Category Archives: All Music Reviews

Budding Kiwi Musician Busking on Queen Street with Big Dreams

At just 19, Auckland-based singer-songwriter Saem Millward is busking his way into New Zealand’s music industry.

Originally from Palmerston North, Saem’s musical story began at age 13 when he sat down at a keyboard, picking up melodies by ear before moving into classical piano lessons.

High school brought a new chapter. Inspired by watching the school choir perform, he joined them before auditioning and landing a spot in the 2023-24 New Zealand Secondary Students Choir.

Having found his voice, he officially caught the music bug in Year 13 with a song he wrote called I Don’t Wanna Change for an NCEA Internal exam. But what began as an assignment, soon became his first recorded work.

“I liked it so much that I got it recorded by local producer Hayden Lauridson, with the help of some of my musically talented friends on the instruments,” Saem said.

In the summer of 2024, Saem hit the streets of Auckland, busking in the style of Sinatra and Bublé. He got such a good reception that you’ll now often find him on Queen Street performing between classes at the University of Auckland, where he’s studying Law and Classical Singing as a conjoint degree.

With his feet firmly marching toward the New Zealand music industry, his interest and talent among various genres is what makes his style unique.

“I think my interest and participation in a variety of genres such as jazz, pop, RnB, classical, musical theatre sets me apart from other musicians set to one genre.”

What next? Saem hopes to make it in the music industry somehow.

“I’m ultimately hoping to be a multi-media artist of some sort… I would love to branch out into writing, acting, art design, production, and anything else artistic. Anything but an office job!”

He’s just getting started, but there’s something grass-roots and honest about his approach to making it in the industry, which I love!

Stay away from the office jobs, Saem – we’re excited to see what comes next for you in the creative sector.

Follow his story on TikTok (saem207), Insta (saemmusicnz) and YouTube (saemmusicnz).

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Saxophonist’s ‘Ambitious Project’ Comes to New Zealand

Simon Byrne

“Inspiration comes from my belief that anything can be creative, and is.” – Simon Byrne.

Saxophonist Simon Byrne recently made the leap from Britain to start a new life in Wellington.

Completing a Law degree in a previous life, Byrne’s calling has always been music. Using hospitality roles as a way to explore and perform his way around New Zealand, he is now committed to making music his main work source.

“…the saxophone has been the real constant in my life… so I wouldn’t mind people having a listen and creating some enjoyment!”

Byrne isn’t just a solo artist though – he enjoys collaborating with fellow musicians too (feel free to reach out!).

Reflecting on the differences of music scene between here and Britain, Byrne noted that New Zealand has more of an awareness of its roots with an encouraging atmosphere, feeling as though “we’re all in it together”. Whereas Britain’s vast scale of musicians can be perceived as intimidating, with it feeling easy to get lost in the crowd.

Described as a versatile and high-energy saxophonist, Byrne lending his music to weddings, gigs, live performances and recording sessions.

While he plays every genre, even accepting song requests at events, his versatility as a saxophonist is reflected in his favourite genre; jazz.

“Whilst I will pretty much play anything at the drop of a busker’s hat, it has to be Jazz. But don’t be scared! It suits so many moods and audiences in different ways. It comes into soul, funk, hooks in pop, electronica – all sorts.”

It’s the spontaneous performances, particularly those accompanying a DJ, that he find most rewarding.

Getting his teeth stuck into New Zealand’s music scene, Byrne has big ideas for his next step.

Proclaimed as an ‘ambitious project’, Byrne is developing a show that will boast visuals, electronic music and improvisational sections. An intense and fun performance set to be delivered at festivals and other arts spaces.

“My latest original work will be premiered in 2026. It’s not a play, poetry, gig or recording. Yet, watch this space!”

Keep in the loop with Simon Byrne’s work on his website, Instagram and YouTube.

This was a paid article.

Finding Freedom: From Builder to Musician Overnight

Musician Geoff Kunac.

When life took a turn in 2019, 40-year-old Kiwi builder and designer Geoff Kunac picked up a guitar. 

Six months later, he had nearly enough songs for a whole album.

