27 Apr 2024
UsernamePassword

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

Fictional Response - Single Review: Moonstruck

05 Jul 2023 // A review by Kris Raven

Fictional Response, the brain child of multi-instrumentalist and songwriter Richie Bennett is back with a cracker of a new single, Moonstruck.

Moonstruck is the first release for 2023, following a slew of genre bending singles released throughout 2021-2022 and packs a massive nostalgic punch for this listener. Moonstruck initially has a 2000's pop punk bounce to it, straight off the bat, I am feeling and embracing all the vibes. It then navigates flawlessly, moving into post hardcore territory, before lightening up briefly and heading right back to a punk core vibe.

The arrangement and flow is so well done and the song keeps you encapsulated the entire time and wondering what he will do next as each passage passes by. The chorus is super hooky, taking me back to early Sum 41 albums and The Used, with that hard rock/metal tinge across the 4/4 jumpy grooves.

The break between choruses introduces some of Richie’s previous heavier sound with screaming, which he pulls off easily. Plus there are guitar solos! This song has it all. I loved the synth section with the mini guitar solo that introduces us to the ramped up 3rd verse.

Every part has been well written with purpose and has its place, keeping you entertained and wondering where you will go next. Like a musical roller coaster that takes you through your favourite musical sub genres. With all instrumentation done by the man himself, the production is well executed, sleek and showcasing the quality musicianship and songwriting we continue to expect from FR. Another solid, catchy tune from Fictional Response, be sure to get your ears wrapped around this one.

 

About Fictional Response

Fictional Response is an artistic project and musical endeavour led by Richie Bennett, a musician based in New Zealand. It represents Richie’s exploration of music production, where he experiments with sound and pushes the boundaries of creativity. Through Fictional Response, Richie crafts unique and captivating compositions that blend various genres and styles, resulting in a distinct and innovative musical experience.




Visit the muzic.net.nz Profile for Fictional Response

Releases

There are no releases to display for Fictional Response.

Other Reviews By Kris Raven

Curlys Jewels - Album Review: Curly Jewels
06 Dec 2023 // by Kris Raven
Wellington's Curlys Jewels have recently dropped their full-length long player, Curlys Jewels. A staple in live music scene of Aotearoa, along with a fierce loyal Wellington fan base, Curlys have gone from strength to strength in the last few years, releasing a string of well received, radio bangers throughout the independent and mainstream waves, with every release in my view topping the last in terms of song writing, production and performance.
Read More...
Starving Millions - EP Review: VII
07 Nov 2023 // by Kris Raven
Wellington's Starving Millions have recently released their new EP VII, their first new recorded music since 2018's VI. While I have heard and seen their name throughout Aotearoa's venues, posters and word of mouth, I have never properly listened to their music.
Read More...
Beastwars - Album Review: Tyranny of Distance
11 Oct 2023 // by Kris Raven
One of Aotearoa's finest acts, Beastwars are set to release their 5th album Tyranny of Distance upon the world and damn, you better get excited. Their previous record, IV dropped in 2019 following on from a series of concept albums laid out by the band over the last decade.
Read More...
Lost Vessels - EP Review: Things I Never Said
19 Sep 2023 // by Kris Raven
Auckland 5-Piece Lost Vessels have recently released their debut EP Things I Never Said, comprised of five tracks that stand out amongst the crowd, a passionate offering of high energy, accessible, engaging punk fueled rock. All This Time, their first single release, is an absolute banger of a track to open this EP and introduce the world to Lost Vessels.
Read More...
Shepherds Reign - Album Review: Ala Mai
11 Aug 2023 // by Kris Raven
Aotearoa's Shepherds Reign are set to deliver their long-awaited new album Ala Mai to the world and set their place on the global musical landscape of heavy music as a band set for greatness. Known for blending various metal subgenres and Polynesian sounds that creates their overall concept, Ala Mai delivers hard and heavy head banging riffs, complex guitar arrangements and powerful and striking vocals that encapsulate universal themes of life, love, family, loss, and culture.
Read More...
Ugly Boys Collective - EP Review: Death Petals
20 Jun 2023 // by Kris Raven
Auckland, NZ hybrid rock outfit Ugly Boys Collective have recently dropped their debut EP Death Petals, a diverse four track album full of 80's and 90's grunge inspired riffage and thrash guitar solos with unique vocals and production. Opening with Erased, a distorted opening bass riff with kick, lifts off into the song mains progression.
Read More...
Marmalade - Single Review: Bright
01 Jun 2023 // by Kris Raven
Bright is the brand new, debut single from Auckland indie pop rock five piece Marmalade. Straight out the gate, it is a song  filled with infectious vocal hooks, harmonies, lush guitar melodies' and solos backed by a solid rhythm section.
Read More...
Raymond Sunshine - Single Review: Over and Over
08 May 2023 // by Kris Raven
This will be the first time I’ve heard Raymond Sunshine, their new track Over and Over came out very recently and it’s a fun 3.5 min banger with relatable life lyrics, tasty musicianship, funky artwork and a well refined sound.
Read More...
View All Articles By Kris Raven

NZ Top 10 Singles

  • FORTNIGHT
    Taylor Swift feat. Post Malone
  • TOO SWEET
    Hozier
  • DOWN BAD
    Taylor Swift
  • THE TORTURED POETS DEPARTMENT
    Taylor Swift
  • SO LONG, LONDON
    Taylor Swift
  • I CAN DO IT WITH A BROKEN HEART
    Taylor Swift
  • MY BOY ONLY BREAKS HIS FAVORITE TOYS
    Taylor Swift
  • BUT DADDY I LOVE HIM
    Taylor Swift
  • FLORIDA!!!
    Taylor Swift feat. Florence And The Machine
  • WHO'S AFRAID OF LITTLE OLD ME?
    Taylor Swift
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