New Music Review - ‘Better Days’ by Odds & Ends
Better Days by Odds & Ends is the summer anthem that you need in your life. Released Friday the 18th November 2022, it will make you feel higher and higher with every listen. Artwork by Jemilah Ross-Hayes.
Odds & Ends always have this classy touch to everything they deliver, giving their music this special vibe that you cannot just gloss over.
Yesterday marked another monumental release for the lads of Auckland-based Odds & Ends, with the best early Christmas gift of their latest, catchy track, Better Days, a deliciously vibrant song that will turn any frowns from this week upside down.
Sentimental beats allow the opening of the song to be bought to life, like the most beautiful sun-drenched moment that you’ve felt, flowing in with all the magical memories that surrounds you and your closest pals.
The weather outside might be frightful, but Better Days is so delightful with the amount of summer flings it comes with, creating this sound that is incredibly influential from the start.
Odds & Ends have been on their game since the get-go, working to put their best feet forward with organising their own shows, among many other exciting projects they’ve been working on as a band and in their personal lives. Odds & Ends are committed to their craft of creating beautiful music and for that, I admire the extreme lengths of hard work that they put out there.
Better Days is exceptionally light and bubbly, a true Odds & Ends moment that they showcase throughout their music. With truthful hooks and brilliantly packed riffs, beats and vocals that could go on for years, Better Days is certainly a top contender for being one of the catchiest Odds & Ends songs they have released thus far. (I could genuinely say this about every song they let loose into the world - the form that Odds & Ends take in their music is always mind boggling).
Better Days comes across in this magical way, inserting this upbeat, positive energy in your brain that will make you want to go out there, smashing all of those goals that you’re looking to achieve, big or small, every day.
Having Better Days on repeat is not something that should be questioned - it should just be a task that doesn’t require you to think about it because the track is such a feel-good vibe.
Personally, I rate Better Days quite high on the scale of New Zealand singles that have been released this year. I would advise not to sleep on this one and to stream it/purchase it now!
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A Tasty Chat with Koen (O&E) - WTTG
New Music Review - ‘Safety in Numbers (Graeme Woller Remix)’ by laura.
laura. released her latest version of Safety in Numbers (Graeme Woller Remix) on the 23rd October 2022.. Photo credit: laura.’s Facebook page.
laura. is back ahead of the game once again with the release of her song, Safety in Numbers (Graeme Woller Remix), a beat-infused and exceptionally bumping remix of her track that was first heard in the world back in April of this year.
Safety in Numbers (Graeme Woller Remix) reminds me of being at a drum and bass gig, it has these lit up, top of the scale mixes during the course of the song, which makes it a very different track to the original listen.
Safety in Numbers (Graeme Woller Remix) has these fuzzy, retro vibes to it, almost bringing these 70s moments crossed with an extra bass duo coming together to pull off this funky remix. The execution of this track’s remix has been a fun one to listen to and appears that it would have been pretty awesome to bring to life.
laura. surely has her sights set on some big things in her musical career, having been able to successfully allow her music to be heard in different parts of the New Zealand music scene since launching her career a few years back. laura. is a creative entity of this generation and it is obvious that she is never going to be unwavering in pursuing what she loves. This is a huge, empowering movement and I admire laura. for getting out there and achieving what she has done so far.
Safety in Numbers (Graeme Woller Remix) is just a dash of a taste as to what is to come from laura.
To keep up to date with laura. you can follow her below -
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Safety in Numbers Review - WTTG
New Music Review - ‘patience’ the album by Mitch James
patience - something we have all needed these past four plus years while waiting for Mitch James to drop his second album. It has certainly been worth the wait. Photo credit: Mitch’s Instagram.
Mitch James is back with his astronomical sophomore album that has been a long-awaited treat for fans of all ages with a four-year gap between his self-titled drop and this newbie.
patience is a virtue and to say I personally have no patience while waiting for new music is absolutely correct. Mitch is bringing to town a whole other way of viewing the world with patience. It is tactically perfected to the seams and distinctly unique to his personal style of writing.
Halloween may have just passed; however, Mitch is serving up the treats with how tastefully in tune patience is with every single song on this ten-track masterpiece.
Starting off with the first single from the album, motions (review here) is a solid and very lowkey chilled out moment to reel you in to listening to patience, a good move. It is evident that the tracks on the album have been laid out in order to tell a story, rather than being chucked together and served up in a random order.
patience showcases the hard work that Mitch has put down with this album. The grit and determination is like no other and it shows. The definitive nature of maturity since the first album in 2018, the pureness of being completely open about topics that are hard to sometimes comprehend, let alone talk about... It is a breath of pure fresh air. patience feels more authentic and touching than former drops of his music. It feels as though Mitch has had more breathing space and room to grow during the course of putting this album together and that is very respectable.
stuck in denial is this catchy, upbeat song that will get the attention of many who have not heard the tune yet. It’s a highly relatable write-up that can only be classed as an understanding of what goes on within the human brain when we are trying to get past some life things that are happening. It goes to show that Mitch and others, no matter who you are, experience the same emotions as us regular people do and have moments of denial. In terms of relatability, I think that we can all find something in common with stuck in denial. This is a really great listen.
armageddon strips it back with this insane pop-base that Mitch is known for. A sweet head-over-heels song that takes it to a different elevation with cheeky, double-meaning lyrics such as “armageddon you tonight” that brings out Mitch’s hilarious persona. A sensual, essential song on patience.
japan holds this major sentimental value to listeners across the country and evidently, the world. It feels like a safe space. A home. The warmest blanket. The tone of depth from japan sets it apart from the remainder of the album. It has the energy to be interpreted from different perspectives, something that makes it so beyond special.