“I think for lack of anything better to do more than anything else,” Geoff says. “It became my cathartic diary or voice, as I was silently watching my life simultaneously fall apart around me.”

Geoff of Martinborough didn’t come from a background of music. Teenage memories of messing around on the family’s piano, dropping out of guitar lessons at school, and listening to his older sister’s CDs and mixed tapes were the extent of his music experience.

But a messy break up was the bump in the road that urged him to dust off his mum’s old $200 guitar as a way to process the darker days.

“Chords or melodies would just flow out onto the guitar whenever they felt like it… I didn’t have much control over it. I quickly learned to push record on my phone to capture the moment or I’d wake up the next day with no idea what the tune was or how I’d played it.”

There was no intention to take the recordings any further, it was merely a way to “stay sane”. But he soon decided to try and make something of his creations by taking an online singing course, picking up a free piano, tambourine, and learning to use some old microphones and a recorder his friend had given him.

The 10-song album Freedom was released and published on Spotify and other streaming providers this year.

“The whole thing was hard. I was going through messy personal stuff. Drifting around, living in an office, cabin, caravan and trying to build a little house to get settled, while at the same time trying to creep myself into this world of ‘music’ that I knew absolutely nothing about – at forty.”

Described as avant-garde, Freedom is a collection of raw, acoustic, indie-rock tunes. Geoff’s emotion and honest storytelling is at the forefront of this album, with the single-mic and ground floor method of recording only complimenting the rustic feeling of his songs.

When asked if music would continue to be just a hobby and outlet, Geoff responded definitively: No – he wasn’t going to stop now.

“I have much bigger plans – I want to take it as far as I can. I have lots of songs waiting to be produced. I’d love to perform on the big stage someday. I like to travel – Glastonbury or the US somewhere would be great fun, I think.”

Keep an eye out on Geoff’s Instagram here for upcoming gigs over the summer where he will be performing his debut album. In the meantime, check out his debut album Freedom below.

(My personal favourite are Something in Your Way and the guitar in Dancing in the Sea. Geoff’s favourites are Gypsea Son and Rainlight.)

https://open.spotify.com/album/0kOc4SZo9sB6cxKXqW8NPG?si=yceio3e6RHaYfxzFNaJnyg&fbclid=IwY2xjawNaVpVleHRuA2FlbQIxMAABHvwA7kJNtDOCGWUUfgxFeIV2Za9EmcwYOen3Ne6_2LBLx1GFsxMYk6mLxsUL_aem_D0K2sIcD7Zf4pe_8oKNjig&nd=1&dlsi=d2924da2ab5b4097&flow_ctx=62ed462c-29e2-46b0-a2fc-8f1301f28149%3A1760419131

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[Debut Album] D.I.Y by CHOZE

“Failure is when you’re trying to please everybody… Just do you, and you only.”

– CHOZE


Alternative Grime is a genre of music that was previously unknown to me. But far from the rough-around-the-edges rappers with flabby and hollowly aggressive rhymes, is word wizard Ricardo Marinoni.

Marinoni is the well-presented, self-assured and lyrically talented front man of CHOZE.

From South-West London, CHOZE’s music is influenced by his unforgiving and sometimes violent neighbourhood that he grew up in. The survival instinct required to not only avoid danger but also to build a respectable life despite his unforgiving environment is the thrust behind his music career.

In this concrete jungle where the dapper dons rumble (wake up) 
Don’t sleep on us mate 
Or your temple gets crumbled

‘Wake Up‘ – CHOZE

In his words music was his saviour, and the catalyst to his life’s change of direction after an ankle injury stopped his budding professional football career in its tracks.

Going solo in 2015, CHOZE found immediate success in underground gigs and quickly built a loyal fanbase from his electric performances. This wave of success carried him to incredible venues and attracted collaborations that soon signed him to a label.

His debut album D.I.Y was released by 2022.

“I decided to create a body of work that represents my journey and belief. That’s one of the reasons why I called the album D.I.Y,” CHOZE said.

It seems like his live performances are the heart of his musical identity, and carrying this energy through on to a recorded medium may have been perceived as an initial hinderance to the success of CHOZE’s music.

