1 Drop Nation - Album Review: 1 Drop Nation
20 Dec 2022 // review by Andrew Smit
Opening with a very spiritual Maori haka Intro - Waerea, we were introduced to the opening track Homeland, which is an unashamedly patriotic Aotearoa anthem with repeated strains of "We are one nation". This is a track that proudly declares love for home, while also being a rally call for the future.
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Tahini Bikini - Album Review: Fever Dream
15 Nov 2022 // review by Andrew Smit
An album full of very danceable funk tunes, loaded with tight guitar, bass, brass and percussion that provide
a perfect foundation for the expressive soulful vocals of Madeline Lucy Taylor. Her unique clarity is reminiscent of Amy Winehouse or our own Kiwi songstress Gin Wigmore.
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Haze Lane - Single/Video Review: Natural Feeling
22 Aug 2022 // review by Andrew Smit
Matching the songs title very aptly South Auckland indie
band Haze Lane has produced Natural Feeling, a very organic song that does indeed deliver a very smooth
natural feeling. The ultra-cool ambient sound is reminiscent to the early roots sound of Six60 and L.
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Anthonie Tonnon - Gig Review: Anthonie Tonnon @ Hollywood Cinema, Auckland - 14/05/2022
16 May 2022 // review by Andrew Smit
On a coolish
Saturday evening it was great to see a rather large crowd that clearly were so
happy and eager to experience a night of live music, and what a perfect venue
to stage it at the slightly musty but still majestic Hollywood Cinema in
Avondale.
Opening the
proceedings was the cool 4 piece band Lips with their ambient 80’s groove thanks
to the techno synth sounds from keyboardist and singer Steph Brown.
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Vogel Town - Single Review: Sludge City
24 Apr 2022 // review by Andrew Smit
Interestingly Vogel Town's new song Sludge City begins with an automated telephone voice, and then a street argument which is soon accompanied by a very groovy walking bass line, quickly growing from just a couple of notes to a broad melody of its own. At first the only addition is some nice, nonchalant drum fills, but as the background street noise fades away, the introduction of vibrant reverberating guitar strums adds a final element that completes the ensemble perfectly, and altogether this provides a very cool bluesy vibe.
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SKRAM - Single Review: Living Our Lives
22 Mar 2022 // review by Andrew Smit
Beginning with some straightforward but quite funky keys your soon steered to a very upbeat and chunky ensemble of music that energetically drives along with its super groovy reggae vibe. SKRAM are a very high energy 3-piece pop group that have delivered a fine tune that embodies their claim of “energetic” perfectly.
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Tomorrow People - Album Review: 21
02 Jan 2022 // review by Andrew Smit
Tomorrow
People have produced a wonderful assemblage of uplifting reggae tunes that are
performed and sung with heart and purpose. All 16 tracks are packed with
brilliant harmonies that are propelled along by the glorious uplifting off beat
rhythmic delight that reggae music delivers so well.
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Torn Chorus - Single/Video Review: This City Floats
10 Sep 2021 // review by Andrew Smit
From a simple opening beat to a wonderful flourish of acoustic guitars layered with luscious chorus and flange effects, the new single from Torn Chorus, This City Floats, is brought to life with wailing electric lead guitar licks and slides that sound melodically precise and emotive. Crisp vocals tell you about the labour and reward that you get for following the beaten path to the top, which as the video shows so well, is Auckland’s remnant volcanic cones, but the metaphor could be used for any journey in life.
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Villainy - EP Review: Dead Sides (The Lost EP)
18 Aug 2021 // review by Andrew Smit
How
wonderful it is to hear 5 new Villainy songs of rip roaring rock tunes that coalesce
intimately in this EP format.
There is
a so much more spice added to this rock pot than the standard rock fare that
you might consume from mainstream radio, and while comparisons to Shihad are
apparent with their sound influenced by previous Tom Larkin produced material, but these tracks are self-produced and is a touch more raw and edgy.
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Lizard Prom - EP Review: Unusual Pain
22 Jul 2021 // review by Andrew Smit
The
alternative sound force is strong in this one! With its hypnotic mystical sound
Lizard Prom have produced a 3-song EP that is full of compelling transcendent power.
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Bingo Fighter - Single Review: On My Guard
02 Jul 2021 // review by Andrew Smit
The latest release from Bingo Fighter, On My Guard, is a very cool song with vivid pulsating guitar which is driven along by stomping drums, that pump through the song with outstanding clarity. The chorus is simple enough with its straightforward repeated phrase "on a far-king train", delivered in a unique singing style from vocalist Hayden, which is strikingly distinct with a clear enunciated style that makes the track sound super sublime.
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EJ Barrett - EP Review: Call Me EJ
17 Feb 2021 // review by Andrew Smit
EJ Barrett creates a very fresh and vibrant sound thanks mostly to the organically produced backing loops of breaths and whispers, creating a very emotive ambiance, EJ’s voice and style are comparative to other Kiwi artists like Lorde and Gin Wigmore, but is also quite worldly like Adele and Enya. The backing loops that EJ performs provide a unique kind if organic beat that is full of soulful expression.
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Phil Stoodley - Single Review: Long Way from Home
26 Sep 2019 // review by Andrew Smit
New Zealand singer-songwriter Phil Stoodley is a travelling Kiwi musician of some note and he has created a most beautiful song and video clip for his new single Long Way From Home, which shows off his singing and song writing skill spectacularly. The track sounds so good, the recording is impressively immaculate yet still warm and full of character.
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Jam Henderson - Single Review: Rainbow
10 Sep 2019 // review by Andrew Smit
Rainbow is a cool little track with a nice funky vibe, the
pace is urged along by a bright sparkly guitar that produces a nice upbeat feel.
The guitar delivers a splash of spritely sound that provides a nice contrast to
the laid-back tuneful vocals that flow effortlessly through the track.
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Sonic Delusion - Album Review: Anything Goes
11 Jun 2019 // review by Andrew Smit
What a wonderfully positive experience it was to review Sonic Delusion's new album Anything Goes. 10 tracks of splendidly good tunes that make you feel good, with catchy grooves and upbeat rhythms, the music is best described as a kind of funky folk pop but with extra fizz, and sparkle, that is so easy to enjoy.
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Kingsland - Single Review: The Motto
30 Apr 2019 // review by Andrew Smit
A very groovy pop rock sound is the first thing that strikes you when listening to Kingsland’s latest single The Motto. Driven by a very upbeat vibe that seizes you wholeheartedly, this tuneful track is packed with chunky guitar licks that are wonderfully bluesy and soulful.
