When I was back in Christchurch a few months ago, I went to The Dark
Room to experience the mighty Dead Favours in concert, and that night the
support act was No Broadcast. They were a band new to me, but they have been around
in one form or another since 2004, and the current line-up has been together
since 2007. The trio of Joshua Braden (vocals, guitar), Chris Self (drums) and Kieran
Colina (bass) combine to form a post-rock progressive form of music which not only
brings in influences from local bands such as Jakob but also plenty of
Radiohead, while for some reason this song always makes me think of Crowded
House. It is ethereal, dreamy, but also with a punch and tightness which
belies what is being presented to us. The music is incredibly deep yet also
somewhat shallow, directionless but with real meaning, and is best played on
headphones to that the listener is not distracted by anything else in the real
world. Chris and Kieran, along with Joshua’s vocals, are all in the supporting
role with the delicate and fractured guitars the highlight and driving force.
It is music which requires repeated listenings, and paying close attention to what is going on, as it is only then that the real majesty comes through. Interestingly, these guys are also keen on making it more than just an audio experience and for those who wish to be fully invested need to buy the special packets of Chirny’s Coffee which comes with a download code – while it is possible to buy this on Bandcamp etc, there will be only 50 packets of coffee available with the download codes. So why not enjoy the sensory pleasures of fresh coffee while listening to this song? I certainly look forward to the full album.
No Broadcast, a three-piece band formerly known as Anthesiac, move post rock and alternative rock into a dynamic powerhouse of sound, reminiscent of fellow New Zealand bands HDU, Kerretta and Jakob. Their music is surpassed only by the live experience.
Established in Christchurch, NZ in 2007, as Josh Braden (vocals, guitar), Sam Hood (bass), and Chris Self (drums), the three chaps formed a strong musical chemistry that is increasingly rare in bands today. Priding themselves on their ability to instinctively move their music where it wants to go, the group make for a live act audiences can't take their eyes off.
No Broadcast have gigged extensively over the past 5 years, playing various festivals and shows around the country with a variety of other local and national artists. They have played alongside rockers Beastwars, post-punk heavyweights Die! Die! Die! as well as supporting Mountaineater (former HDU members) and internationally renounced six-piece An Emerald City on the South Island leg of their 2011 New Zealand tour.