However, after listening to D.I.Y I was immediately struck by the high production level, as well as the well articulated lyrics (something sorely lacking from new rap artists, in my opinion).

Here’s my favourite lyric:

MC’s should chill like a spring break 
Analyse their mistakes, no retakes 
Coz will cook you up like your flake 
Or expose your weaknesses like Ricki Lake 

‘Built 4 Dis‘ – CHOZE, Lion Art

I think CHOZE has picked his team well, and has enabled his work to be launched in the best possible way.

No lyric is lost in translation, and no message goes overlooked on this album.

But I won’t be a soul trader 
Even though I am a sole trader 
So don’t paint me with the same brush as a slaver

‘DIY Interlude‘ – CHOZE

“I was actually ill when I recorded this record, so the biggest shock for me was when I was invited to a DJ gig by a Sony scout. He dropped my instrumental in a mix to a packed crowd and they went mad, mad, mad!”

Badderz is the first single released from the D.I.Y record and is accompanied by a music video, which is another high quality production in itself. A futuristic depiction of success, alongside a Reservoir Dogs-inspired wardrobe.

It encapsulates CHOZE’s sharp brand of being a clean cut, well-spoken artist with a clear vision.

“Badderz, it’s my introduction to this modern world,” CHOZE said. “The reason why Badderz was produced is because we are living in a new era where sound and innovation have taken on a whole new approach.”

I love a success story. CHOZE’s journey is particularly inspirational for musicians and artists alike because he started at the bottom, with nothing but shear talent and motivation to get him to the top.

If you’re new to the alternative grime scene, don’t be nervous. D.I.Y is an approachable album with strong lyrics and clever hooks that will live rent-free in your head for a long time.

Listen to the album on all major streaming platforms here, including Spotify.

Follow CHOZE’s journey on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter.

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Ty Bru: A Night In Charlotte with Sweeney Ty

As a self-proclaimed Sweeney Todd fiend, Ty Bru: A Night In Charlotte with Sweeney Ty immediately piqued my interest.

Clearly inspired by Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street, this rap/hip-hop production gave the melodramatic victorian tale a previously unseen twist.

Ty Brueilly is the front man – and presumably the vision behind this performance – who has been involved with independent music for nearly two decades.

Intercepting and merging with Ty Bru’s rap are the familiar voices and instrumentals from Tim Burton’s Sweeney Todd musical. The two genres weaved between each other effortlessly.

In the same way that Baz Lurhmann’s The Great Gatsby mashed the twenties with modern music, I think this performance did a great job of blending the victorian-based thriller with modern rap.

While the smoke machine sets the scene, the make up is individualistic and the camera work is smooth, what’s lacking from this performance is slickness. It seems loose, particularly when considering performers in the background who act as though they can’t be seen when others are in the foreground. I think this makes the performance messy and breaks the illusion.

Having said that, from another point of view this could just be the interjection of a typical imperturbable rapper’s performance to the theatre stage show backdrop.

Nevertheless, I enjoyed the theatrical nature of this Sweeney Todd inspired performance. Certainly very creative and unlike anything I’d seen before.

If this sounds like a bit of you, check it out below!

Follow Ty’s film and music work on Facebook and Instagram.

This is a paid review

[Album] Sonder – Greg Kozakiewicz

Polish-born British composer and pianist, Greg Kozakiewicz, has just released his second album, Sonder.

The meaning of the word Sonder is the realisation that each random passerby is living a life as vivid and as complex as your own.

The album was born from the isolation of the pandemic lockdown, where Kozakiewicz reflected on how the era of technology meant people could still influence each other despite the distance between them.

“We live in strange times. The pandemic altered the way we relate to the world, nature and everything around us. Our lives slowed down and the noise of daily life faded out… The age of communication removed boundaries and let us passively absorb other people’s lives and be influenced by them in a positive or negative way. People live much more interesting lives than we think.”

– Greg Kozakiewicz

These philosophical concepts are the basis of this instrumental album. Despite the strong emotion behind it, the soft piano offers the flexibility of drifting through as background music, or offering a story to be tuned into and interpreted by the listener.

