When I was back in Christchurch a few months ago, I went to The Dark
Room to experience the mighty Dead Favours in concert, and that night the
support act was No Broadcast. They were a band new to me, but they have been around
in one form or another since 2004, and the current line-up has been together
since 2007. The trio of Joshua Braden (vocals, guitar), Chris Self (drums) and Kieran
Colina (bass) combine to form a post-rock progressive form of music which not only
brings in influences from local bands such as Jakob but also plenty of
Radiohead, while for some reason this song always makes me think of Crowded
House. It is ethereal, dreamy, but also with a punch and tightness which
belies what is being presented to us. The music is incredibly deep yet also
somewhat shallow, directionless but with real meaning, and is best played on
headphones to that the listener is not distracted by anything else in the real
world. Chris and Kieran, along with Joshua’s vocals, are all in the supporting
role with the delicate and fractured guitars the highlight and driving force.
It is music which requires repeated listenings, and paying close attention to what is going on, as it is only then that the real majesty comes through. Interestingly, these guys are also keen on making it more than just an audio experience and for those who wish to be fully invested need to buy the special packets of Chirny’s Coffee which comes with a download code – while it is possible to buy this on Bandcamp etc, there will be only 50 packets of coffee available with the download codes. So why not enjoy the sensory pleasures of fresh coffee while listening to this song? I certainly look forward to the full album.
No Broadcast, spawns out of the environmental influences of Christchurch and New Zealand. They combine this with a particular perspective and draw sounds from the likes of Jakob, Mogwai, Radiohead, Sigur Ros, HDU and The Veils. Their sound is surpassed only by the embrace of live experience. Since 2007 the name No Broadcast started to appear on posters in reviews and on the NZ music scene as a band with the ability to move audiences with their emotive, free-flowing music. Playing various festivals and shows nationwide with various local and national artists, they have played alongside rockers Beastwars; post punk heavyweights Die! Die! Die!, Bauhaus,
Skinny Hobos, Clap Clap Riot and Mountaineater.
No Broadcast in its true essence is a vision of sonic expression stemming from the mind and soul of singer songwriter and producer Josh Braden. No Broadcast have produced and released 5 album to date.