Aro - Album Review: He Rakau, He Ngarara
21 Apr 2024 // review by Danica Bryant
Tamaki Makaurau based husband & wife duo Charles & Emily Looker, otherwise known as Aro, escape genre boundaries on their fourth body of work, He Rakau, He Ngarara. Aro's waiata draw from country and folk, jazz, and shades of haka, making for a collection that often purposefully creates sonic whiplash in a stunning exploration of sound and kaitiakitanga and manaakitanga.
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Amiria Grenell - Album Review: The Winter Light
12 Mar 2024 // review by Danica Bryant
Otautahi folk singer Amiria Grenell boasts many accolades to her name, and her new album The Winter Light will surely add to the pack. This is a cozy collection of classic folk songs, grounded in nature, family and the endless search for true peace.
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Peyton Morete - Album Review: The End To The Beginning
11 Dec 2023 // review by Danica Bryant
Poneke artist Peyton Morete goes big with her self-produced album The End to the Beginning, a high-concept collection following the ups and downs of a life and the cyclical nature of the world. The record encompasses a variety of genres from cinematic soundscape pieces and acoustic pop to elements of rap and R&B, all held together by Morete's charismatic vocal performance.
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MOHI - Album Review: Elements of Aroha
26 Nov 2023 // review by Danica Bryant
MOHI is a bilingual artist, bending music and language to bear his soul. His new album Elements of Aroha circles its recurring motif of love as a force of nature, connecting people to the land in a tranquil musical journey.
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emerson kole - EP Review: Haunted
01 Nov 2023 // review by Danica Bryant
Cleverly releasing her spooky EP Haunted on Friday 13th of October, emerson kole's new five-track collection proves how well-thought-out her artistry and sound is, with a dark alternative pop sound soaked in reverb and creepy production.Haunted invokes the feeling of walking alone at night, hoping like hell you'll make it home safe.
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ISLA - EP Review: Low
21 Sep 2023 // review by Danica Bryant
As the winter smog begins to lift over Aotearoa, Auckland singer-songwriter ISLA releases her ode to seasonal depression, Low. This is an EP of smooth, delicate dream-folk, from an independent artist backed by her "band of sisters" clearly deeply impassioned by the music just as their frontman is.
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Cloudy - Single Review: On The Edge
27 Jul 2023 // review by Danica Bryant
Laidback and soulful, Kiwi-Austrian performer Cloudy's new single On The Edge is a unique singer-songwriter track traversing many a genre. From bedroom pop to indie rock, it's a cohesive, expressive release introducing her hotly awaited sophomore EP.
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Mahoney Harris - Single Review: I Don't Have To Move From Here
10 Jul 2023 // review by Danica Bryant
Mahoney Harris' beautiful new folk number I Don't Have To Move From Here is an airy, light track celebrating the worth of knowing your boundaries and personal needs. Working alongside producer Wayne Bell and masterer Oliver Harmer, the Waiheke-based artist has crafted a beautiful follow-up to her previous series of singles.
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Coral Pitcher - Single Review: As I Rise
22 Jun 2023 // review by Danica Bryant
Outspoken creative Coral, also known as Coral Pitcher, seeks growth on her striking single As I Rise. Best enjoyed alongside its entrancing music video, the song sees Coral revel in the galaxy and visually become one with the universe.
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Aanvi S - EP Review: Emotions
09 Jun 2023 // review by Danica Bryant
At only ten years old, Aanvi S is perhaps New Zealand's youngest up-and-coming pop sensation. Working with Dan Antunovich and Scott Seabright at Auckland's Parachute Studios, her debut EP Emotions is a promising poetic collection, introducing a new voice the younger generation not only needs, but deserves.
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Michèle Ducray - Single Review: Monster
26 May 2023 // review by Danica Bryant
Michèle Ducray welcomes us to the circus with her haunting new single Monster. Filled with warped carnival beats and eerie vocals, it's a Halloween anthem perfectly tailored for "fans of the peculiar".
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Rebecca Rice - Single Review: Dear Best Friend
27 Apr 2023 // review by Danica Bryant
Armed with a ukulele and her singer-songwriter charms, Rebecca Rice is out to celebrate friendship on her debut single Dear Best Friend. The West Auckland artist has been quietly making music for over ten years, but we can only now finally welcome her into the world of official public releases.
