Rob Joass has been busy working on his solo project, and his new single Souvenir from his upcoming album Pencarrow will be released early 2019. You can find this single on Rob's Bandcamp page.
Souvenir starts off with some folk style guitars with the full band gradually fading in. There are some fantastic instruments layered within this song, giving it a real point of difference. It's great to hear an accordion and banjo style guitars. I found the Snare Drum was too quiet, it needed more snap to it. The vocals are exceptional and remind me of some of the legendary bands from the 80's, especially Dexy's Midnight Runners.
Souvenir would make an outstanding live song, and it's great for dancing along to. Rob leads the band with his strong and unique vocals which hold the song together nicely. The backing vocals also sound great as they harmonise with the main vocals. With more time spent on the mixing and mastering this track could have been stronger.
The band has the goods, with layers of sound and brilliant vocals to entertain the masses. Souvenir is catchy with brilliant lyrics and a country music style. I'm looking forward to hearing the whole album in 2019.
Rob Joass writes compulsively, tours incessantly, teaches guitar, produces albums, and can be found behind a mixing desk live and in the studio when time allows.
Rob moved to New Zealand from his native Sydney over 25 years ago. Since then he has maintained a consistently high profile in folk music circles in New Zealand, having released 10 albums with his bands Hobnail, Too Many Chiefs and The Shot Band, and touring the country regularly. He has been a finalist at the NZ music awards 3 times (twice for best country song, once for best folk album) and has had songs covered by bands in New Zealand and Canada.