27 Apr 2024
Articles By butch181
Lola Sola - Single Review: Tripping
04 Dec 2019 // review by butch181
This latest single from Lola Sola, Tripping, is pure simplicity; simple enough to allow nothing to draw your attention away from the vocals. With very little instrumentation beyond a guitar (which doubles as the tracks percussive element), there is nothing complicated about it, and it creates a slow and weary ambience.
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04 Dec 2019 // review by butch181
This latest single from Lola Sola, Tripping, is pure simplicity; simple enough to allow nothing to draw your attention away from the vocals. With very little instrumentation beyond a guitar (which doubles as the tracks percussive element), there is nothing complicated about it, and it creates a slow and weary ambience.
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Rubine - Album Review: Secret Danger
04 Nov 2019 // review by butch181
Rubine hail from North Island’s Hamilton and Tauranga, which is ideal placement, as some New Zealand’s best classic rock sounds tend to originate from the Waikato/Bay of Plenty regions. The five-piece consist of Tana Tapri on lead vocals, Afzer Zameer on the drums, Dennis Ben on guitar, and Keith McGlade and Stefan Doll on the bass and guitar respectively, as well backing vocals.
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City of Souls - Gig Review: Sevendust w/ City of Souls @ Powerstation, Auckland - 23/04/2019
24 Apr 2019 // review by butch181
A decidedly reserved Tuesday night in Auckland and people were quietly piling into the Powerstation and grabbing some drinks at the bar. The upper balcony area was closed, so the fans were amassing downstairs around the inner perimeter of the venue.
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Sonic Altar - Album Review: Under A Dying Sun
27 Mar 2019 // review by butch181
In this digital age, it’s not often that you get a full length record anymore. Everything is short and sweet just to get content out there before fans forget your band even exists.
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Levi Lights On Project - Single Review: Mirror Man
17 Mar 2019 // review by butch181
Levi is a musical amalgamation that would in most cases be categorised as folk, thanks to the groups' uncommon mix of instruments consisting of a saxophone, cello, and cajón, and a lack of a drum kit or electric instruments. That being said, Mirror Man has something unique.
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The Gemini Effect - Single Review: Little Mouse
17 Mar 2019 // review by butch181
Little Mouse is the first single from Bad Alien, the upcoming sophomore album of three-piece alt-rock act The Gemini Effect. With some nice consistent snare work, the track jumps right off the bat with a great organic sense of rhythm that has you bobbing your head and tapping your foot along with the beat, accentuated by some gritty power chords.
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Mermaidens - Single Review: You Maintain The Stain
17 Mar 2019 // review by butch181
The latest release from Wellington trio Mermaidens is a straight up middle finger to the powers that control the world and throws away the mainstream formula of verse/chorus patterns, instead, forming a self-righteous maelstrom of sonic environments. With no warning given, You Maintain The Stain gets straight into cold, apathetic vocals alongside a pluggy bassline, until the guitar jumps in with an uncomfortable level of discord that sows the seeds of uneasiness in the pit of your stomach as if every instrument is performing a different song.
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Paper Cranes - Album Review: Voices
19 Dec 2018 // review by butch181
Due for release January 18, 2019, Voices is the second full-length album from Indie Folk duo Paper Cranes. While comprised of ten tracks, the album has a short overall runtime of just over 35 minutes.
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This Pale Fire - Single Review: Float Out
17 Dec 2018 // review by butch181
Float Out is about the process of letting things go, moving forward, learning from your past experiences, growing as a result. As such, the track has an intrinsically emotional weight to it.
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Miller Yule - EP Review: Miller Yule Live
17 Dec 2018 // review by butch181
Miller Yule Live is a good length EP, consisting of seven tracks with a total runtime of over 30 minutes. Performing a setlist that is mostly sourced from his 2016 EP Shoot Me In The Heart (reviewed here), Miller Yule has also added in his single Diamonds (released in November 2017 and reviewed here), a stripped down adaptation of Six60's Don't Give It Up, and a new track to spice it up further.
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Mako Road - EP Review: Local Safari
10 Dec 2018 // review by butch181
Local Safari is the latest release from Christchurch Indie group Mako Road The four-piece provide a very laid-back and relaxed (albeit short) EP as we enter the prime summer road tripping season.The EP begins with its titular track Local Safari, with some pleasant keys and a generally unhurried pace, controlled by a simple hi hat and snare drum combo.
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Kerretta - Single Review: Chroma Queens
10 Dec 2018 // review by butch181
Chroma Queens is the first single from upcoming LP release Exiscens (due for release on December 14), which is the first release from Auckland experimental rock act Kerretta for over four years. The band are comprised of bass player William Waters; drummer H.
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Ghost Who Walks - Gig Review: Ghost Who Walks @ Anthology Lounge, Auckland - 30/11/2018
06 Dec 2018 // review by butch181
Cheers and squeals are let out around Auckland’s Anthology Lounge as The Rubics take to the stage. The six-piece group have been working on making a name for themselves as the groove-makers of the Auckland scene, and from the sound of the audience, they know exactly what they are in for.
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Gig Review: 2Cellos @The Civic, Auckland - 3/12/2018
04 Dec 2018 // review by butch181
People were abuzz as they filed into The Civic to get to their seats. Many eyes were enjoying the venue itself as one of Auckland’s last remaining atmospheric theatres, with its soft-top design that floats above the auditorium, with stars and clouds that recreate the Southern Hemisphere sky-scape.
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Lisa Crawley - Single/Video Review: Baby It's Fine
30 Nov 2018 // review by butch181
Lisa Crawley’s latest single Baby It’s Fine is a delightfully unhurried and soulful pop track. Starting with a slow strum of the guitar and an almost acoustic vibe to the bass, there is a slow melancholic edge to the song.
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Night Bus - Single Review: Korean Restaurant
28 Nov 2018 // review by butch181
Self-described as a lo-fi electronic bedroom pop from elusive Wellington figure, night bus is definitely an obscure act. With a Facebook page created less than a fortnight ago, only 5 followers to their name, and a moniker that is otherwise impossible to search for due to common use, any further information about the artist is not forthcoming.
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Baitercell - EP Review: Toka
23 Nov 2018 // review by butch181
Toka is the latest release from Baitercell; an EP comprised of three Drum n Bass tracks with 100% Te Reo Maori lyrics. The tracks Te Wai Te Ora (The Water, The Life), Te Pukumeke (The Final Strike) and Hine Ruru (A goddess in the form of a native owl of Aotearoa), are inspired by Papatuanuku, Tangaroa, Ranginui (the respective Maori gods of earth, water and sky) and the connection we need to have with our earth.
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Gig Review: ZM's Friday Night Jams @ Western Springs, Auckland - 18/11/2018
19 Nov 2018 // review by butch181
Ten minutes before gates open and the entrance way to Western Springs is packed to the brim with excited fans wearing cardboard Burger King Crowns in the hopes of receiving a free upgrade to the BK Stage. With some scattered cloud, the day was humid, but ultimately much more manageable, providing some respite from the intense sun.
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Alice Foulds - EP Review: Oxygen
15 Nov 2018 // review by butch181
The Oxygen EP is the debut release of Invercargill singer-songwriter Alice Foulds; the four-track EP having total run-time just short of 16 minutes. Opening track Not Human is really the stand out song on the album.
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This Flight Tonight - Single Review: Bender & Lies
13 Nov 2018 // review by butch181
Bender & Lies is the latest single from This Flight Tonight, and interestingly the fourth track released from the 2018 EP Nothing to Declare, despite being the opening track of the release. The track tows the line between raw Rock 'n Roll, and light-hearted Pop-Rock.
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Shepherds Reign - Gig Review: Shepherds Reign @ Ding Dong Lounge, Auckland - 3/11/2018
11 Nov 2018 // review by butch181
It was looking to be a late night at Ding Dong Lounge with the 8:30 start time being pushed back to 9, then being pushed back even further as they waited for the patrons to make their way upstairs. Traitor’s Fate finally taking to the stage, Shepherds Reign vocalist Filivaa welcome everyone and introduced the evening with a very simple "Welcome to the Shepherds Reign party thing.
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Elemeno P - Gig Review: Elemeno P @ Nectar, Auckland
03 Nov 2018 // review by butch181
Nestled within The Kingslander is the Nectar function area, a lovely warm area, with a wide deep stage area. The only real downside is that the stage area has a step about four metres away from the stage that could become a trip and fall hazard during the night depending on how packed the venue is.
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The RVMES - Newsletter Interview: The RVMES
02 Nov 2018 // interview by butch181
The RVMES are proud to announce their first release as a band this year on the 1st of December. Their debut single Vibrant Pictures will hit all the popular platforms including Spotify, iTunes, Apple Music, YouTube, Shazam and many more.
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Gig Review: Foreigner & the ANU Orchestra @ Claudelands Arena, Hamilton - 01/11/2018
02 Nov 2018 // review by butch181
The rain had finally given up for the day, though the wind remained as the scores of patrons headed into Claudelands Arena. Announcements over the speaker system announced the show would be commencing soon, so everyone was rushing around trying to find their seats.
