23 Mar 2023
UsernamePassword

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

The Traditional Aliens - Album Review: What World Will You Live In

16 Mar 2023 // A review by Kev Rowland

I think from the cover that The Traditional Aliens inhabit a world which contains knitted female dwarves, although I could well be wrong. What World Will You Live In is both the debut and third album by the guys, who recently changed their name from Infinity following on from their 2017 self-titled debut and then 2020’s Icy Blue Planet. It is the same two people who have been working together since 2014 though, namely Pateriki Hura (guitar, synth bass, keyboards, sequencing) and Cameron Budge (drums). There are vocals on the title cut, but for the most part this is enjoyable instrumentals, often led by guitar, but sometimes keyboards, and always with a real drummer at the back adding his own touches and nuances.

This does not sound like a studio project of just two people as it is massively layered, with great thought given to the arrangements which have just the right amount of space so every instrument can be clearly identified and its role understood. If I had been asked, I would have said this was a quartet and the musicians were all in the studio at the same time playing off each other, but as it is, I can’t work out what was laid down first, although if it had been keyboards and drums I would not be surprised. They proudly state they are not bound by genre but instead do what they want and say that within their catalogue one can hear Space Rock, Jungle Groove, Edgy Guitar Rock, Hip Jazz, Oriental and African flavours. I can only say talk about what is front of me as I have not heard the others, and for the most part that is middle of the road jazz with touches of soul here and funk there. Cameron is never content to just provide a straight beat and instead adds flourishes where it makes sense, yet never overplays, while Pateriki has a delicate touch on all the instruments he plays, with nice fluid bass, a strong understanding of when to use piano or organ, and a lovely guitar sound reminiscent of Dave Stryker.

This is something which is not cutting edge nor driving, but instead is something to relax to and just settle into the groove being created. The name change certainly makes them stand out, and I am sure this will assist in more people finding their music and not being confused with the likes of Infinity Ritual who are a very different band indeed! Listenable and enjoyable from the beginning.

Rating: ( 3 / 5 )
 

About The Traditional Aliens

The Traditional Aliens are a NZ Instrumental Rock Band with a love of wide open spaces and exotica. Within our music every musical part is aware and respectful of every other parts role. We create the space which allows the musical parts to communicate their ideas freely.

We invite you into our world. If you're into a fresh approach and a unique blend of elements and style then this album is for you.

This is a no rap zone. There's no bling and fast cars. It's not an elevator or the pop music supermarket. It is a place which displays the joy of craftsmen at home in their work, exploring new form, taking some risks and loving it.

Visit the muzic.net.nz Profile for The Traditional Aliens

Releases

Icy Blue Planet
Year: 2020
Type: Album
Infinity
Year: 2017
Type: Album

Other Reviews By Kev Rowland

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...
Gig Review: Mi-Sex and Stellar* @ Paraoa Brewing, Whangaparaoa - 09/03/2023
09 Mar 2023 // by Kev Rowland
I had been looking forward to tonight for quite some time as here was an amazing opportunity to catch two of our most iconic bands. Mi-Sex are touring in celebration of the 40th anniversary of their debut album, Graffiti Crimes, which of course featured probably their biggest hit, Computer Games.
Read More...
Sabreen Islam - EP Review: Room Service
09 Mar 2023 // by Kev Rowland
Although Sabreen Islam is young, and is currently studying at the University of Auckland, she has been involved in the arts for some time, both in music and poetry and performed at The Others Way Festival as far back as 2018. To date she has released a few singles, the most recent of which can be found here on her debut EP.
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
  • 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
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