Bulletbelt - Album Review: Warlords
07 Jul 2020 // review by Kerry Monaghan
Since 2009 Bulletbelt have been annihilating the eardrums of metal heads across New Zealand. In the eleven years since their emergence, they’ve seen and done a lot including international touring, band line-up changes and three solid albums including three EP’s and three singles.
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Thousand Limbs - EP Review: Mara
19 Apr 2020 // review by Kerry Monaghan
Thousand Limbs is an Auckland instrumental Metal/Doom quartet that formed in 2016. Very quickly, you’ll find they take you on a journey without ever leaving the house, which is about as good as it gets in these trying times.
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Deprivacy - EP Review: N/A (Never Accepted)
10 Mar 2020 // review by Kerry Monaghan
Deprivacy is the one man metal act of musician, Robbie Scott, hailing from Christchurch. If that name doesn’t sound familiar; don’t worry, it soon will be if this EP if anything to go by.
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The Tacks - Single Review: One Last Goodbye
05 Feb 2020 // review by Kerry Monaghan
Hailing from Christchurch and featuring members of local Punk bands Nervous Jerk, Zhukov, Mental Fatal and Blame Thrower is the New Wave/Goth/Post Punk outfit, The Tacks. Having formed in 2019, their sound is a combination of 80's synth with a definitive punk rhythm and a whole lot of goth.
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Domes - Single Review: The Futurist
09 Jan 2020 // review by Kerry Monaghan
The new single from Domes is here. Another slab of brilliance that reaches new heights for the start of 2020.
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Domes - Single Review: Malady
19 Nov 2019 // review by Kerry Monaghan
Established as a bold, creative adventure with the goal of creating a record from scratch, from the opposite end of the world and all within one year, is a brave statement, let alone something to follow through with. Radically, it seems to be working if Domes' debut single, Malady is anything to go by.
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Deathnir - Album Review: Second Sin
09 Jul 2018 // review by Kerry Monaghan
Deathnir (pronounced Death Near) are a four-piece thrash outfit from Hamilton and have recently released their long awaited second release, Second Sin. For anyone familiar with Deathnir's sound, you’d know that their musical influences are everything that is good in the world of metal; Megadeth, Metallica, Judas Priest etc, and while you might be thinking that anyone who tries their hand at thrash metal might just be ripping off said artists, a carbon copy of noise, well your kind of wrong.
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Mild Orange - Album Review: Foreplay
01 May 2018 // review by Kerry Monaghan
If there was one sentence that summed up Mild Orange’s sound and choice of name, it would be this, in their own words: ‘The colour orange can cause one to experience a heightened sense of optimism, a boost in aspiration, and a stimulation of warmth and happiness’  Mild Orange are a self-confessed melting pot of eclectic melodies, energy and vibrancy with smooth sounds. Hailing from Dunedin and formed by early childhood friends, Josh Mehrtens and Josh Reid, they were quickly catapulted into the music scene after only one gig together, which soon lead to a NYE set at Rhythm and Vines during the recording of their debut album, Foreplay, which leads us here.
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Thomas Oliver - Album Review: Live at the Crystal Palace
21 Mar 2018 // review by Kerry Monaghan
Thomas Oliver has been around for some time, and if you haven’t ever heard of him, where have you been all these years? It’s time you take note and listen.
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Ghost Who Walks - Single Review: Vertigo
28 Feb 2018 // review by Kerry Monaghan
Ghost Who Walks is the brilliance of Wellington born Guitarist, Singer and Songwriter Sam Fowles, backed by his band who play under the moniker, ‘The Ghost’ Ghost Who Walks are straight up funky blues with a host of influences ranging from Jimi Hendrix, Red Hot Chili Peppers and Sublime. Combined with a heavy, tight rhythm section and reggae and rock overtones and you have the perfect blend that moves the mind, soul, and more importantly, the body.
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JCK - Album Review: Glass
01 Feb 2018 // review by Kerry Monaghan
JCK or James Castady-Kristament, a name familiar to most, especially here at Muzic.net.
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The Knee High Socks - EP Review: The Knee High Socks
21 Dec 2017 // review by Kerry Monaghan
The Knee High Socks are an Auckland high school quartet that formed in 2015. Their sound is self-confessed indie, ‘math rock’, but not exactly pop, and they have just released their first self-titled EP.
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Bulletbelt - Album Review: Nine Centuries
05 Dec 2017 // review by Kerry Monaghan
Wellington Metallers Bulletbelt are back and bring with them, their third full length release, Nine Centuries. Bulletbelt are no strangers to the Wellington Metal scene and have been kicking around for years, with a lot of respect within their genre.
