Voodoo Bloo comes from the label Plastic Groove HQ, run by my buddy Tony McDonald. In fact, I signed Tony and his band – funnily enough named Plastic Groove – to my own label back in the day, so he and I go back some time together. This is not a plug for nepotism towards one’s mates, however, as Voodoo Bloo has been doing the yards – and one can’t even do that without the material to keep the punters flowing through the door.

New single A Good Day is from their forthcoming third album, and oooo what a belter. We’ve got the lot here. Rory McDonald on vocals and guitar brings the songwriting, and a lead vocal that’s a rich baritone that borders on tenor (I don’t know if there’s a different Italian word for that, sorry) that’s rich, full and resonant. He’s got an ability to intone elements of sarcasm, anger and other reactive emotional touches that really stand out as giving him depth of character as a frontman. This is something not to be underestimated or wasted – so good on Rory for making the most of this.

The track is a roaring indie/metal/punk hybrid that works wonderfully. We’ve got touches of RATM in the vocal rhythm and delivery to go with the sonics of the lead guitar that lace the entire track. The rhythm guitar is fat and deep and the riffs blend well with the rumbling bass line. In fact, the whole bottom end is tight, cohesive and in harmony.

It’s an in-your-face number that’s going for the live vibe while being exceptionally well produced to do just that. By this I mean it’s been gifted with a twiddling desk pilot who’s given the band licence to be themselves, and has captured it accurately, wrapped it up professionally, and left out none of the snarl and attitude. When a band can play their tools it helps too, of course.

Voodoo Bloo has been on the lower North Island radar for a few years now, and has put in some decent yardage on the live scene. They deserve your attention with this new single if you haven’t already joined the ever growing crowd of support they’re garnering. Get on board now, because this Crazy Train is buckin’ and rollin’ already.

Watch out for it – A Good Day by Voodoo Bloo. Guaranteed to be on The Rock, 95bFM, RadioActive, all over the shop. Quality!