22 May 2013
Spartacus R - When The Fever Takes Hold - Debut Release
15 Feb 2009 // A review by johnsoncraigsbc
The locally anticipated debut release from Wellingtons own Spartacus R is finally here. After becoming regionally acclaimed over the past six years their debut full-length album “When The Fever Takes Hold” is looking to rouse devotees and new listeners alike.
The physical album design is somewhat refreshing. The innards are far more exciting than the front however, even if they are reminiscent of Pearl Jams ‘No Code’ Polaroid style inserts. And although it’s probably not even relevant anymore, it is one of those CDs that you can’t fit into your CD holder. Just saying.
I can’t say I’m a big fan of the vocals on this album. Not so much the way they are constructed, as the singing is at times quite beautiful, but the way they are presented. I wasn’t over the moon with them breaking up the long, journeying soundscapes. Although they were pretty awesome during ‘Get On Gone’, which reminded me of something that Sonic Youth would deliver, and I can imagine them creating a much more dynamic live performance.
The albums title track captures everything I fancy on this album. It’s long, and the harsh, ethereal guitaring is some of the best of the entire release.
‘Foxbug and Snail’ is an engaging track that has lavish amounts of ambient segments, and if Spartacus R has managed to capture their live performance on their album, then their live show is definitely going to live up to its notorious hype.
Spartacus R is unquestionably going to be worth checking out on their current nation wide album release tour.
3.5/5
Craig Johnson
The locally anticipated debut release from Wellingtons own Spartacus R is finally here. After becoming regionally acclaimed over the past six years their debut full-length album “When The Fever Takes Hold” is looking to rouse devotees and new listeners alike.The physical album design is somewhat refreshing. The innards are far more exciting than the front however, even if they are reminiscent of Pearl Jams ‘No Code’ Polaroid style inserts. And although it’s probably not even relevant anymore, it is one of those CDs that you can’t fit into your CD holder. Just saying.
I can’t say I’m a big fan of the vocals on this album. Not so much the way they are constructed, as the singing is at times quite beautiful, but the way they are presented. I wasn’t over the moon with them breaking up the long, journeying soundscapes. Although they were pretty awesome during ‘Get On Gone’, which reminded me of something that Sonic Youth would deliver, and I can imagine them creating a much more dynamic live performance.
The albums title track captures everything I fancy on this album. It’s long, and the harsh, ethereal guitaring is some of the best of the entire release.
‘Foxbug and Snail’ is an engaging track that has lavish amounts of ambient segments, and if Spartacus R has managed to capture their live performance on their album, then their live show is definitely going to live up to its notorious hype.
Spartacus R is unquestionably going to be worth checking out on their current nation wide album release tour.
3.5/5
Craig Johnson
Tweet
About Spartacus R
"I am completely musically `turned on` by Spartacus R. Their music is is well crafted and intricately sincere. Fresh, contemporary retro, and completely unpredictable...Beautiful." -- Warren Maxwell, Founding member TrinityRoots, Fat Freddys Drop and The Little Bushmen.
"I've seen Spartacus R grow over the last 5 or so years and have always found their sound exciting, challenging and thoroughly enchanting. I was honored to help them produce their first full-length album and feel that it has truly captured something special, something that often only gets heard in a live environment. Sit back in a comfy chair with a nice drink, turn off the phone and let it envelope you. This album is something special, it won't appeal to everyone, but it is the kind of music that everyone should listen to." -- Lee Prebble, Audio Engineer, The Surgery.
Visit the muzic.net.nz Profile for Spartacus R
Other Reviews By johnsoncraigsbc
Samuel Flynn Scott - Straight Answer Machine
28 May 2008 // by johnsoncraigsbc
Stepping away from electronic Americana and heading towards tropical folk, ‘Straight Answer Machine’ is Samuel Flynn Scotts’ second solo performance that supports his song writing potential. ‘Straight Answer Machine’ leads us on a mystical journey through his ideological landscapes and on through good hard times.
Read More...
