Features

It’s that time again. New Zealand Music Month. A time to reflect on the good, the bad and all that is ugly in New Zealand music. In half celebration, and half disgust, we here at Critic thought we’d put together a list showing you that New Zealand Music isn’t all sales projections, Autozamn, Kids of 88 and the NZ on Air funding scheme.
So here we are; the antipodean elite. Ten current New Zealand acts you really must hear:
 
 
 Die! Die! Die!
 
Intensifying the melody while easing the anguish did wonders for semi-Dunedin based Die! Die! Die! on their latest album Form. Textured and dynamic arrangements based upon possibly New Zealand’s best rhythm section render the album a triumph. With an unmatched ferocity and presence, Die! Die! Die! are simultaneously the inspiration for a generation of young New Zealand acts and frontrunners in the current era. A crucial experience, both live and in your headphones.
 
Listen to: Form
myspace.com/diediedienz
 
 
Street Chant
 
While front-woman Emily Littler’s seeming contempt for the audience can be initially off-putting, her ambivalence is soon turned into a rare charm, with her “please don’t call me a brat” brattyness fueling the angst of Street Chants’ pop-punk. Like Die! Die! Die! Street Chant’s rhythm section is powerful and precise with drummer Alex Brown astonishing behind his minimal kit. With the song-writing prowess to back up any qualms the internet may have with Littler’s attitude, Street Chant are already gaining momentum playing American festivals such as CMJ and playing coveted support slots for the likes of Jack White’s Dead Weather. Clever, outspoken, hip and worthy of all the hype.
 
Listen to: Means
streetchant.com
 
 
Glass Vaults
 
With a sound akin to psychedelic waves washing over the listener, Wellington duo Richard Larsen and Rowan Pierce create some of most astonishingly beautiful and emotionally powerful music to ever emerge from these shores. Combining a thick pounding wall of drums, densely layered guitar and looped, heavily reverbed vocals, Glass Vaults create an ambiance all of their own. Part of the entirely excellent “Sonorous Circle” group, Glass Vaults would provide the perfect backdrop to any life-changing experience. Exquisite pop hooks buried within push the group past simple background music.
 
Listen to: Glass EP
For a free download of the Glass EP see: http://glassvaults.bandcamp.com/album/glass-ep
 
 
Coolies
 
Both sickly sweet and wholly nihilistic in their music, the Coolies both in career and sound could be seen as the mothers of the New Zealand punk scene. With dexterously erratic yet danceable rhythm changes developing underneath the understated, almost Kim Deal-ish bass, the Coolies bring more than a touch of noise to punk’s usual sonic palate. With the brevity only punk can know, the Coolies are masters of the delicate interface between pop and their unique vision. “Lo-Fi” doesn’t even cover it.
 
Listen to: Master
myspace.com/thecoolies
 
 
 Nevernudes
 
Three line-up changes and a rapid evolution in sound and songwriting haven’t stopped Nevernudes from staying grounded as the cathartic outlet for front man Anthony Drent. Justifiably naming their debut album Creepy Crawlies, Nevernudes effectively evoke the term in their spidery dual guitar leads and their haunting choice of sonic texture. An angst-ridden and frightening music, reinforced by one of the best young songwriters in New Zealand, Nevernudes create beautifully dark bass for Drent’s teenage whine of a voice as he laments the humdrum of suburbia. A songwriter and a band to watch for years to come.
 
Listen to: Creepy Crawlies
http://nevernudes.net/
 
 
David Dallas
 
With a silky smooth delivery, refreshingly local subject matter and ear for the beat, along with Homebrew, David Dallas sees New Zealand hip-hop producing some of best talents since its Scribe-fuelled public heyday. Weeks away from the release of his album The Rose Tint, the MC formally known as Con-spy - whom you may know from his guest verse on the “Not Many” remix - has submitted to the groove under his new moniker. Dropping the rapid fire spit certainly works; his casually clever style is a pleasure to listen to. If the fabulous lead single “Caught in a Daze” (featuring a killer verse from rising American star Freddie Gibbs) is any indication, the album should be tight as all hell.
 
Listen to: The Rose Tint (Released May 11)
http://www.daviddallas.co.nz/
 
 
Tono and the Finance Company
 
With lyricism and intelligence leading his approach to songwriting, Dunedin-born (and now Auckland-based) Anthonie Tonnon has a rare touch for story telling. With a broad range of characters and tales, and with ever-present dry wit and insight, Tono could be a modern day crooner, his exceptional voice only adding to his songs’ impact. His minimal (often single note) guitar playing is supported by a switching cast of extremely talented musicians who always maintain total cohesiveness; in particular the bass playing of Chris Miller provides incredible melody and inventiveness. Tono is making intellectual cool again.
 
Listen to: Fragile Thing EP
http://tonotonight.tumblr.com/
 
 
 Scratch 22
 
Hugely respected and talented DJ Scratch 22 has slowly been building his production talents towards his debut album released last month. Pushing the same musical buttons as the now extremely influential Entroducing released by DJ Shadow in 1996, 22’s blend of jazz, tribal samples and spacious beats while not groundbreaking is still a talented sonic collage of hip-hop sounds and rhythms. If you’re a sucker for a killer beat, Scratch 22 is your man.
 
Listen to: Distance From A View
http://distancefromview.bandcamp.com/
 
 
 Operation Rolling Thunder
 
With their self-descriptive name pointing towards the sheer power of their sound, Operation Rolling Thunder trade in the business of sonic landscapes. Composed of brothers Rob and Adam Falconer, the searing layered and looped guitar counterpointed with tasteful, powerful and crisp drumming propels the group’s cerebral compositions. With the creation and release of tension a huge factor in the sound, ORT manage to remain interesting despite their seemingly limited sonic palate.
 
Listen to: III
monkeykillerrecords.com/
 
 
 Lawrence Arabia
 
2009 Silver Scroll winner James Milne, aka Lawrence Arabia, knows a thing or two about songwriting. With stunning melody and harmony always present in his joyous pop ditties, Arabia is no slouch lyrically either. With sunny hooks and delicate Sixties production, Milne will have you hooked without breaking a sweat. Don’t be fooled though, while his recorded output can be quiet and restrained, Milne transforms his pieces into more rock-orientated numbers live. Simply a joy.
 
Listen to: Chant Darling
http://www.lawrencearabia.com/