Garden Party Riot’s self-titled debut album is full of intense energy, odd time signatures and cohesiveness often only found in three-piece bands. But above anything else these nine original tracks are party inducing, which is exactly what we need in this time of doom and gloom.

Vocal chameleon Paul Goddard could easily stand in for a number of other prominent singers. From the dulcet nasal tones of Shayne P Carter to the harshness of Kurt Cobain or legendary Australian rocker Doc Neeson from The Angels (think Midnight Oil on steroids), Goddard nails these and many other vocal styles with aplomb.

Garden Party Riot’s musicianship is just as diverse. Opening with a Tricky Dicky audio sample, the Kyuss-like rhythms of instrumental intro Warmonger lead nicely into the grungier Refused, an assertive track slightly reminiscent of Loves Ugly Children. Existentialist then builds even more in your face edgy suspense with driving hypnotic riffs and a huge cymbal sound that soaks up much of the mix.

The short but sweet No Sleep segues nicely into a swamp-rockish Born to Lose. Just enough quantization here to not quash the live feel of this song probably wouldn’t go amiss. Heavily distorted guitars in Blue Print Lie help it merge seamlessly into the spooky, almost carnival feel of Control. This overdriven goodness with some goofy side effects is repeated in standout track S.O.D. Emphatic lyrics and extended verses ensure the choruses are even more effective when they finally kick in.

Like much of this album, the outro track Valve with its unusual rhythms and monotonous riffing combined with a sibilant vocal effect imparts a sense of pleasant uneasiness. It’s a great way to close out what is a superbly unique release.

There’s a plethora of influences going on, but mainly the bands intensity reminds me a lot of the unrelenting engine room of early Nirvana. The consistent fretwork of Brent Wallwork throughout combined with Brett Allison’s moments of sheer brilliance on drums complimented by melodic and percussive points of interest provides for a very enjoyable alt rock experience.

Although the musical variety of this crossover group makes it difficult to pigeonhole, there’s just enough Kiwi influence going on to pinpoint exactly where Garden Party Riot hail from. But don’t take my word for it; go check out their debut album today.

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

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  Sea Mouse @ Meow, Wellington - 22/11/2024
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  Nadia Reid @ Loons, Lyttelton - 16/11/2024

• 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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