fade to black comes across as an ode to regrets, as though Mitch is looking to eliminate and bury the past as much as possible, however, he is recognising how much these errors have also shaped him into who he is. The song is quite heavy on the heart as Mitch gets vulnerable and raw with his lyrics and doesn’t hold back on what he is singing about. The strings around my soul are constantly pulled when listening to this song.
those were the days lightens up the mood and reminisces on all of the primarily good times shared with a significant other. It brings back memories of staying up late talking, singing, dancing and generally just enjoying the company of that one special person (I bet you have someone on your mind when you listen to this one). those were the days is uplifting, especially for those days where you need a bit of a boost.
cloud has a distinct taste to it - shallow beats, accompanied by out-there cloudy infused lyricism. The notion of wanting to be a cloud essentially meaning that you could just float away from situations you don’t want to be in. Mitch is clearly going to make this song a boisterous one while performing it on future tours and I’m looking forward to seeing audience reactions to this one.
home is lonely is tantalizing. Thought provoking. Unique. It is easy to see why Mitch is exceptionally proud of this track. “I didn’t think changing would turn my friends into strangers” sends out these intense sparks of heartbreak that circles round with full intensity. The courage to stand up and be able to share, once again, the vulnerabilities of Mitch’s inner thoughts and feelings helps the album feel more personable. home is lonely, while a sad track, is also humbling and a good reminder that things in our own lives happen for reasons beyond our control sometimes. Situations run their course and this tends to lead us to where we need to be at the end of the day. The approach to how Mitch has carried this song through is spectacular. Obsessed.
stone cold sober is the most fun jam on patience. Upon first hearing this in 2019, a lot of audiences throughout New Zealand fell in love with the tune, including myself, proven with Mitch’s handwriting with the lyrics “I got lucky like a five leaf clover” permanently inked on my skin. The mellowed down, recorded version stills holds so much value, even a few years later. It is a seriously delightful song that just floats all on its own and I’m ecstatic that Mitch decided to put this on patience.
bulletholes brings this strong album to a close, Mitch’s bright vocals taking centre stage in this tune, along with the prominent guitar work that deserves a grammy for the way it perfectly fits. The stars certainly aligned to deliver on the immensely impressive delivery of the final track. Diving into this body of music that brings attention to someone that got away feels like a proper heftiness to the circumstances, leaving everyone wonder: will this person make a reappearance in Mitch’s life? I guess we will have to wait for album three to find out.
All in all, patience is a modestly truthful album that can be enjoyed by everyone of all ages, universally.
patience is available to stream and purchase in physical CD form now. For more Mitch, check his social media links below -
New Music Review - ‘Early Bones’ by Mini Miller
The cutest cover art to accompany the awesome new release from Mini Miller. Early Bones was released on 7th October 2022. Artwork: Elisabeth Kralova.
Mini Miller has recently bought out another bangin’ single in the form of Early Bones - a generously hectic, highly energetic song that packs a huge punch and will send you into the most dance-induced mood you’ll ever experience.
17-year-old Christchurch based singer, Mini, has these impressive, authentic moves that set her out from the rest of the crowd. Don’t underestimate the talents of teenagers as they are some of the hardest working musicians on the planet and Mini has been able to conquer this time and time again with her discography that has got a good wrap of listens on streaming services, amassing a combined total of over 70k streams on Spotify alone.
Early Bones is coherently fun to listen along to, with the upbeat tones being the highlight of the track, the coolest vibe that you will hear this week.
Early Bones shows off Mini’s colourful, funky personality with her sparkling capabilities, which also come across in the most fun music video that has a mini version of Mini in puppet-form that mimics what she does.
During Early Bones, some of the most epic bassline’s power through which bring the thriving song to life from the beginning through to the end.
Early Bones has made its debut at the perfect time - with the weather getting substantially warmer, now is perfect for cranking it out to the max at those BBQs and backyard parties that you’re bound to host or be attending soon.
Mini is another budding musician that you should be on the lookout for - her catchy songs will have you enticed from the second you’ve got them in your ears.
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New Music Review - ‘Honey babe’ by Greta O’Leary
Honey babe was released on 14th October 2022. A smoky delight. Photo credit: Greta’s EPK.
Honey babe is the final release from Greta O’Leary’s upcoming EP that has been in rotation for a couple of weeks now and is a smashing way to signal the singles from this specific body of work.
Coming in with an alt-folk sound, Greta sings away the days with her blissfully mellowed voice that will have you feeling all of the warmth from this spring-like tune.
Honey babe is described as a gentle farewell for a love song that closes a specific chapter in this storybook of life, something that is easy to devour and take in when you listen for the first and even, the eightieth time.
Honey babe puts on a spin on everything that you ordinarily think about leaving love in the past and everything related to those realms of ending relationships. Remarkable lyrics accompany the song, allowing Greta to show her wonderfully thought-out words to the world through the power of musical expression.
Honey babe has this strong eclectic sound, a moment in Greta’s music that is not to be messed with. A delightfully light wind on your ears that will reach new depths within you. I like how she has been able to achieve this with such ease and grace.
Greta has this ability to keep you within this fine grasp with the music that she releases, with Honey babe being no exception to this. The song is a soothing medicine for the soul, with an array of different instruments being utilised to create this relatively unique sound that encompasses so many different vibes throughout.
The future is certainly looking rather bright for Greta as she continues to create this amazing career for herself. Look out for her EP that is due to be released this coming November!
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New Music Review - ‘Bad Reception’ by Erin Myers
Bad Reception was released on the 7th October 2022 and has been getting some great reception from audiences within New Zealand and even as far as the Netherlands. Photo credit: Tony McKay.