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Superturtle - Album Review: Student Flat Reunion
31 Oct 2018 // review by butch181
Student Flat Reunion is the fourth album from Superturtle. With the exception of frontman Darren McShane, the group has had a revolving door of musicians associated with them since the band’s inception.
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Gig Review: You're The Future Of Music @ Anthology Lounge, Auckland
29 Oct 2018 // review by butch181
One never knows what to expect from a Wednesday night at a live music venue, but Anthology Lounge has been hosting a series of affordable musical experiences under the name You’re The Future Of Music. Previously focusing on singer-songwriters, Wednesday the 24th was their first night including bands in the series.
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Tablefox - Single Review: Like A River
24 Oct 2018 // review by butch181
Tablefox’s latest upcoming release Like A River, is an interesting piece. Written in the form of an internal monologue, the lyrics serve the function of either a motivational instrument or an anchor in emotional times, whichever the situation demands.
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Art School - EP Review: Art School
23 Oct 2018 // review by butch181
Art School is the short two-track self-titled EP from Wellington five-piece, Art School. Beginning with eight seconds of silence, Clown, kicks in with pulsing synths, leading to some jazzy guitar over the top.
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Greg Johnson - Gig Review: Greg Johnson @ The Pumphouse Theatre, Auckland
23 Oct 2018 // review by butch181
The long labour weekend was coming to an end, and what better way to spend the free Monday than with an early afternoon musical performance. Heading down the track towards Takapuna’s Pumphouse along the edges of Lake Pupuke, the carpark was full, and the venue was packed with fans eager for the show, long before the event was due to begin.
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Sticky Filth - Gig Review: Sticky Filth @ Galatos, Auckland
14 Oct 2018 // review by butch181
Walking into Galatos, the sight looked rather grim; 40 minutes after the doors had opened, and less than 20 people were in the venue. Fingers were crossed that it wouldn’t be a poor turnout, and everyone was turning up fashionably late.
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Gig Review: Harry Lyon @ Galatos, Auckland
14 Oct 2018 // review by butch181
A typical New Zealand spring week was coming to an end, and the weather was all over the place; tepid air, disrupted by short, icy bursts of rain. But the cold shards of precipitation weren’t enough to keep people away, and as soon as doors opened, smartly dressed music fans began to flood in.
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The AJ Crawshaw Band - Video/Single Review: Life's For The Living
12 Oct 2018 // review by butch181
This Mental Health Awareness Week brings the latest offering from The AJ Crawshaw Band; track that brings light to the artists own struggles with serious depression, to the point that he had planned how he would end it. Life’s For The Living is a living testament that life does get better and passes on the words that helped him through the darkness and back to the light; “Just ‘cos you can’t see it, don’t mean it’s not there.
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First Inaugural National NZ Irish Fest: Interview with Gerry Paul
10 Oct 2018 // interview by butch181
In advance of the first ever National NZ Irish festival, Alex from muzic.net.
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The Upbeats - EP Review: No Sleep 'Til Japan & Iceland
05 Oct 2018 // review by butch181
No Sleep ‘Til Japan & Iceland is an EP that has been seven months in the making from kiwi Drum and Bass duo The Upbeats. Completed partly in thanks to a crowdfunding effort raising nearly £9,000 for international collaborations to occur.
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Helen Corry - EP Review: Later For The Real Show
04 Oct 2018 // review by butch181
Later For The Real Show is the latest EP release for Helen Corry, and is a long-awaited release; after the first single Strike was made available 10 months ago, and the follow-up single La Femme having a “controversial” music video that resulted on Corry’s Facebook page being temporarily removed. While expected that the fans would have heard these tracks before at live shows, it’s an interesting move to release a five-track EP where three of the songs have already been released individually as singles.
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Hault - Single Review: Red Dress
03 Oct 2018 // review by butch181
Red Dress is the latest release from Wellington three-piece Hault. A blitz of a song, tracking in at only 1:40; it has that concise and impassioned sound that tells you Hault have emerged from the underground scene.
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Mitch James - Gig Review: Mitch James @ The Powerstation, Auckland - 28/09/2018
29 Sep 2018 // review by butch181
Auckland weather was rather tepid for a spring Friday night, and as such the people were out on the streets happily checking out what was going on around town. On such event was a sold-out show at the Powerstation.
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Laconic Zephyr - Single Review: Seek A New Day
20 Sep 2018 // review by butch181
The latest offering from New Plymouth five-piece Laconic Zephyr, Seek A New Day, is an oddly mixed track.The track is a slow builder that doesn't quite pay off in the long run.
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Lookin Up - Single Review: Don't
20 Sep 2018 // review by butch181
Don't is the latest release from Auckland punk 3-piece Lookin Up, and it is gritty and heavily distorted. Starting with a riff that is heavily reminiscent to vibe of KoRN's Right Now, Don't emerges into a surprisingly melodic track despite the heaviness.
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Strangely Arousing - Single Review: Ladeda
20 Sep 2018 // review by butch181
Ladeda is the latest single from Strangely Arousing due for release on September 28th and is a tranquil piece; cruising and comfortable. Right from the start of the track the vocals are the focal point, with lead singer Lukas Wharekura pulling off a variety of sounds; initially having the gritty crooning vocal styling of Rod Stewart before transitioning through a John Mayer sound, until finding his tone for the remainder of the track in something reminiscent of the style of Arctic Monkeys vocalist, Alex Turner.
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Devilskin - Gig Review: Devilskin @ Altitude, Hamilton
14 Sep 2018 // review by butch181
Two hours before the doors officially opened, fans were lining up outside of Hamilton’s Altitude Bar. Some already waiting for the 8pm doors opening, but most there for the VIP experience; getting into the venue early and receiving VIP lanyards, posters and a meet and greet with the band.
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Pacific Heights - Album Review: A Lost Light
13 Sep 2018 // review by butch181
A Lost Light is the Pacific Heights album I have been intrigued about ever since I reviewing The Greystone; a single that I described as having “a relaxing, tranquil tone that makes the body want to move gracefully and simultaneously sink into a mass of blankets”. As such, The Greystone is the opening track, which leaves the remainder of the album as exciting, unknown territory.
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Same Name Confusion - Single Review: My Plastic Baby
13 Sep 2018 // review by butch181
My Plastic Baby is an incredibly preppy track from Same Name Confusion. An incredibly upbeat song, with an 80’s pop-rock vibe.
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Kong Fooey - Single Review: Just For The Night
13 Sep 2018 // review by butch181
Just For The Night is the first single to be released in the lead up to the release of Kong Fooey’s second album Feel The Love. Well and truly moving away from the soul and hip-hop specific themes of his debut album, Final Destination, producer Jason Peters has maintained a level of funk while exploring a more pop-infused electronic style of music.
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Tommie - Single Review: Better
12 Sep 2018 // review by butch181
Better is first single from electronic pop artist Tommie, a teaser of what to expect from the forthcoming debut EP Bleach. Providing a simple beat and repeated instrumental riffs, Better places all focus on the vocals on Tommie.
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Fables - Gig Review: Fables @ The Wine Cellar, Auckland
11 Sep 2018 // review by butch181
Stepping through the door of Auckland’s Wine Cellar, I was caught off-guard. Gone was the empty floor space and in its place were several rows of seats, already nearly full with what looks like a number of friends and family.
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Gearloose - Single Review: Tomorrow At My Fingertips
06 Sep 2018 // review by butch181
While having previously released music digitally over the last decade on Bandcamp, Tomorrow At My Fingertips is the first official single release from New Zealand’s own Steven King AKA Gearloose ahead of an intended full album release. Instrumentally, Tomorrow At My Fingertips is a very simple track; upbeat but still contemplative, the song is driven by a simple snare/hi-hat combination.
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Jessy & The Volunteers - Gig Review: Jessy & the Volunteers @ Anthology Lounge, Auckland - 24/08/2018
30 Aug 2018 // review by butch181
Anthology Lounge is one of the newest kids on the block in regards to gig venues in Auckland City, and the vibe inside is relaxed. Set up with a series of circular booths and tables, the scene is set up more for seated affairs, than jamming people together in the standing area in front of the stage.
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Gig Review: Queens of the Stone Age @ Spark Arena, Auckland 23/08/2018
24 Aug 2018 // review by butch181
With little fanfare, Australian blues singer C.W.
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PlasticGroove - Single Review: Me and You
16 Aug 2018 // review by butch181
Me and You by Wellington's PlasticGroove is a track that you need to be prepared for. Being unprepared will lead to a shock that will have your heart rate elevated for a reasonable length of time to come.
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Corduroy. - Single Review: The Usual
16 Aug 2018 // review by butch181
Corduroy.'s The Usual starts with such a smooth sound.
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Vince Harder - EP Review: Colours
15 Aug 2018 // review by butch181
Vince Harder has had a great impact on the entertainment industry in Australia to date, performing on many occasions with Australian Idol Guy Sebastian, coming third in their X-Factor series, and performing in theatre roles, such as Simba in the Lion King live production. His influence has been ever-present in the New Zealand music scene, working as a producer and songwriter, and this latest release, Colours, is one of his own works.