For me, I found there to be a nostalgic or bittersweet quality to the music. Specifically in the track Lucy. Having never heard the song before, I can’t explain why it transported me to the feeling of returning to my childhood home. I think that’s the magic of music.

Silent Sirens was a track that, as the name suggests, reminded me of the alarming nature of the pandemic, which was contrasted by the silence of the streets as everyone isolated themselves.

Despite the various interpretations an album can have, Sonder is one that brings everyone on the same page; you’re not suffering alone. Not only in the pandemic, but in life generally. Everyone feels pain, but Kozakiewicz reminds us that that’s where you find poetry too.

Sit back and listen to Sonder below on Spotify, or on Apple Music.
Find out more on Greg’s website and Instagram.

[This is a paid promotion.]

Coda Nova – Fable

Atlanta-based four-piece progressive rock band, Coda Nova, have released their third single, Fable.

With drums that lean toward heavy metal, hooks that remind me of My Chemical Romance (in the early days!), electric guitar that screams straight from the 1980s, and vocals that echo Placebo, Coda Nova is an authentic mash up of all things rock to create a distinct sound of their own.

This eight-minute track bends all the ‘rules’ of modern three-minute tracks, which in itself sets this band apart. This step off of the beaten track reminds me of the forward-thinking Pink Floyd.

“Say what you will, this fable’s in decline.”

– Coda Nova

Fable speeds up and slows down like waves of emotion as the story builds momentum. A brave and progressive song structure against poetic lyrics woven between classic rock riffs makes this single memorable.

“Feel that elation
That pull of greed
Exaggeration of things we need
What is left to fill
But all the minds we see
are just left for guessing”

– Coda Nova

My only wish is that they’d crank up the bass guitar a little, as the song sounds a bit thin at times with the lead guitar taking centre stage without a much-needed heartbeat.

Listen to Fable on Spotify, Bandcamp, Soundcloud or Amazon today, and let us know what you think in the comments below!

This is a paid review.

Stardust – Odd-Arne Jacobsen (cover)

Picture by: Aliona Pazdniakova

Stardust is a song that has been covered by the greats – Ella Fitzgerald, Nat King Cole, Ringo Starr, Willie Nelson, Bob Dylan, John Coltrane, Frank Sinatra and more – since its first recording by Hoagy Carmichael in 1927.

You’d have heard Stardust feature in movies such as Sleepless in Seattle, Goodfellas, The Aviator, and even as recent as 2018’s A Star is Born too.

When our love was new
And each kiss an inspiration
But that was long ago
And now my consolation is in the stardust of a song.

Stardust

Among these covers, is Odd-Arne Jacobsen’s version. This Norwegian guitarist has covered Stardust three times during his music career, as featured in the video below.

The first one version was recorded at NRK Tromsø in 1980, the second one in Umeå, Sweden in 1987, and the last one recorded in Jacobsen’s music room in Oslo, Norway in 2009.

But why has Stardust attracted so much attention over the years? For Jacobsen, it’s a melody that has followed him throughout his career, and is a song that will be eternally timeless.

“When I started my career as a guitarist in Tromsø in northern Norway, Stardust was often the opening tune at Grand Restaurant in Tromsø. The melody has traveled with me all the time and it has something timeless about it; a bit of melancholy and reflection on life’s ups and downs,” Jacobsen said.

Though I dream in vain
In my heart it will remain
My stardust melody
The memory of love’s refrain.

Stardust

A professional musician since the 1970s, Odd-Arne Jacobsen has seen success in multiple countries. He gained popularity in Russia where he performed as a guest solo artist at the Moscow international Jazz Festival, and in New York where he was the first Norwegian guitarist to hold a solo concert in Weil Recital Hall at Carnegie Hall. 

Touring China and Japan influenced brought inspiration to his signature sound. But Jacobsen is also inspired by 1940s music; an era that saw huge leaps in guitar development such as the release of the Les Paul guitar.

“The forties stand out to me as a decade with clear guides towards today’s pop-rock, jazz and hip-hop,” Jacobsen said.

As a well-established European Jazz musician, he has worked with a lot of music students on very different levels.

