And like the Phoenix, Flash-Trax is back! First cab off the rank is Mangawhai Heads psychedelic surf rockers SOJØURN and their new single Hippie Girl. This is my first taste of SOJØURN and I likee.

Comprising Isaac Hunter (vocals/guitar), James Finlay (lead guitar), Visko Bryers (drums), Tony Baker (bass), and Jacob O’Brien (sax), these intrepid lads are a very tight and interesting combo indeed. Bragging a varied set of influences, they’re bringing quite a few to the single here, and I really enjoyed what I heard.

Firstly the performance and composition. It’s a lively tempo, with some nicely effected (not affected, I does goodly England speakage) guitars, countering one another in a funky rhythm that really sets the mood. It got my head a’boppin’ and noddin’. A really active, rich and deeeeep bass anchors the beat along with a full set of drums being used to the max. It’s altogether quite a groovy, beat-y kind of vibe, really entertaining and showing some great Nile Rodgers style riffing and chord work.

Isaac Hunter‘s vocal is quite individual in its application. He’s got a touch of the London inflection to the part speak-part sing vocal delivery that adds a punk edge to the proceedings, without taking the song away from its funky, boppy rock feel. It’s a great blend, and together with the way it’s been worked in the studio (well done Noah Page at Depot Sound for the engineering and mix, and the indomitable Chris Chetland at legendary Kog Studios for the warm, compelling master), we have another hit for these guys. Of that I’m certain – and I would put money on it, if I hadn’t used up all the bank account, a kidney and the soul of the cat to get this rather wonderful new laptop that I am returning to the fold with right now.

The YouTube has the video, which is a cool, no nonsense B & W item with the majority being some well timed and nicely lit performance shots, interspersed with other imagery. I won’t add too detailed a spoiler: instead I urge you to pop into YouTube and have a look. What’s the muse, we ask? From the EPK: ‘Hippie Chick’ sees Isaac, SOJØURN’s singer, at odds with the world-view of the song’s subject; a carefree, hippie girl who is struggling to come to grips with rapidly changing times, as she tries to navigate her life and relationships within a modern world.

There’s a great, non-sugary melody, a fabulously delivered guitar solo, and it’s full of life and beat. I see this as being enjoyed all summer. Take it in the car for a drive, house party, BBQ, anything summery – especially if you take some speakers down the beach. It’s going to be on Juice. It’s going to be on radio.

Really happy to be back, and really, REALLY happy to have been introduced to SOJØURN. Go check it. Hippie Girl. You’ll like,