Tag: new zealand

Another Jim Nothing Single

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Let the old inbox get me down, and in there somewhere was lurking a fresh new tune from Jim Nothing…yet another single in their post In the Marigolds run. There’s something in the work on this song that reminds me of a fuzzier version of Los Campesinos; it has the same endearing quality that came, particularly when you get some of those faint backing vocals into the picture…or maybe it was that opening “wooh” that set me off. The riffs are heavier for this lot, even with the cascading lead that twists its knife through the center; those riffs allow the pace to kind of settle and mellow before you, encouraging you to sink into the depths of their latest bop!

New Stuff from Jim Nothing

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Just the other day we caught wind of new Jim Nothing, so we let it resonate a bit, returning today to remind you of how great the New Zealand outfit is. You are instantly met by this motorik beat of sorts, thumping and pumping the rhythmic pulse of the song right through your speakers. Guitars begin to shimmer between the lines, teasing you as you await the vocals. Those vocals come in, quick and fast, running through your mind as guitars scream at you. A bit of an emphatic close with a stomp and gang vocals, and now we’re all left to wonder…will there be more? And when?

Wurld Series Are Back with The Giant’s Lawn

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A few years removed from the excellent What’s Growing, New Zealand’s Wurld Series are back with a fresh record! And, like only Wurld Series can, they offer us two singles, and in that, offer us two ways to look at the new LP. Opening track, “The Giant’s Lawn Part 1,” is more of an experimental bit of pastoral folk, almost an oddball bit of atmospherics and horn blasts before settling into a meditative introduction to the album that will follow. There’s even a nice little accompanying felt video HERE, if you’re inclined. On the other head of the beast you get “Lord of Shelves,” which smashes in with a fuzzy bit of lo-fi pop. It reminds me in spots of GBV, having both a penchant for noise and melodic alike, making it hard to differentiate between the two. Excited for The Giant’s Lawn, out on November 17th via Meritorio Records and Melted Ice Cream.

Sunsee Share Fresh Single: It’s Gone Wrong

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My musical ADHD has me all over the place today, but definitely happy to settle into this new tune from New Zealand’s Sunsee. There’s little elements of guitar pop flare running through the entirety of the tune, but I really loved the mellowness of the pace. There’s something calming in the soft percussive elements and cooled vocals that allows the listener to kind of sit back, basking in the glow of the track’s melody. And, when you hit those final moments of the tune, the volume explodes in your ear, sort of an awakening that sets you ready for the rest of your day. Get into it.

The Beths Drop Watching the Credits

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The Beths should theoretically be riding the high of the release and success of Expert in a Dying Field, but there’s no slowing down it seems, as today they’re sharing a fresh new anthemic pop song. In truth, the song’s a leftover hit from their last album, with Stokes writing about her love of learning about movies through reading their credits, though they tell the story through the director’s lens. Musically, it’s everything that you’d come to expect from the band, delivering hooks and rock wrapped into a tight little package that will surely get you singing with the band; there are many writing sing-a-long hooks like The Beths. Look for the band touring the world, including tons of US dates in the Summer/Fall…all date HERE. You can also check their brand new Tiny Desk Concert!

T. G. Shand Drops Fatwood

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We have been keeping an eye on TG Shand over the last few years, with the most recent coverage promising that there was a new EP on the way from the New Zealand based artist. Today, we get a brand single, though no mention of that EP…still, I’ll always give the sounds a go. I love that there’s this sort of juxtaposition that permeates the tune; you get this beautiful dreaminess that operates as the core, but in between you get these heavier moments of fuzzed out riffs and beats. It all toys with your mind, but with that powerful vocal, you ‘ll find that you can’t pull away.

Tiny Ruins Charm with The Crab/Waterbaby

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Ever looking to get swept up in the power of narrative and songwriting? Trust me, this is the only way to listen to New Zealand’s Tiny Ruins. I’ve always loved the fragility of Hollie Fullbrook’s voice, striking in its tones, especially when its placed in the perfect setting like these sharp guitar notes that spin all around it in this brand new single. As the tune moves forward, there’s a slight musical lift as strings add some buoyancy, almost lifting the tune to your ears so you can’t escape. But, don’t worry, this beautiful tune about finding your own ritual/ceremony will resonate with you throughout the day. Such a joy to hear his project back, so here’s to hoping we get to hear more!

Sunsee Shares Fly By Single

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Another song that I came across just as the year was wrapping up was this fresh single from New Zealand’s Sunsee; it’s the project of Hamish Berkers, favoring no genre, but crafting these dreamy soundscapes for escapism. Personally, I love the contrast between some of the sunnier guitar licks and the weighted tones of Berkers here, offering up this brilliant juxtaposition. Plus, there’s this far out middle meandering piece that just kind of lets the song spin off into a new world and stop abruptly. Give it a quick spin and reap your rewards.

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