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TOI - Single Review: Kiss the Sky

04 Nov 2017 // A review by LoraThompson

Wellington dub-rockers Tunes of I just never stop.


After a crazy couple of years touring their debut album Restless, they're back with the first single off what will be their third release, and EP called Wicked Ways – due for release on the 17th November.


The now 7 piece strong neo/dub/soul/psychedelia have come a long way in the 6 years since the core members met at New Zealand School of Music Wellington in 2011.


This track kicks in with a snare hit that sounds like it's about to go straight into a classic Kora track Burning, but then a groovy funk bass and a shuffle groove on the drums starts up, followed quickly by a catchy guitar lick.


The horns and vocals kick in later. At first the vocals didn't grab me. But then the pre-chorus kicks in, giving way to the harmony-rich chorus, which according to the press release is sung by all members of the band 'Hold on, you'll never really know if you give it up and throw it away, head strong, we're still flying for the moon' – tells an uplifting tale of persistence, perseverance and eventual reward, blended in with an existential crisis – some more psychedelic and questioning of existence within the verse lyrics.


The track gradually builds until it crescendos in the final chorus, ending on a 'I don't know where I'm going, but I'm going anyway.'


Working with Kiwi Dub veterans Lee Prebble and Barnaby Weir, it's certain that the forthcoming album will be an absolute killer EP.


If you're in Wellington catch them at the EP release party at San Fran on November 18th.

In the mean time you can stream Kiss the Sky on Spotify, Apple Music and all the regular places.  



Review written by Lora Thompson

 

About TOI

Born out of the famed New Zealand School of Music in 2011, the then three piece band has spent the last six years expanding their repertoire (and members) into a full seven piece ensemble. Featuring a solid backbone of drums, bass, vocals and guitars, and complemented by some of Wellington's finest horn players, TOI (Tunes of I) - is renowned around the country for their original, tight and refreshingly dynamic live performances.

Having recently celebrated six years as a band, TOI have been working hard to cement their place in the New Zealand music scene. Most notably, the past few years has seen the award-winning band advance in leaps and bounds from their humble beginnings. In 2014 they were recipients of funding from theaudience.co.nz, resulting in their music video Give In, which enjoyed more than six weeks on rotation on Edge TV. They then pursued more than 25 shows around the country in summer 2014/15, rivaled only by a tour of slightly more magnitude the following summer, which celebrated the release of their debut album Restless at the end of 2015.

Restless - the result of a Kickstarter campaign which raised more than $13 000 - was recorded in Surgery Studios by Lee Prebble, mastered by Mike Gibson of Munki Studios, and produced by Barnaby Weir of The Black Seeds and Fly My Pretties. Its release at the end of 2015 was celebrated with performances at Rhythm & Vines and Soundsplash, plus more than 25 shows around the country as support and headlining acts alike.

Visit the muzic.net.nz Profile for TOI

Releases

TOI
Year: 2021
Type: EP
Wicked Ways
Year: 2017
Type: EP
Restless
Year: 2015
Type: Album
Buy Online @ Mightyape
T.O.I
Year: 2014
Type: EP

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