21 Nov 2024
Strangely Arousing - Single Review: Ladeda
20 Sep 2018 // A review by butch181
Ladeda is the latest single from Strangely Arousing due for release on September 28th and is a tranquil piece; cruising and comfortable.
Right from the start of the track the vocals are the focal point, with lead singer Lukas Wharekura pulling off a variety of sounds; initially having the gritty crooning vocal styling of Rod Stewart before transitioning through a John Mayer sound, until finding his tone for the remainder of the track in something reminiscent of the style of Arctic Monkeys vocalist, Alex Turner.
Nothing overly technical, though there are some lovely little clean guitar accents that do shine over the other layers. And layers is really what Ladeda provides, with soothing backing ambiance and samples provided by the keys. The track flows well, and while it is kept in time but Oliver Pendergrasts hi-hat work, the vocals are the only thing that truly drive the song forward. But it doesn't need to be driven forward; the instruments are happy to loop and meander, altering slightly from time to time, there is a relaxed vibe that transfers to the listener, and is ever-present in the instrumental choruses.
A very mature track from these young lads and bodes strongly for their musical career.
Review written by Alex Moulton
Rating:
( 4 / 5 )
About Strangely Arousing
Formed in 2012 and hailing from Rotorua, this talented bunch made a statement with their first foray into the New Zealand music scene by winning the SmokeFree Pacifica Beats in 2013, and went on to win Battle of the Bands in 2014. They have since played at sell-out shows on multiple tours around NZ, and appearances on the main stages of festivals such as Raggamuffin and Rhythm and Vines, alongside their musical heroes such as Damien Marley, Fat Freddy’s Drop and Sticky Fingers. The band has performed internationally in the Middle East, China and South Korea, including headlining the Kiwi ExPats ball in Dubai in November 2018.
Their first EP Extended Play was released in 2014 followed by their studio album Strangely Arousing in 2017. Recorded at Roundhead Studios and debuting at number 3 on the NZ Music Charts, the album was also a finalist for the coveted Taite Music Prize ‘Best Independent Debut’ Award in 2018. The music video for single Groove Shooter made headlines, as it featured the members trying to win over Nazanin ‘Naz’ Khanjani from The Bachelor in a multi-million dollar house. Proudly weaving their M?ori heritage into their music with lyrics in Te Reo, Strangely deliver revelation by vibration.
Visit the muzic.net.nz Profile for Strangely Arousing
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