Single Review: ‘U Say’

When we think of Kiwi Hard Rock bands that have shaped our musical landscape over the past 3 decades, survived devastating real life storms, re-united us with graphic memories of the same shaky ground we’ve all stood on before, and been there since the dawn of 1980’s Kiwi Hard Rock… one name does not escape. Knightshade.

Right from the start, U Say opens with a gentle movie setting ambience & atmosphere, as the rich strings from Kingsley Smith slowly draw you in, melting together with serene peaceful enticing guitar lines. In no time at all, you are introduced to Wayne Elliot’s spell casting vocals. As the rich harmonious chorus effortlessly drops, Neil Mcdonald’s texture filled bass lines along with Scott Williams expressive drumming style ignite to set the scene. You are smoothly transported into a past world we have all lived in. Confusion. Distrust. Pain. Heartbreak. The perfectly crafted lyrics of U Say subconsciously tap your emotions.

It is also here when those powerful, polished and tight classic Knightshade shred rhythms start to drive this track, and you, somewhere else. Continuing to tell a true story we can all relate to, it’s not long before Rik Bernard and Craig Pollock’s precision dual octave guitar lead break and dreamy bridge leave you recalling your past. That ‘stuff’ you tried to forget comes flooding back once again as the song winds up into harmonic overdrive. Superbly well crafted rock, U Say takes you right back to that soul-stirring journey. The one you thought you had survived.

Such seasoned songwriting ability to capture and connect people as one, on a single emotion,  is desperately missing from many modern productions these days. However, Knightshade show once again, real storytelling is still very much alive in 2017. Telling a message millions can relate to. The strong stamp of ‘New Zealandness’ within this piece of artwork leaves a lingering taste that will last long after you’ve finished your tomato sauce!

Call me Bogan if you will, but I can already imagine myself rumbling down the highway in a V8, on a hot Summer’s day, windows open with this track cranking! It delivers punchy summer hard rock hit sound, with distinctive Kiwi infusion.

I reckon U Say will cut real with NZ music fans, and deserves FM Radio traction! Check it out!

_{Review provided to muzic.net.nz and written by Carwyn Henigan}