New Music Review - ‘Bathroom Stall’ by Leah Kelsey
Bathroom Stall is the first of 12 releases that Leah Kelsey is releasing this year. Released on 27th January 2023, the song strikes quite a few heartstrings. Photo credit: Leah’s music Facebook page.
Christchurch musician, Leah Kelsey, has set herself a hard, yet attainable, mammoth year of tasks in the form of releasing 12 songs for each month of 2023. This seems like it would be a hard experiment to achieve, however, if Leah’s next releases are anything like the first of 2023, Bathroom Stall, they will be sure to reach a whole new audience, touching many souls along the way with next to no issues.
When first hearing Bathroom Stall upon the release yesterday morning, there were waterfalls threatening to be unleashed, air punches to be carried out and a loss of words for the emotion that Leah has put into the song. It cut some heartstrings of those who can understand the sentiment of the lyrics, which will be a fair few, I’d imagine.
The momentous importance of Bathroom Stall should essentially shake everyone to their core and think before acting, because actions obviously can cause someone a world of hurt.
It is evident that the hidden pain within the walls of Leah’s new release is something that may have been unexpected, however, Leah clearly knows how to deal with the type of situation she is implying through the song and in turn, that makes me realise how powerful us females actually are and how incredible the human voice can be when it is pushed out into the world for others to hear the stories of the past.
Lyrics such as “you call girls pretty, you don’t know. Why’s it so hard to just leave them alone? I shouldn’t feel bad, I didn’t ask for this at all…” that break open the song into what it becomes, showcases what it can be like when females in particular get unwanted attention. “How dare you wait till she’s alone?” strikes a very hard chord and even gave me a little bit of anxiety hearing that line, knowing this is a reality for some that shouldn’t be real under any circumstance. Heart-breaking.
Leah has these sultry, sun-soaked, sweet vocals that engage you in Bathroom Stall, along with the gorgeously, well thought-out strums of an acoustic guitar that fill out the song, creating another aspect of how it all comes together. Emotionally raw, yet sensitive at the same time.
Leah has really stunned me with this new serenade and with another 11 tunes on the horizon, I cannot wait to see what February holds.
Thank you, Leah, for being so personable and sharing the truths behind attention from others that is not wanted. I think you are doing the world of good, speaking up and getting yourself heard!
You can keep up to date with Leah at all of the below links -
New Music Review - ‘Out Like a Light’ by Hot Sauce Club
Out Like a Light hits many different moments in the process. Recently released on the 11th January 2023, Hot Sauce Club showcase every ounce of their incredible abilities through the track. Artwork by Riley Smith.
Get your dunks on and get ready to run into the arms of the newest release from Hot Sauce Club, aptly titled Out Like a Light which brings attention to not only the amount of growth the band are consistently pouring into their careers as musicians, it also dives into the heaviness of someone you love doing you wrong by fading out the relationship with their actions, like a burnt out light that decides they no longer want to glow with the particular person and they proceed to do something potentially hurtful to the other party, whether out of malice or not.
In turn, Out Like a Light could also be determined to be about the mental health of someone that you care about. It takes on a couple of sides to separate situations.
(Disclaimer: this is my own take on what I feel the song is possibly about, this review is an opinion piece, I could have misinterpreted it. My apologies to Hot Sauce Club if this is the case.)
Out Like a Light bursts with this positive, heated up energy that Hot Sauce Club are well known for, even given some of life’s tough situations. With lyrical moments placed in pivotal spots in the song with pure intensity such as “suspect a thing or two of the things she may be going through. Why didn’t I say a thing? Why didn’t I say a bloody thing?”
With a small electric pang at the entrance to the song, Out Like a Light is the ultimate Kiwi surprise that takes us through different chartered waters in order to adapt to the tune itself, making it one that will make you hit the repeat: one button on the streaming service of your choice.
What personally inspires me about Hot Sauce Club as while they could produce reckless, party anthems, they don’t. They consume everything around them that they see, hear and can think of, then churn out some thrilling music that will go down well for years to come.
Slamming down a slightly gritty-indie sound with the mixing, Out Like a Light brings out a unique set of tones that Hot Sauce Club have not previously done, showing their directional change for amassing listeners from across the board, which they are successfully starting to achieve.
