Wellington four piece Planet Hunter describe themselves as stoner/alternative/prog. Named after the Planet Hunter Satellite which was launched the very same day. Much like the satellite, the bands search for new alien life throughout the cosmos continues. In the meantime, Planet Hunter has just released their edgy debut self-titled four track EP.

The EP was recorded by the band inside a shipping container in Tawa. In my opinion a lot more music should be recorded inside shipping containers as it gives it an almost echoic sound creating another layer of interest. It enhanced the fuzz and “sludgy riff – fuelled rock” vibe.

The psychedelic thread which ran through The Killing Bear’s music has also made an appearance on this EP. Cosmic distorted sound effects and trippy lyrics come together with funky bass, guitar and drums. I went through a run of reviewing Cormac Ferris musical enterprises a few years back because I like his original concepts.

The band is made up of Jedaiah Van Ewijk (bass), Cormac Ferris (vocals), William Saunders (guitar) and David McGurk (drums). They have a diverse background in the Wellington music scene, playing for the likes of Balkany, Killing Bear, The Aviators, Mangle & Gruff and Aethea. It seems Planet Hunter has made a name for themselves with their “sonically disarming performances”. From what I can ascertain these guys put on an entertaining show.

Speaking of disarming. The Planet Hunter EP cover is out of this world and sure to offend. I like its creativity.

The energetic Celestial Tongue rips straight into it with heavy groove, catchy guitar and solid rhythmic percussion. Starting out with Cormac's deadpan vocals, this track soon morphs into something magic displaying his impressive powerful vocal ability.

Moving onto Dawn Of The Ants, I heard a grungy moody track with a touch of distortion and a fantastic trippy hook. The Tool influence can be heard throughout this EP but is particularly evident on Bitter Winds.

The final track Dinotrash left me feeling a sense of disappointment, not because it was bad but because it signalled the end of the four track EP and I could have very happily listened to more. Before the band has a conniption over spying the word “disappointment” in my review, rest assured the final track is as good as the other three.

Planet Hunter the EP is original indie music at its best and I can’t wait to hear what Planet Hunter the band comes up with next.

• 1
  Head Like A Hole
• 2
  Horror Story
• 3
  Fraser Ross
• 4
  Fur Patrol
• 5
  Michelle Rounds
• 6
  L.A.B.
• 7
  Devilskin
• 8
  Coridian
• 9
  The Boondocks
• 10
  Late to Chelsea

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  The Phoenix Foundation @ Meow Nui, Wellington - 14/12/2024

• 1
  APT.
  ROSÉ And Bruno Mars
• 2
  DIE WITH A SMILE
  Lady Gaga And Bruno Mars
• 3
  BIRDS OF A FEATHER
  Billie Eilish
• 4
  TASTE
  Sabrina Carpenter
• 5
  I LOVE YOU, I'M SORRY
  Gracie Abrams
• 6
  ESPRESSO
  Sabrina Carpenter
• 7
  SAILOR SONG
  Gigi Perez
• 8
  LOSE CONTROL
  Teddy Swims
• 9
  A BAR SONG (TIPSY)
  Shaboozey
• 10
  GOOD LUCK, BABE!
  Chappell Roan

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