Michael Signal - EP Review: Solway
I'm really surprised that I hadn't heard of Michael Signal before reviewing this EP. This is far from being Michael's first release, and listening to it (repeatedly and joyfully, I might add) had me delving into his back catalogue, including a rip-snorting cover of Scorpions' Rock You Like A Hurricane.
However, Solway is much more than a metal guitarist flexing, and showing off his chops (although he does do that at points, and admirably). Being a guitar instrumental release, there are no vocals on the EP, and it's clear none are needed. This is a craftsman creating a calling card, a statement of intent that admirably displays a well-roundedness of musicianship. 3 of the 4 tracks are quite short, starting with Silhouette at just under one minute, a lush acoustic piece that has nothing busy happening, just lovely moments of tension that resolve beautifully.
Magnetism is the second track, and has been previously released and reviewed by MNZ here. Then we hit what (for me) is the standout track; Tunnel Gully. Listening to this track quietly does it a disservice. Crank the volume and get ready to witness Michael bringing the goods. A main riff that would have Nuno and Eddie hi-fiving and getting their stank-face on, coupled with some tasty, tasty little melodies and snotty, shreddy solos... but then, at a little over the halfway point (track length is 4'24", making it longer than the other 3 tracks combined) the mood drops, and becomes more reflective and soulful, with the listener being gently taken to a place of peace and tranquility. Forshadow closes the EP, another short acoustic piece... one can only hope it's a foreshadowing of what's to come from Michael. My only complaint is that I would have liked to have heard more... I hope I can, soon.
This rocks. If you love rock guitar playing, take just under 8 minutes out of your day to check Solway out. Well done, Michael... wanna jam?
About Michael Signal
Visit the muzic.net.nz Profile for Michael Signal
Other Reviews By Peter K Malthus
Menzies - EP Review: Spaghetti Land
18 Jul 2024 // by Peter K Malthus
Menzies are a four-piece melting pot of marvellously talented folk from Wellington, comprised of Chris Brown (Friendlies), Miles Sutton (Welcomer, Prizegiving), Doug Kelly (Girl Boss), Nikita Piper (Friendlies, Androgynous Lemon). They have just released their debut EP, Spaghetti Land, to riotous applause, fanfares, parades in their honour, a 21 gun salute, and the keys to the city.
Read More...
Matt Langley - Album Review: As Real As You Want It To Be
18 Jul 2024 // by Peter K Malthus
From Dunedin, but currently residing in Japan, Matt Langley is an artist who has already made an impressive impact on the New Zealand music scene, and with new album As Real As You Want It To Be, he's certainly poised to consolidate that position. Matt is an acclaimed and awarded songwriter, and has a weighty list of artists he has collaborated with, toured with, or supported, including names like Lindon Puffin, The Eastern, Martin Phillipps, Sir Dave Dobbyn, and Head like A Hole.
Read More...
Silk Cut - Album Review: Silk Cut
02 Jul 2024 // by Peter K Malthus
Having already released two EPs, and then followed up with full length album Our Place In The Stars, Silk Cut have returned to titillate your earholes with a brand new, self-titled album. The line-up of two guitars, bass, and drums also has shared lead vocals, and delivers a heady blend of 60's psychedelia and 90's guitar-based pop/rock.
Read More...
Cherry Slits - EP Review: Cherry Slits Are Back
01 Jul 2024 // by Peter K Malthus
So, there's a wee bit of a story to go with this one, and it's been a lot of fun to review. Nicola Cheeseman Is Back is a new play by Kathryn Burnett, detailing the story of a 50 year old woman having a midlife crisis, who decides to get her '80s punk band, Cherry Slits, back together.
Read More...
Marsha - Album Review: In Circles
01 Jul 2024 // by Peter K Malthus
Marsha hail from my hometown of Christchurch, and I'm a tad ashamed to say I hadn't actually heard them up until now, but I'd heard many good things about them. In Circles is their debut album, containing some previously released singles, and has been in the works since 2021, and all the painstaking care that was put into its creation is evident in every note of every song.
Read More...
Album Review: The Trials And Tribulations Of Miss French Part Two
21 Jun 2024 // by Peter K Malthus
Miss French is the performing name of Julie Foai, who spent 20 years touring the world with South Pacific band Te Vaka, and managed them into securing a contract with Walt Disney Pictures. Having released her debut solo album in 2016, The Trials And Tribulations Of Miss French, Pt.
Read More...
Taveets - EP Review: WINT/HER
21 Jun 2024 // by Peter K Malthus
Taveets has been steadily releasing singles and EPs since 2019, including 2023's Balcony Nights EP which could almost be considered album length at seven songs. The Wellington-born and raised Samoan/Futuan artist/rapper has just released his latest HipHop/RnB offering, WINT/HER, the five songs looking at love and relationships from different angles, and in different moods.
Read More...
Dónal Gunning - EP Review: Born To Perform
13 Jun 2024 // by Peter K Malthus
Dónal Gunning's travels, since leaving his native Ireland, have seen him eventually relocate to Wellington, where he has been regularly gigging as a solo artist, and with backing band The Bucks. The Bucks are comprised of a collective of Wellington session musicians and have also accompanied Dónal on two north Island tours, delivering fun and energetic shows.
Read More...
Most Viewed Artists
Latest Galleries
NZ Top 10 Singles
- BIRDS OF A FEATHER
Billie Eilish - NOT LIKE US
Kendrick Lamar - MILLION DOLLAR BABY
Tommy Richman - A BAR SONG (TIPSY)
Shaboozey - PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE
Sabrina Carpenter - ESPRESSO
Sabrina Carpenter - LOSE CONTROL
Teddy Swims - TOO SWEET
Hozier - GOOD LUCK, BABE!
Chappell Roan - HOUDINI
Eminem
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
