Autozamm: Shade Of Brown

By REBECCA BARRY

(Herald rating: * * * *)




Another local lot delivering their first EP are Wellington band Autozamm, although theirs is a much fuzzier, scuzzier affair.

While fast and furious opening track Cracked reveals their passion for loud jangly rock, the vocal harmonies suggest they've been enjoying psychedelic 60s Brit-pop in their quieter moments.

Things don't get any less strenuous on the muscular Day to Day, the sludgy Unstuck or the haphazard Throw, each track loosely produced to maintain the band's unkempt live nature, although occasionally that means the hooks are buried in flustered, indie guitars.

But at their best they are thrilling, particularly on You Don't Know Me, a brilliant slice of Fu Manchu-style rock anchored by a topsy-turvy bassline, a scorching guitar riff and a screw-you attitude. Even the dance remix by Baitercell shows they are equally as menacing over distorted bass and thumping breaks.

Go see them live.

Label: Global Routes