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Bingo Fighter - Single Review: I’ve Got Zero Attention
10 Aug 2018 // review by butch181
Bingo Fighter has released I’ve Got Zero Attention as their debut single. Headed by singer/songwriter Hayden Linney, this short track has a rather British Punk Rock sound, like a less abrasive and sarcastic Sex Pistols.
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Bulletbelt - Single Review: Faster Than Death
07 Aug 2018 // review by butch181
Their first release since their line-up change and the departure of vocalist Jolene Tempest, Faster Than Death, features the recording debut of new singer Scott Spatcher-Harrison and lead guitarist Josh O'Brien. With these changes, comes a slight change in sound, most noticeably in the vocals, switching from the higher range abrasive style that Tempest was known for, to Spatcher-Harrison naturally low, deep, rolling growls.
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The Phoenix Foundation - Gig Review: The Phoenix Foundation w/ The NZSO, Auckland Town Hall, Auckland 03/08/2018
04 Aug 2018 // review by butch181
Wandering into the Auckland Town Hall, there was a definite sense of anticipation in the air. Though the halls weren’t overly crowded with patrons, everybody appeared to be buzzing and chatting away excitedly.
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Arrays - Arrays Newsletter Interview
03 Aug 2018 // interview by butch181
Arrays is the solo heavy rock project of talented multi-instrumentalist JP Carroll. Weakness in Me is the thought-provoking first single from the debut full-length album Wreck, which is due for release in late-2018.
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Jed Parsons - Album Review: Midnight Feast
31 Jul 2018 // review by butch181
Jed Parsons debut album, Midnight Feast, has a subdued beginning, with some simple guitar and vocals for Real World. Some minimal acoustic effects that give the effect of playing in a large hall.
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Darryl Baser - Darryl Baser Newsletter Interview
30 Jul 2018 // interview by butch181
Dunedin musician Darryl Baser has played with some of New Zealand's favourite musicians and has even toured the South Island with a couple of Australians. With a new album in the pipeline, he spoke to Muzic.
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Albi & The Wolves - Gig Review: The Great New Zealand Folk Revival @ The Tuning Fork, Auckland 26/07/2018
27 Jul 2018 // review by butch181
With local parking shut down due to the overwhelming number of people attending the Dynamo show at Spark Arena, one would expect a light turnout next door at the Tuning Fork. As the show began, with a short unscripted foreword from Chris Dent of Albi and The Wolves, the audience was looking sparse, but this did not dissuade the opening act Ben Dixon.
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Jed Parsons - Gig Review: Jed Parsons w/October @ Neck of the Woods, Auckland - 20/07/2018
22 Jul 2018 // review by butch181
An early night at Neck of the Woods, with doors open well before 7pm and the night set to end by 10pm. A nice early evening that still leaves the night open for those that like their late nights in town.
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Hybrid Rose - Album Review: Warhol
22 Jul 2018 // review by butch181
Rose Valentina Muollo-Gray AKA Hybrid Rose has put together a full album release, just over a year after the release of her cosmic album, COSMIC. The self-produced electronic artist falls mostly into the vaporwave genre, adopting influences from smooth jazz and lounge music, and the retro arcade style of chiptune.
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Boycrush - Gig Review: Boycrush @ Whammy Bar Backroom, Auckland 07/07/2018
18 Jul 2018 // review by butch181
Every time I go to the Backroom at St Kevin's Arcade I feel like I’m wandering around the stairs of Hogwarts; the layout seems to change each time, or a different entrance is used, sometimes there is a bar, sometimes there isn’t. In this case, the entire stage area had been transformed into something I’ve never seen from the Backroom of Whammy before.
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Callum Gentleman - Single/Video Review: Cigarettes
10 Jul 2018 // review by butch181
Uncomplicated, Cigarettes is the first release from Callum Gentleman since his move to the US. Having stripped the instrumental side down to the bare rudimentary elements.
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Pacific Heights - Single Review: The Greystone
10 Jul 2018 // review by butch181
Starting with a piano riff that repeats for the first 30 seconds of the song, it has a high note that acts as the metronome and keeps the rhythm flowing until the shift. That high note is a sign of quality in its sound; the way in which it recedes and but still builds as the note is continually struck, gives The Greystone authenticity.
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Fanfickk - Single Review: Cotton Candy
10 Jul 2018 // review by butch181
What would one expect from a song called Cotton Candy? Cotton candy brings that hit of nostalgia and pleasant memories of theme parks, carnivals, and other exciting activities.
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Undercut - Single Review: Blue Nurse
10 Jul 2018 // review by butch181
Undercut’s latest release Blue Nurse is a grungy little number, that has an early 2000’s vibe; encapsulating the energy of albums of the era, such as Hoobastank’s 2004 The Reason, Taking Back Sunday’s 2006 Louder Now, while maintaining that kiwi sound (that track brings back fond memories of when Goodshirt’s Green was released). A simple track, that maintains a good pace during the verses and is reminiscent of Sommerset’s Streets Don’t Close, with hints of the punchy power chords of Villainy’s Ammunition throughout the outro.
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Like A Storm - Album Review: Catacombs
05 Jul 2018 // review by butch181
Catacombs is an album that has been a long time in the making. Delayed by extra tours and re-recording, Like A Storm fans have been waiting in anticipation since the 2015 release, Awaken The Fire.
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Milly Tabak & The Miltones - Gig Review: The Miltones w/ Reb Fountain @ Pt Chevalier Memorial RSA, Auckland 22/06/2018
28 Jun 2018 // review by butch181
The Pt Chevalier Memorial RSA isn’t a venue that I have been in before, and after entering the venue, the merch stand had me convinced I was at the right place, but the lack of a stage or any instruments had me reasonably confused. Luckily, noticing some music playing behind a large curtain I discovered the larger half of the venue.
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Phat Krunk - EP Review: Whatever You Say
25 Jun 2018 // review by butch181
Phat Krunk sounds like the name of an artist that you would expect something more in line with the electronic genres. Instead, Phat Krunk are an alt-rock four-piece hailing from Wellington.
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Mudbelly - Single/Video Review: Bullet
25 Jun 2018 // review by butch181
Christchurch alt-rock four-piece Hypnumb come out with their debut single, Bullet, and an accompanying video. Straight off the bat, the opening notes of distorted guitar with reverb and delay effects, announce that we have a blues-infused track on our hands.
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Alizarin Lizard - Single Review: No One Could Tell
22 Jun 2018 // review by butch181
Dunedin-transient pop influenced, neo-psychedelic rock slackers Alizarin Lizard have released their second single in a month after about nearly five years of silence when they released their last album Do You Just Want Me To Watch You? This latest single, No One Could Tell, was mostly recorded in bassist Chris ‘Bugs’ Miller’s lounge, and as a result, the track has a level of fuzz and reverb to it that adds warmth and comfort.
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Gig Review: Small Stage, Big Sound @ Ellen Melville Centre, Auckland 15/06/2018
22 Jun 2018 // review by butch181
I’ve not been in the Ellen Melville Centre before, but it is a really good small-medium sized venue (even if it is a little awkward to find the entrance to). With 10 minutes before the show was set to start there was a feeling of trepidation as I looked around and counted only 20 people are here all lined up against the wall like a high school dance.
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Metaract - Gig Review: Metaract with Remote and Descendants of Dinosaurs @ Ding Dong Lounge, Auckland 15/06/2018
19 Jun 2018 // review by butch181
The night began without any introduction. Jumping straight into a funky number, the four-piece that is Descendants of Dinosaurs put together some interesting sounds for their debut show at the Ding Dong Lounge.
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Julian Temple Band - Album Review: Antarctica
12 Jun 2018 // review by butch181
Frequently described as an alternative rock group, hailing from Dunedin, the Julian Temple Band like to blur the lines between genres; incorporating blues, jazz, surf rock, as well as indie pop into their music. The group have evolved over the years, over five studio albums since their formation in 2004, with Antarctica making it six studio albums.
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Written By Wolves - Gig Review: Written By Wolves @ Neck of the Woods, Auckland 08/06/2018
09 Jun 2018 // review by butch181
One of the big questions in the music scene in the last few months has been, who will pick up the slack now that the Kings Arms Tavern has shut down. Galatos, Ding Dong Lounge, Tuning Fork, and Whammy have been doing their bit, but when it comes to rock gigs, one of the venues that have been overlooked in the past is Neck of the Woods.
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Kendall Elise - Gig Review: This Way North @ The Wine Cellar, Auckland 07/06/2018
08 Jun 2018 // review by butch181
Due to a reviewer unfortunately having to pull out of attending this show, I was asked to attend Some Feminist Club Nights #6. As opposed to the original reviewer that was lined up for the show, I have mixed heritage, but am still what would largely be referred to as a white cis male.
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Holloway - EP Review: Psycho-Sensitive
01 Jun 2018 // review by butch181
As is categorical of a punk album, the Psycho-Sensitive EP by Holloway Holiday is made up of shorter tracks, with 6 songs racking up less than 20 minutes total runtime. Being more of a pop-punk hybrid, the tracks certainly aren't as short as many 40 second punk songs that I have heard, but definitely shorter than the average 4-5-minute rock track.
