28 Mar 2023
UsernamePassword

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

Mahoney Harris - Single Review: Band in Town

02 Dec 2021 // A review by Kev Rowland

Band In Town is the latest single from folk/pop singer Mahoney Harris. Inspired by memories of her mum and friends getting ready for nights out, the cover actually features both her mother (on the left) and her godmother. I haven’t heard any of Mahoney’s earlier material, but from I have read this is a bit of a shift for her, as this is far more country and western than what I expected. There is a wonderfully languorous feel to this song, where the focus is always her beautiful voice, which is never rushed in its approach, singing slowly with a lovely tone. It is not easy to sing in this manner, but she makes it seem so, taking the listener back to the laid-back folk style of the early Sixties, yet as the song develops it takes on a slow country swing style with backing vocals, piano, picked electric guitar, a funky bass and some wonderfully distorted guitar chords packed full of reverb.

The production is perfect, with Mahoney always very much front and centre with the accompaniment allowed to become richer over time, yet always there in the perfect support mode. Lyrically she takes us through the events taking place in her memory “The singer’s such a show-off, the bass player’s high, and the drummer is always the nicest guy. It would be interesting to put that last comment on drummers to the vote among the bands I know, as it would be sure to generate some interesting debate, although I know they would all agree about the singer, as that is one of the qualities which make a good front person. The gentle groove combined with those light vocals and the melodic hooks make this a very interesting release indeed. I certainly hope to hear more in the new future.

Rating: ( 4 / 5 )
 

About Mahoney Harris

Folk/Pop artist, Mahoney Harris writes intimate, wistful but hopeful tunes. Her voice has been described as 'honest, charming and beguiling'.

Mahoney began playing guitar in the summer of 1996 while enduring a hot NYC summer. As soon as she could master a few chords she began writing songs and playing out at local open mike evenings around the city.

In 2009, with the help of Tom Healy (Paquin, Hannah Curwood) Mahoney recorded her debut EP, But They Do, receiving warm praise from music media.

Visit the muzic.net.nz Profile for Mahoney Harris

Releases

We Didn't Feel Alone
Year: 2014
Type: Album
But They Do
Year: 2009
Type: EP

Other Reviews By Kev Rowland

Shepherds Reign - Single Review: Ua Masa’a
23 Mar 2023 // by Kev Rowland
When it comes to different cultures and music there is no doubt we are incredibly blessed in Aotearoa, and surely anyone into metal, wherever they are in the world, are aware of Alien Weaponry and the way they blend groove metal and their Maori roots. However, what may not be known by those outside New Zealand is that there is another band down here who are also making huge waves in their own country, Shepherds Reign.
Read More...
Brawler NZHC - EP Review: Hard Truths
23 Mar 2023 // by Kev Rowland
Over the last 12 months I have been fortunate enough to catch Hamilton hardcore outfit Brawler NZHC a few times, and although I have always been a little concerned that singer Joe Steiner is going to pass out before he finally removes the balaclava, I always know we are in for a high energy show with plenty of angst and passion. They have also impressed NZ hardcore royalty along the way, with Luke Manson of Xile joining in on vocals for Pay The Price.
Read More...
Mice on Stilts - Album Review: I Am Proud of You
22 Mar 2023 // by Kev Rowland
Some ten years ago I was a member of the ProgArchives Crossover Team (yes, to be allowed to be included on PA each band is judged by a committee). We were asked to pass our critical eyes and ears over the somewhat strangely named Mice on Stilts and I was somewhat surprised, nay amazed, to discover they hailed from Auckland.
Read More...
Gig Review #1: Homegrown 2023 @ Wellington Waterfront - 18/03/2023
19 Mar 2023 // by Kev Rowland
I have been waiting for this festival for ages, well over 12 months in fact as last year’s had to be cancelled due to Covid, but finally it was here. I flew down to Wellington in the morning and caught up with the MNZ crew of Reef, River (read River's review here), Amanda, Garry, and Bevan for brunch: two reviewers and four photographers meant we were one of the largest media contingents at Homegrown 2023.
Read More...
On Tick - EP Review: Planet Chrome
17 Mar 2023 // by Kev Rowland
When On Tick released their debut album, Nothing New, towards the end of 2021 they were already in a state of change as it was recorded as a trio of brothers Brendan (vocals and drums) and Aidan O'Loughlin (vocals, guitar) along with bassist Matt Hammond, who also produced it, but they had now brought in Matt Perry to play bass while Matt H had moved to lead guitar. In 2023 things have changed again as Matt H is now concentrating on Pale Flag, while Matt P is also not involved any longer, so it is back to just Brendan and Aidan.
Read More...
Written By Wolves - Single Review: Give 'Em Hell
16 Mar 2023 // by Kev Rowland
Written by Wolves may not have released any new material in 2022, but everyone knew the boys were working on their next album, and if you were fortunate enough to see them play then you will have already heard Give 'Em Hell as they were using this track as the opening number. In many ways this encapsulates everything which is Written By Wolves in one song – if you want to know why so many of us keep raving about them, then this will demonstrate why.
Read More...
Anthony Coulter - Single Review: Younger
16 Mar 2023 // by Kev Rowland
Here we have the latest single from Anthony Coulter’s album Pilgrimage To the Sea, where he says he is not getting any younger, something I can really relate to given I am 60 in just a few months and certainly act a lot more than I used to. Mind you, I don’t think every day is the same, which is the same for Anthony who yearns to be younger.
Read More...
BAkeR - EP Review: Eternal Now
16 Mar 2023 // by Kev Rowland
Mike Baker has been involved in both the Australian and NZ music scenes since the Eighties, running the import/export operations for Australia’s Hot Records at one point, releasing an album himself as a member of Not Really Anything and also managing Glide. Last year he created his alter ego BAkeR and started recording this five-track EP, entitled Eternal Now, with Daniel Hewson (the son of the late Paul Hewson of Dragon).
Read More...
View All Articles By Kev Rowland

NZ Top 10 Singles

  • BOY'S A LIAR PT. 2
    PinkPantheress And Ice Spice
  • FLOWERS
    Miley Cyrus
  • KILL BILL
    SZA
  • LAST NIGHT
    Morgan Wallen
  • DIE FOR YOU (REMIX)
    The Weeknd And Ariana Grande
  • SURE THING
    Miguel
  • PEOPLE
    Libianca
  • ESCAPISM.
    RAYE feat. 070 Shake
  • PLAYERS
    Coi Leray
  • CALM DOWN
    Rema And Selena Gomez
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