The Black Seeds - Album Review: Fabric
Fabric (Released September 2017) is
the 6th Full-length studio offering from Wellington-based
band The Black Seeds – and the 12 track album certainly does not
disappoint.
The band have been around since 1998, with their Global Breakthrough album generally considered to be their 2006 release Enter the Dojo.
The Black Seeds, for me are a band that sounds like New Zealand summer – for myself and all kiwis who grew in the late 90's/early 2000's everyone has those fond memories of summer nights spent dancing to their earlier hits such as Cool Me Down and So True.
And while there are certainly elements of this particularly in songs such as Moving On, Lost in the Bush and Ride On – this is by far the most diverse release from the band so far.
One thing that immediately strikes me from the first listen is how layered, thick and full the vocal harmonies are.
The band has returned to their Island/Roots Origins on this album which are complimented with some rich surf-rock guitar sounds, funk inspired keyboards and bass lines and a great use of vocal effects.
Better Days was the first single from this album that the band released in 2019 and it sets the tone for the rest of record well with its catchy layered vocals and big drum sounds – but as the record progresses it has so much more to offer .
It is the keyboards rather than horns that dominate on some of the tracks such as Everybody Knows and Freakin' which I could only describe as Electro-Funk-Soul.
Keyboardist Nigel Patterson (Who also plays with Fly My Pretties) Brings some amazing vintage organs and keyboards to the mix giving the tracks a great 70's feel.
The Fourth Track Lightning Strikes is significantly more electro.
The melodies and lyrics begin to take the album in a darker direction here which I love, and segway beautifully into the Melancholic vibes of what I would describe as a classic Black Seeds track Moving On.
The title track Fabric brings a more minimalist feel than the others but with a strong lyrical message and following tracks in the second half of the album bring a much darker theme with strong political messages.
Beleza and Wake Up in particular bring some dark and highly political content – Lead singer Barnaby Weir's vocals and lyrics have evolved into a deep and more refined lyrical style than on their earlier work, and it feels as though the lyrical themes have grown up along with their audience.
The 8 piece band are kicking off the album release tour this Wednesday in Wanaka followed by a long list of dates throughout NZ and Australia, with supports from notable Wellington Act Tunes of I, as well as Pdiggsss - Peacekeeper and others.
More info and tickets from theirwebsite.
Review written by Lora Thompson
About The Black Seeds
Led by the vocals of Barnaby Weir and Daniel Weetman, at its core The Black Seeds music is a boundary-crossing sound fusion of big-beat funk, dub, soul, mixed with vintage roots-reggae.
Described by Clash Magazine as "one of the best reggae acts on the planet", their legendary 8-piece live show brings the raw energy and good vibes wherever it goes. They have countless sell-out New Zealand and Australasian tours behind them, and regularly perform at many of Europe and North America’s biggest festivals.
Visit the muzic.net.nz Profile for The Black Seeds
Releases
Other Reviews By LoraThompson
10 Apr 2018 // by LoraThompson
It was a cloudy yet thankfully calm Saturday in beautiful capital city when we arrived at the waterfront at 1pm. After collecting my pass, the first stop was up-and-comers Dead Favours on the Rock Stage.
Read More...
L.A.B. - Album Review: L.A.B
12 Dec 2017 // by LoraThompson
Needless to say I have seen these boys play live and had long anticipated the release of the self-title album from L.A.
Read More...
TOI - Single Review: Kiss the Sky
04 Nov 2017 // by LoraThompson
Wellington dub-rockers Tunes of I just never stop. After a crazy couple of years touring their debut album Restless, they're back with the first single off what will be their third release, and EP called Wicked Ways – due for release on the 17th November.
Read More...
Merrin - Album Review: 1
12 Oct 2017 // by LoraThompson
From first listen, Merrin's 1 has evolved in leaps and bounds from their earlier singles Sin and Mr Dominant the band are now bringing a much heavier and refined hard rock feel than their previous work. The Album begins with the newest single Durty Little Secret and quickly and easily segways into the heavier, riffier Burn it Up.
Read More...
Ryan Kershaw - Single Review: Inspiration
10 Jun 2017 // by LoraThompson
As I downloaded this track to begin listening I really had no idea what to expect. Actually that's a lie,I had heard a few of Ryan's previous offerings – Little Green Dragon (2008), The Lunar Sea (2011) and The Buzz Tapes (2012) - So based on this I expected an awesome display of guitar, and that's exactly what I got – one of NZ's best and highly under-rated guitarists.
Read More...
The Nukes - Album Review: III
01 Apr 2017 // by LoraThompson
I have had the pleasure of reviewing the full-length album III by NZ's original Ukulele Trio – The Nukes. Dave Parker, David 'Snapper' Thiele, and Ben Collier are a power-trio of NZ music's finest – former credits include Goldenhorse, Rhythm Cage and The Parker Project – as well as Thiele's extensive contribution to the local music community through Kiwi FM.
Read More...
Poison Skies - EP Review: Day to Defy
23 Nov 2016 // by LoraThompson
The debut EP Day to Defy from Poison Skies delivers a familiar pop-punk kick while nailing their powerful and catchy sound. The EP begins with their upbeat single Eighty Six, leading into the heavier half-time thrash of Stop and Breathe – The catchy, melodic chorus in this second track provides a stark contrast against a well-orchestrated wall of noise.
Read More...
Electric Wire Hustle - Album Review: The 11th Sky
22 Oct 2016 // by LoraThompson
Wellington Electro-Soul outfit Electric Wire Hustle released their 3rd album The 11th Sky on September 30th2016. EWH first appeared in the public eye with their self titled album in 2009 , and since then have also released Love Can Prevail in 2014 which was a world wide success that saw the band achieve some Cult Fame in the UK and Europe.
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
