Wolf Album Review
06 Aug 2010 // A review by River Tucker
Founded in jazz standards the first song Mute Signals works its way into slow blues melodies with sweet soaring vocals and guitars that pluck at your heartstrings to evaporate any bad mood that the winter weather might have you under. With the dynamic range of Jeff Buckley but retaining the kiwi accent there's a real bard like feel to Dave Kempton's vocal delivery.
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Mama Tilly - Silhouettes and Footsteps EP Review
22 Jul 2010 // A review by Dilemma
Track 1 – Screaming Smiley This track begins with a reminiscent 70’s surfer style guitar lick that carries through the song giving it a cool vibe. It fills out with powerful lyrics and raw vocals making the track very musician driven.
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Julia Deans - Modern Fables - Album Review
20 Jul 2010 // A review by Miss_Jukebox
It is all about Julia. Modern Fables is the solo album by noted singer/songwriter Julia Deans.
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The Rocket Jocks - Return to Planet X EP Review
18 Jul 2010 // A review by samxpx
The Rocket Jocks have made contact with their second EP, documenting their Return to Planet X. The three piece from Gisborne have no doubt spent recent years rocking the locals from their tinfoil-lined garage and evading the Nibiru collision, efforts which have paid off in their 2010 release.
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Glass Owls - Dead Love EP review
16 Jul 2010 // A review by Trevor Faville
This six song debut CD represents an important stage in the three-year existence of the Glass Owls, as a first chance to commit to record some songs that have been well tried and tested in this Howick-based groups extensive gigging history. The opening song 'Griffin Boy' wears is influences too clearly on its sleeve with heavy nods towards Julian Casablanca’s vocal style and the instrumentation and feel of Franz Ferdinand.
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Oxboy - Ecstasy's Not Life EP Review
09 Jul 2010 // A review by River Tucker
There's certainly plenty of good sounds coming out of New Zealand at the moment and the 'Ecstasy's Not Life' seven track EP by Oxboy is no exception to the rule. Released by Hit Your Head Music and recorded over three days by Alec Withers (Devil's Elbow, Tempo 38, Angel Hammer, Servo) and mastered by Ian G.
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I Am Giant - City Limits/Neon Sunrise EP Review
05 Jul 2010 // A review by Bela
I already had a taste for the music of I Am Giant after seeing the promos on C4. This EP definitely lives up to all expectations I had.
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Fornax Chemica - Chemical Furnace Album Review
01 Jul 2010 // A review by River Tucker
Out of the atmospheric darkness erupts Fornax Chemica like a lava flow of burning brilliance. Deep aggressive rhythms and monumental musical structures carry you along on a tidal wave of diverse dynamics reminiscent of Alchemist, Isis or our very own Sora Shima.
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Bulletproof - Soundtrack To Forever album review
28 Jun 2010 // A review by JohnS
Every now and then I receive a album that brings out the underground junkie I used to be and with New Zealand having such a mainstream force it is hard not to get caught up in the latest charts. Luckily the third release form Bulletproof reminds me that underground dance music is heading into mainstream and having a stronger following every week.
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Eqwanox - Live at the Royal - Palmerston North 12/06/10
28 Jun 2010 // A review by JohnS
Another cold night out and about in the swamp and once again I’m heading out to the Royal. Many nights of my youth have been spent at this bar and the atmosphere has not changed a bit.
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Eqwanox - Eqwanox @ The Royal, PN - 12 June 2010
28 Jun 2010 // A review by Shade
I had the absolute pleasure of being invited along to see Eqwanox perform live at The Royal in Palmerston North on 12 June 2010, and I was more than impressed with the Waikato boys tight and epic performance. Not only were their songs inspirational, with lyrics that many of us could relate to, but what I saw that night was so compelling and memorable, I find myself wanting to tell the world about them.
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Pistol Youth - My Own Private Amsterdam Album Review
14 Jun 2010 // A review by amandashootsbands
Words by Amanda Ratcliffe Starting a new rock group while on tour with your current band isn’t something that you’d expect from a New Zealand outfit. But that’s exactly what Steriogram’s singer and guitarist, Bradley Hanan Carter decided to do back in 2007.
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Superturtle - About the Sun Album Review
13 Jun 2010 // A review by River Tucker
There's something very young about Superturtle's sound on the album About the Sun, although the band is comprised of seasoned professionals. Superturtle takes you on a cheerful journey of jangly guitars, lovely duets and clever soundscapes all conducive to having a good time.
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Mile High - #957 EP Review
08 Jun 2010 // A review by amandashootsbands
Words by Amanda Ratcliffe These fun-loving rockers have only been around since 2008, but they have already made quite the name for themselves here in New Zealand. Although they’re quick to inform readers that they ‘have no affiliation to the infamous club nor do they frequent aeroplane bathrooms’, I doubt that it will be long before this band is first to ‘pop up’ under the google search, Mile High.
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The Usmani Collective - Searching EP Review
04 Jun 2010 // A review by River Tucker
The Usmani Collective - Searching The debut EP from the Usmani Collective starts with the self-titled track Searching with an intro of soft bluesy piano and bass guitar, melding into nice funky jazz styles; making me think I'm in for a treat. There's even some gospel influence in there.
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JR - Another Beginning, Another End album review
24 May 2010 // A review by samxpx
If you're into classic rock with a kiwi flavour then you might want to check out Another Beginning, Another End, the debut album from Hawkes Bay artist, JR, aka James Rochester. Admittedly JR's style is not my preferred genre, though it was refreshing to get the chance to expand my musical horizons.
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The Grove St Tapes EP Review
23 May 2010 // A review by Bela
I had never heard of The Managers before being given this album to review, and now that I've heard it all I can think is "why on earth not??!" These guys by rights should be all over the radio and C4.
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23 May 2010 // A review by Bela
I had never heard of The Managers before being given this album to review, and now that I've heard it all I can think is "why on earth not??!" These guys by rights should be all over the radio and C4.
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Outsiders - The Words Will Write Themselves Album Review
20 May 2010 // A review by River Tucker
'The Words Will Write Themselves' certainly starts with a bang! The first track 'The Other Half' has hit written all over it.
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Coast - Coast EP Review
16 May 2010 // A review by Dilemma
Whenever a great new band comes onto the scene there is usually someone with great taste in music has helped them get there. Mikee Tucker has had his hand in some of New Zealand’s best Reggae/Roots bands for example Fly My Pretties, The Black Seeds and TrinityRoots, so it comes as no surprise that New Zealand’s newest roots/reggae band Coast are signed with Loop.
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Lewis Eady Acoustic Series review
07 May 2010 // A review by samxpx
Last Thursday saw the inaugural Lewis Eady Acoustic night; and what a pleasant evening it was. Lewis Eady, the music shop near Market Rd, Greenlane, opened its doors to a different breed of patron, serving up an evening of exceptional acoustic local talent (as well as tasty ginger or coke flavoured cupcakes and handfuls of butter popcorn).
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07 May 2010 // A review by samxpx
Last Thursday saw the inaugural Lewis Eady Acoustic night; and what a pleasant evening it was. Lewis Eady, the music shop near Market Rd, Greenlane, opened its doors to a different breed of patron, serving up an evening of exceptional acoustic local talent (as well as tasty ginger or coke flavoured cupcakes and handfuls of butter popcorn).
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Joanne Chester - 'Where's The Time' EP Review
03 May 2010 // A review by BrendaF
This is a 5 track EP from Joanne Chester is solely grounded in the Blues/Jazz genre. While Joanne’s vocals lack the sultry power usually associated this genre and at times were just plain flat, the intention and emotion behind the lyrics is quite spectacular.
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The Glory Sea - My Own Soul EP review
02 May 2010 // A review by samxpx
The Glory Sea are a band made to fill a dance floor. Many of their songs are energetic, catchy and clever, while others are written for a late night slow dance.
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OdESSA - 'Bring Me The Head Of Pepe Lopez' album review
25 Apr 2010 // A review by Daniel Boom
OdESSA have put out a record this year called Bring Me The Head Of Pepe Lopez. Not a bad effort at all.
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Knights of the Dub Table - Tronic EP Review
24 Apr 2010 // A review by amandashootsbands
Words by Amanda Ratcliffe Local lads from one of Hamilton’s favorite bands, Knights of the DUB Table first started their journey at Wintec in 2007 whilst completing their Bachelor of Media Arts, Music Stream. Come 2008, the six-piece was complete and work had begun on bringing their unique sound to the people - all while sharing the common goal - “To honor and protect the late King Tubby’s way of life, and the way of the DUB (Dedication, Unity, Brotherhood)”.
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Puppeteer - Tucked In By Brutality album review
23 Apr 2010 // A review by River Tucker
Puppeteer 'Tucked in by Brutality' album review Preparing for a metal review: Black T-Shirt, check, sound system, check, beer, check. Puppeteer is a four piece metal band hailing from Auckland and Tauranga.
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Cybiont - Angels and Demons Album Review
18 Apr 2010 // A review by River Tucker
Cybiont 'Angels and Demons' CD Review The first thing to strike me about the 'Angels and Demons' CD by Cybiont is the fantastic colourful artwork and environmentally conscious packaging. Track One 'Take Me To The Moon' starts with a slow harmonic exploration into minimalism.
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Jdubs - 'The Keynotes' Album Review
14 Apr 2010 // A review by River Tucker
Jdubs - The Keynotes CD Review Jdubs is Ben James along with Charles Kickens, Pacific Heights and P-Money with Shapeshifter's Devin Abrams mixing and producing much of the content for the release on his Truetone record label brings you 'The Keynotes', a CD of quality Hip Hop featuring the vocal talents of MC Aeries, Sacha Vee and Lisa Tomlins. I like the packaging for this CD.
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Various Artists - Junktion 3 Compilation Album Review
09 Apr 2010 // A review by Miss_Jukebox
It is time to go underground. Get ready to slide down and enjoy some outstanding hip-hop and electronic sounds courtesy Palmerston North and who present Junction 3, the third free release ‘by the community for the community.
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09 Apr 2010 // A review by Miss_Jukebox
It is time to go underground. Get ready to slide down and enjoy some outstanding hip-hop and electronic sounds courtesy Palmerston North and who present Junction 3, the third free release ‘by the community for the community.
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Late 80s Mercedes - Juice Bar, Parnell - Tuesday 23 March.
08 Apr 2010 // A review by Dilemma
It’s not very often when a swing band comes your way, where all the songs have their own sound and uniqueness... not to mention having some big name musicians as part of their extensive fan base, including Pete Wentz from Fall Out Boy and Nathan King ex.
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Farmer Pimp - 'Sweet Hot Pepper Pop' album Review
04 Apr 2010 // A review by BrendaF
When I saw the name Farmer Pimp, I had images of a prostitute sitting on a hay bale in red band gumboots and I expected the music to be the same – a bit of a mish mash of genres. I wasn’t far wrong but what I found is that it worked really well.
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Her Make Believe Band - 'A.M. Radio' album review
03 Apr 2010 // A review by Trevor Faville
Her Make Believe band can quote some pretty heavy press about their debut release, especially from their sort-of home base of England. Much is made of singer Cy Winstanley’s similarity to Paul Simon, and there are times when this is true-either in a beguiling and unaffected fashion (“Stay”), or in a perhaps more stylised, knowing way (Drummer Tom Greenhalgh’s Steve Gadd-esque intro to “Welcome Home”- 50 ways to drop a in a musical reference, perhaps?
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George and Queen - 'Teenagers and Grownups' album review
30 Mar 2010 // A review by Miss_Jukebox
It is a good day in music when a band decides to break the archaic stereotype that independent music can only be second-rate. George and Queen, with their self-made label ‘Gone Quiet Records,’ have broken the typecast that independent music is somehow inferior to mainstream music.
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The House Of Capricorn - 'Sign of the Cloven Hoof' album review
29 Mar 2010 // A review by CEOMong
As a Capricorn myself, I was intrigued by what the album had to offer. What I discovered was enchanting intros and beasty hooks; heavy, gothically bluesy, bootstomping, headbanging, good old-fashioned stoner metal.
