New Music Review - ‘Boundary Issues’ the album by The RVMES
Boundary Issues is the fourth album released by Auckland-based, The RVMES (pronounced ‘The Rooms’), released September 5th, 2025.
Cover artwork from The RVMES’ Facebook page
Bounding out of the studio, The RVMES have let us into their world once again with the release of their much anticipated fourth album, Boundary Issues, that dropped at midnight last night.
Drenched in this intense wave of heat, Boundary Issues puts a little (large) pep in your step and opens you up to every possibility imaginable.
The RVMES have this real strength of bridging the gap between clean and sensual - which makes it hard to peel yourself away from them. They’re playful, passionate and sometimes the element of The RVMES’ music can be well, downright fierce.
The RVMES are well-established, with playing many shows and releasing a generous catalogue of music since 2018 in which their effortless blending of indie, reggae, rock and slightly pop vibes commands the listener to be drawn closer, without a hitch.
The RVMES’ love of upping their musical abilities over the years showcases that what they are creating is what they are continuing to push forward for long-term, it’s not just a moment for them, it’s career progression and there are no barriers that they are unable to break down.
While listening to Boundary Issues, I felt myself being flown away to an island, where the waves were crashing against the shoreline, however, the music from The RVMES was being carried through and was the only thing that I could hear, and focus on, nothing more.
This album genuinely takes you to a space that you ordinarily wouldn’t be thinking about in your day-to-day life, and that is quite a reflective and healing feeling, to be able to be quickly drawn away from reality in such a way like how they’ve achieved with this beautiful body of work.
Eclectic and techno-toned in some parts, Boundary Issues scores largely high up in the rankings of this weeks’ releases as it flows nicely into each song, it has melodic, but cheeky moments and is able to stand on its own two feet.
Inside the walls of Boundary Issues, there are layered beats that are logical with a blend of musical intent that keeps you wondering what The RVMES are about to surprise you with next and that is evidently a moment that they were going for - endless surprises.
Every hook, every bass line, every percussion piece is spectacularly curated to be anything but your ordinary listen, which truly elevates the potential of this album being heard and interpreted from many varying perspectives.
Some notable tracks from Boundary Issues include Cold Steel for the intoxicating guitar work that comes into play close to the end of the track, it melts into it perfectly, making you completely solidified to the ground in that moment. The guitar work is flawlessly represented on this track and deserves its moment in this review.
Ecstasy plays into this summertime festival vibe, the way the vocalism announces its importance on this song, alongside lyricism that pulls you into a tight grip (“I don’t need much, just your touch is enough for me. No denying we have the sweetest chemistry”, “sunny days on my mind is what I want, don’t have a plan, even though I’m fully grown”). This is my personal favourite song off of Boundary Issues, for sure.
Every track has its own distinction from the one before, or after it and ensures this is a phenomenal fourth release for The RVMES. Make sure you go and give it a listen immediately. A minute further without hearing Boundary Issues is a minute completely wasted.
To follow along with The RVMES, click the links below -
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The RVMES (Edwin) x WTTG - Interview - 2022
New Music Review - ‘Time’ the EP by FINDMYKEYS
Time is the new EP from FINDMYKEYS, released on the 1st August 2025. Cover artwork provided by FINDMYKEYS
The tectonic plates are shaking because new Christchurch rock-band, FINDMYKEYS, have recently released their debut EP, Time, one for the true rockers who love an energetic party in their ears, and I’m stoked to have the opportunity to review Time for you.
Specifically selected beats, matched with grungy vocalism that gives you a great sense of being at a venue like A Rolling Stone, for example, helps the letting loose continue in your life, vibes flowing out of every section of Time.
While FINDMYKEYS have not long jumped into the local music scene, being able to take ‘Time’ to find their sound and bring out an EP at the very beginning of their journey into music is something that is not being seen as often from newer artists these days.
That sets them off on the right foot, allowing them to share more of the skills that they can offer as a band. The more music out, the better I personally find as a listener as it grabs people in when they are able to hear more than one or two songs. It brings out diversity in what they can create, and I thoroughly enjoyed listening to Time.
Time is dynamic, a solid voyage for FINDMYKEYS to delve into. Epic, explosive stories told on the EP, which have been executed to perfection to tell what needs to be told.
Exploring themes of loss, recovery, reconnection, among many other topics that quite literally, have taken FINDMYKEYS ‘Time’ to pull together, the drop is impeccably decent and showcases the tight playing skills that the band have been able to generate since starting up in 2023.
While Time may not be for everybody, the evidence of hard work is all over this release, and FINDMYKEYS have certainly nailed the flow of what rock music is.
For more FINDMYKEYS, make sure that you check out their socials below -
New Music Review - ‘The//Glow’, the album by Mild Orange
The//Glow, the newest album from London-based, New Zealand band, Mild Orange, was released on the 8th of August 2025. Cover artwork: Josh Mehrtens. Source: Mild Orange’s Facebook
Mild Orange have never fit snuggly into one singular box for their music, but they have always challenged themselves to delve into greater depths and share their strengths in storytelling with each delivery they have openly given.
