25 October 2011 - 0 Comments

The Unfaithful Ways’ highly anticipated debut album 'Free Rein' is out today.

The album was recorded and produced at The Sitting Room studio in Christchurch by the band and Ben Edwards.  Recording began mid 2010 and was finally completed when the 7.1 earthquake on September 4th struck. There was little damage to the studio and equipment but it marked an end of an era, the studio being forced to move due to the building’s structural instability. In the new year of 2011, a new venue had been found in central Christchurch and mixing started again. However, after the second quake on February 22nd, the building was 'red stickered' and tagged for demolition. The only copies of the master tracks lay inside - fate unknown.

“It was quite frustrating for us and many other artists in Christchurch as no-one seemed to have any answers as to what would happen, what the chances were of getting stuff back” states band member Simon Brouwer. Studio owner, Ben Edwards tried many contacts with the council, army and angels of mercy to little avail. After a nervous wait of several months, the hard drives were miraculously rescued by two daring structural engineers. Ben Edwards completed the album mix at yet another studio and finally it was mastered by Mike Gibson at Bonfire Audio in Wellington.

Staying true to age-old themes of love, loss and everything in between, the album’s mystical cartwheeling lyrics, haunting three part harmonies and honest sound speak of a grand mythology.

Take the first single, 'Katie My Darling'. The upbeat feel of this guitar driven tune belies the tragic tale of a father fallen on hard times, heartbreak and whisky, urging his daughter to go stay with her mother and her “stand up” new man. 

In 'Twenty Nine Days' the protagonist professes his consistent love amidst a swagger of demons. A melancholy lap steel floats across a purposeful acoustic guitar and buoyant drums. Enter the mournful voice of Ben Woolley and you have a powerful song of conviction culminating in waves of vocal harmony, reverberating guitar and heartfelt emotion.

While having a huge foot in tradition The Unfaithful Ways maintain their own path. All songwriting is shared, the singer not always the person who wrote the song. This gives the band a perspective and overview beyond one person’s critical faculties.

The Unfaithful Ways, signed to Native Tongue Music Publishing, release their album through newly formed label Aeroplane Music.

The album is currently streaming on the NZ Herald website.

http://www.theunfaithfulways.co.nz/

http://www.facebook.com/theunfaithfulways

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b4CrEv8XhyQ

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