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The Hopkinsville Goblins - Album Review: The Hopkinsville Goblins
01 Nov 2017 // review by Kerry Monaghan
The Hopkinsville Goblins are Back! The Wellingtonian's self-titled album is their second intergalactic collaboration of quirky sound effects, samples and lyrical connotations with continued exploration of everything out of the ordinary with that familiar shambolic confusion that is entirely their own.
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Happy Hearse - Album Review: Mastering the Shakes
03 Oct 2017 // review by Kerry Monaghan
It happens, but not as often as I’d like, that I’ll come across a hidden gem that manages to blow my mind, musically and lyrically and leaves me feeling completely satisfied with undulated happiness and excitement.   Mastering the Shakes is the 2009 debut from the self- proclaimed grunge phenomenon band, Happy Hearse.
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Gig Review: Pukekohe High School Compilation Release Gig @ Pukekohe High School - 06/09/2017
11 Sep 2017 // review by Kerry Monaghan
Little Leviathan are three talented teenagers from Pukekohe High school who are on the road to great things with their brand of foot stomping Heavy Rock. The band is just one of the many talents to come out of Pukekohe High, and part of the school’s music project Mondays Rock, a programme aimed at encouraging and supporting budding musicians and artists in the school.
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Sea Mouse - Album Review: Sea Mouse
01 Sep 2017 // review by Kerry Monaghan
Sea Mouse is the solo project of Wellington Singer/Songwriter, Seamus Johnson. A musician who is no stranger to Wellington’s live music scene with an impressive ten-year track record performing as an artist and with other bands.
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Aaron Carpenter and The Revelators - Album Review: Pretty Lies
13 Aug 2017 // review by Kerry Monaghan
Bluesy, gritty and honest with plenty of swag best describes Aaron Carpenter and The Revelators’ debut album, Pretty Lies. The quintet hail from Waiheke Island, also known as "wine island", only a ferry ride away from the bright lights of Auckland.
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No Sky - EP Review: i
05 Jun 2017 // review by Kerry Monaghan
Indie is an interesting genre of music. I think of it like a seeing an experimental piece of art.
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Mishap - EP Reivew: Not Feeling This
01 May 2017 // review by Kerry Monaghan
Mishap are back with their second EP, Not Feeling This, and straightaway, I have to say, I really dig this band. It’s my first introduction to these punk power pop trio from Wellington, and they have been kicking around since early last year (2016).
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Kenington - Album Review: Going Nowhere (Faster Than You)
27 Mar 2017 // review by Kerry Monaghan
Going Nowhere (Faster Than You) is the debut album from UK born, Auckland based musician, Kenington. A slab of pure honesty and melody is laced throughout the eleven tracks coupled with refined lyrical ability gives this album a soft and quite beautiful feel.
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Tablefox - Single Review: Under A Broken Smile
23 Nov 2016 // review by Kerry Monaghan
On the eve of their forthcoming EP, Tablefox are back with their new single, Under A Broken Smile. If you’re a fan Tablefox’s sound, you’ll hear another slab of perfectly crafted indie rock, tinged with melody and oozing sweetness.
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Bakers Eddy - Single Review: Big Man
02 Nov 2016 // review by Kerry Monaghan
Wellington Rockers Bakers Eddy are back with their latest single, Big Man. Their signature sound of rise and fall crescendo’s, crunchy riffs and sing-a-long vocals is what makes Bakers Eddy such a great band to listen to.
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The Hopkinsville Goblins - Album Review: Posts From Planet Earth
26 Aug 2016 // review by Kerry Monaghan
The Hopkinsville Goblins are a Wellington artist/band representing a mish mash of genres under the guise of Alternative Rock, but in many ways, vary far from that. It’s a little difficult to pinpoint whether the Hopkinsville Goblins are merely a gimmick, or actually serious with this album, Posts From Planet Earth.
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Ceolskog - Album Review: Made In My Bedroom 2
19 Aug 2016 // review by Kerry Monaghan
The second coming of Made In My Bedroom 2 from Ceolskog, AKA Adam Helliwell is another superbly crafted slab of Folk Metal, tinged with uniqueness and filled with potential. Following on from its predecessor, Adam has stepped up to the plate and come forth with a more riff laden album.
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Violet Highway - Single/Video Review: Desire
20 Jul 2016 // review by Kerry Monaghan
Violet Highway is an up and coming, infectious Auckland band with some seriously swag sounds and a cool look to boot. In their latest single, Desire, depicting a night in the lift of a lone Taxi driver (or Uber driver!