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Dawn Of Azazel - A Massive Explosion of Sound
25 Mar 2010 // A review by River Tucker
Dawn of Azazel/Megadeth/Slayer 26/01/10 Miserable weather greeted fans as they lined up to enter Auckland's Logan Cambell Centre on Monday 5thOctober 2009. But the rain could not dampen the crowds highly charged enthusiasm for the event.
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Splore 2010
25 Mar 2010 // A review by River Tucker
Splore 2010 19th - 21st Feb. With just the right balance of good vibes, friendly faces and fantastic entertainment, Splore is a must attend festival suitable for the entire family.
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25 Mar 2010 // A review by River Tucker
Splore 2010 19th - 21st Feb. With just the right balance of good vibes, friendly faces and fantastic entertainment, Splore is a must attend festival suitable for the entire family.
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Aum - Happiness EP review
23 Mar 2010 // A review by JohnS
Hamilton electronic act AUM have just released a 6 track EP leading you into a journey of ambient conciseness, reminiscent of a relaxed Sunday morning sipping a coffee with six mates discussing what went wrong the previous night. Starting off with Sombre Dreams to introduce the Downbeat and Ambient sentiment, setting you up for the following four tracks.
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Knives At Noon - A Mothaflippin Party
22 Mar 2010 // A review by River Tucker
Bar Bodega 20/03/2010 The night was young, I had my glad rags on and Wellington looked ready to party. What better place to be than the stalwart of the music venue business; Bar Bodega now located on Ghuznee Street in central Wellington.
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Salon Kingsadore - 'Mountain Rescue' album review
16 Mar 2010 // A review by Bela
This latest album from Salon Kingsadore is without a doubt, a must have for music lovers. The quirky song titles intrigued me before I even began to listen.
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The Twitch - 'Time For Change' album review
16 Mar 2010 // A review by Miss_Jukebox
There is a new bunch of outlaws in town and they call themselves The Twitch. The gang of three present their latest album Time For Change and they are here to cement their name in the music industry.
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Just One Fix - 'Blood Horizon' album review
11 Mar 2010 // A review by CEOMong
It’s been what feels like a decade (in reality only a little more than 2 years) since their last offering (The Price Of $ellvation), and let me tell you it’s well worth the wait. JOF sound more mature, polished and evolved, making this a beautifully put together album.
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Devils Elbow - 'KO' EP review
10 Mar 2010 // A review by Trevor Faville
KO (EP)The name Devil’s Elbow might not ring many recognition bells-yet- but this two-piece have some solid pro history and have brought some big guns to assist on this their first release, a three track EP.Looking for descriptions of their sound on the web is fun, the best being Facebooks ‘Shitkicker/ Country / Punk / Rock’ line.
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Jackie Bristow - 'Freedom' album review
09 Mar 2010 // A review by Miss_Jukebox
As the rope swing dances carelessly with the wind above the lake, Jackie Bristow whispers sweet nothings in your ears. This is freedom.
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River - 'Shadows' album review
26 Feb 2010 // A review by CEOMong
I feel bad writing so little about such an awesome album, it’s really well put together, generously heavy, liberal and enthusiastic drumming, and chock full of wicked deep growlie vox. This is a sweet and beasty metal album.
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Green Like Go - Green Like Go - self titled EP review
23 Feb 2010 // A review by Bela
Before you even hear the music, the EP for Green Like Go visually stands out. The recycled cardboard sleeve is distinctive, and the cover art is quirky.
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Shapeshifter - 'Dutchies'- Shapeshifter Single Review
21 Feb 2010 // A review by Miss_Jukebox
Being most incredible song that you will have heard in a long time, ‘Dutchies’ is the answer to all of your musical prayers. Shapeshifter have brought out a new single from their latest album The System is a Vampire which contains all of their finesse and artistry.
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The Phoenix Foundation - The Phoenix Foundation - Merry Kriskmass EP Review
15 Feb 2010 // A review by Miss_Jukebox
Christmas, thank goodness it is over. This is not to say that the sentiment is unappreciated.
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Pig Out - Pig Out - Rave X album review
07 Feb 2010 // A review by amandashootsbands
Since forming in 2006, Christchurch’s very own, Pig Out have performed a number of shows all around the world. Sydney, LA, New York…they’ve done it all.
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Departure Lounge - Departure Lounge - 'In Session' - Album Review
28 Jan 2010 // A review by Miss_Jukebox
Seldom does a musician truly let their audience come across them up close and personal. Even rarer is a band that can capture the intimacy of their raw sound onto an album.
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Sons of Apollo - Album Review - The Landing
24 Jan 2010 // A review by amandashootsbands
2008 saw the final bits of the puzzle come together to create Hamilton based rock group, Sons of Apollo. The search to form such a band began earlier in the decade when Belgian born, Bart Brichau moved to New Zealand to pursue a life long dream - which was to write and record his debut album.
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The Body Lyre - CD Review – The Body Lyre – December Marches
21 Jan 2010 // A review by CEOMong
The CD comes beautifully packaged in what, at first glance, looks like a book of poetry, an illusion shattered (or perhaps enhanced) by the randomness of a burnt CD in a Croxley envelope. Out of it.
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Nadine Loren - Album Review: Nadine Loren – Living in Wonderland
12 Jan 2010 // A review by BrendaF
Nadine Loren is an up and coming singer/songwriter with an unusual yet effective style. Living in Wonderland has been nominated for “Best Pop Album of the Year” by the LA Music Awards in 2009 and I can see why.
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Aum - Album Review - Aum - Aletheia
09 Jan 2010 // A review by amandashootsbands
Words by Amanda Ratcliffe Popular up and coming producers, Jeremy Graham and Daryl Turner have been involved with the local music scene for the past few years now, gaining quite the following along the way. Originally starting out playing the guitar and bass in a band together, after a year, the pair went on to create Hamilton’s most intriguing electronic act, Aum.
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Strike! - Strike - Sketches
23 Dec 2009 // A review by JohnS
Something a bit unusual from my normal tastes but the second album entitled Sketches from Strike proved worthy of being added to my collection. Strike currently have 7 members but have also performed as a duo, trio and a quartet.
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Fly My Pretties - Fly My Pretties 'A Story' Encore, Michael Fowler Centre Wellington 5/12/09
15 Dec 2009 // A review by Bela
If there was ever a show to go to, Fly My Pretties “A Story” is the one for me. It started off a bit slowly, the show was running late so despite being promoted as doors opening at 7.
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ROY G and the BIVinators - ROY G and the BIVinators - The Rainbow Throw (2009)
13 Dec 2009 // A review by Daniel Boom
ROY G & the BIVinators(2009) The Rainbow Throw If I stopped by at your place for a coffee and some of your weekly home baking, which I must do soon, and this CD was playing in the background, I wouldn’t say “Hey, you can turn that off while I’m here” or anything, I’d be fine with it. But I’ve found that sitting down to this album and trying to remain attentive, well it’s like a form of labour (the reason for that being that overall the songs are just too lightweight and too fruity).
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Ethanol 58 - EP Review – Ethanol 58 (Self-Titled)
06 Dec 2009 // A review by CEOMong
EP Review – Ethanol 58 (Self-Titled) A mellow debut 4-track EP, well played and cleanly mastered for the most part. Hints of greatness throughout, engaging vox, groovy steady riffs, chewy heavy rhythms & nice little hooks.
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Urbantramper - Urban Tramper - 'Rise & Ride Toward' album review
05 Dec 2009 // A review by lukefitzmaurice
Ok, I’ll admit, before I listened to this album, I had never really heard of Urban Tramper. Their name rang vague bells in the back of my mind, perhaps I’d heard snippets on the radio or seen a poster in the street somewhere, but if you’d played me one of their older songs I probably wouldn’t have recognised it.
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Diesel Phoenix - Diesel Phoenix - 'Here's Something We Prepared Earlier' album review
05 Dec 2009 // A review by lukefitzmaurice
'Here’s Something We Prepared Earlier' is the new album from Auckland five-piece Diesel Phoenix, a hard hitting record which throws together rock, punk, pop, and even a little bit of metal. The album opens with the eerie instrumental track 'Willard’s Run', a song which provides a haunting introduction to the rest of the album.
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Cern - Cern - 'Manaia' EP Review
30 Nov 2009 // A review by JohnS
Feeling the bass flow out of my mp3 player is something I love, It’s like my own brand of narcotic flowing though my soul, awaking me and CERN’s new EP 'Manaia' does just that. Drum and Bass fanatics will already know what to expect from a internationally talented DJ.
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Royala - Royala: Debut Solo Album Review
15 Nov 2009 // A review by Miss_Jukebox
‘Don’t Mind Me’ by Royala is a debut solo album that needed to be made. Through this album it is evident that this stunning songstress has been aching to create this ten-track portfolio of the works she, Daniel Harawira and Carl Newman have created together.
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Kabanaz - Kabanaz - 'Something New, Something Old, Something Better' album review
22 Oct 2009 // A review by CEOMong
A bluesy, Electric 6, Head Automatica, Kings of Leon feel overall, in a truly Kiwi (and therefore better) way. Mostly gravelly, always widely ranging and engaging vox, married up with delicate, dependable and deliberate gax and beasty bluesy bass.
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TREi - TREi - 'Innuendo' album Review
22 Oct 2009 // A review by JohnS
Drum 'n' Bass, There is the good and then there is the bloody awful. Lucky for all your Peeps, The new album from TREi is banging!
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Sons Of Zion - Sons of Zion album review
18 Oct 2009 // A review by Miss_Jukebox
According to a calendar it is not Summer. If you follow the weather then it absolutely does not feel like Summer.
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The Dylan Storey Band - Out Of The Soup album review
17 Oct 2009 // A review by Trevor Faville
Dylan Storey Out Of The Soup This is the third CD Mr Storey has released since 2005, and reveals a man on a fascinating journey-in that he is a capable instrumentalist (with a players’ need to play) and someone who invests time and thought into his lyrical content. Add to that a somewhat idiosyncratic vocal style, and you have a very interesting “sum of the parts” indeed.
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The Upbeats - The Upbeats- 'Big Skeleton' album review
03 Oct 2009 // A review by Miss_Jukebox
It’s a little sinister, a little mischievous, but a lot of bass. That is what The Upbeats’ present to listeners in their third studio album, Big Skeleton.
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These Four Walls - Album Review: Down Falls An Empire - These Four Walls
29 Sep 2009 // A review by BrendaF
I can’t believe that this time last year, I was doing a review on These Fall Walls two single EP and now, finally, their debut album has been released. It has been a long time coming since their first single 'Walk Away' debuted in May 2007.
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Electric Wire Hustle - Album Review: Electric Wire Hustle
29 Sep 2009 // A review by BrendaF
I wasn’t too sure what to make of this self-titled album when I was asked to review it, I mean, how can you infuse hip hop with psychedelic and jazz but that is exactly what Electric Wire Hustle have managed to do – successfully. This is their debut album and the Wellington trio certainly challenges your musical boundaries.
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The Zoup - The Zoup - 'The Zoup' EP review
24 Sep 2009 // A review by JohnS
Auckland four piece The Zoup have been together for just over a year now and have released their debut self titled EP. Originally calling themselves Moloko Vellocet, they changed to The Zoup without even a year being passed.
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Cobra Khan - Gig Review – 20th Sep 09 (Cobra Khan, Black Chrome, Lord of Tigers, Ricky Bobby)
21 Sep 2009 // A review by CEOMong
Kicking off at 2pm, on a beautifully sunshiny Sunday afternoon, was the almighty Ricky Bobby. A tight 5-some, obviously having a good time and bashing out some damned good metal to the eager masses, a great way to get things going.
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Interconnector - EP Review – Interconnector (Self-Titled)
19 Sep 2009 // A review by CEOMong
Interconnectors’ self-titled, 6-track, self-titled EP, is chock-full of wicked air guitar moments, groovy tweaky choruses, and mellow chewy rhythmic bits all melted together with genuine beasty and grungy rock ‘n f’n roll. A staunch album; it will be staying in my playlist rotation for a long long time to come.
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The Naked And Famous - Gig Review - The Naked And Famous and F In Math at Flow
15 Sep 2009 // A review by amandashootsbands
Words by Amanda Ratcliffe They’ve got a couple of new members, and a bunch of new tunes – who are they? The Naked And Famous of course!
