Will McClean - EP Review: Will McClean and The Zooks - Live At The Surgery
Will McClean and The Zooks - Live At The Surgery EP is a hat tip to live hip-hop. The band is super tight with wonderful guitar licks working wonderfully over top of the rhythm section. The live, clean and almost dry sounding (no reverb) of Will McClean rhymes is wonderfully mixed here. It offers the listener a chance to just sit back and soak up all the magic that appears here. Like the keys solo during Young Jedi, where Will steps right back and lets the music do the talking, that is tasty.
To add to that, Will's flow feels real and authentic, it would appeal to a large audience. I can't help but notice a little influence from Tom of Home Brew, one of my favourite NZ hip-hop artists. Will isn't afraid to put his thoughts on the tracks, and knows exactly when to just back off and let the music finish what his vocal starts. Again this is noted on It Is What It Is, when Will speaks about life and the struggles we face but that he uses his words as paint to illustrate his feelings. "It is just businesses playing us like instruments." Nice line. The guitar melody after his verse here is so wonderful, the bass holding it down until we get to where the keys come in and take over, the dynamics soft in order to build up. These are signs that Will and The Zooks have a really good idea about how to use music as a way to just let go and go with the flow. This song would be incredible live.
Straight after this though, we pick up with a more upbeat guitar for the single Thinking Of You, his track about climate change, a cry for help, a message for the future generations. Again, more tasty guitar solos to boot and a solid rhythm section.
Finishing the EP is the grooving half time feel of Still. A perfect way to finish the EP. There's lots to like here. Just pop some headphones on and go listen. Incredible.
Easily one of the best hip-hop EPs I have heard in ages. Great live production and sound. The performances are fantastic. Absolutely check this one out.
About Will McClean
Will McClean’s insightful lyricism is mellow but hard hitting; taking time to say what matters; and by taking a look through his discography you’ll find a blend of vulnerable raps with uplifting aspirations, set against smooth sample-based instrumentals; mixed in with the occasional heavier hip-hop track.
“Insightful lyricism and electric live performances.” - Sniffers.
Visit the muzic.net.nz Profile for Will McClean
Releases
Other Reviews By Ben Ruegg
Tom Knowles - Album Review: Atarangi - Morning Sky
28 Jun 2023 // by Ben Ruegg
Tom Knowles latest release Atarangi - Morning Sky is a must listen. Like, close this page now, go listen to the album, and then come back and read this.
Read More...
SuperMild - Single Review: Self Respect
21 Jun 2023 // by Ben Ruegg
SuperMild is a 3-piece genre-spanning band based in Auckland. Once cited in a review as spanning Reggae, Dub, Roots, RnB, Funk, Psychedelic, Rock, and Jazz, SuperMild is driven by a desire to not get stuck in one sound, and to bring banter, energy, a good time, and a great sound to as many stages as possible.
Read More...
Mazbou Q - SURVIVR6 - EP Review: Metahuman
11 May 2023 // by Ben Ruegg
This latest EP release, Metahuman, immerses listeners in a captivating cinematic journey from its very first note. With an infusion of sounds and concepts reminiscent of high-budget modern action films, the EP exudes an undeniable sense of intensity and potency that is instantly evident on the opening track, BBDO.
Read More...
Dilz - Single Review: Mentality
03 May 2023 // by Ben Ruegg
Dilz' latest track, Mentality, is a focused and polished work that showcases his unwavering dedication to his craft. The song's beat slowly develops, creating a sense of determination that is further reinforced by the lyrics, "Wake up in morning with a hustler mentality," in the first chorus.
Read More...
Eliezer - Album Review: Kingdom Come
13 Apr 2023 // by Ben Ruegg
Eliezer is a rising artist in the hip-hop scene, and his latest album Kingdom Come showcases his undeniable talent and passion for music. Produced in collaboration with Ten.
Read More...
Frontier - Single Review: Star Walkin'
28 Feb 2023 // by Ben Ruegg
Frontier are a passionate and energetic Pop Punk and Easycore four piece band from Christchurch, New Zealand. Their new release, Star Walkin', is driven by a huge intro that quickly moves into what we would expect from Pop/Punk, this song rocks.
Read More...
Swizl Jager - Single/Video Review: Nanny Pia
06 Jan 2023 // by Ben Ruegg
The new track from Swizl Jager, Nanny Pia, is a fantastic new track that will have your head bobbing in a humble way. It's got a great vibe that will have you hitting that repeat button.
Read More...
Dilz - Single/Video Review: I've Been 2
05 Dec 2022 // by Ben Ruegg
Dilz' new track I've Been 2 hits hard. With a huge bass sound that doesn't overwhelm as much as it just makes you aware of its power, paired with the chimes as a hook and a powerful trap beat, I would say that this Dilz track is a statement about where he has come from and where he is now.
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
