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. Yes, you read that genre correctly.

We’re in a world of cross genre interbreeding, so maybe I’ve become so jaded that a country punk blend doesn’t seem too far a stretch of the imagination. But when I was growing up country music and punk rock were on completely different frequencies.

After a bit of hand puppetry and over-thinking I realized punk and country aren’t really that different. The lone horseman with an acoustic guitar, a camp fire and a can of beans. The disaffected youth with a power chord, a cigarette and a spray can. Both rebels on the wrong side of the social norm. 

The blend works. Some tracks have a more country aesthetic, mellow and subdued, swaying zippo lighter in the air feel like Chosen One, my personal favorite from the album. Others are more in your face, the kind that would get the mosh pit in the Cabana writhing, like Reverse Sting (No Toledo).

While anyone with a computer and a taste for masochism can make a Slipknot/Justin Bieber mashup, Devils Elbow have the skill to fuse two genres that sound like they shouldn’t mix with some damn amazing results. 

Will this album be the ticket they need to quit their day jobs? Probably not, but through no fault of their own. It’s just most of the world are still listening to some pretty shit music right now. You can be certain that once this baby hits the airwaves Absolute Domain is sure to win Devils Elbow some new fans.

You may have missed the first Absolute Domain album release gig, but there is still time left to catch Devils Elbow live. Check Eventfinder for more details on the band’s upcoming shows. $10 Entry. Free CD. Can’t go wrong.

Not one for gigs? You can find Absolute Domain anywhere music from HIT YOUR HEAD MUSIC is sold, or alternatively check out iTunes and the Devils Elbow Bandcamp (http://devilselbowofficial.bandcamp.com/).

• 1
  Head Like A Hole
• 2
  Horror Story
• 3
  Fraser Ross
• 4
  Fur Patrol
• 5
  Michelle Rounds
• 6
  L.A.B.
• 7
  Devilskin
• 8
  Coridian
• 9
  The Boondocks
• 10
  Late to Chelsea

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  LOST BiRD @ Space Academy, Christchurch - 15/12/2024
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  Just Janie @ Space Academy, Christchurch - 15/12/2024
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  Dream Chambers @ Meow Nui, Wellington - 14/12/2024
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  The Phoenix Foundation @ Meow Nui, Wellington - 14/12/2024

• 1
  APT.
  ROSÉ And Bruno Mars
• 2
  DIE WITH A SMILE
  Lady Gaga And Bruno Mars
• 3
  BIRDS OF A FEATHER
  Billie Eilish
• 4
  TASTE
  Sabrina Carpenter
• 5
  I LOVE YOU, I'M SORRY
  Gracie Abrams
• 6
  ESPRESSO
  Sabrina Carpenter
• 7
  SAILOR SONG
  Gigi Perez
• 8
  LOSE CONTROL
  Teddy Swims
• 9
  A BAR SONG (TIPSY)
  Shaboozey
• 10
  GOOD LUCK, BABE!
  Chappell Roan

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