EP Review: Punk 4 Suthern Creaturez

Dunedin rock quartet Saurian are back with 9 minutes of low fi punk rock shenanigans with the release of their new EP Punk 4 Suthern Creaturez. A band that crosses multiple genre boundaries and allows no restrictions to their art form. Like with previous material, they have embraced classic rock and roll, grunge, 80’s hard rock and more. Saurian likes to keep busy with content, consistently releasing material since 2020, after forming in 2015. With a full length album Brooding (2020), two EP’s Octopedal Rock Unit (2023) + Bled Dry (2024) and a slew of singles under their belt, they are keeping the South Island of Aotearoa buzzing with their eclectic sounds and this time they have leaned into their punk rock tendencies.

Opening with an ode to every 80’s kid martial arts hero Mr Miyagi from Karate Kid, with a spin on the classic wax on wax off, Mr Miyagi (Rock On / Rock Off). Now there are only so many riffs in the punk rock bible and this one gives me strong NOFX vibes, its melodic, dirty and punk asf. Coming in at just over 2 mins, it’s a straight shooter, with a sing along chorus and chaotic vocals courtesy of frontman Karl Brinsdon. The Ballad of Officer Craig follows suit, this time opening with the rumbling bass line of Logan Wichman before a harmonica sounds off and the punk train is a running. This song has a bit of a rhythmic change up throughout the chorus with offbeat phrasing, while combining gang vocals. There is a police theme here right?. We hit next track Police Ten 7, inspired by the classic NZ cop show, hosted by the iconic Graham Bell, known for his offensively delicious opinions and use of phrases, mongrels, scoundrels, hooligans and so forth. Many of GBs choice words can be heard throughout this track in what one can only assume is tongue and very cheeky. I like the guitar made siren noises and the human made ones too. There is a lot of fun with these tunes.

Then we hit track 4, (Int)eruption, a song that would make Tom Morello sweat. It’s a very random track, with guitars and drums holding down a solid backing, the bass tripping in the mix and then from what I can only assume, a guitar pedal DJ set front and centre. It’s an interesting, kinda trippy, yet slightly mesmerising. Helicopter Hat also features some 80’s throwbacks, this time from the legend of Arnold Schwarzenegger, which you can never go wrong with. This one has a Bad Religion inspired feel, riff wise, with solid guitar work from Brinsdon and Kat Haque. The slap bass adds more to mix, leaving a distinctive mark on the tone of the song. Rock and roll is dead! but it’s never been more alive. The vocals are intense and fitting, drummer Josh Tuiavii is a powerhouse throughout.

9 minutes, 5 songs, a lot has happened. This is a fun & energetic EP, awesome artwork, solid musicianship and creative compositions. Be sure to check out Saurian on tour this Winter!