The latest drop from Erin Myers will make you wish that you won’t have Bad Reception when you get this stuck into this tune. Following on from a successful string of releases, Erin has made her comeback after two years and thrown us a delightfully, flawlessly crafted tune that will have your heart swelling and singing every step of the way.
Bad Reception has these intense, catchy 90’s pop hooks that will work their way into your ears, creating the biggest earworm that you’re ever guaranteed to have. Bad Reception could easily be on the soundtrack to a teen heartthrob movie, placed within a scene where someone is walking away from someone they love because they have taken something the wrong way. I can visualise this in my mind while typing this review out and for Erin to make this such a visual song, it goes to show how brilliantly every element of her music entwines together so effortlessly.
Erin takes the time to allure you in with her sweet, harmonious vocals that match the cover art for Bad Reception - making all those warm fuzzies wash over you, releasing any negative emotions that you may be currently harbouring. Though the lyrics of the song are a little bit more on the somber side, Erin vocalises them in such a way that makes you feel understood if you are going through, or have gone through, the same situation.
The heftiness of the bass throughout the song has this entirely set way of pulling out all of the stops to add into the mix of the tune that brings this special spark to it.
Bad Reception has this fantastical way of expressing that when you’re trying to get through to someone, they are unable to hear you because the waves of their own thought patterns (being the reception) is blocking them from receiving the information being passed on. Erin expresses that she is tired of not being able to get through and this is causing some disruption within her life as well as potentially the person that she is singing about. It feels as though a bond has been broken due to the bad reception through a friendship or relationship, the connection has completely fizzled out due to the signal dropping, essentially.
This is something that we can all empathise with. In life, we sometimes lose touch with people, no matter how much we don’t want to. Feelings fade, friendships sizzle out. This, I believe, is what Erin is explaining through her words in Bad Reception.
Bear in mind that this is my personal interpretation of the song. Bad Reception really hits home to me personally and will be on repeat for the next year and beyond.
A very compelling song from Erin, indeed.
To keep up to date with Erin, here are her social media links -
New Music Review - ‘Consume’ by MADELINE.
Consume by MADELINE. is available to stream now. Released on Friday, 7th October 2022. Artwork/Photography credits: Grace Elizabeth and Holly Lee.
Consume is the first debut, solo release from MADELINE. who creates this soulfully seductive sound with this track that has knocked New Zealand music off its axel since it was unleashed.
Coming from being the lead of female band, She Loves You, MADELINE. is branching out onto her own path to expand her career in order to see where it can take her and without any doubt, she has already made a mark in my mind with her debut single.
The gripping song takes you on a trip of many exhilarating moments that MADELINE. ensures are engrained into your brain for the entire day. Consume takes all of the right notes and lights them up with the melodic skills that MADELINE. holds within her range, creating this spectacular 80s, timeless feel that will keep you on your toes.
Consume has this way of making you feel everything you could ever imagine come to life with these magical, heavenly bass beats that sit perfectly behind the song. MADELINE. is thoughtful with her words, taking the time to allow the spotlight to be on the topic that she is talking to us about - a powerful move that is enticing and interesting to keep the listener wanting more at every point of the tune.
MADELINE. has this soft, delicate way of prescribing you a dose of healing medicine through Consume, opening up the depths of conversation regarding the ins and outs of navigating love that can take over your life and essentially, as the title suggests, consumes you. MADELINE. expresses in the song that she only wishes the person she is singing about the best and hopes that one day, they will wish the same for her too. This shows her kind-hearted, caring nature, even if the situation is not the most overly pleasant to be in.
MADELINE. is currently working on her five-track EP that is due to be released sometime in 2023 and I am beyond over the moon to hear what else she has in store for us, this is just the beginning of the road for this extraordinary lady, with a lengthy musical career ahead of her.
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New Music Review - ‘Rise’ by Somebody Do Something
Rise is the newest track to be released by Christchurch six-piece, Somebody Do Something. The single was released on the 30th September 2022. PC: SDS Electronic Press Kit.
Rise is the latest jazz/RnB-infused upbeat track that local Christchurch six-piece, Somebody Do Something have released. Filled to the brim with silky, soft tones of melodies and soulful moods all the way through, Rise has this special aura that breaks through the boundaries of what the normal expectation of musical releases are all about and brings more than their fair share of goodness to the table.
Somebody Do Something create this fantastical, romantic setting through their tunes, this comes down to the multitude of instruments that are being utilised, such as a violin and a saxophone, things that aren’t as common in bands, however, are making their way through to be heard spectacularly once again.
Rise harbours this story of a relationship that has gotten past the honeymoon stage and has turned into the normalcy of what relationships have to offer, however, even though the time spent with your other half has become more ordinary and mundane, there tends to always be more room to grow and discover things about each other that you didn’t know about while in the early stages. Somebody Do Something continue to bring this lush taste throughout the entirety of the pages of Rise and it feels like a book that could go on forever, telling this love story. It’s very visionary.
When listening to Somebody Do Something, you will notice their ambition to set the highest of standards for their releases - they each have these different energies that can be bought to the table which accelerate the unique perspective of each band member which I personally love.
Rise will make you feel lighter and richer in many ways, so give it a spin right now and find out for yourself!
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New Music Review - ‘Temporary Insanity’ by Gabriel Bond
Temporary Insanity is the latest release from Gabriel Bond, released on 30th September 2022, hitting every right note imaginable. PC: Josh White.
Wellington-based Gabriel Bond is here to give us some Temporary Insanity of moody, upbeat vibes with his single that was released today from his upcoming EP due out in 2023.
