When We Hang Out Album Review

I have got to be honest (as always), I didn’t want to review this album. Not that I had any predetermined ideas how it would sound, but the fact is I’m good friends with Julie.

Now this isn’t an issue apart from I am a very honest reviewer. If it’s bad I’ll tell you. So here goes.

First of all the CD is just as glorious as the previous two albums were. A lot of thought has gone into the packaging, design and artwork. In the digital age this is very commendable and if you are going to purchase this album, I definitely recommend the CD over the digital counterpart. But what about the music? Well, there’s good and bad.

The album was recorded in Wellington’s own Matrix Studio by another friend Phil and it’s no surprise that the quality of the production and mix is outstanding.

The whole album is packed with energy, passion and the bands love for music shines through from the very first track. The brass, funky bass, rocking drums, awesome guitar riffs and oohh laa laas make for a quality album. Whether you describe this as rock, indie rock or jazz rock doesn’t really matter, it’s great Kiwi music.

A special track mention for Drive Me with brilliant crazy piano. It is an epic song!! However I’m not a fan of When We Hang Out, lots of clever vocals and harmonies, not that it’s not done well. It’s just the lack of instruments is not my cup of tea, sorry guys!

A Little Shut Eye and Life are also personal favourites of mine. Life is hard rocky guitar and has a very catchy chorus and should be the single for me.

It was very hard to review this album knowing the time and dedication that went into it, however if you like passionate Kiwi musicians with driven guitars, great vocals and jazzy brass you can’t go wrong.

Get your credit card out. Well done guys.