The Adventures Of Mikejoffa - Album Review: Tryalls
2025 is already shaping up to be a solid year. It gets even better (even though we’ve just hit February) when another favourite Wellington band releases new music.
First, let’s rewind back to 2011 and a bit of a nostalgia.
The Adventures of Mikejoffa had just released their debut EP, Eventures, May 2011. The six track EP still remains a solid piece of art from a band that shows gumption, passion and damn hard work. It also happened to be my first review for Muzic.net.nz.
Fast forward to present day, and I’m delighted that their hard work is continuing in the form of a new album, Tryalls. Though, they never really stopped creating, but I’m happy that I get to do the honours in 2025.
Tryalls musically is a kind of evolution for the guys, as you would expect over the course of a few years. (also a slightly different line up of some members from back then) but what is the same, is some damn fine tunes and a kind of musical maturity that feels just right in 2025.
While there is still plenty of grunt and insane riffs to melt your face off, there is also more heart and that’s kind of nice too. Take Nameless for example. Great harmonies, lyrical depth, a real wear your heart on your sleeve number that is really quite pretty.
And just to balance that out, you get tracks like Trapt With This. Those first few seconds of the opening riff has a very Alice in Chains/Jerry Cantrell moment, and I’m totally on board with that. But wait, before you think you know where it’s headed, wrong. With more twists and turns than the maze in the movie Labyrinth, it evolves into another beast. Meaty riffs, a bit more gruff vocally, but completely digestible.
There is plenty more on offer to choose from, but I can’t round things off without mentioning Soul Dislocation. First, go listen to that stonker of a riff now. If you’re not making funny faces listening to it, then maybe go turn it up a bit more. Damn. A solid piece all round, lyrically and musically. This is what it's all about.
Doug, Eziekiel, Saz, and Ants, well done guys.
About The Adventures Of Mikejoffa
Mikejoffa has an eclectic style ranging from various forms of rock music such as grunge, punk, metal and classic rock/psychedelic. The sound reflects mainly upon the themes and tales they tell in their lyrics. They can express soulful ballads or aggressive energy that's hard hitting yet honest.
Mikejoffa has performed over 50 shows across New Zealand. They were placed 3rd in a local Battle of the Bands competition, produced 3 album releases, 2 music videos and featured on Wairarapa TV for their 50th show. Most of their release celebrations have been during NZ Music Month.
Visit the muzic.net.nz Profile for The Adventures Of Mikejoffa
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