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Isaac Aesili - Isaac Aesili - Eye See album review
13 Sep 2009 // A review by Trevor Faville
Isaac Aesili Eye See This is the debut album from an experienced and educated musician with an impressive CV already, having appeared as a trumpet player and co-writer on a number of significant local releases over the last few years. His stated intent with this CD is “to offer today’s youth a counter voice to the glorification and idealisation of gangster culture, so often promoted by commercial R’n’B” It’s a CD big on intent, then, and (at sixteen tracks long), big on scope too.
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Minuit - Minuit - Find Me Before I Die A Lonely Death.Com album review
12 Sep 2009 // A review by amandashootsbands
Words by Amanda Ratcliffe If you haven’t heard of them by now, I’d like to ask you politely where the hell you’ve been for the past ten years? Kiwi electronic pop band, Minuit have released an outstanding five EP’s along with three albums in this time, and have been touring the world with their energetic dance tunes.
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David Dallas - 'Something Awesome'- David Dallas album Review
12 Sep 2009 // A review by Miss_Jukebox
This is a debut that was worth the wait. David Dallas must be familiar to any New Zealand music listener.
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Tahuna Breaks - Album Review - Black Brown & White
05 Sep 2009 // A review by amandashootsbands
It’s a freezing spring morning in the city of the future, but as I sit here listening to Black Brown & White, I can feel the first hints of summer shining through. Wrapping its arms around me lovingly with fresh funky beats from one of New Zealand’s most loved and talked about acts, Tahuna Breaks.
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Eru Dangerspiel - Great News For The Modern Man album review
21 Aug 2009 // A review by lukefitzmaurice
With any experiment, there are always going to be some things that work out great, and others that don’t really go down so well. Therefore, with any experimental album, the same is bound to happen.
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Left Or Right - Chicks Hotel Live Review
18 Aug 2009 // A review by left or right
Left or Right w/ Entropy Trio & Julian Temple Band, Chicks Hotel [May 30th 2009] You’ll have to excuse the varying quality of my recollections, my memory of this night is pretty hazy… It’s pitch black and fecking cold when we arrive at the bus stop. When we finally clamber aboard our waiting coach (suddenly realising how hard it is to find one’s feet after drinking wine), we are hit with the warmth and stench of booze, leather shoes, and a shared appreciation for fecking good tunes.
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Gimar - Album Review: Gimar – 'On My Own Buzz'
11 Aug 2009 // A review by BrendaF
What a fantastic example of one of New Zealand’s up and coming hip-hop artists. While my strengths lie in other genres, I do quite like rap/hip hop if it is well presented with lyrics that are true to one’s self.
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Dimmer - Dimmer - 'Degrees Of Existence' album review
08 Aug 2009 // A review by amandashootsbands
Originally created by Straightjacket Fits’ songwriter Shayne Carter, the Dimmer crew have made quite the name for themselves since forming in 1994. In their fifteen years of being they’ve released an outstanding collection of successful albums which has undoubtedly put the band up there with the likes of well respected kiwi icons, Shihad.
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Rebel Peasant - Rebel Peasant - 'The Walls Of The Well' (2009)
08 Aug 2009 // A review by Daniel Boom
Hi! I'm listening to "The Walls Of The Well" by Rebel Peasant.
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Opensouls - "A little piece of memory..." - Opensouls album review, 'Standing in the Rain'
08 Aug 2009 // A review by Miss_Jukebox
They just do not write songs like they used to. Today live performances are judged on the laser-light extravaganza put on display rather than the raw sound and artistry of the musicians.
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Salmonella Dub - Salmonella Dub – Freak Local EP Review.
03 Aug 2009 // A review by JohnS
When asked if I would review the new Salmonella Dub album I was a little uneasy as we are all asking, will they still be the same or have they moved on to bigger and better things, would the disappearance of Tiki be noticeable or have they filled the void that is expected to be left. Well my friends I can honestly say they have done a great job with this EP keeping to their roots.
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Minuit - Minuit – Find Me Before I Die A Lonely Death Dot Com album review.
03 Aug 2009 // A review by JohnS
I have been eagerly awaiting 'Find Me Before I Die A Lonely Death Dot Com' the new album from Minuit, by wearing thin my copy of their 2003 album 'The 88' it won’t be long until this album turns out to get the same overuse. Minuit have always caught my attention with the unique sound from vocalist Ruth Carr bleeding out from my speakers.
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Cairo Knife Fight - Cairo Knife Fight - Iron album review
01 Aug 2009 // A review by lukefitzmaurice
When I first listened to this album I immediately got the impression of movement. The first track definitely felt like it was driving towards… well… something, I wasn’t quite sure what at that stage.
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Good Laika - Good Laika - Followed by a Trail of Sparks review
30 Jul 2009 // A review by lukefitzmaurice
The press release that came with this album read, “When listening to Good Laika’s sophomore album Followed by a Trail of Sparks, you could be forgiven for thinking you’d stumbled across some lost soul’s travel diary.” It was an interesting introduction to an album, so I sat with eager anticipation as I played it through for the first time.
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Jamie Strange - Jamie Strange - 'Thanks For Faking It Sometimes' album review
29 Jul 2009 // A review by Miss_Jukebox
Fake; it is the four-letter word begging with ‘F” that no one dares to say. But today is the era of imitation.
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Brandon Reihana - Paul Martin - The Axe Attack.com
23 Jul 2009 // A review by brandonreihana
"Brandon Reihana is a gifted guitarist who will go far. His brilliant use of tone and his deep understanding of melody, arrangement and control on this recording tells me he's ready for the international market.
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Tiki Taane - The Future Is 'Flux'- Tiki album Review
20 Jul 2009 // A review by Miss_Jukebox
The future is Flux. Tiki Taane released his solo effort Past Present Future in 2007 and received critical praise and popular acclaim for this album.
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Hannah Howes - NZ Musician Magazine June/July 2009
20 Jul 2009 // A review by mihiwaka
HANNAH HOWES: Candy By Kara Segedin This third album from Dunedin’s Hannah Howes is anything but a piece of disposable, sugary, pop – rather an intelligent, smooth, mellow offering that keeps getting better with each listen. The album is a fusion of folk, country, jazz and reggae.
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Autozamm - Gig Review - Autozamm - The Meteor Theatre
06 Jul 2009 // A review by amandashootsbands
The Fuel Festival in Hamilton seems to get bigger and brighter every year, and this time round its played host to some of New Zealand’s most popular acts such as Minuit and Little Bushman, along with Saturday night favourites - Midnight Youth and Autozamm. Being an all ages gig, there were kids a plenty, all out to see their beloved hotties on stage with the obvious hope to impress the musicians so much that they might choose to ‘hang’ with them after the show.
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Midnight Youth - Gig Review - Midnight Youth - The Meteor Theatre
06 Jul 2009 // A review by amandashootsbands
The Fuel Festival in Hamilton seems to get bigger and brighter every year, and this time round its played host to some of New Zealand’s most popular acts such as Minuit and Little Bushman, along with Saturday night favourites - Midnight Youth and Autozamm. Being an all ages gig, there were kids a plenty, all out to see their beloved hotties on stage with the obvious hope to impress the musicians so much that they might choose to ‘hang’ with them after the show.
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Calico Brothers - NZ Herald
05 Jul 2009 // A review by dubhappy
Rating: * * * * Verdict: Shining debut from Auckland band of "brothers". We got the tests back and we know they're not really related.
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Calico Brothers - Tone Magazine
05 Jul 2009 // A review by dubhappy
What is it about the sound quality of NZ-made recordings? Back in the '70s and '80s, we were decidedly inferior in recording, production, engineering.
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Calico Brothers - Bill's Music Forum
05 Jul 2009 // A review by dubhappy
"Tell It To The Sun" is the full-length debut album from New Zealand's Calico Brothers, who made quite a splash on the indie jangle-pop scene with their 2008 EP, "God Left Town". The band is true to its name - composed of three brothers, one cousin, and one friend, all of whom are strumming out some of the most harmonious acoustic pop this side of The Traveling Wilburys.
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Calico Brothers - Absolute Power Pop
05 Jul 2009 // A review by dubhappy
Calico Brothers-Tell it to the Sun. The New Zealand act which brought us one of 2008's top EPs makes their full length debut and picks up where they left off.
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Calico Brothers - Various
05 Jul 2009 // A review by dubhappy
In the farway land of Waitakere, New Zealand, the Calico Brothers broke into the modern music scene in 2008 with their debut EP, God Left Town. In the basement studio, Chet O'Connell (guitar), Jimmy Calico(bass) and Robbie Calico(drums) finished their debut full length "Tell It To The Sun.
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Cybiont - 'A creamy blend of planetary soup'. Cybiont's album reviewed
25 Jun 2009 // A review by cybiont
Reviewing: “Cybiont” A Trilogy of Random Thoughts & Considerations If you are like me, you like many kinds of music. I suspect that the creator of “Cybiont” – (a planetary macro-organism under construction.
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Mercury Crowe - Mercury Crowe - Set Your Mind To Fly album review
22 Jun 2009 // A review by BrendaF
When I was given this album, I was informed that it was a rock album so that’s what I expected. But Mercury Crowe is so much more than just rock.
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Jr Kong - 12 inch biscuit press
20 Jun 2009 // A review by jrkong
“Aurally dynamic, and stylistically diverse in a manner that sees multiple changes of mood per song, ‘12 inch biscuit press’ the debut album from mysterious producer jr kong, took me by surprise. To make matters worse (by which I mean better) I guess he’s a futurist, because this release is primarily intended for digital distribution.
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Jr Kong - 12 inch biscuit press
20 Jun 2009 // A review by jrkong
You will be no wiser about who Jr Kong is by looking at his website, where his bio says only that he's a budding songwriter, producer and DJ, has played in high school bands, sung in a church choir and scored for short films. Where and when any of this happened remains a mystery.
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Hangman - EP Review - Black Rock White Funk!
14 Jun 2009 // A review by amandashootsbands
While we’ve all been listening to their 2008 release - Trade Goods, the Hangman lads have been hard at work creating their latest EP, Black Rock White Funk! This time round, they’ve recorded and mixed it themselves to provide listeners with a feel for what the band sounds like live.
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Cybiont - Album Review - A Trilogy Of Random Thoughts & Considerations
13 Jun 2009 // A review by amandashootsbands
Prepare to be taken on a spiritual journey with the debut album from Cybiont, named ‘A Trilogy Of Random Thoughts & Considerations’. It’s a unique collection filled with just that - bursting at the seams with imagination, and an obvious love for life and all its experiences.
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The Checks - 'Alice By The Moon' album review
11 Jun 2009 // A review by Trevor Faville
The Checks Alice By The Moon. The Checks have traversed a ridiculously parabolic success curve, finding their stride musically when still at school and moving from strength to strength.
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Fat Freddy's Drop - Dr Boondigga and the Big BW
11 Jun 2009 // A review by lukefitzmaurice
I fell in love with this album about five and a half minutes into track six. Up until that point I was reasonably impressed with the album, but I felt like Fat Freddy’s Drop hadn’t quite captured the vibe that made their first album so immensely successful.
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Mercury Crowe - Mercury Crowe - Set Your Mind To Fly Album Review
08 Jun 2009 // A review by Shade
Mercury Crowe are a straight-ahead rock band. They are straight ahead, though, not in that their songs lack inventiveness or freshness, but in the sense that they clearly just want to write good tunes.
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Set on End - CD Review – Set On End – Means to an End
08 Jun 2009 // A review by CEOMong
An evocatively presented CD, deliciously rich yet understated; a dark reflection of the ills of society. 5 “real” tracks, plus one eerie intro piece that sets the mood quite nicely.
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Psyrok - Review from BluesBunny.com
08 Jun 2009 // A review by Psyrok
I found Psyrok difficult to review. Don't get me wrong, I really like this CD; I just can't pin down why!
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Antiform - Antiform – 'City in Exile' album review
03 Jun 2009 // A review by JohnS
A long awaited and a very hotly anticipated debut album release from Antiform has just hit the stores. The Auckland three piece consisting of brothers Josh and Luke Purcell with Brandon Spain have created this bass-drive ride for the mind.
