I love those old Seventies cops shows

The ones like 'Starsky and Hutch' or 'The Sweeney', and more recently the retro loving politically incorrect 'Life on Mars'.

The thing with these shows is they are more memorable for the banter and chemistry between the players than any actual cases or crimes being solved. They have an edge that keeps you wanting to go back for more and for people my age they make you reminisce (or cringe) about the good ol' days.

What I also loved about those shows is they were actually pushing boundaries and buttons whilst on the face of it coming across as quite Neanderthal. They questioned themselves, they asked questions of the viewer/listener. They invited you to investigate further.

Being a solo musician and making music that requires other people is difficult (unless you are Dave Grohl or Trent Reznor). Adrian Drew (aka Investigator) tries to do that on his debut EP and almost succeeds thanks to his voice and his willingness to explore some darker elements of the human psyche in his lyrics

He also seems to have a penchant for the past creating a distinctive retro feel to this debut EP. It is a soulful-melancholic deep dive into the kind of music your dad or your mate who really gets on with your dad might like.

The five tunes here are straight forward, mid paced, musings that sit well with a glass of wine but won’t have you leaping for the JD and coke. This is music that could easily be discounted as sitting in the background with the kind of vibe that gets you tapping your feet subconsciously rather than deliberately.

Thankfully though there is a little more to this, a darker element. We aren't quite talking dingy basements with whips and leather but there is a voice that can hook you in a little further.

Adrian's voice IS what makes this EP worth looking at. This EP is not a cold case. There is a heart to the music here. Luckily that voice stands out without being annoying otherwise we would need to "send the boys round to ruffle some feathers".

The music is simplistic and ultimately sits like a stubby holder around the vocals. There are no surprises no whiskey chasers. No dirty cops blowing smoke up their bosses' ass.

5 songs in I feel no ill. Nothing to add to my report. There has been no crime against music committed. Nothing to divide, nothing to conquer, just a statement to read that ended up making me feel fine, OK, nothing more to add, nothing more to come, nothing more to follow up on. I look at the word doc on my laptop and actually I am back to square one. So, what is the conclusion?

The music on this Investigator EP is non offensive, easy going and not likely to start any fires although it will leave you with a warm glow and a smile on your face unless you like 'Starsky and Hutch' or 'Life On Mars'. 

Verdict 3 out of 5 Guvnor

• 1
  Anxiety Club
• 2
  Devilskin
• 3
  Coridian
• 4
  Take Hold
• 5
  Skinny Hobos
• 6
  L.A.B.
• 7
  Head Like A Hole
• 8
  Shihad
• 9
  Villainy
• 10
  Like A Storm

• 
  Muroki @ Galatos, Auckland - 19/04/2024
• 
  When The Cats Away @ Michael Fowler Centre, Wellington - 21/04/2024
• 
  Luke Buda @ Whammy Bar, Auckland - 20/04/2024
• 
  Phoebe Rings @ Whammy Bar, Auckland - 20/04/2024

• 1
  TOO SWEET
  Hozier
• 2
  BEAUTIFUL THINGS
  Benson Boone
• 3
  LOSE CONTROL
  Teddy Swims
• 4
  I LIKE THE WAY YOU KISS ME
  Artemas
• 5
  SATURN
  SZA
• 6
  STICK SEASON
  Noah Kahan
• 7
  END OF BEGINNING
  Djo
• 8
  LIKE THAT
  Future And Metro Boomin feat. Kendrick Lamar
• 9
  ESPRESSO
  Sabrina Carpenter
• 10
  WE CAN'T BE FRIENDS (WAIT FOR YOUR LOVE)
  Ariana Grande

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