Single Review: Unknown Talent

Tauranga rock band Apollo SteamTrain has released another infectious new single, just in time to see out the end of 2018. Unknown Talent was written by front man Brendan McCarthy and is described as a “sonic Pop Rock ditty” and is the result of a scrambled mass of thoughts needing to get out and be heard.

The band’s latest song is a resurrection from a demo that was recorded in the mid-1990’s, re-recorded at Colourfield Studios in Tauranga by Tim Julian and mixed by Nathan Sowter.

Having spent a few years as Apollo SteamTrain’s photographer, I am very familiar with their sound. The lads are a dedicated bunch, led by McCarthy they have relentlessly been working on music in some form or another since I met them back in 2016. So, it seems I am qualified enough to say that they have evolved substantially in the last three years, working tirelessly at polishing the AST sound. 2018 has seen a steady stream of single releases to whet the Pop/Rock appetite of the discerning New Zealand public.

What caught my eye before I had heard Unknown Talent or even before I released AST were going to unleash one more single before the years end, were the random Instagram posts. What evolved is probably my favourite and certainly one of the smartest AST marketing campaigns. I loved the concept and the graphics by Indium Design. Excellent work to all involved. A particular shout out to the young stars of the latest promo material.

As soon as the first chords rang out, I knew it was an Apollo SteamTrain track; they have developed a recognisable sound. British Pop/Rock with a Kiwi twang. This has the same melodic rock vibe as The Electric Sun, which the band released November 2016.

Unknown Talent is another snappy, euphonic tune with a polished sound and oozing airwave appeal.

These guys are a tight unit, and it is reflected in the stellar sound they are now producing. Brendan’s singing on this track is strong with a grungy edge to it; there is an infusion of smooth layered vocals which add an extra depth to the arrangement. Interesting story telling continues with thought provoking eloquently written lyrics.

Brendan, Les, Ian and James have released solid, catchy singles consistently through 2017/2018 and this is no different. I look forward to hearing what they come up with in 2019.