Finalists
IMNZ is pleased to announce the five album finalists for the inaugural Taite Music Prize 2010. We received over 40 nominations from our members and there were some absolutely outstanding albums suggested. After much deliberation and more than a few heated discussions, the finalists are:
The Checks - Alice by the Moon
Fuelled equally by vintage R&B, indie rock classicism, and the wild side of 21st century acts, The Checks self-recorded and self-produced the raucous intensity of second album, Alice by the Moon. The album retains the rough-hewn r&b swagger of first album 'Hunting Whales', however a kind of dynamic psychedelic soul has taken hold, leading the songs into rather different areas than the blues and modern rock many expected. The NZ Herald noted The Checks were treading "the fine line between experimentation and reinvention", resulting in "delicious listening", while inyourspeakers.com lauded The Checks' "usual, pulse-pounding, energy, and nothing less".
David Dallas - Something Awesome
Something Awesome is the debut solo album from David Dallas. If "awesome" was a sound, and you looped up that sound, then put bangin' drums behind it - the result would be this record. In a time when popular hip hop records sound less and less like the songs that attracted David to the genre, Something Awesome is unashamedly vintage in its approach. Overflowing with soulful samples, raw drums, organic instrumentation, cuts, and hooks that don't sound like they were sung by robots. And devoid of trance influence and the word "shawty". These are twelve sincere songs from an artist whose life experiences probably mirror your own. From not knowing what we want to do with our lives, to feeling invincible. From trying to look cool in the face of a break up, to the first time smoking weed. With producers Forty One and Fire and Ice providing the backdrop, guests PNC, Devolo, Aaradhna, Young Sid, and newcomers Jordache and Niko round out the experience that is Something Awesome.
Kerretta - Vilayer
For those who have seen their blistering live show, Kerretta will no doubt be high on the to see gig agenda. Those yet to experience the propulsive, driving rock of this instrumental three-piece have a chance to see them push the envelope of tone and dynamics in an intense half hour set. Their catchy, sometimes ambient and occasionally earsplittingly heavy brand of 'molten-core' will appeal to fans of Sigur Ros and Bailterspace, but discerning listeners will know the trio peddle a uniquely atmospheric take on angular rock. Recorded and produced by the band themselves, Vilayer is the first full length Kerretta album and contains 8 tracks of instrumental goodness. From silent to violent and back again, Vilayer captures the band performing tracks sourced from numerous shows and never been heard before material.
Lawrence Arabia - Chant Darling
Chant Darling was recorded between November 2007 and January 2009, in Stockholm, London, Auckland, Wellington and Port Chalmers. It was produced by Lawrence Arabia (aka James Milne), and features the musical contributions of James Dansey, Daniel Ward, Matt Eccles, Liam Finn, Luke Buda, Sam Scott, Tom Watson, Andy Watts, John White and various others. The album subject matter varies from the New Zealand space programme, naughty liaisons on Quay Street, laziness, drinking problems amongst the shy, to sexually frustrated hipsters, drug-induced death visions, lust for teacher and a theme-in-waiting for the National Government's soon to be announced war on drugs. In the past year Lawrence has toured extensively around Europe and the UK, appeared at the Royal Albert Hall, and been featured and reviewed in UK publications including the Sunday Times, NME, Uncut, Q, Independent, and Dazed and Confused.
Shapeshifter - The System Is A Vampire
The System is a Vampire is a truly unique and unprecedented meeting of human energy and electronic influence. Shapeshifter have created an engaging and enchanting epic - a voyage from uplifting and anthemic stadium energy to moments of haunting, slow burning soul. The System Is a Vampire is a stargazing pacific dream with a twist of reggae influence and a captivating driving live intensity.