Having just come out with their fourth album, The//Glow, Mild Orange are showcasing that they are constantly within that headspace of ultimate creation, whilst incorporating their London-based lives heavily into this new era.
While their previous 2022 album, Looking for Space, was a remarkable release, The//Glow steps it up further, and competes with top spot for my personal favourite of their albums.
While writing this review, there was a sense of calmness flowing throughout my body, a feeling that Mild Orange flawlessly provide every single time… A feeling that can’t be touched, however, it can still be embraced in all of the ways.
THE//GLOW is an embodiment of eloquently patient work that unquestionably holds a lot of meaning for the band, and it is a field of tales that will figuratively lift you off the ground.
Moonglade is the first track to charm your ears from The//Glow, and the scene is set super softly, and for lack of a better word, it is quite the glower of an opener. It is graceful, almost polite, in a way. It’s as though you’re surrounded by your favourite people, sitting around a bonfire at the beach, enjoying a drink and watching the waves rolling in and out. The stillness of this song is grand.
Mood is absolutely a Mood and you can read my full review of that one here.
Rubicon is an ultimate, fresh, Spring-feeling moment on the album, it sweeps you away with such perfection, you won’t know what has come over you. The guitar work on this one is truly phenomenal, so much so that if you don’t play an instrument, you’re going to be inclined to start learning something after hearing this one.
Silver Star is where the genre veers in an ever so-slight country direction, something that may come as a nice surprise for long-term Mild Orange fans. It will take you to the ranch and make you say, “Gidey up!” So, put on your cowboy boots, and a hat, and let’s go.
Right or Wrong feels natural, like it was made to fit right in on The//Glow. It is a relatively underrated song that should be played non-stop. A little bit old-timey, in a way, yet it still holds a place in terms of magical creation.
Searching For takes on an indie-rock element that has an epic emphasis on the drums, creating this insane atmosphere, where the vibes are high and only keep getting higher. This one is for the dreamers, the creators, and the ones who just love to be present. It takes me back to hearing Mild Orange perform this on a narrowboat in London last summer. The memories for this one are locked in, and I bet anyone who listens to this will be able to create their own wonderful memories to it, too.
Welcome Back (To The//Glow) showcases every element of instrument that is being played, every lyric sung, and shares such a breadth of warmth that will make you feel alive. It’s a perfect top-tier middle of the album tune that you can sink into with ease.
My Light has surprising electronic moments to it, opening with such unique soundwaves that almost bring you back to your school days where you would go to a disco and dance the night away without a worry in the world. It’s ultimately really funky and a fun stop on The//Glow tour.
Out in the Distance arrives fully adorned in power, offering a sense of being grounded, but at the same time, still being aware of where you are, but enjoying it. A moment off from your overthinking mind, letting the day be erased away. It’s like watching a sunset from the top of a hill. That feeling of adrenaline and hope being bought back to you.
There’s No Rush is yet another serene piece of art. A gentle reminder to breathe. A reminder that quite literally There’s No Rush. This one really speaks for itself, therefore, doesn’t require much of an explanation.
Drive Character is going to be one that goes off at Mild Orange’s live shows. They’ve saved one of the best for last with this album. It’s full of immense energy, and you can taste the vibrancy coming from all angles.
Overall, The//Glow has a song for each and every individual, and it challenges the ‘norms’, so to speak, of sticking to one genre. For me, this album feels like looking at Van Gogh’s ‘Starry Night’ painting - the happiness it brings is insurmountable and has endless intriguing points looped into it.
For more Mild Orange, make sure you check out all of their links below -
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Website
Looking for Space - Review - 2022
New Music Review - ‘Meet Me at the Beach’ by Rachel Louise
Meet Me at the Beach was released on the 25th of July 2025. Cover art: Provided by Rachel
Wash away your worries from the week just gone and relax with your favourite beverage this Friday (maybe a pomegranate margarita?) because Rachel Louise has lovingly released her melodious new single, aptly titled Meet Me at the Beach today that will have a great hold on you.
With the new season of hit Amazon Prime Video series, The Summer I Turned Pretty, having just aired its third and final season, the timing for the song could not be more perfect as it is inspired by watching main character, Belly Conklin’s journey of growth from teenage years right into adulthood where she is challenged with falling in love with different boys, the grief of losing a loved one, and gradually going through her college years.
Meet Me at the Beach is a quiet star in the universe that deserves to be turned into the sun as the way that Rachel’s harmonious vocals and exquisitely written lyrics come together creates such magic. The song is paired with the most serene music figuratively humming in the background and Meet Me at the Beach really hits a chord that you didn’t know could be struck.
Being a beach girl herself, Rachel resonates with the characteristics surrounding the tales at the Cousins Beach house in both the books and the show, which is really special that she has been able to create a song with such a forcefield of passion behind it.
