Changes in secondary education point towards project based and /or big picture learning approaches which attempts, among other things, to replicate ‘real world situations and experiences. The idea being that learning would involve many curriculum linking into a project or experience. Music, of course, is always at the forefront of educational innovation, and an example of what such a thing might look like is this release from Waiuku College, who must be something of a well-oiled machine now, following up from last year's strong effort.

It's a cast of many, under the direction and production of Head of Music Ben Ruegg, and the end result is a large serving-21 tracks- covering a range of student experience and influence. Educators take this as a given, but many might find the level of maturity something of a surprise, both in terms of musical sophistication and lyrical content. So even when the work tends toward the generic (Ms. Swift, take a bow, you are everywhere, it seems), which happens at times, those moments are far more workmanlike rather than cringeworthy.

Performances - particularly vocally - are strong, professional and feel like the work of an experienced team. If this group did a Fly My Pretties style touring revue with this material, this would a be a natural and worthwhile follow up project. A consistent factor through this collection is melodic strength, perhaps because of the dominant stylistic influences (Nashville pop-country in particular, but 90’s shoegaze /Britpop is there too-as well as more expected Hip-Hop and Dance). There is plenty of the ‘Big Chorus’ - never easy to do well-and consistently through the songs there is lyrical economy and real melodic craft. Many of these artists give a definite sense that following their output in the future would be rewarding.

This albums length and stylistic variation is either a strength or weakness depending on listener preference, and that is an unavoidable consequence given the context. Certainly, some of the contributors appear more than once - perhaps a separate release is deserved? One keeps coming back to that sense of maturity and honesty that shines through these tracks, making for musical moments of real quality here.

• 1
  Devilskin
• 2
  Coridian
• 3
  Skinny Hobos
• 4
  Take Hold
• 5
  Shihad
• 6
  Head Like A Hole
• 7
  Villainy
• 8
  L.A.B.
• 9
  Katchafire
• 10
  Like A Storm

• 
  Rise The Wicked @ The Local Te Rapa, Hamilton - 4/05/2024
• 
  Deathnir @ The Local Te Rapa, Hamilton - 4/05/2024
• 
  Saurian @ The Crown, Dunedin - 04/05/2024
• 
  Bunchy's Big Score @ The Crown, Dunedin - 04/05/2024

• 1
  TOO SWEET
  Hozier
• 2
  ESPRESSO
  Sabrina Carpenter
• 3
  FORTNIGHT
  Taylor Swift feat. Post Malone
• 4
  MILLION DOLLAR BABY
  Tommy Richman
• 5
  A BAR SONG (TIPSY)
  Shaboozey
• 6
  BEAUTIFUL THINGS
  Benson Boone
• 7
  I LIKE THE WAY YOU KISS ME
  Artemas
• 8
  I CAN DO IT WITH A BROKEN HEART
  Taylor Swift
• 9
  LOSE CONTROL
  Teddy Swims
• 10
  DOWN BAD
  Taylor Swift

• Privacy Policy
• Disclaimer
• Copyright Statement

• Contact
• Advertising
• About Us