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Eyreton Hall - Single Review: Weekend
26 Mar 2019 // review by Andrew Smit
Another smooth and gratifying song by Eyreton Hall, that soothes the senses with its easy flowing style and melodic grace. With steady rhythmic folk music that rolls along so sweetly and is sprinkled with lovely colour spurts dispensed by a flirting electric guitar and keyboards.
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Etheran - Single Review: Let Me Go
12 Feb 2019 // review by Andrew Smit
Opening with a formidable power riff this debut track from Christchurch based Etheran really grabs you by the throat, and it's a track that has many shades. The strong melodic verses that are sung by the clean voice of lead singer Lita Macabeo is smooth and wholesome, whereas the chorus sections burst with scolding vocals and a burst of drums that lifts the power and emotion with great intensity.
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fleaBITE - Album Review: Bite Me
04 Dec 2018 // review by Andrew Smit
Finally, there is a children’s album that you can chomp into
with glee, fleaBITE are the band and Bite Me is the album, and it's full of
surprises, where every song is like a bursting musical festival.
As a father of two young ones I have had many hours
listening to albums full of standard nursery rhyming fair that after a couple of repeats would start to affect your sanity.
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Chris William - EP Review: Out of Sight
18 Sep 2018 // review by Andrew Smit
Out of Sight is an EP with 10 very easy on the ear compositions, with gentle serenading tunes, accompanied by Chris William's velvet vocals that glide on deft orchestral arrangements. You're struck by the clear and crisp tones of the instrumentation, there is piano, a cello, lots of orchestral keys, and they are all compelled forward nicely with modern beats.
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Vallé - Single Review: Love Me
17 Aug 2018 // review by Andrew Smit
After a short and dreamy musical intro, the rap begins and it’s an assured and clear rap, and Vallé's Love Me sounds sublime. The classic syncopation of rhythm
and rhyme is performed with a cool style, but it's also intense and stirring.
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Scott MCB - Single/Video Review: In Your Mind
26 Jun 2018 // review by Andrew Smit
A tenderly plucked guitar leads to some nice rhythmic
strums, which is then united with a suitably soothing vocal, it’s a nice start
that presents well the songs musical quality. In your Mind is a beautiful
sounding song that also delivers a clear message, a message that many will find
heartening to see presented as it is in the music video.
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Shady Brain Farm - Album Review: 19 Years In The Same House
05 Jun 2018 // review by Andrew Smit
A most wonderful
album full of songs laden with a unique and funky mix of rock and blues.
Opening with a most funky bass line, Get Up Get Down pumps up the vibe and demands
that you do indeed get up and get down, such is the energy and feeling it generates.
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Lucifer Gunne - Single Review: HRM
22 May 2018 // review by Andrew Smit
Wellington based 4-piece rock act Lucifer Gunne, fronted by
singer/guitarist/songwriter Rory McDonald, have produced a cool track that
stands out as something different that's engaging and passionate. This new
single HRM is a wonderful mix of bubbly funk rock that is striking and
compelling.
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Gig Review: Royal Blood @ Logan Campbell Centre - 01/05/2018
03 May 2018 // review by Andrew Smit
The Logan Campbell Centre has seen many years of
great rock acts like Nirvana and Metallica and tonight the well-worn 70's decor
was rocked by Royal Blood's first headline shows in New Zealand.
Dead Favours were up first to warm the crowd, which was
pretty much at capacity, this four-piece Auckland band have impressed and
progressed steadily over the last two years since I saw them at their debut gig
back in May 2016.
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Roulettes - Album Review: Venus Burns
27 Apr 2018 // review by Andrew Smit
Opening
with a crash of drums and melodic guitar the ever-fresh sound of The Roulettesannounce their latest album Venus Burns with the rousing opening track Stealing Electricity.
Thankfully
the band have not strayed from their captivating psychedelic sound with songs
that are loaded with glorious guitar chords full of sparkling harmonics and
hypnotic stomping rhythms.
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Apollo SteamTrain - Single Review: Brain Bell Jangler
16 Feb 2018 // review by Andrew Smit
Brain Bell Jangler is a very likeable
track full of ripping harmonic guitar strains that heave along to a rock steady
rhythm providing a superb foundation for the very catchy vocal tones from lead
singer Brendan McCarthy.
Apollo SteamTrain are a traditional 3-piece rock Guitar/Bass/Drum ensemble that have produced a
killer track with such a crisp guitar sound that bursts with melodic sparkles
that combine beautifully with the very Beatle-esque vocal performance.
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Gig Review: Paul Kelly @ The Civic, Auckland - 1/12/2017
12 Dec 2017 // review by Andrew Smit
I last saw Paul Kelly in 1987 at the Dee Why Hotel and was
eager to hear him again 30 years later, I was confident he would sound awesome, as he is a proven song writer and musician who has not stopped performing and
creating beautiful music since 1978, in a stellar career that continues to
impress both at home in Australia and abroad.
Mr Kelly simply strode to the large stage and started
playing his guitar and sang some new songs from his 21st album Life is Fine,
they were 3 new songs that are wonderfully fresh, but still typically Kelly
songs with his customary sweet melody flowing under his distinctive lyrical
comments on life.
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Hunt The Witch - Gig Review: Hunt The Witch etc @ The Kings Arms, Auckland 11/11/17
01 Dec 2017 // review by Andrew Smit
The
Kings Arms was a buzz with a wealth of punters keen for a dose of loud heavy
rock music, all keen for a good time but regrettably the imminent demise of
this entertainment institution was a sad topic of conversation for many,
"it's all because of the council's greed and neglect, they change zoning
to suit their bottom lines, with no thought to societies true needs", and
so we paid our respects to the last Auckland beer garden rock pub, she will be
remembered well. Of course, live music will live on and tonight it was alive
and well, kicking off impeccably with the energetic pounding rock supplied by
West Auckland rock outfit AnimalHead, this threesome gel brilliantly to create
a powerful rock grind that could also be described as a bluesy kind of punk.
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Immi Paterson - Single review: Nightingale
10 Nov 2017 // review by Andrew Smit
Here is a most surrendering and peaceful new single from James
Summerfield featuring Kiwi Immi Paterson that can really help you escape.
Furnished with delicate vocal harmonies from James and Immi that
drift perfectly over the smooth and stylish orchestral music which plays serenely
throughout the track.
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Paua - Single Review: Play By Your Rules
01 Nov 2017 // review by Andrew Smit
Paua’s
latest single Play By Your Rules is so smooth and catchy, driven along
with the hipest reggae beat that warms your heart and gets you bopping along
instantly.
Loaded with the most soulful and harmonious choral singing
you could imagine, it's upbeat and fun with a very island come summer reggae
feel.