Temporary Insanity thrives on these magical hooks of endearment about someone who is not the best for you, but you just cannot seem to end the relationship because you get reeled back into it all over again, no matter how many times you try and let go. The force of being throttled backwards either by your own mind or the persuasion of the other person is a big experience that is a tale that is as old as time, something that everyone on earth will likely be challenged by. Temporary Insanity thrives on expressing this in a way that takes it to the next level, however, it never loses its relatability throughout the song.
Temporary Insanity is luxurious, breaking down the barriers of truth, this rage of passion shooting out through the entire track with melodic belts of pure positivity that will keep you on your toes, even given the topic that Gabriel is expressing, a component not to be ignored.
Ever expanding vocalism is a major treat on Temporary Insanity, it’s relatively easy to get Gabriel’s immensely talented voice stuck in your head for days after you’ve heard his songs and having that ability is a big factor in getting yourself noticed.
Temporary Insanity is filled to the brim with the poppiest/most indie segments that hide around every single corner. From the way the drumbeats are laid down, to the smoothness of the guitar and all other musical elements, Temporary Insanity will wrap you up, making you feel understood on this insane road we call life, bringing this ease of comfort to state that Gabriel knows what you’ve gone or you’re currently going through. He absolutely does.
Unlike Gabriel’s previous release, Lights Burn Low (review here), Temporary Insanity is on a whole other journey and while it could be the story of the same person, Gabriel keeps that secretly hidden from the listeners, not alluring to who the new track may be about. I feel that Gabriel would be an excellent script writer for a romcom movie or TV show as he tends to tell different aspects of love that come across in a uniquely differential way to other musicians. That aspect of his music is something that I find really grips me in, waiting for the remainder of the story to be told.
Gabriel fits the mould of the alert, on point musicians that New Zealand needs for the next generation of creation to come to fruition. Like an acrobat on a tightrope, Gabriel cannot be knocked off his trip to the top.
Temporary Insanity is the catchiest blend that you will have heard this year and I highly suggest giving it a good stream so you can form your own opinion on the track.
I am eagerly awaiting Gabriel’s EP after this hot drop. So much so, that I can barely contain the excitement.
You can follow along with Gabriel and drop him a line or two at the below links -
New Music Review ‘From an Unreliable Source’ the EP by Honeybee
From an Unreliable Source is the new EP is available now, on all good reliable music sources! Released on 16 September 2022, this EP is the sophomore release from Honeybee. Cover artwork: provided by Honeybee.
The bees, oops, I mean boys, are back at it again with their songs smoother than the smoothest pot of honey that Winnie the Pooh relies upon for his daily feed.
From an Unreliable Source explores multiple moments of exceptional lyrical content. The EP holds a lot of talk about how to manage relationships while dealing with depression and as someone who personally understands this topic, the way that the EP has come together to talk about this in a sensible way is very noble and humbling.
Starting off with a pure bang is Honeybee’s first single off From an Unreliable Source, One Window. You can read my previous review on this track here.
Take Back is a classic Indie way to introduce the latest of offerings from Honeybee. Coming in hot with being the second tune on the EP, Take Back sits well in terms of my personal favourite off From an Unreliable Source. Offering ever changing sound that grasps you into these intense moments that are on an entirely different relatable level altogether, Honeybee have taken the hive of their music and turned it up tenfold with this one. So, strap yourself into the front seat and let Take Back take you on the road trip of stories that Honeybee are enticing you to listen to. Everything about this song is a 10/10.
You’ve most likely heard the second single off the EP, Keyring, because it really screams out for attention with its tightly packaged affirmations of being there for someone you care about and vice versa. The lyrics are sentimental which send into the upbeat nature of Keyring, though it is a serious set of words that are being walked across the tightrope. The way that it has been mixed down at the end of the track being recorded brings this wonderous sense of comfort, making Honeybee feel like they’re friends that will always be on the lookout for you. It’s quite the special track to be able to have flowing through your ears. The ambience that Honeybee create with Keyring is unique and very much something to hold onto.
OH NO! we’re starting off on a cruisy adventure at first, but we are quickly going to be taken on a racetrack going speeds of 150km/ph soon after this. This highly energetic experience will have you being tossed about like a salad in a bowl, an enjoyable toss, that is. You’re being shown all these different directions and that in itself is one hell of a way to be able to enjoy Honeybee’s music. Having that steady graduation from one end of the spectrum to the other musically really stands out and brings some positively delicious heat on OH NO! and I feel this may become quite the fan favourite at gigs.
We Were Busy Kissing is the last song to grace the new EP from Honeybee, which is the best choice to end on as it is quite emotionally heavy. With the title of the tune being We Were Busy Kissing, you would think that this is what the basis of the tune is about, however, you would be slightly incorrect in thinking that. It’s hard to put into words how this one will play on your feelings, however, as I write this, there are goosebumps trawling my skin. It would be wise to have a note here that if you are moved by stories that are a little fuller of sorrow, you might want to have a tissue next to you when you hear this one for the first, second and maybe fiftieth time. The heartstrings get substantially plucked with We Were Busy Kissing.
All in all, a slightly new way of writing and performing for Honeybee and while they still keep that Indie sound they are known for, they are expanding and playing on new ways of doing things to hook you in, keeping that interest at an all-time high.
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New Music Review - ‘Radical Desire’ by Dolphin Friendly
Revolutionising the New Zealand music rock scene are Dolphin Friendly with their latest release, Radical Desire, which was released on September 2nd 2022. Artwork by Will Coughlan.
Dolphin Friendly have launched themselves straight back into the spotlight, giving everyone across the country this past week a fresh new craving for more Dolph with their steaming release, Radical Desire.