Meet Me at the Beach makes you want to fall in love, the way that Belly has fallen for Conrad or Jeremiah (maybe with less drama) as it takes you to that place where nothing, or nobody else exists, except for this one person that you can’t get out of your mind. For a song to have the ability to take you to that level of hope and emotion showcases how much devotion that Rachel has poured into ensuring that this one is an incredibly compelling way to put something you care deeply about out into the world.
Rachel has a goal of getting the author and creator of the show, Jenny Han, to hear this perfectly stunning new track and has launched a social media campaign to achieve just that. Any help that can be given to get Jenny to hear this song, or any of the cast of The Summer I Turned Pretty would be greatly appreciated by Rachel and other lovers of this track.
Alongside the Taylor Swift and Olivia Rodrigo additions to the soundtrack of the show, I feel as though if Jenny were to do a spin-off series and it had Belly in it, that Meet Me at the Beach would be a humbling track to include as it slots in so comfortably into the storyline.
Meet Me at the Beach feels like literally putting your feet in the sand on a hot summer’s day and feeling the freshness of the salt air on your face, and that is what makes this one particularly welcoming to my playlist. I can’t stop repeating it and likely never will. Thank you, Rachel, for creating such a masterpiece of art, this track is so beyond beautifully presented.
Follow along with Rachel’s journey at the links below -
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Website
Rachel x WTTG Interview
New Music Review - ‘Extraterrestrial’ by Tealskie
L-R (back): Bex, Tim. L-R (front): Chay, Elliot.
Extraterrestrial by Tealskie was released on the 17th July 2025. Photo credit: Armand Le Roux
Your new favourite band are here and ready to rock.
A fresh Tealskie (pronounced Teal-Sky) song? Get out of town, because this one is definitively punchy, with a phenomenally smooth sound, almost as though you’re about to spread the best peanut butter you’ve ever had on toast.
Slowly, but surely, Tealskie have begun to dominate the local music scene, with their ever-so kind personalities, and proficient skills that tend to make everyone fall for them as a band, and I am completely here for it.
The well-respected Christchurch foursome have given us a kick with their latest release, Extraterrestrial, which has absolutely nothing to do with aliens (no, that is not a reason to not listen to the track, however). Extraterrestrial is a really zesty, vibey track to get your body moving in more ways than one.
The gateway to Extraterrestrial draws you in with its idiosyncratic force, like it is wrapping its full arms around you and you’re not able to escape, and with this song, why would you want to flee, anyway? It’s warm, and it has come from a planet that you’ve probably never been to: Tealskie-Universe. That must be such a significantly cool place to reside, I’d imagine.
With this dynamic, flavourful release from the band, you can hear that they have poured out every single ounce of energetic astronomical presence, so to speak, and evidently Tealskie have everything under their belt to offer; so much so, that they could rule the world at this point and they are well on their way to doing just that. Even if it just means ruling musicially.
So, what makes Extraterrestrial so unique? Well, for starters, it brings the heat with the most sublime beats, it has a blend of artistic punk that leads you towards the likes of Paramore meets Red Hot Chili Peppers but also holds this spectacular Tealskie touch that truly sets them apart.
Extraterrestrial is a track that brews directly in your brain, unlike your morning coffee, a track so hot that even the most heat protectant cup can’t hold it. It will quite literally spice up your life more than the Spice Girls ever did. What other descriptive and uniquely weird sentences could I write to describe Extraterrestrial? Loads, but we could be here all evening.
Fascinatingly, Tealskie don’t depend on being one-genre-focused, they jump into the studio and just do what feels right, there is not always a guaranteed rhyme or reason to how they create, and that tends to really distinguish them from the crowd.
Tealskie are fresh, with an abundance of unreal aptitude, and this comes out loudly in Extraterrestrial which is a truly top tier new release, and I’m glad that they’ve thrown this one at us so that listeners can come out of their winter hibernation for a cheerful time with them.
Follow along with Tealskie at the links below to hear/watch more from them -
New Music Review - ‘A Day’ by Jack Robertson
A Day by Jack Robertson was released on the 9th July 2025. Cover: via Jack’s Instagram.
Jack is back. That’s right! Jack Robertson is back in New Zealand after spending time in LA recording for his upcoming EP and he has bought back with him a mellowed, but impressively exquisite tearjerker for your week ahead.
A Day is a harrowing story, with purposefully placed lyricism that feels like an understanding of the heart, even through the grief of life, which Jack pulls flawlessly from his bag of magical music tricks with this new, sombre release.
A Day holds an evidential amount of sincerity to Jack and it touches the soul in a way that you would not expect it to. It feels like a classic, a sweet serenity between the lines of what sadness the song tends to hold. A special dedication of sorts, with some eerily heartfelt moments that yearn to be heard.
Grief of all sorts is unfortunately universal, but it can be understood through the power of music. It can help you feel less solo in your woes, something Jack has really showcased in A Day, and I really enjoy this element of feeling as though anyone who can relate to this song doesn’t have to go the journey by themselves.