Jacobsen’s inspiration and obvious musical talent has turned this nearly 100-year-old tune into a refreshed and personalised song once again. His talent as a guitarist and composer certainly shines through in his performances, with strong jazz vibes as the backbone of every version.

With every cover of Stardust being filtered through so many different artists, I think this song has become one of the most inspirational and versatile musical creations of all time.

Check out Odd-Arne Jacobsen’s covers of Stardust below, and click on the icons to follow his updates on Facebook and Youtube:

Find out more about Odd-Arne here: Wikipedia & Reverbnation

This is a promoted review.

The Days of Aqua Net – After Adam

The Days of Aqua Net is a pop-rock anthem by After Adam, and it’ll be a sure hit with Gen Z.

It’s an innocent recollection of the past, filled with nostalgia, regret and fresh perspectives.

Those were the days of aqua net
Those are the days I’ll never forget
I only have one regret
And that’s not kissing you

It reminds me of the kinds of songs that would be played in the disco scenes of children’s tv shows such as Lizzy Maguire.

The song and music video make more sense when you Google what aqua net is. It’s a brand of hairspray from the 1950s that had a huge comeback in the 80s when the trend for big hair returned.

An enjoyable and innocent tune!

This is a sponsored review via Fiverr.

Holly Anna Lisa – Tyme, LiL Flip & Killa Kyleon

Houston-born rapper Tyme has teamed up with Lil Flip and Killa Kyleon and released a new rap single called Holly Anna Lisa.

Jeseka Price of Price Royalty Publishing Company is the executive producer and music publisher of the rapping trio.

Honestly, rap is not my thing. So I probably don’t have the capacity to fully appreciate this song. But I hear that these three rappers are the real deal in the industry.

They speak so fast I can’t understand what they’re talking about. However, I do like the choir in the background. Combined with the high-pitched melody, it creates a spooky feel.

Check their song out on YouTube below, or head to Spotify!

This is a paid song review via Fiverr.

Under the Clocks (Stay) – Echolily

Echolily is a doctor by day and a bedroom musician by night.

Inspired by the likes of Sia and Bjork, this singer/songwriter is incorporating the best of her favourite artists while creating an identity of her own.

The song Under the Clocks (Stay) is an echoey and haunting song with electronic pop vibes. I could easily imagine it being remixed for the clubs!

I love how Echolily has produced the song entirely on her own. It gives the music a raw, independent quality that I really enjoy, because it’s not been overproduced or manipulated too much. I love her description of sound; electronica downtempo, synth pop, trip hop and ‘can you make that more lo-fi please?’.

My favourite thing about this song is the meaning behind it. Inspired by the love of the city of Melbourne, and the overwhelming emptiness of it during Covid. The singer says she met a man while busking outside Flinders Station (the iconic train station you would have seen on postcards), who told her that he used to meet his lover here. He’d just say ‘meet me under the clocks’ of Flinders Station. Hence the song title.

Having visited Melbourne several times, I know Flinders Station well. I totally understand the romance of its architecture, which is why I love this story so much.

Her connection with the pandemic goes beyond empty city streets. Echolily is a frontline health worker, and experienced Covid-19 head-on. I think that brings a new depth to the song.

Check out her song on YouTube or Spotify!

This is a paid review via Fiverr.

No Goodbyes – Norman Alexander

R&B singer/songwriter Norman Alexander hails from Queens, New York.

His song No Goodbyes is a catchy yet solemn tune that showcases his natural vocal talent. Despite the electronic tinny drumbeat, Norman Alexander’s voice is a far cry from the auto-tuned, synthetic sounds typical of the R&B pop genre.

A song derived from the loss of his brother and sister, the mournful chorus certainly captures the sadness felt by the singer. I think the emotional heartbreak of the song is a welcome reality check to the genre that’s so often flooded with the far more shallow aspects of life.

An authentic and heartfelt song that is definitely worth a listen. Check it out below!

This is a paid review via Fiverr.

Turned to Stone – Lynne Taylor Donovan

I didn’t know there was a Canadian sub-genre of Country music. Yet, here we are.

Lynne Taylor Donovan is a country singer who has written a song called Turned to Stone.

