The Mons Whaler are back with new single Online, and wow! What a different vibe to the previous track, but equally as good. A band that can release two audially diverse numbers like these guys have just done are a massive positive in my wickle book.

This is a beautiful melody built around a staccato/reggae rhythm guitar jam, with some amazing synth work. I get a feel of the funky beat and mood of L.A.B – especially in the great vocal. Hemi Coates‘ oh so soulful lead vocal is backed with an ethereal mix of BVs, layering the vocal complexities lightly and effectively. Phil Hoskin (bass) and Andre Peri (percussion) add a wonderful warmth with the rhythm section.

Topping off the sound and demonstrably adding to the vocal and writing/instrument orchestration blend is the impressive and multi-faceted Courtnay Low. BVs, lead guitar and keys, all from this exceptional musician, all are highly present in this gorgeous summer song. A gentle, lilting melody, this is already filling my minds eye with the beach, doggos running around woofing excitedly as the ladies prep everything for the upcoming barbie while the blokes in the stubbies stand round waiting for the sossies to burn.

This was recorded at Rhythm Ace, mixed by Sam Johnson and the mastering done at Kog Studio. A video, available on the YouTubes, produced by the very able Fused and polished up in post-production by Soel Creative, is filmed featuring highly talented dancers Cheyanne Teka and Jari Jacobs. You need to see this video! It captures, parodies and questions our growing reliance on those little rectangles in our hands that contain more RAM than NASA needed to get to the moon. Without giving too much away, you need to see Teka and Jacobs synchronised moves. Genuinely great – and totally in character with the song.

This is a summer anthem. It’s one for the townies and the country folk, and can be listened to in any and every surrounding you can think of. The Mons Whaler are a growing force in Kiwi music, and justifiably so. This is their second review on this site, and this is their second maximum score from Jacko.

Check them out!