Rust NZ - Single Review: Connection
OK, full disclosure: I stuck my hand up for this review, because I know Kyle Hawkes (vocals) personally. I jammed with Kyle a few years ago, when he was still finding his feet as a vocalist. Even then, his voice was powerful and compelling. I was stoked when I saw on social media that he'd finally found a band to front, and Rust have been working hard making their presence known in the Christchurch scene since.
Until now, I'd only heard Kyle singing covers, which he always absolutely nailed. But Sweet Mother of Zeus, I wasn't quite expecting what I heard on Connection. This is a song that many will relate to, a song of the basic, fundamental yearning humans have to connect with one another. The lyrics are beautifully poignant, without slipping into cheesiness or cliché. Kyle has not only written from the heart, but delivers this wonderful vocal performance with every fibre of his being. And, oh MATE, the harmonies! Especially at around the 4 minute mark when he really digs deep, the high harmony gives me goosebumps every time.
However, it's not all about Kyle. His bandmates back his vocals beautifully. Rust proudly wear on their sleeves that they're influenced by "The Golden Age of the true greats of grunge", but on Connection, one gets a sense of a band finally realizing that they're finding their own sound, and what a sound it is. This is a mature offering from such a young band. Superbly understated backing from the skills of Angus (drums), Hayden (Bass), and another Kyle (guitar). This is a band with a sense of direction and purpose, every member obviously listening to the other three, in an effort to make the best music they can.
If you like honest, earthy rock & roll with passion and drive, do yourself a solid and go listen to Connection.
About Rust NZ
Visit the muzic.net.nz Profile for Rust NZ
Releases
Other Reviews By Peter K Malthus
Vox Capacitor - Album Review: Thirds
08 Jan 2025 // by Peter K Malthus
Thirds is the latest release from Auckland-based Vox Capacitor, "a one man jangly dad rock and indie guitar pop explosion", and is his first full-length album, having previously released two EPs.The first track is Imperfect Storm, which kicks off with a medium-paced beat, a solid rhythm section under tastefully driven guitars, both the melodic lead and the rhythm.
Read More...
Andy Bassett - EP Review: Surface Noise
07 Jan 2025 // by Peter K Malthus
Andy Bassett has just released a new EP, Surface Noise. Originally from the UK, he has been living in the Taranaki area since the late '80s, performing with various bands, covers and originals.
Read More...
Jenni Smith - EP Review: Nightfall
05 Jan 2025 // by Peter K Malthus
Nightfall is the debut EP from Auckland-based Jenni Smith, and smacks of a relative unknown on the cusp of something much bigger. The four songs were written about "things that keep me awake at night", and all have their roots in the emotions surrounding relationships, whether romantic or otherwise.
Read More...
Narcotic Tonsils - Album Review: You'll Get What You're Given
18 Dec 2024 // by Peter K Malthus
Now, I'm just going to get this out of the way right at the start: I know these guys, their guitarist Troy is a really good mate of mine, and I used to share a house with their frontman/bassist Andy - in fact, when he first started talking about a new band he wanted to put together, back in 2019. Two years later, Narcotic Tonsils erupted into being, and swiftly became my favourite Christchurch band (apart from the ones I'm in myself, obviously).
Read More...
Damien Binder - EP Review: Heartful
16 Dec 2024 // by Peter K Malthus
Damien Binder is now well into his fourth decade of releasing music, and his third as a solo artist. He has an impressive back catalogue to show for it, and his latest EP Heartful sits admirably alongside his previous releases.
Read More...
16 Dec 2024 // by Peter K Malthus
I had a fair amount of trepidation about heading along to Otautahi Smoke BBQ Festival, the temperature was forecast to be 31 degrees, and I'm one of those folk who, as Billy Connolly so eloquently put it, is "so white, I'm pale blue". Luckily, I found a nice shady spot with a great view of the stage, and easy access to the free water station, and with a nice cool breeze blowing through, I didn't have to worry about burning to a crisp.
Read More...
Lavender - EP Review: Types Of Infatuation
29 Nov 2024 // by Peter K Malthus
Types Of Infatuation is the name and the theme of the debut EP from Tamaki Makaurau based Lavender, who has been songwriting and performing from a young age, and whose style has developed into a well-crafted blend of indie folk-pop and alt-rock. Lavender has performed at many high profile events over the past few years, and if this EP is anything to go by, looks well set to go on too much bigger things again.
Read More...
Dylan Kay - EP Review: (I Could) Watch You Forever
29 Nov 2024 // by Peter K Malthus
Dylan Kay is a seasoned player, having begun 35 years ago, and having been teaching for the last 25 of them, including setting up what is now Auckland's biggest guitar school, in 2012. Originally from the U.
Read More...
Most Viewed Artists
Latest Galleries
Evan Rhys & the Stereo Streets @ Festival of Lights - Pukekura Park, New Plymouth - 18/01/2025
Midwave Breaks @ Festival of Lights - Pukekura Park, New Plymouth - 18/01/2025
Rumpus Machine @ Music in Parks, Aotea Square, Auckland - 18/01/2025
Fan Club @ Music in Parks, Aotea Square, Auckland - 18/01/2025
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
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
