DARTZ – The Band From Wellington, New Zealand

In a righteous world, DARTZ would instantly replace Six60 as the kiwi band that sells out stadiums. That’s not gonna happen, sadly, but that’s through no fault of these blokes who’ve just delivered an absolute chonker of a debut record. Loud punk-tinged rockers with lyrics that are funny and relatable, one after another. There’s a tune about paying high rent on crap housing. There’s a tune about getting high at the beach. There’s a tune about taking bad drugs before a Dave Dobbyn concert. There’s a tune about wanting to fight Captain Cook. There’s a tune about Brian Tamaki being a dickhead. That’s only the half of it. Roll down the windows of your Toyota Corolla this summer and let the sounds of The Band From Wellington, New Zealand permeate across the land. It’s raucous and rambunctious and an absolute joy from start to finish.

DJ Muggs & Jay Worthy - What They Hittin 4

Jay Worthy has worked through a variety of producers since emerging with his funky west coast sound and this collaboration with DJ Muggs may be the best. 'What They Hittin 4' features mellow production from Muggs although his precise drums give Worthy a fresh thump as he explores gritty street tales. For those new to the Worthy way, be prepared for pimpin' and criminal antics. 'We Don't Die Here' and '95' are opening tracks that set the vibe, before flowing into more features (T.F. and Mc Eiht) with a more relaxed tone in the last few tracks.

Weyes Blood – And In The Darkness, Hearts Aglow

There’s a quality to Weyes Blood tunes that makes them feel like they’re floating on air. A sort of ethereal prettiness that stems from the quality of Natalie Mering’s vocals and the lushness of the arrangements. Forged distinctively in the chaotic days of our modern age, AITDHA finds hope and sympathy in a world that seems to be flooding one day and on fire the next and people are more connected than ever yet less in touch with reality. In her Bandcamp liner notes, Mering states that: “The pliable softness of a flower has become my mantra as we barrel on towards an uncertain fate”. Uncertainty is scary but flowers are things of beauty and pliability is a necessary skill for any living creature. An elegant album with subtle traces of baroque pop, synth-ambience, and laurel canyon folk-rock, like that pliable flower it requires sunlight and water to reach its ultimate state. Full attention. This is not one for background bangers in the car, this is a headphones turned right up at midnight in the dark removing all other sensory rivals kinda listen. And if you lean in to that extent... it’s astonishingly good. A stunning and soul-shattering record. One of the best of the entire year.

Hans Pucket – No Drama

Hans Pucket are surely one of Aotearoa’s best kept secrets. According to themselves, the Wellington band makes: “nervy but effortlessly danceable rock songs about feeling bad”. Seems legit. But you won’t be feeling bad for listening to them. The funkiness resounds. Despite themes of modern anxiety it’s an upbeat record with a flair for the little bit extra (flutes and strings and horns occasionally pop up). Jonathan Pearce of The Beths produced the album and does a cracking job, this is one of the richest sounding rock albums you’ll hear this year. There is not a weak tune among them. Don’t overlook a Beatles-esque vibe of whimsical melodic prowess amongst the efforts either. Another kiwi classic in the bag. No dramas.

Rei - Ariki

Aotearoa music has thrived this year with releases such as Rei's 'Ariki' joining Te KuraHuia's 'Uha' and Te Kaahu's 'Te Kaahu O Rangi'. Rei drops 20 tracks with a mix of uplifitng waiata and soulful jams that serve as instant connection to the land of Aotearoa. There is also lovey variety in the influences that Rei draws upon as different genres and while following trends isn't something the Niche Cache celebrates, Rei captures elements of modern music to twist them into his unique sound. Ariki thrives in any situation and can be an education tool for te reo, or as a fabulous representation of Aotearoa music as we end 2022.

Dry Cleaning – Stumpwork

Album number two from delightfully dead-pan English rockers Dry Cleaning adds a few more strings to the band’s bow. Low key thing about their debut was that while singer Florence Shaw’s superb lyrics and seemingly dry delivery got the hype, the band also ripped. Like, they can really shred... and that dynamic is what makes Dry Cleaning so exciting. Post-punk was the term used to describe them most often as they emerged but this new album goes way beyond that. From woozy ambience to snappy toe-tappers. The reality is that Dry Cleaning is a thrillingly unclassifiable band which zigs when you think they’ll zag. Shaw’s journal-poetic words are still the x-factor though.