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The Black Seeds - Interview with Barnaby from The Black Seeds
06 Oct 2017 // interview by Andrew Smit
It was with a real sense of pride that Barnaby proclaimed
his eagerness to discuss The Black Seeds fresh “new” sounds on their new sixth studio
album Fabric, saying that “all the guys in the band are really looking forward
to sharing the music again, with the last time they did an album tour like this was back in 2013
for Dust and Dirt”.
Is the new album
going to be a shock to core fans?
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Fallstate - Single Review: Live Forever or Die Trying
16 Aug 2017 // review by Andrew Smit
A full-on
rush of guitars and drums that kick you in the face will stir and arouse you to
attention. This new track by Kiwi pop punk rockers Fallstate is a momentous cacophony of
harmonics and noise that gloriously spills its guts out without pretentiousness,
in fact you could say it’s a track that certainly lives by its name.
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The AJ Crawshaw Band - EP Review: In Light And Shadow
11 Jul 2017 // review by Andrew Smit
There is no doubt that this EP is a
result of pure commitment to the craft of creating true music, such is the impact
of the music, with tunes that are alive and full of earthy tones that simply delight your
senses.
The bright and real sound of acoustic
guitars gratify each track and provide a beautiful sustenance for singer
songwriter AJ Crawshaw’s smooth and expressive singing voice, just think James
Blunt meets Ed Sheeran, but with even more feeling!
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Thee Rum Coves - EP Review: Out Tonight
02 Jun 2017 // review by Andrew Smit
Thee Rum Coves new 4 track EP carves into your ears with an
uncompromising rock energy that grabs you wholeheartedly and never relents in
its quest to raise your heart beat and fire your soul.
From the first track Behind Your Smile you're hit with the
energy of the music, it’s a real surprising mix of funky retro style punk, the
tight guitar riffs and subtle melodic vocal arrangements gel together so well
that your hooked in and never released from its unyielding hold.
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Hunt The Witch - Single Review: Afterburner
23 May 2017 // review by Andrew Smit
The scorching guitar intro commands your attention and
declares you better be ready to rock. This superb new song by Hunt the Witch rocks
along with a guitar sound that is white hot and feverish, coupled by a potent lead
vocal by Sam Whitley that fits the symphonic guitar sound so well, Sam has a smooth
and yet powerful and slightly demonic voice, a mix of Eddie Vedder and Marilyn
Manson.
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Moisty Atsushi - EP Review: International Sound
12 Apr 2017 // review by Andrew Smit
The funky upbeat rhythms and the expressive plucking guitar
riffs are abundant throughout this vivacious EP, 6 songs with no vocals but furnished
with a real vintage guitar sound that is very soulful and melodic, and more
than makes up for the lack of vocals.
Overall the warm and genuine Jamaican ska sound is so
enjoyable, as the recordings have a real warm live sound, sometimes studio
recordings can be too clinical and sterile but 'Moisty and the Wheeler-Dealers' have
somehow managed to capture a vibrant and raw feel, which is even more surprising
given that the backing parts were recorded in Moscow and the lead guitar in
Auckland!
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Both Sides of the Line - Album Review: Party Line!
14 Dec 2016 // review by Andrew Smit
Five-piece alt pop country band Both Sides of the Line have
produced an album which is easy to listen to and a pleasure to experience, with
12 songs that tantalise you with smooth and vibrant tones, guided by gentle but
upbeat country rhythms and a sound that is earthy and real.
Opening with Hanging Out For Love your presented with
bright and clean guitar licks and a sparkling vocal that guides the bright and
melodious tune, it's kinda country and kinda folk, but it’s all good.
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Villainy - Gig Review: Villainy @ The Kings Arms, Auckland - 14/10/16
28 Oct 2016 // review by Andrew Smit
Auckland's Iconic Kings Arms has witnessed many celebrated nights of rock revelry and this
particular performance from Kiwi Rockers Villainy with Skinny Hobos will go
down as one of the best.
Kicking
off with Skinny Hobos the impressive crowd was amped and attentive to the two
men on stage, opening with their mesmerizing track Sevenatenine we all were awoken and hurled into the
rock frenzy that they create so well.
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Amos/Anon - Album Review: Toil On, Poor Heart
13 Oct 2016 // review by Andrew Smit
A single piano keynote rings like a toiling bell
beckoning you to another realm, its haunting and spellbinding sound builds and
before long you have entered a dimension where the music conjures imagery
and feelings that you may not be prepared to experience. The opening track Toil On introduces you to the transcendent sound of Amos/Anon with its pensive slow
rhythms and building ambience that takes you away from your comfort zone.
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Illuminus - EP Review: Lost Souls
19 Aug 2016 // review by Andrew Smit
Illuminus have supplied a very distinctive
EP to arouse your ear lobes, and while there is some surprising variety to the
music it keeps to a homemade recipe of heavy grinding guitar licks
and riffs contrasted with clear vocal tunes that are slightly muffled and not dominant
like your usual made for radio mastering.
This unique mix generally places the drums
clean and upfront while the guitars are slightly muffled with the vocals set
more in the background with its heavy reverb and other effects.
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Andrew Keoghan - Album Review: Every Orchid Offering
01 Aug 2016 // review by Andrew Smit
This album is quite a stylish collection of sophisticated
pop music that exudes into your ears and surprises you with its dreamy
soundscapes and eclectic rhythms. Each song is subtly different with each
possessing a unique and interesting diversion from the overplayed mainstream pop
music of today.
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Stomping Nick - Album Review: Shake For Your Cake
08 Jul 2016 // review by Andrew Smit
There is a one-man band with a difference, someone in
2016 who is not utilising technology or even a drum machine to back him, oh no
Stomping Nick is all Nick, he sings, plays harmonica, the guitar and drums all
at the same time, and his new album Shake Your Cake was even recorded
that way! With all but one song on the album recorded "live" in one
take, so what you hear is the real sound of Nick's songs as he performs them,
the only thing missing is an audience's applause, but he sure does deserve some applause.
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Pacific Heights - Album Review: The Stillness
01 Jul 2016 // review by Andrew Smit
The Stillness by Pacific Heights is
a wonderfully transient modernistic album full of sophisticated electro beats
and atmospheric synth laden soundscapes, an ephemeral album that takes you on a
pleasurable trip into your own imagination.
The term Electro
might make you think of dance dub beats but this is definitely not a dance
album for this collection of music provides a totally immersive experience that
generates a multiple sensory encounter where you see and feel a variety of
colours and light, and a vast range of temperature and emotion.
