Album Review: Shifting Paradigms

Hailing from the vineyards of Hawkes Bay, Say or Do are an up-and-coming alternative rock 4-piece ready to make their mark on the Aotearoa soundscape. Originally a project for singer- songwriter Sam French (ex-Silence the City), switching from bass to frontman & guitar duties and joined by a solid foundation of excellent musicians filling out lead guitar, bass (sometimes lead bass) & drums. They have been slowly delivering singles and gigging since 2023 with the final product in the form Shifting Paradigms, a big and diverse, 8 track EP dropping just in time for May Music Month.

Opening with Pull the Trigger, this song takes the band in a different direction from previous releases and perhaps a sign of the future. Inspired by international heavy weights like Highly Suspect & Royal Blood, this song has more of modern rock radio vibe. It’s big, bold and direct. Out the gate, with a flowing floor tom rhythm, menacing guitar and spoken singing before building into a big chorus with phaser like hi-hats, running on 16^th notes, the song is constantly driving and has an upbeat dance feel. Like many of the tracks throughout this EP, Say or Do keep us guessing, with every member adding creative blemishes and nuances and elevating the songs whether it be between verse and chorus parts or just a 1 bar hook.

Gravity was an instant favourite track on the album. It has all hooks and melodies, right from the intro guitar riff to the tremolo guitar lead that follows. This song is full of textures and layers. The verse features the intricate bass lines of JP, popping, slapping and carrying its own storyline amongst the mix. The song has an almost post hardcore vibe, carrying an up tempo with rhythmic grooves, held down and well-crafted by the drums and a constant emotive feel throughout musically, lyrically and melodically. Sam’s vocals soar and he feels at home as a vocalist.

I Like when films reference the movie title, I like it when the lyrics reference the album in a song of a different name, like a secret gem. Neon Lights is another highlight track with more of a pop rock vibe infusing Foo Fighters esq rhythms with a very tasty lead guitar solo courtesy of Kazuki, shredding with style and substance and production the is so crisp. Lights Out drops straight in on an offbeat groove and is a song that takes us in many musical directions. It’s a heavier number with many highlights. The change up from the chorus to the palm muted chugging post chorus into the cleaner alternate second verse, shows off the bands versatility and dynamic range. The climatic bridge into the breakdown was an unexpected twist and the light use of double kick action further ascends the track, drummer Roberto, executes tasty fills and well written patterns throughout the EP.

As we get to the midway point, we have an atmospheric little instrumental track and the introduction to Wasting My Time. This is an older track that has been reshaped a little from the original and has a different vibe, keeping more in line with the current set of songs and alternative rock feel but with some of that Kiwiana upstroke guitar flavour. The re-recorded versions of previous releases give the overall EP a cohesive tone with a bigger and better sound. Take My Hand is another alternative rocker. An interesting introduction of hi hats and slow building melody before a dissent into heavier riffage and sing along choruses. Can we live in the moment for today, it’s a lyrical mantra.

Awake is the final track to take us home and is the most chill song on the EP. It’s an interesting final track listing but as this is Shifting Paradigms, it makes sense in context. Overall, this EP really showcases and highlights the individual talents, absorbing them into the greater band environment with defined musicianship, songwriting and is an excellent introduction to Say or Do.