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Midnight Youth - Album Review - The Brave Don't Run
24 May 2009 // A review by amandashootsbands
Naming their debut album The Brave Don’t Run, it’s obvious that the lads of popular kiwi act, Midnight Youth mean business. Having already been chosen to open concerts for the likes of international bands INXS, OK Go and Incubus, they’re clearly not afraid to let their talents shine which has seen them shoot to nationwide stardom over the past year.
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Simon Spire - Album Review: Simon Spire – All or Nothing
21 May 2009 // A review by BrendaF
Simon Spire’s debut album is an evocative album filled with different genres that seem to fit really well together. The album starts with tracks ‘Inside Out’ and ‘More or Less’ which both have a rock n roll bass line which firstly I found quite off-putting as they just jump straight out at you but after listening to the album several times, I actually quite liked that about them.
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Pitch Black - Pitch Black - 'Rhythm, Sound And Movement' album review.
14 May 2009 // A review by JohnS
I have been desperately short of some walking tunes for some time and the new Pitch black album has filled that void nicely. Having released 'Rhythm, Sound And Movement', which is a artful collection of remixes of tracks from their 'Rude Mechanicals' album.
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The Veils - Sun Gangs Reviews
07 May 2009 // A review by lukefitzmaurice
A word of warning – on the whole, Sun Gangs seems pretty slow. And to be fair, it’s true that the album contains one or two tracks that are indisputably subdued, title track Sun Gangs being one that immediately springs to mind.
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Motocade - Motocade - Tightrope Highway
07 May 2009 // A review by amandashootsbands
Motocade – Tightrope Highway Written by Amanda Ratcliffe 2005 saw the formation of four piece indie-rock act Motocade who have developed their unique sound over the years to bring us their solid debut album, Tightrope Highway. They’ve built themselves up from touring our country and have seen success from the releases of two immaculate EP’s – the first being self-titled Motocade, which threw them into the spotlight over the entire year of 2006.
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The Pleasures Of June - Perfect Strangers review
05 May 2009 // A review by Trevor Faville
The Pleasures Of June Perfect Strangers The Pleasures of June present a somewhat enigmatic front, with very little that a casual (or even less casual) Google reveals, and no press release to accompany this release. Perhaps this duo of multi-instrumentalists would just rather we “ judge on the music”.
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Selon Recliner - Album review: The Orchid Door – Selon Recliner
04 May 2009 // A review by BrendaF
The Orchid Door is the follow up album to the successful debut album Rest Room that was released in 2006 by then, Recliner. This album is described as dark, moody pop and I would have to agree.
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29 Blackbirds - EP: 2AM (2009)
25 Apr 2009 // A review by Daniel Boom
I've been commissioned (asked) to review the EP 2AM by the group 29 Blackbirds. Not only do 29 Blackbirds bake pies, with pockets full of rye - they sing songs of sixpence too.
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The Datsuns - The Datsuns - Sittin’ Pretty In The Tron
19 Apr 2009 // A review by amandashootsbands
The last time I saw The Datsuns play in the Tron was when they tore it up at The Yellow Submarine in mid 2008, drawing in one of the most energetic and dare I say, messy crowds I’d ever seen down there. We’re talking arms and legs batting others over the head, crowd surfing, yelling and a whole lot of jumping up and down, making it one of my most memorable gigs to date.
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Evermore - Album: Truth Of The World (2009)
17 Apr 2009 // A review by Daniel Boom
"Truth Of The World" I'll start by mentioning three of the stronger songs on the album "Everybody's Doing It" "Tonight On The Show" and "Hey Boys And Girls". They're concise and have strong melodies.
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An Emerald City - Album Review: An Emerald City – Circa Scaria
16 Apr 2009 // A review by BrendaF
This is An Emerald City’s debut album, however they did release a 4 track EP in April 2008. Circa Scaria was recorded in a cave (how cool is that!
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Sola Rosa - Get It Together review
11 Apr 2009 // A review by lukefitzmaurice
There is something irresistibly funky about this album, and it hits you within seconds of pressing play. The opening track, The Ace of Space, has a kind of Ocean’s Eleven quality to it, and as I listened to the rest of the album I never really shook the feeling of being engrossed within a Las Vegas casino heist.
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The Mint Chicks - Screens Review
31 Mar 2009 // A review by lukefitzmaurice
First things first, DO NOT judge this album the first time you listen to it. That’s what I was tempted to do, because in all honesty, after listening to Screens once through I was a little disappointed.
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DateMonthYear - 7Ghosts review from Nexus
29 Mar 2009 // A review by Trevor Faville
by JoeCitizen on Sunday 21 May 2006 It took me a while for this album to grow on me, sminly because on first listening it sounded similar to their 'Sampler' album - so much so that I had to go back to 'Sampler' to check. Its quite a lot different, if only because the production values are higher - although there are still some places in '7Ghosts' that seem quite familiar.
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Rare Shot Blue - Album: Where I Was Born (2009)
29 Mar 2009 // A review by Daniel Boom
I'm not a huge listener to Electronica or Dance music. So when I was asked to review the album Where I Was Born by Rare Shot Blue I said “of course I will.
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The Volunteers - Album Review - Friends Family & Fools
28 Mar 2009 // A review by amandashootsbands
This soul inspired Wellington act first came to life in mid 2005 when vocalist Elan Mills decided it was high time he put his days of self indulgence behind him. To begin a journey filled with funky rock n’ roll music that goes by the name, The Volunteers.
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DateMonthYear - Album Review - Pot/Kettle/Black
17 Mar 2009 // A review by amandashootsbands
To be honest, I’d be pretty surprised if you told me you hadn’t heard the name DateMonthYear getting thrown around at some stage seeing as they’ve been around since 2003. But for those of you who haven’t, let me tell you a little something about the group.
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Clap Clap Riot - TV Knows Better Review
16 Mar 2009 // A review by Trevor Faville
Clap Clap Riot TV Knows Better A quick Google makes for a very positive first impression of this four piece from Christchurch, who has obviously made some big inroads over the last ytear or so. This 5 Song CD is their debut recording, and as such is a powerful statement of intent.
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Miscreant - Album Review: Complicated Characters - Miscreant
16 Mar 2009 // A review by BrendaF
I could hardly believe my luck when I was handed this album to review having heard the single ‘Fight For Me’ on the radio and becoming an instant fan. This album is described as a rock album but don’t be fooled, songs like ‘Hey Mister’ and ‘Rhythm Child’ have a very blues/jazz style to them while songs ‘Still Frame’ and ‘Hard Act To Follow’ have a more ballad/slow rock bottom line.
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Ragamuffin Children - Album: The Seahorse Emporium (2009)
15 Mar 2009 // A review by Daniel Boom
I've been listening to the album The Seahorse Emporium by Ragamuffin Children. It's actually the first album I've ever heard.
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Subtract - EP Review – Subtract – Winning Hearts & Minds
06 Mar 2009 // A review by CEOMong
Shiny yet dirty, like unpolished chrome – a clean sound but with a blunt, dirty, bloody edge. Impressive show by all members, an excellently produced piece of work, balancing all instruments nicely.
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Needles and Bees - A Quilt of Conversation
22 Feb 2009 // A review by lukefitzmaurice
The words “hidden gem” do not even come close to describing A Quilt of Conversation, the debut EP from Needles & Bees. How this band seems to have slipped under the radar of so many kiwi music fans, myself included, is rather astounding, as the music they are producing is a pleasure to listen to.
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Spartacus R - When The Fever Takes Hold - Debut Release
15 Feb 2009 // A 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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Every Man For Himself - EP Review: Every Man For Himself – Te Pae Mahutonga The Southern Cross
02 Feb 2009 // A review by BrendaF
The Auckland quintet has been around since 2003 (in various forms and under different names) and this is their third EP release. This is disc 1 in a two disc series, the second set to be released mid-2009.
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The Datsuns - Headstunts Review
30 Jan 2009 // A review by lukefitzmaurice
The Datsuns always seemed like a high school band to me. True, originally they were, but to me they were always reminiscent of a group of kids desperately trying to prove themselves as professionals.
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Sora Shima - EP Review - Sora Shima - Destroy Electronica
28 Jan 2009 // A review by CEOMong
When my editor proffered the newest CD for review, judging from the (very cool) case and liner I expected metal, or perhaps drum and bass, instead what I found was an eclectic mix of alternative rock indie electronica instrumentals. I’m not disappointed, although it did strike me as odd that there are no vocals whatsoever, and the complete divergence from the norm.
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Decortica - Decortica – A New Aesthetic
26 Jan 2009 // A review by JohnS
The first time I listened to Decortica’s album, it was very different from what I have ever heard before, it reminded me of an alternative album from the early 90's, when artists were trying to recreate the 1970's classic rock sound. This album unfortunately failed to impress me.
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Lydia Cole - EP Review: Lydia Cole – Love Will Find A Way
19 Jan 2009 // A review by BrendaF
I haven’t heard of Lydia Cole before listening to this EP so I wasn’t sure quite what to except. Lydia is relatively new to the music scene, however this is her second EP release.
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Slave Cadaver - CD Review – Slave Cadaver – Slave Girls From Beyond Infinity
23 Dec 2008 // A review by CEOMong
An epic album with amusing soundbytes scattered throughout for a bit of a laugh. Very horror/death metal, growly and thrashy at times, slower tempo and more melodic in other parts.
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Antagonist A.D. - Antagonist A.D. - We Are The Dead
19 Dec 2008 // A review by CEOMong
Ever since hearing some of their earlier stuff (from the Distance EP) and seeing them go off at BDO ‘08 I’d been hanging out to hear some more – a wish finally realised with this awesome offering of headbangin goodness. Listen to it loud, and on repeat.
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Cobra Khan - CD Review – Cobra Khan – Helgorithms
14 Dec 2008 // A review by CEOMong
If there is one album you get this summer (or ever), make it this one. Tell your friends.
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Eqwanox - All Roads Lead From Here Album Review
09 Dec 2008 // A review by JohnS
I must admit, I had heard of Eqwanox before having the opportunity to listen to there CD. Myspace is a wonderful tool for bands to promote their music to the world and Eqwanox have taken full advantage of this.
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McBride Uncut - The Sunday Star Times Review: McBride Uncut
08 Nov 2008 // A review by Kraven
Published in The Sunday Star Times on Sunday 26th October 2008. Article written by Adrian Wright.
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Knives At Noon - Knives At Noon Live Show!
24 Oct 2008 // A review by knivesatnoon
"Knives at Noon then came on, they were the headline act but as I found out later they were driving to Wellington straight after their set to perform the following night and hence why they played before Outbreak. Shit, they were cool.
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Tainted - CD Review – Tainted – Carved and Created
22 Oct 2008 // A review by CEOMong
Solid, constantly surprising speed metal, some amazing talents at work here. Never a dull moment, there’s always something tweaky and epic going on, more often than not eliciting an awestruck admiring grin and headbang.
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Tempo 38 - EP Review - Septic Proof
09 Oct 2008 // A review by CEOMong
A well-balanced EP full of tight refrains and solid measured riffs, a staunch album chock-full of punk flavour. I was sold on the first track, each track further cementing the awesomeness.
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These Four Walls - CD Single – These Four Walls
23 Sep 2008 // A review by Shade
It’s hard to review a CD single as there are only a couple of songs to make your judgement on. With an album you have the luxury to get a real sense of the band and the direction that want to take you on.
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Elemeno P - Elemeno P – Elemeno P
16 Sep 2008 // A review by JohnS
The long awaited self-titled third album from New Zealand’s own Elemeno P has not disappointed one bit. From the Debut release of Baby come on which has been used for a very clever Telecom add showing Friday night drinks, to the third single Better Days with the video set at the bowling club in Grey Lynn they have made me proud to be a supporter of Kiwi music.
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The Symphony of Screams - The Symphony of Screams – 'Heed To The Voices'
16 Sep 2008 // A review by JohnS
The Symphony of Screams, What a choice name for a band and with the eye catching graphic artwork to support the name. When I first laid my eyes on to it I immediately flashed back to my teen years listing to death/trash metal, but with a unique “Blues Metal/Rock” which at first listen did not really appeal to me but the album has grown on me.
