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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Solo Ono - EP Review: Rogue Planet
28 Mar 2018 // review by Kerry Monaghan
Solo Ono are a Wellington two piece (and the occasional three-piece) indulging in some no-frills garage post pop with synth overtones, creating their own sound. Having been six years since their self-titled 2012 debut, Solo Ono have finally broken the drought with a new EP release- Rogue Planet.
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How To Human - Single Review: Devil in Your Pocket
06 Mar 2018 // review by Kerry Monaghan
How to Human are a four-piece rock assault hailing from Wellington, ready to unleash their edgy rock on unsuspecting audiences. Pushing the limits musically and lyrically, Devil in Your Pocket is their debut single, and from the first listen, it’s crisp and exciting.
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Happy Hearse - Album Review: Love and Work
22 Feb 2018 // review by Kerry Monaghan
Happy Hearse are back with their new album, Love and Work. If anyone is familiar with their debut album released last year, Mastering the Shakes, you’ll know how unique Happy Hearse’s sound is and the journey that awaits your ears.
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Intergracia - EP Review: Rise of The Incubus
31 Dec 2017 // review by Kerry Monaghan
Intergracia are a Kapiti/Wellington band, and as some may remember, formally known as Magnum Opus. They deliver powerful melodic metal that you’ll love from the start.
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Gig Review: Paul McCartney @ Mt Smart Stadium, Auckland - 16/12/2017
17 Dec 2017 // review by Kerry Monaghan
Opening with A Hard Day’s Night to thunderous applause and rapture, Paul McCartney didn’t waste any time in appeasing the thirty something thousand crowd that descended upon Mt Smart Stadium in Auckland last night. It was a perfect warm summer’s night with no wind that made for crystal clear acoustics, and a stage that was set up perfectly with two huge live feed screens so everyone, front, side and back got the chance to see Sir McCartney in all his glory.
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Undercut - EP Review: Take the Wheel
04 Dec 2017 // review by Kerry Monaghan
Undercut are a recently formed Auckland Rock outfit and have just released their debut four-track EP, Take the Wheel - an EP all about taking back control. Straight off the bat, it’s clear Undercut are seasoned musicians with their concise but sharp four tracks that are punchy and riff laden, with pinches of three genres, Rock, Indie and Metal.
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Beachware - EP Review: Twin Coast Disc Drive
11 Oct 2017 // review by Kerry Monaghan
Beachware are from Auckland and full of fun with their electric surf pop. Their bubble gum sound is typically Kiwi and has that real beach vibe blended with 80’s synth overtones.
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The Rock 1500 Countdown Party @ Powerstation, Auckland - 15/09/2017
18 Sep 2017 // review by Kerry Monaghan
One of the biggest nights for Rock fans recently came to an end, and while many celebrated with a well-deserved day off work to start their own festivities early, many more were fortunate to attend the place to be; The Rock’s first ever 1500 countdown party at Powerstation, Mount Eden. The beloved venue, no stranger to a Rock gig or two, was ready and waiting.
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New Age Leper - EP Review: The Day The Stranger Came
07 Sep 2017 // review by Kerry Monaghan
New Age Leper hail from Wellington and are something of a commodity with their eclectic sound of Rock with enough softness, that even small children would enjoy. Expecting the unexpected would sum it up the best.
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Ammp - EP Review: This Chaotic Symphony
29 Aug 2017 // review by Kerry Monaghan
Hailing from Wellington, Ammp is a four-piece, pop-rock, indie outfit full of melody, warmth and eagerly awaiting your listening ears. If you’re familiar with the band’s debut album, From The Back Of The Sun, you’ll recognise the same clear, harmonious vocals from Andrew Masseurs and the effortless musicianship from the rest of the band, Matthew Powell (guitars) Jason Murphy (bass) and Andrew Richardson (drums).
