There's quite an avalanche of top-notch local albums coming out in the next few months, so we thought we'd give you a quick rundown of who we're looking forward to hearing back on the airwaves.
Unknown Mortal Orchestra
Kiwi ex-pat Ruban Nielson has just released a soulful new single Multi-Love, which will also be the name of his next album as UMO, due out in May through Jagjaguwar. We're expecting more unbelievably good melodic lines and deep grooves combined with bombastic drumming and of course a hefty dose of psychedelia. His last album II was a stroke of dark, fuzzed-up rock n roll perfection, so we expect nothing less this time.
Marlon Williams
Another local luminary doing time overseas, Marlon Williams is releasing his debut solo album this April 24, hot on the heels of his current swoon-worthy single Dark Child. With a voice like an angelic Elvis, and a knack for dark, vivid storytelling, Williams caught our attention while collaborating with Delaney Davidson on the Sad But True album series, and as the front man for now defunct Christchurch band The Unfaithful Ways, so this solo offering is greatly anticipated.
Sean James Donnelly is one of those songwriters who seems capable of swinging in just about any direction every time he releases an album, and with the release of his seventh album Saint John Divine on March 20, it will be very exciting to see where he heads after the electronic-focused, frosty beauty of 2012's Elastic Wasteland. His first single Helensville is a gorgeous, lush, melody-soaked sway-along, so we're expecting some major ear-worms.
Trinity Roots
Platinum-selling trio Trinity Roots.
It's been a long time between drinks for this Wellington-based trio who stole the nation's hearts with 2004's Home, Land, and Sea. But Warren Maxwell and Rio Hemopo were joined by new Christchurch drummer Ben Wood last year, and now they're ready to release new album Citizen on March 13, right in between performances at Splore and Womad. They released an urgent, chugging single in September last year, and you can be sure they'll have a strident message or two to share with fans.
Anika Moa
If you've seen Ms Moa perform live in the past few months, you might've heard her say (tongue firmly in cheek, as per usual) that she's decided to try and copy Lorde with her new songs - she wants to be rich and famous too. Well Moa's new songs have had a bit of a synthy, electronic makeover (courtesy of super-producer Jol Mulholland), but they're still pinned down by strong guitar lines, sweet soaring vocals, and plenty of heartbreak. She's certainly got her groove on though, so we're looking forward to the album release in April.
Don McGlashan
Kiwi musician Don McGlashan.
He's known for turning his hand to so many different projects, film soundtracks, TV shows and collaborations that it's hard to keep up with Don McGlashan sometimes. But it will undoubtedly be a real treat to hear his new album Lucky Stars when it's released on April 17. We haven't heard anything yet, but the press release tells us it was written mostly in a windswept bach on the Thames Estuary, and though Don had ideas of stillness and isolation in mind for the songs, several of them had their own, more positive, sociable ideas.
Anthonie Tonnon
Fans of the barb-tongued classic pop songwriter will be very pleased to hear that despite spending the past 12 months exploring the United States and Australia, Dunedinite Anthonie Tonnon has also found time to record a new album, titled Successor, to be released March 6. Once again it will be full of entertaining stories that take inspiration from news headlines, urban legends, and memorable experiences of his own.
The young beach-lover from Mt Maunganui has developed a lot since her debut album Six Strings and a Sailboat was released in 2013, and though the production on her next album Ask Me Anything is rumoured to stay true to her acoustic guitar roots, you can also expect a more mature, personal, raw Jamie McDell, with a deeper sonic palette thanks to producer Stuart Crichton.
Cairo Knife Fight
The impressively layered wall of sound created by this duo is set to return this May, with new guitarist Joel Haines joining drummer, vocalist, and multi-instrumentalist Nick Gaffaney on a new album. Despite the change in line-up, you can still expect a fierce intensity and plenty of dynamism to their melodic rock.
• Other acts we're expecting new albums from this year: She's So Rad, Six60, Gin Wigmore, David Dallas, Aaradhna, Julia Deans, The Phoenix Foundation, Andrew Keoghan, Street Chant, Katchafire, Yumi Zouma, and a new Kody Nielson solo project.