Hot Sauce Club are coming in with everything they’ve got and they’re aren’t pausing for anybody.
Out Like a Light is available to stream now. So, get on your board and hit the play button immediately.
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New Music Review - ‘Last Call’ by Rachel Leo
Last Call was released on 9th December 2022 and has been an absolute hit with audiences so far. Cover credit: Rachel’s EPK.
Easy versatility of differential ways to tell a story rolls out a lot of moments that lay the ground work for Rachel Leo’s latest intoxicating release, Last Call, released in early December 2022.
With the helping hand of Kiwi musical icons, Drax Project, Rachel pulls all the stops out to make this the greatest song that she has released thus far.
Last Call is about a turning point within the healing process from a former relationship that had infidelity hidden within the walls of what may have looked once perfect from the outside.
Rachel explores new avenues of how she has been able to overcome the obstacles of the issues that arose, forcing the end to her previous relationship. Rachel expresses her powerful and newfound strength after letting this problematic situation be driven into the flames of the past.
Last Call rips through the walls of former torture, excelling through with flourishing vocalism and an immense baseline that notably makes the song more enticing, the trueness of the words being sung by Rachel at every turn of the crossroads.
What I like about Last Call is that while it has a not-so-kind backstory to it, Rachel has taken the pain that was inflicted and created this fiery tune that a lot of listeners will be able to put their finger on and say, “I completely understand where she is coming from”. There is nothing better in life than being able to listen to and relate to a song that you are just hearing, having the musician that is performing understand the hurt that you may have also been through in the past.
Rachel is certainly a singer-songwriter to keep a close eye on - having her independence of creation, alongside her magical talent, it would be unfathomable to not watch what she is up to next, her steps ever outstanding to the former step she has taken.
You can find more of Rachel at all of her social media links below -
New Music Review - ‘Holiday’ by Bayleaf
Holiday was released on the 25th November 2022 and will melt you into a puddle of goodness. Artwork credit: Bayleaf’s Instagram.
Bayleaf have turned a new leaf, coming in again with their Summery new tune released late November, Holiday, to get you in the mood for some thoughtful words with this outstanding song to listen to while traveling to your Holiday destination.
Fascinating instrumentals that drive you somewhere far away accompany the moodiness of the track that will capture your heart and keep the desire of Bayleaf’s music right in the forefront of your mind.
Holiday shares a new lease on life, a delicate way to pull you in, keeping you closer than close with every step you take.
With the freshest vocalism that takes on a whole different meaning of leaning back into the times of relaxation, Bayleaf tend to take on this whole other accomplishment with each release that makes it quite distinctive to other trends in music, allowing their mark in the universe to figuratively make more noise than most.
Holiday keeps on track with the romantic sounds, swiftly coming in to capture the nature of what is meant to be expressed. Bayleaf do not have any trouble being able to simply express this through the projects that they put out, completely exemplary.
With a barrage of magnificence sprinkled throughout Holiday, you are bound to find a fair few magical touches that will be kept inside of your soul.
Bayleaf have this thrilling demeanour that they set free, making them quite the unique collective of musicians who create these unbelievable moments to be taken in.
If you’re keen to follow along with Bayleaf, you can find them below -
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See You in the Morning Review - WTTG
New Music Review - ‘Little While (With the Lights Out)’ by Sun Veins
Little While (With the Lights Out) was officially released on all streaming platforms on the 9th December and is a little number that will give you many forms of confidence. Cover artwork provided by Sun Veins.
A sensual new tune from Dunedin-based Sun Veins has recently dropped, just in time for the heat to radiate from not only your body, but the earth with the summery warmth emerging this month.
Little While (With the Lights Out) combines this soft flowing entrance that expands into this magical, bust out of the box flicker of lights, bringing the tune to life to enjoy the catchy moments of delight throughout.
A formulated take on love, Sun Veins nail it on the head with how they tell the story of this specific relationship that allows listeners to view the lives of these two individuals when they come together to be as one.
Little While (With the Lights Out) feels like little, personal accomplishments throughout the song, borrowing times from the past and bringing them forward to the future to allow the wishes that they have to be granted, something desirable in life, to say the least.
