Tag: new zealand

DOG Power Release Latest Single

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While Flying Nun Records might be best known for fostering a certain guitar sound, the label has always been on the forefront of what goes down in New Zealand. The label’s latest signing, DOG Power indicates that they’re more than what’s in the storied history. For starters, there’s an inherent darkness to this song; it has something to do with the deep vocal tones, as well as the electronic accents and guitar rings. That being said, Sam Perry comes across like a fresh Dave Gahan, giving off this perfectly seductive croon that creeps through your speakers. The group will release their self-titled album on November 26th.

Pleased to Meet You: Bad Sav

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Not exactly sure where I came across Bad Sav, but I can’t stop playing this song. Somewhere I keep coming back to a vocal crossing between Molly Rankin of Alvvays and Tracyanne Campbell; I can hear hints of both, and adore both equally. Musically, there’s a definite pop leaning, though it’s heavy-handed at various turns. I think it finds a nice balance between shimmering guitar pop and a heavier post-punk vibe…so whoever threw this my way, I appreciate it. The New Zealand trio will release their self-titled album on September 21st via Fishrider Records.

The Beths Drop New Single

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How can one resists the charms of the Beths and their new single? You can’t; it’s not possible. It’s the perfect summertime hit, featuring just enough of a punch to give you that added energy in the sweltering heat, but with an added bit of charm that keeps you coming back for more. Elizabeth Stokes is definitely winning us over here; her voice almost has an indiepop vibe to it, though with just a bit slight hint of Oceanic indifference…those “oh oh ohs” don’t hurt the hook factor. Their debut album Future Me Hates Me will be out on August 10th via Carpark Records.

Another Track from Wax Chattels

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Up until now, I felt like I had New Zealand’s Wax Chattels pegged; the band offered a heavy hitting blend of noisy rock, sans guitars. Now, they’ve unleashed this dense new track from their forthcoming LP, and while it surely holds some of the noisier elements, the opening 2 minutes reveals a soft belly that I wasn’t expecting. Amanda Cheng haunts this tune, letting her voice drip all over, even when the band begin punishing your ears with electronic noise and pounding rhythm section. I like a band that can stretch their sound, and I’m always a sucker for a group on Flying Nun/Captured Tracks; their self-titled debut drops May 18th.

Wax Chattels Sign with Capture Tracks and Flying Nun

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What more do you need to know than that simple post title? You’ve got two great labels in Captured Tracks and Flying Nun, but are Wax Chattels any good? My answer? Absolutely. For starters, there’s a frantic force pushing through your speakers, all accomplished sans guitars; the trio is nothing more than 2 piece drum kit, bass and synths. In a way, its reminiscent of early Death From Above, though this feels way more like its willing to take that sound to the limits. Energetic and noisy, yet wholly consumable by the masses. Look for the New Zealand act to be high on everyone’s list of favorites from here on out.

Stream Salad Boys This Is Glue

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Ever since Metalmania dropped a few years back, I’ve been anxiously awaiting the return of New Zealand’s Salad Boys. What I didn’t expect was a record that was good in every single way, and hopefully establishing the group as one of the stronger bands in the guitar pop realm. Take a song like “Psych Slasher;” it hits hard from the get go, rushing distorted jangling guitars, but just as you think the band are here brandishing a bursting tune, they pull it back, ever so slightly to reveal a soft blanket of pop. Overall, this is a balanced effort, from the spoken word stylings of “Scenic Route to Nowhere” to the bright jangling pop of “Under the Bed,” all indicating a band hitting peak form in songwriting. Press play below, and you won’t hear a bad tune; This Is Glue is available this Friday via Trouble In Mind.

Brand New Salad Boys Track

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We’re just about to wrap up the musical year with lists and all sorts of silly lines, but in looking ahead to next year, Salad Boys are high on my list of anticipated acts. We get a new tune from the band today in lieu of their impending This Is Glue. One of the things I’m most excited about is that the group seem to have fleshed out their style; this song has this youthful urgency in some of the vocal delivery, though it pulls back for a calming interlude that’s filled with melody and synths. They jump to the end with one more bit of ramshackle rock…and like me, you’ll be thirsting for more. The LP drops on January 19th via Trouble In Mind Records.

 

Jess Cornelius Pens Another Gem

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I was always a fan of Teeth & Tongue, Jess Cornelius‘ former project. Now she’s working under her own name, and if this tune is anything to go by, then Jess will be here for quite some time. It’s both intimate and stark, yet powerful in every aspect of the performance. Chords ring out with purpose, and she walks her vocals between playful gasps and beautiful belting; you’ll be captivated from start to finish. Her debut EP, titled Nothing Is Lost, is going to be released on October 27th; grab it from Jess HERE.

The Terminals Return with New Album

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It’s been a decade since we’ve heard anything fresh from New Zealand’s The Terminals, one of the country’s most prominent figures. They return this year with Antiseptic, and the announcement comes with this brilliant track. The sensation and the song title, “Runaway Train” fit together perfectly, and the tune leads you down the harrowing path of a locomotive losing control. Strings are stretched in the background, wound discordantly in your ears, then Peter Stapleton brings in his near-operatic deep vocal tones. I have no idea where this train, nor this LP, is going, but if I can grab a ticket, I surely will. The album comes out on May 19th via Ba Da Bing.

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Jam This New Kane Strang (SXSW Artist)

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Kane Strang is a hot ticket on my computer, and on my upcoming SXSW schedule. Today this new track came our way with a hint at what’s to come from his next album. I love how the tones on the vocals are high in the first half of the tune, then they switch to deeper tones as the music takes on a different mood. His ability to switch within the confines of the track makes his music quite memorable, and refreshing in that it doesn’t sit in one place. Dead Oceans will be releasing his next album this Fall, so start your anticipation with this new jam. Reminds me of a New Zealand influenced Pinback.

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