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Model Train Wreck - EP Review: I Want That Back
01 Jun 2018 // review by butch181
A long time in the pipe works is Model Train Wreck's new EP I Want That Back. Starting with an odd chord progression and the discord provides an uplifting vibe while still causing a chill to run down the spine.
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Skinny Hobos - Gig Review: Seether w/ Skinny Hobos @ Great Hall, Auckland 31/05/2018
01 Jun 2018 // review by butch181
Auckland Town Hall had a jovial atmosphere, with a quick and easy process to get into the venue, short lines to the bar, and no lines to the toilet. A well set up venue, but the main reason that everything worked so well was obvious when you enter the Great Hall.
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Thomas Oliver - Gig Review: Thomas Oliver @ The Powerstation, Auckland - 25/05/2018
28 May 2018 // review by butch181
Last seeing Thomas Oliver at the Tuning Fork, the Powerstation seemed like such a drastic upgrade in venue, when you consider that it has triple the capacity. Yet when I arrived just before the doors opened, less than 20 people were lined up waiting.
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Carb On Carb - Gig Review: Carb On Carb @ Portland Public House, Auckland - 18/05/2018
28 May 2018 // review by butch181
The Portland Public House is an interesting choice in venue for me. This is one of the latest start times for a show I’ve reviewed (with the first of the opening acts not starting until 10pm) and yet this is still the earliest I've ever been in the Portland Public House.
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The Adults - Single/Video Review: Bloodlines (feat Estère & JessB)
28 May 2018 // review by butch181
I remember when The Adults were first announced as the new project for Shihad’s Jon Toogood. The first single released gave the impression that the project would be similar in style to the comparative musical jump that Corey Taylor has between Slipknot and Stone Sour; opting for a change towards the lighter mainstream formula.
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River - Album Review: Silence Of The Tomb
27 May 2018 // review by butch181
Comprised of only five tracks, and a run-time of just shy of 20 minutes, I would be more inclined to categorise Silence Of The Tomb as an EP rather than a fully-fledged album (generally an album should have 10+ tracks and/or have a run-time of over 40 minutes). This classification is, however, a trivial matter that has no bearing on the content of the album beyond the approximation of length.
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Stray Theories - Album Review: All That Was Lost
18 May 2018 // review by butch181
This album opens with How Long, and almost displays itself like a tease. A slow burning track that lifts in volume ever so tenderly that you have to fight the urge to increase the volume yourself.
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Dick Tracy - Album Review: Dick Tracy
07 May 2018 // review by butch181
Dick Tracy have an exciting style of music, combining heavy rock with blues. The style could be compared to Beastwar’s Matt Hyde or King Cannons' Luke Yeoward singing for Skinny Hobos.
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Biobird - EP Review: Balance
07 May 2018 // review by butch181
Hailing from Hamilton is Caleb Bird a.k.
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Unknown - Single Review: Know It Well
07 May 2018 // review by butch181
Indie duo Three Feathers have a soothing gentleness and retro vibe that would generally get their style labelled as “stoner rock”. While there are definitely similarities to the genre, many do look down upon the “stoner” moniker, so instead let’s describe it differently.
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Tom Cunliffe - Gig Review: Tom Cunliffe @ Pah Homestead, Auckland - 15/04/2018
28 Apr 2018 // review by butch181
Off from Auckland’s Hillsborough Road, if you can find the sign for Delargey Ave within the trees that line the roadway, you may come across the Pah Homestead. A historic home that houses the James Wallace Art Trust’s collection of New Zealand Art, and on Sundays is also the home of a mini-concert series.
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Sharon Miller - Album Review: Family Secrets
28 Apr 2018 // review by butch181
Modern country rocker Sharon Miller has released her debut album Family Secrets The opening track, The Wall, is a tribute to the 22nd February 2011 magnitude 6.3 earthquake, that caused severe damage in Christchurch and Lyttelton, killing 185 people and injuring several thousand.
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False Heights - EP Review: No? Who...?
24 Apr 2018 // review by butch181
Starting the EP off, In My Memory, begins with some light piano chords and delicate vocals from April Nisbet. With an incredible short vocal hook of a “chorus”, and layers of harmonies and additional backing vocals, the audial performance is so captivating that the gradual addition of instrumentation is almost not noticed until the end of the track.
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Gig Review: The Killers @ Spark Arena, Auckland 20/04/2018
21 Apr 2018 // review by butch181
The night started early, with Alex Cameron, an Australian musician who is friends with Brandon Flowers, having assisted in The Killers latest release, co-writing five tracks. An interesting act, they imbibe an electronic 80’s element to their music, with a David Bowie/Sting vibe to Cameron’s vocal style.
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Ekko Park - Gig Review: Simple Plan with Ekko Park @ The Powerstation, Auckland - 19/04/2018
20 Apr 2018 // review by butch181
An hour to go before doors open and there is already a group of fans lining up outside of the Powerstation. An impressive feat but considering that it has been 13 years since Simple Plan last performed in the country, one would expect the big fans to be ready to get their spots at the front of the stage.
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Tom Cunliffe - Template For Love Interview
16 Apr 2018 // interview by butch181
Part way through the album release tour for his sophomore album Template for Love, Tom Cunliffe took the time to answer a few questions: You were born in London before coming to New Zealand around the age of 7. At what age did you start picking up musical influences?
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Jaggers x Lines - Single Reviews: Come to Rest & Problem Drinking
15 Apr 2018 // review by butch181
Two tracks from Jaggers x Lines turned up in my email for review today, and while self-described as an eclectic approach to pop, that is an understatement. With a combination of jazzercize audio, piano accents and horned instruments, Problem Drinking is an audibly invigorating mix in an otherwise stale genre.
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Looking For Alaska - Single Review: Calling Out
15 Apr 2018 // review by butch181
Calling Out has the pacing of a hit dance track, but the style is very much ballad-esque. Soft, thick vocals from Amy Maynard, she almost struggles with the pace to start, trying to hang onto those sultry notes while guitarist Aaron Gott keeps pushing the track onwards.
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Lola Sola - INSIDE THE MUZIC: Lola Sola
15 Apr 2018 // interview by butch181
Before heading out on a nationwide tour, singer-songwriter Lola Sola stopped by to have a chat with the Inside the Muzic crew: Check out the video below: Alex: Welcome to this interview for Inside the Muzic, we're speaking today with Lola Sola. Lola: Hey, man.
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I Am Giant - Gig Review: I Am Giant @ Galatos, Auckland 14/04/2018
15 Apr 2018 // review by butch181
I have been following I Am Giant from the start; since the release of their debut single City Limits, their first New Zealand shows back in 2010, before their three studio albums. I knew it was going to be an emotional night, as it was their final Auckland show before their hiatus, but I underestimated the extent of it all.
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I Am Giant - INSIDE THE MUZIC: I Am Giant
04 Apr 2018 // interview by butch181
The Inside the Muzic crew sat down with Paul & Aja from I Am Giant to discuss their recently released third and final album "Life In Captivity" and their upcoming final tour of New Zealand. Check out the video here: Alex (Interviewer): Welcome to this episode of Inside the Muzic.
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Gig Review: Mastodon & Gojira @ Trusts Arena, Auckland 31/03/18
01 Apr 2018 // review by butch181
Storm the Gates has definitely been following the “Go Big or Go Home” philosophy and is yet to put on a show without issues, but as far as this Easter Show is concerned, at least they weren’t the reason for the problem and tried to keep the fans as updated as possible. The problem instead came down to an issue with the freighting of Gojira and Mastodon’s gear, which was looking like it would lead to the cancellation of the show.
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Apollo SteamTrain - INSIDE THE MUZIC: Apollo SteamTrain
31 Mar 2018 // interview by butch181
While up in Auckland for his inaugural Auckland show with Apollo SteamTrain, Brendan McCarthy sat down for a chat with the Inside the Muzic Crew Check the video out below: Alex (Interview): Welcome to this episode of Inside The Muzic, today we are talking to Brendan from Apollo SteamTrain. Good to have you up in Auckland.
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Primacy - INSIDE THE MUZIC: Primacy
31 Mar 2018 // interview by butch181
After December's release of the collection of singles, III, which signified the departure of their vocalist Jason, the Inside the Muzic crew were invited to chat with Will, Jared, and new vocalist Rhys about everything Primacy. Check out the video below: Alex (Interviewer): Alrighty.
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MACEY - Single Review: Harry Parsons - Real
30 Mar 2018 // review by butch181
Starting with a deep reverberating piano, Harry Parsons starts his singing in the lower ranges of his vocal range “Let it all go, let it all out, crying on my shoulder, I’ll be looking over all of your fear, all of your doubt…”, immediately sets the tone of the song, as something contemplative and human. None of the trash that mainstream music has been throwing at us, charged with lyrics about money and “b*tches and hoes”.