The first of drops from Sun Veins since 2019, Little While (With the Lights Out) faultlessly slots right into the wonderous world of releases for 2022 and Sun Veins knew exactly how to make it a seamless transition for their first single in three years.
My favourite part of Little While (With the Lights Out) has to be where there is a slight pause between the verse and the chorus beginning. It holds this sensational second of wonder, gripping you into wondering what universe you are about to be launched into. A piece filled with mystery that I can thoroughly appreciate.
Look out for Sun Veins’ new album, launching into your heart in 2023!
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New Music Review - ‘Home for Christmas’- Simon Hirst
Home for Christmas will bring a lot of tears to your eyes with the beauty that it entails. The track was released exactly 20 days until Christmas on the 5th December 2022. Cover art credit: Simon’s Facebook.
If you don’t have a box of your favourite Kleenex beside you right while you read this review and while you listen to Simon Hirst’s new song, Home for Christmas, may I suggest that you pop out to quickly get some as Simon’s newly released Christmas track is for the soft-hearted, dewy-eyed amongst us.
Released 20 days prior to Christmas (this is an important mention in which you will need to listen to the song to find out why), Home for Christmas is the ultimate New Zealand festive song that will pull on more than a few heartstrings, expanding your love of Simon’s valuable music even further afield.
The acoustically driven riffs that flex through Home for Christmas will ensure that you get to enjoy that Christmassy feeling that most of us crave to feel at this time of the year, something that Simon really shines a light on, ensuring his songs help listeners feel deeply with every tune that he lets loose.
The artwork for Home for Christmas is a dedication to not only Simon’s music, but also a polaroid of his family placed tactfully in a spot where you’d have to look closely for it, however, it in a way, signifies that while Simon’s passion is about creating, he always has time for his beautiful family who support him on the crazy roads of creating and life in general.
Home for Christmas would be the perfect addition to a Hallmark Christmas movie (which I realise I have said in previous reviews that Simon’s music would really suit being in a romantic movie), with the realism of lyricism and the bright spark of Christmas enchantment that evokes different moments.
Home for Christmas is not a tune that you will be able to pass by, trapping you in this quietly loved-up bubble of gracefulness that makes a distinct purpose in the heart of the song. Lovely.
You can find more of Simon at the below links -
New Music Review - ‘ALL FOR YOU’ by Gibson XCVII
ALL FOR YOU is a warm piece of summer handed to you by the legends from Gibson XCVIII. The tune was released on the 2nd December 2022 and really is something else. Cover art: provided by Gibson XCVIII.
Coming in warm with a fresh splash in the ocean to perk your days up are Christchurch locals, Gibson XCVIII with their tranquil-filled, charming track, ALL FOR YOU.
The tune has been on rotation for just over a week now after initially making its debut on the airwaves of local radio stations and boy, is it a great presentation of a fascinating storyline that holds anticipation that you can delve right into.
With strategically placed gripping beats, ALL FOR YOU promises this well thought out energy that encapsulates what Gibson XCVIII are consistently striving for and perfectly achieving.
Dean and Mark have this tendency to introduce their music to the world with intricate feeling, which is mixed with a lot of meaning, leaving you asking for the next step in their musical careers to be unleashed.
Gibson XCVIII are not a band who have just tossed some old beats together and called it a day. In fact, ALL FOR YOU has been with Dean for quite some time - something I was able to discuss with the band on the podcast, which you can find here.
It’s evident that the creative passions that Gibson XCVIII have poured into ALL FOR YOU (and their other tracks) are something they take seriously, allowing both members of the band to bounce ideas off each other, which, in turn, lets both Dean and Mark have their own spin on the songs they choose to release. A perfect amount of team effort.
ALL FOR YOU is a more mellowed-out indie vibe and while it may not be a full-on dance-type tune, you will still find your body moving and grooving in all of the right ways, even involuntarily.
Gibson XCVIII have proven that this song is a great expression of their music currently with their tracks ever-changing to make way for new sounds, ideas and words. ALL FOR YOU is as humble and kind as the two members of the band - super delightful.
ALL FOR YOU is a tune that you will want to get wrapped up in, so pop it on repeat for the weekend and enjoy the cosy, light-listening moments that if offers.
You can find more Gibson XCVIII at the below -
New Music Review - ‘Simple Things’ the album by The RVMES
Simple Things was released on the 24th November 2022 and will take you to all those awesome places you didn’t know you needed to visit. Artwork provided from The RVMES EPK.