Jack has intricately utilised every ounce of care to bring A Day to life, with lyrics hitting beyond the mark, such as heartbreakingly vulnerable structures such as “I wish the car didn't start that night / I wish it pulled more to the right / and I'd got the call that you were fine / every little choice you chose worth every little stick and poke / and it would take a day” on a scale of one to ouch, I’m guessing that this one would have been a painful write, and each time that an artist writes a song like this, it says a lot about how they are able to express themselves, and the ability to be vulnerable, which reminds listeners that no matter who you are, everyone goes through those hardships and moments of loss.
Whether the track written is personal, or fictional, it still has that pull that brings listeners in because it hits those raw nerves, and sometimes, just sometimes, we want to hear things that can make us feel those emotions, and I feel that A Day really serves that purpose.
Check out Jack’s journey at the links below (and give him a follow!) -
New Music Review - ‘Live Today’ by The Transits
Live Today by The Transits was released on the 20th June 2025. Cover art: Provided by The Transits
A thrilling adventure awaits as The Transits are here to showcase their pop-power-punk-filled track, Live Today, which takes you on this momentous voyage far away, in which you will feel that the winter coldness has been locked out and the heat has been turned up full bore.
Upon first hearing Live Today, I felt a complete rush of exhilaration, my energy levels rising to the highest number that you could think of, filling the space between my ears with vivacious nostalgic-feeling moments.
The Transits have put a lot of vivacity into Live Today, fulfilling the purpose of creating a fast-paced tune that listeners can be indulged in, however at the same time, is easy to follow and combines some great values that The Transits hold as a band.
The basis of Live Today is an uplifting one: the aim of the song is to inspire others to embrace moments and give everything that you’re able to give to the good situations, all the while making sure that you enjoy the ride on the racetrack of what we call life.
The Transits climb the ladder two steps at a time: showcasing their range of exuberance each release, with Live Today at the top of my playlist this week, and it is very easy to hear why straight off the bat. It’s funky, it pairs well with my daily dose of pepsi max and gives this sense of believing in yourself and sharing the greatness of moments that should be lived.
With a punchy, fun video featuring local comedic legend, Tom Sainsbury, helping to piece the release together, Live Today certainly has earnt the accolades that it has received, and will continue to receive, across the board.
All in all, this release from The Transits is memorable, lively and with more music on the horizon from the band, they’re set to continue paving their way towards a big comeback and genuinely, they are already doing a tremendous job of it.
For more on The Transits, make sure that you check out their links below -
Spotify
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Website
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The Transits x WTTG - Feature Friday
New Music Review - ‘Tip of My Tongue’ by emerson
Tip of My Tongue by emerson was released on 30th May 2025. Cover artwork from emerson’s Spotify
Sending a shockwave of talent throughout the cosmos is Auckland-based artist, emerson, with her sincere new single, Tip of My Tongue, which is two minutes and fifty seconds of pure essential allurement.
emerson delightfully emerged onto the scene in 2024, taking out the title of The Rockquest Solo-Duo winner, something that evidently wasn’t a question for the judges to award her that title, and after discovering emerson’s music recently, it is very easy for me to hear how deserving she is of this win.
Tip of My Tongue seeks to tell a story that is stronger than any teen love story, with emerson proving her maturity and wiseness beyond her years with the way that the track delves into topics that are raw, carefully tread around, and not talked about often enough. (“If I could take all the stitches out, would you notice my, notice my scars? We’ve always had an obsession with stars, so I’ll love, love you from afar”)
Tip of My Tongue is clearly open to interpretation; however, I hear it as a sad love song that occurs from the notion of realising that a relationship potentially isn’t the best next step in a situation as the scars may run deeper by generating something, rather than not starting something. There is a sort of strength in the pain coming through each well-thought-out lyric that emerson allows to flow from her vibrant vocalism that tangles you up and leads the intensity inside to become unblocked.
Tip of My Tongue is accompanied with level-headed lyricism, remarkable harmonies and ethereal strums from an acoustic guitar that features prominently and shifts the emotion of the song to an even higher level to engage and tunes you into what the song is trying to convey. Pure honesty and heavy in depth.
emerson’s music has this traditional charm that is like a lighthouse, directing you towards the land, allowing you to find the lightness in a situation, even when it feels like you’re lost in the water and the boat is sinking. The lighthouse in this metaphor is an inviting one, where emerson is saying “the door is open for you when you get here, let’s talk about this feeling that we have in common, it will be okay because we can confide in each other and be the other one who understands.”
All in all, love lost can always be found again (even if it’s not the same person) and that put simply, is pure magic.
For more emerson, check out the links below -
New Music Review - ‘Ends’ the EP by Bleach
Ends is the new EP release from Bleach, released on the 2nd May 2025. Cover artwork: Supplied / Bleach’s EPK
Ends is the new creative forcefield of an EP from the minds of Wellington-based trio, Bleach, transcending a new form of space in terms of alt-rock releases.
Upon first hearing Ends, my brain nearly exploded with enthusiasm for the emergence on the scene from Bleach, having been able to hear their promising potential from the very second the opening track Patterns played through the speakers of my phone.
