James Kohler - Single Review: Rhea
Rhea is the latest single from Auckland-based James Kohler, a seasoned practitioner of "prog-pop/indie psychedelia". Rhea tells the story of the eponymous protagonist's life working in a department store, but it isn't an especially positive story.
I was instantly drawn to comparisons with Lou Reed/Velvet Underground with this track. The opening few instrumental bars have a deliciously '60s vibe to them. The subdued playing of the drummer and bass guitarist provide a mellow, lulling rhythm for the sweetly jangly guitar and Manzarek-like keys to lilt dreamily over, the whole effect leading one to perhaps expect an ode to a sweetheart.
However, the lyrics more lean towards the dark, in a wonderful juxtaposition of moods. The narrator is far from impressed with watching Rhea's slow decline, as the soulless company she's employed by pass her over for promotion, move her to less desirable locales and departments, seemingly never valuing her worth in a way that she expects them to. "Rhea... reinvent your life!" is the narrator's heartfelt plea in the chorus, even though he can tell it's going to fall on deaf ears.
If you're having a sad day, if your life feels meaningless or directionless, pop Rhea on for a listen. Once you've compared your life to Rhea's, you'll be having a better day. Plus, the music is lovely.
About James Kohler
His body of work runs deep, with plans to expand on his output with a never ending bootleg series.
His studio album Will and Way is due for release early 2023. Speckled with brightly shining pop hooks and natural musicianship, his lyrics detail a spiritual journey amid the increasingly materialistic and nihilistic culture of our times. Will and Way is an honest plea towards fighting inner peace, without losing the spirit to live the good fight in this life.
Visit the muzic.net.nz Profile for James Kohler
Other Reviews By Peter K Malthus
TheSlacks - Album Review: Information Ape
02 May 2024 // by Peter K Malthus
Scott Armstrong (vocals, rhythm guitar), Mark Armstrong (vocals, lead guitar), Blake Gibson (vocals, bass guitar) and Zane Greig (vocals, drums) are collectively TheSlacks, Taranaki's answer to the question "What do you reckon a cross between Johnny Cash and Sublime would sound like?" Information Ape is their new album, their third after 2003's Suppressed Inventions and 2014's Welcome To The Rolling Vibe, and they're embarking on a 4-date tour to coincide with New Zealand Music Month to support it, their mums think they play Folk-Rock, they themselves think they play Country-Ska, but apparently they actually play Adult Contemporary Pop...
Read More...
Gig Review: Dragon @ Town Hall, Christchurch - 18/04/2024
20 Apr 2024 // by Peter K Malthus
Dragon is a name long since synonymous with rock & roll in Australasia, and the band is currently enjoying an 8-date tour in celebration of their 50th anniversary. Starting April 12th in Invercargill, the tour will work its way slowly up the country, to wind up in Auckland on April 27th.
Read More...
Sounds Escape - Album Review: Midnight Drive
18 Apr 2024 // by Peter K Malthus
Sounds Escape is the solo project of Logan Wedgwood, an Auckland based drummer, guitarist, and composer. Sounds Escape started coming into being during lockdown, and having released two EPs since 2022, Midnight Drive is his debut full length album.
Read More...
Cian - EP Review: All New Ways Of Life
22 Mar 2024 // by Peter K Malthus
All New Ways Of Life is the introductory offering from Wellington-based Hardcore Metal outfit, Cian. Connor Matthew (Guitar, Vocals), Navah Chapman (Guitar), Dylan Jonkers (Bass, Vocals) and Zed Ramsay (Drums) have delivered four raging slabs of blistering-hot Metal on this EP and are hungry to take over the world with their punishing, riff-laden sound.
Read More...
Jackie Bristow - Jackie B And The Mini Band - EP Review: Summertime
22 Mar 2024 // by Peter K Malthus
Jackie Bristow has had a career on a continuous upward trajectory, since being discovered at the tender age of eight, in her primary school's choir. In the time since then, she relocated to Australia, and then on to Nashville in the USA, regarded by many as that nation's "music capital".
Read More...
The Mons Whaler - Album Review: Hold My Gun
29 Feb 2024 // by Peter K Malthus
The Mons Whaler were formed in the Taranaki area, by Hemi Coates (vocals & guitar), Andre Peri (percussion & backing vocals) and Phil Hoskin (bass, guitar backing vocals). Multi-talented Courtnay Low joined forces with them, on keys, backing vocals and lead guitar.
Read More...
Empyrvore - Album Review: Nadir: Empyrean
12 Feb 2024 // by Peter K Malthus
Nadir: Empyrean is the latest release from Wellington-based Empyrvore, and their first full length album. It has been a labour of love for its two creators, Jared and Mike, who followed the complete DIY path for recording, mixing, mastering, and releasing...
Read More...
David Edwards - Album Review: Electric (Yang) / Acoustic (Yin) - 2CD Compilation 1998-2023
30 Dec 2023 // by Peter K Malthus
Fiffdimension is the name under which Dave Edwards records and performs, having released the debut album Scratched Surface back in 1998. He's certainly been busy since then; I think I counted around 40 releases listed on his website.
Read More...
Most Viewed Artists
Latest Galleries
NZ Top 10 Singles
- TOO SWEET
Hozier - ESPRESSO
Sabrina Carpenter - FORTNIGHT
Taylor Swift feat. Post Malone - MILLION DOLLAR BABY
Tommy Richman - A BAR SONG (TIPSY)
Shaboozey - BEAUTIFUL THINGS
Benson Boone - I LIKE THE WAY YOU KISS ME
Artemas - I CAN DO IT WITH A BROKEN HEART
Taylor Swift - LOSE CONTROL
Teddy Swims - DOWN BAD
Taylor Swift
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
