17 Apr 2024
UsernamePassword

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

Keeltys - EP Review: Strange

29 Oct 2022 // A review by HazzaMakingNoise
For a place that is the epitome of Aotearoa’s blokey sport-heavy monoculture, Otautahi is having a remarkable renaissance of churning out quality bands and artists. Jazz-rock infused pop band Keelty’s have just added their name to the roll-call sheet with their debut EP Strange.


The five song effort ranges from agreeable summer kiwi bops to gritty and adventurous and manic rockers. The opening and title tracks Strange' is probably the EP’s weakest point, uncannily indulging the New Zealand sound, and in the context of what follows it, it feels like Keeltys have caved to the burgeoning uniformity of palatable but indistinguishable NZ Pop Rock. Don’t get me wrong though, they still have tune on their hands here. If you're not hanging out singing along by the end of the last chorus there is probably something wrong with you.

Strange really kicks into gear with All the Time and is where Keeltys put their stake in the ground and claim their sound. Fuzzy riffs and sweet melodies, frontman and chief songwriter Samuel Keelty voice floats above the grooves with grace. If there is one track that stands out from the rest it is the mini-epic Lake Rotoma. It is maybe the shortest song on the EP, but it is certainly the most momentous. A near perfect album closer with outro to lose yourself in and where the Jazz School origins of the band shine through. The details that swirl around the compounding excitement that pulls you in. Keeltys prove here that they're cut from a different cloth, and no doubt if they continue to build their sound they’ll do amazing things.
Rating: ☆☆☆☆☆ ( 4 / 5 )
 
Share

About Keeltys

Keeltys is a project lead by Sam Keelty, accompanied by his band.
It's a tough world we live in, but wonderful music always helps.
So come listen to his weird but tasteful combination of rock, jazz, and pop. x


Visit the muzic.net.nz Profile for Keeltys

Releases

Strange
Year: 2022
Type: EP

Other Reviews By HazzaMakingNoise

Ema I'u - Single Review: Midnight Mistress
01 Sep 2022 // by HazzaMakingNoise
I’m going to speculate that most music scenes in cities around the world have someone like Ema I’u (AKA Ema Barton.) However I’d wager that all these other cities are in envy of our own Tamaki Makaurau and its “open mic queen”, whose remarkable talents are no secret to those who have traversed the various haunts around the city which generously let artists cut their teeth.
Read More...
Reuben Hudson - Single Review: Gasman
24 Jul 2022 // by HazzaMakingNoise
I’m not gonna muck around with the preamble here, instead a question… Has Reuben Hudson written the most catchy chorus of the year? I’d wager it.
Read More...
Oliver Birch - Single Review: Docile Healthier
21 May 2022 // by HazzaMakingNoise
There is a strange paradox in the independent, self-produced musician who laments the seemingly ever dangerous trajectory of technological society. Because that same trajectory enables them to find liberation in creating new soundscapes without any objection.
Read More...
SOJØURN - EP Review: Mystic Ways
17 Mar 2022 // by HazzaMakingNoise
Surf, Sun, Sojøurn. If it isn’t a catchphrase of a quintessential Kiwi summer, then it will be soon.
Read More...
Sean Bodley - Album Review: Past Present Future: Vol. 1
20 Feb 2022 // by HazzaMakingNoise
The electric guitar may have faded in its pre-eminence as the foundation of popular music, but New Zealand’s own Joe Satriani Sean Bodley won’t let that get in the way of producing the most delectable and technically mesmerising instrumental guitar music in Aotearoa. His first release since 2020’s full length album Neon Daydreams; Past Present Future: Vol.
Read More...
Bad Llamas - Single Review: Day Dreamer
27 Jan 2022 // by HazzaMakingNoise
As someone who suffers from chronic mind wandering during daylight hours, Day Dreamer, the latest track from Otautahi indie rockers Bad Llamas, happens to find a resonant audience.With an almost Oasis-like commitment to the core elements of rock ’n’ roll, Day Dreamer is a fascinating song of two halves that defies conventional song structure.
Read More...
Lady Bonestripper - EP Review: Awaken The Snake Hips
27 Dec 2021 // by HazzaMakingNoise
December it a strange time. Truly exasperating month.
Read More...
Goodspace - Single Review: Kicking Stones
18 Nov 2021 // by HazzaMakingNoise
"Catchiness" is a strange creature sometimes. It can lurk in places unexpected, or even uninvited.
Read More...
View All Articles By HazzaMakingNoise

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
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