Thrashing through the speakers of cars, living rooms and workplaces is this slightly new direction for the Dolphin Friendly boys who are always branching out and seeing what works for them in terms of genre. I can say, without a doubt, Radical Desire holds the most intense power of their songs released thus far.
There is not a song that Dolphin Friendly have released previously that has not impressed me and I feel that though they’ve been on the scene for quite some time now, they consistently prove they have a lot more to give, which is exceptionally outstanding.
Radical Desire is not for the faint-hearted, so maybe pre-warn your Nanna before letting her listen to this track because it is somehow sexy and salty at the same time. The song has this incredible, contagious beat to it, with each instrument and vocal moment being allowed its prominent moment in the sun.
Radical Desire ups the game from being that medium-rock sound that we know from Dolphin Friendly, turning up the heat by about 50% and baking it closer to 200 degrees of heavy-rock. The way that Dolphin Friendly can very easily switch back and forth between alternating the heftiness of their music, allowing nothing to stop them from releasing what they want, is something else. This makes them a unique part of the New Zealand music industry as we don’t have many (if any) bands that match the same high energy as these four. Something that I feel is completely undervalued and underrated.
The way that Mander, BOC, Big T and TK bring their skills together as a band, drum up something incredible such as Radical Desire and have it on rotation is special. It feels as though these four friends were meant to meet to become Dolphin Friendly from the get-go. There isn’t a band that I can think of that is perfectly matched down to the core other than these lads.
Overall, Radical Desire gets an off the charts rating from Welcome to the Gig. A manifestation of radical, for definite.
Chuck it on and take a drive with the windows down listening to Radical Desire, it will take your mind to a faraway place.
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Hero Skies Review - WTTG
New Music Review - ‘Motions’ by Mitch James
Mitch James’ new release, Motions, off his forthcoming album, Patience, stood up the test of time for new tracks on Friday, 12th August 2022. PC: Mitch’s Instagram.
The latest from Mitch James is here and it’s the first single in a minute from the Kiwi singer-songwriter who has been spending the past few years honing into his sound, making moves in picking up the pieces from the obstacles that have slowly crept into his life, allowing the most authentic version of himself to be embodied and released.
Motions is a big story and Mitch is standing up, asking you to listen - rightfully so.
Since its release on Friday, Motions has perked up a lot of listening ears and thrown many into a journey of Mitch’s own self-reflection, opening another door into his personal life, something he has been willing to share with fans within his music since he first came on the scene back in 2018.
Motions takes you on a navigation of bumpy hills and rough seas, allowing the emotions that Mitch has felt over the past few years to become prevalent, which in turn, has showcased his growth as a performer and person.
Mitch has taken Motions and broken the stigma that once stated that men were not allowed to wear their heart on their sleeves and squashed it, as he has endeavoured to do since the beginning of his career as a musician. This big factor of his journey keeps his music swirling throughout the brains of his audience that is expansive in ages and different countries.
With lyrical masterpieces of lines to be devoured such as “got a lot of questions, not a lot of answers…”, Mitch feels like a good friend that you can lean on whenever you need. In Motions, it seems as though my mind has been read and while I have not been through the same experiences, there is a part of me that understands what Mitch has been through. I believe that other listeners will also gain this advantage after hearing Motions for the first time which is something else.
While initially, you may think this is a standard pop song, Mitch has explained that he is writing music that is authentically him and what feels right, he’s not trying to push himself to be this big shot anymore and I highly admire the hard work he puts out there in order to please himself in terms of musical releases.
Mitch’s upcoming album, Patience, will be available from Friday, November 4th.
You can catch up with Mitch below -
New Music Review - ‘Chapter 1: Sirens and Fire’ the EP by Fraser McCarthy
Chapter 1: Sirens and Fire by Fraser McCarthy is available to stream now. Released on the 12 August 2022. Artwork by Sheridan D.
Christchurch local, Fraser McCarthy, has just given the universe a special release of one of three EPs last Friday.
Breaking down each into different categories, Sirens and Fire is the first of the three to make its debut onto all streaming platforms.
Sirens and Fire is a four-track EP that harbours teeth-gritting truths and mellowed down stories that will perk your ears up for a proper good listening session this week.
Sirens and Fire is evolutionary for the folk genre within New Zealand, with Fraser’s slightly gruff vocals intertwining with many different elements to make a perfect blend of music, much like your favourite Starbucks coffee in the morning.
Fraser knows how to hit all the right movements within the four tracks of Sirens and Fire, setting up a hard to beat destruction of epic that he holds within his musical abilities.
Sirens and Fire has been deep-rooted into the ground, proving that we are just getting to see the beginning of what Fraser has in store for us and his next two EPs are going to piece together a whole lot of life stories to compliment this one.
Sirens and Fire has songs for those craving a hit of new music and those who are looking to expand their taste.
My personal favourite track is the title track, Sirens and Fire, as it deals with a lot of emotion to do with mental health, something I personally am very passionate about and can relate to wholly.
Run this up on your playlist and let the magic of Fraser’s talents take you to another place.
You can find Fraser at the below links -
New Music Review - ‘Replacement Blonde’ by Becca Caffyn
Replacement Blonde is the sophomore release from Becca Caffyn, released on the 29th July 2022. PC: Christian Tiandrawinata.
Becca Caffyn today released her sophomore single, Replacement Blonde, that will make you feel like slow dancing, allowing you to envelope yourself in her gloriously calming voice to kick off the weekend.
There has been this recent major surge of young talent coming out of all corners of New Zealand in the past year and I can say, with confidence, that Becca is one that I have been very blown away by with her skillset and vocalism that reaches new heights.
