Ghost Wave hits music scene hard

Ages
Ghost Wave
7-out-of-10

Auckland, NZ psychedelic rockers, Ghost Wave, hit the scene hard with their debut LP Ages. Recorded and produced by the band, Ages is a throwback to the British pop explosion of the 60's mixed with just enough psych rock and groovy guitar riffs.

The sound is crisp, but anything but clean. Fuzzed out guitars rip some tasty melodies, giving that typical psychedelic sound. The songs are upbeat and danceable. A driving rhythm section keeps the chaos tight and functioning. The mix of organs and slick bass lines fill in and complete the sound perfectly without distracting from the really great guitar work. Classic sounds and familiar tunes make this record even more enjoyable, it's definitely feel good music.

The vocals sit in the mix and are definitely not the center of attention. Offering little more than added melody, I was a little disappointed with the songwriting. I didn't hear any memorable lines, but I suppose it's more about the music anyway, which is phenomenal.

For a quick and classic nostalgia trip, check out Ages and Ghost Wave at ghostwave.bandcamp.com

-SEAN CRAIB-PETKAU

Californian
Wesley Jensen
10-out-of-10

I first discovered Jensen when I was looking for a microphone to buy. I stumbled upon a video of him and his band, circled around a single microphone in a wide open warehouse, belting out one of the best songs I'd ever heard. I didn't end up buying the microphone they used, but I was content with my discovery nonetheless.

Recently releasing his newest record, Californian, Jensen mixes surf rock and noise rock with folk roots. A combination that I find completely pleasing. Oozing with talent and creativity, Californian breaks down conventional barriers and builds up some beautiful walls of sound. Wide open and bounding melodies are constantly strung throughout the record with that tasty surf rock sound. Jensen's signature and unique voice spits out some fantastic lyrics. His biographical style and poetics add so much to the songs, putting together a full package that keeps you hooked.

Tying in so many influences and sounds, Jensen creates songs with an original and spellbinding quality. He has a talent for making unique things just work together. You can pick out the elements of influence separately; the acoustic guitar being strummed under that rich ambient melody, or the hard rock drum beat keeping time in a folksy song. These things seem odd to slam together but Jensen does it, and does so with such a touch that it just seems natural.

Every track on the record is gold, and I think every ounce of hard work that went into its creation should pay off. It's nothing short of a great listen.

-SEAN CRAIB-PETKAU