Right from the off Too Much Touch roars into life, Pass The Peas are back with a big sound and massive hooks... I'm hooked.

This is my favourite genre, nostalgic pop rock, I won't name who it reminds me of because there are way too many, but I just wanted to play a whole bunch of old records straight after hearing it. There's a real art to sounding so familiar without being a rip off band, this is how it's done. The production is spot on, but I wouldn't expect anything less from Toby Lloyd and Chris Chetland.

The verses are bass dominant, the space created has just the right guitar noodlings and appropriate keys. The drumming is a lesson on minimal groove, suits the song so well and leaves room for the amazing melodies. It all sets the mood of the song, just sitting thoughtful... until that chorus kicks in, I dare you not to get this stuck in your head. I'm a big fan of Kurt's vocals in this song, they're raw and gritty and at times actually soaring. Loved the big notes, a great wail on the man, all backed up with the right harmonies.

Tackling the bridge is always difficult, but here it's done sublimely. It's a lovely break, which builds nicely to one of my favourite parts, the drop - with no instruments just a strident message, "... too much touch and not enough heart."

There's a real sonic fuzz going on in the chorus and at first I wasn't sure about it. A couple of listens later and it's actually what brings the sound of Too Much Touch into the now by blending genres and crossing time. The band are exploring classic and pop rock styles of the 70's and 80's, but adding in grunge/alternative tones of the following decade. All of that aside, it's a seriously good hook and melody, perhaps even one of the best I've heard come out of NZ in a while.

Check out the accompanying music video, also out now, and you'll see that the song doesn't take itself too seriously, a touch satirical and just what I'd expect from the list of credits that worked on the video. Classic kiwi lawn bowling birthday shenanigans, including; pass the parcel, musical chairs, scattered Twisties and choreographed dance routines. I was digging the retro Reeboks, also I'm pretty sure that was my old stone wash denim jacket from 1989??

I must have listened to this song over 30 times since I received the email, each time a little louder, each time thinking how much I'd love to play a gig with them. Pass The Peas and Investigator would be a rad show!

Too Much Touch needs to be on your high rotate playlist this summer. You won't tire of it, if anything you'll turn it up every time... and it will put a smile on your face.

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  LOST BiRD @ Space Academy, Christchurch - 15/12/2024
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  The Phoenix Foundation @ Meow Nui, Wellington - 14/12/2024

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