Replacement Blonde is a silky smooth, down-to-earth track that hits all of the right notes from every angle, bringing hints of sadness, yet hope at the same time. Written by Becca independently in her bedroom last year, the song was not meant to be heard outside of those four walls, however, I feel that it’s a huge boss woman move to release this tune that is filled with such soul and personability, I applaud Becca for making this track into a single for listeners to be taken away by.
Replacement Blonde was bought to fruition with the help of Will McGillivray and Joe Faris who helped produce and master this glorious track that will turn your eyes into a river with its powerhouse beauty - have some tissues on standby.
Becca knows how to reel you in with Replacement Blonde, telling a story of teenage infatuation and dealing with the heartbreak aftermath that comes with it, but at the same time, remembering the little moments that once were, allowing the good memories to fill a cup that sometimes can be empty after going through a situation such as missing someone or being covered in hurt.
Becca pours a lot of emotion into Replacement Blonde, it almost feels as though my heart has been broken by the same person that Becca has been. It is evident that Becca has taken a lot from her energy and given it to this song to make it beyond beautiful.
From the stunning guitar strums, to the soft tempo, Replacement Blonde comes together to tell such a big story within the 3 and a half minutes of the track which is neatly produced, packaged and well looked after.
Keep your eyes peeled for Becca’s debut EP, set to be released later on this year!
Becca can be found at the below links:
New Music Review - ‘Alone in the Sunshine’ by Little Sunday
Little Sunday released their newest flowing track, Alone In The Sunshine on Friday, 22 July 2022. PC: Little Sunday’s Instagram.
Alone in the Sunshine is the delightful, sunny release of the week from local-to-Auckland souls, Little Sunday.
The sunglasses are out, the umbrella is up, the sunscreen is on, the drinks are on ice and all you need now is an even warmer vibe to make your day more enjoyable.
Little Sunday certainly deliver on the aspect of turning these cold days into the hottest of days.
From the get go, the single rolls into your mind with the smooth vocal range, the perfectly crisp drum work, incorporated with the other instruments that play a part in making Alone in the Sunshine a blissful experience.
Little Sunday are particularly remarkable in terms of who they are. They continuously push themselves to their creative ends and amaze listeners each time they let something out into the galaxy, which quite literally, is always on another planet.
Alone in the Sunshine feels like there are hints of inspiration from some Mild Orange songs and if you’re familiar with Welcome to the Gig, that gets a major tick in my book. It’s a highly vibrant song that runs at full capacity of greatness.
Alone in the Sunshine is a solid track that will help your mind slow down a little and allows you to appreciate everything around you. Songs like these are a reminder that not every single tune that is put out needs to be fast-paced or of the rock genre to be a purely successful, lovely listen.
While Little Sunday are taking a break from performing for a while, they are not sitting back and relaxing, they are putting a lot of effort into curating their craft of music and having a good time while at it, which we all love to see.
You can stream Alone in the Sunshine on all streaming platforms now and I highly recommend that you do turn it up and feel the heat.
Keep your eyes peeled for more Little Sunday goodness and check out their groovy tunes below!
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New Music Review - ‘Diamond’ the EP by Drax Project
Diamond was officially released on the 8th July, 2022. PC: Drax Project’s Instagram.
A big welcome back to the Drax Project boys who dropped a beautiful new EP, Diamond, on us the Friday just gone. Diamond has got the blood of millions pumping through the entire universe after their first drop of an EP since the release of the NOON Acoustic EP in 2019.
Drax Project have taken on international fame status since they were discovered in a big way when they opened for Ed Sheeran when he came to NZ quite a few years back and since then, they have rocketed to popularity and proven their worth with the catchiest songs and the gripping hooks that they allow to explode into listeners’ ears.
Diamond is a 5-track EP that brings out the literal Crazy, heavenly mood that the Drax Project men are known for. Diamond is something that certainly is going to bring a taste of what you can sink your teeth into if you have never heard of these four before.
If you have been to any Drax Project show over the past few years, you may recognise some of the songs that are on Diamond - one being the highly anticipated Hollywood, which is now on all streaming platforms after the fans have begged this to be released time and time again. The wait is finally over!
Anyway, let’s go back and start this review from the very beginning of the EP, not the ending.
The first song we are privileged to hear on Diamond is Crazy, which is a fabulously placed song to be the opener of the lot. It has this sense of wanting to be able to get up and party, bringing down the house with the boss beats that they provide. It’s a delicious way to create fantastic engagement with their fans to get the force of what you’re about to embark on.
Fashion Sense comes across as being very preppy and with the name of the song being what it is, it makes sense that it extends out to be described as that word. This song is a bit of a different mood to what I usually listen to, however, Fashion Sense does have this confidence that is filled within the song and I think that it will be quite an underdog on this EP, potentially getting even more love and exposure further down the line.
Mad At You is going to literally turn you into mush. It opens up a whole other range of emotion and personally takes me back to the original NOON EP that was released in 2018. This is a rather special feeling track that will hold you captive with the sweet, gentle, easy-flowing vocals and delicately placed instruments that are performed. Due to the nature of this song, I just have to say this is probably either my favourite or second favourite and I hope that Drax Project continue to keep this touch within their songs in the future.
Love In The Morning ties in well with Mad At You - they almost intertwine, telling two different stories either about the same person or how they hold similar feelings with each individual that has been involved in these relationships. Love In The Morning is a well thought out script of art and Drax Project condense what they want out of love inside of the 3 and a half minutes of this tune, something that usually would take a lot longer to have in a real life conversation and I think that music is a great form of communication to let someone know how you feel. To end the song, there is some electricity and it is a great way to close off this second to last track.
