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. It’s almost like being in the bands practice room, with just enough post-production to give the five tracks that all-important punk edge.
Extensive touring since they formed in 2008 has helped cement The Outsiders musical cohesiveness, which really shines through with lyrically proficient and likable tunes. Rubbing shoulders with bands like NOFX, Against Me and Megadeth has definitely been a good influenced on The Outsiders latest offering, where the band explores the punk rock genre with impressive musical prowess.
The Credits Roll kicks off the EP with jangly 1960’s guitars and upbeat drumming that sometimes gets ahead of itself. The song Shallow Graves is a sure crowd pleaser that ends all too quickly leaving me wanting more. My Answer tones it down slightly with an old school ambience that melds nicely into the clever timing changes of the standout track, Life Choices. The excellent percussive build-ups and musical warmth in Under the Stars and Gutters closes out a most catchy and enjoyable listen.
The Outsiders have worked hard to deliver another well-written and proficient release while retaining their effortless style. Although Shallow Graves doesn’t break all that much new ground, it’s a must have EP for connoisseurs of punk rock. Get a copy today.
The Outsiders have grown together as a band on the highways and cramped tour vans of Europe/UK, Australia and New Zealand. Their debut album The Words Will Write Themselves is the highly anticipated testament to their first year and a half as a band.
The album was recorded in studios across Wellington and mixed and mastered by powerhouse producer/engineer Andrew Buckton (Sommerset/The D4/Midnight Youth). The Words Will Write Themselves tells the story of losing everything and finding it again; recapturing youth while looking for redemption. The Outsiders have a wealth of experience to draw on, from playing sold out shows in places such as Amsterdam, Berlin, London and Melbourne, to getting lost in the countryside in Belgium, and eating banquets in squats in Germany.
The Outsiders play Punk/Alternative Rock with pop hooks similar to bands such as Husker Du, The Replacements and The Ramones. Three vocalists and an anything-goes live act sets this band apart from many current acts and harks back to the heyday of the early 90's when music and passion took precedent over fashion.