Made up of David Jiang (vocals), Christian Fawcett (lead guitar) and Jacob Thornton (drums), Bleach have gained some incredible achievements playing with the likes of Flaxxies, Frank on Tap, Lunar Intruder and Castaway, just to name a few, within just a couple of years.
Having emerged onto the scene in 2022, and releasing their first track, Superdown, in 2023, Bleach have quickly got their name out there, impressively playing the coolest venues across the country, and amassing a good number of monthly listeners on Spotify, which shows that we should stand up and hear the passion that comes out when they are performing, and through their striking recordings.
Extensively impressive electric guitar work flows throughout the body of the EP, with enticing hooks that draw your attention to every strum, every movement and every echo that playfully opens up your eardrums. Alongside this, you’ve got a mix of softly blended vocalism that is effortlessly changed into robust rock in some tracks, which I feel is an advanced skill that takes a lot of practise to perfect. Gluing it all together, the percussion literally hits with undoubtable enthusiasm, and helps the Bleach lads master the greatest sound with their debut EP.
Ends is the soundtrack to all of the reasons and seasons, and while it may be limited to just five tracks, it shares raw, diverse storytelling through the songs, giving you a large taster of what Bleach’s strengths are and continue to be.
Welcome to the Gig’s favourite track off the EP? Ironically, it is the title track, Ends.
For more Bleach, make sure you check out all of their socials below -
New Music Review - ‘A New Title’ by BEX
A New Title by BEX was released on the 2nd May 2025. Cover artwork: Provided by BEX, created by Scarlett Art
Emerging singer-songwriter from Auckland, BEX, has just dropped A New Title, which has a luscious melodic forefront, soaking with dreamy pop vocals and heroically stunning pianism that blows the song wide open.
With words that will hit the sweet spot with listeners, BEX gears up to let her ardour come out in A New Title.
Dripping in sweetness, A New Title embodies a serene flow of BEX’s music, allowing her to express herself tenderly and with grace.
A New Title is filled with a positive ambience that holds you close, while maintaining a thorough walk-through of the story that BEX is giving us a taster of. BEX has this feeling of making you blush while running through fields of flowers specifically sunflowers that are taller than you, but they still let the sun shine over you.
A New Title was inspired by a new chapter in the world of love, sharing the fears of uncertainty of where the road may take you, entwining metaphors to mask over insecure feelings, and to keep a comforting mindset, which is approvingly showcased throughout the track.
BEX has a comfort about her that comes across in the way that she presents herself in her music and expresses, with clear dignity, what is being conveyed.
A New Title holds space for creativity, using the likes of vintage instrumentals, which takes the song into a completely different section of time, making it quirky and allowing it to soak in with an array of ages who come across BEX’s honey-like vibe.
All in all, A New Title has a lot of emotion and wonder to it, making it an absolute charmer and I can see the potential for her to go further in her musical conquests.
For more on BEX, follow the links below -
New Music Review - ‘Acetone’ by Coast Arcade
Acetone by Coast Arcade was released on the 4th April, 2025. Cover artwork by Cheesin.
Coast Arcade have been doing what they can to carve their name in the solid concrete walls of the music scene these past few years, grasping the attention of big publishers such as Rolling Stone Australia/New Zealand, and even the love of international listeners with their solid sound and immaculate shredding skills.
Impressively, while Coast Arcade are still sort of near the beginning of their careers, they are forging kilometres ahead with epic force, dropping impressive track after impressive track, the most recent being the cooled-rock smash, Acetone, which has already amassed a splendid listening crowd.
Acetone dives into the rock side of Coast Arcade, a genre move that I believe they have been leaning into more and more with the music they have been creating lately. A move that is both bold, powerful and mighty enjoyable. Rock suits the Coast Arcade energy to the max and I hope that they are going to continue along this pathway.
With sturdy guitar hooks, highly perfected drumming and dominant vocals, combined with a story that is stimulating, Acetone is one of Coast Arcade’s top tier tracks, showcasing the levels that they are constantly stepping up on and bringing this winning energy with them.
Acetone has this lively momentum about it and everything just makes pure sense.
In a way, it feels as though even though you’re stuck in some storm of sorts with feelings that you can’t control, even if the situation is bad for you, the clouds will eventually part after the storm and this song has been placed perfectly to express that kind of feeling internally.
The static electricity bringing in the song almost feels as though you’re about to be bought back to life after this situation that Coast Arcade are bringing to light eventually ends. This is how Acetone feels to me, however, there are many ways to determine how this song will actually make individuals feel and this is just one opinion of many.
Coast Arcade have always been under the ‘ones to watch’ category, however, trust me when I say, you need to jump on board and coast with them now, because they are very close to skyrocketing into the international media scene in an explicitly enormous way, and you’ll be sorry you didn’t get to be one of their OGs earlier.
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For more Coast Arcade, check out their social media below -
New Music Review - ‘Good God!’ by Rachel Leo
Good God! is the latest from Rachel Leo. The track was released on the 25th October 2024. Photo credit: Rachel’s EPK.
