Loading ...
The first thought that came to my mind when I heard Soulsystem’s new EP Rise was simple, “these guys would be awesome to see live”.
Rise is full of the kind of music that in recent years has become synonymous with the ideal kiwi summer, a little bit of dub, some roots, and a whole lot of soul. Following in the foot steps of iconic kiwi roots bands like Fat Freddy’s Drop and The Black Seed, Soulsystem’s blend of infectious off-beat guitar rhythms and strong vocals creates a sound that seems familiar, though far from unoriginal.
Although short, consisting of only four tracks, Rise managed to grab my attention early and hold it throughout the entire record. My favourite track would have to be Light Corrector, which starts slow and simple before building up throughout the track.
Rise is the kind of EP that would be awesome at a summer BBQ in the sun. Better yet, Soulsystem is a band that would surely play a great live gig, so if you get the chance, I would highly recommend checking them out.
Check out Soulsystem on NZ Beats Show #50
Reviewed by Luke
Check out Soulsystem’s myspace page
Loading ...
It’s that time of year again and Christmas is well and truly upon us. If you are anything like me you’ll be sitting around with family and friends over the coming weeks relaxing and enjoying each others company. Well I have got some great laid back music you can all relax to on this weeks show. The play list is as follows:
Hope you all have a great holiday!
Loading ...
Back from Samoa albeit a little late. Had a great time relaxing on the beach and doing some snorkeling, but I sure did miss good old kiwi music. So let’s get straight down to business. Here is this weeks playlist:
Thanks again for listening. Hope you’ll join me on NZ Beats TV for the next live show!
Loading ...
Trade Goods is the new EP from Hangman, a band whose sound could be described as a blend of hip-hop, rock and funk. I first heard their music a few months ago on a demo version of this EP, and although I was impressed with parts of the record, I felt that at times it didn’t sound as professional as it potentially could have.
However, the final product is a little different. I felt that the demo was lacking something, but upon listening to the finished EP I have changed my mind. The band seem to have gone back to the studio to create what is all together a far more polished record than the demo.
The end result is an EP which successfully combines various styles of music to create something very fresh. The opening track, Spinning, is fairly mellow, easing the listener into the record with an easygoing acoustic guitar riff and simple beat. Later in the album Hangman’s style evolves into the far heavier track Grind, a song driven by distorted electric guitar and strong hip-hop vocals. But what remains throughout is the confident musicianship that Hangman bring to the recording studio, and no doubt to the stage as well.
The album reminded me at times of fellow kiwi band Supergroove, as at times the funk sound of the two bands sounded quite similar, though this is not to say that Trade Goods sounded unoriginal in any way. Fans of Supergroove will probably enjoy this record, but I could also recommend it to anyone who enjoys hip-hop, rock, funk, or anything in between.
Check out Hangman on NZ Beats Show #40
Reviewed by Luke
You can purchase Hangman albums at Amplifer or check out their myspace page