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The DeSotos - The DeSotos - Cross Your Heart
16 Sep 2008 // A review by narleykiwi
Graham Reid (NZ Herald Time Out) Named after the classic car (and not presumably the explorer) this Auckland-based outfit peel off a substantial slice of professionally delivered, wide-screen country-rock which owes much to the Petty/Springsteen/Neil Young and Travelling Wilburys axis, and mostly kicks things up a notch from the Warratahs. With a couple of writers in their ranks there is also a pleasing diversity here, although sometimes they reference their influences just a little too much for any accusations of originality to be thrown.
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The DeSotos - TheDeSotos: Cross Your Heart (Ode)
16 Sep 2008 // A review by narleykiwi
Graeme Reid; writer for www.elsewhere.
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The DeSotos - Steve Scott - Waikato Times (House and Lifestyle, August 2008)
16 Sep 2008 // A review by narleykiwi
Every once in a while, an album arrives and instantly commands your attention. Auckland band, The DeSotos is such a band.
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The Fea Street Hustle - EP Review - The Fea Street Hustle
23 Aug 2008 // A review by BrendaF
I was concerned when I received this 5 track EP as my only previous experience in country music was being dragged along to the Topp Twins by my Mum when I was younger. However, I discovered I’m a closet country fan.
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El Schlong - El Schlong - 'The Baddies Are Coming'
10 Aug 2008 // A review by Shade
REVIEW BY DOUG MOORE www.metalreview.
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Nort - Nort - The Age Of Violence
08 Aug 2008 // A review by CEOMong
A fantastically unique and different sounding album, so many elements that cant easily be traced back to another band’s sound – all at the same time without sounding like pompous try-hards. Love it.
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Damn The Maps - Damn The Maps - Input Output
07 Aug 2008 // A review by mrgreen
Album opener We Thought We'd Seen It All sets a blistering pace from the get-go; it's all At The Drive In-style, 'kamikaze' riffage, snarly rock vocals, and a tight bottom-end. Cynicism toward the modern surveillance-age is evident throughout ("I can be on video no matter where I go/You got cameras, cameras"), before a frenetic guitar solo heralds a crushing climax to a rather rocking-rollercoaster of a first track.
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Goodnight Nurse - Goodnight Nurse – I Want It Tour May 2008
05 Aug 2008 // A review by JohnS
Line up The Rabble Streetwise Scarlet Goodnight Nurse What a way to spend Friday the 13, doors open at 9 but first band on at 10.20.
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Just One Fix - Album Review - The Price of $ellvation
01 Aug 2008 // A review by CEOMong
A very metal album, well-tuned and classic. Ample opportunity to get songs stuck in your head (and everywhere else) – and have a bit of a laugh too!
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Cripple Mr Onion - Album Review - AntiGravity
01 Aug 2008 // A review by CEOMong
I fell in love with the Cripple at the turn of the century, for the better part of a decade now I’ve been waiting for some new Onion, and mayen, does it taste good. Old-school industrial electro thrash metal feel.
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Shylock/The Shysters - Rip It Up September 1997 ep review
26 Jul 2008 // A review by yimmy
Shylock deliver frenzied metal riffs,solid but groove free drum patterns and dramatic (occasionally bordering on hysterical) chest pounding vocals, flavoured with shades of early Soundgarden,Korn and Helmet.
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Bulletproof - Dark Times Desperate Measures
14 Jul 2008 // A review by spiderade
'Dark Times - Desperate Measures' by Bulletproof is a very strong album. It features a lot of heavy beats, and the album has a good flow to it that I really enjoyed.
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Ghost Echoes - Ghost Echoes EP
07 Jul 2008 // A review by Lanae
Punk music in this country seems to be in one of its periodic lulls at the moment. Which is why it is always exciting when a new band with genuine promise comes along – such as Aucklanders Ghost Echoes.
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dDub - dDub 'Medicine Man' album review
01 Jul 2008 // A review by spiderade
This highly polished album was a big change from what I am normally used to and I found it very refreshing. The album as a whole had a very polished sound and had a very even flow.
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El Schlong - El Schlong – The Baddies Are Coming
25 Jun 2008 // A review by CEOMong
8 fairly long tracks comprise this really rather fine album, laden with toughness, for the most part lighter on the vocals than many other metallers out there. Huge sound from this Wellington-based Dunedin-raised 3 piece, cranking out some tidy and oft delicate tunes.
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Anna Coddington - Anna Coddington – The Lake
19 Jun 2008 // A review by JohnS
Anna Coddington's debut album, The Lake, was quite a surprise when I received it. With many people comparing her to Bic Runga and Anika Moa I was not disappointed that Anna added her own flavour and style for a uniquely outstanding album.
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Samuel Flynn Scott - Straight Answer Machine
28 May 2008 // A review by johnsoncraigsbc
Stepping away from electronic Americana and heading towards tropical folk, ‘Straight Answer Machine’ is Samuel Flynn Scotts’ second solo performance that supports his song writing potential. ‘Straight Answer Machine’ leads us on a mystical journey through his ideological landscapes and on through good hard times.
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Redline - Redline – Trapped Inside
26 May 2008 // A review by JohnS
When I received Redline's debut album I was expecting another NZ rock group, which could not make it past the pop genre, boy was I wrong.With tight guitar rhythms though the verses and base work and drum beats linking together like it was the band’s third or forth album.
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Shihad - CD Review - Shihad – Beautiful Machine
25 May 2008 // A review by CEOMong
Shihad’s newest album ‘Beautiful Machine’, released in the same month they celebrate their 20th anniversary, is an immense album packed with longish songs (around 4 mins average) radio-friendly but rocky all at the same time, electric and hooky the whole way through. I’d read many reviews of this CD and was braced for “a couple old, couple new sounds, couple metal, couple radio” etc – I must say I am both surprised and fully glad that’s not what I got.
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The Bathtub Sophist - That Down-Home Astral Sound E.P [07]
09 May 2008 // A review by thebathtubsophist
"Something quite different, but enjoyable. If you are a fan of electronic/alternative music, there is surely something here you will enjoy.
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An Emerald City - Debut, Self Titled E.P.
15 Apr 2008 // A 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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Recloose - Recloose- Perfect Timing
14 Apr 2008 // A review by johnsoncraigsbc
Recloose has been busy and after such previous success, the now internationally exalted producer and DJ has brought a new touch to living room and club dance with ‘Perfect Timing’, taking a few pages out of the eighties in the process. Starting the album with Rachel Frasier and the mellow sophistication of ‘Catch A Leaf’ is the perfect way to precede the dismal post eighties revival that is ‘Robop’.
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Crash-Test For Favourite Things - We all want to be just like you.
31 Mar 2008 // A 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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Paul McLaney - Diamond Side
13 Mar 2008 // A review by Trevor Faville
Paul McLaney has had a varied and interesting career to date – being a key contributor to Gramsci, SJD and Concord Dawn, among others. According to McLaney himself, his previous solo effort Edin was somewhat of a watershed for him as a solo performer and when commenting on this collection he reveals the intent of writing songs with just voice and guitar as “the entire framework outside of the lyric” as he puts it.
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Lawrence Arabia - Lawrence Arabia: Live Gig @ Happy 08 Feb 2008
13 Feb 2008 // A review by johnsoncraigsbc
Thursday night at Happy was packed, and for good reason. For ‘it’ man Liam Finn was due to support Lawrence Arabia, who threw two nights of fun filled music with all his friends.
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John Goudge - Nothing quite like the John Goudge Band
07 Feb 2008 // A review by goudgedrama
JOHN GOUDGE BAND INDIE CLUB AT THE MASONIC – FRIDAY 31 AUGUST There is nothing quite like the John Goudge band in Auckland. A cross pollination of Blerta, Shakespeare and funky jazz rock.
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Lauren Thomson - Lauren Thomson Reviews
06 Feb 2008 // A review by Shade
"True story: I received this five-song EP before Christmas, played it a bit then put on the "get to" pile -which meant it was ignored in the Christmas shuffle. The other day I pulled it out to enjoy again and post this week when an e-mail arrived from this Auckland singer-songwriter asking (politely) if I might be interested in writing about it.
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Ammp - on the song Ironman from Garageband
16 Jan 2008 // A review by ammp
Blast from the Future The intro instantly lets you know what you're in for.Brash Guitars on top of a great drum and Bass guitar track lifts us into a startlingly Powerful and melodic Vocal delivery,which although faintly remeniscent of the "irish bloke" Still possesses a lot of raw emotion of it's own.
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Ammp - On the song All I Wanted from Garageband
16 Jan 2008 // A review by ammp
Simply a fantastic pop song! Good catchy intro with good, melodic chords and a good beat.
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Ammp - On the song Go from Garageband
16 Jan 2008 // A review by ammp
Super Duper Nice job. Production is the best I've EVER heard on Garageband.
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Ammp - on the song Always from Garageband
16 Jan 2008 // A review by ammp
BEAUTIFULLY ORIGINAL! BEAUTIFUL SONG!
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Ammp - From Billy @ American website Indieshows
16 Jan 2008 // A review by ammp
Ammp is a rock band from New Zealand and I'll come right out and say they are one of my personal favorite independent bands right now! I've heard their music before because they've visited the site, but I was reminded of them because they just recently posted a link to their music on our music reviewing board.
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The Phoenix Foundation - Happy Ending
20 Dec 2007 // A 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 Phoenix Foundation - Wellington Opera House 17/11/2007
19 Nov 2007 // A review by johnsoncraigsbc
On Saturday night The Phoenix Foundation played at the Opera House in Wellington as part of their Happy Ending tour. Because of the recent success from their newly released album ‘Happy Ending’ I was excepting another great show from the Wellington lads who seldom disappoint.
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The Broken Heartbreakers - Cheese on Toast Review
06 Nov 2007 // A review by Rachelbhb
THE BROKEN HEARTBREAKERS - self-titled (independent) After hearing the opening bar of opening tune "Pretty Thing", I've created a kicking machine that I will gladly program to kick my sorry shins for having neglected this band until now. This unmistakably homegrown folk-pop sound is what I'm sure has been lacking in our scene, and the Broken Heartbreakers have been quietly working up a steady following for the past five years.
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Strangers - Weight reveiw
04 Nov 2007 // A review by Trevor Faville
“Weight” By Strangers Review by trevf Track List 1.Expositions 2.
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Chuganaut - CD Review - Chuganaut - 11:11 ONE
01 Nov 2007 // A review by CEOMong
Track 1 – Humain (4.32) Mellow start warm-up action, rolls into a bit of hard axe and stomping bass.
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Chuganaut - Gig Review – Chuganaut – 26th October @ Bar Mode, Swamp Central (Palmie Nth)
01 Nov 2007 // A review by CEOMong
I was greatly privileged to meet Steve and the band before the gig, consumed a few Johnnie’s, and had some good yarns. I was amazed and I must say humbled by these very awesome, down-to-earth & genuine rockers.
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Antagonist A.D. - Distance EP Review
30 Oct 2007 // A review by CEOMong
Tracklist: 1. These Cities, Our Graves (Vocal Remix) 2.
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Hellborne - Gig Review - Hellborne - Bar Mode, Palmerston North, 6 October 07
16 Oct 2007 // A review by CEOMong
Another fine performance from Pastor Sin and the guys – Hellborne never fail to amaze me, and this gig was certainly no exception. Rage and power were radiated in an intense set that blew both my and Wifey’s minds.
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Black Chrome - Gig Review - Black Chrome - Bar Mode, Palmerston North, 6 October 07
16 Oct 2007 // A review by CEOMong
BC cranked out their trademark rock 'n roll to a disappointingly small crowd full of centurions at Bar Mode in Palmy, cranking Swamp Town Blues & Charlie Blow as warm-ups. They then unleashed into a solid set chock-full of classics, and even treated us to a new song; nice intro and some hot breaks, a little slow but a strong and hard vocal performance from Wolfgang makes this new song already one of their best.
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Cage Demise - Gig Review - Cage Demise - Bar Mode, Palmerston North, 6 October 07
16 Oct 2007 // A review by CEOMong
Delayed for an hour due to a completely underwhelming crowd, Cage Demise stormed the stage and our eardrums in an explosive set filled with well-rehearsed riffs and backed up with some powerful lyrics. This 3 piece ensemble took the stage and without any effing round launched hard out into a blistering set that rapidly gathered momentum.
