4 stars (out of 5)
Wellington three-piece Urbantramper might espouse a dedication to the dissemination of ideas via wi-fi, email and the web, but let's ignore its motivations and focus instead on the at-times achingly beautiful results.
Blending electronic elements (loops, samples and keyboard noodling) with tribal percussion and occasional dance-floor-inspired filter sweeps, the trio also make sure there's plenty of human heart at play, largely courtesy of dreamy, emotive vocals allied to a pop sensibility that refuses to be buried beneath the carefully constructed layers.
Clever stuff.
Single download: I Saw The Takapau Dawn
For those who like: Peter Gabriel, Mulholland
- Shane Gilchrist
4 stars (out of 5)
Marking a quarter-century in the business is this collection of 19 older songs plus an EP of more recent material (with the exception of a re-recorded version of the single Hands Of My Heart, featuring Caroline Easther).
It's a timely reminder of both the strength of Warratahs frontman Barry Saunders' songwriting and the loose-tight chemistry of the ensemble, the proof being found in the languid Maureen, the sea-shanty-cum-Gypsy bounce of instrumental East of Mt Eden and the pop sensibilities of Fools Paradise, which is stacked with harmonies and driven by boogie-woogie piano.
Single download: Take your pick
For those who like: Paul Kelly
- Shane Gilchrist
4 stars (out of 5)
It says a lot about a band when there is little discernible difference between a track (The Great Exhale) being recorded in an abandoned Toronto subway station while the rest were captured in a state-of-the-art facility. It shows that technology and toys can get you only so far, that quality of song is a better ambition. Led by singer-songwriter Tony Dekker, this Canadian outfit weaves a brand of folk-rock that manages to stay fresh by virtue of the use of chiming electric guitars and an inventive, driving rhythm section alongside more traditional instruments, such as fiddle, banjo and upright bass.
Single download: Changes With The Wind
For those who like: Port O'Brien, Joe Henry
- Shane Gilchrist
