25 Dec 2024
UsernamePassword

Remember Me? | Join | Recover
Click here to sign in via social networking

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. The release is thus a journey; an paced exploration of sound and technique. Responsibilities are split between Pateriki Hura (guitars, synth bass, keyboards & sequencing) and Cameron Budge (drums), and it is very much one-sided. Budge's contribution is very much in the background of each track, and while necessary, are not quite given the attention deserved.

Interestingly for an instrumental duo, devoid of any trace of vocals, there are clear influences. Infinity Part 3 has a clear Pink Floyd vibe to it. Despite similarities in overall styles and techniques between the songs, there is a clear difference in sound between each track. The album varies in pace; a pace that is set by the guitars. In fact, the entire album is dominated by the guitars; with pace, and energy. With a multitude of sounds, from a layered guitar riff that emulates bells ringing, to the use of oriental cymbals and woodwind instruments, there is a plethora of cultures and styles on display.

Aside from the title track Infinity, the stand out song on the album is The Way, which is able to successfully blend old and new musical techniques, with multiple crescendo, to build anticipation. It could almost be described as a mix of Heavy Metal Ninjas and the Age of Empire's soundtrack.

Not an album that I can actively listen to; it blends together in a way that leads me to zone out. However, as an instrumental piece, it has the versatility to work in any background setting. There is a lot of work that has gone into this album, but it still feels like Budge and Hura are holding back. It doesn't "wow" me, but at the same time I am still impressed by it. The more you listen to it, the more layers you uncover, and a greater appreciation you gain of it's composition. Tranquil, placid, and soothing. The foundation is solid, and I look forward to hearing how they evolve over time.
 

About The Traditional Aliens

The Traditional Aliens are a NZ Instrumental Rock Band with a love of wide open spaces and exotica. Within our music every musical part is aware and respectful of every other parts role. We create the space which allows the musical parts to communicate their ideas freely.

We invite you into our world. If you're into a fresh approach and a unique blend of elements and style then this album is for you.

This is a no rap zone. There's no bling and fast cars. It's not an elevator or the pop music supermarket. It is a place which displays the joy of craftsmen at home in their work, exploring new form, taking some risks and loving it.

Visit the muzic.net.nz Profile for The Traditional Aliens

Releases

What World Will You Live In
Year: 2023
Type: Album
Icy Blue Planet
Year: 2020
Type: Album
Infinity
Year: 2017
Type: Album

Other Reviews By butch181

Lola Sola - Single Review: Tripping
04 Dec 2019 // 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.
Read More...
Rubine - Album Review: Secret Danger
04 Nov 2019 // 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.
Read More...
Gig Review: Sevendust w/ City of Souls @ Powerstation, Auckland - 23/04/2019
24 Apr 2019 // 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.
Read More...
Sonic Altar - Album Review: Under A Dying Sun
27 Mar 2019 // 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.
Read More...
Levi Lights On Project - Single Review: Mirror Man
17 Mar 2019 // 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.
Read More...
The Gemini Effect - Single Review: Little Mouse
17 Mar 2019 // 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.
Read More...
Mermaidens - Single Review: You Maintain The Stain
17 Mar 2019 // 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.
Read More...
Paper Cranes - Album Review: Voices
19 Dec 2018 // 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.
Read More...
View All Articles By butch181

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
View the Full NZ Top 40...
muzic.net.nz Logo
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 ProblemReport A Problem