Hollywood - a song that needs no introduction and probably doesn’t require a review, however, it is getting one regardless. Upbeat, non-challenging and holds a higher energy than almost any other Drax Project song that has been released this far. This will have you on top of the Hollywood sign, rip roaring it’s way through your mind for the next four years (on top of the four that everyone has waited for it to be released). Guaranteed to get your boogie on with the saxophone being the unique touch to this track, you’ll fall head over sneakers right into the trap of loving this song all over again.
My rating for the Diamond EP would be 8/10 sexy saxophones.
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If you’re keen on learning more about Drax Project, you can find them below:
Spotify
Instagram
Facebook
YouTube
Website
Drax Project Gig Review on WTTG
New Music Review - ‘Say to Me’ by Ayla Wesley
Say to Me was released by Ayla Wesley on the 1st July 2022. Cover art credit: Eden Harris.
Ayla Wesley has made a comeback after a while of working hard to get her newest single, Say to Me, out into the world and she has achieved multiple hooking moments within the strength of the song that it makes me wonder how many other forms of creativity that Ayla is keeping from us regarding her music.
Say to Me can be described as an alternative rock-pop vibe, Ayla’s voice is the star in this scenario, her vocalism is uplifting and fits well with the guitar work that is passed around throughout.
Ayla has mentioned that Say to Me is about catching the feels for a friend, however, it’s difficult to tell them as you’re just not sure if they like you in that same way, something that can be heavily related to by many listeners across the board.
While this song could be one for the sad books, it actually makes you feel brighter and lighter, something that will put a positive spin on an uncertain situation, a special touch that Ayla pulls out of the bag in her tunes and that is thoroughly enjoyed. Having a crush on someone can be a rather exciting time, even if you’re not sure which side of the grass the other person is on. To have this song produced in such a way that it tells the story deliberately and with a good amount of confidence really makes a difference to those currently in this sticky situation.
Say to Me reminds me of There’s A Tuesday’s music, in a way. Ayla has those kick-ass fem-power vocals, yet she has this simplistic way of ensuring that people can follow along the whole journey and not just part of it, an inspiring talent to bring to this new single.
Say to Me has been rotating in my mind since the first moment I was able to hear it a couple of weeks ago and it has not stopped ticking over, coming constantly to mind with how outstanding the track is.
The video is a fun tribute to hanging with a friend and seeing what the vibe is like with them in a platonic friendship way before taking the leap to check out what could be something more. Elements of Ayla and her band in a glasshouse rocking in and out, having the jam of their lives help the video tell another story and I love how it switches between the two scenes.
Overall, Say to Me would be a solid 8 out of 10, Ayla has nailed it on the head and made a creative bang from this tune.
Make sure to check out Ayla on all of her social media platforms and stream her music now!
New Music Review - ‘Tattoo’ by Coast Arcade
Coast Arcade released their magical new song, Tattoo, on the 17th June 2022.
The coolest, up-and-coming band known as Coast Arcade have officially dropped their debut single, Tattoo, today and it is up there with one of the most vibrantly cool releases that 2022 has offered us yet.
Coast Arcade are made up of Bella Bavin on lead guitar and vocals, Thom Boynton on drums and backing vocals and brothers Chris and Nate Tims on rhythm guitar and bass respectively.
The catchy, up roaring beats, along with gruff, yet soft vocalism from frontwoman, Bella, allows the bands’ first release to be a high class level of hard-to-match in terms of this song popping off the charts.
Tattoo brings out this almost mid-rock vibe that hasn’t been produced for many years by younger musicians, which really says a lot about how Coast Arcade have taken the time to take their sound to a different stage and found how they would like to be known as professional musicians.
With gloriously vivacious lyrics such as “she puts her makeup on, dances like she’s 21, backseat lovers wishing they were young…” it feels like I’ve been transported back in time to being 21 again, full of big dreams and the music pouring from my speakers infectiously, allowing my feet to take over and dance for hours.
Coast Arcade may have only just let their enthusiastic music out into the world as of today, but they’ve actually been around for over a year, having come first place in Smokefree Rockquest 2021 in the regional finals.
These talented four will take you on one hell of a ride with their authentic music and the way they’re able to put themselves out there unapologetically.
Tattoo brings a wise-beyond-their-years feeling that you probably wouldn’t guess you’d find from these Auckland-based teens, however, they offer this up while keeping the song fun and cheerful. A real delight.
Tattoo is itching to be played at all the festivals this coming Summer, the rock punk vibes are guaranteed to garner an epic crowd, singing and shouting out the lyrics before Coast Arcade can even start to perform this garage rock track.
New Zealand radio stations and readers, get amongst this fiery track and blast it as loud as you’re able to this weekend.
Keep an eye out for the music video to Tattoo which drops tomorrow - you will thoroughly enjoy it!
Follow along with Coast Arcade’s journey at the below links:
New Music Review - ‘Stupid Stories’ the EP by Park RD
Stupid Stories was released on Friday, 10th June 2022. Awesome artwork by Reuben Derham.
The Park RD boys are back in town and they are sending us to bop city with their new six track EP, Stupid Stories, which was let out of the cage last Friday.
A gigantic run into the right direction, Tom, Leo, TK, Angus and Carlos put all that they have into their new creations, showcasing a deeper side to their music, with a twang of spunky fun incorporated in true Park RD style.
Let’s break down each song, shall we?
