EP Review: Spore

Ammonita. A name that sticks with you after you’ve said it a few times.

So, it’s a good thing their music does exactly that too.

Ammonita is an Ōtepoti Dunedin 5-piece with a lot to say, and this is their debut EP, Spore.

It’s an assault of alternative and grungy riff-raff in the best way. Very quickly I learnt that Ammonita know who they are, and they execute their craft as if the whole world is watching, and, well, they very well could be (and should be).

The single that is getting people talking is Jane’s Masquerade and gives listeners a good introduction to Ammonita’s sound. It shows off great hooks and heavy riffs. It’s interesting enough to keep you listening. But do I think it’s their strongest vocal performance, even as a single? No.

But I did really enjoy their video for it. It’s absurdly fun, there’s a lot going on, and it’s a “satirical take on the themes of the song.” Let’s bring back that kind of music video.

But that’s just the beginning. What I will say is that tracks like Ruse really hit the nail on the head for me with Ammonita. It’s a total punk rock ethos. It’s giving Nirvana’s Sliver, it’s giving The Gits. You can’t help but think of vocalist Paige Sumner channelling the late, great Mia Zapata, and you can’t get more kick-ass than that in punk rock. I love it.

And can we talk about that drum intro, please? Epic. I love the chaos; I love the energy. Yes please.

And this is where Ammonita shows more of their range with a track like Walnut. I hate to bring overused clichés into it, but in a nutshell, this is what shows that balance in their music, and Walnut has heart.

If I were to describe a good grunge slow ballad that ticks all the boxes of lyrical prowess, tempo, melody and still captures depth, this would be a song I’d name (next to Blow Up The Outside World by Soundgarden, respectively).

So, it’s appropriate that it is now the second single from Spore, because if it wasn’t, I’d be petitioning for it to be.

And when you listen to it too, tell me I’m not wrong.

A solid debut EP from Ammonita – they’re definitely one to watch, so what are you waiting for?