cNZ Music Month/Te Marama Puoro o Aotearoa is rolling strong into week two, and so is the tide of brilliant new releases from Aotearoa artists.
Missed last week’s picks? Catch up on Salt Water Criminals, Phoebe Rings, and Pickle Darling, and then check out what else is new below.
Jude Kelly – The Seven Spirits of Her
Jude Kelly’s debut EP The Seven Spirits of Her blends folk-tinged pop with poetic storytelling across standout tracks like “Bonnet Bunny”, “Siren Song”, and “Clarence”.
Greta O’Leary – River Dark
Tāmaki Makaurau singer-songwriter Greta O’Leary’s debut album River Dark is a quiet triumph. The nine-track release — a “collection of personal, ridiculous, and truth-telling songs” — includes her 2024 breakout “Baptised at the Desktop Computer” alongside other rich, poetic tracks.
Riiki Reid – “Indulgent (Fruit)”
Riiki Reid knows her way around a pop hook, and this one’s as sweet as the title suggests. It’s a giddy follow-up to “Over Romantic”, and proof she’s serving summer no matter the season.
Love Music?
Get your daily dose of everything happening in Australian/New Zealand music and globally.
Chaos in the CBD – “Love Language”
No rush here. Chaos in the CBD’s “Love Language”, the title track from their anticipated upcoming debut album, rolls slow and smooth like a lazy afternoon. With Nathan Haines’ sax, it’s perfect for a road trip or post-party chill.
MOHI – “Just Kids”
MOHI taps into memory and mana on “Just Kids”, a soul-soaked trip through childhood in West Auckland. Honest and local, it’s filled with memories of touch rugby, $2 hot chips, and more.
Bub – Can’t Even
Tāmaki Makaurau’s Bub – fronted by Priya Sami (The Sami Sisters, Trip Pony, Dateline) – releases their debut album Can’t Even. The album blends doo-wop harmonies with post-punk punch.
Swallow the Rat – “MMA Math”
Tāmaki Makaurau’s Swallow the Rat drop “MMA Math”, a noisy, brooding track ahead of their Face Unpopular EP and upcoming tour, kicking off at the end of the month. Drummer Hayden Fritchley explains, “MMA Math is essentially the realisation that A plus B doesn’t always equal C, especially when you remove context.”
Summer Thieves – “On the Brink”
Known for feel-good tracks, Summer Thieves go darker on “On the Brink”, offering a glimpse of a new direction for their upcoming project.
Devilskin – “Half-Life of Dreams”
Devilskin return with a fierce track, “Half-Life of Dreams”, giving us a taste of their upcoming album and teasing their nationwide tour this winter.
Skyscraper Stan – Those Were Days
Aotearoa-born, Australia-based artist Skyscraper Stan returns with Those Were the Days, a new album made with his longtime band The Commission Flats. Written during the pandemic, it reflects on youth, the state of the world, and personal relationships, with songs that shift between indie rock, soul, country, and folk.
George Villa – “Time Gon’ Trickle Down”
George Villa’s laidback charm shines through in his latest release, offering a breezy acoustic listen as he works toward a full-length album.