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Ben Horlock - Single Review: This Ain't The End
24 Apr 2023 // review by Danica Bryant
At only nineteen years old, Dunedin up-and-comer Ben Horlock has plenty to say about the world on his fresh release This Ain't The End. Recorded at Parachute Studios, it's a gripping track blending elements of pop, indie, trap and folk into one striking commercial concoction.
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Estère - Gig Review: Estère @ Meow, Wellington - 01/04/2023
03 Apr 2023 // review by Danica Bryant
It’s tough to get Wellingtonians out of their house lately, given the region’s recent brutal cold spell. Yet it speaks to Estère’s power that music lovers came out in vast numbers to see the local legend take the stage at Meow on this busy Saturday night.
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Samantha Jane - Single Review: Narcissus
23 Mar 2023 // review by Danica Bryant
Opening up on her revealing new single Narcissus, artist Samantha Jane is headed down a new path of musical and sonic vulnerability.Narcissus is a moody indie number with alternative rock and pop embellishments.
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Bandi - EP Review: Bittersweet
02 Mar 2023 // review by Danica Bryant
Kiwi-Brazilian artist Bandi spent her years growing up between Auckland, Los Angeles and Sao Paulo, a unique background that makes for a thrilling array of sound and style on her debut EP Bittersweet. Mixing bubblegum pop with soulful R&B, it's a collection perfectly designed to saturate the airwaves.
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ASHY - Single Review: LA Talk
16 Feb 2023 // review by Danica Bryant
LA Talk is the latest hit from Kiwi creative ASHY, a starlet who's seen the stages of Electric Avenue, Going Global and even Texas's South by Southwest. It's a single that proves she knows pop music inside and out.
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KRISTN - Single Review: Chasin'
30 Jan 2023 // review by Danica Bryant
It’s easy to sell Auckland R&B artist KRISTIN off her voice alone. Smooth as honey, expressive and attention-commanding, it’s a talent which has recently landed her in the cast of Australia’s Hairspray The Musical, and on the NZ Hot Singles chart with previous release Seasons.
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Hannah May - Single Review: Golden
28 Nov 2022 // review by Danica Bryant
Hannah May's latest release Golden is a soft and dreamy folk-pop track, encouraging listeners to feel confident and be their own biggest supporter. Bringing to life the sunny sounds inspired by its title, it's a strong effort in her expansive catalogue of singles.
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Roonie - EP Review: Loveless
25 Nov 2022 // review by Danica Bryant
After releasing a series of exciting singles throughout the year, Christchurch indie-pop artist Roonie drops her first ever EP Loveless. Created in collaboration with producer Will Henderson, it’s a bright, self-assured project, exploring how love impacts Roonie’s self-perception.
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Jack Panther - Single Review: Weekend At Bernies
02 Nov 2022 // review by Danica Bryant
Fresh off the success of his sophomore EP why don't you come over?, Auckland creative Jack Panther is back with new single Weekend At Bernies, a tight alt-pop release carefully positioned for commercial success.
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Alba Rose - Single Review: Mountains
16 Oct 2022 // review by Danica Bryant
Alba Rose’s new indie-pop track Mountains is indescribable. Bright and dynamic, simple yet full, it’s a song devoted to following through on your feelings and declaring, “I can’t be scared of love”.
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Blake - EP Review: Skeptical
06 Oct 2022 // review by Danica Bryant
Queenstown-born, Auckland-based alt-pop starlet Blake is Skeptical on her newly released sophomore EP. It’s a smooth, soulful collection narrating the highs and lows of the dating scene, blending a range of genres into a compact pop format.
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Will McClean - Single Review: Man on a Mission
28 Sep 2022 // review by Danica Bryant
Te Whanganui-a-Tara’s resident hip hop star Will McClean collaborates with Casual Healing on Man on a Mission, a mellow, emotive track that showcases his earnest lyricism. McClean’s verses capture a deceptively relaxed flow, that in actuality is carefully constructed with tight rhymes and subtle melodies.
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Sylvee - Single Review: Slow
14 Aug 2022 // review by Danica Bryant
Sylvee’s latest single Slow is an impassioned love song dedicated to supporting someone beloved through struggles with their mental health. Featuring the artist’s signature soft, introspective vocals and honeyed melodies, it’s a dreamy release soothing listeners in the toughest of times.
