10 Oct 2024
UsernamePassword

Remember Me? | Join | Recover
Click here to sign in via social networking

Planet Hunter - EP Review: Planet Hunter

01 Nov 2019 // A review by Corinne Rutherford

Wellington four piece Planet Hunter describe themselves as stoner/alternative/prog. Named after the Planet Hunter Satellite which was launched the very same day. Much like the satellite, the bands search for new alien life throughout the cosmos continues. In the meantime, Planet Hunter has just released their edgy debut self-titled four track EP.

The EP was recorded by the band inside a shipping container in Tawa. In my opinion a lot more music should be recorded inside shipping containers as it gives it an almost echoic sound creating another layer of interest. It enhanced the fuzz and “sludgy riff – fuelled rock” vibe.

The psychedelic thread which ran through The Killing Bear’s music has also made an appearance on this EP. Cosmic distorted sound effects and trippy lyrics come together with funky bass, guitar and drums. I went through a run of reviewing Cormac Ferris musical enterprises a few years back because I like his original concepts.

The band is made up of Jedaiah Van Ewijk (bass), Cormac Ferris (vocals), William Saunders (guitar) and David McGurk (drums). They have a diverse background in the Wellington music scene, playing for the likes of Balkany, Killing Bear, The Aviators, Mangle & Gruff and Aethea. It seems Planet Hunter has made a name for themselves with their “sonically disarming performances”. From what I can ascertain these guys put on an entertaining show.

Speaking of disarming. The Planet Hunter EP cover is out of this world and sure to offend. I like its creativity.

The energetic Celestial Tongue rips straight into it with heavy groove, catchy guitar and solid rhythmic percussion. Starting out with Cormac's deadpan vocals, this track soon morphs into something magic displaying his impressive powerful vocal ability.

Moving onto Dawn Of The Ants, I heard a grungy moody track with a touch of distortion and a fantastic trippy hook. The Tool influence can be heard throughout this EP but is particularly evident on Bitter Winds.

The final track Dinotrash left me feeling a sense of disappointment, not because it was bad but because it signalled the end of the four track EP and I could have very happily listened to more. Before the band has a conniption over spying the word “disappointment” in my review, rest assured the final track is as good as the other three.

Planet Hunter the EP is original indie music at its best and I can’t wait to hear what Planet Hunter the band comes up with next.

Rating: ( 5 / 5 )
 

About Planet Hunter

Planet Hunter came together in early 2017. After a year and a half of creating their own unique form of riff-fuelled rock, the band finally named themselves on the auspicious date of April 19. On the very same day, the Planet Hunter Satellite was launched into outer space.

It seemed appropriate; the satellite will search for new alien worlds throughout the cosmos, and the band will do the same.


Visit the muzic.net.nz Profile for Planet Hunter

Releases

Moscovium
Year: 2022
Type: Album
Planet Hunter
Year: 2019
Type: EP

Other Reviews By Corinne Rutherford

Ms. Mia - EP Review: Living In The Shadows
06 Jun 2024 // by Corinne Rutherford
Born in Manila and residing in Auckland, Mia Caintic AKA Ms. Mia has just released her 5-track debut EP Living In The Shadows.
Read More...
Casual Healing - Album Review: Driftwood
13 May 2024 // by Corinne Rutherford
When you fly Air New Zealand, there may be a chance you have heard one of the latest singles Mauri Tau from Wellington based musician Nikau Te Huki, who goes under the name of Casual Healing on his 12-track solo project titled Driftwood. This is one of two tracks released from the self-produced debut album.
Read More...
Album Review: Levity Beet And The Aotearoa All Stars
30 Apr 2024 // by Corinne Rutherford
Golden Bay's multiple award-winning children’s music artist Levity Beet is well regarded in his field. Three times APRA Children's Song of the Year winner and two times Tui Children's Musician of the Year, he knows a thing or two about producing heartwarming, entertaining and amusing music which captures the hearts and minds of our children.
Read More...
Ersha Island - EP Review: Back To Our Roots
29 Feb 2024 // by Corinne Rutherford
Classically trained duo Dani and Tee are Ersha Island, Auckland based musicians with a contemporary style which has been described as indie-folk. They began their journey in Guangzhou, China on Ersha Island, hence their name.
Read More...
Eden Mulholland - Album Review: A Bee Might Bite My Nose
21 Dec 2023 // by Corinne Rutherford
Funny, Kooky and gently melancholic at times is one description of respected Australasian composer, songwriter and collaborator Eden Mulholland (Ngati Porou). His most recent release is channeled by a very cute teddy bear.
Read More...
Jessica Leigh - EP Review: Lightbeam
03 Nov 2023 // by Corinne Rutherford
Wellington based Nelsonian, singer, songwriter and producer Jessica Leigh has recently released her third EP Lightbeam. Changing tack from her previous EP in 2021, the acoustic guitars and strings have given way to full synthpop sound with an 80's inspired vibe.
Read More...
Michèle Ducray - EP Review: Throne Of Mine
05 Oct 2023 // by Corinne Rutherford
Mysterious and sinister themes such as horror combined with the colourful characteristics of circus life are the inspiration behind emerging dark-pop artist Michèle Ducray's debut EP Throne Of Mine. The balance of both dark and light create a fresh and original sound that is complex as it is identifiable.
Read More...
Sam Heselwood - EP Review: Home Is Where The Heart Is
19 Sep 2023 // by Corinne Rutherford
Ex rugby player turned singer-songwriter Sam Heselwood has recently released his 5 track EP Home Is Where The Heart Is. Originally from Christchurch, the indie-pop musician has delivered poignant, beautifully composed music which aims straight for the heart.
Read More...
View All Articles By Corinne Rutherford

NZ Top 10 Singles

  • DIE WITH A SMILE
    Lady Gaga And Bruno Mars
  • TASTE
    Sabrina Carpenter
  • BIRDS OF A FEATHER
    Billie Eilish
  • TIMELESS
    The Weeknd And Playboi Carti
  • ESPRESSO
    Sabrina Carpenter
  • GOOD LUCK, BABE!
    Chappell Roan
  • A BAR SONG (TIPSY)
    Shaboozey
  • LOSE CONTROL
    Teddy Swims
  • TOO SWEET
    Hozier
  • BEAUTIFUL THINGS
    Benson Boone
View the Full NZ Top 40...
muzic.net.nz Logo
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 ProblemReport A Problem