For the last 23 years I've been completely immersed in New Zealand music, soaked through to my inner core. I've been living it, breathing it and drinking it in. After all these years, NZ music is as much a part of my being as is the blood in my veins.

And while I've heard a huge array of what NZ music has on offer, my heart truly belongs to rock.

As with everyone else, I have my favourites. The music I always go to whenever I need something extra to help me through the day. The music that's on constant rotate in my car. The bands I have to see every single time they play near me. My rock family.

I now have a new favourite.

Very rarely do I come across an album that grabs hold of my attention in such a way that I struggle to pull myself away. An album that is so magnetic that I've had it playing almost non-stop since it landed in my email. And just like the lyrics in Don't Start, it's like a new addiction; I keep coming back for more.

Initially I wasn't a fan of the track Fake Your Death, but it grew on me with repeated listens. The intro is slightly reminiscent of Villainy's The Answer, and it evolves into a unique yet deliciously heavy piece which tantalises every sense.

Be Someone is a deeply intimate track with lyrics which will likely resonate with musicians who are facing resistance within the industry. Described as a "vulnerable track of hopes and dreams", it is accompanied by a simple but very apt video.

It's true that no two songs are the same, and Used is a prime example of that. Adding a whole new element to the album, this track showcases Banks Arcade's versatility as it jumps from rap to metal undertones seamlessly.

Don't Start is an explosive call-to-battle which is sure to be well received, especially live. The band said it's "aimed at those who try to tear us down behind closed doors but would never have the guts to front up and say something in person". Not only does this track push the limits, it overcomes them, and resoundingly so.

Overall, Future Lovers is an incredible release and quite possibly the best to hit NZ shores this year. In a world where we are literally drowning in new music every single day, this is one release which is sure to stand out well above all the rest, and one which I know I'll keep coming back to time and time again.

• 1
  Anxiety Club
• 2
  Devilskin
• 3
  Coridian
• 4
  Take Hold
• 5
  Skinny Hobos
• 6
  L.A.B.
• 7
  Head Like A Hole
• 8
  Shihad
• 9
  Villainy
• 10
  Katchafire

• 
  When The Cats Away @ Michael Fowler Centre, Wellington - 21/04/2024
• 
  Luke Buda @ Whammy Bar, Auckland - 20/04/2024
• 
  Phoebe Rings @ Whammy Bar, Auckland - 20/04/2024
• 
  Geoff Ong @ Big Fan, Auckland - 19/04/2024

• 1
  TOO SWEET
  Hozier
• 2
  BEAUTIFUL THINGS
  Benson Boone
• 3
  LOSE CONTROL
  Teddy Swims
• 4
  I LIKE THE WAY YOU KISS ME
  Artemas
• 5
  SATURN
  SZA
• 6
  STICK SEASON
  Noah Kahan
• 7
  END OF BEGINNING
  Djo
• 8
  LIKE THAT
  Future And Metro Boomin feat. Kendrick Lamar
• 9
  ESPRESSO
  Sabrina Carpenter
• 10
  WE CAN'T BE FRIENDS (WAIT FOR YOUR LOVE)
  Ariana Grande

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