Dunedin’s versatile rockers Saurian return with their new single Down At The Crown. The newest single from their forthcoming EP, this one is a belter.

I’m actually going to start with the video. It goes to show that a simple set up of a couple of cameras, some nouse with editing tools and a sense of fun, and you can produce a perfectly acceptable visual to accompany your release. The guys have put together footage of their 2023 tour, playing this song in its name-sake venue, Dunedin’s legendary Crown, seminal pub and famed rock venue.

The song itself is actually about the rash of venues having to close in recent times due to the encroachment of residential properties into the commercial and entertainment centre of Dunners. With the Crown itself potentially threatened, and the band bemoaning the lack of direction the city council appears to have with regard to safeguarding what is actually a living for many acts – and certainly for the venue and it’s renowned owner Jones. Good call to flag this, guys.

This is a great pub boogie, rock stomper. It’s got a memorable guitar riff, and is designed to be an anthemic live show crowd pleaser. To me it achieves all that. There’s a rawness to the mix and master that Saurian delivers well; something organic and delivered with a cheeky wink. As ever, the bottom end is deep, fat and rich, and the vocals are full throated and on point.

This is one that venues and clubs up and down the country should add to their playlists. As Wellington is deep in the throes of discussion around further residential builds inside the CBD, Auckland, Christchurch and the other big towns are all seeing the same as the Edinburgh of the South. How about they triple glaze the windows, add a layer of soundproofing in the walls…? Try living life without music in it mister and missus local politician. Ungood.

Nice work Saurian, yet again. Hard rock is right up my alley, as you will know by now. This should be heard on the Rock, Bayrock, Hauraki etc. I have a feeling it will be. Go catch Saurian at Dunedin (May 4), Christchurch (May 18), Invercargill (June 7), and Wanaka (June 15). Guaranteed a great time.