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8 Foot Sativa - Gig Review - 8 Foot Sativa - Bar Mode, Palmerston North, 6 October 07
16 Oct 2007 // A review by CEOMong
What can I say? The premier metal band of NZ pealed out a solid 45 minute non-stop powerful set of pure molten metal, straight into the adoring ears of the chorus.
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Ward 10 - CD Review – Ward 10 – Curing Those Who Are Normal (2007)
02 Oct 2007 // A review by CEOMong
Nice bit of hook for the intro track to Ward 10s debut album, some crazy little bluesy riffs, interspersed with some metal bass headbanging riffs. Could fully hear this going off at the pub.
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Kitsch - Gig Review - Valve Bar, 8 Sep 07
01 Oct 2007 // A review by CEOMong
Kitsch took the stage around 1am, opening with their blistering radio-friendly anthem “Memory Of Me”. The crowd was immediately owned, and rocked out hard to the too-short 30-minute set, filled with explosive riffs and catchy lyrics.
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Cobra Khan - Gig Review - Valve Bar, 8 Sep 07
01 Oct 2007 // A review by CEOMong
A fantastically speedy and non-stop act that had both wifey and myself on our feet rocking out. Before the band cranked up, I wondered what value the keyboard would add.
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Strangers - Gig Review - Valve Bar, 8 Sep 07
01 Oct 2007 // A review by CEOMong
This rockin’ local 2-bass 5-piece took the stage at a time that coincided nicely with the locals flooding the bar in anticipation. They opened and continued with tight high-intensity riffs – the only disappointing feature was the tendency of the vocal mix to be a bit off, being swallowed up by the sheer awesomeness and complexity of the axes.
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Take The Willing - Take The Willing @ Bar Mode
26 Aug 2007 // A review by CEOMong
Me, Wifey & Bubba arrived at Bar Mode along with a multitude of metalheads and other unloved children just in time to witness one of the best metal bands my thrashed earholes have ever had the pleasure of hearing. And what’s more it was completely unexpected, which made it all the more engaging.
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Take The Willing - Take The Willing – Fight Music
26 Aug 2007 // A review by CEOMong
I’ve had mixed up jumbles of songs with names like “I’ll Kill Everyone At This Party” & “At This Moment In Time I’m Popular With A Lot Of Drunk People” stuck in my head for two weeks now, just kicking round in there. Take The Willing are that kind of band.
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JCK - Your Love
27 Jun 2007 // A review by jck2
Not sureOk, but the rappin' is a little too whispery for me. I like the mood of it and the girl sounds hot as hell, and the beat's piano is SICK.
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JCK - Like A Virus
27 Jun 2007 // A review by jck2
nice bass This seems like the type of song you would have on your car too show off your bass system, I don't know if that's good or bad, the song is alright same with the mood and the performance. - josht_canada from Canada on 5Oct2006 a twist a new twist on the game I like it its pretty good yea id buy it - dice_84 from Escanaba, Michigan on 16Sep2006 Boring The beat is terribly lacking.
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JCK - Long White Cloud
27 Jun 2007 // A review by jck2
your flow sounds real dated, the lyrics are ok, you need to work on your syllables, you're stretching to hit the beat. has frat boy rap written all over it.
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JCK - Feeak in the club
27 Jun 2007 // A review by jck2
its intense! I Like your feeling on this one..
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JCK - Spirit x
27 Jun 2007 // A review by jck2
great lyrics great vocals.....high quality st..
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The Deadly Deaths - The Deadly Deaths- Debut Album
24 Jun 2007 // A 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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OpShop - Second Hand Planet
16 Jun 2007 // A review by johnsoncraigsbc
First of all Jason Kerrison, good stuff on those Music Month ads, now on a more serious note, Opshops’ second album Second Hand Planet isn’t half bad. After a debut album fronting radio friendly hits like ‘No Ordinary Thing’ and ‘Levitate’, a chart topping second album seems out of reach for most of the mediocre bands New Zealand has been producing lately.
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Nga Tama Kino - bar bodega
01 Jun 2007 // A review by geoffrey karena
kia ora The recent gig at the bodega room 101 was a blast for nga tama kino, so said karena puhi as there were four other bands playing in the room above, so punters had a lot of different bands to choose from, hey but it was fun he said because when they had breaks they could go round the back of the bar-bodega and mingle with the other muso's where they could discuss the poor state of the wellington music scene particularly for original music bands and for nga tama kino it was doubly difficult in that they being tangata whenua and playing their brand of iwi grunge and metal had a worse time of it. hey thanks obviously have to go to ole "fraser" one of the few friends of original music in the country and a real dude cheers mate.
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Ritalin - Ritalin- Roguetown
16 May 2007 // A 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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Pluto - Stick it to the scum!
15 Apr 2007 // A review by Nico
Hell yeah! finally I can say it.
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Brutally Frank - The Finer Details
15 Apr 2007 // A review by johnsoncraigsbc
When a band becomes sponsored by sunglasses and clothing labels, what would you expect? These guys are pretty tight when it comes to musicianship, but some of their song writing is a bit high school.
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Samuel Flynn Scott - San Franciso Bathhouse 14-04-2007
14 Apr 2007 // A 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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Secluded By Right - Secluded ... Yeah Right!
12 Apr 2007 // A review by CEOMong
It was recently my pleasure to review Secluded By Right's SbR EP - their debut 6 track CD that just didn't do them any justice - only made me need to see them live. These guys have been playing together for years, and you can certainly tell - clean, sharp riffs, powerful anthems leaving me wanting more.
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Tempo 38 - Provoke/Tempo 38 - Brothers In Battle - Split Compilation – Reviews
10 Apr 2007 // A review by Sword
Provoke/Tempo 38 - Brothers In Battle - Split Compilation – Reviews Read the reviews here... http://blog.
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Tempo 38 - Provoke/Tempo 38 ‘Brothers In Battle’ – Split Compilation Review April 2007 – The Package
10 Apr 2007 // A review by Sword
Provoke/Tempo 38 ‘Brothers In Battle’ – Split Compilation Review April 2007 – The Package Provoke is a band from Australia (Brisbane), Tempo 38 is a group from New Zealand (Hawke’s Bay). The spirit of the ANZAC is still alive and well with Brothers In Battle, a split compilation featuring five fast and furious hardcore songs from Provoke and five slightly less fast and just as furious hardcore rants from Tempo 38.
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Tempo 38 - Tempo38/Provoke Split Compilation
02 Apr 2007 // A review by johnsoncraigsbc
I once thought the Trans Tasman rivalry was solely based on the results of cricket matches. Now that we’ve been handed Australia/New Zealand hardcore the rivalry has been cross credited to a battle of the screamos.
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Magnum Opus - 'The Nightshade of Lycanthropy' EP
31 Mar 2007 // A review by Magnum Opus
Missing Link Magazine, Vol. 2, Jan 2006 Review By The Axeman (Paul Martin) Based around Raumati South and the Wellington area are one of New Zealand’s best kept secrets.
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DateMonthYear - DateMonthYear- 7Ghosts
28 Mar 2007 // A review by johnsoncraigsbc
Prelude- amazing. Intense and fierce.
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OdESSA - Motel Machine- Single
28 Mar 2007 // A review by johnsoncraigsbc
After Oak Park Avenue, and with hits like ‘Sugar Pop’, ‘Promises’ and ‘Bring Your Money Back’, I was left wondering if OdESSA would become yet another one album wonder along with the likes of The Darkness and Jet. After bringing exciting, fresh material to the Wellington music scene, and along with a killer live performance, what could they do next to try and maintain this new found success?
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SJD - SJD @ Happy, Wellington
15 Mar 2007 // A 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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Equus - Equus- Hind Legs
27 Feb 2007 // A review by johnsoncraigsbc
Sounding like a local garage band, I would expect Equus would have a large local following and be the biggest thing to hit pubs and taverns in recent years. Hind legs is a New Zealand album.
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Phaeder - Singularity Review – www.kiwireviews.co.nz 06/06/06
12 Feb 2007 // A review by phaeder
Admittedly, this album would have never attracted me to pick it up, let alone listen to it; I'm glad I did - and listen to it is something I have done on a number of occasions now. The Deep Voice Singing is unique to the Buddhist chanting, and to western ears, may sound a little strange to start with, but persevere and really listen to this album and one will get immense pleasure from it and a sense of serenity that the album's intonation gives us.
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Phaeder - Phaeder: Lotus Beat
09 Feb 2007 // A review by phaeder
By Ben Nicholson It appears from this album that drum'n'bass and Buddism can make easy bedfellows. This release by German born, NZ based devotee Peter Haeder (Phaeder) places his religion and musical tastes side by side with interesting results (and according to his press release, the amusement of the Buddhist lamas.
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Strangers - 'Holding' Review
07 Feb 2007 // A review by Trevor Faville
'Holding' By Strangers Review by trevf Track List 1. Meursalt Blues 2.
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Connan Mockasin - Kings Arm 20/01/2007
23 Jan 2007 // A review by johnsoncraigsbc
The Kings Arms Aye, who would’ve thought. A lot probably but that’s beside the point.
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The New Caledonia - Live Review 13-01-07
17 Jan 2007 // A review by Trevor Faville
Live review By Trevf The new Caledonia @ Sohl Bar, Hamilton on 13-01-07 Set list - Pseudo Zoot Suit? - Disco In Outer Space City?
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Gianmarco Liguori - Gianmarco Liguori - 'Stolen Paintings'
20 Nov 2006 // A review by Miss_Jukebox
Like adding a dash of chilli spice to a meal, Gianmarco Liguori trickles into his debut solo album a unique 21st century twist to traditional guitar weaving. Better recognised as the guitarist of the endowed Salon Kingsadore, Liguori takes a leap into the deeper dimensions of music with this project.
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House Of Shem - House of Shem @ Subnine in Wellington
19 Nov 2006 // A 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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The Dylan Storey Band - The Dylan Storey Band @ Happy in Wellington 18/11/2006
19 Nov 2006 // A review by johnsoncraigsbc
I had never been to Happy in Wellington before last night, but I’m comprehensively glad I went for a number of reasons. Being at the top of Tory Street was an added bonus because it was well away from the city centre so I could bypass the drunken fools in town on my way home.
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The Black Seeds - The Black Seeds - 'Into The Dojo'
12 Nov 2006 // A review by Shade
With their third studio album released recently, The Black Seeds have definitely made an impact in the New Zealand music scene. Established in the sound of roots and dub - more so the latter - Into The Dojo consists of The Black Seeds’ essence however it is refined to a smoother, crisper sound.
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Gianmarco Liguori - Gianmarco Liguori Review
23 Oct 2006 // A review by Shade
Some weeks ago I mentioned having seen the group Dukes of Leisure play at the Auckland Observatory Skydome. On the same bill was Salon Kingsadore, also enjoying an appropriately spacey venue for music that took off on instrumental astral flights.
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Salon Kingsadore - Salon Kingsadore Live @ Bar Bodega 14/10/2006
18 Oct 2006 // A 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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Ishtar - New EP! South of Sanity
01 Oct 2006 // A review by johnsoncraigsbc
Don’t judge a book by its cover, is what I have learnt from listening to Ishtar’s new E.P South of Sanity.
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The Septembers - Cabaret Wellington Gig
30 Sep 2006 // A 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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The Rock and Roll Machine - Debut Self Titled Album
30 Sep 2006 // A review by johnsoncraigsbc
After a bad Rock and Roll Machine gig experience, their self titled debut album came as a very, very pleasant release. After receiving their album, I haven’t taken it out of my stereo since, and has been played a hundred times since then.
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Stellar* - Something Like Strangers
30 Sep 2006 // A 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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Unknown - North East In Tune Magazine USA
27 Sep 2006 // A review by antonryan
Current Issue: VOL. 2 - NO.
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Temples on Mars - Agent - 'Expand/Contract'
11 Sep 2006 // A review by Shade
Hard, raw and dark. The impressive sound that is Agent will leave you feeling satisfied, but you will still want to hear more.
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The Black Seeds - The Black Seeds 'Into The Dojo' release tour in Palmerston North
25 Aug 2006 // A 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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Stylus - Stylus - Gain Control
21 Aug 2006 // A review by Epitomised_Drummer
On June 10th Stylus released their 2nd album Gain Control through Wildside Records. With new guitarist Aja Timu taking the reigns from previous guitarist Kenneth Holt, Stylus have a brighter new sound, which is a lot more upbeat and rock orientated from their first album Painkillers, but still retains hints of the hip hop style that made Painkillers very unique.
