We have a new duo popping up on the radar. Auckland based Half Volley consists of Nick Pearson and Adrian Drew, and they bring us an iconic New Zealand anthem in Blue Smoke, worked for the newly arising A League team Auckland FC, hoping to give them an inspirational anthem as they begin their journey.…

Hailing from Tāmaki Makaurau, Ra Charmian is a favourite of mine in her diversity of styles that she manages to own and make hers. Ra delivers this newest single Hine Ruhi in Te Reo, something I’m always a fan of, and I’ll tell you about it now. As the focus single from new album Waiata…

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.…

Invercargill boy turned Aucklander Gary Dalhousie and his band of merry men that collectively call themselves Ocean Beach, return with new single Come Around. It’s been out since 1st August, but as I’m currently on borrowed hardware due to my Steampunk-era laptop running out of firewood, I’m only now giving my words of subjective thought…

Oooooh, someone is taking on an Eddie Van Halen guitar piece are they? You have my interest… Back in the late 70s music was in danger of going stale. Punk was a flash of defiance from the youth that had built up from the early part of the decade in the USA at a societal…

Tāmaki Makaurau-based Kiko is a 5 piece Māori rock band deservedly making huge waves across this country. Made up of Rewi McLay (Ngāti Kahu/Ngāti Hine on guitar and vocals), Lukas Wharekura (Ngāti Kahungunu keyboards, BVs and guitar), Kara Gordon (Ngāi Te Rangi on guitar), Phillip Peters (Whānau a Apanui and Rangitāne, on the drums) and Windon Bradfield (bass), these guys sing…