Rolling Blackouts Coastal Fever – Hope Downs (Ivy League)
For those lucky enough to catch RBCF at Laneway Fest this year they will know all about their wonderful slacker-jangle and swagger.
Tim Gruar
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Melody’s Echo Chamber – Bon Voyage (Fat Possum)
What do you get if you mix the sound of downbeat producers Air with the creepy vibes of David Lynch, the sultry vocals of Melanie Pain and then force it all through a psychedelic lemon squeezer? Well, this, I imagine.
Neko Case – Hell On (Anti- )
Neko Case has a new album full of irony and depreciation. “God is not a contract or a guy,” claims Case in her opening salvo, Hell On. Oh no. “God is a lusty tire fire.” What utterly brilliant nonsense.
Sola Rosa Moves Into New Spaces (Interview)
Sola Rosa (aka Andrew Spraggon) is back with a new ep, In Spaces, building on his reputation for creating a wild fusion of genres – everything from hip-hop and jazz, to neo-soul, Latin and funk. This time he’s employing a few Euro-industrial elements as well.
Ry Cooder – The Prodigal Son (Fantasy Records)
Has one of the greatest guitarists found God or is he just borrowing a pew and a couple of psalm books? At 71, he may be getting on but going backwards to move forward has always been Ry Cooder‘s creative direction. New album The Prodigal Son might not be his best since the Buena Vista […]
Belly – Dove (Belly Touring LLC)
It’s been 23 years since Tanya Donelly and crew walked away from their highly successful indie pop venture, Belly. Finally, they’ve found the guts to return, bringing with them a sweet but mature version of their younger selves that’s way more than just simply palatable. It’s like they never left.
DMA’s – For Now (I Oh You)
With a sound palette that borrows heavily from Oasis, Paul Weller, Ocean Colour Scene, and Stone Roses, Sydney’s DMA’S might just be the best Australian Brit-Pop band you never heard of.
Homegrown – Wellington Waterfront April 7, 2018
With 45 acts, five stages and a stunning harbour vistas the Capital’s best day out for music fans promised a great party to close off an exceptional summer. Now in its 11th year this sold out festival has rightly earned its iconic status, alongside Laneway, Rhythm & Vines, the former Big Day Out and Splore, among others. It’s also the best way to see the greatest number of Kiwi bands all in one place. So, did it live up to the reputation? Tim Gruar packed a rain jacket, his notepad and his camera to head along and find out.
WOMAD 2018: Day 3
WOMAD 2018 has come to an end. Michael Flynn and Tim Gruar document the final day of this year’s festival with pictures and words.
WOMAD 2018: Day 2
Here’s Michael Flynn and Tim Gruar with photos and reviews from Day 2 of WOMAD 2018 in New Plymouth.