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Gig Review: Hanson @ Town Hall, Auckland - 27/06/17
28 Jun 2017 // review by Kerry Monaghan
Celebrating 25 years of Hanson togetherness, and 20 years since the release of their debut, Middle of Nowhere, the official Middle of Everywhere tour finally reached Auckland, and if you’ve ever been curious to hear what a few thousand (mostly female) screaming Hanson fans sounded like, then Auckland Town Hall was the place to be last night. The Town Hall is a majestic, beautiful heritage building with lavish Edwardian Baroque design and plush interior, there is a sense of something special when you see anything in such a spectacular setting and just added an extra touch of class to an outstanding night.
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Violet Highway - EP Review: Breathe
25 May 2017 // review by Kerry Monaghan
Auckland band Violet Highway have a new EP, and it’s a punch to the face, in a good way. The 5 track EP, Breathe, is an assault to the senses, making no apologies for its extreme catchiness and superb musicianship.
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Checaine - EP Review: Symbols
01 May 2017 // review by Kerry Monaghan
Hamilton rock quartet Checaine are back and they're making some noise about it. Their latest slab, Symbols is a follow up EP to their 2014 debut, Turn the Stone and my ears were not disappointed.
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Devilskin - Devilskin @ Stampede Bar and Grill, Papakura - 16/12/2016
23 Jan 2017 // review by Kerry Monaghan
For the first time, Stampede Bar and Grill in Papakura hosted its first Rock gig. The unlikely establishment, known more for its BBQ style cuisine and Friday night DJ’s, stepped out of the box with a night of difference.
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Devilskin - Album Review: Be Like The River
02 Nov 2016 // review by Kerry Monaghan
Devilskin are back and sounding more ferocious than before. Be Like The River is their new album, due for nationwide release on 11th November.
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GT42 - GT42 - Album Review: GT42
19 Sep 2016 // review by Kerry Monaghan
GT42 is a Wellington duo that deliver a hypnotic blend of edgy melodic rock that is flawless and brilliant. GT42 is their self titled debut album and is comprised of fourteen sublime tracks that defines their 80s and 90s crunchy riff laden melodies, with a tinge of pop.
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Tricks & Sleeves - Album Review: Locked Out Of Space
26 Aug 2016 // review by Kerry Monaghan
Locked Out Of Space is the debut album from indie rockers, Tricks & Sleeves, showcasing the bands ethereal Pop melodies and infectious hooks. Following on from their self-titled debut EP, Tricks & Sleeves seem to be going from strength to strength, and are a band that I hope are very aware of their talent and future potential.
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Ceolskog - Album Review: Made In My Bedroom
02 Aug 2016 // review by Kerry Monaghan
Ceolskog is the brain child of  solo artist Adam Helliwell and Made In My Bedroom, is, as the title suggests, a home made album.I'm always open to listening to genres that not often cross my path and I liked the cross pollination assault that Adam has created.
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Evangel - EP Review: Sea Of The Dead
29 Jun 2016 // review by Kerry Monaghan
If you haven't yet heard of Metalcore four-piece, Evangel, keeping read, you're about to find out. The quartet originally hail from Hamilton and formed in 2007.
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The Datsuns - Gig Review: The Datsuns @ Kings Arms, Auckand - 1/04/2016
15 Apr 2016 // review by Kerry Monaghan
It’s not easy getting them all in the same country at the same time, but back for the first time since 2014, Kiwi rock n roll pioneers, The Datsuns still know how to put on a damn good show and fill a crowd. Kicking off the night with support from Bloodbags.
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Tokyo Rock Machine - EP Review: Batteries Not Included
06 Jan 2016 // review by Kerry Monaghan
Tokyo Rock Machine are a three-piece London-based, Kiwi band with straight up and down good old Rock n Roll. This is their first EP, Batteries Not Included.
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Tablefox - Album Review: Objects
26 Nov 2015 // review by Kerry Monaghan
A superbly crafted album that is emotional and powerful. Tablefox are a five-piece rock band skilfully blending elements of indie, folk and pop to create in what I can only describe as a brilliant debut album.