Soaked Oats – Working Title

The latest in a long line of quality kiwi bands to grow out of Dunedin. Soaked Oats are a tough lot to get a handle on though, this is a madly eclectic record. The Way It Works is a funky psych rock tune, Divide Symbol is a slow dirge that erupts with a guest verse from kiwi rapper Church, Headline Opinion sounds like Lou Reed fronting Talking Heads, Simple Pleasures is modern indie rock freshness, Pink Beach is a soggy R&B track, Daemon is almost eight minutes of ominous restraint. The change-ups do mean the album doesn’t play as cohesively as it could, more like a random collection of songs. But that’s all goods, chuck it on shuffle and you won’t lose out. These dudes can play and they’ve got plenty of tricks up their sleeve.

The Alchemist, Wiki & Mike - One More

Three tracks from The Alchemist, Wiki and Mike which serves as a brand sponsorship but don't worry about that and jam the groove. Alchemist delivers menacing production on 'Be Realistic' with Wiki taking care of the poetry and Mike thrives as he floats along Al's mellow production on 'Odd Ways'. Wiki and Mike both appear on the title track 'One More' as Al sets a minimal drum-less vibe that puts two of New York's best hip-hoppers in the spotlight.

Chris Forsyth – Evolution Here We Come

Interesting minor pivot from guitar hero Forsyth in recent years, moulding his extended avant garde instrumental groove into something more structured. Having said that there’s still a song that goes for 14 minutes so it’s evolution not revolution... as the album title suggests. There’s a ZZ Top reference in one of the song names (guess which) and that late-70s/early-80s rock sound seems to be the major influence on this selection – including a banger cover of Richard Thompson’s ‘You’re Going To Need Somebody’. He’s got a wicked-talented band working with him. And, yes, you’d better believe it jams. Great set… although if you’ve seen the film Nope (Jordan Peele’s latest classic) then that cover art could be triggering.

Sun Ra Arkestra – Living Sky

The inimitable Sun Ra, the titanic cosmic jazz explorer, died way back in 1993. His Arkestra (as in, ark mixed with orchestra) is still churning away though. Led by the godly Marshall Allen who is now a sprightly 98 years old (!), they may just continue on infinitely because there’s no reason to ever stop when they’re still serving up goodness like this Living Sky record. Allen’s alto sax gets plenty of air time. There are tributes to Sun Ra himself with versions of his own Somebody Else’s Idea and also a Chopin exploration he used to sparingly do live (Prelude in A Major). There’s also plenty taking this ensemble into new and unexplored territory. A bit more groovy and melodic than many Ra records, this is one worthy of many a summer vibeout. Absolutely astounding that a 98yo bandleader is summoning this level of bliss. Long live the Arkestra.

Sorry – Anywhere But Here

Second album by the London post-punk band and if you’re looking for vaguely dream-like melancholic tunes with hard rhythms and resonant electric guitar then here you go. Same as with 925, their debut album, Sorry have this tendency to take songs in unexpected directions which continually keeps you on your toes – even on repeat listens. The tag-team vocal harmonies are so good. Check out tunes like There’s So Many People That Want To Be Loved, Baltimore, and Again and you’ll understand the appeal. Probably not an album you’ll find yourself wanting to allow into your head on a permanent basis because it does get rather dark, but it makes for excellent accompaniment on a rainy day. Or for when you’re feeling sad-drunk.

Larkin Poe – Blood Harmony

The Lovell Sisters are back with their latest blues-rock offerings, this time leaning more than ever on the rock aspect of that duality. Bit of a pity since they cover an old blues tune as well as anyone else these days but it’s always worth mixing it up. Rebecca married Tyler Bryant since the last record and he plays some additional guitar and also co-produces on Blood Harmony which probably explains the bigger-than-ever southern rock sounds (true to the band’s Georgia origins). This is an album about roots. It’s loose and raw, minimal overdubs and maximum energy. And it’s absolutely wicked. Megan’s slide guitar is a salve to the soul while Rebecca’s voice is perfect for these rippers. Southern Comfort, Kick The Blues, Summertime Sunset, and reworked LP oldie Might As Well Be Me are the gold standards here. Stomp those feet right through the floor.

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