REVIEW: Brand New Math

BRAND NEW MATH
Whammy Bar
Saturday 19 July

Words by Lacey Jensen
Photos by Charlette Hannah






Brand New Math continued the dancing and kept people on their feet at the Einstein Music Journal launch party. With all four players sharing vocal duties (even the drummer got up from the drums to sing at one point) and instruments, Brand New Math were a dynamic and interesting band to watch. The singing style wouldn't please purists, but it fit the grunge style of the music.

Catchy riffs were creatively arranged, and the band used all the space on stage - with energy to spare. Some almost theatrical melodies were played with distortion, creating an unusual soundscape. With guitar, keys and synth used variously, and often more than one vocalist, they sure kept things interesting.

Comprised of Bradley Artist, Jordan Fuller, Calum Gunn and Tim Neale, Brand New Math were driving and danceable - a good solid indie rock band to get drunk to on a Saturday night.

www.myspace.com/brandnewmath

REVIEW: Little Pictures

LITTLE PICTURES
Whammy Bar
Saturday 19 July

Words by Lacey Jensen
Photos by Charlette Hannah






Little Pictures opened the Einstein Music Journal launch party with their bouncy, high energy pop. Mark Turner and Johanna Freeman led their dedicated fans (half the audience was singing along!) in a set of songs from their just-released first album Owl + Owl, as well as their earlier EP You + Me + My Amplifier.

It's hard to get the full picture of Little Pictures without seeing them live. It was the first time I'd seen them, and previously I just hadn't quite 'got it' from listening on MySpace. Mark especially has so much energy - he's just so bouncy! The chemistry between the two is charming, as is Johanna's bubble blowing.

They had the crowd dancing by the second beat, and kept them dancing the whole time.

www.myspace.com/lotsoflittlepictures

REVIEW: Einstein Music Journal launch party

EINSTEIN MUSIC JOURNAL LAUNCH PARTY
Whammy Bar
Saturday 19 July

Words by Charlette Hannah

The Whammy Bar was decoratively made out with balloons and streamers to mark the official launch of Einstein Music Journal on Saturday night. The packed out venue was a testimony to the popularity of the site, or at least their good taste in bands. Einstein Music Journal started in 2006 on blogspot, has since moved to it's own domain, and is now New Zealand’s foremost MP3 web-blog, with readers all over the world. Make sure you check them out at www.einsteinmusicjournal.co.nz.

Little Pictures, Brand New Math, Bang! Bang! Eche!, and Tommy Ill were on the bill, and we've got reviews and photos of the first two bands right here.

REVIEW: Polka Dot Dot Dot

POLKA DOT DOT DOT
Whammy Bar
Saturday 12 July

Words by June Hart
Photos by Charlette Hannah







I have longed for a band like this without even realizing it. The beauty of a cappella harmonies is usually the realm of choirs and barbershop quartets, but Polka Dot Dot Dot bring fun and intelligence, with moments of absolutely beauty, to what some would call an old fashioned style of music.

Using only minimal instrumentation, the three members of Polka Dot Dot Dot, Jordan Smith, Colleen Johnson, and Onyx of Olympia, bring a fresh and modern take to a cappella music. Their tight harmonies and sweet and thoughtful songs were well executed. Sharing the occasional instrumental duties on ukulele, banjo, acoustic guitar, they even played a saw with a bow, and used ‘magic mics’. Utilising claps, clicks and thigh slapping, they were a dynamic act who prove you don’t need to make a lot of loud noise to have a lot of fun.

According to Local Cut, the all-American trio formed in New Zealand, with a mission to tour New Zealand, and gave themselves a few days to learn each others songs in order to so a year or so ago. Now they're back from the States to play for us again. They’ll be playing at the Wine Cellar on the 9th of August, so if you didn’t get to see them at the Whammy Bar, it’s not too late. Their album is even called Love Letters to New Zealand. Aren't we lucky they love us so much?

Although they were mostly original songs, Polka Dot Dot Dot put a gorgeous new spin on the traditional ‘hey, ho, nobody’s home’ canon. The upbeat foot stomping tunes were mixed in with a couple of beautiful downbeat songs thrown in to make your heart stop.

Polka Dot Dot Dot are a band you sure don’t see everyday. If only!

www.myspace.com/thepolkadotdotdot

REVIEW: Bear Cat

BEAR CAT
WHAMMY BAR
SATURDAY 12 JULY

Words by June Hart
Photos by Charlette Hannah




Complete with hand made capes and face paint, Bear Cat played a fun and lively set of songs at the Whammy Bar, opening for Polka Dot Dot Dot. Missing key member Jocee Tuck, who had double booked and was playing in Blenheim, the line-up was filled out with an appearance by Teacups’ Chelsea.

Frontman Dan Trevarthen had a whole lot of infectious energy, leading the band in irreverent songs about pandas, with tongue-in-cheek lyrics like ‘extinction sucks’. At one point he broke into a rap about nachos (yes, nachos!) and then launched into a three part harmony with Chelsea and the violinist

The whimsical folk had plenty of humour and the beautiful violin playing added a depth to the songs. With upbeat tunes and rhythms, audience and band alike were dancing. Audience participation was actively encouraged with hand clapping and singing.

With Dan’s acoustic guitar backed by drummer Alex's minimal drumkit and sparse and appropriate beats, overlaid with Chelsea’s vocals and the lovely violin playing, Bear Cat were a fun act to watch.

www.myspace.com/bearcatbearcat