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Tokyo Rock Machine - EP Review: New Ink
01 Jun 2016 // review by Andrew Smit
London-based
kiwi hard rockers Tokyo Rock Machine's latest EP New Ink offers four tracks of uncompromising
full blown guitar rock, with songs that are full of well-structured riffs
leading to hard driven verses furnished with strong vocal lines that build
towards glorious choruses full of power chords and explosive rhythms. Each song
just bursts with pop in the mouth crunchy guitar grinds from Sam Halen all set
to the sharpest of drum beats from Waka the Drummer, and strapping vocal work
from the appropriately named lead singer Kevi Metal.
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Shihad - Gig Review: Shihad @ The Powerstation, Auckland - 1/5/2016
06 May 2016 // review by Andrew Smit
Unlike
the anxiety felt by a congregation waiting for the obligatory late bride, the
crowd waiting for Shihad to arrive after a cancelled flight were merely
suppressing the energy required to jump through a banging set of "real
fucking drum and bass" (quote Jon Toogood). In what was supposed to be a
50 minute set on a Sunday night after two previous gigs earlier in Christchurch
and Wellington, our four home-grown heroes ripped the snot out of the Mt Eden
night to prove that the NZ music industry is still in good hands.
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The Jordan Luck Band - Album Review: Not Only... But Also
04 May 2016 // review by Andrew Smit
Jordan Luck and his band have produced an album that is full
of energetic and uncompromising rock, fortified with a majestic retro pop rock
sound. The feel good up-tempo vibe stands alongside anything you would expect
from The Exponents in their heyday.
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Jesse Wilde & The Drive - EP Review: Ghost Town Road
29 Apr 2016 // review by Andrew Smit
The song, and indeed the whole EP Ghost Town
Road, instantly transports you to an American heartland that is full of
genuine rock and blues music full of emotive soul and meaning. Each song on
this EP is full of catchy melodies and wonderful lyrics, while most are
upbeat rhythmic pop songs they are all full of meaning and purpose, like the
beautiful story of Juliet's Fallen, set to wonderful piano by multi-instrumentalist
Stephen Small, the song sounds so smooth and powerful, and yet it also reminds
you of a song you've heard before, maybe something that Bob Seger or John
Mellencamp would have produced in their heyday.
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Hollie Smith - Album Review: Water Or Gold
15 Apr 2016 // review by Andrew Smit
The first song begins all mellow and mystic accompanied
by the cool strains of Hollie's yearning voice which provokes your ears and
then like being catapulted onto a ride you're delivered to the soulful and very funky sound that is Water Or Gold. The title track
personifies the whole albums sound, it is real and vibrant and bursting with character and overall is a joyous experience.
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Steezin' Hawkings - EP Review: Steezin' Hawkings
26 Mar 2016 // review by Andrew Smit
After a mellow 1 minute intro, the grooves kick off in the opening track We Been Steezin’ and we are introduced to the young funk sounds of the Wellington based Steezin' Hawkins with a tune layered with smooth vocal harmonies and a most soulful melodious tune, and although it's driven by a steady tempo the feel of the song ebbs and flows from groovy to dreamy, with a crafted sound that is very real and expressive.
You may not hear the 2nd track Funk up the Radio on the radio, due to the obvious use of funk as a profanity replacement, forget about it, you will dig the funky feel and jive guitar grinds that move to a most gratuitous rock/blues riff, and the lead vocal from Moira Jean is a dramatic performance full character and power not to be missed.
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Swamp Dixie - Album Review: Beautiful Forever
17 Mar 2016 // review by Andrew Smit
The music on this album sounds very “real” with its
unrefined home-style recording, which although is a little raw, it does sound
very genuine. Swamp Dixie are a duo based on the Kapiti Coast with Tracy Bateman and Steven Hall on vocals and guitars, and you
can tell that the music is a craft of their making.
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Dead Celeb - EP Review: Urge Empire
13 Jan 2016 // review by Andrew Smit
Wellington based 3
piece alt rockers Urge Empire have produced a 5 song self-titled EP with a great mix of
upbeat high energy rock, where each track has its own character and feel due to
clever subtle changes to the arrangements. Every song is full of clear and
expressive guitar and vocals from Julian van der Krogt, backed by the solid
live sound of Bass and Drums by James Cartwright and Hans Weston.
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Outside In - EP Review: The Nature of Dreams
22 Dec 2015 // review by Andrew Smit
A 5-song EP that is wonderfully alive with a cool mystical
sound that is a stimulating mix of modern and traditional music styles. Kicking
off with the dreamy electric pop song Sophie’s
Ghost with its shimmering guitar and synth, providing an atmospheric sound
set to a pulsating beat, and the melodic vocals have just a hint of effect that
sounds just right and caps off an impressive trip.
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No Broadcast - Album Review: The Blueprint
09 Dec 2015 // review by Andrew Smit
Opening with a theatrical instrumental with piano and scorching choral like keys, you are stirred and aroused, the tension builds and you’re curious, where you are headed? but there is no doubt your listening to something different, something that is very powerful and good.
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Poison Skies - Single Review: City Streets
20 Nov 2015 // review by Andrew Smit
City Streets is a full on heart-rate lifting track, starting
with a chorus of harmonic guitars that deliver us to a pumping rockabilly beat
that’s full of energy and just sounds awesome. Sounding very much like The
Living End but with a harder rock edge due to the 3 gritty guitars.
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Mel Parsons - Gig Review: Mel Parsons @ Crystal Palace, Auckland - 31/10/15
16 Nov 2015 // review by Andrew Smit
A hearty and enthusiastic crowd packed into
the grand old Crystal Palace to experience the beautiful Mel Parsons and band,
and the audience was won over by the music coming from the stage, a vibrant
folk music played to a rhythmic country beat full of warmth and stirring
emotive tunes.
Many in the crowd eagerly yelled their approval which on most occasions was
humorously responded to by Mel, and with each song the positive vibe was lifted
as Mel and her band entertained us with beautiful songs with wonderful down to
earth themes that were full of delightful melodies and harmonies.
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Devilskin - Gig Review: Devilskin @ The Powerstation, Auckland - 19/09/15
06 Nov 2015 // review by Andrew Smit
Another eager crowd packed into Auckland's Powerstation ready to be rocked with the promise of live and loud kiwi talent. Starting with City of Souls who filled the stage and the room with their tight metal core sound, it took a song or two to hear the lead vocalist but thankfully the sound and the band improved with every song.
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Holly Arrowsmith - Gig Review: Holly Arrowsmith @ The Tuning Fork 5/09/15
16 Oct 2015 // review by Andrew Smit
The evening kicked off with Tom Cunliffe, shining bright and all alone with his guitar and flowing beard where he bravely produced a set of stirring and emotive songs filled with themes of torment, greed and loss. Tom sings with a smooth grit that is tender and expressive and it works well to expose the deep content of his songs subject matter.
