Emerging from the Waikato, high energy punk band Job Site showcases their special blend of comedic music on their latest offering, the 4 track The New Zealand Experience EP. The band plays fast and heavy throughout the recording, with rhythms that range from oi-punk, thrash music and even a little 2000’s indie rock. The members perform well within lean song structures that leave little to no wasted space. Overall, the EP is fast, furious and funny. The lyrics borrow heavily from slang and concepts from the New Zealand working class, particularly construction job terms, pubs, ‘smoko’, Hamilton, rugby clubs, forks in microwaves and bad choices. The performances from Huzi (guitar, vocals), Damo (samples, vocals), Danimal (bass) and Roggo (drums) are impressive and although not every track displays their talents equally, each member has at least one chance to shine on this EP.

Drax begins the EP with a frantic beat. It is a fast-paced song with a catchy chorus that contains a synth melody matching a complex overdriven guitar lick. There’s even an irreverent Mario Brother’s sound effect that fills a moment’s gap in music. The song ends far too quickly in my opinion, but it is a good opener as it prepares the listener for the sounds of the band to come. My one complaint is that this song is especially difficult to hear any specific lyrics, and after listening to the whole EP a few times, this is a shame as there are some great lyrics to be enjoyed later.

Second track Bad Choices begins with a punk bass riff that is joined by an intricate lead guitar melody. The lyrics here might actually be interpreted as clever satire rather than pure comedy, and the uncomfortable position the listener finds themselves in is perhaps the most interesting aspect of the song. “I made mistakes, in my youth, caught a charge, nothing new, bit of drinking, a little speeding … I’m not a bad guy, Just make bad choices, please don’t hold it against me, I swear you can trust me”. With New Zealand’s road toll and cultural issue with drink driving this song could be read a few ways. Entertaining, nonetheless.

Rugby could be equally critical of New Zealand culture and begins with drums and a clever syncopated rhythm that might be compared to an indie rock band of the 2000's like Franz Ferdinand. The chorus here is hilarious, with the shouted lines of “rugby ball in game, trisexual man”. Then there’s an interesting bridge section followed by an absolute blistering guitar solo.

Final track Forklift Certified is built on a catchy riff that sounds a little like indie rock again, but the song transforms often, changing into punk and then leaning into full on thrash metal. The lyrics of “you trying to start something? I can pick you up, I can put you down, don’t care if you’re 10 feet wide” fit the attitude of the song so well. Great gang vocals echoing is a great touch.

My one criticism of the band might well be the lead vocals which are a little harsh and sometimes downright unmelodic. This is unfortunate as the lyrics of the band are both amusing and thought provoking, but perhaps it is part of the gimmick and style of the band to mock the stereotypical kiwi male who wouldn’t sing very melodically.

This band would be really great to see live, I’m sure. Not only do they wear appropriate clothes to keep the aesthetic they have established in their lyrics, but according to all reports, they put on a high energy show complete with playful banter between songs. This EP not only indicates what their live shows might be like, but also demonstrates the many sounds the band can create within the punk framework. Short, sweet and just a little silly.

• 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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