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Helgorithms - EP Review: Realisation // Revelation
03 Nov 2015 // review by Kerry Monaghan
Helgorithms is a three piece metal assault on New Zealand’s music scene bringing a unique blend of experimental post metal to life. Their debut EP, Realisation // Revelation was released a few months ago but after discovering there had been no review done for this EP, I jumped at the chance.
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Sol3 Mio - Album Review: On Another Note
29 Oct 2015 // review by Kerry Monaghan
Sol3 Mio is possibly one of New Zealand’s finest classical music trio at the top of their game. While classical music isn’t my preferred genre I certainly can appreciate the musicianship in it, which is why I decided to take this review on.
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Hunt The Witch - Gig Review: Hunt The Witch @ Backbeat Bar, Auckland 10/10/15
12 Oct 2015 // review by Kerry Monaghan
For anyone who hasn’t yet ventured into the small but perfectly formed Backbeat Bar on K Road, be sure to go check it out. For a venue that’s very much blink and you’ll miss it, it’s quickly been added to my list of great music venues around Auckland.
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Villainy - Album Review: Dead Sight
16 Sep 2015 // review by Kerry Monaghan
Auckland rock monsters Villainy are back with a follow up to 2012’s debut, Mode. Set.
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Medusa Glare - Single Review: Rock Your World
19 Aug 2015 // review by Kerry Monaghan
Hamilton Rock outfit Medusa Glare may still be relatively new on the music scene, but they’re quickly gaining a following. Their second single, Rock Your World is good, insanely good.
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Sonic Delusion - Album Review: Without Warning
25 Jul 2015 // review by Kerry Monaghan
New Plymouth based band Sonic Delusion sound a little unexpected as their band name suggests, but upon listening I was pleasantly surprised by how easy it was to enjoy this album. Without Warning is the band’s not-yet-released third album, and it’s a sensual delight to the ears for anyone who enjoys folk with something a bit different.
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Illuminus - Album Review: Fading By Degrees
13 Jul 2015 // review by Kerry Monaghan
When Auckland band Illuminus released their debut, Until The End in 2012, it was their unique sound that received rave reviews by many. This latest offering, Fading By Degrees has the same progressiveness that will keep the fans happy.
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Gatherer - Album Review: Heavy Hail
18 Jun 2015 // review by Kerry Monaghan
Heavy Hail is a delicious album. A sensory overload of everything you want, and the yet undiscovered.
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The Diamond Dead - Single Review: Dumb
19 Jan 2015 // review by Kerry Monaghan
2015 is the start of great music already, and what better way to kick start summer than with a new single from Hawkes Bay’s finest rock-metallers, Diamond Doll. In 2013, this female fronted band released their debut EP, Plus None, a hard hitting assault of heavy noise and the perfect blend of melodic heaviness.
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Shihad - Newsletter Interview: Shihad
25 Nov 2014 // interview by Kerry Monaghan
  Shihad recorded their first album Churn almost 21 years ago and ever since then, they have proven time and time again that they are one of New Zealand's leading Rock bands. They describe their new album FVEY as "total brutality from start to finish".
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Dragonstone - Dragonstone EP Review
21 Oct 2014 // review by Kerry Monaghan
Dragonstone is a two piece Wellington duo, exploding with potential in the most primitive way. The three tracked self titled EP doesn’t give enough away.
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Devilskin - We Rise Album Review
06 Sep 2014 // review by Kerry Monaghan
The long awaited debut from Kiwi rock metallers, Devilskin in all its glory. Finally!
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Parents - Low Life Album Review
25 Aug 2014 // review by Kerry Monaghan
Gritty, dark and raw best sums up Auckland quartet Parents. Ravaging your ears with full force noise obliteration with opening track Change, Parents are no strangers to a Black Flag/Burzum medley of assault.
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The Flaming Mudcats - Mistress Album Review
18 Mar 2014 // review by Kerry Monaghan
The Flaming Mudcats return with another brilliant slab of their eclectic roots infused tunes, full of toe tapping, good soul feeling stuff. Craig Bracken’s jazzy vocals ring true and clear on their second offering, that makes you turn the volume up that little bit louder.