Majestic, soul-filling funk is bouncing off the walls of the new album, Simple Things from Auckland-based The RVMES (pronounced The Rooms).
An eclectic movement of bright revelations, each song is relatively different to the next, the multiple genres (think thoughtful R&B, rock, funk…) along with an array of instruments working their way through the 8 tunes on Simple Things make the album a phenomenal hit to roll in the festival season.
The RVMES provide this epic feast of scrumptiously-infused hooks, feeding that hunger that you so desire, however, they certainly know how to leave you craving more of their highly desirable creations.
The definitive diversity makes Simple Things a one-of-a-kind creation for the New Zealand music market currently. I state this opinion as I’ve not heard many other artists pull off the gift of how The RVMES tunes sound like other musicians are singing each track, which you could be forgiven if you thought that it is other artists performing on the album. That’s a skill that would be tricky to master, yet, The RVMES have got it down to the purest of art forms.
A melting pot of goodness, Simple Things takes you on a journey of different feelings that hit all of the right notes - the relaxation that you are able to take away from the album is on a different rung of the ladder. When I say there is literally a song for everyone, there genuinely is a song that each person in the world could pick out as their favourite. You will find a lot of hidden gems throughout the entirety of Simple Things, something that The RVMES have proved themselves exceptionally good at providing over and over again.
Some notable tunes to run up on your playlists would certainly be Who Shot the Moon, What’s Troublin’ You and Simple Things. In fact, the album is just a masterpiece in its own right, so listen to it carefully, not on shuffle, to get an idea of the storybook they have been able to put together.
The RVMES are no strangers to creating tunes that will grab you, making it meticulously hard to not have you enticed from the moment they work their way through your ears.
The tasty band are heading on a tour across the North Island this summer, with a lot more from the lads to come. It would absolutely be beneficial if you went ahead to a show, stream their music and follow them on their socials. I can’t get enough of The RVMES and neither will you.
Come back soon for more of The RVMES content - there will be an interview with Edwin up before Christmas.
Check out more of The RVMES below -
New Music Review - ‘Under My Skin’ by Shivers
Under My Skin could be the break-through track that Shivers have made to get themselves even more heard in the industry. Released on the 8th of November 2022, this is a tune that will be delicately played for a long time. Cover art by Camkilla.
Crafty Wellington independent artists, Shivers, are back coming in hot with their latest tune that is going to make you say “wow, that really got Under My Skin and in my head” for the rest of this year.
Coming through with a subtle Stan Walker-like vibe, Shivers are taking their meaningful music to the next level with this soulful, sentimental feeling release.
The easy-listening, dynamic release that is Under My Skin is a song that breaks through the ice, allowing the emergence of Shivers to take over in terms of being heard in the way they’re striving to be heard.
Under My Skin brings spotlight filled moments that allow each of the elements to have their shining time, which is something I personally listen out for in new releases. I enjoy being able to tune into different pieces of a track, whether that be the vocals, lyrics or the instruments themselves, Under My Skin genuinely puts everything out there in an elegant way that doesn’t take away from any other aspect of the song.
Shivers describe their music as soulful and genre fluid, aiming for a good time in real time, which comes forth with the release of Under My Skin. The track has this touching way of handing you the toastiest feelings as it is quite the influential, positive indulgence.
One thing that makes a big difference in the releases of Shivers’ songs is that no two tracks are the same, which, as mentioned above, is due to their genre fluid nature, immensely captivating. For artists that stick to the one genre, it can get stagnant after a while, however, with Shivers, their music is always enticing and fulfils the evermore compelling aspect of who they are. An inspiring, remarkable position to be in.
If you’ve not yet given Under My Skin an embrace, I would suggest doing so. It will lighten your mood by 100% and that is a guaranteed promise.
You can check out more Shivers at the below links -
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.
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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.
Follow MADELINE. at the below links to keep up to date with her next steps -
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!
Find Somebody Do Something at the below links -
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Callum and Ash on the WTTG Podcast
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.
You can (and absolutely should) keep up to date with Honeybee below -
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.
Catch up with Dolphin Friendly below -
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Hero Skies Review - WTTG