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Lucid Effect - EP Review: I Came From A Dark Place
21 Sep 2015 // review by Andrew Smit
From the opening sounds of this EP you are treated to
folk art beauty that is honest and pure, music that clearly has been crafted
from a deep desire to deliver emotive music that is acoustically beautiful yet
powerful and meaningful. This EP comprises of 4 stunning songs all of which are
written and produced by Declan Ramsey, in fact other than some backing vocals
from Rose Ramsey it’s all his work, and
the result is majestic music with great fidelity and sentiment.
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Miho Wada - Album Review: Bumpy Road
10 Sep 2015 // review by Andrew Smit
The Miho Jazz Orchestra (MJO) has produced another album
bursting with character and full of vibrant music that is real and alive. With
9 instrumental tracks that take you on a musical journey, where the experience
and its meaning is yours to interpret and enjoy, however the linear notes tells
you how the inspiration and perspiration behind the songs are from Miho Wada’s “Bumpy” experiences with her
pregnancy.
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Shady Brain Farm - EP Review: Robot Radio
26 Aug 2015 // review by Andrew Smit
This new EP from Shady Brain Farm sounds so youthful and alive, with 5 real songs that
have a great psychedelic rock sound driven by a feel good up-tempo rock beat.
The first two songs lean toward the psychedelic rock
form, with tuneful crooning from Ben Furniss, who also supplies superb flangy
melodic guitar riffs.
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AHoriBuzz - Double EP Review: Into The Sunshine
20 Aug 2015 // review by Andrew Smit
Modern Funk with
ballsy riffs and beats are abundant in this double EP, with 5 original songs
and 5 remixes. The 1st full length release for the talented singer
songwriter Aaron Tokona, and his band AHoriBuzz, Into The Sunshine simply resonates with songs that are a wonderful
mix of traditional funk fused with new sounds and percussive beats, like the
opening track Turnaround with its thick
bass riff, mixed with keys and brass elements that groove to a steady beat and
bubbles along for over 8 minutes.
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I Am Giant - Gig Review: I Am Giant @ The Powerstation, Auckland 1/08/15
18 Aug 2015 // review by Andrew Smit
The anticipation and expectations were high and thus like me a good crowd
rocked up early to experience a night of live rock music that was kicking off
with the only X factor “band” finalists in the world Brendon Thomas and the
Vibes. Many may have seen and heard of BT and the V from their amazing run on
the popular talent exploitation show, and they now could see if they can live
up to the hype, I had little doubt they would as I have seen them live twice
before and as said many times on the show these guys are real, and they know
how to deliver pure blues that rocks, and so it was.
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Gin Wigmore - Album Review: Blood To Bone
13 Aug 2015 // review by Andrew Smit
There is a lot of character in the 10 tracks in this new album,
and while it’s unmistakably "Gin Wigmore", it has a fresh modern electronic sound
that is delivered with a raw and earthy feel, achieved by its mix of techno
sound, powered by a driving tribal rhythm. Like in the opening track New Rush with its deliberate distortion
on the drum beats giving it a uniquely gritty and vibrant feel.
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The AJ Crawshaw Band - EP Review: Phoenix Burning
12 Aug 2015 // review by Andrew Smit
I have just had the pleasure of listening to a 5 Track EP with real music packed with positive themes that just
flow with acoustic beauty. Mr Crawshaw's has crafted a modern folk sound with real
feeling and his singing is just beautiful, the vocals are crisp and expressive,
and the feelings he exposes comes through as very tender and emotive.
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The Phoenix Foundation - Album Review: Give Up Your Dreams
03 Aug 2015 // review by Andrew Smit
From
the rather theatrical opening burst of sound you know you’re about to
experience something quite dramatic in The Phoenix Foundation’s sixth studio
album Give Up Your Dreams. With 10
tracks that offer something to really sink your ears into, with soft techno
rhythms and soaring melodies that really take flight.
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Avalanche City - Album Review: We Are For The Wild Places
16 Jul 2015 // review by Andrew Smit
A crystal clean acoustic sound that should lift anyone’s
spirits is what your ears will be exposed to in this sophomore album by
Avalanche City. The creation of Mr Dave Baxter, he has perfected a very radio
friendly mainstream sound, the songs have slow and steady beats that flow
nicely and provide a very pleasant foundation for his fine tuneful singing.
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Jupiter Project - EP Review: #Get It Boyz
15 Jul 2015 // review by Andrew Smit
#Get It Boyz is a sparkling EP, with a contemporary and
engaging Hip-Hop sound, it’s very tuneful and full of smooth grooves that get
your head nodding and body swerving. With the tightest of wraps that are fast
and succinct, and although they are generally tough sounding they are littered
with lighter moments and insightful commentaries on the world we live in.
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Dudley Benson - EP Review: Muscles
13 Jul 2015 // review by Andrew Smit
Music in its many forms can conjure many feelings and
atmospheres, it can induce a subconscious desire or dream, and be a welcome
escape from reality, well I can tell you I found listening to Dudley Benson's Muscles EP a dreamy trip indeed, he has created a tantalising and atmospheric
sound that draws you in and opens your ears and your mind. It’s quite tantric
and surreal, a journey that is pleasant and enquiring.
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Wellington Sea Shanty Society - Album review: Now That Is What I Call Sea Shanties Vol. 02
09 Jul 2015 // review by Andrew Smit
A refreshingly traditional collection of sea faring tunes have
set sail and once on board you will be smiling and swaying with its fine sound and
rollicking rhythms. This is music that will warm the soul and lift your spirits
with its fun and frivolity, but it’s no novelty music, oh no it's real music
with strong worldly arrangements and a rich form of melodic storytelling, which
the Wellington Sea Shanty Society have achieved so very well with this album.
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Elliot Brown - Album Review: Jingles 4
02 Jul 2015 // review by Andrew Smit
Smooth and stylish music abounds in this cutely titled Jingles
4 album, 10 songs with high quality modern folk arrangements that are accompanied
by slick vocal harmonies and melodies that have a very charming quality. Elliot
Brown tells stories of life and wonder in a comical but cool way, narrating
real world hopes and experiences with an audible and tuneful voice that is
engaging and wholesome.
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Tapri - Album Review: Good Mama
25 Jun 2015 // review by Andrew Smit
Good Mama is
loaded with classic rock blues numbers that showcases wonderfully the very
expressive vocals of singer songwriter Tapri, she has a very distinctive raspy
voice that’s full of earthy character, and she has perfected a great high pitch
squeal which she dutifully uses to help accentuate the end of most phrases. She
has a Kim Carnes sound that’s delivered with a Bjork dynamism.
