DRXNES have caused quite a stir since forming a few years ago and for good reason. They have worked bloody hard and released some great music accompanied by well-produced videos.
Their latest release Rattlesnake is a heavy blast of melodic metal tinged angst with more than a nod to bands like P.O.D. or even NZ's Blindspott. Their visual style also reinforces this, Rob with his long dreads the rest of the band facing inwards with an intense, and I don't mean this in a derogatory way, nu metal bounce. There is far more to DRXNES than rehashing their influences. Just check out their back catalogue and you will see the variation.
Most of the video is set in a forest (nice scenic shots as per nearly every NZ music video) but interspersed with some great camera work, editing and lighting. The forest scenes merge with footage of the band in a rehearsal space, all moody lighting which adds an intensity to the overall feel. It is very slick as is the production of the song itself.
This video works well as an accompaniment to the song but like most videos that focus on a band playing live I don't think it adds anything to it. To be honest the song is so strong it instantly hooks you in so that actually all you want to do is leap around and not watch anything!
The video ends with a homage to Jake Mitchell Alabaster who sadly passed away far too young in Whanganui in 2017.
Much Kudos and another step forward for a band who clearly want to go places.
DRXNES are a Wanganui-based metal band formed in 2015. Loved for their stadium-ready anthems and high-energy performances, they have become a critical fixture in New Zealand's live music scene. With two national tours to their name in 2018 and 2019, they have also opened for international and national touring artists including Stray From The Path, Skinny Hobos, Intervals, Counterparts, Earth Tongue and Blindspott. DRXNES are currently working on new music and touring schedules for 2020.