Rachel Leo is back in the spotlight with her flaming drop, Good God! and it is the ultimate, heavily empowering track that you didn’t know that you needed… Especially right before the summertime hits.
A delightful chunk of post situation breakdown feels, Good God! reels with excitement for the deliciousness of the future and takes you to the harbour of possibility, with strong, girl-power vibes where Rachel delivers this optimistic view on situations ending.
Whether that be a relationship breakdown, or other circumstances such as friends, family, or even a job melting into the background - basically, things that no longer serve you or add any value to your life, Rachel acknowledges that she deserves more than what was on offer originally.
Rachel flirts with the idea of driving away and feeling like the ultimate weight has been lifted off her shoulders, and for that, I applaud her for giving her bravery the space to breathe and letting it be shown to others who may need to hear the inspiration in her phenomenal words of wisdom.
The upbeat mood of Good God! sends out an electrical heat with the opening of the song which shines an emphasis on being the best version of yourself.
Oozing with confidence, Rachel shares that she’s on the way to a better place, even after being begged to stay in which she doesn’t let someone else allow her independence to be taken away that easily.
Leaning into the notion of being able to change and adapt to a future without negative situations in your life, Rachel punches the air with her tranquil melodies and rather insightful, enchanting glow.
Good God! will seamlessly whisk away your breath, allowing you to take your own “credit where credits due” in your personal life.
A song for all ages and all genders, Good God! rises above and holds the highest of standards for New Zealand pop music at this moment in time.
To follow along with Rachel’s journey, head on over to the links below -
New Music Review - ‘Mood’ by Mild Orange
Mood by Mild Orange was released on the 25th October 2024. Cover art from Mild Orange’s Bandcamp page.
Please remain calm, because Mild Orange have dropped a cool-cool tune that will have you singing la la la. In case you haven’t heard, Mood is actually an entire mood in itself.
Reflecting a direct, euphoric sense of self-confidence matched with a music video that portrays not having one single care in the world, Mood by Mild Orange is a definitive, clearly marked hit that has just swung itself into the music world in order to make your weekend even more gratifying.
Mood will exclusively be running on full volume in your brain all day, every day, for the next year as it has immaculate smoothness that has been produced and mixed down to pure perfection.
The lightness of Mood showcases the path that the band are carving to share with the world that, despite their wildly on-par previous releases, they can keep upping the ante and adding more to their blissful soundwaves that capture and engage the ears of millions every minute of every day.
Speaking fondly of the environment they find themselves in, and about their move to little ole London town, Mild Orange win the hearts with their mellowed out blissful lyrics that never fail to seek a home in listeners’ souls.
The aura that Mild Orange generate is one that seeks to illuminate and plaster the faces of those who have the absolute pure joy of encountering Mood. You may as well be watching the Northern Lights in their brightest form while listening to Mood, because the song will strike you with the silkiest segway into a new set of releases from the remarkably loved band that is Mild Orange.
While we may not have any idea what they have in store for us next, it feels invigorating to be on this expedition with them and I for one, certainly cannot wait for the next chapter of these talented lads.
New Music Review - ‘Amsterdam’ by Zoë Vera
Amsterdam is the latest track from Zoë Vera, emerging singer-songwriter based in Auckland. Released on the 25th October 2024, this number hits wildly with raw emotion. Photo credit: Zoë’s EPK.
We’ve all been there, a place that we want to escape to and potentially never come back from, and I bet that in your head, you can picture this one particular place that aligns with your dreams, your values and who you are as a person.
In Zoë Vera’s case, she has taken us all on this journey of wanting to escape to Amsterdam, one of Europe’s most magical cities. Moving away from everything you’ve adjusted to, and love, seems like the only option sometimes, and Zoë’s velvety-soft vocals take you towards the destination of her lived-in reality that was once in her childhood.
The beginning of Amsterdam has Zoë questioning what she has done wrong to deserve a bad day, or tumultuous space in her life, and she just wants to escape, and break away from what she currently knows in the craziness of Auckland life. This is something I feel that a lot of listeners will be able to relate to because we all know how hectic life can truly be sometimes and we don’t always have the ability to go somewhere else to ease up feelings and issues, even as much as we try to visualise ourselves out of certain situations.
Having moved from the Netherlands when she was a mere eight years old, Zoë showcases her craving for home, and to feel like she might gain some comfort for a while. Familiarity is such an important internal pleasure, and Amsterdam essentially shares that it is not something to be ashamed of when you are in this mindset.
The acoustic feeling to Amsterdam rallies around listeners, bringing them into the bubble that Zoë is expressing, allowing small amounts of intimate, raw emotion to be shared with nothing but beautiful truths from her internal dialogue, something Zoë does with ease, and extraordinary bravery.
Amsterdam embraces you like the warmest, long-held hug from the ones you enjoy the company of the most; it is special, magnetic and really suits the launch of the vibe of Zoë’s latest single.
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For more on Zoë, you can follow her musical journey (and travel journey) at the below links -
New Music Review - ‘Democracy Manifest’ the EP by Monk Seals
Democracy Manifest was released on the 1st August 2024 by Christchurch rock lads, Monk Seals. Cover credit: Monk Seals EPK.
