KITA - Album Review: KITA
27 May 2021 // review by IslaMusic
KITA are a vision straight from a synth-pop dream. Hailing from art capital Wellington, the three-piece sew elements of modern jazz, vintage rock, polished pop and grounding soul into a sonic tapestry.
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The RVMES - Gig Review: The RVMES @ Pumphouse Theatre, Auckland - 19/03/2021
21 Mar 2021 // review by IslaMusic
The magic began when I ducked under a fallen tree to reach the venue. Dimly lit by street lamps, the path held mystery in its stones.
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Louis Baker - Single Review: Overdrive
02 Mar 2021 // review by IslaMusic
Louis Baker has one of the most distinctive voices in modern Aotearoa music. He has gathered a loyal following worldwide.
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Imperial April - EP Review: An April Christmas
03 Dec 2020 // review by IslaMusic
I was dubious at the thought of reviewing a Christmas album. It’s not often that modern holiday tracks dodge the danger of cheesy cheer and forced rhyme.
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Moonflower - Single Review: Poison
13 Nov 2020 // review by IslaMusic
Moonflower is a smooth Christchurch three piece releasing music riddled with dark twists and societal narratives. Comprised of singer/ songwriter/ drummer Nicole Schaap, and accompanying musicians Josh Fairless and Hamish Ellis, this band is not to be missed.
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Club Classic - Single Review: Richie Whiskey
24 Sep 2020 // review by IslaMusic
Club Classic are an energetic indie-funk band from Wellington looking to make their mark on the Aotearoa music scene by making people dance. Inspired by legends Parcels, Sticky Fingers and Red Hot Chilli Peppers, the four piece specialise in dynamic and groovy jams.
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Aro - EP Review: He Manu Ano
28 Aug 2020 // review by IslaMusic
Aro are a husband and wife duo who share a passion for the power of language and music to tell stories and remind us of our cultural identity. In celebration of Aotearoa’s magical wildlife, Aro have released a five track EP inspired by native birds.
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Samantha Josephine - Album Review: Feeling In The Strange
20 Aug 2020 // review by IslaMusic
Hailing from Ladysmith, South Africa, Samantha Josephine is the mastermind behind the Feeling In The Strange album. Her sound is crisp and enchanting, and her lyrics feel as though they were written in another universe.
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Valkyrie - Single Review: Good Thing
06 Aug 2020 // review by IslaMusic
Valkyrie is back with the catchy bop to end all catchy bops: Good Thing. This South Auckland based three piece produce famously groovy music that touches on elements of arena rock, pop and RnB.
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Madeleine Howard - Single Review: Missing Pieces
30 Jun 2020 // review by IslaMusic
From a young age Madeleine Howard was inspired by female New Zealand artists. Brooke Fraser, Anika Moa and Lorde resonated with her.
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Marina Bloom and Moving Stuff - Single Review: Let's Pretend
29 May 2020 // review by IslaMusic
Russian singer-songwriter Marina Bloom has embraced lockdown as a time of creativity and expression through releasing a series of singles entitled Songs of Isolation. Ordinarily influenced by the likes of Celine Dion and Fleetwood Mac, her latest single Let’s Pretend is a grungier offering than her listeners may have expected.
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Imperial April - Single Review: Peachy
13 May 2020 // review by IslaMusic
While Imperial April’s debut single was released this May, they are no strangers to the music scene. Victoria and Andy Knopp have worked on various projects over the years, including electro-pop band The Response and a handmade CD for Mother’s Day.
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Reb Fountain - Album Review: Reb Fountain
30 Apr 2020 // review by IslaMusic
Reb Fountain’s latest release is more than an album: it’s a sonic experience. The songs are innovative and varied - there’s reason to give attention to every track.
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Foley - EP Review: On My Conscience
01 Apr 2020 // review by IslaMusic
The infectiously fun Foley are back with the five track EP to keep you grooving through your isolation. On My Conscience offers insight into the buzzing minds of Ash Wallace and Gabriel Everett.
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Bianca Isabel - Single Review: Will It Be Enough?
13 Mar 2020 // review by IslaMusic
Singer-songwriter Bianca Isabel is prolific and talented. Her Instagram is riddled with song ideas and pictures of her performing at local venues.
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EmRiver - Album Review: Heart to Heart
03 Mar 2020 // review by IslaMusic
This album begins with the mellow and mystical Heart to Heart. EmRiver uses beautiful counter melodies and a tambourine to make the listener feel like they are walking into a clearing in the forest.
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Thomas Brothers - Interview with Thomas Brothers
04 Feb 2020 // interview by IslaMusic
The Thomas Brothers are a band of four brothers. Consisting of four siblings, Sam, Josh, Joe and Ben.
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Peyton Morete - Single Review: Sky City
30 Jan 2020 // review by IslaMusic
Kapiti based singer/songwriter Peyton Morete has been writing songs since she was 9. She won “best lyrics” at her regional Rockquest final when she was 10, describing the memory as "not bad for a little kid that was still learning spelling lists for homework".
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Solomon Crook - Interview: Solomon Crook
19 Nov 2019 // interview by IslaMusic
Musical maverick Solomon Crook first caught New Zealand's attention in 2015 when he impressed the crowd at the national Smokefree Rockquest final. He's since released his debut EP Abandon Adolescence and the single The Day I Thought About Dying.
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Shana Grace - EP Review: Hello, It's Me Again
12 Nov 2019 // review by IslaMusic
Kiwi singer/songwriter Shana Grace welcomes the listener to her debut EP with the words "Hello, it’s me again". The sound of pages rustling evoke the feeling that you are sitting cross legged on her living room floor as she tells you about her day.
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