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Apollo SteamTrain - Gig Review: Apollo SteamTrain @ Ding Dong Lounge, Auckland 24/03/2018
30 Mar 2018 // review by butch181
Apollo SteamTrain were coming from Tauranga for their first Auckland show (headlining, nonetheless), and the Auckland weather gods decided to do what it always does and give us a lot of rain throughout the day and into the evening. As the season moves further and further away from summer, the rain is icy cold, but it doesn’t stop Aucklanders from getting out on the town.
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Hollywoodfun Downstairs - Gig Review: Hollywoodfun Downstairs @ The Wine Cellar, Auckland 23/03/2018
30 Mar 2018 // review by butch181
On a brisk Friday night at the Wine Cellar, a small crowd milled around the bar awaiting the opening band to set up and complete their soundcheck. Slightly after they were due to begin, the doors were opened and Old Loaves started their set.
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Astro Children - Single Review: Beneath the Visible Surface
30 Mar 2018 // review by butch181
The latest single from Astro Children is a departure from their usual sound, with the addition of Jonathan Pearce on the synth. A step deeper into the indie sub-genre of shoegaze, Beneath the Visible Surface exhibits the elements of dreamy, psychedelic space pop.
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Temples on Mars - Album Review: Temples on Mars
19 Mar 2018 // review by butch181
The self-titled album from Temples of Mars starts us off with a light intro, featuring some Aladdin-esque Arabic sounding instrumentation and distorted recorded dialogue; almost coming off like the soundtrack to Brendan Fraser’s The Mummy franchise. Gradually rising in volume and layers it leads straight into Gods & Kings.
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Gig Review: Storm the Gates Festival @ Trusts Arena, Auckland, 17/03/2018
18 Mar 2018 // review by butch181
Getting to the venue before doors open, already the black shirts and tattoos were beginning to gather in anticipation of the days' festivities. With a selection of stalls with games, merch, food, and cars, it was odd to have the doors open a mere 10 minutes before the first act was due to start.
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Stellar* - Gig Review: Stellar* @ The Tuning Fork, Auckland - 09/03/2018
13 Mar 2018 // review by butch181
It was a mild Friday evening, and the plaza outside Spark Arena was bustling with a mix of people ready to see Stellar* and Mrs Brown's Boys. As Spark Arena’s doors opened, the crowds filed away, leaving the group of Stellar* fans to make the most of the outdoor seating as they waited for the Tuning Fork’s to follow suit and open doors.
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Matt Hay - Album Review: Something Blue
08 Mar 2018 // review by butch181
Matt Hay’s Something Blue is a simple album; a slow, relaxed pace, and soothing storytelling vocals. Opening track Last Jubilee is perhaps the most upbeat in tempo, with a melody reminiscent to that of John Mellencamp’s Jack & Diane with an extra open string twang to it from the combination of the guitar and mandolin.
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So Below - So Below Interview
08 Mar 2018 // interview by butch181
Alex (interviewer): What got you started in music? Madeline (So Below): I always had a lot of musician friends when I was younger.
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Pale Lady - Single Review: Empty Space
07 Mar 2018 // review by butch181
With a snappy snare, a thick, distorted chug, and an opening riff reminiscent of Pantera’s Cowboys from Hell, Pale Lady have finally released their debut single, Empty Space. Forming in 2016, and winning the Battle of the Bands in 2017, there is clear evidence that they have a good thing going.
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Dead Celeb - Album Review: Dead Celeb
07 Mar 2018 // review by butch181
The debut self-titled album from Wellington’s Dead Celeb, is just as hard to pin down genre-wise as it is to find anything to do with them on Google. Experimental Rock of the 80’s and 90’s is the closest I can come to truly describing their sound; with a combination of potential influences from the likes of The Strokes, Franz Ferdinand, Decortica, Nine Inch Nails, Chris Cornell, The Rolling Stones, Muse, David Bowie, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Deftones, System Of A Down, Villainy, and I Am Giant.
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Boycrush - Single Review: Holy Water
28 Feb 2018 // review by butch181
Holy Water is the latest release from the Electronic Alt Pop artist Boycrush AKA kiwi producer Alistair Ross Deverick, and the first thing that hits you is the volume. Not the simple loud/quiet that you can change with the click of a button, but the thick meatiness of that deep bassline.
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Callum Gentleman - INSIDE THE MUZIC: Callum Gentleman
28 Feb 2018 // interview by butch181
After the first show on his Farewell Tour before heading to the US, Callum stopped by to have a chat with the Inside the Muzic crew: Watch the full video below: Alex (interviewer): Today we have Callum Gentleman Callum (musician): Thank you for having me Alex: Tell us about yourself. You have an interesting style of music.
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Scorn Of Creation - INSIDE THE MUZIC: Scorn Of Creation
20 Feb 2018 // interview by butch181
After opening for Cattle Decapitation, and the incredibly successful release of their debut self-titled album, Seth Jackson and Kris Gillan of Scorn Of Creation stopped by to have a chat: Check out the video below: Alex (interviewer): So tell us about the band. How did it all start?
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Dead Favours - Gig Review: Rise Against w/ Dead Favours @ Logan Campbell Centre, Auckland - 19/02/2018
20 Feb 2018 // review by butch181
In a rather unconventional choice, the other international act that was touring with Rise Against, Berri Txarrak, would be opening the night, ahead of the local act, Dead Favours. Berri Txarrak being a band originating from Basque Country (an autonomous community in northern Spain), whose songs are sung completely in the Basque language (which is linguistically unrelated to any other known living language), they undoubtedly had a difficult job ahead of them to warm up the crowd.
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Gig Review: Paramore @ Spark Arena, Auckland 13/02/2018
14 Feb 2018 // review by butch181
The crowd was bustling as Auckland’s Spark Arena slowly filled up. Not a full arena show, but the stage had been brought forward enough to ensure everyone was crowded in together.
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Jed Parsons - Single Review: Get Lost
03 Feb 2018 // review by butch181
Get Lost is the debut single from Jed Parsons, and makes a heck of an introduction. Composed of an almost mediocre arrangement that has had dissonance and discord purposefully inserted into it, to present a juxtaposition of the normal and the fantasy.
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Jas Josland - Album Review: See What You Did There
03 Feb 2018 // review by butch181
See What You Did There is Jas Josland's debut album consisting of 11 tracks and a total run-time of almost 37 minutes. With only one song breaking the four-minute mark, these tracks on the debut album are on the shorter side, running less than three and a half minutes long, on average.
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Gig Review: End of an Era Night 2 @ Kings Arms, Auckland - 27/01/2018
30 Jan 2018 // review by butch181
I wasn't present for the Night 1 performances of the End of an Era shows, but by all accounts from those that had been there, it had been a great night with a good turnout, especially considering it was competing with large international acts performing at other venues (such as Pink Floyd's Roger Waters at Spark Arena). So I was definitely looking forward to the nights' performances.
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Marina Bloom and Moving Stuff - Album Review: When I Am Gone
16 Jan 2018 // review by butch181
The piano is an often under-recognised and under-utilised instrument. Even though the majority of musicians in this modern day will use a keyboard, it's often to play more "exotic" sounding instruments.
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The Vazey Collective - Single Review: Dreamers
16 Jan 2018 // review by butch181
Dreamers is a well-balanced, light, summery track. While the track feels simplistic in its overall sound, the lead guitar provides properly weighed riffs, that complement the melody and vocals of the track without overpowering the rest of the composition.
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Dilz - INSIDE THE MUZIC: Dilz
21 Dec 2017 // interview by butch181
Ahead of the upcoming release of his debut album Metamorphosis, Dilz, along with his producer Sswahh, managed to have a quick chat with Chris and Alex, the Inside the Music crew: Check out the video below: Alex (interviewer): You are a rap and hip-hop artist. What got you into music?
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Mitch Alderlieste - Single Review: Breathe
18 Dec 2017 // review by butch181
Mitch Alderlieste’s latest release is a light airy piece, that follows along the lines of Travis’ Why Does It Always Rain On Me? And Robbie William’s Angels.
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Medusa Glare - EP Review: Medusa Glare
18 Dec 2017 // review by butch181
Medusa Glare is the self-titled debut album for the four-piece Hamilton rock act. Coming up to their fourth anniversary since their creation they have released this four-track EP, all with track lengths in the four-minute range (anybody else thinks they should have named the EP Four or IV?
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SoccerPractise - Album Review: SoccerPractise
18 Dec 2017 // review by butch181
The self-titled debut album by SoccerPractise, is an exquisite, eclectic, perky blend of sound arrangements. This experimental indie electronica has the essence of what could have been if Lorde had aimed for clubs and EDM festivals rather than arena concerts.
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Gig Review: Marley: NZ All-Stars @ The Trusts Arena, Auckland - 30/11/2017
13 Dec 2017 // review by butch181
Heading to the Trusts Arena, I was rather surprised to be able to get parking right out front. The line of people waiting to get in, only adding up to around 50 people.
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Hallelujah Picassos - Single Review: Happy Smile (Naive In Joy)
11 Dec 2017 // review by butch181
This is truly one of the more obscure singles I've reviewed. Happy Smile (Naive In Joy) is inspired by The Peasant Dance, an oil-on-panel piece of art created by the Netherlandish Renaissance artist Pieter Bruegel the Elder, painted in c.
