AceTones - EP Review: More Ace!
22 May 2019 // review by J_Plates
Veteran eight-piece Ska ensemble AceTones follow up from their 2015 self-titled debut with their latest 6 track EP aptly titled More Ace!, and it’s filled to the brim with skank’n grooves and crunchy horn lines.
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Zoe Jennings - Interview with ZÖ
16 Apr 2019 // interview by J_Plates
ZÖ is a new artist who’s set to release a small collection of songs, in which she sings candidly about her experiences and struggles in a way that lets others be vulnerable. Jeremy from Muzic.
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Hybrid Rose - Interview with Hybrid Rose
05 Apr 2019 // interview by J_Plates
Wellington based Hybrid Rose's musical character showcases the embodiment of too much sugar, too much spice and a little bit of underground flamboyance. Jeremy from Muzic.
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Cashek - Album Review: Rhythm And Resonance
24 Mar 2019 // review by J_Plates
Cashek is the alias of Electronic musician Floyd Pepper whose debut album Rhythm And Resonance, presents an array of emotive tracks brought into existence while backpacking throughout the USA, Mexico, and Guatemala towards the end of last year. The seven-track album provides the listener with a lush sonic journey, fusing various elements of Electronica ranging from chilled out down tempo, slices of broken beat, to more atmospheric and laid back arrangements and synth work.
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Beacon Bloom - Single/Video Review: Materia
12 Feb 2019 // review by J_Plates
After the success of their debut track Jobim, which was picked up by a number of radio stations around the country; electronic explorers Beacon Bloom return with a brand-new production, presented via a live recording and accompanying video that was captured during their sell out launch show in November last year. The proclaimed track that spawned Beacon Bloom into existence, aptly titled Materia, features an array of lush synthesiser arpeggios, layered drums, atmospheric guitar work, and a reverb soaked vocal hook, combined and arranged to create an emotively upbeat, and promisingly expansive track; perfectly showcasing what one can expect from a Beacon Bloom live performance and future studio releases.
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Same Name Confusion - EP Review: In Theory
18 Jan 2019 // review by J_Plates
Wellington based & self-proclaimed Alternative Dance-Pop act Same Name Confusion present their latest collection of tracks via a compact and brilliantly delivered four track EP titled In Theory.In a world more frequently riddled with unusual chaos and complexity, SNC offer their genuinely unique perspective, incorporating a host of insightful ideas and observations buried within intelligently thought out lyrics, and emphasized by a catchy rhythm section that solidifies each track in its own modest way.
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North Shore Pony Club - EP Review: Abracadabra
11 Dec 2018 // review by J_Plates
It’s not too often that an artist such as North Shore Pony Club can seemingly rear its head up from the lurky shadows of the washy underground and swish shot a release that is so on target, it instantly leaves a trail of awe in its wake. Their latest EP Abracadabra achieves such a solid state, delivered via a smooth and consistent package of tracks while retaining the usual comically hyperbolic stylings that NSPC have become synonymous with over the past few years.
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Kong Fooey - Double Single Review: Believe Me & Giving Up On Love
23 Nov 2018 // review by J_Plates
Christchurch collective Kong Fooey comes across as a bit of an enigma.Their 2015 album Final Destination offers a wide range of styles and influences, blending Funk, Hip Hop, and Electronic genres presented under a more traditional band unit of revolving contributors.
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Mazroy - Single Review: Ask Me Something
28 Oct 2018 // review by J_Plates
Electronic beat maker and shed enthusiast Mazroy debuts his latest single Ask Me Something, from an undisclosed location somewhere in Wellington. Although it’s a track oozing unique character and is equally interesting stylistically (fusing wonky Future Garage influenced beats, airy organic vocals, and a lush accompaniment of intelligently arranged pads and keyboards); the one unfortunate let down to the entire production is that it contains some serious “out-of-phase” issues, ultimately distracting from an otherwise brilliantly charming track.
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Dharma Dan - Album Review: Doha
21 Oct 2018 // review by J_Plates
Dharma Dan drops us into his debut album Doha after years spent exploring meditation and contemplative practices. From the organically drawn self-portrait cover artwork, to the rawness of the production style; it is clear that this is a very honest and personal collection of material.
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