A member of New Zealand’s legendary Muttonbirds, now-London based Alan Gregg brings us his newest project, Polite Company. From its upcoming May release album, the first cab off the rank is the outrageously catchy single Circulation.

A crystal clear tenor mildly akin to Mike Batt (if you’re old enough to know, you’ll know) gently delivers an absolutely brilliantly composed melody atop some classy guitars, bass, drums and well tendered BVs, tactically placed for maximum uplift. AAAAAGH! I cannot stop humming the chorus as I type! Genuinely, this is the earworm of the year already, and it’s so enjoyable, you just have to get into it!

Crazily, it’s about Depression. Give it a listen and you’ll understand why I say that – but it works! Such a wonderfully optimistic melody, up-tempo song, works. From the EPK: “As people were coming out of lockdown after Covid, I heard the phrase ‘getting back into circulation’ a lot,” says Alan. “The song is also about being fearless and not worrying too much about what other people think.”

There’s a funky little video on the You Tubes. Look at the little wooden man in the image for the single here, and you’ll get to meet him and a lot of others in the vid. I’ll not spoil the vid theme for you, but I’ll just say that it does certainly add another element to an already deceptively deep song. Pop online for a look.

Alan has some heavyweight pedigree in the NZ industry. A first release under the new project name like this demonstrates that clearly. Not sure when – or if – he’s due back to these shores to support the release, but you should go see him if he’s coming. I’ll be watching for news.

This would work well live. I can also see this at an event like a wedding or birthday, anniversary (ya hear me DJs?), or over the speakers down the pub when the place is swinging. Remember – all these things I suggest when played at public venues actually give the artists revenue, so I’m not just saying this to fill space. Performance and broadcasting licenses together with the diligence of the bands, their management, and the wonderful folks at APRA/AMCOS and Recorded Music NZ help to keep these talented people doing what they do for as long as Alan Gregg has been able to.

Glad you’re back in Circulation Alan. I really enjoyed this. Out on the Spotify now, so away you go folks!