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Rose and The Wooden Hearts - Digging Holes Album Review
09 Oct 2013 // review by Kerry Monaghan
Simple and charming; just a few choice words to sum up the overall vibe, of indie folk rockers, Rose and the Wooden Hearts. A refreshing change from the more male dominated role in Indie; female vocalist, Rose Fischer, bringing a sweet melody that gives the rest of the Wooden Hearts a light, feminine feel.
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Jesse Sheehan - How The Light Gets In EP
29 Jun 2013 // review by Kerry Monaghan
Still relativity new in Wellington’s music scene, Jesse Sheehan is fast shedding some light as to why he’s about to become the next big thing in the Capital’s indie scene. This young talent is creating a stir in the indie folk world, just having released his second EP; How The Light Gets In.
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Newtown Rocksteady - Goin' Steady Album Review
21 May 2013 // review by Kerry Monaghan
Rewind a month or two back and you’ll feel like its summer all over again, with the new offering from Wellington favourite, Newtown Rocksteady and their second EP release Goin’ Steady. Putting forth some sweet soulful mixes, you can hear the smooth blend that makes these Newtown locals a big name for some of NZ’s finest reggae roots and grooves.
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The Johnny Possum Band - Short Summer Album Review
05 Mar 2012 // review by Kerry Monaghan
A beautiful arrangement featuring mandolins and violins makes The Johnny Possum band stand out in their eclectic mix genre of folk pop rock, with a lots of melody and feel good vibes. Short Summer is the band’s fifth album to date, comprising of vocalist, Bryan Peters, Margaret Pickering, Sean Whitaker, Keith Taylor and Jonathan Rosanowski.
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Geoff Ong - Pictures EP Review
14 Dec 2011 // review by Kerry Monaghan
If you haven’t yet heard of up and coming talent, Geoff Ong, you will soon, with the release of his first EP, Pictures, making quite a name for himself in pop. Pictures, is a great mix of pop soft rock melody, just in time for summer and those long hot days, giving listeners just a glimpse of what Geoff Ong is capable of musicially as an artist.
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The Bats - Free All The Monsters Album Review
08 Nov 2011 // review by Kerry Monaghan
The first thing I notice when popping in The Bats new release, Free All The Monsters, is the distinct ‘Dunedin sound’ to which The Bats have been a part of, in their impressive thirty year career to date. Less is more with jingly guitars and loose drumming, summing up the Dunedin Sound perfectly.
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Kerretta - Saansilo Album Review
01 Oct 2011 // review by Kerry Monaghan
Experimental rock from Auckland, Kerretta, has been making quite a scene overseas lately with their powerful live shows and heavy instrumental sound. Anyone familiar with their debut album, 'Vilayer', released in 2009 will be reminded of the potential that inevitably has followed in the shape of their second album, 'Saansilo', released September 18.
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The Adventures Of Mikejoffa - Eventures EP review
26 Jul 2011 // review by Kerry Monaghan
Upon seeing Adventures of Mikejoffa at their Eventures EP launch gig at Medusa back in May, I wasn’t quite sure what to expect before they took to the stage, as I only had heard snippets of a song or two. An hour and a half later I was grinning from ear to ear at what I had just heard, so I was excited to finally get my hands on their EP.
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The Adventures Of Mikejoffa - Eventures EP Release Gig @ Bar Medusa, Wellington on 6 May 2011
25 May 2011 // review by Kerry Monaghan
Making my way to Medusa bar on a freezing Friday night, I arrived with the happy notion of discounted drinks and my long awaited copy of Adventures Of Mikejoffa’s EP, Eventures, thanks to Doug ten Broeke. Familiar to Medusa’s small but perfectly formed size, I was a little taken back at the vacant space I could see all around me, wondering when or if it was going to start filling out by the time metal titans Red Dawn took to the stage.
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