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Jamie McDell - Gig Review: Jamie McDell @ The Crystal Palace, Auckland 16/5/15
29 May 2015 // review by Andrew Smit
The resplendent Crystal Palace in down town Mt Eden was
the venue for the wonderfully talented Jaime McDell, performing the penultimate
gig of the nationwide Ask Me Anything tour. The classic old theatre
was full of happy young fans and their mums with a few dads too, would this be
a night where the parents would have to grin and bear it for their children?
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Unknown Mortal Orchestra - Album Review: Multi-Love
28 May 2015 // review by Andrew Smit
If you’re ready for something a little different then Multi Love is ready for you, Unknown
Mortal Orchestra’s latest collection of dazzling tunes just oozes style, with nine tracks filled with smooth sophisticated grooves and funky rhythms. The synth
laden orchestral arrangements are quirky and curious, with synthetic sound
effects mixed with traditional brass elements that keep you very interested.
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Six60 - Gig Review: Six60 @ Vector Arena, Auckland 23/5/15
25 May 2015 // review by Andrew Smit
A sold out Vector Arena was brimming with the fit and feisty
young people of Auckland and although very few were sober or in the case of the
young ladies adequately dressed they were happy and very amped to see, hear,
dance and sing along to their adopted brothers from Dunedin. From the first to
the last song the crowd were singing and swaying in joyous union, the audience
were so appreciative of every song and they showed it with healthy applause and
loud hoots and howls.
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Carb On Carb - Album Review: Carb on Carb
22 May 2015 // review by Andrew Smit
If you deserve a good pop punk thrashing then Carb on Carb
will be the best to administer it with their debut self-titled collection of
upbeat emo punk rock. The two piece boy/girl team of James Stuteley and Nicole Gaffney deliver quite a positive style of emo
punk where the energy and character of their vocals over the fast and practically
funky rhythms really keep your blood flowing.
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Trinity Roots - Album Review: Citizen
20 May 2015 // review by Andrew Smit
Citizen is a formidable collection of Waiata/Songs that encompasses an amazingly broad range of styles and influences from old and new, it somehow manages to cross cultures and genres without sounding contorted, and thus delivers a compelling presentation of sound that marks new territory for the three piece band from Wellington.Wow where do I start, it’s so broad and colourful, there is surprising classical guitar and jazz piano, also there is piano accordion, saxophones, flutes, funky keyboard sounds and effects, all providing a wide pallet of experiences.
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Cian Lynch - EP Review: Away From Here
15 May 2015 // review by Andrew Smit
A sweet little EP containing 4 uplifting folk songs, with
lovely guitar picking, and interesting vocal arrangements, highlighted with
subtle harmonies and steady walking rhythm. Irish singer songwriter Cian Lynch
has a warm almost spoken vocal sound reminiscent to Nick Cave and/or Peter
Garrett, delivering his songs with a mix of subdued authority and dry wit, he
sounds a bit raw yet polished at the same.
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Amos/Anon - Album Review: Anomy
15 May 2015 // review by Andrew Smit
A quite untraditional creation is this Anomy album,
best described as an expressive and dark “sound art”, the fluid melodious music
has a slow and steady rhythm, with coarse demon vocals. The images and feelings
it invokes leave you in no doubt you’re in for a trip, and whether you like it
or not you’re going to escape to a place that is dark and gothic.
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God Bows To Math - Gig Review: God Bows to Math @ Lucha Lounge Auckland 18/4/15
07 May 2015 // review by Andrew Smit
Newmarket’s Lucha Lounge may have a small stage but it made
some big noise when God Bows to Math ripped into recreating their new albumBrighter Futures, with a live and loud performance that left the crowd with just
enough breath to yell for more! Martin Phillips looked
slightly uncomfortable, stooping over slightly to reach his mic, but it didn’t
seem to hinder his ability to play his guitar or provide enthusiastic vocals
through the set.
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Hannah in the Wars - Gig Review: Hannah and The Wars @ The Wine Cellar, Auckland 18/4/15
30 Apr 2015 // review by Andrew Smit
A well attired and intelligent looking group settled into
the cosy chairs and couches at Auckland’s intimate Wine Cellar to hear the 1st NZ performance of Kiwi girl Hannah Curwood's latest release Hannah and the Wars. Recently I had listened and positively reviewed the album and was now eager to hear her performing
live, and here she was armed only with a guitar and a microphone, and so unaided by an band she was laid bare to the audience and we to the influence of
her music.
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Hannah in the Wars - Album Review: Hannah in the Wars
24 Apr 2015 // review by Andrew Smit
A guitar strums its sparkly harmonic tones to an earnest
marching rhythm, and then she sings, and what a voice, very pure and
expressive, were talking about Singer Songwriter Hannah Curwood from Central
Otago and the opening track, Burning
Through the Night from her latest project Hannah and The Wars. The repeated
refrains of the chorus grow on you as you can hear and feel her breathing and strength
intensify with each heartfelt recurrence, and thus from this introduction you
know you’re in for a treat.
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God Bows To Math - Album Review: Brighter Futures
22 Apr 2015 // review by Andrew Smit
God Bows to Math have produced an album that’s delivers hard
rock that doesn’t follow any standard rock pop song formula, oh no we are
talking a very hard edge 3 piece rock, full of relentless energy and raw power.
Think of Queens of the Stone Age meets Pantera!
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Jamie McDell - Album Review: Ask Me Anything
15 Apr 2015 // review by Andrew Smit
Jamie McDell's sophomore release Ask Me Anything is a wonderfully rhythmic and melodious album,
each tuneful track has a very warm melody with strong uplifting choruses and beautiful
harmonies. The hit pop tune Dumb makes
me want to be a teenager again, a well-crafted pop song with a very engaging
tune, filled with the attractive and fun tones of Jamie's sweet singing.
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Anika Moa - Album Review: Queen At The Table
14 Apr 2015 // review by Andrew Smit
A fresh new collection of smooth and stylish tunes awaits
you in the form of Anika Moa’s new album, Queen At The Table. The PR people
say she has returned her attention back to her never departing fan base, and I
can faithfully say yes she has done that and more, she could have followed a tried
and tested pop song formula, but thankfully you can hear a mature artistic
creativity at work here.
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Ravines - EP Review: Invisible
27 Mar 2015 // review by Andrew Smit
It only takes one listen to hear that Ophelia’s second EP invisible has a very artistic influence, the stylistic collection of dub/electro pop tunes have a lush orchestral flair, and are well furnished with mellow and moody atmospheres. The song writing team of Patrick Shanahan and Alex Louise have created a persuasive set of tunes, where the instrumentation is a mix of organic and synthetic precision that delivers a perfect platform for a wonderful Lorde meets Adele sounding lead vocal from Alex Louise.
