Wellington's Curlys Jewels have gone from strength to strength over the last few years, out lasting many a fallen Wellington scene rock bands and delivering their third Greg Haver (Ekko Park, The Feelers, OpShop) produced rock anthem Blinders.
The core line up has remained solid since their first few EP’s and ever since dropping their 2019 single Absentee which saw them debut on mainstream radio and touring NZ, they have become a heavy hitting staple in the independent rock community. Blinders is their first release of 2020 and the hype train has begun. Their latest single is another leap forward in the progression of Curlys and puts forward a heavier, ramped up and driving song which I'm sure will please their dedicated fan base and grow their fan base to the next level.
The song begins with a clean nicely picked guitar piece, with some ambient keys and vocalist Jel’s already punchy vocal melodies drawing us in. Then the bang! The Gibson stacked guitar riff courtesy of Aaron Ludlow. With such big production, its slick, clean and tight. The big strokes of the guitar with the pauses in unison with the tight rhythm section, levelling up the verses before taking us away into the incredibly hooky chorus.
Lead vocalist and all-round entertainer, Jel Pollock is such a wildly animated vocalist. She carries her lyrics and stories on her sleeve and delivers with all heart and passion and mate.... she can carry an incredible performance. Blinders is a definite hard rock heavy tune but filled with so much melody and layered with fine intricate details throughout. Drummer Corey Bell shines within his solidified drumming, keeping that half time groove pulsating and throwing in some tasty drums fills for good measure.
Bassist Andy Van Hayden, adds his quips, he grooves in the space, adding splashes of flair much like Bell who adds moments of technical precision. He drives the song further and like Jel you can feel his (bass) personality throughout the song. The chorus is a real sing along feel and I can see all the hands waving, it was made for the stage and the radio. Also how does the cowbell work so well?
The bridge is short and sweet and I do wish that guitar solo amped up a little or went a little longer. BUT to my surprise the whole song amps up to eleven as it leads into the final chorus which just makes you want to run around the room and let loose. The final chorus delivers hard and its super fun, fast and makes you want more.
Once again Curlys Jewels showcase why they are one of the names to watch, the band to see and keep the Wellington rock torch burning. They are a band who can deliver, they have developed their sound which reflects who they are and with such massive production can deliver it on a worldwide stage. Once again 2020 sucks, but the music has been inspiring, creative and amazing to hear!
Curlys Jewels are a rock band from Wellington NZ. Their sound has been described as grungy yet powerfully emotive, pinned together with soaring vocals, dark guitar undertones and a punching rhythm section. The charismatic, colourful and instantly likeable front person, Jel Pollock, draws listeners in with her delightfully unique stage presence and sensational vocal range. Aaron Ludlow (guitar), Andy van der Heyden (bass) and Corey Bell (drums), provide the energetic foundations complimenting Jel, with all members lighting up the stage.
The band has released a number or records over the years enjoying success on the Official NZ Top 40 Charts. The past 3 Curlys Jewels singles were recorded at Roundhead Studios with the legendary producer Greg Haver (Manic Street Preachers) and mixed by Clint Murphy (Devilskin).
Curlys Jewels have supported several heavy weight New Zealand bands such as Head Like a Hole, Devilskin, and toured with The Feelers. They also supported international rock stars Living Colour at their Wellington concert.