Album Review: Hell Yeah Nah

Multi-genre mining act OddJive released their second album in May 2021, and the release is accompanied by vibrant, beautiful artwork by Alex Hoare. Titled Hell Yeah Nah, it is birthed by the five members of the band and promoted as a work created with the ongoing support of friends and family. Perhaps a sign of the times but ultimately a great effort on the part of the band when bringing people together can prove difficult or almost impossible.

There is a strong, cool rock vibe to (I Wanna Call It) Frantic, with a loose, bold vocal style. Potensh opens with the trombone taking centre place in the composition, it’s funky, soulful and living up to the expectation of a band who site influences as far and wide as neo-soul and punk.

There’s a change of pace of Ko Wai Ahau, more subdued with experimental flourishes it is edging toward jazz with vocals which dip and dive through the track. Jungle Mess opens like a theme tune to a 70’s cop show, with funky guitar and trombone, it feels righteous, almost protest like.

OddJive have opted for a triple single release and the standout song for me is Lighter, with delicate vocals and matching musical arrangements. I’ll look forward to hearing the full album live when they make it up to Auckland to play.