New Dawn’s The Dying Light comprises stunning synth swells, washing textures, and looping, weaving, interlocking violin melodies. Motte’s solo record plays with some similar territory, stretching her violin playing even further and delivering some stunning ethereal vocal performances. Force contributes via some beautiful bass synth playing.
Both albums are completely enthralling soundscapes, evoking mental silence and awe.
Support comes from Opposite Sex’s Lucy Hunter.
FOLLOW-UP TO ‘HUNCH’
Dunedin bedroom musician Peter McCall has once again teamed up with UK micro indie label Fox Food Records for a brand-new double A-side single.
The double A-side is the follow-up to McCall’s 2015 cassette EP Hunch and was released on March 6 for pay-as-you-like via Fox Food’s Bandcamp page. D’You is a chipperish yet soothing guitar strummer that wouldn’t sound out of place on a Kurt Vile LP, while second track Ideal Hand is a slow, sad-sounding rumination led by an intricate, vaguely country acoustic guitar riff and McCall’s beautifully deep and gentle vocals, which are more up front and clearer than ever before. Both tracks resonate with their sense of depth, scope and nostalgia, something McCall has always excelled at as a songwriter. McCall is currently touring the US playing guitar with Kane Strang, and upon his return will hopefully get stuck into more recordings and more full band shows.
MATT LANGLEY
In the second of an occasional series, Dunedin acoustic music venue 50Dundas and Richard Dingwall are presenting local troubadour and songwriter Matt Langley for the Songwriters Cafe #2. Dingwall set up the ongoing project with the aim to create memorable musical events that featured great songwriting, inviting recognised and celebrated songwriters to headline concerts and showcase the breadth of their talents.
Nadia Reid was the first headliner, and Langley is a fitting successor.
Currently recording a lo-fi album with Tom Bell, he will be digging through his vast songbook for the show.
"I’ll have to learn a few songs again."
Erin Morton, of Delgirl, fresh from releasing a new EP via Bandcamp, and Maura Turner will perform in support.
MAKING A SPLASH
Sentimental synth pop artist Lake South is touring the country this month to promote the release of his debut album If You’re Born On An Island The Ocean Heals You.
South’s album is out on respected Wellington label Home Alone Music and features Penelope Esplin (Prophet Hens) and Nadia Reid as guest backing vocalists.
Folktronica producer Gulls and Hope Robertson’s Birdation will open.
See it, hear it
• New Dawn + Motte joint album release with Lucy Hunter, Saturday, March 25, None Gallery. Doors from 8pm. New Dawn’s The Dying Light and Motte’s Strange Dreams are available now via mottemotte.bandcamp.com and newdawn1.bandcamp.com
• Download Fazed on a Pony at foxfoodrecords.bandcamp.com
• Songwriters Cafe #2 featuring Matt Langley, Friday, March 24, at 50 Dundas St. Doors 7.30pm.
• Lake South If You’re Born On An Island The Ocean Heals You album release, Friday, March 24, None Gallery with Gulls and Birdation. Doors 8pm. Tickets from undertheradar.co.nz
