Wellington dub-rockers Tunes of I just never stop.
After a crazy couple of years touring their debut album Restless, they’re back with the first single off what will be their third release, and EP called Wicked Ways – due for release on the 17th November.
The now 7 piece strong neo/dub/soul/psychedelia have come a long way in the 6 years since the core members met at New Zealand School of Music Wellington in 2011.
This track kicks in with a snare hit that sounds like it’s about to go straight into a classic Kora track Burning, but then a groovy funk bass and a shuffle groove on the drums starts up, followed quickly by a catchy guitar lick.
The horns and vocals kick in later. At first the vocals didn’t grab me. But then the pre-chorus kicks in, giving way to the harmony-rich chorus, which according to the press release is sung by all members of the band ‘Hold on, you’ll never really know if you give it up and throw it away, head strong, we’re still flying for the moon’ – tells an uplifting tale of persistence, perseverance and eventual reward, blended in with an existential crisis – some more psychedelic and questioning of existence within the verse lyrics.
The track gradually builds until it crescendos in the final chorus, ending on a ‘I don’t know where I’m going, but I’m going anyway.’
Working with Kiwi Dub veterans Lee Prebble and Barnaby Weir, it’s certain that the forthcoming album will be an absolute killer EP.
If you’re in Wellington catch them at the EP release party at San Fran on November 18th.
In the mean time you can stream Kiss the Sky on Spotify, Apple Music and all the regular places.
Review written by Lora Thompson
About the author LoraThompson
Biography ‘Three piece rockers, Cheshire Grimm, ensure their sophisticated musical backdrop supports the dual vocals from their front-women, Kat Waswo and Lora Thompson. The band continues building a reputation throughout NZ and Australia as a precise live show with funky rhythms that get audiences involved and dancing. With drummer, Dan Yarranton providing not only solid backing, but also seismic fills and flashes along with the odd keyboard solo, this band launches their energy on stage and on record. Deft guitar work, interesting arrangements and personal lyrics make sure that this is a band to watch. Influenced by a broad spectrum of music from grunge & prog-rock to electronic music , Cheshire Grimm have been able to distill their influences into something beyond a simple combination of parts. They manage to keep their rock sound sprawling, yet concise; hard-edged yet open: and, most of all, full of life. Those looking for