Jumpstarting the EP and bringing in a softer indie-pop vibe which was the second single from Stupid Stories, Coastline is a romantically hectic song that makes this tune an empowering one, allowing a full force to be thrown onto the EP to allow the essence of Park RD to be bought to life with delicacy. Coastline, as Tom described in our interview last year (here), is about “the initial stages of meeting someone where everything is intense, all the emotions and stuff and also knowing that it’s probably not going to last or work out, but you’re still really enjoying your time with that person and having that feeling of a crush - kind of… Crush feelings.” There you have it, folks. A great explanation of something we all have absolutely felt in our lives and continue to hold on hope that it will work out, even if realistically we know it won’t, I personally love how easy it is to relate to the song because of that.
Hurricane is the next tune and it is surely one of the most infectious songs on Stupid Stories. It turns it up a whole other notch and allows greater vocal powers, reaching the highest of peaks in terms of mixing and instrumentalism. As the lyrics suggest, “it’s crashing in my brain” and damn you’re right, Park RD, this song really is doing just that. You’ve got two options for enjoying this song: swaying along to it like a cool breeze or taking the time to do a bit of headbanging while dancing, there really is no in between with Hurricane. An adventurous track for all ages, making you feel young at heart, no matter how “old” you may be.
Control. I’ve had a deep love affair with this song since the Park RD lads released this back in April of 2021. Everything about it gels together so perfectly and I could never get sick of this stunning track. If you have yet to listen to Control, you will likely feel the same way when you do get around to hearing it. The lyrics again have this beautifully romanticised state to them, they just flow, exactly like watching a light up lantern being taken by the wind, how peaceful it goes. Control brings that feeling home for me. It holds elements of lightness and it also throws in a bit of ingenious wonder to it at the same time. A winning song.
Outta My Hands is bubbly, allowing those little swaying moments that listeners crave from new releases, it’s just a fun little element to have on Stupid Stories. The best part has to be either the powerful electric guitar or the fact that Leo is singing (I think!) on Outta My Hands, allowing the talents to be moved around throughout the band. It’s a real selling point when other members of a band are able to rotate, showing off their talents that maybe fans don’t get to see all too often. Enjoy this with a boogie to warm up on those cold winter nights NZ is currently experiencing.
I Got You review here.
Skin is the last song on the marvellous new release from Park RD and it does not disappoint. Skin will be one of those hot fan favourites and it is easy to see how it will get to that point. The song carries simplicity with it, however, it also turns heads and is uniquely crafted to ensure that the listener never stops paying attention. The track is a story that will be exceptionally hard for you to not sing along to. Seeing videos from the release show at the Tuning Fork from Saturday made me realise how special this song is for the men from Park RD. It has been bought to life at a super catchy, down-to-earth capacity, keeping that familiar touch of their previous tunes.
Overall, Stupid Stories has this excellent energy to it and while it is not quite a surf-music orientated as Park RD have released before, I feel that this will take them to new heights as it shows off how they have grown as a band the past while.
Stupid Stories is well worth listening to at the very least, 100 times in a row.
If you want to keep up with Park RD, make sure that you catch them on their socials and streaming platforms:
New Music Review - ‘Living is Now’ the album by Simon Hirst
Living is Now - Simon Hirst is someone who proves this every day. His positive attitude is absolutely unmatched. Living is Now was released on 21st May 2022. Photo by Aaron Sami.
Simon Hirst is back with his second album, Living is Now, allowing us to get to a place where we live our lives as they are happening, not sitting back and waiting for changes or the good things to come along, but taking hold and saying “you have to choose how to create your own future otherwise you may miss opportunities to do great things.”
Energetic hooks, life stories and soothing vocals are all incorporated into Living is Now. Simon brings forth this incredibly infectious wave of emotion that helps you to see things from a unique perspective, allowing us to gain some knowledge from this man who is one powerful musician who fills his days with working on his passion, essentially driving himself to always top his previous releases. From ballads and fun-filled, joyous songs, Living is Now has it all.
Living is Now is the opener of the album, coming forth with the important message that the title clearly states - it sends out that oomph of a spark that we all need to hear sometimes. The guitar in the track is the standout - it makes itself known and helps to liven up the song which in turn comes together nicely with Simon’s voice to mix gently the way it is played. Living is Now opens up possibilities and hope for the future, something Simon is exceptionally good at teaching through his meaningful music.
Corporate Lovers is a song that will have your bones quaking. It’s very inviting, you may find yourself singing along to this track throughout the remainder of the week - it is upbeat, yet light at the same time and aims to put you in a good mood, rather than make you feel any dismay of any sort. It’s a fun play on corporate life, I suppose, we definitely need more of that. 10/10.
A Moment Away is a very personal song to Simon, which really comes through when you take the time to listen to the lyrics. It is harmonious, trying to take any negativity out of a rather scary situation and turn it into a life altering positive experience. There is a world of hurt and chaos within this story, however, hearing the light at the end of the tunnel will leave you feeling rather grateful for what you have. I appreciate Simon’s honesty within his creativity, being able to share those moments and connect with listeners is something that always wows me when I hear new releases from him.
Everything. A sweet, yet simple song that deserves its time in the spotlight. It has the emotion of yearning to bring someone back that you may no longer have in your life, something that everyone will experience on different levels throughout their time on earth. At the same time, it conveys the message that everything is actually alright near the ending of the tune. It has a soft touch of harmonica at the very beginning that sends ripples of country energy into it, a perfect element to the 9th song on the album. Everything has this nostalgic moment to it, allowing the magical, good memories to be bought forward that may have been forgotten in the mix of hands of the clock.
Make sure you check out Simon’s work and follow him on all of his socials below:
Spotify
Instagram
Facebook
Website
6:18(Remember Your Name) Review on WTTG