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Deja Voodoo - Deja Voodo - Back In Brown
20 Aug 2006 // A review by Sailor
Well....here it is, yet another ear rocking Deja Voodoo album.
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Warwick Blair - "accordian" reviews
17 Aug 2006 // A review by warwick
"With evocative, oceanic swells of electronics or instruments which then drift back to the merest trickle of sounds, this is music cinematic in conception but also so inviting of reflection as to be highly personal . The final track is beamed in from another cosmos.
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The Rock and Roll Machine - The Big Kumara 10-8-2006
12 Aug 2006 // A review by johnsoncraigsbc
Thursday nights don’t usually see me out of the comfort of my living room, but this was no ordinary Thursday night. The Big Kumara in Wellington was to hold The Rock ‘n’ Roll Machine.
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Bachelorette - San Francisco Bathhouse 4-8-2006
05 Aug 2006 // A 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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Luke Buda - Luke Buda 4-8-2006
05 Aug 2006 // A review by johnsoncraigsbc
Being a big fan of The Phoenix Foundation, I had high expectations for Luke Buda's solo performance at the San Francisco Bathhouse last night. When Luke finally came on sporting a pompous jacket with tails and all, I knew I wasn’t about to be let down.
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Stylus - Stylus @ The Break, Palmerston North - Thu 20 July 06
30 Jul 2006 // A review by Shade
It was a cold and wet night - typical of any other winter night in Palmerston North - but tonight was anything but typical. Stylus was about to take to the stage in true rock fashion to celebrate the release of their latest album Gain Control, and they were going to set this night apart from every other winter's night.
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Elemeno P - Elemeno P - Palmerston North - 6 July 06
13 Jul 2006 // A review by Shade
Passionate, inspirational and awesome – these are three words that describe Elemeno P perfectly. Long before they took to the stage you could almost reach out and touch the anticipation that filled the room.
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Goodnight Nurse - Goodnight Nurse - Palmerston North 6 July 06
13 Jul 2006 // A review by Shade
Goodnight Nurse is the perfect band to accompany Elemeno P on their tour – more than just another opening act, with strong friendships on display it was soon obvious why Elemeno P had chosen Goodnight Nurse to go on tour with them.Described as being one of New Zealand’s biggest up-and-coming rock acts, Goodnight Nurse showed they really know how to use their instruments with exciting guitar solos and energetic beats while getting the crowd all worked up with their catchy sound and songs that will stick in your head for days.
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dDub - dDub - Comfort Tour
13 Jul 2006 // A review by Shade
With the cold, dark and wet winter hanging around, dDub’s tour is definitely one of the best remedies around to kill those winter blues. Kicking it off in Auckland labelled the Comfort tour, the band are touring Aotearoa this June and July to promote their music video Comfort.
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Brutally Frank - Review: Revolver, Brutally Frank, Jackpoint @ The Dogs Bollix, Friday 23rd June 2006
28 Jun 2006 // A review by Epitomised_Drummer
I sauntered/staggered in to The Dogs Bollix to watch this show, and wasn’t disappointed. Not quite a packed house but a bloody decent showing for a Friday night when both The WBC and The Bleeders where playing in the same neighbourhood!
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Salon Kingsadore - Its time to get away.- Salon Kingsadore-"Hotel Azteca" album review
18 Jun 2006 // A review by Miss_Jukebox
It may not be possible to have a holiday at this frenzied point of the year; however that does not mean you do not need one. You could spend hours of your routine visioning yourself on a distant destination.
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Sophie Moleta - various review quotes
18 Jun 2006 // A review by billinnz
unique - with many styles - folk-pop, electronic ambient, laid back jazz, and some dance tracks some reviews have said: about dance track "Love Has Come Again" - features the almost whispered overtones of classical singer Sophie Moleta, and her exquisite voice... about the laid back cover of "Buckets of Rain" - Moleta has a low-key, moody style ..
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Selon Recliner - Rest Room Album Review
30 May 2006 // A review by Miss_Jukebox
Candor is the intermittent light on the key to the Rest Room. As the door opens, a rush of scent from candles sweeps through and the dim lighting draws in with magnetism.
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5star Fallout - 5star Fallout - Awapuni Tavern, Palmerston North - 26 May
30 May 2006 // A review by Shade
Led by ex-NZ Idol runner-up Michael Murphy, I expected 5star Fallout to come up with recycled pop-rock covers but they definitely proved me wrong. Prior to the gig, Quarter 2 had nothing but good things to say about this band and I have to say that I agree with everything they said.
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Quarter 2 - Quarter 2 - Awapuni Tavern, Palmerston North - 26 May
30 May 2006 // A review by Shade
After a long and highly anticipated wait Quarter 2 took to the stage - and it was definitely worth the wait. From the very start Quarter 2 rocked up a storm and took NZ ska punk to the extreme.
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Juse - Global Casino Album Review
29 May 2006 // A review by Dilemma
Global Casino is a Rap/Hip-Hop infused representation of Roots Kiwi music because it is very proud of its beginning and a place called South Auckland. It opens with Ride 'Till I Die which is a catchy first tune to set the tone for the rest of the tracks.
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Kora - EP Volume Review
18 May 2006 // A review by Shade
Review by Fliss MastersKora are the next big thing; that is, if they aren’t already. The four brothers - Stu, Brad, Fran and Laughton Kora along with Dan McGruar make up Kora and have taken the New Zealand Dub scene by storm.
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Ben Kemp - "Nature described in song..."-Ben Kemp's "Papatu Road" album review
14 May 2006 // A review by Funky*Jazza
If trees could speak, this album describes exactly what they would sound like. Singer/songwriter Ben Kemp’s latest album, appropriately titled “Papatu Road”, really is a journey through a natural New Zealand sound and across a touch of oriental flavour.
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Donald Reid - In A Taxi Home
14 May 2006 // A review by laneem
"Reid has a way with a melody that is as natural and unforced as Neil Finn, and his songs have that great virtue: big, identifiable and memorable choruses. You need only hear the title track of this impressive album once and you'll remember it forever.
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Bleeders - The Bleeders @ The Globe 20 April 2006
24 Apr 2006 // A review by Shade
The Bleeders played @ The Globe in Palmerston North on Thursday the 20th of April 2006 as part of their tour for their new album 'As Sweet As Sin'.The room darkened and the crowd chanted out their name.
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Tempo 38 - Tempo 38 @ The Globe 20 April 2006
24 Apr 2006 // A review by Shade
Tempo 38 were the second act to open for The Bleeders at their Palmerston North gig @ The Globe on Thursday the 20th of April 2006.Tempo 38 started where Black Chrome left off and didn't miss a beat in keeping the crowd worked up.
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Black Chrome - Black Chrome @ The Globe 20 April 2006
24 Apr 2006 // A review by Shade
Black Chrome played as a support act for The Bleeders at their Palmerston North gig @ The Globe on Thursday the 20th of April 2006.After seeing Black Chrome play live in the Square as a support act for Shihad, I knew that they were the best local act to open for The Bleeders.
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Black Chrome - Black Chrome Album Review
24 Apr 2006 // A review by Shade
Sometimes, bands get swept up in trying to break new musical ground, experiment with new sounds, express some high-brow socio-political message. All to often, such lofty aims means the resulting music is unlistenable or sober wank.
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Ruptus Jack - Ruptus Jack @ Mango Music
07 Apr 2006 // A review by Shade
When I first heard that Ruptus Jack was having another tour it was a priority of mine to go along and see them. They played at our 5th birthday gig in Auckland last year and ever since then I haven't been able to get enough of their powerful, catchy and seriously awesome music.
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The Dylan Storey Band - The Dylan Storey Band Reviews
27 Mar 2006 // A review by Shade
“The flow of this album is masterful as Storey’s guitar takes the listener on a ride through sweet fields of acoustic musing past psychedelic skyscraper riffs and up into the mountains of pure rock and roll power. This is one of the most essential and complete New Zealand albums to come out in recent years”.
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Ishtar - Review in Missing Link- Feb 2006
22 Mar 2006 // A review by simone_ishtar
Text of our review is as follows... Thanks Missing link magazine!
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dDub - dDUB - Awake At Dawn
15 Mar 2006 // A review by Shade
- Written by FelicityAs soon as I hit play, I was hooked. The new album by dDub, Awake At Dawn, starts off with an explosive bang: straight into the lively upbeat sound of Dub.
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These Four Walls - The Walls Fall Down...
22 Feb 2006 // A review by Shade
Passion, Force, Intensity, Creativity, Originality, Clarity, Commitment, Ability and Talent… everything the members of These Four Walls have brought to their music and to their fans over the past 15 months…but sadly, earlier today – an announcement was made by the band – that they are officially going their separate ways to pursue new ventures. From the beginning – These Four Walls made a hard hitting impact on the local music circuit, with their high energy shows and ‘highly charged rock’ - that without fail – left a crowd wanting more.
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Quarter 2 - Look at my Belly...
20 Feb 2006 // A review by nzaussiegirl
Well they went and did it... After a busy December and a LONG January wait...
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Midnight Youth - The Midnight Youth
20 Feb 2006 // A review by nzaussiegirl
Ok class… pop quiz… What do you get when you mix pure musical passion, profound musical ability, and a touch of rock chic that makes you want to go out and buy a pair of the tightest jeans imaginable… Answer… The Midnight Youth.... gold stars all round… Since forming somewhere in the vicinity of 2004 – The Midnight Youth have already attained a Best Song award and a 2nd place win from the 2005 Smokefree Rockquest, rocked the stage with established bands such as Opshop, Tadpole, Autozamm, The Have, Evermore, Goodnight Nurse, 48 May, Stylus and The Checks, an upcoming gig with NZ Icon The Exponents, and a fresh new single floating the airwaves under their budding rock star belts.
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Substax - Beam Me Up Scotty
11 Jan 2006 // A review by claudia
'Substax are the new kids on the block in the emerging New Zealand breaks scene. In a musical genre affectionately known as the bastard child of all things electric, Substax are dedicated to a sound that adds and cuts the phat in all the right places.
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Substax - Xtra Album Review
11 Jan 2006 // A review by claudia
When you've got urban soul founded in the heart of Aotearoa pumping right into your veins, stream of consciousness can be an amazing thing. And the hypnotising opening tracks of Electro Soul Plane by Substax provoked all manner of imagery.
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Substax - Play Records Album review
11 Jan 2006 // A review by claudia
Having provided the soundtrack for many memorable moments at Splore parties and the like for a number of years, Substax finally touch down with their debut full-length; a veritable cornucopia of warming beats and bass for the chilly winter months. Primarily regarded as a breaks outfit (Timmy Schumacher cut his production teeth with Substax), Electro Soul Plane opens up the field to include a wide array of styles, all undertaken with considerable aplomb.
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Substax - Moshpit meets the martini set
11 Jan 2006 // A review by claudia
Electro Soul Plane from it's ambient soundscapes on 'Music for Airplanes' to their Massive Attack meets DJ Shadow eeriness of 'Lost in Transit' to the streetwise and fun jaunt of 'What Up?', is more than just a breaks record...
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HUMAN - Album review for "Blood Bucket" - May 2005 (RIP IT UP magazine)
21 Dec 2005 // A review by humanmetal
New Zealand's most enduring death metal band are back with another album of evil humor. In spite of the historical lack of support for metal in this country, HUMAN have soldiered on for 13 years in the hope that one day metal may push on through to the mainstream.
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HUMAN - Album review for "The Sound Of Yellow" - Dec 2002 (Sonic Death 'zine UK)
21 Dec 2005 // A review by humanmetal
Many Death Metal bands have a habit of taking themselves too seriously, acting like they have a broomstick up their ass. Not Human.
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HUMAN - HUMAN @ The Dux De Lux, Christchurch, 15 May 2003
21 Dec 2005 // A review by humanmetal
Yes, that crazy, close-knit crew of gratuitous, gore obsessed metal heads are back after a well deserved break of two years, and, I am glad to say, in fine form. Human have been stomping around since 1992, gaining a reputation as the bastions of old-school Christchurch metal.
