Certainly Shocking
The New Zealand music industry hasn't really ever hit it off. I think of New Zealand and the All Blacks spring to mind, or camping, traveling, hiking type holidays. Their input im the music industry has been neither good nor bad - given that they have simply never contributed. So up steps Nick Harte aka Shocking Pinks with his collection of singles, in anticipation for a forthcoming self titled album.
What worries me is that this could quite possibly be the best that New Zealand has to offer us music wise. The first track and the next single out 6th August 'This Aching Deal' hits me in a nauseas way, with the sheer horror crossing my face at the attempted vocalist. Oh dear. Shocking Pinks used to come in the shape of a band. Yet Harte decided he wanted to go all on his lonesome - quite clearly leaving behind the singer.
Second track 'August 3rd' sounds like the CD has hit a scratch for about a minute and a half as the repetition becomes oddly stuck-like. Fortunately this one gets better and the lack of vocals helps immensely. It does improve but not enough to recover I'm afraid.
'Victims' released on the August 20th is the highlight of the mix, collaborating an electro vibe with an explosive start. This is extremely sexy, ticking all the boxes on a "Kills" album release. The best track by far and the only stand out for me.
The album reflects the isolation of his native country and the influences from which he grew up on. It's almost as though he is trying too hard to be cool, possibly finding himself stuck halfway between the stargazer genre that 'Maps' has recently revived and dreary, depressing classic Joy Division. The music is passionate and personal as quoted, but the real question has to be asked - will anybody bar Nick really understand it?