Music Reviews & Interviews

19th August 2010 - By Shortstack
I have been fortunate to been able to listen to the forthcoming full length release from New Zealand trio Truth, a few times over the past week or so. Fortunately after a number I’m pleased to report that in a year where the dubstep scene is constantly being pulled in myriad new directions, the bass-heavy, halfstep rhythms that helped lay the foundation of the movement are still alive and stronger than ever...

19th August 2010 - By P. Cassidy c/o CANTA Magazine
Most of the seething mass of humanity that would later pack out the UCSA Ballroom are not yet present for Von Voin Strum’s (pictured) set, which is a shame as it is easily the best of the evening. In a both soulful and ferocious set that even eclipses their awesome show last week, they prove that they not only rock, but that they are incredibly versatile...

16th August 2010 by Vicki Anderson
Drummers who sing are cool. Drummers and wild guitarists who hijack interviews are also cool. Christchurch's Cairo Knife Fight comprise Nick Gaffaney and Aaron Tokona. Powerful, raw and wild, the recent release of their self-titled EP has only served to further cement the musical chemistry this pair have...

16th August 2010 by Simon Sweetman
Paul Ubana Jones will play Wellington's Downstage Theatre on Sunday, August, 29, at 7pm. If you live in, or near, Wellington this will be a must-see show. Paul is a remarkable guitar player and incredible singer and has rare gifts as a song interpreter and songwriter. I've been a fan of the music of Paul Ubana Jones for about 20 years...

10th August 2010 - By Vicki Anderson c/o The Press Sweet As Blog
A version of this story was published in Your Weekend magazine a few weeks ago. Sometimes, because of lack of space or because people like me just write too darn much to fit the space, some things can sometimes be lost in translation. Thus, here is the original, unsubbed version of the story I wrote about New Zealand On Air...

10th August 2010 by Simon Sweetman
I have often felt that Alec Bathgate is one of New Zealand music's unsung heroes. I know that people appreciate his work with Chris Knox - in The Enemy, Toy Love and Tall Dwarfs. But when I heard The Indifferent Velvet Void I thought it was a gem; a lo-fi masterpiece...

10th August 2010
Two musicians, one loop station, a synth and a couple of guitar amps can generate massive noise in the right hands. Honed down from the six-piece crowd they began as, Cairo Knife Fight is Nick Gaffaney, a man who has drummed his way around the place for many of our leading songwriters, and Aaron Tokona, the founder and front man of iconic rock group, Weta...