NEED FOR A CROSSING:
A New New Zealand
Trapped on the verdant backside of the planet, plying sonic craft in splendid isolation, the New Zealand scene has evolved into as vivid and unique a beast as any you're likely to hear. Thanks to recent expeditions, you can now hear its multifarious tweets and warbles for yourself, as the intrepid folks at Xeric present NEED FOR A CROSSING: A NEW NEW ZEALAND. BIRCHVILLE CAT MOTEL takes the lead with an epic blast in the Cale/Conrad/Sabbath vein, while the gentler songsmithing of STEFAN NEVILLE illuminates both PUMICE and BLOWFLY SAINT. Brief appearances by LEIGHTON CRAIG and GFRENZY are, in turn, reverential and shambolically antisocial. While making nods to both Greek rebetika and raw Americana, GREG MALCOLM is the model of multi-dexterity, playing three guitars simultaneously (he uses his feet). ANTONY MILTON lends a gritty and aggressive bit of soundscaping, which segues into the collection's soaring, cloud-busting finale by the outstanding PETER WRIGHT.
It's a strange and exotic menagerie, and a welcome chance for the rest of us to hear what's happening in the new New Zealand. Exquisitely packaged with a 24-page book monographing the New Zealand streets and roads of yesteryear.
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