Dunedin-based band Saurian have been playing live gigs for five years, so it is terrific to see them now release their debut album Brooding. With a mixture of older and more recent songs, Brooding is a true labour of love, with the band recording, producing and mastering it themselves. This gives the album an appealing raw quality, although I believe a little more focus on production would really bring this band alive.

Citing their influences as Nirvana, Soundgarden and The Beatles, Saurian’s eclecticism is evident here in tracks with nods to heavy metal, a definite sub pop/Beach feel, while others bring to mind the Foo Fighter’s self-titled debut album. Although this variety is intriguing, I can’t help but wonder whether the band might have been better off trimming some weaker tracks in order to release an EP of the best songs. Musically, this album is very good and there’s a lot to like, but some tracks find the vocalist still finding his feet, with some songs standing out more than others. Lane Staley, Kurt Cobain and James Hetfield come to mind throughout this album. It’s the play between the light and the dark that makes them so harsh and soft at the same time. It would be amazing to hear Saurian marry that to the music.

One of the stronger tracks is Will You, a gorgeous song that brings to mind the sonically beautiful lushness of Smashing Pumpkins. With tender vocals, this song is more playful than other tracks with musical changes and nuances. Also very strong is Runaway, which gives plenty of room to the riff work and which I can only imagine goes off when played live. I also loved Tyre Tracks (In the Sky), I love it when a song ends with a lead solo… more of this please! My other favourite track is George St, which is a heavy but playful melodic rock song with a strong vocal melody. These are all excellent songs that would make a damn good EP.

Saurian have a strong following for their live gigs and this album really makes me want to hear them live. There is a rawness to their sound that I really like and their DIY ethos is commendable. If they can continue to hone their sound and work on their lyrics and hooks, then the future looks bright for Saurian.

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