There’s an unbelievably large talent pool of musicians in these islands of Aotearoa. So many of them are unafraid to experiment and embrace their idols as influences, wearing their love affair with their peers proudly like a badge, and celebrating their legacy with a new, burgeoning rock scene that’s making me very excited for the future of live entertainment here.

One such powerhouse-in-waiting is The Boondocks. These two Auckland guys, Scott Parker (bass, vocals) and Branden Pritchard (drums), have made a splash already on radio and in the live scene, touring with Dead Favours among other names one has to bend down to pick up (because you have to pick it up when you drop a name/name-drop… see what I did there? I don’t care. I’m a Dad. We do this) and drawing increasing numbers to their own headlining shows. Any band with a growing buzz is going to need solid material.

Black Taxi is one such song. While being a duo, they have delivered a raw, rock-laden guitar song absolutely dripping with Foo Fighters-style buzz and a monster riff that puts me in mind of Tony Iommi on the baddest speed he’s ever allowed past that luscious mo and into those oh so dark nostrils. Speaking of oh so dark, the melody to Black Taxi is well in line with the subject of the lyrics, which is a very rock rebel subject of being a black sheep while kicking back against constantly being belittled.

Scott has a serious set of pipes, and can growl as well as soar. The musicianship is constant and top quality, even during such a high-intensity number as this. Very well engineered and polished by whoever did the knob-twiddling. I wouldn’t call this nu-metal as such, as this avoids any cheesiness or gimmickry and delivers an embittered snarl back at the old world, giving it a more punky edginess. I really like this number, and I hope we get to hear it on heavy rotation on the rock orientated commercial stations as well as the top student ones. I’m very much looking at you, Hauraki and The Rock!

The video for this track is simple and effective. Shot during several live shows, it’s an easy and guaranteed way of showing their energy and ease on the stage – as well as, importantly, the level of engagement of the audience. It’s not got frills, but the song is what’s important, and the imagery goes well with that. Nice call not trying to clutter the release with some abstract imagery. Just straight to the point rock shows, playing live. Where these guys belong.

The Boondocks are coming. It sounds like it’s time for them to think about casting the net further afield, as this sound is definitely one for the venues up and down the two islands. There are any number of peer acts in a number of rock and punk, even grunge, scenes that can partner up with this band and give you a show to remember and get tinnitus from.

This burns bright. Follow The Boondocks and give them your love. Ooo rah!