The song itself is a pretty standard country pop song, but the accompanying video was a bit too DIY-looking, which simplified the music too much I think.

The Kim Day (from Kath & Kim) lookalike is a fair singer and is clearly enthusiastic about her music. But the melodramatics and appearance are stereotypical of the Baby Boomer generation, which took away from her vocal talents somewhat.

Having said that, I love the look of that country music bar. It reminds me of the line dancing in Thelma & Louise.

If you’re a country music fan, you’ll definitely enjoy Lynne Taylor Donovan’s song – especially the bridge, which is a very upbeat honky tonk solo.

Check it out here.

This is a paid review via Fiverr.

Bright Light – Neil and Adam

This is a paid review via Fiverr.

The St. Louis-based duo have a few thousand followers across their channels, with Bright Light already receiving more than 8,000 plays.

While Neil and Adam’s song Bright Light does sound quite generic, I suppose that is the essence of the pop genre.

It actually sounds like the kind of song that’s played over the credits of a coming of age movie like Fault in our Stars or The Way Way Back. It’s very upbeat, positive and nostalgic.

Scared of the bright light
Burning in your heart
Waiting for the fist fight
That rages in your heart

With a catchy chorus and smooth vocals, you’re bound to enjoy it! It’s easy to sing along to, and it certainly gets stuck in your head.

Check it out:

This is a paid review via Fiverr.

Storm Clouds in the Sky – Rev Peter Unger

Armed with a sliding guitar and a softly-spoken singing voice, Reverend Peter Unger is a hit in the religious community across the US. He’s won several songwriting competitions, and performs much of his work during worship services at churches.

Storm Clouds in the Sky was inspired by the questions asked by the songwriter’s granddaughter about the political turmoil in USA. The song is her grandfather’s reassurance that while things will get better, the actions of the American people will have implications for the future.

His granddaughter can be heard as the backing vocalist, which I think is a sweet nod to the conversation they had that inspired the song.

No doubt, the Covid situation also made for inspirational content for this faith-focussed song, which is why I think this song could be quite relatable to some.

Storm Clouds in the Sky honestly isn’t my cup of tea as the vocal techniques sounds a little old fashioned, but it’s a pleasant reminder that storm clouds come and go but a blue sky will always remain. Check it out here.

This is a paid review via Fiverr.

Unhinge – Panophonic ft Dani Mari

Singer/songwriter Tom Hugo is the frontman for Panophonic, who hails from Philidelphia. He’s written this track, Unhinge, which reminds me of a classic ‘Lazy Sunday’ album jam; it threw me back to the early 2000s.

Described as electro rock/indie pop Panophonic has a unique sound, which transforms triumphantly in this track. It sounds like it should be featured on a coming-of-age film like Up in the Air.

I quite enjoyed this song, particularly the ethereal vocals of Dani Mari.

Check out their new album Awakening here.

This is a paid review via Fiverr.

Made It Look Easy – Xavier Toscano

Featuring a rather basic lyrical pattern, sadly this song missed the mark for me.

Yeah, I made it look easy
And all I need is one shot
Because I do it like this
Yeah I do it like this

Based in San Francisco Bay, Xavier Toscano has gained more than 30,000 followers across his social media accounts, so my opinion is obviously not one shared by many!

Didn’t do it to impress
Did it to feel good
And if you dropped your jaw
Well, that’s just real cool

The amount of self-confidence in the song and video makes me feel secondary embarrassment, particularly with the overdramatic background dancers. But I suppose this goes hand in hand with this brand of pop music genre.

Nevertheless, I could imagine Xavier drawing in the crowd festivals, as his songs are easy to sing along to and would definitely create a high-energy and inclusive atmosphere.

Check out the song and music video on his YouTube account here.

This is a paid review via Fiverr.

Where Do We Go – Blow_flyy ft Kaleb Simmons

This is a paid review via Fiverr.

Where Do We Go is written and performed by independent hip-hop/rap artist, Blow_flyy, who hails from Canada. But I’ll be straight up, this is not my genre of music.

