She’s On Heat Review

It’s a difficult task trying to describe the Neo-Kalashnikovs, both in terms of a band and their musical output. You could try pinning them to a location, but with the band split between Auckland and California, they’re not tied to the musical culture of either place. They’re also a two-piece who have recorded their album as a three piece. And to top it all off their sound is at once warm and inviting, while somehow managing to also be rough and melancholy.

The sum of all those parts has resulted in their debut She’s On Heat, and what a debut it is. From the laid back ’70s influenced tones of opener Diamonds, to the poppy alt-rock of Shining Star, right through to the final notes of album closer To Russia, this here is nine tracks of real, honest rock. You can feel the passion and honesty this duo/trio has for their music in every fuzzy blues-laden guitar riff, and every pounding drum beat.

It’s music that draws on a wide range of influences, notably the raw sounds of the early ’90s (The Pixies, Nirvana) but also touches on the blues (think the Checks with attitude), and heads right back to ’70s rock and soul (Paul Weller, the MC5). Despite this, or perhaps because of it, the music maintains integrity and rarely feels derivative – these are musical reference points, not elements the band has ripped off.

If you’re after music with heart, and guitar driven rock is your thing, then She’s On Heat should be in your collection.