Leighton Fairlie - EP Review: Distant
Loop Recording artist and multi-instrumentalist Leighton Fairlie, who was originally from Mount Maunganui but now based in Auckland, has been busy opening for some of the best NZ dub/roots bands such as Knights of the Dub Table, Salmonella Dub and The Black Seeds. On Distant, his debut EP, Leighton demonstrates an ability to forge a sonically interesting, and coherent sound from a wide range of genres, such as dub, roots, and drum and bass, and proves how well he can stand up next to those bands.
Fans of roots/dub will find a comfortable, yet unique sound throughout Distant. Making clever use of subtlety changing riffs and rhythms, Leighton has created a sound that will be the soundtrack for many summer BBQs and backyard hangouts. This is a highly accessible, yet also intriguing EP.
The recording, production and mastering quality is fantastic; crisp drums, clean guitars, and many other layers of sound all work harmoniously to create a good time, yet still a very chill, vibe. Coupled with the highly positive lyrics, and strongly emotive vocals, Distant is a captivating journey through sound.
One of my favourite tracks is the genre-defying title track. It cleverly abandons much of the overall sound and feel of the first two tracks (which are still strong tracks in their own right), which maintain the classic feel-good roots/dub vibe, moving instead into a sparser space that plays nicely with the concept of tension and release. The drums are treated as an instrument in their own right, not simply a time-keeping device, and my personal favourite moments in this track are from when the drums are absent; a very effective, yet relatively under-utilised effect in this style of music.
After dropping this very strong EP, I expect to be hearing a lot more from Leighton Fairlie in the future. I look forward to it!
About Leighton Fairlie
In the last 12 months Leighton has opened for bands such as Knights of the Dub Table, ManaLion, Salmonella Dub, Summer Thieves, Katchafire, The Black Seeds and Strangely Arousing. These opportunities have fed his drive to create and perform.
Having recently returned from a 6 date international tour of South America, Leighton has been hard at work in the studio recording his EP which he plans to release this summer. Inspired by a message of political awareness and overcoming the negativity in the world through love, self-love and positivity.
Visit the muzic.net.nz Profile for Leighton Fairlie
Releases
Other Reviews By JamieDenton
EP Review: SD-2100 vs The World
05 Sep 2023 // by JamieDenton
Hailing from Kirikiriroa (Hamilton), the multi-talented artist Sam Densem has showcased his versatility across a spectrum of musical genres and styles. Sam's approach to his craft involves crafting distinct packages of music, each with its own unique flavour and character.
Read More...
Lester - EP Review: Lost and Found
28 Aug 2023 // by JamieDenton
Tamaki Makaurau / Auckland-based MC Lester (ex-Round Buddha) is not a new name within Aotearoa New Zealand’s independent music scene. Indeed, Lester has carved a distinct presence for himself since his early releases in 2017.
Read More...
Sonic Space Lab - Album Review: Cycles
20 Jul 2022 // by JamieDenton
Sonic Space Lab is the musical pseudonym of Dunedin-based, Venezuelan composer and sound engineer Luis Rodriguez, who some may know from his guitar work in Dunedin’s Tomahawk Radio. Having spent more than 20 years writing music for television, film, and advertising and collaborating with countless musicians in both musician and producer roles, Luiz Rodriguez turned his hand to Sonic Space Lab (also the name of his studio) in the mid-late 2010’s.
Read More...
Arrays - Single Review: Glass Traps
06 Jun 2022 // by JamieDenton
Auckland-based rock/metal act Arrays is the brainchild and ‘creative sandbox’ of musician/producer JP Carroll (ex-Armed in Advance, and currently also with Swerve City). Having known JP for a number of years, and having followed his career through Stitches, which became Armed in Advance, and then into Arrays and later Swerve City, he has consistently remained a strong creative force, a passionate and prolific producer and performer of music, and possibly kiwi-music’s most genuine, nicest, and most down to earth personalities (albeit one that is loaded with a plethora of terrible puns that he will unleash at any and all opportune moments).
Read More...
Speech Act Theory - Single/Video Review: Old Versus New
25 Feb 2022 // by JamieDenton
Initially conceived of as purely a studio project to fuse electronica with live drums and other instruments, Auckland-based alternative/electronica Speech Act Theory is the brainchild of producer/musician Pete Hickman alongside drummer Ben Bradford. With the project kicking off in the latter end of 2019 — which is probably not the greatest timing, with all the upcoming turmoil and disruption to live music etc.
Read More...
Steven Hue - EP Review: Assembly
15 Feb 2022 // by JamieDenton
At the start of December, I had the opportunity to review the double single Brainstare / Manatorquim by Tasmanian-based ex-pat Kiwi, Steven Hue. At that time, I noted that another three songs would be following shortly, and that, based on the strength of these original two, I was eagerly anticipating what this next batch would have in store.
Read More...
Floor Five - EP Review: The Garden
28 Jan 2022 // by JamieDenton
Indie-pop/rock band Floor Five are relative new-comers on the Kiwi music scene. Following up a couple of previous singles (2020’s Overthinking and 2021’s Strawberry Wine), the Wellington based four-piece’s partially crowd-funded EP The Garden was released just as the country returned to the red light setting of the Covid protection framework.
Read More...
Steven Hue - Double Single Review: Brainstare / Mantorquim
06 Dec 2021 // by JamieDenton
Ex-pat Kiwi now based in Tasmania, Steven Hue may be familiar to many through his previous work as former vocalist and co-writer for popular experimental band Full Code, his stint studying at the Nelson School of Music, or his commission work which has seen him produce work for art installations, short files, and video games. Turning his hand to solo electronic music, Steven has just released a double single of two new tracks: Brainstare and Manatorquim.
Read More...
Most Viewed Artists
Latest Galleries
NZ Top 10 Singles
- TOO SWEET
Hozier - BEAUTIFUL THINGS
Benson Boone - LOSE CONTROL
Teddy Swims - I LIKE THE WAY YOU KISS ME
Artemas - SATURN
SZA - STICK SEASON
Noah Kahan - END OF BEGINNING
Djo - LIKE THAT
Future And Metro Boomin feat. Kendrick Lamar - ESPRESSO
Sabrina Carpenter - WE CAN'T BE FRIENDS (WAIT FOR YOUR LOVE)
Ariana Grande
More Content on muzic.net.nz
Google Site Search
100% New Zealand Music
All content on this website is copyright to muzic.net.nz and other respective rights holders. Redistribution of any material presented here without permission is prohibited.
Report A Problem
