Single Review: Saturated

Christchurch 3 Piece Alternative Rock and roll machine Streakers have recently dropped their new single Saturated. The song takes me back to the 90’s, with the sounds of big chunky guitar riffs, pounding Grohl-esque drums and unique vocal stylings. While familiar and welcoming, the overall movement of the song is very unique to Streakers own creative sound. There is a little party vibe throughout and upon more and more listens, feels and reminders of bands past and present are all packaged in a 3 and half minute journey.

Starting with some dirty fuzz and the appropriate cracking of a beer can, Saturated opens instrumentally with the main chorus riff, reminding me musically of early Silverchair and Smashing Pumpkins, its more alternative grunge, with the thick and dirty distortion but also very clean and melodic.

Lead vocalist and guitarist Morgan Haigh’s voice encapsulates the sound of the alt rock era, his voice sounding mildly tortured, relaxed but in control angst and hitting and holding notes powerfully. The verses are a step above melancholic and as the song progresses his vocals follow suit. The chorus harmonies with drummer and backing vocalist Dione Piquette really add that extra punch, a little extra hit that rides home the main lyric and songs title. The outro scream really showcases Haigh’s range and creates a big final climax.

The pre chorus amps up with some sweet hi-hat 16th’s courtesy of drummer Piquette, it’s a nice time change with a little dance feel and I like the kick drum patterns in the chorus that keep the half time groove bouncing throughout. With the guitars born from the alternative rock world, the drums are quite punky and create a more upbeat feel in the verses, the two styles working cohesively together to create a solid, bouncy and groovy vibe.

We can’t forget bassist Sam Taylor, holding down the low end behind those big riffs. His bass skills are particularly highlighted in the bridge, playing some upscale bass lead, rhythmically in harmony with Piquette’s open/close hi-hats and playing off the guitar.

Mixed and mastered by Paul Matthews (I Am Giant, Tadpole, Stylus), Saturated is sleek, polished and allows all the instruments to breathe and sit in their own space.  Perfect length for radio, I can see this being a hit on Hauraki, it’s a song that wears it musical roots on its sleeve but packages it with a modern touch and its own brand of Alt rock. Be sure to check out Streakers in November in Christchurch and Auckland at Summer Party!