Hailing from Auckland’s North Shore, The Gemini Effect is a trio that brings a fresh, unapologetic energy to alternative rock. Fronted by Rob Sharp on guitar and vocals, with John Blackburn on bass and Ben Farrant on drums, the band blends influences as diverse as grunge, psychedelic rock, dub, and garage. Their sound is raw and experimental yet grounded by a love of storytelling and a deep connection to music’s history.

With Hotwire Babylon, their third album, The Gemini Effect takes listeners on an epic journey. The album feels like stepping into another world, even one that harkens back to the days of big powerful guitar tones and huge drum sounds — yet it is music that brings to life a vibrant, chaotic city where art and music are king. Picture the neon-lit streets of Blade Runner crossed with the free-spirited energy of Glastonbury. This imagined “Babylon” is at the heart of the record, and it comes alive in every song.

The album kicks off with the title track Babylon, a bold and immersive introduction. You can almost see the lights, feel the pulse of the city, and hear the echoes of its people. It’s an instant invitation to lose yourself in the music and let go of reality for a while. Repeated ideas, the floor toms also tribal like, it sounds big and tasty.

The Gemini Effect’s sound is a melting pot of their influences, but it’s anything but predictable. Rob Sharp’s guitar work is dynamic and inventive, shaped by his love of vintage gear and modern effects. You can hear traces of Zeppelin’s grit, The Doors’ mysticism, and even the industrial edge of Nine Inch Nails. John Blackburn’s basslines and keyboards provide the backbone of the band’s sound, grounding the tracks while adding texture and depth. His experience playing with legends like Joe Strummer and Skin (of Skunk Anansie) shines through in every note. Meanwhile, Ben Farrant’s drums bring youthful energy and precision, anchoring the more experimental tracks while driving the rockers home. And with all these influences, there are moments where the styles merge and shift around, like on the track Defiance which kicks off with an almost late 50's Johnny Be Goode vibe, before going into a reggae vibe and then kicking into top gear in the chorus, loud and boisterous. All the while, the mix and mastering is clean where the vocals cut through perfectly but still allow the music to be the central focus point. The drums sound fat and crunchy, the guitars a massive wall of power and fury.

The songs on Hotwire Babylon are diverse but tied together by a shared vision. Tracks like Eve4Adam are reflective and philosophical, while Interspace and Resonate delve into introspection and self-discovery. Then there’s Idea and Defiance, which channel the band’s rebellious side, taking on social issues with unapologetic honesty. The lyrics, though poetic, are also direct, hitting home with lines that feel both timeless and urgent.

A standout moment is the line from Drop The Needle: “A to Z, rock to dread, Strummer fed.” It’s a perfect summary of the band’s ethos—a love of rock’s rebellious history, fused with their own modern take.

Listening to Hotwire Babylon is like walking through the streets of this imagined Babylon. Each track feels like a new neighbourhood, with its own vibe and energy, yet part of a larger, interconnected whole. The production enhances this experience, dynamic and immersive without ever feeling overly polished, but more a modern expression of music that is raw and real On a stereo cranked up, this album is punchy and dynamic where it needs to be and still has an energy from the performances that will blow you away. Sonically, this is some fantastic sounding music.

With this album, The Gemini Effect shows that they’re more than just a band—they’re storytellers and explorers, unafraid to take risks and push boundaries. Hotwire Babylon isn’t just for fans of alternative rock—it’s for anyone who loves music with heart, guts, and imagination.

• 1
  Head Like A Hole
• 2
  Horror Story
• 3
  Fraser Ross
• 4
  Fur Patrol
• 5
  Michelle Rounds
• 6
  L.A.B.
• 7
  Devilskin
• 8
  Coridian
• 9
  The Boondocks
• 10
  Late to Chelsea

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  The Phoenix Foundation @ Meow Nui, Wellington - 14/12/2024

• 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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