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Gig Review: Dee and the Sweet Somethings @ Meow, Wellington - 13/07/2022
14 Jul 2022 // review by Danica Bryant
The crowd is electric at Wellington’s Meow this Wednesday evening, now the home of Dee and the Sweet Somethings, Walker and Clara van Wel for one marvellous night. Looking out into the sea of people reveals a particularly eclectic bunch, of all ages, genders and fashion styles - it’s all slicked back hair, bright scarves, leather boots, full suits and colourful beanies, a visual display of how many diverse people adore tonight’s acts.
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Molly Devine - Single Review: Shades of Blue
30 Jun 2022 // review by Danica Bryant
Molly Devine’s sweeping waiata Shades of Blue, created in collaboration with guitarist James Bulter, is an emotive piano-led ballad carried by her strong, deep vocal. Like previous release Because I Love You, Shades of Blue takes Devine away from her earlier dance-pop works into experimental territory.
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Ariana Tikao - Single Review: Fly You Home
27 May 2022 // review by Danica Bryant
Ariana Tikao’s Fly You Home is a beautiful track devoted to “indigenous solidarity” across the nation. Produced by Brooke Singer and Ben Lemi of French for Rabbits, the track is dreamy and gentle, offering a true sense of tranquility amongst the stress and sound of current times.
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James Hunter and The Gatherers - Gig Review: James Hunter and the Gatherers @ San Fran, Wellington - 7/05/2022
08 May 2022 // review by Danica Bryant
San Fran is absolutely bustling with people on Saturday night, all buzzing to see the unique line-up. With only two weeks' notice of the event, the turnout is astounding, proving the crowd's devotion.
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Brown Sugar Factory - EP Review: Halina't Sumayaw
27 Apr 2022 // review by Danica Bryant
Brown Sugar Factory’s latest EP Halina't Sumayaw is an incomparable blend of funk, house, pop and dancehall, boasting the diverse musical backgrounds of producer Reid Ulberg and singer-songwriter Roberto Jatulan.Opening to silky vocal adlibs and gentle rain, Til Next Saturday pulses under smooth guitar and incredible harmonies.
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Mousey - Gig Review: Mousey @ Meow, Wellington - 7/04/2022
08 Apr 2022 // review by Danica Bryant
It’s the first truly cold night of the year as Mousey and her band fill out Wellington’s Meow. The venue’s eclectic vibe, covered in bookshelves, clocks and colourful walls, perfectly match the energy of the two indie acts of the evening, and the room buzzes with anticipation from many devoted, excitable fans.
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Marianne Leigh - Gig Review: Marianne Leigh w/ Edera and Rose Lubransky @ Valhalla, Wellington - 30/03/2022
31 Mar 2022 // review by Danica Bryant
Behind Valhalla’s metal doors and graffitied walls, you would be surprised to find a trio of young acoustic performers playing to a sold-out student crowd this Wednesday night. Auckland’s Marianne Leigh took to the stage for the final night of her release tour for the Simple Things EP.
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Mousey - Album Review: My Friends
10 Mar 2022 // review by Danica Bryant
Christchurch artist Mousey is well-recognised for her tremendous list of achievements, from Silver Scroll and Taite Music Prize Best Debut nominations, to support slots for industry giants. But the best way to prove an artist is worth listening to is simply telling you they make good music.
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Boy Virgo - Single Review: Blood and Guts
17 Feb 2022 // review by Danica Bryant
Ushering in the "villain era" of Kiwi hyperpop artist Boy Virgo, Blood and Guts is a messy, brutal, and endlessly exciting new single, released in collaboration with Old Pup. It’s a defining statement for Boy Virgo’s promising upcoming EP, showing the artist in a more vulnerable light than previous releases, as he makes an effort to delve into the personal whilst maintaining his trademark sound.
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SWEATR - Single Review: Every Time Feat. teens
02 Dec 2021 // review by Danica Bryant
Music producer Will Henderson, known for efforts with Janine, CHAII and Foley, launches his own artist project SWEATR with the release of single Every Time, in collaboration with teens. It's an electronic fanfare booming with bass, 808s and distinct personality.