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DateMonthYear - Single/Video Review: March
07 Dec 2017 // review by butch181
DateMonthYear’s latest release, March, is a piece of minimalistic beauty. Starting with some simple notes on the keys, the composition rises in energy with the addition of guitars before returning to a minimal output, ebbing and flowing.
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Primacy - EP Review: III
06 Dec 2017 // review by butch181
III is Primacy’s offering to the musical gods for 2017. Showcasing the three tracks recorded this year; this is their final release with vocalist Jason McIver, who has recently decided to step down.
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Cheshire Grimm - Gig Review: Cheshire Grimm @ Ding Dong Lounge, Auckland - 24/11/2017
06 Dec 2017 // review by butch181
It was a reasonably quiet evening at Ding Dong Lounge with Auckland music fans being split between multiple venues that were all putting on shows at the same time. Heading upstairs there was a relaxed atmosphere, as punters from downstairs came up to check out the bands that were on show for the night.
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Nation - Single Review: Summer
25 Nov 2017 // review by butch181
Nation's new track, Summer, instantly hits you with some high notes and some sultry lows on the vocals, reminiscent of Laughton Kora's style, led by some jazzy funky bass and a very Jamiroquai-esque hook in the chorus. With a very basic chorus lyrically (easy to remember which makes it likely to quickly become a crowdpleaser at live shows).
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Coridian - Gig Review: Coridian @ The Wine Cellar, Auckland - 10/11/2017
23 Nov 2017 // review by butch181
The underneath of St Kevins Arcade is the place to be if you are looking for up-and-coming, or alternative musical acts. Find your way around the maze of rooms and hallways, you have Whammy, the Back Room, or the Wine Cellar, all in close proximity, all pumping at the same time.
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Robby Thorne - Single Review: The White Thorn Track
23 Nov 2017 // review by butch181
Creating a hybrid of two distinct musical genres is a tightrope act; trying to simultaneously display and maintain the characteristics of both the Rock and Country genres in a way that feels organic to the audience. Robby Thorne strives to achieve this task by the addition of the amplified electric guitar to an otherwise country track.
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Miller Yule - Single Review: Diamonds
23 Nov 2017 // review by butch181
Diamonds has a beautifully clean guitar riff that resonated immediately at my core. A fresh sound, but so incredibly familiar too.
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Cheshire Grimm - Video Review: Slave to the Grind
19 Nov 2017 // review by butch181
A rather unorthodox request, having already reviewed the EP, but we were asked to review Cheshire Grimm's lyric video for their Slave to the Grind track from their EP Rain or Shine. The video was created by Jesse Wheeler from Cloudfall Media.
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Written By Wolves - Gig Review: Written By Wolves @ Kings Arms Tavern, Auckland - 3/11/2017
11 Nov 2017 // review by butch181
Heading into the Kings Arms Tavern and immediately you can tell there is something different. It doesn’t take long to see what everyone is looking at and discussing; more lighting, an extended stage with a “runway”, additional floor toms on the side-of-stage, and what appeared to be some gas cannons attached to some rather large CO2 bottles.
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Gig Review: Pennywise @ The Studio, Auckland 07/11/2017
09 Nov 2017 // review by butch181
Turning up to The Studio venue, and you can’t help but be impressed at how well things had been put together to this point. Bringing an international band to NZ, and selling out a venue with a capacity of somewhere around 1000-1200, on a Tuesday night, with the gig announcement only two weeks before the show was penned down to happen.
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Apollo SteamTrain - Gig Review: Apollo SteamTrain @ RockFest 2017, Totara Street, Mt Maunganui - 28/10/2017
04 Nov 2017 // review by butch181
RockFest 2017 was held at Totara Street in Tauranga on 28 October 2017in support of the local Cancer Society, with all profits being donated. RockFest 2017 Feature The drive from Auckland had been long, but the constant rain had led to a reduction in traffic, which made the drive to Tauranga very pleasant.
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Remote - Gig Review: Remote @ RockFest 2017, Totara Street, Mt Maunganui - 28/10/2017
04 Nov 2017 // review by butch181
RockFest 2017 was held at Totara Street in Tauranga on 28 October 2017in support of the local Cancer Society, with all profits being donated. RockFest 2017 Feature The drive from Auckland had been long, but the constant rain had led to a reduction in traffic, which made the drive to Tauranga very pleasant.
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Coridian - Gig Review: Coridian @ RockFest 2017, Totara Street, Mt Maunganui - 28/10/2017
04 Nov 2017 // review by butch181
RockFest 2017 was held at Totara Street in Tauranga on 28 October 2017in support of the local Cancer Society, with all profits being donated. RockFest 2017 Feature The drive from Auckland had been long, but the constant rain had led to a reduction in traffic, which made the drive to Tauranga very pleasant.
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The Eternal Sea - Gig Review: The Eternal Sea @ RockFest 2017, Totara Street, Mt Maunganui - 28/10/2017
04 Nov 2017 // review by butch181
RockFest 2017 was held at Totara Street in Tauranga on 28 October 2017in support of the local Cancer Society, with all profits being donated. RockFest 2017 Feature The drive from Auckland had been long, but the constant rain had led to a reduction in traffic, which made the drive to Tauranga very pleasant.
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Play Big - Gig Review: Play Big @ RockFest 2017, Totara Street, Mt Maunganui - 28/10/2017
04 Nov 2017 // review by butch181
RockFest 2017 was held at Totara Street in Tauranga on 28 October 2017in support of the local Cancer Society, with all profits being donated. RockFest 2017 Feature The drive from Auckland had been long, but the constant rain had led to a reduction in traffic, which made the drive to Tauranga very pleasant.
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Deathnir - Gig Review: Deathnir @ RockFest 2017, Totara Street, Mt Maunganui - 28/10/2017
04 Nov 2017 // review by butch181
RockFest 2017 was held at Totara Street in Tauranga on 28 October 2017in support of the local Cancer Society, with all profits being donated.RockFest 2017 Feature The drive from Auckland had been long, but the constant rain had led to a reduction in traffic, which made the drive to Tauranga very pleasant.
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This Flight Tonight - INSIDE THE MUSIC: The Flight Tonight
02 Nov 2017 // interview by butch181
With the upcoming 5th anniversary of their EP Friendly Fire, Ralphe from This Flight Tonight took the time to chat with Alex and Chris, the Inside the Music Crew. You can watch the video below: Alex: Today we have Ralphe from This Flight Tonight.
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Coridian - INSIDE THE MUSIC: Coridian
02 Nov 2017 // interview by butch181
Ahead of their Caldera Tour for their upcoming release, Mike (guitar), Kris (drums), Nick (bass) Raven, and Dity Maharaj (vocals) from Coridian, managed to have a quick chat with Chris and Alex, the Inside the Music crew: Check out the video below: Alex (interviewer): Last time we spoke you were getting ready for the Curlys Jewels tour. How did that go?
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Radius Kink - Album Review: Peculiar Confessions
27 Oct 2017 // review by butch181
Radius Kink's new album Peculiar Confessions is an interesting release; full of nostalgic set pieces that feel like they have no purpose beyond proving that they can exist. Tracks like Maybe I’ll Change My Name have clear influences from groups like Pink Floyd, who are synonymous with experimental alternative music, and the entire album feels a bit like that; a conceptual album, mixing styles and methods to create something completely, without a purpose or direction.
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Silence The City - Album Review: Resilience
26 Oct 2017 // review by butch181
In the New Zealand mainstream rock scene, releasing a full-length album is an achievement in itself. The digital age of the music industry and the geographical limitations of the country tends to push most young acts towards either the constant stream of single releases or shorter EPs in order to maintain their relevance in the music scene.
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Devilskin - Gig Review: Devilskin @ Powerstation, Auckland - 21/10/2017
24 Oct 2017 // review by butch181
The Powerstation was filling up nicely and was looking likely to get pretty close to, if not sold out show. An interesting layout on stage; it looked as though the gear for the later acts was already set up, giving the opening band, His Masters Voice only a few metres along the front of the stage to work with.
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Modern Maori Quartet - Gig Review: Modern Maori Quartet @ Powerstation, Auckland - 14/10/2017
23 Oct 2017 // review by butch181
The weather was timid as I wandered towards the Powerstation. For the first time since I’d ever been to the venue, the doors opened well before 8 pm allowing the crowd to casually enter without the need to queue.
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Gig Review: Synthony @ Auckland Town Hall, Auckland - 30/09/2017
10 Oct 2017 // review by butch181
The Auckland Town Hall was bustling with patrons eager to enter the site for this sold out event. 2,500 people lined up down Queen Street, and it no doubt became a logistical nightmare for the staff attempting to get everybody’s tickets checked, bags checked, and armbands attached, with doors opening a mere 30 minutes before the show was set to begin.
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Coridian - EP Review: Caldera
02 Oct 2017 // review by butch181
Caldera is a short and sweet six-track release adding up to a 21 minute total runtime. Nonetheless sets the pace, with a fast guitar riff and some booming drums.
