Album Review: Cutting Strings

Mecuzine is a five-piece Indie rock band from Auckland, and they’re making a name for themselves in the music world for their dynamic and exciting mix of music genres

“Mecuzine doesn’t follow fashion or trends – they write and play by their own rules”. The band has just released their debut album Cutting Strings which was recorded at Silverpoint Studios, Auckland and mastered in Nashville, engineered by Kane Bennett. and co-produced by Kane Bennett and Mecuzine.

I have a review to write, so I need to flesh out the following statement, but in a nutshell I bloody like this album. And here is why.

Having just completed reviewing the band’s debut single Don’t Fire That Gun a little over a month ago, Mecuzine were fresh in my head when the 10-track album landed on my desk, (or rather link in my inbox). It seems I grabbed hold of the reference to them being the Michelin Masters of Music and had a nibble of the sampler. Going with that theme, I have just feasted on their entire album, pigged out on first rate NZ old school rock loaded with intense instrumentals and “subtle arrangements”.  
 

I have mentioned before that there is a wonderful cohesive and clear sound to Mecuzine. Decades of performing and connections to some big named artists such as Hello Sailor, National Anthem, The Cure, Shade, Child and First Base both in the New Zealand music industry and abroad have given these guys a strong sound. This is a gutsy album which has an 80’s rock sound, peppered with dramatic ballad style songs. References around the internet describe the sound from these guys as similar to Third Eye Blind, Hunters And Collectors (the later years) and Greg Johnson.

The piano playing by John Beech throughout Cutting Strings adds another layer to the bass guitar and resounding drumming of Mike Walsh. There is certainly a depth and finesse to this original album which belies the Indie rock tag.

Tony Johns (also lead guitar and singer) is a strong vocalist; a powerful voice which compliments the song writing. Backing vocals from Tony Lumsden (bass and backing vocals) and Jospeh Johns (rhythm guitar and backing vocals) add another level of complexity.
 

This is a good solid album which I had no problem digesting, it gave me a hit of nostalgia and had enough variety to keep me intrigued. The collective experience of each band member makes for an extremely worthwhile Kiwi rock experience.

★★★★ (4 stars)

_{Review written by Corinne Rutherford}