22 Nov 2024
STATES - Single/Video Review: Relentless
03 Apr 2021 // A review by [email protected]
Auckland band States have been around the local scene for some time, in various incarnations. Through changes in the band line-up and direction in sound, the band has settled on a roster in which there is vision and optimism to invest deeply in their music and visuals. The result is Relentless, and between the visceral intent of the song and the sheer panache of the video, the outcome is very impactful.
Chris Birch’s drumming is creative and forceful, with flourishes and fills filtering through with optimally timed precision. Birch, of course, forms a formidable rhythm section with Rob Woodman, who’s bass arrangement is tasteful and foundational. Together they create the roots to that huge, modern metal sound as produced by Zorran Mendonsa. Guitarists Nik Dobbin and Reuben Parlane combine to attack the midrange with huge riffs and subtle lead lines, before Dobbin takes the fore with a thoughtfully cultivated guitar solo. This all serves as the groundwork for front man and rapper Scotty Squire to grab the listener’s attention with his resolve; There is a palpable anger and animosity in the performance that is deeply reminiscent of early Blindspott, and also has shades of P.O.D. when considered alongside the deep, modern, melodic rock sound the band co-creates.
The music video, directed by Bahador Borhani of Written By Wolves, accompanies the song with polish and style. With captivating imagery, smoke-filled stages, filtered backgrounds and an energetic but fluid edit, it is truly rewarding on the eye. Any band would be proud to have their music represented visually to this standard.
Though States have been through many formats over the years, the arrival of Relentless signals the beginning of a new era, which is very good news indeed for New Zealand rock and nu metal fans. Throw up the horns and catch this huge track at the next States show.
Auckland band States have been around the local scene for some time, in various incarnations. Through changes in the band line-up and direction in sound, the band has settled on a roster in which there is vision and optimism to invest deeply in their music and visuals. The result is Relentless, and between the visceral intent of the song and the sheer panache of the video, the outcome is very impactful. Chris Birch’s drumming is creative and forceful, with flourishes and fills filtering through with optimally timed precision. Birch, of course, forms a formidable rhythm section with Rob Woodman, who’s bass arrangement is tasteful and foundational. Together they create the roots to that huge, modern metal sound as produced by Zorran Mendonsa. Guitarists Nik Dobbin and Reuben Parlane combine to attack the midrange with huge riffs and subtle lead lines, before Dobbin takes the fore with a thoughtfully cultivated guitar solo. This all serves as the groundwork for front man and rapper Scotty Squire to grab the listener’s attention with his resolve; There is a palpable anger and animosity in the performance that is deeply reminiscent of early Blindspott, and also has shades of P.O.D. when considered alongside the deep, modern, melodic rock sound the band co-creates.
The music video, directed by Bahador Borhani of Written By Wolves, accompanies the song with polish and style. With captivating imagery, smoke-filled stages, filtered backgrounds and an energetic but fluid edit, it is truly rewarding on the eye. Any band would be proud to have their music represented visually to this standard.
Though States have been through many formats over the years, the arrival of Relentless signals the beginning of a new era, which is very good news indeed for New Zealand rock and nu metal fans. Throw up the horns and catch this huge track at the next States show.
Rating:
( 5 / 5 )
About STATES
Releases
Other Reviews By [email protected]
Pieces Of Molly - Single Review: I Don't Wanna
25 Aug 2022 // by [email protected]
Pieces of Molly have been busy beavers, racking up a slew of international and major national support slots to go with their commercial radio play, EPs and single releases. I Don’t Wanna is their latest single, and you can hear influences ranging from Aerosmith to Red Fang, while Jet and The D4 also come to mind.
Read More...
EP Review: Channeled II (Part One)
29 Apr 2022 // by [email protected]
Channeled, the facet of musical expression for Auckland’s Ben Ruegg are returning to the fold with Part One of Channeled II, a 3 part album that is being released over the next 6 months. Originally this was purely a solo project, and Channeled now has a live element as well as a debut album under their belt.
Read More...
Jarrod Ross - Single Review: Hail
18 Mar 2022 // by [email protected]
Jarrod Ross, formerly of Pan Am and Valedictions, brings us Hail, a solo effort of the rock variety, born of lockdown conditions. Reminiscent of some of the dreamier aspects of American and British rock of the recent and distant past, Ross’ solo project was a long time plan, enabled by the pandemic.
Read More...
Ekko Park - Single Review: Breakdown
08 Mar 2022 // by [email protected]
After a phenomenal-yet-pandemic-maligned album release cycle with Horizon, Ekko Park are back with a new single, Breakdown. Ekko Park (Joe Walsh (lead vocals, guitar), Bryan Bell (bass), Nick Douch (drums) and newest addition Jessie Booth (guitar, backing vocals)), are a well-established Auckland rock quartet with an international pedigree and a penchant for hooky tracks of the highest order of quality.
Read More...
East York - EP Review: Origins
28 Jan 2022 // by [email protected]
East York (Daz Coppins, Tarquin Keys, Zane Rosanoski, Eric Boucher) are an international amalgam of band members hailing from one part of the world, and living in another, with a Kiwi link. If their Origins EP is anything to go by, the band is certainly blessed with an international calibre.
Read More...
Domes - Single Review: R
02 Oct 2020 // by [email protected]
Domes are a three piece space metal band based somewhere between London, Australia and New Zealand. Their sound is atmospheric and doomy yet ethereal and melodic - the band describes it as "Heavy music that is forward looking".
Read More...
For The Wolves - Single Review: Parable
20 Sep 2020 // by [email protected]
For The Wolves are a Brisbane based Kiwi/Aussie Rock outfit carving out a place for their brand of aggressive psychedelic rock in the Australian scene. They have had the help of some of the best in the business on their new single Parable, with Luke Palmer from Dead Letter Circus at the production helm, and Forrester Savell mixing.
Read More...
Jadukor - Single Review: Always Yours
09 Jun 2020 // by [email protected]
Jadukor describes himself as "A mysterious magician who is pulling music out of his hat". Working the angle of intrigue can often pay dividends, and this solo artist is attracting plenty of attention with his particular brand of swaggering, alternative rock metal.
Read More...
Most Viewed Artists
Latest Galleries
NZ Top 10 Singles
- APT.
ROSÉ And Bruno Mars - DIE WITH A SMILE
Lady Gaga And Bruno Mars - BIRDS OF A FEATHER
Billie Eilish - TASTE
Sabrina Carpenter - I LOVE YOU, I'M SORRY
Gracie Abrams - ESPRESSO
Sabrina Carpenter - SAILOR SONG
Gigi Perez - LOSE CONTROL
Teddy Swims - A BAR SONG (TIPSY)
Shaboozey - GOOD LUCK, BABE!
Chappell Roan
More Content on muzic.net.nz
Google Site Search
Custom Search
100% New Zealand Music
All content on this website is copyright to muzic.net.nz and other respective rights holders. Redistribution of any material presented here without permission is prohibited.
Report A Problem