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Modern Maori Quartet - Album Review: That's Us
01 Oct 2017 // review by butch181
The Modern Māori Quartet’s album That’s Us is an upbeat and wholesome compilation of fun tracks. They put it perfectly themselves, referring to themselves at the start of Who We Are as the Māori equivalent of Michael Bublé, a name synonymous with an incredibly smooth voice, and a charm and modesty that makes his music something that nobody can hate.
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The Nudge - INSIDE THE MUSIC: The Nudge
30 Sep 2017 // interview by butch181
Before heading out to the final show on their Dark Arts Tour, Iraia and James from The Nudge managed to have a quick chat with Chris and Alex, the Inside the Music crew: Check out the video below: Alex (Interviewer): Today on Inside the Music, we are talking to The Nudge. We have the Dreaded Mullet (James) and Dart (Iraia).
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Coridian - Gig Review: Metaract, Checaine & Coridian @ Ding Dong, Auckland - 22/09/2017
29 Sep 2017 // review by butch181
Ding Dong Lounge always has a great atmosphere and a well-lit bar area where you can actually see people, which makes chatting and socialising that much easier. It’s one of the places that I always enjoy going to, as everyone is in a great mood and chatty.
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Dead Favours - Gig Review: RockEnrol @ Whammy Bar, Auckland 21/09/2017
29 Sep 2017 // review by butch181
It was a reasonably calm evening as I wandered down Karangahape Road towards St Kevin’s Arcade and the Whammy Bar. The streets were not as busy as they usually would be, but it could mostly be chalked up to the ever-changing weather that kept threatening us with intense rainfall without a moment’s notice.
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Devilskin - Devilskin Newsletter Interview
27 Sep 2017 // interview by butch181
Before heading out on the road for their 2017 NZ Tour, Paul Martin from Devilskin took the time to answer a quick Q&A for muzic.net.
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Gold Medal Famous - INSIDE THE MUSIC: Gold Medal Famous
19 Sep 2017 // interview by butch181
In our latest episode of www.muzic.
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Static Era - INSIDE THE MUSIC: Static Era
14 Sep 2017 // interview by butch181
In our latest episode of www.muzic.
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Manzo - Album Review: Outsider
12 Sep 2017 // review by butch181
With minimal introduction, the new Manzo album begins with St Helens Overture; a lovely, calm, delicate piano piece. A rather impressive beginning, with a gentle crescendo, showing great use of refrain leading into the rest of the album.
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Daniel McClelland - Album Review: Anxious Heart
07 Sep 2017 // review by butch181
Straight off the bat, we have that gated reverb sound on the drum track; that punchy percussive character that has been synonymous with that of the pop and rock music of the 1980's, and has recently started reintegrating itself into pop music again. In this case, you get that nostalgia hit due to the reminiscence with Kenny Loggin's 1984 hit, Footloose.
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Fire For Glory - Gig Review: Hawthorne Heights with Fire For Glory @ Kings Arms Tavern, Auckland - 05/09/2017
07 Sep 2017 // review by butch181
"Listen, Morty, I hate to break it to you, but what people call "love" is just a chemical reaction that compels animals to breed."The quote from the hit American adult animated sci-fi sitcom drew attention, as an early start to the evening had opening act Fire For Glory up on stage well before 8pm.
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Armed In Advance - INSIDE THE MUSIC: Kris from Coridian & JP from Armed in Advance
04 Sep 2017 // interview by butch181
Alex Moulton and Chris Morgan sat down with Kris Raven of Coridian and JP Carroll of Armed in Advance to discuss their upcoming tour with Curlys Jewels. You can watch the video over on YouTube or read the interview below: Alex: Today you’re here to talk to us about your bands and an upcoming tour with Curlys Jewels at the end of NZ Music Month.
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Set on End - Gig Review: Northlane with Set On End @ Kings Arms Tavern, Auckland - 26/08/2017
01 Sep 2017 // review by butch181
I arrived at the Kings Arms Tavern forty minutes before doors opened in order to avoid traffic, and was surprised to find the carpark already full of cars, and patrons waiting to gain entry to the venue. By the time the doors opened, the crowd that had amassed looked large enough to fill the venue to capacity.
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City of Souls - Gig Review: Stone Sour with City of Souls @ Spark Arena, Auckland - 23/08/2017
24 Aug 2017 // review by butch181
Looking around the venue and it is apparent that the stage has been brought forward. So Spark Arena (formerly known as Vector Arena) has a much smaller capacity compared to when Corey Taylor last performed with his other project, Slipknot.
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Sea Mouse - Sea Mouse Newsletter Interview
22 Aug 2017 // interview by butch181
Sea Mouse is the solo project of renowned Wellington singer/songwriter Seamus Johnson. Live, Sea Mouse is an energetic 3 piece band, channeling the thunder and swagger of Jack White and Led Zeppelin.
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Gig Review: Auckland City Rockfest @ The Kings Arms Tavern, Auckland 19/08/2017
22 Aug 2017 // review by butch181
10 bands, 1 night. As far as swansongs for the Kings Arms Tavern go, the Auckland City Rockfest is definitely doing it justice.
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Animal Party - Gig Review: Slaves with Animal Party @ Kings Arms, Auckland - 17/08/2017
18 Aug 2017 // review by butch181
The night opened with Auckland Alt-Rock act Animal Party. With a sound that could be described as a grungy take on punk rock, they powered through their vocal-centric set.
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Dead Favours - Single Review: High Flying
18 Aug 2017 // review by butch181
They came out of nowhere with their breakthrough single, Dig. Accompanied by a great fun music video, it took the local music scene by storm, and has shown little sign of slowing down in popularity.
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Hangar 18 - Hangar 18 @ Kings Arms, Auckland - 11/08/2017
14 Aug 2017 // review by butch181
With a list of 5+ bands playing on the bill, it was going to be a marathon session for a Kings Arms Tavern Friday night.First band up was Auckland Rock Funk band, Mudshark.
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Groove Lagoon - EP Review: Extended Play
09 Aug 2017 // review by butch181
First out of the gates is the opening track, Shiver, which has a similar drum and bass style to that of Villainy's 2012 track Money Mouth. With clean vocals from vocalist Joel Sunde, and an infectious funky beat, that has a mix of early Jamiroquai and Incubus vibes.
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The Latest Fallout - Single Review: Love On The Ceiling
04 Aug 2017 // review by butch181
The Latest Fallout are a Hamilton act that fall along the Alt-Rock/Alt-Pop veins, with a style of music that focuses on the happier, more positive-emotion topics when it comes to their lyrical content. You could quite easily compare their style to the likes of Paramore, AFI, or Fall Out Boy, though their style has moved slightly away from the guitar focus, towards atmospheric keys and synth more recently.
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Mishap - Single Review: Hey, Allie!
04 Aug 2017 // review by butch181
Mishap's latest release Hey, Allie! is the best definition of pop punk; minimal lyrics, with a lot of repetition, with a simple chord progression and standard timing.
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Mitch Alderlieste - Single Review: New Fire
04 Aug 2017 // review by butch181
Mitch Alderlieste's latest release, New Fire, is a musical mix of rock genres. With an opening verse that is reminiscent of the soundtrack to the 90's and 00's teen coming-of-age movies, the chorus takes on more of a bluesy rock vibe, which goes well with Alderlieste's deep and husky vocals.
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Skinny Hobos - INSIDE THE MUSIC: Skinny Hobos
11 Jul 2017 // interview by butch181
In our latest episode of www.muzic.
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Gig Review: Dragonforce @ The Kings Arms, Auckland - 01/07/2017
04 Jul 2017 // review by butch181
Sitting in the car in the car park, the clouds had let loose a torrent of rain, with 10 minutes until doors open, already there was a line of at least 60 people standing out in the rain waiting to get inside and stake their position up front of the stage.Not long after the crowd has started to filter in, the first opening band takes to the stage, Stormforge.
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Dead Favours - INSIDE THE MUSIC: Dead Favours
02 Jul 2017 // interview by butch181
Alex Moulton and Chris Morgan sat down with Charlie Smith and Ross Larsen of Dead Favours to discuss their debut single, Dig, and upcoming shows, taking a look Inside The Music.You can watch the video over on YouTube or read the interview below: Alex (Interviewer); Welcome to Inside the Music.
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Interview: Dragonforce - 'Reaching Into Infinity' Tour
29 Jun 2017 // interview by butch181
Ahead of their NZ tour, promoting the release of their seventh studio album Reaching into Infinity, Dragonforce took the time to answer a few questions: What do you like to do outside of music that contributes musically; in essence, what hobbies do you turn to in order to rejuvenate your creativity? Sam (guitarist): Video games , I collect pinballs and drinking (and whatever goes along with drinking … travelling etc!
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Ravenhall - Single Review: My Love
28 Jun 2017 // review by butch181
The artwork for this single is actually a bit out of place. It gives a more intense rock appearance than what the track provides.
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Curlys Jewels - INSIDE THE MUSIC: Curlys Jewels
27 Jun 2017 // interview by butch181
Alex Moulton and Chris Morgan sat down with Curlys Jewels to discuss their mini-tour and new EP The Skin We Shed and dive in for a look Inside The Music.You can watch the video over on YouTube or read the interview below: Alex (Interviewer): Today we have Curlys Jewels.