An Emerald City - Debut, Self Titled E.P.
15 Apr 2008 // by johnsoncraigsbc
An Emerald City showcases mastery musicianship with a seamless blend of traditional instruments, spawning an easy listening, instrumental collaboration of styles in this self titled, debut extended play. Commencing the four track E.
Read More...
Recloose- Perfect Timing
14 Apr 2008 // by johnsoncraigsbc
Recloose has been busy and after such previous success, the now internationally exalted producer and DJ has brought a new touch to living room and club dance with ‘Perfect Timing’, taking a few pages out of the eighties in the process. Starting the album with Rachel Frasier and the mellow sophistication of ‘Catch A Leaf’ is the perfect way to precede the dismal post eighties revival that is ‘Robop’.
Read More...
Crash Test For Favourite Things - We all want to be just like you.
31 Mar 2008 // by johnsoncraigsbc
We all want to be just like you- Crash Test For Favourite Things The general aesthetic of Crash Test for Favourite Things has matured since their debut, self titled album, and the cover art captures some of the imagery that is apparent in the music wonderfully. It speaks innocence and injustice.
Read More...
Lawrence Arabia: Live Gig @ Happy 08 Feb 2008
13 Feb 2008 // by johnsoncraigsbc
Thursday night at Happy was packed, and for good reason. For ‘it’ man Liam Finn was due to support Lawrence Arabia, who threw two nights of fun filled music with all his friends.
Read More...
The Phoenix Foundation - Happy Ending
20 Dec 2007 // by johnsoncraigsbc
After such success from ‘Pegasus’ it was exciting to hear what direction The Phoenix Foundation had taken with their new album- 'Happy Ending'. I like the album and its casual holiday appeal, with up beat happy tunes like ‘Bright Grey’ and ‘Bleaching Sun’, but opening singles aside; the album showcases all of the song writing talent that is The Phoenix Foundation.
Read More...
The Phoenix Foundation - Wellington Opera House 17/11/2007
19 Nov 2007 // by johnsoncraigsbc
On Saturday night The Phoenix Foundation played at the Opera House in Wellington as part of their Happy Ending tour. Because of the recent success from their newly released album ‘Happy Ending’ I was excepting another great show from the Wellington lads who seldom disappoint.
Read More...
The Deadly Deaths- Debut Album
24 Jun 2007 // by johnsoncraigsbc
Although the name doesn’t suggest it, The Deadly Deaths debut album is soothing and articulate, like a pre planned walk in the park with a close friend or relative. I find myself subconsciously listening to this album, but moments like the whaling guitar in ‘Deadline’ really capture your attention.
Read More...
Most Viewed Artists
Gigs Today
- Tenacious D
THE BEDFORD @ CPSA BUIDLING - Battle of the Bands - Semi 3
KINGS ARMS TAVERN - Battle of the Bands - Semi 3
THE JUICE BAR @ WINDSOR CASTLE - Indigo Wolf
DARK ROOM - Mantis
DUX LIVE - Nadia Reid
THE MOORINGS - Von D (FRA)
SANDWICHES - NZ Music Month Gig
ARANUI LIBRARY - Massive Explosion
MIGHTY MIGHTY - Paperscissors
BODEGA
Latest Galleries
NZ Top 10 Singles
- BLURRED LINES
Robin Thicke feat. TI And Pharrell - GET LUCKY
Daft Punk feat. Pharrell - LET HER GO
Passenger - RADIOACTIVE
Imagine Dragons - AFRICA
Toto - ROYALS
Lorde - FEEL THIS MOMENT
Pitbull feat. Christina Aguilera - CAN'T HOLD US
Macklemore And Ryan Lewis feat. Ray Dalton - MIRRORS
Justin Timberlake - SKINNY LOVE
Birdy
More Content on muzic.net.nz
Google Site Search
Custom Search
100% New Zealand Music
All content on this website is copyright to muzic.net.nz and other respective rights holders. Redistribution of any material presented here without permission is prohibited.
Report A Problem
