EP Review: The Day The Stranger Came

New Age Leper hail from Wellington and are something of a commodity with their eclectic sound of Rock with enough softness, that even small children would enjoy.

Expecting the unexpected would sum it up the best. New Age Leper have managed to take the listener on a journey where you’re not quite sure what is happening, enjoy the ride anyway, and are left, not really knowing how you got home.

The Day The Stranger Came is the trio’s second studio release and the four tracks have a little bit of everything. Adding Rock n Roll flavour with hints of Stoner Rock, Blues, and to my ears, a tinge of Indie Brit Pop. They have a larger than life sound, riffs and big hooks that most people will enjoy. Vintage guitar riffs do eat up a lot of the band’s sound on the first few tracks, giving them that cross blend uniqueness, which can be an acquired taste for some who may be more genre specific, but the band clearly know what works for them and rolls with it. Last track, The Frown will get a few heads nodding with the crunchier stoner riffs and steady tempo. I can’t help but feel the band are more suited to the Stoner/Psychedelic style, but I also imagine a live set from them would harness a few new unexpected fans.

If you happen to be a fan of the unexpected and a taste for all things eclectic in music, New Age Leper will be right up your alley.

_{Review written by Kerry Monaghan}