THE RAMPS – Plural
Wellington based The Ramps have just released their self recorded six track EP Plural. They are ex-UK singer/songwriter Mike Gwyther (ex Self Inlicted a UK hardcore/cross band) with ex kick-boxing camp Shane Madzen on guitar, David Wynn on bass and ex-Hellserpoppin drummer Chris Irving.… [More...]
SPACE CREEPS – Many Mellow Returns
Auckland’s Space Creeps have been gently brewing for a while now; understatedly going about their business and not tweeting about it every five minutes. Late last year they released a stunningly beautiful and creepy music video for the lead single, the dreamy lop-sided Harpoon. They’ve also stunned audiences with their haunting appearances in support for Unkle and Tricky as well as recently accompanying The Checks on a national tour. So, it is, perhaps, a bit surprising that they have only… [More...]
THE BROADSIDES – Bring Me Love EP
Over the Xmas break I have been re-watching The Wire and, I am pretty sure that there was this one scene where Omar jacked a big bag of Broadsides EPs from the Barksdale crew – cos this shi’ is addictive as. What I’m saying is that The Broadsides combination of gospel and country-blues is so addictive them crackers be changing the game up. Word.
Bring me Love is The Broadsides 2nd EP – and again it’s beautifully packaged – something… [More...]
Seasonal Glimpse by Saint Rupertsberg
I’m a sucker for upbeat all girl harmonies; so Saint Rupertseberg from Wellington kinda had me not long into EP opener Summer Jams – with it’s solid bassline and piano lead and gorgeously sweet vocal harmonies. Repetition is there friend on this song; used for their evil plans to have you become addicted. Coming Home continues with a bass and key drive and then about mid way after a hauntingly familair breakdown – they nail shit perfectly down with brass… [More...]
Mmdelai EP by Mmdelai
Christchurch based producer Annemarie Duff is also known as Mmdelai has has just released her debut self titled EP. Blending the cold edge of electronica with etherial ghostlike vocals, Annemarie weaves something rather special here within the seven tracks in just under 25 minutes. White World opens like something like a siren malfunction as the machines being self aware and take control – lone, her voice is surrounded by dry ice and back-light. Almost a minute later post-drum-n-bass rhythms skittle… [More...]
A Fistful of Doo-Riffs by The Drab Doo Riffs
The Drab Doo Riffs release their third EP – this time taking their space-surf-safari to the wild west; Rawhide and Bonanza and Sunday afternoon cowboy films are reminded and recalled in the opening Theme.
The Drab Doo Riffs have built their success thus far much upon their high energy live show – and so fitting then to open their latest EP proper with live-favorite I’m Depressed – a sonic veneer on mental illness reminiscent, perhaps, of a 1960s era where… [More...]
Cereal EP by Nevernudes
Nevernudes have just released their second EP – entitled Cereal EP via bandcamp for ‘name your price’ for the digital download- it was recorded by Sharpie Crows’ Jackson Hobbs – who also recorded the new Wilberforces album. There are (half?) promises of physical format releases in cereal boxes, Nevernudes action figures and bed sheets.
Clocking in at nearly 30 minutes and with eight tracks, this is a more than generous helping of an EP – older people like me would… [More...]
Milkshakes EP
Milkshakes recently dropped the Cowboys from their moniker just before releasing their eponymous titled EP.
No mistake is made in naming the songs – each track-title left intentionally blank – not untitled, but rather, perhaps as an invitation to each listener to partake in the audience participation of naming each song yourself – as you see fit.
Discontent and malcontent. Too smart. Difficult but as simple as you.
I am very, very pleased that this exists.
Listen for yourself at… [More...]
King Cannons EP
King Cannons are ex pat Kiwis, after a sojourn to the UK, now settled in Melbourne and their EP is a high octane politically minded bluster of a record.
Clearly wearing The Clash and Springsteen on their influence-sleeves – but delivering well and truly in spades. If you turn on your bull-shit-o-meter while listening o this EP (I have one installed on my stereo – you can get them from Dick Smiths*) – you will see that clocks in at… [More...]
F in Math – Couch EP
Ex Mint Chick bassist Michael Logie has, for a long time, been winning audience admirations with his quirky glitchy bit-pop. I seem remember an early incarnation at Edens Bar, with an ipod and a second humanoid on stage; but since then, Logie has been refining and perfecting (as perfect as glitch can be without it being glitchy anymore, one presumes) as a solo project. A few (too many) novelty covers littering live sets – often it was hard to focus… [More...]
Sheep, Dog, & Wolf – Ablutophobia EP
Of course we all remember Bandicoot. Daniel McBride was the drummer of that little explosion. He’s gone on to create a solo-work under the name Sheep, Dog & Wolf – holding himself hostage in a bedroom studio he built himself for the past nine months or so.
It’s five songs of layers that are, frankly, fascinating. Bon Iver and Beirut are recalled when I listen to these songs, but within these layers are also hidden some wonderful pop and punk-ish… [More...]
