Lucifer Gunne is the young but powerful quartet of punk/alternative-rock specialists hailing from the capital city. Fronted by bassist and frontman Rory McDonald, the band have worked hard writing and playing live over the past two years, and just a week ago, the lads unveiled their latest creation.
The tune blasts straight into a bold mash of overdriven guitars with a classic minor-key chord progression and heavy metal vibes set over a brisk rock n’ roll drumbeat. Fired up with loads of punk rock energy, and a healthy, rumbling bassline adding gravity to the mood, one very quickly gets the impression they’re in for a headbanger.
Lead singer Rory bears a surprisingly baritone voice, sounding like a cross between latter-day Mike Patton and Aotearoa’s own Booga Beazley of HLAH, especially when he croons during the first chorus.
The punk rock aesthetic also shows in the overall production sound and gives an engaging performing-live-in-studio vibe. Minor imperfections like the drummer nearly missing a beat, and the ad-hoc shrieking before and during the guitar all adds character to the piece.
With more listens, the more things I found I really enjoyed. To begin with, I thought the final refrain of “Synthetic, energenetic, you’re so pathetic, yeah!” could have been cut out, but I’ve changed my mind; the chorus is just too much fun. Besides, you need that last round of crowd shout-alongs before capping off with some “Hey! Hey! Hey!”s!
For some extra cool, chuck on the music video. Apparently all shot using a drone, the lads jam on the rooftop of an apartment with some friends, with a hooded Spiderman skulking about in the background.
Click here to see the video, and give their Facebook page a Like!Lucifer Gunne is an alternative rock band formed in Wellington, New Zealand, founded by Rory McDonald
Starting out solo, Rory, worked on the first EP, The Red King with the idea of a whole band sound, rather than a solo project in mind. A couple of months after the release debut EP, he met the guitarist (Don Mackenzie) and ex-drummer (Henry Thomas) in the crowd at a pixies concert. They played their first show at Valhalla on March 30th 2017 and have been playing, gigging, practicing and recording ever since. The current lineup consists of Rory McDonald (Lead vocals, Bass Guitar), Don Mackenzie (Rhythm Guitar), Steve Henwood (Lead Guitar) and Jackson Kidd (Drums)
Lucifer Gunne has now disbanded.