Solidifying their rock sound with a new EP that has just dived off the cliffs into the waters of the Christchurch music scene comes Monk Seals’ new movement, Democracy Manifest.
Tackling big tracks that will heighten your senses comes the second EP from these four who have been working over five years to demonstrate that they aren’t little rockers from the ‘burbs of Sumner, but a band that mean business, dutifully pursuing their thought-provoking, unapologetic tunes.
Democracy Manifest obliterates their self-titled EP; showcasing the clearness of their successful careers forming effortlessly in front of them and their ever-engaged audience.
Monk Seals are riding the wave between old school rock and mid-surf that could easily be likened to 80s/90s bands that take you on the rollercoaster of a very palatable ride that can be enjoyed anywhere, anytime that you please.
By now, surely you would have heard the electrical tune, Feel For You, which ignites Democracy Manifest, and you can read my review of this track right here for more of my thoughts about it.
Harmonica harmoniously pulls you into this desirable mode of tranquillity that will illuminate all of your wishes at the very beginning of Democracy Manifest with the star-shooting Dirtbag pushing the EP wide open. The country-esque rock deluge instantly comes into play with this one, making the zest from the fruit bowl of the Monk Seals drip down the walls and land in your waiting ears. Marvellous.
Black Widow Woman stands on its own two feet, forcing the boundaries that the world sets in place to be torn down. The way that the Monk Seals can portray their thoughts tactically is admirable and a testament to the values the lads hold true to themselves.
Democracy Manifest is loaded to the brim with five songs (two previously released and three unreleased) that are bound to tickle your fancy, so drop everything you are doing and run it up on your MP3 player. Oh, sorry. I forgot, this isn’t the 2000s. Monk Seals just take me back to the good old days, as they may for you too.
Get moving, because while this heat will last for a long time, the Monk Seals are likely already gearing up to make more shifts in the world of music that will continuously surprise listeners for as long as they can.
For more on the Monk Seals, you can check out their social media at the links below -
New Music Review - ‘Caffeine High’ by Marmalade
Caffeine High was released by Marmalade on the 2nd August, ahead of their debut EP. Cover artwork created by Bethanny Britten, provided by Marmalade.
Did you pay your $4.50 for your Caffeine High today? The coffee beans (or shall I say koffiebonen?), are roasting hot with this delightfully quirky, therapeutic drop from well-respected Auckland duo, Marmalade.
A precursor to what is to come with their forthcoming, debut EP that is due to be in flight within the not-so-distant future, Caffeine High dedicates a space in time to where working in a coffee shop meant more than just being a barista for Jemilah, who is one half of Marmalade.
Fair warning: Caffeine High may teach you how to become an untrained therapist, unintentional eavesdropper or at the very least, give you an insight into what it is like to be one, or all of these things.
Addictively fun, Caffeine High is an enticing piece of work that will make you take your earbuds out to hear the local coffee shop gossip (after you’ve listened to Caffeine High at least 50 times, of course). You may be riddled with stories of heartbreak, you may see two people falling in love, or you just may hear something that’ll make you laugh so much that you spit your coffee everywhere.
As a nation of coffee snobs, I feel as though Caffeine High will be appreciated and well-received. That’s a big win.
Both Jemilah and Koen have their chance to show off their soothing talents in the journey of Caffeine High, which highlights their differences, but also brings them together to create the best brew imaginable.
Marmalade are no strangers at brightening up their audiences’ lives - whether that be with the pristine tracks they drop or their immaculate endurance to grace the stage with their presence whenever possible.
Caffeine High is one small step in the right direction for Marmalade.
To check out more Marmalade, have a peek at their socials, listed below -
New Music Review - ‘Moneypenny’ by LA Women
LA Women released their new track, Moneypenny, on the 26th July 2024. Cover artwork: LA Women’s Facebook.
Indie-pop trio, LA Women may have left New Zealand to explore the sensation of the world, however, they haven’t dare forgotten their musical roots, with their fire burning brightly with the release of Moneypenny.
With banging shots rivalling other forms of indie-pop, LA Women drive the force easily home with their slicked back sound and dynamic oomph. Moneypenny is enriched with empowerment with top tier energy that will seep into your bones, causing an outbreak. An outbreak of wanting to move your body, that is.
Figuratively speaking, performing under the chimes of Big Ben (having relocated to London), LA Women have constructed this lavish little number to impress all with the flowing waterfall effect of Moneypenny; the song drops the heat with the beats and ensures that you won’t be throwing the vibes away.
While LA Women have successfully primed and perfected their previous releases, Moneypenny gets top of the class points as the succulence has one hell of a grasp on you which is initiated from the very second the first music droplet enters into your atmosphere.
Moneypenny really speaks for itself, so to conclude the review, I would encourage you to pop up your Spotify (or wherever you find your music) and chuck this track on full volume to enjoy the essence of what is on offer.
