Villainy - Single Review: The Launch
I was chatting with singer/guitarist Neill
Fraser from Villainy at a gig recently, and we agreed that the acoustic style gig they did
with Dead Favours earlier in the year was fun, but we were both looking forward
to having Villainy back on a rock stage (roll on next month, got your tickets
yet?). The quartet (which is completed by Dave Johnston (drums), James Dylan
(bass), and Thomas Watts (guitar)) have deservedly made a huge name for
themselves over the last ten years, and their brand of melodic energetic
hook-driven rock has gained them plenty of fans, as well as awards. I am
convinced their latest single is going to see them gaining even more success,
as it is a real banger.
The first three times I played it I kept turning it up just that little bit more, as this is not something anyone wants to play quietly. A quick dose of feedback, then we are off with the bass and drums setting the platform for the guitars to switch and move. This does not really sound like a single song, as there are so many sections which they keep returning to, and there are times when it is just Neill singing with the bass. The harmonies come in and out, the bass is thick, the drums powering, the guitars riffing hard, yet there are quiet sections as well where we all get our breath back. The use of space and contrast is often overlooked in rock music, but here they have the mix just right so the loud makes the quiet even more smooth, which in turn makes the loud bombastic. I could say there are elements of Shihad, or that they have been listening to Dead Favours, but in the end this is pure Villainy, and it rocks, big time. This is simply immense.
About Villainy
vill·uh·nee /?vil?nç/
Noun: 1. The actions or conduct of a villain; outrageous wickedness.
2. Maniacal rock band from Auckland, New Zealand.
Visit the muzic.net.nz Profile for Villainy
Releases
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...
Most Viewed Artists
Latest Galleries
NZ Top 10 Singles
- BOY'S A LIAR PT. 2
PinkPantheress And Ice Spice - FLOWERS
Miley Cyrus - DIE FOR YOU (REMIX)
The Weeknd And Ariana Grande - KILL BILL
SZA - LAST NIGHT
Morgan Wallen - SURE THING
Miguel - PEOPLE
Libianca - ESCAPISM.
RAYE feat. 070 Shake - PLAYERS
Coi Leray - AS IT WAS
Harry Styles
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
