Album Review: Waiuku College Music Presents - Our Sound Volume 1
This
collection of songs from students at Waiuku College is an example of a new
sensibility in music education, motivated by perceptions of industry realities
and recognising the strengths and influences of the students themselves. At its
best, this makes for an exciting situation where fresh musical energy and ideas
grab hold of traditional knowledge benefiting both. Be prepared for variations
in terms of genre, something that should not really be a problem to an interested
listener, but certainly not what a modern consumer might be conditioned to
expect in terms of stylistic unity.
The consequence of having a range of styles, is that at times the musical influences are really quite clearly worn on many sleeves. Lyrical concerns are also perhaps an area that can reflect a somewhat narrow focus, but there’s no denying the melodic strengths, intelligent arrangements, and creativity that is on display here. The music in this collection is consistently strong, and frequently a great deal more than that. Track after track stand out, because they either push the boundaries of what the sound and instruments imply, or they embrace a genre and completely own it. There’s no denying the technical and musical delivery of the songs. Right from the opening track, there is a real sense of purpose that is very compelling.
Possibly the strongest thing that stands out in this collection is a profoundly musical sensibility - there is wry wit, an awareness of how to make a chorus soar, and plainly here is a bunch of musicians who have found their individual voices. Ben Ruegg, the Head of Music at Waiuku college, deserves special mention for this alone - notwithstanding his organisation and production work. This is the result of top-notch music education.
Singling out individual tracks would be unwise, the risk of unfair comparisons and an ‘apples/oranges’ situation is too great. Suffice it to say that the influences of some of the great New Zealand female singers are strongly represented, as are some classic exponents of pop-punk, and Knights of Cydonia - mode Muse, among a lot else. Every flavour tastes real.
There could be a lot of careers beginning here. This collection is a really rewarding listen. Highly recommended.
Review written by Trevor Faville
Other Reviews By Trevor Faville
Tom Irvine Band - Album Review: Under The Wharf
19 Nov 2024 // by Trevor Faville
Tom Irvine has a very healthy CV, working guitar duties with the likes of Hopetoun Brown, The Mercenaries and the Fleetwoods. For this album, his first, he has assembled a tight and cohesive ensemble with a rhythm section of Neill McCulloch (drums), Matt Shanks (bass).
Read More...
Pining Radiata - EP Review: Skin
27 Sep 2024 // by Trevor Faville
These days it's not unusual to see, and indeed expect, a high level of songwriting craft and instrumental skill from younger or less experienced bands. Debut recordings now tend to be polished and well-crafted affairs.
Read More...
Luna Shadows - Album Review: bathwater
19 Jun 2024 // by Trevor Faville
Luna Shadows' new album bathwater arrives on the back of considerable momentum from their previous work. Currently based in Los Angeles, since releasing the single Hallelujah California in 2016, Luna Shadows has garnered considerable attention, some serious press and impressive listening numbers.
Read More...
Elmo Strauss - Album Review: In My Sleep
08 Dec 2023 // by Trevor Faville
Elmo Strauss began writing, recording and producing music in the format he describes as a ‘One Man Band’ since 2021, with the release of debut album Light and Dark. In My Sleep is his latest collection and is a logical follow on from the first album, in terms of the sound and the process.
Read More...
The Fuzzies - Album Review: Cupid
15 Nov 2023 // by Trevor Faville
The Fuzzies are a three-piece self-described ‘Alternative pop trio’ from Auckland. Collectively Niki Maera (Mary), Kelly Michael (Tabula Rasa, Enshrine) and Andrew Maitai (Powertool Records, Joed Out) bring the momentum of considerable experience into the music on this album.
Read More...
Claudia Robin Gunn - Album Review: Firefly
02 Oct 2023 // by Trevor Faville
Working in music education gives some insight into what challenging area that Children’s Music can be. The first essential consideration is simply coming to terms with the makeup of the audience, and knowing that children, whanau, and teachers are combined into particularly unique ‘demographic’.
Read More...
Hummucide - Album Review: Tides
18 Aug 2023 // by Trevor Faville
Hummucide are a well established group of musicians originally based in Wellington (although now working round the world) “Heavy Jazz” is the way they describe their sound, and that's an accurate phrase- and a rather nifty one, too. Tides is the group's first full length album release and it's the result of an extensive and extended process of crafting and refining.
Read More...
Tone6 - Single Review: Close Your Eyes
05 Jul 2023 // by Trevor Faville
Tone6 are a vocal group from Auckland, consisting of Kirita Leavasa , Selevasio Tu'ima, Peachez Vetenibua, Seletute Tu'ima, Viliami Tupa'i and Shaelyn Togafiti , who began working together when attending Saintzup Performing Arts School. The collective experience and ability of these singers belies their youth, and while Close Your Eyes is just their second release, it's a powerful and assured musical statement.
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