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The D4 - The D4: Out Of My Head
20 Dec 2005 // A review by Epitomised_Drummer
There is only really one word that describes the new album recently released by NZ’s own “The D4” – WICKED. Completely Phat is another way I choose to describe it.
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Temples on Mars - Agent - Palmerston North Gig
05 Nov 2005 // A review by Shade
Last Friday we headed along to the first gig we had been to since the muzic.net.
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Starkers - Starkers Reviewed by Chris Chilton
04 Nov 2005 // A review by Starkers
No denying it. Starkers like it hard.
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80 Proof - Hard Rockers Planning Tour
13 Oct 2005 // A review by keat
80 PROOF .... "Brought back the guitar solos and drum beats that made rock what it was"..
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DateMonthYear - Sampler review from Absorbed!
03 Oct 2005 // A review by Trevor Faville
Go there now! [url]http://www.
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Jackpoint - jackpoint - a powerful live act
30 Sep 2005 // A review by kiwisteff
jackpoint has been gigging on the Auckland scene mainly for almost two years. Strong and powerful, but with a great melody and style, jackpoint offers a great show everytime they play live.
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El Schlong - loudious deepthroatus
28 Sep 2005 // A review by Kraven
Reviewed by Tristan Egarr First, this is a biased review; how could it be otherwise? Only after seeing El Schlong play '2 ½ Dalis', did this reviewer realise there were other things in North Dunedin than drunken PE students being cocks, so the band will always hold a special place in my metal heart.
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The Nudie Suits - The Nudie Suits - 'Songbook' album review
19 Sep 2005 // A review by Dionne
The Nudie Suits - Songbook (2003 Lil' Chief Records) Writer: Chris Knox Publication: Real Groove Magazine Date: November 2003 Now this is danged refreshing. Some very late 20th Century Auckland music that could've been made in any decade post-WW1.
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David Yetton - Blow Out Your Candles
13 Sep 2005 // A review by laneem
In the midst of preparing for exams and writing essays I stumbled across an album, a laid-back, listen to on a Sunday with a chilled bottle of wine and good book kind of album to be exact… The album: Blow Out Your Candles The artist: Singer, Songwriter, Bass Player and founder member of The Jean-Paul Sartre Experience: Mr. David Yetton The Press Release accompanying the release of Blow Out Your Candles informs you about Yetton’s past musical endeavours, so I’ll start from the beginning… 1986, The JPS Experience signed to Flying Nun Records.
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John Michaelz - One of his greatest efforts to date
05 Sep 2005 // A review by jmichaelz
JOHN MICHAELZ — SOME SONGS EARLIER this year Mills Reef hosted the celebrations that accompanied the launch of Some Songs, the latest album from John Michaelz — the one-time wild child who fronted the now almost legendary local band Hard to Handle. Many of those who gathered on the night represented, dare I say it, the “old guard” of the local music scene.
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John Michaelz - catchy lil' numbers
21 Jul 2005 // A review by jmichaelz
Reviewer: Kim J W John, his first 'solo' album, catchy tunes, John was playing 'Girl in the silver dress' one night, (happens to be my fav' on this album)and I heard an anonymous person say, "this is one of those songs that should be a hit.." He has a knack for melody, and a voice like gravelly chocolate, ya just know it's him...
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John Michaelz - N.Z. MUSICIAN JUNE/JULY 2005
15 Jul 2005 // A review by jmichaelz
JOHN MICHAELZ: Some Songs Back in the days when John Michaelz was lead singer for Tauranga’s Hard To Handle he was regarded by those-in-the-know as the true heir to Jim Morrison’s throne. Later, a slightly mellower Michaelz spent some time in the shorter-lived Auckland group Kosher.
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Jeff Clarkson - Breathing Space
13 Jul 2005 // A review by Lynda
Jeff Clarkson's CD, Breathing Space is a very moving and timeless collection of songs that range from 4:40mins to 21:30mins long! The lyrics are pure and indepth about love.
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Aronas - SydneyMorningHeraldApril2005
29 Jun 2005 // A review by aronas
Aron Ottignon used the Pacific solution to combine jazz and dance.....
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Aronas - REVIEWTheDrumMediaApril2005
29 Jun 2005 // A review by aronas
The crowd at the launch of Aronas' debut CD Culture Tunnels was at least 200 strong in numbers......
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Aronas - NZHeraldMay2005
29 Jun 2005 // A review by aronas
A decade age a new generation of musicians emerged from Auckland......
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Aronas - CDREVIEWTheDrumMediaMay2005
29 Jun 2005 // A review by aronas
Recent gigs by Aronas have shown the group to be one of the most tightly knit......
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Aronas - CDREVIEWSydneyMorningHeraldApril2005
29 Jun 2005 // A review by aronas
Aron ottignon has hit upon something so startlingly original that he.......
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Aronas - CDREVIEWNewZealandHeraldMay2005
29 Jun 2005 // A review by aronas
Australians are already claiming his as there own........
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Aronas - CDREVIEWinnariddim.comMay2005
29 Jun 2005 // A review by aronas
Heralded as the new jazz wizard.......
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Minisnap - minisnap gig and March Hare CDEP reviews
14 Jun 2005 // A review by snap
“What can I say about Minisnap other than ah, Heaven. Beautiful complete songs.
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Aronas - Album review - The Drum
02 Jun 2005 // A review by aronas
The Drum Media 24 MAy 2005 Recent gigs by ARonas have shown the group to be one of the most tightly knit, inventive and infectious groove/instrumental bands to have emerged on the Sydney scene in recent history. The debut album, Culture Tunnels, is further evidence of this.
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Aronas - NZ HERALD - Talented pianist so good the Aussies try to claim him as their own
02 Jun 2005 // A review by aronas
Talented pianist so good the Aussies try to claim him as their own Aron Ottignon 11.05.
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Aronas - Aron Ottignon used the Pacific solution to combine jazz and dance.
02 Jun 2005 // A review by aronas
Log jam By John Shand April 15, 2005 Sydney Morning Herald Aron Ottignon used the Pacific solution to combine jazz and dance. Aron Ottignon can spot a rut a mile off, and the music business is furrowed with them.
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Aronas - INNARIDDIM Album Review
02 Jun 2005 // A review by aronas
http://innariddim.com/Reviews/article/1228 "Heralded as the new 'jazz wizard' by the Sunday Telegraph, Aronas is award-winning musician Aron Ottignon's newest project.
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Aronas - The Program Live Review
02 Jun 2005 // A review by aronas
The Program Live Reviews http://www.theprogram.
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Pacific Underground - Landmark - NZ Listener - 17 April 1999
24 May 2005 // A review by gunn
Pacific Underground is a Christchurch based theatre company of mainly Samoan actors, writers and musicians. If you've caught any of their shows -'Fresh Off The Boat', 'Dawn Raids' or the recent 'Romeo and Tusi' - you'll understand the integral part the musicians play.
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Pacific Underground - New CDs - Landmark - The Press (4stars)
24 May 2005 // A review by gunn
Landmark is as a cool a collection of urban groovs as fair urban Christchurch is likely to see all year. Although Pacific Underground are better known of their theatre productions (Dawn Raids, Romeo & Tusi), this compilation recognises the musical contributions of the collective.
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Kelvin Cummings - Memories Prodded
12 May 2005 // A review by alexey
I initially thought Kelvin Cummings was a bit of a scene-stealer, but by the end of the evening I upgraded that thought to show-stealer. He proved to be an audience favourite.
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Who's To Blame Album Review
09 May 2005 // A review by Epitomised_Drummer
Rezinator are an amazing band. The semi lo-fi recording I had a browse through was a pleasure to listen to.
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09 May 2005 // A review by Epitomised_Drummer
Rezinator are an amazing band. The semi lo-fi recording I had a browse through was a pleasure to listen to.
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Pacific Underground - Pacific Underground Compilation: Landmark
08 May 2005 // A review by gunn
NZ Musician This delectable collection of Samoan-penned grooves is something of an anomaly in that it comes out of the fertile creative environs of Christchurch rather than, perhaps the more expected, South Auckland. To try and draw comparisons between north and south would be unfair as 'Landmark' comes at you from a completely different point of view.
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Ishtar - The Enemy Within
07 May 2005 // A review by simone_ishtar
Review by Robstar 1, taken from www.therockfactory.
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Equus - Equus
16 Mar 2005 // A review by Epitomised_Drummer
I opened my door this morning to find a little package outside, two CD's from Equus. I was feeling a little lazy - and pretty lathargic about doing anything as I slid the first of the two CD's into the CD tray, and got back into bed.
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Mr Sterile Assembly - Hulagu
29 Jan 2005 // A review by Epitomised_Drummer
Well, fancy being assigned a task to write a review about Mr Sterile Assembly. This is definitely one of the most challenging tasks I have had at hand.
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8Forty8 - 8Forty8-Edge Of Time (Hot Metal Magazine)
23 Dec 2004 // A review by gatman
This is exellent. Intended more as a release than a demo.
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Stingfish - Stingfish & Cop Car Mini-Tour
28 Nov 2004 // A review by Shade
Review about the tour as written by Stingfish: We have just completed a mini-tour venturing out of the capital with punk-rockers Cop-Car. It was cool.
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Ruptus Jack - Ruptus Jack – Kings Arms - 17th November
23 Nov 2004 // A review by Epitomised_Drummer
Myself and a few mates showed up to see Ruptus Jack kick off the You Don’t Know Jack tour at The Kings Arms on Wednesday the 27th of November.First up was The Ryan Kershaw Band.
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Eight - Eight & Opshop 08/04
31 Aug 2004 // A review by Dilemma
Going into Altitude in Hamilton is always an exciting prospect especially when you’re seeing NZ music, but good NZ music. Eight are one of my fav NZ bands, and OpShop are growing on me more and more.
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Stardrunk - Stardrunk Album Release - Complete Control @ Studio, Auckland
27 Aug 2004 // A review by Epitomised_Drummer
Last night I rocked along to hear Stardrunk at The Studio bar on K Road to release their new album Complete Control. I pitched up about 9.
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Foamy Ed - Foamy Ed - Kings Arms - 20 August
23 Aug 2004 // A review by Epitomised_Drummer
Friday night, Foamy Ed, Redline, and Los Muertos kicked off one of the largest gigs I have seen at The Kings Arms in recent weeks. I pitched up about 10pm, and the place was already packed enough I had to fight to get to the bar.
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Tali - Lyric On My Lip Album Review
14 Aug 2004 // A review by Shade
MC Tali is an extremly talented and amazing individual who not only has the ability to use her versatile voice in a variety of styles, but she also creates her own catchy, up beat and funky music. She accomplishes so much more than the average vocalist - the music is all hers, as are the lyrics.
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Epitome - Testing The Water EP Review
20 Jul 2004 // A review by Shade
Testing The Water is an EP from a band that has their heads screwed on right. Auckland band Epitome know what they want and what they need to do to get it.
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Resonate - RESONATE – A Lasting Presence
12 Jul 2004 // A review by chrls
When a band takes to a stage, audiences expect a good show which provides entertainment for all those involved. How many times have you seen a band take to a stage, fail to live up to your expectations?
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The Tom Bosley Experience - "The Spark Of Inspiration" by The Tom Bosley Experience
06 Jul 2004 // A review by warpart
While the world is filling up with wars, the Tom Bosley Experience attacks, humiliates, destroys, and above all, Makes Fun of friend and foe alike. Listening to The Spark of Inspiration, any endlessly parroting lawmaker, politician, or advertising agent would find his own conventional wisdom wrapped around his ankles like a pair of oversized boxer shorts.
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Elemeno P - Gig Review: Elemeno P & Evermore @ Fat Ladies Arms, Palmerston North - 14/08/2003
18 Aug 2003 // A review by Shade
Venue: Fat Ladies Arms, Palmerston NorthStart: Evermore: 9:15pm, Elemeno P: 10:30pm (doors open 7pm)Date: Thursday 14 August 2003The evening started with us standing around outside in the cold air silently begging for the doors to open. After being lucky enough to see the bands rush past us on their way to dinner, we stepped into the warmth of the Fats about 7:15pm, and over the next two hours the room filled up to a sell out crowd – we knew that this was one gig that was going to rock.
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