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Belladonna - Single Review: Wide Awake
21 Oct 2021 // review by Danica Bryant
Indie-pop darling Belladonna offers a blissful new musical fantasy with her latest release, Wide Awake. Musing on the great questions of life that keep her up at night, the song finds Belladonna “starting to take comfort” in her curiosities, creating a spacious, tranquil number ideal for late-night meditation.
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Lake South - Album Review: The Light You Throw
03 Oct 2021 // review by Danica Bryant
“Let’s talk about politics, let’s talk about feelings”, sings Lake South on his latest album The Light You Throw, an excellent thesis statement for an album which covers such a spectrum of thought. It’s an astoundingly innovative album, melding electronic synth-pop with introspective folk, and resulting in a record I cannot call anything but pure magic.
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Sofia Machray - Single Review: The Untold
23 Sep 2021 // review by Danica Bryant
Wellington’s “singer-songwriter gone rogue”, Sofia Machray, crafts a spacious indie ballad with her latest release, The Untold. The track is highly reminiscent of bands like Daughter and Placebo, the former of which Machray cites as an influence.
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VÏKÆ - Single Review: Moon City
16 Sep 2021 // review by Danica Bryant
Vikae melds pulsating commercial pop with the climatic reach of drum and bass on latest release Moon City. Produced by Will Henderson and written during the March 2020 nationwide lockdown, the song is an emotionally charged ode to the end of a relationship, mourning physical separation and filtering through feelings needing to be “put to rest”.
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Alba Rose - Single Review: Eve
26 Aug 2021 // review by Danica Bryant
The captivating hook of Alba Rose’s debut single, Eve, warns listeners of the likelihood that they will be “swept away”. It’s a truthful mission statement for a track which introduces Rose as a soloist, outside of her performances in Wellington band Corduroy.
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Julia Belle - Single Review: No Way I Can Sleep
31 Jul 2021 // review by Danica Bryant
No Way I Can Sleep is an indie pop dream come true. With the release of her debut single, Wellington's Julia Belle blossoms onto the music scene, exploring a hazy world of late-night loneliness in the modern age.
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Louis Baker - Gig Review: Louis Baker @ The Opera House, Wellington - 17/07/2021
18 Jul 2021 // review by Danica Bryant
“It’s been a crazy day”, Louis Baker laughs, in front of a captive audience at Wellington’s Opera House. Indeed, it’s been one of the capital’s stormiest in recent memory.
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Louis Baker - EP Review: Love Levitates
06 Jul 2021 // review by Danica Bryant
Love Levitates is a triumph for Aotearoa soul star Louis Baker. Merging a diverse range of genres including funk, pop, soul and R&B, Baker's assured sense of identity grounds each song as a cohesive whole.
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freya - EP Review: Wildest Creatures I've Dreamed
01 Jul 2021 // review by Danica Bryant
Auckland songwriter freya storms into July with her debut studio EP, the beautifully titled Wildest Creatures I’ve Dreamed. Recorded with Harry Charles and Morgan Allen at The Depot, this EP does a fantastic job at taking its listener to the poetic realm of a sleepy, nostalgia-filled seaside town like Devonport.
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Molly Devine - Single Review: Because I Love You
21 Jun 2021 // review by Danica Bryant
Molly Devine estimates her latest track, Because I Love You, has seen at least seven versions prior to its release last week, having been written over five years ago. It is the second in a series of self-produced works Devine plans to share throughout 2021, setting up an incredibly emotional soundscape for her music.
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Kaela - Single Review: Obsessions
04 Jun 2021 // review by Danica Bryant
Kaela is not one to let herself be forgotten. Returning from a brief hiatus, her new single Obsessions delivers an otherworldly exploration of her struggle with OCD.
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Rose Lubransky - Single Review: Head Over Heels
18 May 2021 // review by Danica Bryant
Wellington’s indie dream girl Rose Lubransky’s latest bedroom pop single, Head Over Heels, is another unique production with home producer and frequent collaborator BushJungle. The song is undoubtedly catchy, with a more anthemic structure and sound than their preceding work.
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Reshma - Single Review: Loneliest Girl
05 May 2021 // review by Danica Bryant
Reshma’s enchanting new single Loneliest Girl takes a dark approach to the story of a collapsed romance. Having previously built a career in her birthplace of Kuala Lumpur, Loneliest Girl serves as Reshma’s debut musical endeavour into the English language, answering her ambition to release a song in New Zealand, where she grew up.
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