N.Z. MUSICIAN JUNE/JULY 2005

JOHN MICHAELZ: Some Songs
Back in the days when John Michaelz was lead singer for Tauranga’s Hard To Handle he was regarded by those-in-the-know as the true heir to Jim Morrison’s throne. Later, a slightly mellower Michaelz spent some time in the shorter-lived Auckland group Kosher. Now, with the release of this modestly titled first solo album he has found his own voice. With a little more gravel and a little more gravitas, Michaelz delivers an intriguing set of catchy originals (and two covers) that grow with repeated lis¬tening. A touch of Tex-Mex here (Adios), a bit of humour there (Girl In the Silver Dress, Jesus On A Couch, Battlefield of Sex), a nod to brother Bob (Small Axe) and some good songwriting add up to a deceptive album that only gradually reveals its serious intent. Like all those rough diamonds somewhere out there in McMurtry-Ely-Hiatt territory, Michaelz turns out to be an incurable romantic underneath it all. The stripped-down acoustic-driven backing, just enough to kick the songs along without getting in the way, comes courtesy of the usual gang of Tauranga musicians, plus a few ringers, centred on bassist Nigel Masters’ Boatshed Studio. Highly recommended, and available through
jmhanssen8@hot¬mail.com. • Bruce Morley