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. An album that moves through folk, soul and a bit of country blues to more up tempo and rocky pop which seems like a natural interchange for this five piece band from Wellington.
Musically this album could not be smoother, from the folky guitar that underlies all the tracks to the blasting brass, that beautiful harmonica and the commanding drum beats.
The second track is the title track Baby, Ill Play which features a beautiful saxophone integrated through strong lyrics which sets the tone for the rest of the album. Unlike many bands, the Thomas Oliver Band have a natural ability to create interesting and distinctive songs.
The middle of the album showcases the bands more emotive and passionate side with some of the sweetest vocals and lyrics I have heard in a while.
The 12 tracks on this album are comparable to Ben Harper, Buffalo Tom, and BB King, without imitation or limitation. Essentially this album must be heard for its variety and musical talent. The are a must see live also.
Wellington 5-piece The Thomas Oliver Band's combination of blues/rock/roots and Thomas Oliver's compelling writing style creates a refreshing New Zealand sound. They have spent the past few years touring and playing live throughout New Zealand with the likes of Fat Freddy's Drop, Gin Wigmore and Britain's Oli Brown. Within this time the band also wrote and recorded their debut full-length album Baby, I'll Play, which was released in March 2011.
The band's video, Goin' Home was released in February 2010, and saw the band named alongside Gorillaz, The Fray and Franz Ferdinand as one of the top thirty music videos of 2010 at the Rushes Soho Shorts in London. The band's success attracted attention from both national and international media.
The Thomas Oliver Band released their second single and music video Baby I'll Play at the end of October 2010. The band once again worked with director Jennifer Quinlin (Weta Productions) and the team at Park Road Post on the video.