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Villainy - Gig Review: Villainy @ Galatos, Auckland - 16/04/2016
29 Apr 2016 // review by Kerry Monaghan
Galatos is an almost hidden secret venue when you consider its location, but I was pleasantly surprised with its vast interior once inside. With great acoustics, it was a great spot to be catching Villainy as part of their Dead Sight tour around the country, along with City of Souls and Decades.
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His Masters Voice - Gig Review: The Forge Of His Masters Downfall @ Kings Arms, Auckland - 5/03/2016
17 Mar 2016 // review by Kerry Monaghan
The warm air and the promise of a great line up set the night for The Forge Of His Masters Downfall at the Kings Arms March 5th. A clever play on words featuring all three bands in the title (can you guess them all?
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Ctrl Freak - Album Review: In Retrospect
06 Dec 2015 // review by Kerry Monaghan
Originating from Auckland, Ctrl Freak is a self-produced project by musician Richie Bennett. In Retrospect is his first solo album and straight off the bat, it is nothing short of spectacular.
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BigBomBo - EP Review: BigBomBo
26 Nov 2015 // review by Kerry Monaghan
Auckland newcomers, BigBomBo are Rock n Roll titans with a Spanish flair. Their debut five track EP recorded earlier this year is an eclectic medley of great riffs and melody that is infectious, leaving your head bobbing and toes tapping.
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Ekko Park - Album Review: Know Hope
29 Oct 2015 // review by Kerry Monaghan
Nominated for best Rock Album at the 2013 New Zealand Music Awards is an achievement many New Zealand bands hope to have at least once in their career. For Auckland band, Ekko Park, it came a lot sooner than anticipated.
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Gig Review: Metalliance - The Paradox Tour 2015 @ Kings Arms, Auckland - 25/10/15
27 Oct 2015 // review by Kerry Monaghan
The future of Hard Rock and Heavy Metal Touring and Promotion has launched! Before I had even set eyes upon this much needed event/music promotion, I too had often pondered the hope that something new and exciting in Music Promotion would come in the near future.
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Hunt The Witch - EP Review: Into The Black
08 Oct 2015 // review by Kerry Monaghan
Hunt The Witch are an Auckland quartet who unabashedly make great Rock music. For this I thank them.
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Stretch to Mould - EP Review: Painting Faces
11 Sep 2015 // review by Kerry Monaghan
Stretch To Mould are no strangers to releasing good rock music. Their debut album Shadows was released in 2012 and packed a solid punch of hard hitting riffs and was laced with melody, but now they’re back again with a bigger sound and if you haven’t heard their music yet, now would be a good time to pay attention.
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Bakers Eddy - EP Review: Plastic Wasteland
01 Aug 2015 // review by Kerry Monaghan
Bakers Eddy hail from Windy Wellington, and their debut EP has just landed to my awaiting ears. Plastic Wasteland shows the capabilities of a young band who have worked solidly to become a tightly oiled machine with infectious riffs, melodies and flair.
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Illuminus - Album Review: Until The End (Remastered)
14 Jul 2015 // review by Kerry Monaghan
Explosive, heavy and fast sums up Auckland trio’s Illuminus and their assault of noise that descends as opening track, The Machine erupts into life. Illuminus have decided to go back and re-master their 2012 debut album, Until The End.
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Mucus Kids - EP Review: Mosh 4 Jesus
18 Jun 2015 // review by Kerry Monaghan
Unabashedly crude yet oddly fantastic. Auckland trio Mucus Kids have released their newest EP, Mosh 4 Jesus and it’s a brilliant assault on the eardrums.
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Cheshire Grimm - EP Review: Cheshire Grimm
06 Jun 2015 // review by Kerry Monaghan
Hamilton/Melbourne trio Cheshire Grimm are ones to watch with the flurry of attention surrounding their debut self titled EP that was released a few months ago. A wicked blend of genres can be heard from rock, pop and metal.
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Armed In Advance - Interview: Stitches
27 Dec 2014 // interview by Kerry Monaghan
Stitches are performing at the Music is Dead launch party on 17 January 2015 alongside Fire At Will, Static Era and Dead End Boys. Kerry interviewed Hugh (bass) about their 2014 EP Harder Times and their plans for the future.
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Black River Drive - Quicksand Album Review
31 Oct 2014 // review by Kerry Monaghan
Quicksand is Kiwi rockers Black River Drive’s most recent release. It’s a decent hit of hard driven riffs, melody and everything that made you like them in the first place.
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The Datsuns - Bad Taste Single Review
25 Sep 2014 // review by Kerry Monaghan
The first single to be lifted from Kiwi favourites, The Datsuns' sixth album, Deep Sleep, is sure to please. With a hilarious and really well done Claymation video (with the band all looking like they have dreadlocks) the single, Bad Taste is a foot stomper of a tune with classic Dolf De Borst trademark throaty vocals and booming riffs.
