Category Archives: album reviews

flying nun [2005]mathematical warfare is an album with a heavy back-story and variety of disclaimers. almost completely removed stylistically from the sound the band became known for just last year, the shocking pinks have gone through so many changes and … Continue reading →

self-released [2002]chirpy 3-minute pop melodies aplenty with solobravo‘s debut ep ‘action on the highways’. twin vocalists and the inclusion of trombone and organ make for a delightful mix of the whimsical (‘mellow life’, ‘in love with a stranger’) and downright … Continue reading →

self-released [2002]i had the luck of recently witnessing the full trinity roots line-up (comprised of 6 performers at the time) put on one of the most convincing soul and dub sets i have ever witnessed. i danced continuously for the … Continue reading →

sugarlicks recordings [2002]following on from sugarlicks first compilation urban soul pollution, comes pacific soul warriors — without quite the high-profile line-up that the first compilation had. this time the album focuses more on the more soulful end of the spectrum, … Continue reading →

sugarlicks recordings [2002]soul, funk and hip-hop with a pacific flavour seems to be emerging as the new catalyst of the new zealand underground music scene. over the past 5 years, a fine blend of well-crafted soul, funk, hip-hop and down-tempo … Continue reading →

failsafe [2002]two wonderfully hand-packaged releases from local 3-piece substandard. best described as an instrumental band with involving guitar textures (danny bare), driving bass guitar (gareth heta) and funky drumming (andrew robbins; they been highly prolific around town this year, and … Continue reading →

flying nun [2001]after 20 years of continually releasing dynamic, independent and thoroughly inventive music – the tall dwarfs have released perhaps their most laid-back and restrained full length with the sky above, the mud below, their 13th album. wearing their … Continue reading →

lil’ chief / emi nz [2002]sunny pop, sing-along melodies, and carefree grooves. not something that pops up too often in new zealand music, but the brunettes pull it off with a slick, diverse album that i can imagine being a … Continue reading →

lil’ chief / emi nz [2004]over the course of the last two years, the brunettes must surely go down as one of new zealand’s most productive bands, with a series of long-stay live tours flowing across new zealand and stories … Continue reading →

flying nun [1986 compilation] reviewed by james mckayin the 80′s i was into the human league, kraftwerk, new order, car crash set and the like. new zealand – local music always held an interest for me. a friend said try … Continue reading →