Matt Joe Gow & Kerryn Feilds - Jam Factory - 18th May 2024
Matt Joe Gow and Kerryn Fields put on a transcending display of stripped-back acoustic, complex simplicity, and emotively connective energy channeled through music and ephemeral-like sound when they played at The Jam Factory for the tour of their new album “I Remember You.” Playing to a sold-out crowd, they managed to put me both inside of myself and outside of myself at the same time. As soon as they walked on stage with the energy of two trees swaying in the wind, I was transfixed by their lightness and peace, and this was all before they even started to sing. As soon as they started strumming the almost tear-jerking chords of “Prairie Song,” I knew I was in for a spiritual journey, and I was not wrong (on this occasion).
Literally coming out like a pack of ‘wild horses,’ my foot was uncontrollably taken away by the melody and poetic wording; it was like sitting around the campfire with your best friends on one of those endless summer nights. As I processed the emotion within “Prairie Song,” I was swallowed whole again by “Sweet Collapse.” I was collapsing into a sweet abyss of warmth and embrace, the guitars, harmonica, and soul-touching timing. It was as if they weren’t just singing to us; they were having a touching conversation and giving us access to their worlds for a few minutes. The serenades of such depth and seasoned understanding of each other really captured me sometimes more than the music; it was like witnessing that moment where you go, “Oh, f*ck. That’s deep. That’s an understanding of each other that most long for. Damn, it really does exist.” And that, paired with their insane eclectic instrumental gift and talent, is truly something ephemeral; you wished it could go on forever, but you know it won’t last.
I left feeling like I had sat upon some clouds for a while, and I was coming down to reality again. This truly was a night of connection, depth, and ephemeral sound on a level like I have never experienced before. If you get the chance to witness these two gentle souls live - it would be one of the best things you'll do for yourself.
Short Reviews on Facebook Pages (2023)
Gabriel Paul Photo (Photographer)
This creative-megamind is one photographic encyclopedia with the vision to back all that knowledge up. Capturing beautiful moments within our existence, often missed by the average eye. No matter how talented and knowledgeable he is with a DSLR, his passion and soul will forever remain within the realm of film. Oh, yeah he can also sing damn beautifully you almost cry and shreds chords until his fingers bleed.
I can not find anything not to recommend to you about the man behind the lens.
Villafied (Hardcore band)
These boys are musical geniuses in their own right and when they come together; time stands still and chaos explodes. Breakdowns from the depth of the abyss itself while still remaining melodic. 'Demons' is a high-octane ride from start to finish, and proves that this band is heading places. 10/10 recommend attending a live show (purely for their energy alone).
ENCEE (DJ)
I have experienced Encee a few times and I just have to say; F*ck, is he good! Pleasing many partygoers from intimate events to ragers in clubs, ENCEE can play to any crowd and pretty much any genre. You may have seen him in The Mount at Astrolabe where he is a regular deliverer of summer vibes that will last a lifetime. 69/10 would recommend Encee to any partygoer or promoter.
Undercover Statuses (Alt Rock Band)
'The Blue Period' is an alternative rock album that stands alone as its own unique musical journey right from the opening wild-west blues-inspired instrumental from the first track to the very fittingly titled last track 'Last Words' which sends you away on a beautiful melancholy tune as you reenter back into reality. You must listen to this album before you say your own last words.
SLAPS (DJ)
If you want to journey through space and time in a quirky little rocketship; Then look towards the moon, within the stars, you'll see SLAPS mixing away on some decks. Beckoning you to let go and boogie. Beckoning you to forget about the worries of the world and boogie. Beckoning you to just exist on the dancefloor in front of you. So, yeah I would HIGHLY recommend listening to SLAPS whether that be on Soundcloud or in the club.
Lazrix (DJ)
I have had the privilege of attending a lot of Lazrix sets and I just have to say; If you are looking for music that will cause your body to leave itself purely from the 'dirty filth' of it, then you do have to experience one of the bros set! I went to a set almost two months ago and I still feel pieces of myself slowly coming back.
Shannon E (DJ)
I have no words to describe what your mind, body, and soul go through when Shannon hops on the decks and punches you right in the face.
I have experienced shockwaves as Shannon delivers filth after filth until you can't take anymore then hits you with more filth. YOU MUST PUT SEEING HER ON YOUR BUCKET LIST.
Montell2099 - Rusynth Review
New Zealand's leading trap music artist Montell Pinny aka Montell2099 teams up with the trap head honcho RL Grime for the first time to create a sound unlike any other in their collaboration titled “Rusynth”. He has been leaving his mark on the trap game since 2015 with his first song baebae! on Spotify and has steadily produced bangers like I Fall Apart (remix) or ‘100 on the drop’ from the comforts of his bedroom and taken them to the world stage. He has become known for his unique fresh sound, cutting-edge soundscapes and choice of melodies that will always shock you into submission.
Hes known for bringing an unquestionable refreshing vibe and feeling to every track, and Rusynth is no different, except this time he’s got a high-powered friend along for the ride. “I was in LA last year doing a tour and we (RL Grime) ended up linking up at his crib and started on Rusynth there.” Although some fans felt as though this ride was going to be too commercial and less magical compared to Montells earlier works. They soon changed tunes once the song was released, some fans calling it “his best f*cking work to date.”
Rusythn is the 3rd single from Montell’s new debut 5-track EP ‘Forces’ released via RL Grimes label Sable Records. Forces includes hit singles like hard and heavy ‘Burna’ or the edgy, keep-you-awake for hours ‘Insomnia’, but Rusynth stands out on its own, due to its future-focused euphoric beats-driven vibrations and contagious repeatable melody, that crowds will eat up come music festival season. The song's opening 30 seconds were enough for my flatmates to jump off the couch and bounce around like headless chickens until the soft sensitive synths kicked in at 48-seconds and they disappeared into a magical journey of their own for three-minutes.
Rusynth’s magical journey will have you feeling so much from energetically bouncing your head until your neck hurts to being so at peace you want to grab your homie and hug them tight. This magic I felt through the speakers and deep into my soul. The type of magic I would want captured in a bottle, for safekeeping.
Sadly you can’t capture this sort of magic in a bottle, but you can capture it by adding Rusynth to all your playlists immediately.