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This Flight Tonight - Never After Video/Single Review
29 Aug 2014 // review by Kerry Monaghan
A beautifully simplistic song and video clip sums up this delicate gem by artist, Ralph Warren Engle. The video depicts the acoustic guitar playing Engle inside a home, intercut with segments of a happy, smiling woman, who often looks contemplative.
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Nick Ferretti - Never Leave Your Lover Alone Album Review
20 Jul 2014 // review by Kerry Monaghan
The name may not be familiar to some, but his voice will be. Listening to Nick Ferretti, you stop, whatever it is you’re doing and just listen.
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Five Mile Town - Other Ghosts EP Review
29 Nov 2013 // review by Kerry Monaghan
Bittersweet expectations - two words that spring to mind on the first listen of Auckland quartet, Five Mile Town. A strong vibe of Mumford and Sons blends effortlessly with some heavy rock overtones on stand out on fourth track- Cigar and a 78, a stellar song that shows the bands true mark, and by far my favourite.
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Needless Cane - The Sun Did Not Shine EP Review
23 Jul 2013 // review by Kerry Monaghan
Alternative metal in Wellington is not a dying scene; in fact, it’s very much alive when you have local act, Needless Cane and the release of their latest offering, The Sun Did Not Rise. This seven track EP brings that heavy, yet melodic sound that conjures up instant dark imagery and blackness, before swiftly bringing a strong industrial sound that finishes off the last three tracks.
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The Diamond Dead - Plus None EP Review
03 Jun 2013 // review by Kerry Monaghan
EP’s are perfect for the reason that they leave you wanting more as soon as the last track finishes, but you’re left with the feeling that it wasn’t long enough to placate your ears. If you have never experienced that feeling, you will with Hawkes Bay foursome, Diamond Doll band.
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Melic - Nowhere I'd Rather Be EP Review
19 May 2012 // review by Kerry Monaghan
It’s easy to see why London based Kiwi rockers, Melic have opted 'Nowhere I’d Rather Be' for their first single off their upcoming third EP, also named 'Nowhere I’d Rather Be'. The first thing that catches your attention is the simple but infectious soft hook, laden with melody, that gives way to some catchy strong vocals, from vocalist and guitarist, Mark Hitchcock.
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Burning Embers - Open Road Demo EP Review
05 Mar 2012 // review by Kerry Monaghan
If the sound of heavy drums, crunchy riffs and melody catches your ear, then look no further than Wainuiomata rockers, Burning Embers. Despite being unsigned, the seasoned musicians have been around for a good three to four years, gigging almost anywhere they can and rocking out audiences with their mix of heavy rock, tinged with toe tapping melody and lots of impressive solo’s that would give Slash a run for his money.
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The Flaming Mudcats - Gave You What You Wanted Album Review
03 Dec 2011 // review by Kerry Monaghan
Otis Redding, Leadbelly, Muddy Waters, just some of the late greats of 1950’s American Blues. Fast forward to New Zealand 2011, and The Flaming Mudcats could soon be amongst them.
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Bond Street Bridge - Spring Summer Awesome Winter Album Review
16 Oct 2011 // review by Kerry Monaghan
As a self confessed novice to some styles of the Indie genre, I wasn’t sure what to expect when popping in Bond Street Bridge’s second effort; Spring Summer Awesome Winter, but I was pleasantly surprised at the unique melody and softness of opening track ‘Aimless’ with its Mark Lanegan-esque style vocals that is suited to the blues/indie folk genre; one man band wonder, Sam Prebble is the man with the voice, string arrangements, mandolin and guitars behind Spring Summer... his follow up album to 2008’s The Mapmakers’ Art.
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Acoustic Gig @ Bar Medusa, 18 August 2011
04 Sep 2011 // review by Kerry Monaghan
A freezing cold and windy Thursday night did little to deter the crowd from a hearty acoustic set courtesy of NZ Live Entertainment at Medusa. A last minute change of plan saw Darrel Vickers, vocalist for bands; Funkacybin and Smashed Potatoes (the latter originally scheduled to play) bash out a beautiful acoustic set of originals with awe and depth.
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Kyuss Lives! @ Hunter Lounge, Wellington - Sunday May 15 2011
25 May 2011 // review by Kerry Monaghan
Stoner rock, desert rock, acid rock; doesn't matter what you call it, there's no mistaking the sound of Kyuss when they hit the Hunter Lounge in Wellington, Sunday Night. The Hunter Lounge is a venue I'm not familiar with, located within Victoria University grounds, it boasts its own cafe and bar; a pretty classy place during the day, come nightfall and it transforms into the perfect venue for gigs, comedy nights and other events.
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