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The Traditional Aliens - Album Review: Infinity
15 Jun 2017 // review by butch181
Infinity has an angelic calmness to their music. The debut album garners close to an hours worth of material, split into nine tracks, three of which (Infinity, Caris' Land, and Reconnaissance 404) are split further into distinct parts.
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The Jordan Luck Band - Gig Review: The Jordan Luck Band @ The Brownzy, Auckland 27/05/2017
09 Jun 2017 // review by butch181
Heading into the Browns Bays Brownzy Sports Bar, the anticipation in the air was substantial. The venue was full, the bar was jammed; the only area that didn’t look over capacity was the outdoor smoking area.
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No Sky - Gig Review: No Sky @ The Wine Cellar, Auckland 24/05/2017
30 May 2017 // review by butch181
On a Wednesday evening I was invited along to an EP release at St Kevin’s Arcade, in the Wine Cellar; one of Auckland’s Karangahape road music venues. The release was an intimate affair, with the audience composed of the musicians, family and friends, and myself.
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INSIDE THE MUSIC: Kris from Coridian & JP from Armed in Advance
24 May 2017 // interview by butch181
Alex Moulton and Chris Morgan sat down with Kris Raven of Coridian and JP Carroll of Armed in Advance to discuss their upcoming tour with Curlys Jewels. You can watch the video over on YouTube or read the interview below: Alex: Today you’re here to talk to us about your bands and an upcoming tour with Curlys Jewels at the end of NZ Music Month.
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Tablefox - EP Review: Glass Houses
19 May 2017 // review by butch181
The Glass Houses EP starts out with an instrumental introduction. A three minute long track that begins with keys and a quiet, gentle and fragile guitar riff, but is then joined by a second louder, more abrupt guitar.
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Clap Clap Riot - Gig Review: Clap Clap Riot @ REC, Auckland, 05/05/2017
14 May 2017 // review by butch181
It has been many years since I have heard from Clap Clap Riot. Probably a consequence of listening solely to The Rock FM when it comes to the radio, but with a new release, it seemed like I was overdue checking them out.
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Head Like A Hole - Gig Review: Head Like A Hole @ Galatos, Auckland 04/05/2017
14 May 2017 // review by butch181
Heading in to the venue, it was to be my first gig at Auckland's Galatos venue. Situated not too far away from the now-sold Kings Arms Tavern, and the currently for sale Wine Cellar and Whammy Bar, Galatos is in a prime position.
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Thomas Oliver - Gig Review: Thomas Oliver @ The Tuning Fork, Auckland 05/05/2017
07 May 2017 // review by butch181
On a lovely brisk Friday evening I find myself sitting outside of the Tuning Fork, adjacent to the recently renamed Spark Arena in Auckland. The skies dark but clear, as I wait by the gas heaters for the opening artist to take to the stage.
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Lucifer Gunne - EP Review: The Red King
04 May 2017 // review by butch181
An interesting short EP. Of the five tracks included, only three are of real substance, enclosed by the suitably named Intro and Outro.
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Checaine - Gig Review: Checaine @ Nivara Lounge, Hamilton 29/04/2017
01 May 2017 // review by butch181
Being an EP Release Party, I put in some extra effort and made my way down from Auckland to attend this Hamilton gig. Traffic was light, so the drive was pleasant - perhaps due to the lateness at which I was travelling.
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Dark Water - Dark Water Newsletter Interview
27 Apr 2017 // interview by butch181
Thanks Nathan (vocals & guitar for Dark Water) for taking the time to talk with us. Let’s start with the band.
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Gig Review: Alcest @ Whammy Bar, Auckland 24/04/2017
25 Apr 2017 // review by butch181
Alcest is a very recent discovery for me. Hailing all the way from Bagnols-sur-Cèzein France, I discovered their Australia/New Zealand tour by chance.
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Garden Party Riot - Gig Review: Garden Party Riot @ The Dogs Bollix, Auckland 20/04/2017
24 Apr 2017 // review by butch181
This trio took to the stage at Auckland’s Dogs Bollix, and they seemed a rather unassuming group. Apart from the vocalist, Paul Goddard, who dressed with a spiffy jacket and waistcoat in a look not dissimilar to Oasis and Beady Eye vocalist Liam Gallagher, the other members are dressed very casual in t-shirts and short sleeves.
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Tempist Fujit - Single Review: Midnight Train
13 Apr 2017 // review by butch181
This latest single from Tempist Fujit is best classified as an upbeat country pop rock piece. With a vibe that emanates in a similar way to Thirsty Merc's In The Summertime, Midnight Train has a meandering funky beat to it.
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Like A Storm - Gig Review: Alter Bridge @ The Powerstation, Auckland 31/01/2017
01 Apr 2017 // review by butch181
Waiting outside the venue, the crowd was in disarray. There was little communication from the venue staff, and general admission patrons were mingling with those that had purchased VIP tickets, and there was no clear system in place as to where people were to go.
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Hiboux - Album Review: Command the Earth to Swallow Me Up
12 Mar 2017 // review by butch181
With a similar style to such acts as Explosions in the Sky, Mono, and Jakob, Hiboux (pronounced ee-boo) are an instrumental post-rock group hailing from Wellington. Command the Earth to Swallow Me Up is an alluring release, with layers of instruments that provide a greater flexibility to adapt a track without disruption of the flow.
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I Am Giant - Gig Review: I Am Giant @ King Arms Tavern, Auckland - 09/03/2017
10 Mar 2017 // review by butch181
With the sale of the Kings Arms, many acts have started carrying out what could potentially be considered their contribution to the venue’s swansong. Having performed at the Jim Beam Homegrown last weekend, I Am Giant lined up a follow up show at Auckland’s King Arms Tavern, for what may be their last chance to grace the stage that has been a staple of the Kiwi music scene for over the years.
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Cheshire Grimm - EP Review: Rain or Shine
10 Mar 2017 // review by butch181
Cheshire Grimm provide quite an eclectic mix of sounds in their Rain or Shine EP release. Their opening track, Slave to the Grind starts with a grungy bassy riff, which swiftly switches to some jazzy saxophone with some clean distorted guitars.
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The Vibes - EP Review: Wrap You In The Sun
09 Mar 2017 // review by butch181
It’s always fun to keep an ear out for contestants of broadcasted talent shows, such as The Voice, or New Zealand Idol, as it’s interesting to see whether the shows are able to properly provide the exposure needed to make a career of music, or whether the artists have their 15 minutes of fame and fade into obscurity Brendon Thomas and the Vibes, a three piece hailing from Auckland, made a name for themselves by securing the third position in X Factor New Zealand in 2015, and the only band in X Factor history to make to the grand finale. Fast-forward two years later and they are preparing for the release of their EP, Wrap You In The Sun.
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Gig Review: Jim Beam Homegrown @ TSB Arena, Wellington - 04/03/2017
07 Mar 2017 // review by butch181
For the tenth year, Homegrown has graced the Wellington waterfront providing punters with a glut of musical acts from around the country. This year, 45 Kiwi groups graced the six various stages performing to another sold out crowd on what turned out to be a beautiful day, both musically and weather-wise.
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Decades - Single Review: I Was With Him
14 Feb 2017 // review by butch181
I Was With Him is the definition of New Zealand music. It has the highly melodic (but more importantly) deep notes that perfectly illustrate the New Zealand accent we are famous for, and a simple musical structure that transcends genres from pop to rock, but focuses on vocals and lyrical content over musical technicality.
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Godzilla Takes New York - EP Review: Godzilla Takes New York
08 Feb 2017 // review by butch181
Many a famous star has said that Rock and Metal are dead, but releases like this are capable of reigniting that flame of passion. Godzilla Takes New York is an Auckland metalcore quintet, which despite having the common band arrangement (rhythm, lead, bass, drums, and vocals), their sound has a refreshing zeal.
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Into Orbit - Album Review: Unearthing
07 Feb 2017 // review by butch181
The first thing that I noticed when I was made aware of this release was the artwork. A superb piece, that offers a sensation of isolation, desolation, and repossession, with a natural splendour.
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Gig Review: Opeth @ The Powerstation, Auckland 02/02/2017
03 Feb 2017 // review by butch181
Credit where credit is due, the night was well executed. I arrived on site half an hour before doors opened, and the lines of fans waiting to get in stretched as far as the eye could see (and presumably around the corner too).
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Disjecta Membra - Album Review: Songs To Scattered Symbols
03 Feb 2017 // review by butch181
The concept of a split release is something I have only been recently made aware of, and yet it seems like a brilliant marketing tool. In this case, it is being used as limited edition merchandise for a tour, providing three new and exclusive tracks from each band participating on the tour.
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Starving Millions - Gig Review: Starving Millions @ Whammy Bar, Auckland 28/01/2017
29 Jan 2017 // review by butch181
It has been several years since I last attended a punk concert, so I was pleased to have the opportunity come up to see what hardcore punk was being churned out these days. The show ended up being quite an intimate affair in a lower floor beneath St Kevin’s Arcade on Karangahape Road.
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