Animalhead - Single Review: Follow Blind feat. Rory Howard
For those who haven’t yet experienced Animalhead, the three-piece rock act is based in Auckland, and play
energetic fusions of punk, rock & roll, with hard-grooves that nod at the likes of Black Sabbath and Audioslave. They’ve released three singles, have earned airplay on major radio stations The Rock and Hauraki, performed live at Muzic.net.nz’s 20-year
celebration, and even created a beer with Colab Brewing and named it after their hit song Stoneface Killer.This time around, the guys have collaborated with vocalist Rory Howard of another high-powered Auckland rock-unit, Mudshark. The new single on offer is entitled Follow Blind, and my oh my, what a ripper this is.
Opening with a crisp, bluesy guitar riff, and voluminous, rumbling basslines, very much like Tim Commerford and Tom Morello of yesterdecade, the full blast of the song erupts with the drums and guitar distortion ratcheted to 11. You gotta love those 'chicka chicka chicka' guitar strums though!
Half-rapped verses delivered in a raw vocal style is typical of singers Dan and Campbell, only this time Rory Howard accentuates the choruses and ends of lines with screamed vocals. Individuality, pursuing one’s dreams, and giving a finger to 'the man' appear to be the main themes. Which, when served with that sharp, attitude-laden vocal delivery, adds to the sounds of a tribute to rock-rapper Zach de la Rocha. The echoing cries of "No more!" adds to the carefree energy, and really loosens one up and bounce with the song.
Drummer (and vocalist) Dan gels the entire tune together, pounding and shuffling where it’s needed most, with bass player Josh providing possibly the song’s primary power, the grumbling four-string booms. The rhythm of the entire tune is unconventional, and adds to the thrill of the song. Stepping away from traditional four-four beats, the funky element really sits within the seamless transitions between bars.
For those who have yet to experience Animalhead, this one is a great tune to get started on. Turn it up that little bit louder, put on a party face, and get your blood pumping. This is one band that knows how best to turn riffs into music that gets feet stomping and fists pointed at the ceiling. Existing Animalhead fans - Rest assured, you’ll love this; the lads have delivered the goods yet again.
Once lockdown ends (again), no doubt Animalhead will be rocking live sets everywhere. Follow them on Facebook and Instagram to keep up to date!
About Animalhead
Comprising of drummer/vocalist Dan Rooke, bassist/vocalist Josh Obrien and guitarist/vocalist Campbell Mickell. This heavy hitting, party-going three piece formed in 2015 after Dan returned from Europe. Cam and Josh had just parted ways with their previous band and wanted to keep the music flowing, after a long awaited catch up at Hallertau Animalhead was brewed...
Animalhead have always been a crowd favourite, getting the party started for such NZ bands like Dead Favours, Skinny Hobos, Alien Weaponry and Head Like A Hole. We are excited to see where this band goes...
Visit the muzic.net.nz Profile for Animalhead
Releases
Other Reviews By Steve Shyu
18 Mar 2024 // by Steve Shyu
With nothing of last night's rainstorm in sight except puddles in the asphalt, the sun warmed the air to counter the day's cold breeze. There was plenty of talk of a cold snap on the way, but I was confident my tee and hoodie combo would suffice.
Read More...
EP Review: PHNX
11 Mar 2024 // by Steve Shyu
Aotearoa, look out for a rising star on the horizon.Under his stage name PHNX, 18-year-old singer-songwriter and producer Phoenix Simpson has released his self-titled debut EP and it’s a gem.
Read More...
EP Review: Ben Ruegg
29 Feb 2024 // by Steve Shyu
Ben Ruegg is one of the most hard-working people I personally know. He's a Muzic.
Read More...
Bevan Mical - Album Review: Division & Difference
12 Dec 2023 // by Steve Shyu
Since 2017 Bevan Mical has been busy. Hailing from the small Waikato town of Turua, he’s now onto his fourth full-length album, this one entitled Division & Difference.
Read More...
Bulletbelt - Album Review: Burn It Up
28 Sep 2023 // by Steve Shyu
Though nobody can claim they know every Kiwi metal band to have ever existed, to know anything about heavy music in Aotearoa, the name Bulletbelt should at least ring a bell. To say their career thus far has been impressive is an understatement.
Read More...
Will McClean - Album Review: Don't Forget to Breathe
28 Jul 2023 // by Steve Shyu
Out of the underground hip-hop scene of Te Whanganui-a-Tara Wellington comes Will McClean, who over the past handful of years has garnered accolades on his recorded music and performances. Having shared stages with Kiwi icons Troy Kingi, Che Fu and Diggy Dupé, Will seems determined to keep the momentum and create new releases.
Read More...
Album Review: The Heroic Adventures of And$um & Lui Mill
21 Jul 2023 // by Steve Shyu
Following a string of acclaimed singles, Otautahi Christchurch Hip-Hop artists And$um and Lui Mills have released a brand new collaborative album of seven tracks named The Heroic Adventures of And$um & Lui Mill. The two rap artists have been kicking around the Christchurch Hip-Hop scenes for years, and have put together this LP as a result of their longtime friendship.
Read More...
GZ - EP Review: The Story Behind the Realness
16 Jul 2023 // by Steve Shyu
Purportedly an artist with many pseudonyms, GZ is a rap artist active as a part of the Auckland hip-hop diaspora. Though safe to assume he’s had a considerable presence over the years under multiple stage names, I wasn’t able to unearth much in the way of artist info relating to GZ, except images of the man himself looking like a force to be reckoned with.
Read More...
Most Viewed Artists
Latest Galleries
NZ Top 10 Singles
- TOO SWEET
Hozier - BEAUTIFUL THINGS
Benson Boone - LOSE CONTROL
Teddy Swims - LIKE THAT
Future And Metro Boomin feat. Kendrick Lamar - END OF BEGINNING
Djo - I LIKE THE WAY YOU KISS ME
Artemas - WE CAN'T BE FRIENDS (WAIT FOR YOUR LOVE)
Ariana Grande - STICK SEASON
Noah Kahan - TEXAS HOLD 'EM
Beyonce - LEAVEMEALONE
Fred Again.. And Baby Keem
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