For more LA Women, make sure to check out their social media below -
New Music Review - ‘Neighbourhoods’ by And$um and Violete
Neighbourhoods was released on the 5th July 2024. Cover artwork provided by And$um.
Two powerhouse tonics join forces to create this flexible, double-genre infused collaboration crossing paths with both classic jazz and low-fi hip-hop which comes in the form of a new, slick track, Neighbourhoods, in which And$um and Violete have created this depth of a masterpiece to be eaten up.
Transitioning without issue between the two genres, Neighbourhoods showcases a new meaning - that you can put two totally different things together and if they blend right, they can work immaculately as a team which is a true testament to both genres and the artists featured on this track.
Neighbourhoods tells the story of stepping off of a flight, right into a new city and essentially having that splash of feeling overwhelmed by a new place that hits you as soon as you are there, out in the open. Like many other travellers (and for me personally having moved abroad just under 10 months ago), Neighbourhoods gives a clear understanding of what has been experienced or what you can expect to experience when that fresh, new air hits you.
The grind from And$um and Violete’s collaboration is inevitably obvious - the way that Neighbourhoods fits together like a puzzle piece that was missing from the local music scene, filling in those gaps of difference so uniquely and powerfully is highly admirable.
With beats that will take you to the high heavens and the light-hitting vocalism from both parties, And$um and Violete have ensured that there comes a part of Neighbourhoods that anybody will be able to engage with.
Dare you get lost in this tune?
For more And$um and Violete, check out their social media platforms below -
And$um:
Violete:
New Music Review - ‘Overdrive’ by Bella Rafflyn
Overdrive is Bella Rafflyn’s debut single, released on 12th July 2024. Cover art: Bella’s Instagram.
If you’re looking for a loved-up pop-indie track to help you work through your emotions, then you’ve certainly landed on the right review, as this is one song you are not going to want to pass up the opportunity to listen to.
We all know her, and we all love her for being the frontwoman of one of Auckland’s most inventive, well-respected bands, Coast Arcade, however, Bella Rafflyn has branched out on her own and bought out her much-anticipated first single, Overdrive, which was released last week.
Bella breaks away from her Coast Arcade roots briefly by slamming her foot down with full force to showcase who she is in a solo capacity, and it brings a flavour of freshness that will inject a bit of a hop into your already peppy step.
Overdrive has sweet, mild beats that lock you in this trance of wonder. With wholehearted confidence, I can say that as the queen of lyricism, Bella tops it with lines such as “cause I’ve spent too much time building myself, to give it to someone else” and that feels like a sucker punch to the gut as the realisation of the advice that Bella delivers is something that a lot of us don’t realise until later in life - that you don’t need to be with someone to just be with someone, or let them in and change who you are entirely.
Wise beyond her years at the age of 21, Bella is highly articulate, formulating well-thought-out words which are driven straight into her mastermind of talent and passionately shines through in Overdrive.
Overdrive is a silky piece of sunshine that can be enjoyed wherever you are this winter and I can foresee this track being a big hit during Bella’s upcoming live shows and even between artist performances at the festivals over the summer.
On the whole, Overdrive is the most exquisite, deluxe debut song and suits Bella’s persona very well.
For more Bella, you can follow her social media handles below -
New Music Review - ‘Daisy’ by Castaway
Daisy was released on the 7th June 2024 from Christchurch indie band, Castaway. Cover artwork: Castaway’s Instagram.
Seeking new heights with an incredible three singles under their belt that have been released over the course of 2024, Castaway have blown the figurative petals away with their stunning new, heartfelt track, Daisy, which was released on 7th June 2024.
While the topic of what Daisy speaks is on complex issues, the instrumental work on the track is straightforward, maintaining an easy path to follow and ensures a breezy listening experience.
Upon first hearing Daisy, a piece of my heart got lost in the tune, sincerely revolutionising and making me question how as humans we view things, feel things and how we are able to consume Castaway’s music.
Daisy is a special, close to home track for the five Castaway lads; it touches on the honesty of wanting to have one final conversation with a loved one, which evokes an array of multiple emotions, something that I feel that only certain songs are able to do.
Castaway have been silently slipping into the music scene a lot more recently and have started to see heated success, having had their music played on well-loved New Zealand radio and even more recently, having had the opportunity to open for Drax Project at the Christchurch Town Hall.
Daisy grips the corners of your soul, allowing you to let those emotions out, like a friend whose shoulder you can easily cry on without judgement. Going through loss and separation themselves, Castaway are no strangers to how these feelings can affect your daily life and clearly wanted to say that it’s okay if you need to release them in order restore some normalcy after either of these situations in your own personal life.
As time moves forward, it gets easier, however, there are moments where you wish you could be with certain people who are no longer by your side and I think Castaway have brilliantly encapsulated those thoughts in the eternal flame that is forever going to be known as Daisy.
Daisy speaks higher volumes than what you could anticipate, so if you need a moment to yourself, I would recommend taking the tissues to a quiet place, listening to this song and letting the emotions melt down to where they need to be.
To find out more about Castaway, make sure to check out the links below -