EP Review: Var.

From the south coast of Wellington, Metrosideros’ Matt Dalzell and Ellie Rose have created somewhat of a cool and funky trip hop sound with swirling’s of dub and journeys into backbeats. Their latest EP, Var. is an intriguing mix of electronica incorporated with lo-fi elements, fuzzy rock and big beats.

There is still plenty of material left to record, the plan is to keep pursuing with studio work as it is also part of the writing process. Recently Metrosideros were picked up by Shore Dive Records in the UK and also by a leading trip hop compilation label (Label Cantroll, Take a Trip Vol 7).

Metrosideros is the project of Matt Dalzell (formerly guitarist for Malchicks in the 90’s), who plays all the instruments and does the programming on the six tracks of Var. There’s some smart mixing going on here, incorporating enthralling vocals with catchy beats and layers of nostalgic psychedelic sounds delivering the odd “banger”. Var. covers a lot of bases, yet is tightly woven together to create a cohesive, interesting and intriguing soundscape.

The opening track, Blacksands featuring the impressive vocals of Alba Rose easing you into Var. with a hypnotic trance like mood.

In between the first and the last tracks are fuzzy guitar and synth offering everything from glitchy sounds to low spine tingling rumbles. Piano and drums are added to create rich full beats, there is so much to love on this EP. Structure of words, sound and vocals make for a captivating six songs and left me wanting more.

The track which combines all elements of big beats, fuzzy rock and electronica perfectly in my opinion is Raptor, also featuring Alba Rose. Previously described as “reminiscent of the Chemical Bros, or The Prodigy.” This is the final track on the EP which really showcases what Metrosideros can do, and do well.

The guest contributors on Var. are: Alba Rose (vocals), Coralie Martin (vocals), Joe Ogle (live DAW, keyboards).