Bannerman - Bannerman - The Dusty Dream Hole Album Review
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.
The tour de force entitled 'The Dusty Dream Hole' is abundantly original and aurally remarkable. The debut album by Auckland based Bannerman sneaks its way into your consciousness through clever song writing and wonderful production. Well-rounded structures in an alt-country and rock n roll fashion seamlessly paint a masterpiece, both lyrically dark and beautiful while retaining a delicate intoxicating ambience.
The first song Where The Shadows Are works its way from a warm and easy-going experience to a crazy and annoying cacophony. Thankfully this is not where the majority of the songs find their basis. Perhaps it is best to say that Bannerman are just checking to see if you are awake before gently serenading you with the beautiful music on the rest of the release. Down-to-earth songs such as the second track Deep In The Forest and fourth Glass Blowers Of The Misty Mountains carry Beatle-esque attributes; from their acid influenced era. While songs like Some Kind Of Man, Hills & Valleys and Caverns are skilfully simple and spacious, giving the album a natural unpretentious quality.
With Finn Scholes and Andrew McDowell on trumpet, Wairere Iti on sax and Hadyn Godfrey on trombone, the horn section throughout the CD is nicely mixed and arranged. It's not until the thirteenth track I Am Animal that Oliver Emmet's trombone really kicks into play. Likewise the percussion is subtly mixed. Alistair Deverick's (The Hot Grits, The Shades) drumming is in the pocket while rich bass lines from a mystery bass player reverberate wonderfully.
I had to have another listen just to check which song featured Siobhanne Thompson's violin; to tell the truth, any excuse will do to give this album more than one spin. The real stand out for me is the superb last track In A Dark Place There Is A Light. As with previous tracks, Flip Grater's dulcet vocals enhance Richard's sometimes-sleepy tinged voice, enveloping me in a warm resonance that I look forward to revisiting.
Multifaceted and pure of essence 'The Dusty Dream Hole' is a stunning debut album.
About Bannerman
Richie began work on Bannerman in 2005, but with the continued march of One Million Dollars and the sudden appearance of smooth latin cousin, Batucada Sound Machine, he was forced to lock his young offspring away in a cupboard for a few years.
Visit the muzic.net.nz Profile for Bannerman
Releases
Other Reviews By River Tucker
Lucid Shift - EP Review: Aonaran
18 Oct 2024 // 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.
Read More...
Amanaki - EP Review: Embers
22 Jul 2024 // 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.
Read More...
Silcrow - EP Review: Silcrow
14 Jun 2024 // 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.
Read More...
Parasitic Infestation - EP Review: Promo EP
21 Apr 2024 // 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.
Read More...
Album Review: The Death Spell
12 Dec 2023 // 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.
Read More...
Beastwars - Gig Review: Reign of the Beast @ Whanganui Musicians Club, Whanganui - 13/10/2023
15 Oct 2023 // 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.
Read More...
End of an Empire - Album Review: Best Laid Plans
25 Sep 2023 // 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.
Read More...
The Rising Tide - Gig Review: Inferno - Youth Rock & Metal @ The Stomach, Palmerston North - 5/08/2023
07 Aug 2023 // 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.
Read More...
Most Viewed Artists
Latest Galleries
NZ Top 10 Singles
- APT.
ROSÉ And Bruno Mars - DIE WITH A SMILE
Lady Gaga And Bruno Mars - BIRDS OF A FEATHER
Billie Eilish - TASTE
Sabrina Carpenter - I LOVE YOU, I'M SORRY
Gracie Abrams - ESPRESSO
Sabrina Carpenter - SAILOR SONG
Gigi Perez - LOSE CONTROL
Teddy Swims - A BAR SONG (TIPSY)
Shaboozey - GOOD LUCK, BABE!
Chappell Roan
More Content on muzic.net.nz
Google Site Search
100% New Zealand Music
All content on this website is copyright to muzic.net.nz and other respective rights holders. Redistribution of any material presented here without permission is prohibited.
Report A Problem
