James Constable - Album Review: Interesting Times
Otautahi indie singer-songwriter James Constable released his second album Interesting Times on
the 16th of June.
This ten track album follows on from the 19 years old’s debut Tui, which I had the pleasure of reviewing when it was released in 2021. I was eager to see how James' follow up album compared to his debut.
Interesting Times is a collection of upbeat tunes, paired with darker, moodier tones. James stays true to his jangle pop roots, but there is a definite edge and strong Kiwi music influence to this collection of songs compared with Tui. His vocals have notably improved too, having grown in strength since 2021, with James showing off his range more so that he did on Tui. Looking back at my previous comments in my last review, I mentioned how it would be great to hear more of James' higher register, and that he’s at his best when he belts. While I still felt that Interesting Times could’ve had more of those moments, the album is still just as impressive as its predecessor.
Highlights of the album are, naturally, when James shows us what he can do vocally. Lead single and second track I Want To Save Someone has a triumphant end to it with James belting out the final notes in the outro. Asylum Kitty has hints of this too, as does album closer You’ve Flown Too Close To The Sun, which is the perfect conclusion to the album. Camera features a catchy guitar riff and use of an EBow, as well as melodic repetition that ensures the track stays with you long after the first listen. Other standouts include uplifting album opener Our Song and the darker Keep An Eye On Cadence, which features a beautiful string instrumental.
Overall, it’s great to see how James has grown as an artist in the last couple of years. While still young, James has a long career in music in front of him. I do hope he continues to lean into his higher register, as his voice really shines when he showcases it. I look forward to hearing many more albums from James.
About James Constable
James has made a bit of a splash in the local music scene over the past year and a half, having gone from playing small open mics, to playing large events such as the North Canterbury Wine And Food Festival, alongside the likes of Anika Moa. His EP Sunshine Over Britain, has gained upwards of 500 streams on Spotify, and it’s lead single Out From Under Water received almost 1000 views on YouTube alone, and many more on Facebook and Spotify. He has also received music awards on the national stage, being selected as the winner of the Hookline and Singalong songwriting competition (run by the New Zealand Music Commission) in 2018, as well as being a finalist in the Lions Songwriting Competition the year before.
James’ music is influenced by a variety of artists, ranging from the clean 60's pop of the Beatles, the Beach Boys, and the Byrds, to the grittier, but just as jangly 80's and 90's alternative rock scene, including The Chills, REM, The Mutton Birds, and, most of all, the Smiths. By walking a fine line between old-time nostalgia and modern pop sensibility, he is sure to bring something to the table for everyone to enjoy.
Visit the muzic.net.nz Profile for James Constable
Releases
Other Reviews By Madeleine Howard
Citris iNK - Single Review: Last Night Replay
27 Jun 2023 // by Madeleine Howard
RnB, Neo-soul duo Citris iNK released their second single Last Night Replay on the 9th of June.The duo comprises of Auckland born multi-instrumentalist Nick Taylor and South African singer-songwriter Kristin Paulse.
Read More...
The Flow Collective - Single Review: Final Whistle
25 May 2023 // by Madeleine Howard
Whanganui based band The Flow Collective launch their latest single Final Whistle today, Friday 26th May. The group released their debut album Flow last year, a collection of compositions by lead vocalist and pianist Elizabeth de Vegt, with lyrics taken from the poems of Airini Beautrais' collection Flow: Whanganui River Poems.
Read More...
Phoebe Vic - EP Review: Strange Rituals
05 May 2023 // by Madeleine Howard
Otautahi pop artist Phoebe Vic launches her EP Strange Rituals today, 5th May. The follow up project to her 2015 EP Hunter, Strange Rituals sees Phoebe Vic come into her own with a quartet of highly polished electro pop tunes.
Read More...
tei. - Single Review: Primal
02 May 2023 // by Madeleine Howard
Tamaki Makaurau alternative RnB artist tei. released her new single Primal on the 21st of April.
Read More...
Valere - Single/Video Review: Stuck In My Head
29 Mar 2023 // by Madeleine Howard
Otautahi bedroom pop artist Valere released her latest single Stuck in My Head on the 16th of March.An International Songwriting Competition semi-finalist and APRA Songhubs Sphere alum, Valere's debut album Colours, released in 2020, gained her air play on ZM, Base FM and Spotify playlists such as The Local List NZ.
Read More...
Eve Kelly - Single Review: Mr Big Shot
10 Mar 2023 // by Madeleine Howard
Whakatane based singer-songwriter (Eve Kelly) released her single Mr Big Shot on February 24th.Following on from her previous singles Gotta Let Go and Dance With Me, both released in the final months of 2022, Mr Big Shot adds another layer to this up and coming artist's repertoire, proving that Eve has a talent for writing songs that are a blend of genres, including funk, RnB, gospel, and adult contemporary.
Read More...
Just Another June - EP Review: Mo(u)rning
16 Dec 2022 // by Madeleine Howard
Otautahi quartet Just Another June released their debut EP Mo(u)rning on December 7th, 2023.Just Another June are singer songwriter Luna Cubillana, vocalist and guitarist Sam Keelty, bassist Austin Standeven and drummer Amy Claire.
Read More...
Shivers - Single Review: Under My Skin
13 Dec 2022 // by Madeleine Howard
Wellington based band Shivers released their latest single Under My Skin on the 8th of November. Formed in 2018, Shivers consists of vocalist Timmy Porter, multi-instrumentalist Adrian Win and drummer Rick Cranson.
Read More...
Most Viewed Artists
Latest Galleries
NZ Top 10 Singles
- PAINT THE TOWN RED
Doja Cat - STRANGERS
Kenya Grace - GREEDY
Tate McRae - SPRINTER
Dave And Central Cee - SNOOZE
SZA - VAMPIRE
Olivia Rodrigo - BLUE EYED M?ORI
Corrella - CRUEL SUMMER
Taylor Swift - SLIME YOU OUT
Drake feat. SZA - WATER
Tyla
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