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Flirting With Disaster - Album Review: Live It Up
06 Mar 2015 // review by Andrew Smit
I put the new Flirting with Disaster album on in the car and turned it up, and BOOM from the
opening track, Live It Up, I was
struck but the super pumped pop punk rock groove. Sounding very much like Blink
182, but better, as it's more raw and real.
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Jimmy Bonar - Album Review: Working Class
20 Feb 2015 // review by Andrew Smit
Working Class is a very polished and clean
soft rock album, clearly a work crafted over time and perfected with much care
in a recording studio, as the lush sound and clarity of the recordings are of
high quality and consistent throughout. Jimmy is clearly influenced by The
Beatles and has recreated their sound with a little help of a slight English
accent on the vocals, to the point where Jimmy's voice sounds like of a mix of John
Lennon and Noel Gallagher.
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Running Stitch - EP Review: It's On
13 Feb 2015 // review by Andrew Smit
This little EP offers 4 tracks of original material which is
the creation of the creative exploits of singer songwriter Aletta Ashdown. The
first 3 tracks are delivered in alternative rock folk style with a grinding
rhythmic distorted guitar, providing a grungy edge to Aletta’s clean vocals.
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Late 80s Mercedes - Album Review: Diamonds
10 Feb 2015 // review by Andrew Smit
From the opening track Dangerous which sounds very much like a theme from a 70’s TV cop show, you know you’re in for a ride, a ride that will make you smile and dance like you just don’t care. Diamonds is a wonderfully upbeat album full of the most joyful swinging funk songs you could ever hope for.
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Shihad - Gig Review: Shihad, The Datsuns, I Am Giant & Cairo Knife Fight @ Matakana Country Park 3/1/2015
16 Jan 2015 // review by Andrew Smit
On a sparkling day a faithful rock crowd flowed into the picturesque Matakana Country Park and they were ready to rock, the sun was shining and the air was clear, perfect for an outdoor rock event and so at 5.45pm it was a delight to hear the silence broken by a guitar throbbing its distorted beauty - I think it was a just a little sound check but it got our attention, and thus began our very cool warm up as manifested by Cairo Knife Fight.
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Nathan Haines - Album Review: 5 A Day
14 Jan 2015 // review by Andrew Smit
Nathan Haines' name is on the album but if you have
enjoyed previous Nathan Haines recordings you may feel you’ve been given the
wrong album! 5 A Day has a striking new contemporary R&B style,
where the B stands for beats, not blues, although behind the modern groove lies
a smooth blues and funk feel.
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Miho Wada - Album Review: Miho's Jazz Orchestra - Live at The Lab
23 Dec 2014 // review by Andrew Smit
This CD and DVD set is packed with the coolest jazz and funk instrumental tracks one could hope for, 13 upbeat songs to enjoy and appreciate, as they were all performed live in one take! Miho Wada is a Japanese born New Zealander who has formed a great little Jazz Orchestra and together they produce the most delightful music, Miho’s flute sounds so sweet and full, it creates a warm kind of 60’s hippy vibe, she also showcases her exceptional saxophone playing and throughout we are taken on a wonderful musical journey.
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SOL3 MIO - Gig Review: Christmas in the Vines @ Villa Maria Winery 21/12/14
23 Dec 2014 // review by Andrew Smit
It’s safe to say a good
percentage of the 7000 odd crowd that had gathered to see Sol3 Mio were not
opera buffs but were more mainstream “converts” who had seen and heard a lot of
the positive publicity on NZ television and were curious and excited at the prospect
of checking them out live. Would the experience meet the heightened
expectations?
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Drax Project - EP Review: Drax Project self-titled EP
22 Dec 2014 // review by Andrew Smit
Drax Project, a 4 piece Hip-Hop/Alternative band from
Wellington have produced a superb debut EP with 4 tracks full of groovy
beats, loaded with superb vocals from Shaan Singh, whose voice is amazingly
smooth yet soulful and full of melodic strength, to the point where its sounds
like another instrument, thanks to the occasional addition of some good
symphonic sound effects!
The not so obvious jazz influences are evident in sections,
they appear and reappear around other funk and disco beat elements.
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Eyreton Hall - Album Review: Featherstitch
19 Dec 2014 // review by Andrew Smit
Featherstitch is a meticulously crafted debut album with a broad range of musical styles, there is some Country, a little Dixieland, and Gospel too, but the album as a whole is best encapsulated in a single word: “Beautiful”, the whole album is full of beautiful music that is so pleasing to the ears. From the opening track Bellbird with its cool country rhythm and its upbeat message of redemption, you are struck by the serene sound of Toni Randle’s exquisite vocals.
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Luger Boa - Gig Review: Luger Boa @ The Kings Arms, Auckland 12/12/14
17 Dec 2014 // review by Andrew Smit
An evening of rock entertainment was supplied in spades by three bands on a cool Auckland night at the ole faithful Kings Arms!
I was keen to experience Luger Boa live, I had heard some of their material played on the radio over the last year or two and made a note to one day check them out, the fact that they are now breaking up made it more intriguing.
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Poison Skies - Gig Review: Poison Skies @ Paddington, Auckland 5/11/14
12 Dec 2014 // review by Andrew Smit
On a clear Friday night an impressive and good looking
crowd gathered for the Video Release Party for Poison Skies' hot new single Victim of Reality. The venue was Parnell's the Paddington
and what a cool venue it is with a large temporary stage set up in the main
room and great vantage points throughout the bar.
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Temples on Mars - Gig Review: Agent @ Kings Arms, Auckland 27/11/14
09 Dec 2014 // review by Andrew Smit
A respectable group of faithful rock devotees assembled at the Kings Arms in Auckland to experience the London based but NZ born Agent perform in NZ for the first time in 6 years.
We were treated to an awesome show, Agent were sounding great, full of power and drive, with lead vocalist James Donaldson in fine form, looking and sounding fit and strong - the whole ensemble rocked and drove in determined style.
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Poison Skies - Single Review: Victim of Reality
05 Dec 2014 // review by Andrew Smit
Kicking off with a searing hot lead guitar riff which instantly grabs your
attention, more guitars then rip in with the drums and bass, leaving you in no
doubt that you're about to be delivered to heavy guitar rock heaven, courtesy of Poison Skies!
Nick Wilkinson’s vocals are
clean and powerful, you can hear the air going in his lungs and returning with cool
reverberations attached, the whole song is loaded with great tuneful backing
vocals and harmonies that add colour and character.
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Gig Review: Up Your Alley Festival @ Ding Dong Lounge, Auckland 20/11/2014
04 Dec 2014 // review by Andrew Smit
There may have been thousands of cheering so called music lovers at the Vodafone NZ Music Awards, but I was with 20 odd faithful rock lovers at the Ding Dong Lounge, where we experienced an expose of good hard progressive rock from four young bands at the Up Your Alley Festival.
