Single Review: Follow Blind feat. Rory Howard

For those who haven’t yet experienced Animalhead, the three-piece rock act is based in Auckland, and play energetic fusions of punk, rock & roll, with hard-grooves that nod at the likes of Black Sabbath and Audioslave. They’ve released three singles, have earned airplay on major radio stations The Rock and Hauraki, performed live at Muzic.net.nz’s 20-year celebration, and even created a beer with Colab Brewing and named it after their hit song Stoneface Killer.

This time around, the guys have collaborated with vocalist Rory Howard of another high-powered Auckland rock-unit, Mudshark. The new single on offer is entitled Follow Blind, and my oh my, what a ripper this is.

Opening with a crisp, bluesy guitar riff, and voluminous, rumbling basslines, very much like Tim Commerford and Tom Morello of yesterdecade, the full blast of the song erupts with the drums and guitar distortion ratcheted to 11. You gotta love those ‘chicka chicka chicka’ guitar strums though!

Half-rapped verses delivered in a raw vocal style is typical of singers Dan and Campbell, only this time Rory Howard accentuates the choruses and ends of lines with screamed vocals. Individuality, pursuing one’s dreams, and giving a finger to ’the man’ appear to be the main themes. Which, when served with that sharp, attitude-laden vocal delivery, adds to the sounds of a tribute to rock-rapper Zach de la Rocha. The echoing cries of “No more!” adds to the carefree energy, and really loosens one up and bounce with the song.

Drummer (and vocalist) Dan gels the entire tune together, pounding and shuffling where it’s needed most, with bass player Josh providing possibly the song’s primary power, the grumbling four-string booms. The rhythm of the entire tune is unconventional, and adds to the thrill of the song. Stepping away from traditional four-four beats, the funky element really sits within the seamless transitions between bars.

For those who have yet to experience Animalhead, this one is a great tune to get started on. Turn it up that little bit louder, put on a party face, and get your blood pumping. This is one band that knows how best to turn riffs into music that gets feet stomping and fists pointed at the ceiling. Existing Animalhead fans – Rest assured, you’ll love this; the lads have delivered the goods yet again.

Once lockdown ends (again), no doubt Animalhead will be rocking live sets everywhere. Follow them on Facebook and Instagram to keep up to date!