“If they talkin’ money; gotta love it,
It means more stacks to maintain this life I’m used to livin’,
Cuz this will always be a part of me
I’ve just got a bigger vision”

As far as rapping goes, I couldn’t tell you if it’s good or bad. But I was under the impression that rapping was supposed to rhyme… At least that’s what I learned from the Real Slim Shady back in o-four.

“I gots to get it lit
I could get used to this complimentary thing,
Chardonay
I’m on my way to another city
They buzzin’ like bees above; I got the honey
Ladies fallin’ head-over-heels for me”

Despite the shallow lyrics, I enjoyed the melodic ooh-aahs during the chorus. It reminded me of 1930s Disney soundtracks, like in Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs.

I can’t say I relate to the lyrics, and the sharp drumbeat bothers my baby, so I can’t listen to it as repeatedly as I’d like to write a more in-depth review. But, I can say in all honesty that if hip-hop and rap is your thing, then you should give blow_flyy a listen.

This is a paid review via Fiverr.

Oh God – Peace Spirits

I haven’t heard of Peace Spirits before, but they’re sort of hippie meets 70s slow rock.

The song writer wanted to tell the story of how everyone has a moment in their lives where they experience pain, fear and anxiety, and how in that moment they will reach out for God irrespective of faith.

We hope that this song, Oh God will help us keep the faith and help us help each other, with lyrics that will touch your hearts and music that will set you free on a wonderful and inspiring musical journey! – writer, Kyla Lynn Vezina

Despite the melodramatic vocals and video, I have to admit I found the chorus got stuck in my head every time. The guitar and longing chorus reminds me of a song in the musical War of the Worlds, The Spirit of Man. I think it’s the 1970s theatrics of the music.

The spiritual nature of the song is one that you’ll either love or hate. While I’m personally not a huge fan of the general tone of the music, I expect that if you are a cat-owner with a tie-dye shirt and various crystals in your home, you’ll really connect with this song.

Nevertheless, this might just be the song you need to hear during these uncertain times. Check it out.

This is a paid review via Fiverr.

Adios – Hybrid Blues

This is a paid review via Fiverr.

Hybrid Blues is a band that’s homegrown. The mature band members come from a wide range of backgrounds, but have all seem to have joined forces in New Zealand’s East coast city of Tauranga.

Their music is blues meets rock meets country, but it’s certainly upbeat! The rock and roll vibe of their song Adios reminds me of the darker rhythm and blues sound of Johnny Cash. I think it’s the guitar and gravelly vocals.

Adios tells a haunting story, supported by echoed vocals and a solemn guitar solo, which makes me think of The Eagles’ Hotel California.

The only thing missing is for the vocalist to totally let loose after the guitar solo. It’s as though the whole song leads up to a crescendo that isn’t quite there. I think the song should also continue the echoed vocals right through to the end with the story fading out; marching on past us.

Nevertheless, this would be an awesome band to see live! I think their passion is masked by a recording studio. I get the feeling that their live performances would give audiences chills.

It looks like they perform around New Zealand, so keep an eye out for them!

Check Adios out on Spotify!

This is a paid review via Fiverr.

Oh Michaelangelo – by Alex Genadinik

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Alex Genadinik is an author, entrepreneur, life coach, marketer and small business owner, but he’s ready to add yet another string to his bow by turning his hand to writing and performing his own songs.

Oh Michaelangelo is a love song inspired by a Michelangelo painting called Creation of Adam, which is on the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel.

While the video and song don’t yet have a particularly polished finish, Genadinik successfully draws parallels between the beauty of being in love, and the beauty of the infamous painting in the song.

The alternate spelling of the painter’s name in this song evokes the personal interpretation of the artwork. As though every love is unique, as is the individual meaning found in every painting.

Alex Genadinik is influenced by artists like Leonard Cohen and Bob Dylan and poets like Vladimir Vysotsky, and Bulat Okudzhava, which comes across in his detailed lyrics.

And we surrender in ethereal sublime
Where souls touch and forever intertwine
With hearts in heaven while still on earth below
We’ll paint the world better than Michaelangelo

Despite the vocalist seeming more akin to speaking than singing, there is no denying the hard work that has been put into this tune – just in time for Valentine’s Day.

Listen below!

This is a paid review via Fiverr.