The line-up of acts delivered well the promise of hard-core rock, it was like a relentless battle of distorted guitars and frenetic drumming with respite provided only by band changeovers and fire alarms evacuations.
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CuzzyLogic - Ninja Manuvas Album Review
25 Nov 2014 // review by Andrew Smit
Well the name is different and the music is different too, a good different, Ninja Manuvas is an interesting eclectic acoustic folk ensemble of tunes. If this kind of music doesn’t tweak your interest nothing will, it’s a unique kind of folk “world music” with peculiar rhythms and melodies.
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Madam Tsunami - Man In The Middle Album Review
11 Nov 2014 // review by Andrew Smit
A unique unplugged collection of tunes, which are
refreshingly up-tempo, full of character and feeling, presented not in your
normal laid back light acoustic mode, but played with a harder edge. It’s not dominated
by placid acoustic guitar and vocals, there are drums that are clearly heard,
full of rocking fills and driving beats delivered very adeptly by drummer
Jonathan Wilson.
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Scott J Mason - Animal Guilt EP Review
24 Oct 2014 // review by Andrew Smit
Without delving into the meaning and inspiration behind the songs
one would potentially say how pleasant and serene this EP sounds. Each song is
well structured with beautiful folk arrangements that are full of feeling and
prose.
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Benny Tipene - Bricks Album Review
17 Oct 2014 // review by Andrew Smit
Bricks has a wonderfully modern folk acoustic sound with meaningful songs bursting with Benny’s soulful expressive vocals and loaded with unique funky rhythms, and crafty guitar accompaniment. There are passionate highs and soulful lows with sweet harmonies and expressive pieces.
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Meridian Vibe - Meridian Vibe @ Whammy Bar, Auckland 11/10/14
17 Oct 2014 // review by Andrew Smit
October 11, Saturday night, 9pm, my mission to review a young band called Meridian Vibe, I listened to their newly recorded single which sounded cool and rocked hard, and so armed only with that knowledge, a date, a time and a venue to find I ventured out to Karangahape Road in uptown Auckland.
If you don’t know of it, you wouldn’t find it, but off K’Road in St Kevin’s Arcade through a understated door and down a forgotten scrappy stairwell, then through a dark tunnel devised to let your retina’s adjust to the dark there is the cavernous venue known as The Whammy Bar.
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Sola Rosa - Magnetics Album Review
14 Oct 2014 // review by Andrew Smit
Andrew Spraggon and the Sola Rosa team have compiled a fabulous soulful collection of tracks full of groove and sensuous singing from a superb array of “featured” vocalists. There are no less than 9 listed singers, with only Kevin Mark Trail listed as the album/bands vocalist.
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Villainy - Gig Review: Villainy @ the Kings Arms, Auckland - 3/10/2014
07 Oct 2014 // review by Andrew Smit
The 'Full House' sign was up and an appreciative crowd filled the Kings Arms to see the hometown return of Villainy.
First up was the unanimous winner of Villainy's 'search for a support band' Brendon Thomas and the Vibes, this eager young trio have been captivating the smaller stages of Auckland and gaining attention for their expressive blues, funk and rock.
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Full Code - Telescapes Album Review
15 Sep 2014 // review by Andrew Smit
This album will blow your mind, a rock symphony that conjures up emotions and atmospheres that were once only in the jurisdictions of Pink Floyd. A bold introduction to some astounding Kiwi talent!
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Phil Judd - Play It Strange Album Review
02 Sep 2014 // review by Andrew Smit
Play It Strange is a mind meld of funky pop folk tunes, its what a love child conceived by the pairing of The Beatles and Split Enz would sound like!
It’s The Sgt Pepper’s album with amplified eccentric Phil Judd's “Enz” style bohemian theatrics.
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Mi-Sex - Mi-Sex & Eddie Rayner Project @ The Studio, Auckland 28/8/14
29 Aug 2014 // review by Andrew Smit
A grand crowd turned out to see some prestige Kiwi Rock talent in the form of the Eddie Rayner Project and Mi-Sex, in the perfectly sized chamber of The Studio on K’ Rd.
Mr Eddie Rayner kicked off with a wonderful prelude piano concerto which lead brazenly into Give It A Whirl which brought everyone to attention and in no doubt that they were in for a major treat.
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Roulettes - The Roulettes Self Titled Album Review
27 Aug 2014 // review by Andrew Smit
Here is real independent music worth shouting about, yes Ladies and Gentlemen self-funded and produced The Roulettes have crafted a standout debut album. The Roulettes are a 3 piece indie rock set up, with vivid guitar work and cool singing from front man Justin McLean backed by a sublime rhythm section from Drummer Mark Queenin and Bassist Ben Grant.
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Kimbra - The Golden Echo Album Review
25 Aug 2014 // review by Andrew Smit
I have been listening, not watching video’s or reading interviews, just listening, and enjoying very much Kimbra's new album The Golden Echo, it's a broad aural explosion, so bear with me as I rundown my impressions of each track.
Track 1.
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Jason McIver Collective - Look To The Stars Single Review
21 Aug 2014 // review by Andrew Smit
Opening with a pleasant strumming of guitar and percussion we are introduced to Jason McIver’s new single Look To The Stars, a sincere track with a great folk rhythm.
Jason has created a tuneful track with an elegant vocal performance that sounds so right.
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Tahuna Breaks - Hold You Single Review
19 Aug 2014 // review by Andrew Smit
When you feel the groove of the new Tahuna Breaks song Hold You you better be ready to groove to its upbeat boogie jive! With its catchy chorus and funky disco beat you’re sure to bop to its rhythm and crave a clap n’ slide on the dance floor with your besties.
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Jeremy Redmore - Clouds Are Alive Album Review
11 Aug 2014 // review by Andrew Smit
Clouds Are Alive is the excellent debut solo album by Jeremy Redmore, the acclaimed frontman of Midnight Youth.
Jeremy has produced a wonderful collection of songs that sound so sweet and soulful, the whole album is easy on the ears and charming in a youthful way, any song would seamlessly slot onto any popular radio playlist around the world.
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Golden Curtain - Dream City Album Review
08 Aug 2014 // review by Andrew Smit
Golden Curtain’s latest album release Dream City is a honest independent rock album with 10 songs that engage with real world themes and unpretentious song structures.
The sound throughout stays true to its 3 piece Drums/Bass/Guitar structure, it’s atmospheric and moody, no doubt due to Andrew McKenzie’s 12 string guitar which creates an aural space and a floating psychedelic feel.
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