Is it a push to claim to have listened to a supergroup that consists of two members? Because I find Midwave Breaks makes me want to say that I have done so. New single Waste Of Time does nothing to lessen that conviction or dampen my enthusiasm for this excellent act.

The band members – Paul Russell and Bruce Conlon – are storied enough already, but with Midwave Breaks they are bringing a sharp edge and oh so Kiwi Rock vibe to us as if it were an audio bar of Whittakers Creamy Milk chocolate. No, I’m not being paid ad revenue.

Waste Of Time, from their forthcoming debut album as Midwave Breaks, is out on 30th January and if good, highly intelligent, professionally delivered and engineered hard rock is your thing, you NEED to mark your calendar. I like to describe this type of song as a Rattlesnake, a term I picked up from Brandon Flowers many years ago. Oddly enough, having said that name, this track could sit on a Killers album and be very high in the pecking order.

It’s not a Killers soundalike though. Not at all. I love the vocal timbre here. It’s got a post-grunge feel to it. It’s baritone (like some of the guitar parts, nice!) and is upper end of that range, and has a raucous tinge that smacks a little even of soul. Dare I say it, a touch of Andrew Strong, he of the Commitments? But in an up-tempo out and out rocker of a track.

It’s a sharp number, definitely commercially viable for airplay across the spectrum of stations that could pick it up. I’m certain this will be a regular on many playlists. You’ll enjoy this live, in the car on a roadie, on a run or mowing the lawn through the headphones, or any other way you listen to your rock.

Tightly delivered, thoughtfully orchestrated. The composition, melody, lyrics, this is a winner from A to Z. Self-produced there in the glorious Bay of Plenty, I’m still humming along to that chorus. As to the lyrics, I’ll let Paul explain the message behind them:

“It’s an obvious irony, we keep doing what we do because we love it and we can’t not do it, it’s that simple. There’s an addictive quality to the creative process, and once you catch onto a new idea, you’re hooked. Some people ride motorbikes, take up golf, or buy boats – I love playing drums and making music with my mate. It might not pay the bills but it sure fills the soul.”

Frankly, the way these guys are going, opening for Incubus and Live, the kick-ass music and consummate professional delivery, and the success to date of their releases, it shouldn’t be long before the music certainly does pay the bills for Midwave Breaks.

Waste Of Time, by Midwave Breaks, available from 30th January. Mark the date. You’ll understand why.