Down Down Down to the Wishing Well – Leafy Satori Risk

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I have reviewed a Leafy Satori Risk song before called Cherry Blossom Trees. This song, Down Down Down to the Wishing Well, is of a similar genre – sort of folk meets electro/psychedelic.

Although, the band refer to their genre as ‘dream pop’, which is a great way of describing their sound.

The singer/songwriters Iris and Karl of Leafy Satori Risk both hail from Vienna, but have settled in France, Berlin, New Mexico and then finally in Los Angles. However, their hearts are forever in Tokyo where they spend two months of every year, and where many of their live shows are performed.

Both artists are creative by nature, both working in the film industry when they’re not performing in their band: Iris Karina is an actress and Karl Lohninger is a sound mixer and sound designer.

This new song of theirs takes a few unexpected turns in terms of its sound and tempo before reaching the chorus. The chorus (down, down down, to the wishing well”) strongly echoes the Johnny Cash song ‘Ring of Fire‘ (“I fell down down down, and the flames went higher”) and I wonder if that chorus was used as inspiration for this Leafy Satori Risk.

The ethereal vocals against the electric guitar, which acts as the rhythmic heart to the song works well with the haunting accordion.

As always, the lyrics are written with layered meaning. You can read into the song as much or as little as you’d want.

Why don’t you stay with me
Why can’t I stay awake
Why can’t I fall asleep?
Why can’t we fall in love?

If you enjoy folk/indie with a twist, then you should give this a listen:

 

Baby Let Me Go – Smoking Martha

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Stepping away from their more upbeat and rocky music, Baby Let Me Go by Smoking Martha is a soft rock acoustic song with dark undertones on their album In Deep.

Echoing the glamorous aesthetic of rock and roll singers from the deep south, surprisingly this band hails from Brisbane’s sunny coastlines.

This is the second song I have reviewed of Smoking Martha’s, and I didn’t even realise it was the same band because of how different this song is to the last one!

Baby Let Me Go is about death and grief, with the video using classic symbols of religion, angels and roses to represent the loss and acceptance associated with the song.

My only criticism would be that the song takes a long time to warm up with perhaps one too many verses before reaching the bridge. This plus the repetitive shots used in the video made the song drag a little.

This song in particular reminds me of the 2000’s Ashley Simpson and Avril Lavigne, with a rocky and smokey undertone beneath the feminine and melodramatic exterior, which I think would appeal widely to today’s younger generation. However, their back catalogue is far more typical of the classic rock genre.

Check out Baby Let Me Go on YouTube here.

Follow Smoking Martha on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

Nobody Gets What They Want Anymore – Marlon Williams ft. Aldous Harding

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After recently discovering the Kiwi brilliance that is Aldous Harding, I soon stumbled across this duet with another Kiwi icon, Marlon Williams.

Isn’t is strange, impossible to claim your reward,
I cannot explain, emotions I can barely afford to contain,
You’re the same, you hide away from anything that turns you on,
Nobody gets what they want anymore.

It’s a highly melancholy song, sung in a tone of despair. But it’s so dreamy and relaxing to listen to.

No words, only scream, could possibly protect you, you know what it means,
Two is the charm, a place therein around us and pray and pray,
And saying the name there is no blame, there is no shame, and even more,
Nobody gets what they want anymore.

There’s no animosity in the song, it just sounds like pure surrender to a really bad
situation. I think it’s a break up song:

What am I going to do when you’re in trouble,
And you don’t call out for me?
What am I going to do when I can see that you’ve been crying,
And you don’t want no help from me?
Baby, I can’t separate us out anymore.

It sounds like Marlon Williams is saying: ‘Something really terrible has happened but there’s nothing I can do about it. And that’s that.’

I love Aldous Harding. She’s the perfect choice for this song – it’s not as powerful when Marlon Williams sings it by himself in live performances.

Nevertheless, Marlon’s almost classical voice is faultless, and Aldous’s alternative style is perfect.

The music video to accompany this song is quite tongue-in-cheek (below), which I like. Marlon plays a waiter who keeps getting the orders wrong and ‘nobody gets what they want’.

Jodie.