Before I start talking about the music, I must make comment on the logo they used on the last single, which was the word Underscore with three lines beneath it because they are a trio. What a simple and really effective idea. This band is new to me, even though they are Auckland-based, and have released a few singles before this one with the line-up being Jonathan Meyer (guitar, vocals), Hon Manawangphiphat (bass) and Josh Johnston (drums). I was unable to make it to their launch at Dead Witch last night, but hopefully I will be able to catch them in the near future as this double single is a load of fun from beginning to end.
This is melodic hard rock with some touches of alternative here and there, from a trio who concentrate on the riff with pop elements and providing the support for them, with some really nice lead (and harmony) vocals over the top. Jonathan is a real singer, not just a guitarist having a go like some bands, unafraid to hit a note and stay on it. The result being a product which is polished and certainly never sounds like an independently released self-produced single. Both songs are blasters, although quite different from each other, and are ageless in that they could have come from the power pop boom of the early Eighties or any time since. I can certainly see why the guys decided to release this as a double single as both tracks could easily have been the lead as they are both packed full of hooks, nice contrast and dynamics, with a strong rhythm section, choppy guitar and great vocals. This is certainly a band to keep an eye on for 2023.
Rating: 8/10
